…which NYC Broadway Show should you see?
Imagine stepping into the electrifying world of Broadway, where the streets are alive with the energy of dazzling marquees, the buzz of excited theatergoers and the promise of a night filled with incomparable entertainment. Whether you’re a seasoned theater aficionado or a first-time visitor, planning the ultimate Broadway show night experience is an adventure in itself. Here is your comprehensive guide to ensuring your Broadway outing is nothing short of spectacular.
Choosing the Perfect Show
The first step in crafting your Broadway experience is choosing the perfect show. The diversity of productions is astounding, from classic musicals like Chicago, Lion King and Wicked to contemporary hits like Hamilton, The Outsiders and Hell’s Kitchen. To make an informed decision:
- Playbill: Stay up to date with current and upcoming shows.
- Broadway.com: Great for celebs on stage, reviews, trailers and cast news.
- Time Out New York: Critics’ picks and audience favorites.
- List of NYC Broadway Shows: Our reviews, seating charts, recent TONY award winners, discount tickets & more.
Consider Your Preferences
Think about what genres you enjoy. Are you a fan of dramatic plays, or do you prefer light-hearted musicals? Looking to see your favorite TV & Movie Celebs show their acting and singing chops on the live stage? Are you the “well, I already know the cast recording by heart, so I guess now is the time to hear it live” type? My kids love (insert Disney movie here) and I think they’ll love the live production. What’s on your ultimate Broadway playlist on Spotify or YouTube? Do you enjoy historical narratives or modern-day tales? Knowing your preferences will significantly narrow down your choices and help you pick the right show for you and your Broadway viewing group.
Securing the Best Seats
Once you have chosen your show, securing the best seats is paramount. Here are some tips to ensure you get the most out of your theater experience:
- Book Early: Popular shows often sell out quickly, so it’s wise to book as soon as tickets are available. If you want to see how tickets are selling for any given show, look up Broadway Tickets Sold, which will likely lead you to broadwayleague.com or broadwayworld.com. From there, look at % capacity sold last week – that will tell you the shows most likely to least likely to sell out.
- Understand the Theater Layout: Familiarize yourself with the seating chart. Websites like SeatPlan provide detailed seating views, and we offer theater layouts, as well as details on the best seats by theater for the shows we review @ .List of NYC Broadway Shows. Insider Tip: The front rows are not always the best, and as we know a lot of Broadway writers & producers, we interview them to find out the real deal on seats. Like, when the front row will have you craning your neck because the stage is so high, but rows 8-12 are ideal for that theater – perfect viewing at a comfortable neck angle.
- Consider the View: Center orchestra seats usually offer the best views, but balcony seats can also provide excellent visibility at a lower cost.
Exploring Ticket Discounts
Broadway tickets can be pricey, but there are ways to find deals:
- Half Price Broadway Tickets: Our guide to TKTS, online discounts, NYC Insider Tips on when to go and what tickets to get, all the apps locals use to get the best Broadway tickets at the best prices and whether an evening show or matinée
is a better choice based on your preferences and budget. - TKTS Booths: Purchase discounted tickets on the day of the performance.
- Lottery and Rush Tickets: Participate in lotteries for a chance to win affordable seats.
- TodayTix: Offers discounted tickets and last-minute deals.
Pre-Show Activities
Enhance your Broadway outing with some pre-show activities:
Dining and Drinks
Broadway theaters are surrounded by a plethora of dining options, most of whom cater to theater goers, which means, they know the time frame you are on to get to your show and they make sure to offer tons of pre-fixe specials to ease your budget, keeping you just full enough to enjoy a three-hour show. Some options include Becco, with unlimited pasta served table side, Junior’s, with a diner-like menu and famous for their cheesecake, for their famous cheesecake, Sake Bar Hagi, a Japanese Tapas restaurant always packed with locals (huge AAPI hotspot) and open very late. My go-to when seeing a show! Grab a drink at The Rum House for a classy cocktail experience.
See more of our top picks for Best Times Square Restaurants (the only gems locals will seek out since we tend to avoid Times Square whenever we can).
Explore Times Square
Take a stroll through Times Square to soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Visit tourist faves like Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, or the neon-lit steps of the TKTS booth for a quintessential New York visitor experience.
Post-Show Fun
After the curtain falls, the night doesn’t have to end:
Nightlife and Entertainment
New York City’s nightlife is legendary. Whether you’re looking to unwind with a drink or dance the night away, consider these options:
- 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar: Enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline and especially the Empire State Building.
- Iridium: Experience live jazz and rock performances.
Late-Night Eats
Craving a late-night snack? Head to Katz’s Deli (yes, the one where Harry definitely met Sally! for a legendary pastrami sandwich or visit Joe’s Pizza (Times Square or the West Village original) for some of the best slices in town – or John’s of Bleecker for a pie. Times Square will have some open spots after a show, though most close early as they make their money pre-show, but if you head downtown to the Lower East Side, SoHo, East or West Village, you’ll find the real heart of the city that never sleeps.
Final Tips for a Memorable Ultimate Broadway Night
To ensure your Ultimate Broadway Night is smooth and enjoyable, keep these final tips in mind:
- Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to wait on line outside, find your seats, purchase drinks/snacks and settle in before the show.
- Dress Comfortably: While there no strict dress code, dressing in smart casual attire is a good idea and considered respectful to the performers, who work (really, really) hard for us. They are always consummate pros on stage, but if you show them you mean business, you’ll get an even better show!
- Plan Your Transportation: Use services like MTA for subway routes or book a ride with Uber or Lyft.
Your ultimate Broadway adventure awaits! With careful planning and a sense of excitement, you’re sure to create memories that will last a lifetime. Enjoy the show!
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