Top Broadway Shows Currently Running in 2024

Aladdin is currently running at the New Amsterdam Theatre and was nominated for five Tony Awards including Best Musical in 2015 and James Monroe Iglehart won the Tony Award for Best performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical for his role as the Genie. Based on the beloved Disney film, this show follows Aladdin as he meets Princess Jasmine, rubs a magic lamp, and finds a way to make all his dreams come true. Deadline said, “Aladdin the stage musical has an enthusiasm and joy that makes for quality family-friendly Broadway entertainment.”

Hadestown won 8 Tony Awards including the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2019. With music and lyrics by Anais Mitchell, it also won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. This Broadway musical tells the myths of Persephone and Hades, and Orpheus and Eurydice. The Chicago Sun-Times said Hadestown “is positively heavenly – from its brilliant score to its haunting tale and powerhouse cast.”

Hamilton won 11 Tony Awards including the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2016. With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton follows founding father Alexander Hamilton and blends show tunes, hip hop, and R&B as it traces Hamilton’s life as a young man through marriage, war, politics, and his ultimate death at the hands of Aaron Burr. The New York Times said, “Yes, it really is that good.” See it in person at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City or the show has also been filmed and can be watched on Disney Plus.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child won the Tony Award for Best Play in 2018. Written by Jack Thorne based on the original story by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany and Jack Thorne, this play begins 19 years after the book series and follows Harry Potter’s son, Albus, who attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The New York Times called the play “as magical as any spell or potion.”

Moulin Rouge! won 10 Tony Awards including the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2020. Based on the Baz Luhrmann film of the same name, the musical follows the poet Christian as he falls in love with cabaret singer Satine in the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret in Paris. The show features popular songs like Sia’s “Chandelier,” Rihanna’s “Diamonds,” Katy Perry’s “Firework,” and Lorde’s “Royals,” and The New York Times called it “spectacular.”

Six was nominated for five Olivier Awards in 2019 when it played on London’s West End. This musical about the six wives of Henry VIII was meant to open on Broadway the day the pandemic shut down Broadway theaters in 2020, and finally opened in October 2021. Variety said, “this show is as sharp and shiny as a sequined stiletto heel and couldn’t have come at a better time…this ‘Six’ is a solid ‘10’ for joy.”

Stereophonic, written by David Adjmi and directed by Daniel Aukin, won the Tony Award for Best Play in 2024 and plays at Broadway’s Golden Theatre after a sold-out run off-Broadway at Playwrights Horizons. This play with original music by Arcade Fire’s Will Butler follows a rock band on their ascent to fame. The New York Times called it, “relentlessly compelling…the play, Adjmi’s best so far, is as rich and lustrous as they come. You could even call it platinum.”

The Book of Mormon won 9 Tony Awards including Best Musical in 2011. Written by “South Park'' creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker, with music and lyrics by Robert Lopez (also known for co-writing the songs for the movie Frozen), The Book of Mormon follows Latter-Day missionaries Elder Cunningham and Elder Price who are sent to Uganda on a mission to spread their faith. Time Out New York’s 5-star review called it, “the most exuberantly entertaining Broadway musical in years.”

The Outsiders, with a book by Adam Rapp with Justin Levine, music and lyrics by Jamestown Revival (Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance), and direction from Danya Taymor, is based on the novel by S.E. Hinton and the Francis Ford Coppola film. Playing at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre after its run at the La Jolla Playhouse, the musical follows Ponyboy Curtis, Johnny Cade, and their friends and family in a rivalry between the Greasers and the wealthier Socs. BroadwayWorld called the adaptation “an impressive new musical, with a talented cast, dynamic performances, and choreography." It won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2024.

Wicked won Tony Awards for Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design and Idina Menzel won the Tony Award for Leading Actress in a Musical in 2004. Based on the book by Gregory Maguire, “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” Wicked follows the story of green-skinned Elphaba and the more popular Galinda on paths that will end with one being called “The Good Witch” and the other “Wicked.” The New York Times calls it “the defining musical of the decade” and there is a movie adaptation currently in development.

The Lion King won 6 Tony Awards including Best Musical in 1998. The Lion King is based on the beloved animated Disney film and, with music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice, includes songs like: “Hakuna Matata”, “The Circle of Life”, and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” It also has some of the most creative staging under the direction of Julie Taymor. The New York Times said, “There is simply nothing else like it. Suddenly, you’re 4 years old again, and you’ve been taken to the circus for the first time. You can only marvel at the exotic procession of animals before you: the giraffes and the elephants and the hippopotamuses and all those birds in balletic flight. Such is the transporting magic wrought by the opening 10 minutes of The Lion King.” This musical has become a global sensation, with a national tour in North America and international tours around the world.

Chicago won 6 Tony Awards including the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical in 1997. Set in Chicago in the 1920s, this musical follows cellmates Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, and their lawyer Billy Flynn. The New York Times said of the production in 1997: “This production isn’t smoke and mirrors. It’s flesh and blood shaped by discipline and artistry into a parade of vital, pulsing talent. If there’s any justice in the world, audiences will be exulting in that parade for many, many performances to come.” They certainly have been.

