Filled with dramatic costumes, breathtaking sets and lively music, Broadway is always changing. New and old shows are coming and going, traveling across the country and the world. If the chance arises for you to see a show but you aren’t sure what to choose, here are some of the top picks with the year they debuted on the Broadway stage.
#5: “Maybe Happy Ending” (2024)
“Maybe Happy Ending” follows two robots, Oliver and Claire, who form a friendship and eventual relationship as they grapple with the fact that they both know when they will power off. The two uncover their pasts and erased memories while getting to know each other and figure out their future together. With beautiful set pieces, fun music and a compelling story, “Maybe Happy Ending” is a wonderful new musical that keeps the audience engaged while also commenting on the negative impacts of modern-day materialistic overconsumption.
#4: “Merrily We Roll Along” (1981)
The revival of Stephen Sondheim’s “Merrily We Roll Along” has memorable music, such as “Franklin Shepard Inc.,” and an interesting story with a unique format—the story is told backwards. From marriages to affairs, television scandals and court dates, follow Franklin Shepherd as his decisions and desire for fame result in him losing those he cares about. He gains money in exchange for losing himself. “Merrily We Roll Along” keeps the audience interested and empathetic as they get an inside look at a celebrity’s life crumble.
#3: “Rent” (1996)
Jonathan Larson’s “Rent” shines a light on the struggles people faced during the height of the AIDS crisis at the turn of the last century through rock and pop songs including “La Vie Boheme” and “Seasons of Love.” Follow a group of friends in New York City as they struggle with poverty, love, drug abuse and broken ambitions. “Rent” is full of energy and laughs while also prompting strong emotions from the audience as they witness the crumbling of lives alongside the corruption of the body and mind that tears relationships apart.
#2: “Cabaret” (1966)
“Cabaret” follows a cast of characters living in Germany during the 1930s, before and during the Nazi takeover. The show encapsulates how creativity and individuality were quickly drowned out and replaced by compliance. The show involves impactful songs such as “Maybe This Time” and “Money,” a cast not afraid to interact with the audience and extravagant costumes that convey compelling storylines through crude jokes and shocking reminders of history.
#1: “Les Misérables” (1980)
“Les Misérables” first hit the stage in 1980, making its mark as a classic. Based on the book by Victor Hugo, this show is famous for its tear-jerking stories and tragic characters who struggle with love, obligation and the waking rebellion in early 19th century France. Over the course of two hours, this show allows each character to flourish and make their mark on the audience with songs like “What Have I Done?” “I Dreamed a Dream” and “On My Own.” Although many stories are combined into one, “Les Misérables” doesn’t feel overly complicated or overcrowded and keeps the audience engaged throughout the entire show.
