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Broadway plays vs musicals
A common confusion among most Broadway first-timers is the difference between a Broadway play and a Broadway musical. While the difference can get a bit murky with cross-genre productions, Broadway plays portray a story using dialogues, while musicals do it with song. Plays focus on the spoken word, while musicals set those words singing and dancing.
However, certain plays incorporate music and sometimes even choreography. Many musicals also feature dialogues that are not always sung-through, like Les Misérables. Even so, plays generally feature more dialogue and less music, while musicals feature more songs and choreography than spoken words.
Broadway versus off-Broadway plays
With more than 40 theaters to its name, Broadway refers to the main district where the majority of the Broadway theaters like Lyric, Majestic, and Winter Garden are located. There are, however, numerous other theaters that are located outside the Broadway theater district, known as Off-Broadway theaters. These theaters are generally smaller in size and can seat between 99 and 499 people. Off-Broadway is where many future Broadway hits originate, and it leans toward more edgy and experimental theater since the intimate venues offer creatives the opportunity to workshop their productions before they hit the mainstream.
Who should see a Broadway play?
Broadway plays often fly under the radar, overshadowed by the pomp and pizzazz of their musical counterparts, but one can’t overlook the goodness of a power-packed dramatic performance or the side-splitting gags of a comedic production. If you’re on the fence about catching the next Broadway play, here’s who plays usually appeal to to help you make the choice:
- Mature audiences looking for drama or thought-provoking themes
- Tourists looking for a more intimate experience than a musical
- Couples out on a date night or small groups on the hunt for gripping entertainment
- Theater students, literary aficionados, and fans of unique storytelling
- Fans of film or television actors in their natural element - the theater!
Choosing the right Broadway plays in New York
There is an art to choosing the right Broadway play to watch. Your experience can be impacted by the type of show you choose, where you sit in the theater, whether you opt for a VIP experience, and many other factors. Here's how to decide which show to pick when browsing through the wide range of plays currently being staged along the Great White Way.
Genre
Reviews
Budget
Seating
Tips
Theater-goers can pick from a wide range of Broadway plays based on their personal preference, including:
- Comedy, parody, & satire
- Dramas, period plays, & epics
- Romance & tragedy
- Crime, thriller, & mystery
- Experimental & new-age
The most popular factor to consider while choosing a Broadway play is the review of the production. Several critics and media agencies are devoted to bringing a detailed review of every Broadway play. You can use these sources to gain more information regarding various productions and have complete information before booking your Broadway play tickets.
Top Broadway reviews
If the Broadway experience is what matters to you and not so much the content of the play or if you are trying to be mindful of your budget, you could search for Broadway plays that offer tickets at a discounted rate. There are many ways in which you can obtain a Broadway play ticket at a cut-price deal. The best way, however, is to watch this space for the latest offers and discounts, same-day deals, seasonal promotions, and more.
Best Broadway ticket deals
The best seats for a Broadway play are subjective, but certain seats and rows tend to sell out faster due to their wider appeal. Most Broadway venues have 2-4 sections, including Orchestra, Mezzanine, Balcony, and Boxes.
- Best views: Seats closer to the stage are best for plays as they let you see the actors’ expressions and performance clearly. The Center Orchestra offers the most immersive audiovisual experience while the Front Mezzanine seats are cheaper but still offer decent views.
- Budget-friendly: If you are looking for budget options, head over to the Rear Mezzanine or the Balcony. These seats are not too close to the stage but still provide decent views at lesser prices.
- Plan ahead: Popular plays often sell out, so secure your seats early—especially for limited runs or shows with star-powered casts.
- Check for rush, lottery, or digital deals: Many plays offer day-of-show discounts if you’re willing to wait or take a chance for unbeatable prices.
- Matinees are great for flexibility: If you’re visiting NYC, matinee performances (usually on Wednesdays and Saturdays) can open up your evening plans.
