5 Broadway Musicals To See Right Now

By Alicia Geigel on April 6, 2018

All throughout the year, college students are looking for ways to unwind, have fun and forget about the responsibilities of school and life for a moment. There are so many ways to do this, such as watching a movie, going shopping, eating out, etc. One different way to have fun and be immersed in a new form of entertainment is to attend a Broadway show! Broadway shows are typically large-scale, high productions which can sometimes be overwhelming to some, but the talent and overall production of these shows make it totally worth it.

Though you might be thinking that musicals aren’t for you, there are plenty of shows out there that can appeal to just about all audiences. No matter what genre you like or what story appeals to you, there is something out there for everyone!

Are you looking to go outside your normal comfort zone of “Netflix and Chill”? Wanting a new way to get out and have fun? Check out these top five Broadway shows to see right now!

theater, seats, lights, auditorium, theatre

Image via Pexels

1. “Hamilton”

I know what you’re thinking, “Who would want to see a musical about Alexander Hamilton?” I know you’re thinking this because I shamefully admit that I thought the same when I first heard the summary of the musical. I promise you, however, that it is much more than your average, boring history lesson.

Critically acclaimed and positively reviewed by show-goers and critics alike, Hamilton tells the story of one of America’s founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton and his journey toward helping shape the country we know and love today. It features sounds of hip-hop, rap ballads and a diverse cast of actors.

Ben Brantley of the New York Times writes, “Before they were founding fathers, these guys were rebellious sons, moving to a new, fierce, liberating beat that never seemed to let up. “Hamilton” makes us feel the unstoppable, urgent rhythm of a nation being born.”

2. “Springsteen on Broadway”

Who doesn’t love Bruce Springsteen? His rugged voice, his blue-collar appeal, his catchy songs, etc. all are elements that make him so popular among people both young and old. If you enjoy the sounds of rock and roll and Bruce Springsteen, you’re in for a treat! “Springsteen on Broadway” features Bruce performing songs and telling tales about the highs and lows of his life all while effortlessly implementing new renditions of his music along the way.

Michael Paulson of the New York Times notes, “The production, which features Mr. Springsteen telling stories about his life and delivering stripped-down arrangements of his songs, has been an enormous commercial success, bringing in $44 million thus far at the box office.”

3. “Spongebob Squarepants”

If you’re a 90s kid like myself, I just about fell over when I saw that my favorite childhood show was coming to Broadway. “Spongebob Squarepants” occupied so much of what I remember enjoying as child, and now you can have the chance to see all the characters on the big stage!

Ben Brantley of the New York Times argues, “In other words, you will probably adore this musical if: a) “SpongeBob” was a formative influence of your childhood; b) you are a stoner who tokes up to watch reruns of the show on YouTube (categories a and b are not mutually exclusive); or c) if you are (like my date for this show) a parent of “SpongeBob”-bingeing progeny and found its sensibility crept into, and wallpapered, your weary mind.”

curtain, people, theater, show, lights

Image via Pexels

4. “Wicked”

I know it’s shameful, but I have not seen “Wicked.” Despite all of its popularity and acclaim, I just never saw it. However, that doesn’t mean that I didn’t want to see it. “The Wizard of Oz” was hands-down my favorite movie as a child, so much so that I named my dog “Toto” after Dorothy’s dog.

The musical focuses on the relationship between Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Galinda the Good Witch, who have conflicting personalities living in Oz. If you are looking for a spunky and nostalgic musical, this one is for you!

5. Waitress: With music and lyrics written by Sara Bareilles, “Waitress” is based on a book and film that centers on the main character Jenna Hunterson, a waitress struggling with an abusive husband.

Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune states, “in many ways ‘Waitress’ is the latest link in an evolutionary chain when it comes to creating big Broadway musicals out of fundamentally intimate situations employing gritty, working-class characters.”

Reading over the list of shows, there is just about a genre for everyone! Though these are only five of the many musicals on Broadway today, there are plenty more out there, so if you are wanting to see something that appeals more to you, venture out and take a look! As always, have fun!

Follow Uloop

Apply to Write for Uloop News

Join the Uloop News Team

Discuss This Article

Back to Top

Log In

Contact Us

Upload An Image

Please select an image to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format
OR
Provide URL where image can be downloaded
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format

By clicking this button,
you agree to the terms of use

By clicking "Create Alert" I agree to the Uloop Terms of Use.

Image not available.

Add a Photo

Please select a photo to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format