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. 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, 'Dear Evan Hansen' is a new American musical about life and the way we live it.

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.

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').

"The Book of Mormon" 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. Featuring over two dozen pop classics, including "You've Got a Friend," "One Fine Day," "Up on the Roof," "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling," "Will You Love Me Tomorrow," and "Natural Woman."

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.

From the show:

The time is right to see The Play That Goes Wrong, Broadway’s funniest smash hit! This Olivier Award-winning comedy is a hilarious hybrid of Monty Python and Sherlock Holmes. Welcome to opening night of The Murder at Haversham Manor where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous. With an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines), it’s “a riotous explosion of comedy!” (The Daily Beast) and “tons of fun for all ages!” (HuffPost). Ben Brantley of The New York Times calls The Play That Goes Wrong “a gut-busting hit,” and Cindy Adams of the New York Post has just one word for you: “Go!” Get tickets now – it would be WRONG to wait!

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.