Cabaret stars Adam Lambert as the Emcee, Auli’I Cravalho as Sally Bowles, and Bebe Neuwirth as Fraulein Schneider. This iconic musical is set in Berlin in the Jazz Age as the Nazis are rising to power. But ignore all that, because you’re at the Kit Kat Club, a cabaret with performers, drinks, and acts that will distract you from your troubles! But when writer Cliff meets cabaret performer Sally, both of their lives will be changed forever. Entertainment Weekly called it, “jaw-dropping…one of the hottest tickets on Broadway right now. It’s an unforgettable, immersive experience that lures audiences in with visions of sweet, sweet hedonism before bowling them over with a harrowing, unflinching tale that will have them reflecting on present day parallels and their place within the world long after they leave the theater.” Actor and singer Adam Lambert has performed by Queen in addition to his own work, and Auli’I Cravalho voiced Moana in the movie of the same name and also starred in the Mean Girls musical film adaptation.

Maybe Happy Ending stars Darren Criss and Helen J Shen and plays at the Belasco Theatre. Criss stars as Oliver, a retired robot who loves jazz records. When he meets another robot, Claire, both of their lives will change forever. Original musicals are a rare thing on Broadway, and Maybe Happy Ending has a totally original story. BroadwayWorld called it “marvelous…not to be missed…it’ll leave you both eager and afraid to assess your own relationship to love.”

Sunset Boulevard, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton, and direction from Jamie Lloyd, plays at the St. James Theater. Nicole Scherzinger stars as Norma Desmond in this musical about a movie star struggling to reignite her career and a screenwriter trying to break into Hollywood. The production won seven Olivier Awards in its run on the West End, and The New York Times said, “Nicole Scherzinger is captivating…a career-defining performance.”

McNeal stars Robert Downey Jr in the titular role of Jacob McNeal, a successful writer struggling with his next novel. Robert Downey Jr is known for his performance in films including Iron Man, Oppenheimer, Chaplin, Tropic Thunder, Sherlock Holmes, and The Avengers. Now he’s finally making his Broadway debut in a play written by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Ayad Akhtar and directed by Tony Award winning director Barlett Sher.

Our Town, written by Thornton Wilder and directed by Kenny Leon, plays at the Barrymore Theatre and has a starry cast including Jim Parsons, Katie Holmes, and Zoey Deutch. This classic, Pulitzer-Prize winning American play is set in the fictional town of Grover’s Corners and follows its residents as they go about their lives. Daily triumphs, tragedies, joys, and trials take center stage in this play about humanity, relationships, and simply being alive.

The Roommate stars Patti LuPone and Mia Farrow. This dark comedy written by Jen Silverman and directed by Jack O’Brien follows two roommates who couldn’t be more different. When Sharon gets divorced, she places an ad for a roommate…but nothing could have prepared her for Robyn, who has her own reasons for needing a fresh start. It’s never too old for new friends and new beginnings. The Theatre Times said, “In between the laughs and poignant moments, Steppenwolf’s The Roommate delivers 90 minutes of what theatre can and should look like.”

Yellow Face, written by David Henry Hwang and directed by Leigh Silverman, plays at the Todd Haimes Theatre and stars Daniel Dae Kim as DDH. Daniel Dae Kim is known for his performances in the tv show Lost and in the Broadway musical The King and I. Inspired by a true story that happened in the playwright’s own life, DDH protests a production of Miss Saigon which uses yellowface casting…and then accidentally casts a white actor as an Asian character in his own show. The Guardian called it, “a probing, political satire…it’s a peach of a play, using theatre as a metaphor for life and exploring the implications of being racially hyphenated.”

& Juliet won three Olivier Awards in 2020 including the Olivier Award for Best Musical. It made its North American debut in Toronto’s Princess of Wales Theatre in June 2022 and now plays on Broadway at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre. With a book by David West Read and music and lyrics by Max Martin, this musical reimagines Romeo & Juliet, asking what would happen if Juliet didn’t die at the end. This jukebox musical features songs like “I Want It That Way,” “Baby One More Time,” “Teenage Dream,” “Roar,” and “It’s My Life.” The Guardian said, “& Juliet packs a lot of fun into its sharp, witty story of self-discovery. Its best message? That bubblegum pop, far from being manufactured filler, is a worthy accompaniment to the greatest of storytellers.”

A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical comes to Studio 54 after its hit run in Chicago. Celebrating the music, life, and career of Louis Armstrong, Tony Award winner James Monroe Iglehart – best known for his performance as the Genie in Aladdin on Broadway – plays the iconic Armstrong in this show conceived by Christopher Renshaw and Andrew Delaplaine with a book by Aurin Squire. Renshaw directs and Rickey Tripp provides choreography. The musical features songs like “What a Wonderful World” and “When You’re Smiling.” The Chicago Tribune said, “Iglehart is just fabulous in ‘A Wonderful World.’”

Back to the Future: The Musical based on the beloved film, comes to Broadway's Winter Garden Theatre after a successful run on the West End. This musical has a book by Bob Gale and music and lyrics by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard and won the 2022 Olivier Award for Best New Musical. The Daily Mail said, “this blast from the past hits all the right notes” and “packs more energy than a nuclear reactor.”

