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There is nothing quite like live theatre to transport young minds to different eras, expose them to varied perspectives, and to inspire creativity. This makes Broadway not just a fun attraction but an invaluable teaching tool.

This year, a number of Broadway’s Tony Award®-winning productions offer educators a great way to integrate theatre into their curriculum, making student trips to Broadway an enlightening experience. 

[Cherry & Ponyboy in The Outsiders; photo by Matthew Murphy]

Exploring Class Conflict and Self-Identity with The Outsiders

The Outsiders, an adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s novel of the same name, has taken home the coveted Tony Award® for Best Musical in 2024. Helmed by Danya Taymor, winner of Best Direction of a Musical, the show’s creative team also garnered accolades, including Best Sound Design and Best Lighting Design in a Musical. 

Set in mid-20th-century Tulsa, The Outsiders explores the tumultuous lives of two young groups of boys–Greasers and Socs – divided by socio-economic boundaries. The show paints a picture of how much background can affect one’s life and why it’s important to talk about these differences. The musical also covers topics like growing up and dealing with peer pressure, topics that every student can relate to.

The musical is performed at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theater at 242 West 45th Street and runs for approximately two hours and thirty minutes, including one intermission. A study guide is available to enhance the educational experience. 

[Hell’s Kitchen; photo by Marc J. Franklin]

Hell’s Kitchen: A Journey of Growing Up in NYC

Hell’s Kitchen has captivated audiences and critics with its compelling narrative and stellar performances. At the 2024 Tony Awards®, Maleah Joi Moon won the award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical, while Kecia Lewis took home the award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress. 

Hell’s Kitchen follows a teenage girl named Ali as she tries to find herself growing up in the infamous NYC neighbourhood in the 1990’s. The story touches on experiencing first love and mother-daughter relationships — emotional rollercoasters that many students can connect with. The show’s protagonist is a mixed-race girl navigating her way through life, which can stimulate valuable discussions about identity, race, and the experiences of growing up mixed-race in America.

For those considering a student trip to Hell’s Kitchen, the musical is staged at the Shubert Theatre on Broadway at 225 West 44th Street. The show’s duration is approximately two hours and thirty-five minutes, including one intermission.

[Shaina Taub in Suffs]

Suffs: A Historical Dive into Women’s Suffrage

Suffs is another standout from the 2024 Tony Awards®. Shaina Taub, the creative genius behind the show, received accolades for Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score. 

Suffs brilliantly brings to life the intense struggle and tireless activism of the women’s suffrage movement in the early 20th century, offering a historical perspective for students. By watching the story play out on stage, students can learn more about the importance of this historical movement, also detailing what political activism looks like and how important it is to fight for equal rights.

The musical is playing at the Music Box Theatre and runs for roughly two hours and thirty minutes, including one intermission. The study guide offers background information, activities, and discussion prompts related to the themes and historical context of the show. 

[The Great Gatsby; photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman]

Unraveling the American Dream with The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby, an adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless novel, has been brought to life on the Broadway stage, with Linda Cho receiving the 2024 Tony Award® for Best Costume Design in a Musical. 

Set in the Roaring Twenties and based on the iconic novel by F.S. Fitzgerald, the show explores themes of ambition, the American Dream, and social class, providing a rich and layered narrative for students to dissect.

For students studying The Great Gatsby in their literature classes, watching the Broadway adaptation provides an opportunity to see the book’s themes and characters come alive on stage, to help enrich their understanding and appreciation of the novel.

[Jeremy Jordan & Eva Noblezada in The Great Gatsby; photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman]

This show is staged at the Broadway Theatre located at 1681 Broadway, New York, 10019. Its runtime is approximately two hours and thirty minutes, including one intermission.

Broadway’s Tony Award®-winning shows offer an exceptional opportunity to enhance student trips with educational experiences that extend beyond the classroom. Educators are encouraged to integrate these shows into their curriculum and book their trips in advance to ensure availability and maximize educational benefits for their students. Visit Broadway Inbound online to request group tickets today.

Top image: Hell’s Kitchen; photo by Marc J. Franklin.

This post produced in partnership with The Broadway Collection.