As the summer season draws to a close, there’s no better way to cap off sun-filled days than experiencing a Broadway show with friends, family, or coworkers. We’ve curated a list of must-see performances to make your visit unforgettable.
[Maya Boyd in & Juliet; photo by Matthew Murphy]
Exploring Coming of Age on Stage
One show that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the season is & Juliet. This musical reimagines the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet but with a twist.
What if Juliet didn’t die at the end of Shakespeare’s tragedy but instead embarked on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment? This is the premise of & Juliet, a modern take on the Bard’s work that puts Juliet’s narrative at the forefront. The musical score, created by songwriter Max Martin, is another highlight of the show. His pop anthems provide a modern soundtrack to Juliet’s story.
[Hell’s Kitchen; photo by Marc J. Franklin]
Another musical that should be on your radar as summer ends is Hell’s Kitchen. This musical shines a spotlight on the colourful, multicultural neighbourhood of New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen. This coming-of-age story follows Ali, a teenage girl navigating relationships, dreams, and the realities of urban living. The musical score is composed by none other than 16-time Grammy-winner Alicia Keys.
[The Great Gatsby; photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman]
Broadway’s Love Stories: Romance Takes Center Stage
For romance lovers, The Great Gatsby, a theatrical adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless novel, is a must-see this August. This tale of love and obsession in the opulent world of 1920’s New York society is as enthralling on the stage as it is on the page.
The show follows the enigmatic Jay Gatsby (played by Broadway veteran Jeremy Jordan), a man of immense wealth with the single-minded pursuit of the elusive Daisy Buchanan. The narrative is a heady mix of love, ambition, and the American Dream.
[The Notebook]
The Notebook, based on Nicholas Sparks’s best-selling novel, is another romantic Broadway musical that is sure to tug at your heartstrings.
It’s the story of a summer romance between Noah, a lower-class young man, and Allie, a well-to-do city girl, and the trials their love must endure. The show weaves three parallel narratives together – the young lovers’ blossoming romance, their struggles in later life, and the elderly Noah reading their story to the elderly Allie. The music, composed by singer and songwriter Ingrid Michaelson, adds dimension to the narrative.
[MJ the Musical]
Art Imitating Life: Spotlight on MJ the Musical and SUFFS
MJ the Musical is a tribute to the life and music of Michael Jackson. This Broadway show delves into the journey of the iconic pop star, exploring his early years with The Jackson 5 and his ascent to superstardom.
The narrative is told through Jackson’s own music, making it a true celebration of his legacy. The show’s concert-like vibe sets it apart, and the dance numbers replicating Jackson’s signature moves add a fresh Broadway spin.
SUFFS is another Broadway show based on real people, this time focusing on the suffragists who fought for women’s voting rights. The narrative follows a group of women activists as they wage a tireless campaign for equality in early 20th-century America.
[The cast of SUFFS]
SUFFS is brought to life by the talented Shaina Taub, who not only stars in the production but also penned the book, music, and lyrics. A diverse cast reflects the wide spectrum of women involved in the suffragette movement. This show is a powerful reminder of the progress made in the past century, as well as the challenges that still lie ahead.
Experiencing Broadway with a group has a way of elevating the overall experience. There’s something special about attending a show with your loved ones, discussing it during intermission, and sharing thoughts and impressions. In addition, Broadway Inbound offers fantastic group discounts, making group outings even more appealing.
[& Juliet; photo by Sam Levy]
So why not gather your group, take advantage of BI’s group discounts, and enjoy the best of Broadway? Prepare to be swept away by these unforgettable performances.
This post produced in partnership with The Broadway Collection.