Death Becomes Her heads to the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre after its hit run in Chicago. Based on the classic film from 1992, this musical comedy stars Megan Hilty (Smash), Jennifer Simard (Company), Christopher Sieber (Spamalot, Company), and Michelle Williams (Destiny’s Child). Hilty and Simard star as two lifelong frenemies who get a new lease on life when they meet a mysterious woman with a magical potion that promises to bring back their youth and beauty. BroadwayWorld says, “you’ll die from laughter…move over Witches of Oz. There’s a new pair of Broadway-Bound divas looking to stage a wicked fight for supremacy eight shows a week.”

Hell’s Kitchen, with music and lyrics by Alicia Keys, book by Kristoffer Diaz, choreography by Camille A. Brown, and direction from Michael Greif, plays at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre after a sold-out run off-Broadway at the Public Theater. The musical follows 17-year-old Ali, a young woman with a dream living in Hell’s Kitchen. Variety said “‘Hell’s Kitchen’ is a sparking story paying homage to New York, to that beautiful and heartbreaking transition between girlhood and womanhood and to the women who hold our hands through it all.”

Oh, Mary!, written by Cole Escola and directed by Sam Pinkleton, plays at the Lyceum Theatre after a hit run off-Broadway at the Lucille Lortel Theatre. Come see Mary Todd Lincoln – in the throes of alcoholism, mourning the loss of her would-be cabaret career, fighting with her husband, and flirting with her new acting teacher. The New York Times called this blast of a show, “silly, nasty, tasteless and, in the end, good theater – the kind of show that will leave you gagging, both in the sense that you’ll be losing your mind with joy, and that you might just be grossed out.” Come see the show everyone’s been talking about!

Once Upon a Mattress starring Sutton Foster as Princess Winnifred and Michael Urie as Prince Dauntless heads to Broadway after a hit run at New York City Center Encores! Playing at the Hudson Theatre, this hilarious update of The Princess and the Pea by Hans Christian Andersen is sure to bring in the crowds. The New York Times said Sutton Foster is “a perfectly goofy princess.”

Swept Away comes to Broadway after hit runs at both Berkeley Rep in California and Arena Stage in Washington DC. With music by the Avett Brothers, book by John Logan, and direction from Michael Mayer, this musical follows two brothers who leave home to find themselves on the high seas, only for the bonds of brotherhood to be tested after an untimely shipwreck. SFGate called it, “a riveting, foreboding ride.”

Tammy Faye, with music by Elton John, lyrics by Jake Shears, book by James Graham, and direction by Rubert Goold, plays at the Palace Theatre after a hit run in London. The musical is set in the 1970s and follows Tammy Faye Bakker, the wife of pastor Jim Bakker, as they build their nationwide following through their televangelist program on cable tv. Katie Brayben reprises her role in a production The Guardian called, “infectious in its music, exhuberant in its performances and gloriously kitsch in its aesthetic…it reaches a delirious kind of excellence.” She’s joined by Christian Borle playing Jim Bakker and Michael Cerveris playing Rev. Jerry Falwell.

The Great Gatsby, with book by Kait Kerrigan, music by Jason Howland, lyrics by Nathan Tysen, choreography by Dominique Kelley, and direction from Marc Bruni, comes to the Broadway Theatre after its run at the Paper Mill Playhouse starring Jeremy Jordan and Eva Noblezada. Based on the novel of the same name by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby is set in the 1920s and follows the enigmatic millionaire Jay Gatsby, socialite Daisy Buchanan, and Daisy’s cousin Nick Carraway. Nick is new to town and is invited with open arms into a world of extreme wealth and extravagant parties. But as he witnesses the relationship between Daisy and Gatsby deepen, things soon get out of hand. BroadwayWorld said of the New Jersey production, “This show is phenomenal, destined to become a treasured addition to American musical theatre.”

The Hills of California, written by Jez Butterworth and directed by Sam Mendes, plays at the Barrymore Theatre. The Webb sisters have reunited at their dying mother’s home during a 1970s summer in Blackpool, England. As they remember their childhood as a singing group, they wait for their final sister to join them and bring up the joys and pain of their shared past. Time Out London called it, “a remarkable play about a divided family of women.” Butterworth is known for the plays Jerusalem, The River, and The Ferryman, and New York audiences are eager to see his newest play!

The Notebook, with music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson, book by Bekah Brunstetter, and direction from Michael Greif and Schele Williams, comes to Broadway’s Schoenfeld Theatre in February 2024. Based on the hit movie, the Chicago Sun-Times said the musical’s “superb score, writing, cast transform ‘The Notebook’ into a stage musical for the ages…I simply was not expecting to fall in love with 'The Notebook’….but I have.”

Water for Elephants, with book by Rick Elice, music and lyrics by PigPen Theatre Co., and direction from Jessica Stone, comes to the Imperial Theatre. Based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Sara Gruen, the musical follows a young man who finds a new home with a traveling circus. ARTS ATL called it “a triumph…an up-tempo, family-friendly show.”