Top 25 best Broadway musicals: Your ultimate guide to the must-see shows
Entertainment is part and parcel of human wants, and in many cases, people spend money to be entertained. Broadway shows are a major attraction in New York City, drawing audiences worldwide to the renowned theatre district. The list of the best Broadway musicals is interesting, as they have both old and new hits.
Source: Getty Images
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Best Broadway musicals
- The Lion King
- The Who's Tommy
- Gutenberg! The Musical
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
- Gypsy
- The Outsiders
- Wicked
- Lempicka
- The Notebook
- Shucked
- Hamilton
- Hell's Kitchen
- Hadestown
- The Wiz
- & Juliet
- How to dance in Ohio
- The Heart of Rock and Roll
- The Great Gatsby
- Back to the Future
- Chicago
- Moulin Rouge!
- The Book of Mormon
- Aladdin
- My Son's A Queer (But What Can You Do?)
- MJ The Musical
- What is the best Broadway musical ever?
- What is the number 1 Broadway musical of all time?
- What is the highest Broadway musical of all time?
- What's the best musical on Broadway right now?
While compiling this list of the best Broadway musicals, we have carefully researched, giving the best from various credible sources. The musicals aren’t listed in any particular order, and the list may not be all-inclusive, given that everyone’s taste in music can vary.
Best Broadway musicals
Musicals create a space where emotions are raw, and you can feel what the play is about. Here is a great list of some of the best Broadway musicals of all time.
| Year | Musical |
| 1997 | The Lion King |
| 1992 | The Who's Tommy |
| 2006 | Gutenberg! The Musical |
| 2016 | Harry Potter and the Cursed Child |
| 1959 | Gypsy |
| 2023 | The Outsiders |
| 2003 | Wicked |
| 2018 | Lampicka |
| 2022 | The Notebook |
| 2022 | Shucked |
| 2015 | Hamilton |
| 2023 | Hell's Kitchen |
| 2016 | Hadestown |
| 1974 | The Wiz |
| 2019 | &Juliet |
| 2022 | How to Dance in Ohio |
| 2018 | The Heart of Ohio |
| 2020 | The Great Gatsby |
| 2020 | Back to the Future |
| 1975 | Chicago |
| 2018 | Moulin Rouge! |
| 2011 | The Book of Mormon |
| 2011 | Alladin |
| 2021 | My Son's A Queer (But What Can You Do?) |
| 2022 | MJ The Musical |
The Lion King
- First performance: 8 July 1997
- Composers: Elton John, Hans Zimmer, Julie Taymor, Jay Rifkin, Lebo M, Mark Mancina
The Lion King is an amazing musical based on the Disney film of the same name. This musical brings the iconic story to life with stunning visuals and amazing sound. It also captures the weight of the original tale with an interesting twist here and there.
The Who's Tommy
- First performance: 1 July 1992
- Composer: Pete Townshend
Tommy, the main character of The Who's rock opera, is back on Broadway after a successful run in Chicago. Get ready to hear powerful songs like I'm Free, See Me, Feel Me, and Pinball Wizard as Tommy explores his world, including his journey behind a pinball machine.
Gutenberg! The Musical
- First performance: January 2006
- Composer: Antony King, Scott Brown
Gutenberg! The Musical is a musical created by Scott Brown and Anthony King. They worked on it at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City for over a year. This musical is hilarious and tells the story of Bud and Doug.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
- First performance: 30 July 2016
- Composer: Imogen Heap
Harry Potter has come to Broadway with all its magic, Hogwarts included, and it's a huge success. Set twenty years after J.K. Rowling's famous series, Jack Thorne's play, directed by John Tiffany, blends storytelling and stagecraft like never before.
Gypsy
- First performance: 21 May 1959
- Composer: Jule Styne
In the musical Gypsy, Mama Rose has always pushed her children to become stars, even if it meant pushing them away from her. But in the climactic song Rose's Turn, she finally takes the spotlight herself. This powerful song, created by Stephen Sondheim and director Jerome Robbins, captures Rose's breakdown and relentless drive for success.
