Best Broadway Musicals for Non-English Speakers

If there’s a gold standard for Broadway accessibility, The Lion King is it. Based on the beloved Disney animated film that has been translated into more than 45 languages worldwide, the show won a Tony for Best Musical, and the plot is familiar to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Even if you’ve never seen the stage version before, you likely already know Simba’s journey from curious cub to rightful king.

What truly sets The Lion King apart is its unique method of visual storytelling. Director Julie Taymor’s groundbreaking use of puppetry, masks, and movement transforms the stage into the African savanna. Animals are represented through intricate masks and expressive choreography, making relationships and emotions clear without the need to follow the dialogue word-for-word.

Above all else, the music is globally recognizable. Songs such as Elton John and Tim Rice’s “Circle of Life,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” and “Hakuna Matata” are classics in their own right, and their meaning is unmistakable. For non-English speakers, The Lion King at the Minskoff Theatre offers a rich, immersive experience where language is never a barrier to understanding or enjoyment.

Sticking with Disney, Aladdin is another musical theatre title that many audience members already know by heart. The rags-to-riches story follows a poor street urchin who accidentally releases a genie from a magical lamp, kickstarting an adventure in which he must defeat the villain Jafar in order to save his beloved Princess Jasmine.

Aladdin is a true Broadway spectacle, enchanting audiences from the moment the curtain rises. You can expect an explosion of bright colors, elaborate set pieces, and jaw-dropping choreography, alongside the show’s famous magic carpet ride, which remains one of Broadway’s most visually impressive moments.

The show features some of the best-known songs in the Broadway canon, including “A Whole New World” and “Friend Like Me.” For non-English speakers looking for a fun, visually dazzling night at the theater, Aladdin at the New Amsterdam Theatre is an easy and rewarding choice.

Framed around rehearsals for Michael Jackson’s record-breaking Dangerous World Tour, the Tony Award-winning MJ the Musical uses the pop icon’s globally-renowned songs and choreography to chart his rise to superstardom. Because his music is known worldwide, audiences often recognize songs within seconds, meaning the music itself does much of the storytelling work.

This musical relies heavily on dance-driven sequences, allowing the narrative to unfold visually and making the show particularly accessible to international audiences. The focus is less on complex conversations and more on performance, rhythm, and spectacle. For non-English speakers, especially those already familiar with Michael Jackson’s music, MJ the Musical at the Neil Simon Theatre offers an unforgettable night of Broadway entertainment.

Inspired by the legendary musicians, the Grammy Award-winning album, and the Oscar-nominated documentary, Buena Vista Social Club transports audiences to 1950s Havana. It’s a feast for the senses, with thrilling live music brought to life by an electrifying onstage band, singers, and dancers.

This is a perfect choice for Spanish speakers, as many of the songs are performed in their original language. Even for those who don’t speak Spanish fluently, the emphasis on live music and dance makes the show highly accessible. Buena Vista Social Club at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre invites audiences to feel rather than analyze, making it an excellent choice for theatergoers who want to experience Broadway without relying heavily on dialogue.

There’s never been a better time to see Wicked on Broadway for non-English speakers. Fresh off the release of its two-part blockbuster film adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, you’re likely already familiar with its story, set in the world of The Wizard of Oz.

Elphaba’s journey from awkward schoolgirl to the misunderstood Wicked Witch of the West, and her unlikely friendship with Glinda, is clearly defined through costume, staging, and, in particular, song. “Defying Gravity” has become an era-defining Broadway classic, and there’s nothing quite like witnessing it live at the Gershwin Theatre.

SIX the Musical breaks the traditional Broadway mold by staging itself more like a pop concert than conventional musical theater. The six wives of Henry VIII take turns stepping forward to rewrite “herstory” as solo pop stars, each telling her tale through a modern pop song.

While a little historical knowledge can be helpful, SIX doesn’t feature a complicated plot or demand close narrative tracking. Each queen’s number stands on its own, with themes made clear from the music and staging.

Even if you miss specific lyrics, the emotion, humor, and energy burst from the stage. At just 80 minutes with no intermission, SIX at the Lena Horne Theatre is a high-energy, crowd-pleasing show that works exceptionally well for international audiences.

Few Broadway shows have a reputation for being as light on plot as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats, and that’s precisely why it can be a great choice for non-English speakers. What it may lack in traditional narrative, it more than makes up for in spectacle, choreography, and score.

Cats: The Jellicle Ball is a bold reimagining that relocates the action to the underground ballroom scene of 1990s New York, using a competition format to introduce its characters. Expect voguing, fierce felines, and queer joy in what critics have described as “the most exhilarating fun that can be had in the theater.”