While it may seem that Broadway can steal the headlines of NYC’s Theater District, there’s so much more to be discovered! Beyond the famed marquees and blockbuster productions lies a captivating world of intimate, innovative, and thought-provoking performances that are just good, if not better than the “big names.”
In this list, we’ll run through a few off-Broadway shows that are groundbreaking and deserve your attention.
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 one mere example…
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. 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
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. Empire: The Musical
Paying homage to the city’s most famous building, Empire is a musical ode to the Empire State Building. Soar through three generations of dreamers (Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, and the Bicentennial Year of 1976) as you hear and learn about one of the greatest architectural feats in human history through the power of song and dance. It’s as wholesome and New York-themed as you can get.
Where: New World Stages (340 W 50th St)
9. N/A
Following two congresswomen, one named N and one A, this off-Broadway hit interweaves themes of politics, generational gaps, and power dynamics into an enthralling tale. N, the first woman Speaker of the House, and A, the youngest woman ever elected to Congress battle each other in wit and wills in a production exploring themes of powerful women in American history.
Where: Mitzi E. Newhouse Theatre (150 W 65th St)
10. Six Characters
Six Characters follows a group of citizens who storm a cultural center, which “opens wounds, explodes archives, and sends wigs flying.” With themes surrounding abolition, belonging, and power, it’s one of the most gut-punching and discomforting yet incredible productions you’ll see this year.
Where: Claire Tow Theater (150 W 65th St)
What About Broadway?
If you’re looking to get in some on-Broadway shows as well, these are a few of our favorites!
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
6. A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical
Featuring iconic songs like “Sweet Caroline,” “America,” and so many more, Will Swenson stars in this musical about the life of legendary singer Neil Diamond.
Where: Broadhurst Theatre, 235 W 44th St
7. Back to the Future
Take a trip down memory lane as you watch Marty McFly and his time-traveling DeLorean like you never have before. Set in the style of a musical, Marty and his friend Dr. Emmett Brown will attempt to sing and dance their way back to 1985… as long as his high school-aged parents fall in love in order to save his own existence.
Where: Winter Garden Theatre, 1634 Broadway (at W 50th St)