The Outsiders
- First performance: 4 March 2023
- Composer: Jamestown Revival and Justin Levine
Join Ponyboy and his friends in a thrilling new musical that explores important themes like friendship and family. Based on S.E. Hinton's novel and Francis Ford Coppola's movie, The Outsiders musical has captivated audiences for years with its timeless message.
Wicked
- First performance: 10 June 2003
- Composer: Stephen Schwartz
Before Dorothy arrives, two ladies meet in Oz, one with green skin and the other beautiful and ambitious. Wicked musical tells how they become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda through their extraordinary journey.
Lempicka
- First performance: 20 July 2018
- Composer: Matt Gould and Lempicka
Experience the thrilling story of artist Tamara de Lempicka in this exciting new musical. With catchy pop songs, Lempicka takes you through decades of personal and political challenges, highlighting a woman ahead of her time and an artist whose moment has finally arrived.
The Notebook
- First performance: 28 September 2022
- Composer: Ingrid Michaelson
The Notebook, one of the best musicals on Broadway, is based on the 1996 novel of the same name. It tells the story of Allie and Noah, who overcome obstacles to love each other deeply. Critics praise it as an emotional journey not to be missed, calling it a beautiful and timeless love story.
Shucked
- First performance: 28 October 2022
- Composers: Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally
Shucked is a musical that debuted on Broadway at the Nederlander Theatre in March 2023 and received nine Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical. Cast member Alex Newell made history as one of the first openly non-binary performers to win a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical.
Hamilton
- First performance: 20 January 2015
- Composer: Lin-Manuel Miranda
The hit musical Hamilton premiered in London in 2017, allowing British audiences to enjoy its captivating story. It's touring across the UK, bringing Alexander Hamilton's fascinating life to theatres everywhere. Created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the musical uses rap to tell the story, including scenes of political negotiations.
Hell's Kitchen
- First performance: 19 November 2023
- Composer: Alicia Keys
Hell's Kitchen is a musical inspired by the early life of Grammy winner Alicia Keys in Manhattan Plaza. The musical is done by Kristoffer Diaz and directed by Michael Greif. It ran at The Public Theatre from 24 October 2023 to 7 January 2024.
Hadestown
- First performance: 6 May 2016
- Composer: Anaïs Mitchell
Hadestown is one of the Broadway shows in New York. It retells the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, with Eurydice seeking refuge from poverty and cold in the industrialised Greek underworld and her lover Orpheus attempting to save her.
The Wiz
- First performance: 21 October 1974
- Composers: George Faison, Luther Vandross, Timothy Graphenreed, Charlie Smalls, Harold Wheeler
The Wiz is a cherished Broadway musical that adds rock, gospel, and soul music to L. Frank Baum's novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. It's a modern, family-friendly musical that tells Dorothy's adventures in the Land of Oz, making it one of the top picks in the Concord Theatricals collection.
& Juliet
- First performance: 10 September 2019
- Composer: Max Martin
& Juliet is one of the best musicals of all time on Broadway. This musical is fun to watch, and it has 32 songs by Max Martin and Friends. Max Martin's impressive track record in pop music has made these songs a perfect fit for this jukebox musical.
How to dance in Ohio
- First performance: 21 September 2022
- Composer: Rebekah Greer Melocik
How to Dance in Ohio is a heartwarming musical about connecting with courage. The musical is based on a true story in Columbus, Ohio. It follows the story of young adults preparing for a special dance, breaking free from routine. This play features seven autistic actors who come together to bring you laughter and comedy.
The Heart of Rock and Roll
- First performance: 14 September 2018
- Composer: Huey Lewis and the News
The Heart of Rock and Roll ranks high among the best Broadway musicals of all time. The musical showcases songs by Huey Lewis and the News, titled after their 1983 hit song with the same name. It includes lively romantic comedy featuring songs like The Power of Love and Stuck With You.