Top Broadway plays you just can’t miss
These Broadway classics are must-sees for any serious theater-goer and offer deep, timeless insight into the human condition. Here are our top picks for the best Broadway plays in New York right now:
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
A six-time Tony Award winner, including for Best Play, this production is a sequel to the beloved book and film franchise that follows the next generation of wizards and witches as they learn magic, engage in shenanigans, and fight battles of their own.
Buy Harry Potter and the Cursed Child tickets
The Play That Goes Wrong
One of the longest-running plays, this comedy of errors blends a witty script, brilliant delivery, and slapstick gags to deliver some of the best entertainment that has ever graced a Broadway stage.
Buy The Play That Goes Wrong tickets
Stranger Things: The First Shadow
A prequel to the hit Netflix series, this Olivier Award-winning show traces the backstories of fan-favorite characters and the origins of the darkness that descends on their small town of Hawkins.
Buy Stranger Things: The First Shadow ticketsDiscover more
Musicals
High-energy storytelling and unforgettable songs are perfect for first-timers or fans of big productions.
Know more
Off-Broadway shows
Home to edgy, experimental works in smaller venues, this is where future Broadway hits get their start.
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Long-running classics
These timeless shows that have defined Broadway history are great for theatergoers of all kinds.
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New arrivals on Broadway
Fresh premieres and innovative debuts—be among the first to discover the next big hit.
Know moreFrequently asked questions about Broadway plays in New York
What’s the difference between a Broadway play and a musical?
Broadway plays focus on dialogue and performance, often tending toward more intense and philosophical storytelling, while musicals incorporate songs and choreography into the storytelling, veering more toward uplifting tales.
What types of plays are currently running in New York?
Broadway stages a diverse range of plays throughout the year. While most plays lean toward intense and gripping dramas, there are also comedies, romances, and experimental shows on offer.
Are there any plays suitable for first-time Broadway visitors?
Absolutely—look for high-profile revivals or limited-run plays featuring well-known actors for an accessible and memorable first experience.
Are there any contemporary or experimental plays on Broadway?
Off-Broadway shows generally tend to feature edgies, more experimental themes that are usually thought-provoking and use atypical storytelling methods.
Where are Broadway plays performed in New York?
Plays often start in smaller or more intimate off-Broadway venues before making their way to larger official Broadway theaters primarily located around Times Square and the Theater District in Manhattan.
How long is a typical Broadway play?
Most plays run between 90 minutes and 2.5 hours and can feature a single act or multiple acts, designed to develop the plot and character arcs. Not all plays have an intermission, but most include a 15 to 20-minute break.
Do plays tend to have specific themes or genres?
Plays usually focus on intimate aspects of characters and their relationships, with dialogue designed to reveal each person’s inner motivations and plot points crafted to uncover deeper human conflict. As such, plays are usually dramatic, but many plays can also accomplish similar feats using comedy and satire or romance and tragedy.
Are there age restrictions for Broadway plays?
Many plays are geared toward adults and may have mature themes, though not all enforce strict age restrictions. Always check the show’s guidance before booking tickets for children.
How do plays compare to musicals in terms of length and format?
Musicals last between 1.5 to 3 hours with an intermission, with many being longer than most plays. The bulk of the runtime in musicals is focused on music and dance, with less time dedicated to deeper character development, while plays usually feature spoken dialogue or nonverbal cues that focus heavily on character and plot development.
Are plays usually less expensive than musicals?
While plays can often be cheaper than musicals, especially if they don’t have large ensemble casts or technical effects, star-driven plays can still be premium-priced. Ticket prices can also vary depending on the show, timings, venue, seats, and more.
Can I get same-day tickets for Broadway plays?
Yes! Except in instances where a play is already sold out, you can get same-day tickets online and last-minute deals when booking through Broadway Show Tickets. Some shows also sell tickets at the doors, while several offer standing-only options that tend to sell last.
What are the best seats for a play?
For plays, center orchestra seats usually offer the clearest view of actors’ expressions and subtleties. Seats in the front mezzanine also offer decent views at cheaper rates.
When’s the best time of year to see Broadway plays in New York?
Anytime! However, spring and fall often see the most new openings and award-season contenders.
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