Best Broadway Shows for Out-of-Towners

"Wicked" looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin—smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.” 

A letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told, a life he never dreamed he could have. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he’s always wanted: a chance to finally fit in. 'Dear Even Hansen' is a new American musical about life and the way we live it. Created by three-time Tony-nominated director Michael Greif ('Rent,' 'Next to Normal,' 'Grey Gardens'), Tony-nominated songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul ('A Christmas Story,' NBC’s 'Smash'), and playwright Steven Levenson, it stars Ben Platt in the breakout title role.

The award-winning stage adaptation of the 1994 Disney film, 'The Lion King' tells the story of a young lion prince, Simba. He idolizes his father, the king Mufasa, while at the same time youthfully shirks the responsibility his position in life requires. When an unthinkable tragedy orchestrated by Simba’s wicked uncle, Scar, takes Mufasa’s life, Simba must fulfill his destiny to be king. 'The Lion King' is the winner of 6 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

A meddlesome matchmaker brings together the young clerk of a wealthy Yonkers merchant and his assistant with a widowed milliner and her assistant, while making sure she gets to marry the merchant herself. Jerry Herman and Michael Stewart's musical adaptation of Thornton Wilder's 'The Matchmaker' spawned many classic songs, including "Put On Your Sunday Clothes," "Before the Parade Passes By," and the title tune. Beginning June 13, two-time Tony winner Donna Murphy will star as Dolly on Tuesday evenings and during Midler's vacations.

On September 11, 2001 the world stopped. In a heartbeat, 38 planes with 6,579 passengers were stranded in the remote town of Gander in Newfoundland, effectively doubling its population. The locals opened their hearts and homes, hosting this international community of strangers–spurring unexpected camaraderie under extraordinary circumstances. Directed by two-time Tony nominee Christopher Ashley ('Memphis,' the revival of 'The Rocky Horror Show'), and starring Tony nominee Chad Kimball.

'The Book of Mormon' is a musical comedy that tells the story of two young Mormon missionaries sent to a remote village in northern Uganda, where a brutal warlord is threatening the local population. Naïve and optimistic, the two missionaries try to share the Book of Mormon, but have trouble connecting with the locals, who are more worried about war, famine, poverty and AIDS than about religion. The show was awarded nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Long before she was Carole King, chart-topping music legend, she was Carol Klein, Brooklyn girl with passion and chutzpah. She fought her way into the record business as a teenager and, by the time she reached her twenties, had the husband of her dreams and a flourishing career writing hits for the biggest acts in rock ‘n’ roll. But it wasn’t until her personal life began to crack that she finally managed to find her true voice. "Beautiful" tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history.

Inspired by true events, 'Kinky Boots' tells the story of Charlie Price, who inherits his father's shoe factory. Looking to save the family business, Charlie turns to a fabulously fashionable new friend — cabaret star Lola — who gives him an outrageous idea that could change both of their destinies. Soon, this unlikely duo creates the most sensational footwear that’s ever rocked the runways of Milan… giving the factory and its hardworking family a sparkling new future.

Far beneath the majesty and splendour of the Paris Opera House, hides the Phantom in a shadowy existence. Shamed by his physical appearance and feared by all, the love he holds for his beautiful protégée Christine Daaé is so strong that even her heart cannot resist. "Phantom of the Opera" is the longest running musical in Broadway history and features a score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and is directed by Hal Prince.

Jenna is a waitress and expert pie maker in a small town who dreams of a way out of her loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town’s new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness. But Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life. Directed by Tony winner Diane Paulus.

'School of Rock—The Musical' follows Dewey, a wannabe rock star posing as a substitute teacher who turns a class of straight-A students into grade-A rockers. While teaching these pint-sized prodigies what it means to rock, Dewey falls for the school’s headmistress.

Winner of six Tony Awards and currently the longest-running show on Broadway, 'Chicago' is an electrifying and darkly comic tale about two competitive murderesses behind bars competing for the spotlight. Iconic songs include 'All That Jazz' and 'Razzle Dazzle,' and the choreography is inspired by the late Bob Fosse.

Tonight is the one special night each year when the tribe of Jellicle Cats reunites to celebrate who they are. One by one they tell their stories for the amusement of Old Deuteronomy, their wise and benevolent leader, who must choose one of the Cats to ascend to The Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a whole new Jellicle life.