August Shows in New York

August in New York City offers one of the best times to experience Broadway. The weather is sunny and pleasant with temperatures ranging from highs of 29°C (84°F) to lows of 21°C (70°F), creating perfect conditions for theater outings. With approximately 14 hours of daylight, you'll have plenty of time to explore the city before settling in for an evening show. Use our comprehensive guide to catch the best of Broadway shows in August across various genres such as musicals, plays, new arrivals, and more.

Headout's Top Picks

• Gypsy - Starring the incomparable Audra McDonald as the formidable Momma Rose, this revival of the exalted 1959 musical tells the story of a vaudeville stage mother and her daughters.
• Boop! The Betty Boop Musical - This vibrant new musical brings the iconic cartoon character to life on stage with dazzling choreography and classic jazz-age inspired songs. Perfect for nostalgia lovers and cartoon fans.
• Little Shop of Horrors - The beloved cult classic musical about a man-eating plant continues to delight audiences with its perfect blend of horror, comedy, and catchy tunes. This intimate production offers a refreshing take on the darkly comedic tale.
• Real Women Have Curves - This powerful adaptation of Josefina López’s cherished play and the acclaimed film celebrates body positivity through the story of five women working in a sewing factory. Its authentic storytelling and emotional performances make it a must-see on Broadway.
• Death Becomes Her - Starring Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard as friends turned rivals, this musical adaptation of the 1992 comedy explores the terror of aging and the pursuit of beauty. Michelle Williams plays the sorceress offering a potion for eternal youth in this visually spectacular production.

Top Musicals

• The Lion King - Julie Taymor's visually extravagant retelling of the Disney classic follows young Simba's journey to reclaim his kingdom, entertaining fans for over two decades.
• The Great Gatsby - This stylish musical adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's Jazz Age novel brings the 1920s to life with Tony award-winning costumes and sets.
• Hell's Kitchen - Inspired by Alicia Keys's own coming-of-age, this story follows a 17-year-old (Tony winner Maleah Joi Moon) growing into an artist in Manhattan, featuring her best songs.
• Book of Mormon - This gleefully profane musical comedy by the creators of South Park follows a pair of Mormon missionaries seeking converts in Uganda, best for adult audiences with an appetite for irreverent humor.
• Titanique - This campy, unauthorized musical parody reimagines the story of the Titanic through the songs of Celine Dion, ideal for pop music fans with a penchant for comedy.

Top Plays

• Good Night, Good Luck (closes on August 6) - Set during the McCarthy era, this timely drama explores journalism ethics and the power of truth-telling in times of political pressure, perfect for history buffs and fans of political dramas.
• Stranger Things: The First Shadow - This prequel to the hit Netflix series brings the supernatural mysteries of Hawkins to the stage with stunning special effects, making it a must-see for fans of the show and sci-fi lovers.
• The Play That Goes Wrong - A hilarious comedy about an amateur dramatic society attempting to stage a murder mystery where everything that can go wrong does go wrong, leaving the audiences in stitches.