The Great Gatsby
- First performance: 22 October 2023
- Composer: Jason Howland, Nathan Tysen
F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is a tale of extravagant lifestyles and failed aspirations that hit Broadway as a musical. The show follows many adaptations, including a book by Kait Kerrigan.
Back to the Future
- First performance: 20 February 2020
- Composer: Alan Silvestri, Glen Ballard
Back to the Future is a hilarious musical that hit Broadway a few years ago. The story is about the electrifying journey of Marty McFly, who races against time to fix the past and save the future in this high-energy adaptation of the famous film. Using a time machine invented by Doc Brown, he ends up in 1955 and accidentally altering history.
Chicago
- First performance: 3 June 1975
- Composer: John Kander
Though Kander and Ebb's classic musical originated on stage, Chicago was brought to the screen in 2002 in an adaptation that won six Academy Awards, bringing the story to an even wider audience. The tale of Vaudevillian murderesses Roxie and Velma is still going strong, having just celebrated its 27th year on Broadway.
Moulin Rouge!
- First performance: 22 July 2018
- Composer: John Logan
Moulin Rouge! is one of the best Broadway musicals of all time. The musical is a great adaptation of Baz Luhrmann's revolutionary film, featuring a soundtrack of pop music's greatest hits. It won numerous awards on Broadway, including awards for costumes, performances, and lighting, especially in 2019.
The Book of Mormon
- First performance: 24 March 2011
- Composers: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Robert Lopez
This is one of the best musicals on Broadway now. The Book of Mormon is a funny musical by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, and Matt Stone. It's about two Mormon missionaries trying to spread their faith in a remote African village. They face challenges like HIV/AIDS and famine while trying to connect with the villagers.
Aladdin
- First performance: 7 July 2011
- Composer: Alan Menken
Aladdin is a musical adapted from Disney's movie, with a script by Chad Beguelin, music by Alan Menken, and lyrics by Howard Ashman, Tim Rice, and Beguelin. It includes unused songs from the film by Menken and Ashman, plus new songs by Menken and Beguelin.
My Son's A Queer (But What Can You Do?)
- First performance: 17 June 2021
- Composer: Rob Madge
My Son's A Queer (But What Can You Do?) is a solo play written by Rob Madge, featuring songs by Madge and Pippa Cleary. It is among Broadway plays that focus on Madge's childhood memories, particularly the shows they performed in their living room for their parents.
MJ The Musical
- First performance: 1 February 2022
- Composer: Lynn Nottage
MJ the Musical is an interesting feature among Broadway shows that tells the story of Michael Jackson's life through his music. It has a book by Lynn Nottage and choreography by Christopher Wheeldon. The Broadway premiere was delayed from mid-2020 due to COVID-19.
What is the best Broadway musical ever?
The Heart of Rock and Roll is considered one of the best Broadway musicals. It is a thrilling new musical comedy inspired by the music of the famous band Huey Lewis and the News.
What is the number 1 Broadway musical of all time?
Guys and Dolls is ranked as the number 1 Broadway musical of all time. It is a joyful musical comedy, with Frank Loesser's catchy songs ensuring even the grumpiest person sings along.
What is the highest Broadway musical of all time?
The Lion King comes first among the highest-grossing Broadway musicals of all time. This musical has a gross of $1.74 billion from a Broadway run between 13 November 1997 and now.
What's the best musical on Broadway right now?
The Lion King is the best musical on Broadway right now, according to SeatPlan. Since its debut in 1997, The Lion King has generated more than $1.8 billion in revenue, attracting visitors globally who eagerly book tickets for this iconic New York theatrical experience.
Don't miss out on the best Broadway musicals when visiting New York City. These iconic stage shows, like The Lion King and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, have entertained audiences for years and continue captivating theatre lovers worldwide.
Yen.com.gh recently published an article on all the Disney Princess movies in order. There are 12 official Disney Princess movies as of 2024, meaning there is a similar number of princesses.
The first three Disney Princess movies in chronological order are Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), Cinderella (1950), and Sleeping Beauty (1959). Discover the other nine Disney Princess movies and their respective sequels, if any.
Source: YEN.com.gh
