Broadway is New York and year in, year out, it continues to draw sky-high attendance figures as both locals and tourists come back from repeated viewings of long-running beloved musicals. In New York, theatre is more popular than football. In the Big Apple, musicals leave baseball in the dust.
But the 40-theatre strong Broadway community does not just depend on stalwarts like Phantom of the Opera, Cats and Les Miserables or family favourite Wicked – which gives out balloted tickets before every show – it constantly releases new musicals and plays that delight audiences of every age with that signature Broadway pizzazz.
Check out NewYork.com for updates on the best shows available. Here are some of the hottest exports out of Broadway, both Tony Award-winners and quieter audience favourites that have been stirring hearts over the past year, and continue to do so, so get your tickets in advance.
Matilda the Musical (Creative Commons)
Matilda
Bringing Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s tale of a genius child with telepathic powers to life, the British musical had a successful three years across the Atlantic before Broadway sat up, took notice and welcomed it in the spring of 2013. Besides bagging Tonys for best book, featured actor, lighting and scenic design, it also scored the Tony honours for excellence in theatre that same year. Scored to riotous original music composed by Australian pianist-comic Tim Minchin’s, the tunes are easy to pick up, and stick with you days after the show is over. Matilda’s adventures in a world dominated by adults that continue to underestimate her not only stays true to the book, but gives off a childlike vibe set in a cute theatre with an exceptionally talented child cast and beautiful staging.
Kinky Boots
A tale of how a factory owner and drag performer combine forces to save a staid British men shoe-making business by designing shoes for drag artists instead, Kinky Boots encapsulates everything Broadway – high-kicking dance numbers, and uplifting story and music penned by crooner Cyndi Lauper. You can expect non-stop energy and a beautiful plot from Hollywood regular Harvey Fierstein, as fabulous costumes and a heart-warming tale combine to make this a family favourite – which is why it has several shows daily. It was no surprise then when Kinky Boots swept 6 of the top Tony Awards in 2013, including best musical, original score, actor and choreography.
Pippin the Musical (Creative Commons)
Pippin
A revival unlike any other, this lesser known musical is back on Broadway after a 40-year hiatus. If attendance numbers and repeat audiences are any indication, it has outclassed the 1970s original – thanks to music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, the genius behind Broadway staple Wicked. A medieval prince, Pippin sets out in search of an extraordinary life filled with amazing experiences. In search ofhis self, he encounters wacky characters that continue to change his perception of a life well lived. The musical took the 2013 Tonys by storm, bagging the best revival, actress, featured actress, and direction awards.