While it may seem that Broadway steals the headlines of NYC’s Theater District, there are so many more productions to discover.
Beyond the famed marquees lies a captivating world of intimate, innovative, and exciting performances that are equally amazing. Our list will guide you in finding the best of the best Off-Broadway shows. What’s first on your list?
1. Blue Man Group
The Blue Man Group is a classic show, and one of the best to see with kids as well! The three enigmatic bald and blue men will take you on a multi-sensory experience through their acts of music, art, and dance. (Take their rhythmic explosion of colors from their paint drums as an example.) But unfortunately, the show will come to an end for good in NYC in February 2025, so book tickets while you can!
Where: Astor Place Theatre, 434 Lafayette St
2. Titanique the Musical
Ever wonder what happens when Céline Dion hijacks a Titanic Museum tour? Titanique is just that, recharting the course of Titanic’s beloved moments and characters with her iconic song catalog. It’s full of powerhouse vocals, show-stopping numbers, and lots of nostalgia!
Where: Daryl Roth Theatre, 101 E 15th St
3. Little Shop of Horrors
Seymour Krelborn (Andrew Barth Feldman) stumbles upon a new breed of plant during a solar eclipse that he names “Audrey II” after his coworker crush. However, the talking carnivore feasts upon blood, which it attempts to get from Krelborn in exchange for unending fame and fortune down the road. As the plant’s appetite for blood grows, the darkly humorous events that unfold get even more dramatic and comically chilling.
Where: Westside Theatre (Upstairs), 407 W 43rd St
4. Drunk Shakespeare
Five professional New York actors meet up for their “The Drunk Shakespeare Society,” including one who is already 5 shots deep of whiskey in. Mayhem ensues when the sober actors try to keep up with the drunk…who attempts to perform a major role in a Shakespearean play. The best part? Every show is different, depending on who’s drinking…
🍺 Buy tickets to Drunk Shakespeare here!
Where: Ruby Theatre, 35 W 39th St
5. Mindplay
The award-winning mentalist and illusionist Vinny DePonto brings Mindplay Off-Broadway this winter after selling out shows in DC and L.A. Opening at the intimate Greenwich House Theater in Manhattan’s West Village, theater-goers will be able to attend the performance from December 15th for a limited run through April 2025. This show will leave you wondering, “How did he do that”? Grab tickets now to secure your spot.
Where: Greenwich House Theater (27 Barrow Street)
6. The Office! A Musical Parody
Based on the popular sitcom The Office, this musical and immersive parody experience will bring you up close and personal with your favorite characters, and a comedic look right into the Dunder Mifflin office!
Where: The Jerry Orbach Theater, 210 W 50th St, Floor 3
7. Chamber Magic
The Millionaires Magician aka Steve Cohen performs his mind-bending Chamber Magic show every Friday and Saturday night at The Lotte New York Palace. Recreating the types of parlor magic in history’s past, Cohen’s one-of-a-kind experience is a night of conjuring, mind-reading, sleight of hand, and an astonishing trick called Think-A-Drink! The adults-only audience is limited to only 64 people…making it one of the most intimate off-Broadway shows out there.
Where: The Lotte New York Palace Hotel, 455 Madison Ave
8. The Play That Goes Wrong
Quite literally everything is going wrong in this comedic play that shows the attempt of an opening night of The Murder at Haversham Manor. When things go from bad to worse, like an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything…this hilarious disaster is utterly entertaining.
Where: New World Stages, 340 W 50th St
What About Broadway?
If you’re looking to venture to the Great White Way, have a look at some of the current performances that theater-goers love.
1. The Lion King
One of the most successful musicals to ever take the stage on Broadway, The Lion King has become an NYC staple since its opening in 1997. Re-discover beloved characters like Simba, Scar, Timon, and Pumba in this colorful feast for the eyes appropriate for all ages.
Where: Minskoff Theatre, 200 W 45th St
2. Suffs
Step back in time to 1913 with Suffs on Broadway! Get taken on a musical journey through the suffragist movement as brave women fight for their right to vote. Brought too life by Shaina Taub, this epic and informative musical is a powerful exploration of the struggle for equality.
Where: Music Box Theatre, 239 W 45th St
3. Hell’s Kitchen
Alicia Keys’ coming-of-age musical Hell’s Kitchen is open on Broadway now! Featuring a story about chasing dreams and embracing one’s identity within the chaos and beauty of New York’s streets, it’s sure to take you on a heartfelt journey like few other productions can.
Where: Shubert Theatre, 225 West 44th St
4. The Book of Mormon
This satirical and irreverent Broadway musical follows the hilarious and unconventional journey of two mismatched Mormon missionaries, Elder Price and Elder Cunningham. When they’re sent poverty-stricken village in Uganda to convert citizens to the Mormon religion, they’re faced with all sorts of absurd situations, comedic challenges and thought-provoking culture clashes along the way.
Where: Eugene O’Neill Theatre, 230 W 49th St
5. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Harry, Ron and Hermione set out on live-action adventure that sees them navigating the wizarding world like never before. Prepare for 3.5 hours of spells battles and a race through time.
Where: Lyric Theatre, 213 W 42nd St