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Broadway Experiences: A Guide to the Latest Shows and Tips for Your Visit

Zachary Laks
Zachary Laks 5 Min Read
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Curtain up! Light the lights! Witnessing some of the world’s greatest performances live is electrifying, and there’s no better place to experience this than on Broadway. A visit to New York City is incomplete without attending a Broadway show, one of the city's most iconic cultural highlight.

On any night of the week (or day, as matinees typically occur on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday), you’ll find more than three dozen Broadway shows performing throughout 41 Broadway theaters in Midtown Manhattan. The shows range from long-standing, grand-scale musicals like "Wicked", "Hamilton" and "The Lion King" to various newer musicals and plays, often with recognizable names from TV and film.

Read on for details on the most popular shows on Broadway, the new ones to look out for and expert tips on scoring the best ticket deals. This is your handy guide to a most magical Broadway outing.

There’s nothing like the thrill of a Broadway musical with big sets, a large cast and a mystifying story that takes you on a journey. Here are three of the most popular Broadway musicals playing now.


Times Square, New York City looking back toward billboards on Broadway at night

Broadway’s most popular shows

"Wicked" is a big-blockbuster Broadway musical that details the untold story of the witches of Oz. This imaginative retelling of The Wizard of Oz offers a new look at the Wicked Witch, here known as Elphaba, as she discovers corruption in Oz and fights against it. The musical’s songs by Stephen Schwartz have become Broadway classics, with songs that include “Popular” and the rousing Act 1 closer, “Defying Gravity.” The show regularly sells out and the best ticket availability can be found at least three months before your desired performance date.

How long is "Wicked" on Broadway? Wicked runs 2 hours, 45 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.

"Hamilton" is Broadway’s Tony Award-winning hit musical about Alexander Hamilton, a Founding Father who fought for a new nation. Lin-Manuel Miranda created the show as a fully sung-through musical that combines hip-hop, jazz, R&B and more into a searing story of history and perseverance. "Hamilton" debuted to remarkable fanfare in 2015 and remains one of Broadway’s hottest tickets. Plan ahead for the best seats as every performance sells out, with the best ticket availability often found at least three months out.

How long is "Hamilton" on Broadway? "Hamilton" runs 2 hours and 45 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.

"The Lion King" on Broadway is the Tony Award-winning landmark musical that reimagines the animated Disney classic. A cast of more than 50 performers brings Simba's story to life with visually stunning puppets, costumes and sets. You’ll hear Elton John and Tim Rice’s hits, including “Can You Feel The Love Tonight?” and “Hakuna Matata” in this creative masterpiece. This show remains a hot ticket and is recommended for ages six and up. Book at least three months in advance to secure the best seats.

How long is "The Lion King" on Broadway? "The Lion King" is 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.

What’s on Broadway right now?

The 2024-2025 Broadway season is filled with many new musicals and plays, with something for everyone, along with hit shows that continue to run from previous seasons. Here are three of the most exciting new shows to see on Broadway.

"The Outsiders" is the 2024 Tony Award winner for Best New Musical. This stirring adaptation of the popular novel by S. E. Hinton follows a group of teenagers in 1960s Tulsa, Oklahoma, as they navigate the complexities of self-discovery. The show features a talented cast of Broadway newcomers and a score by members of the folk-rock band Jamestown Revival.

"Sunset Boulevard" returns to Broadway this season in a wholly reimagined production starring Nicole Scherzinger. With one of Broadway’s most thrilling scores composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, this new version debuted to rave reviews in London’s West End. Nicole Scherzinger brings her remarkable performance to the Great White Way for what is sure to be the hottest ticket in town.

"& Juliet" is the wildly fun Broadway musical that retells the story of Romeo and Juliet from a new perspective with the bombastic hits of legendary songwriter Max Martin. Follow Juliet as she’s determined to rewrite her story with iconic hits from artists like NSYNC, Taylor Swift and Britney Spears. 

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How long do Broadway musicals usually run for?

Broadway musicals typically run between nine months and 10 years. Many long-running shows are currently on Broadway, including "Chicago", "The Book of Mormon" and "Aladdin", all of which have been playing for over a decade. 


Couple getting dressed up for broadway

What to wear to a Broadway show

Broadway doesn’t have a strict dress code, but most audience members are dressed up for the occasion, especially for evening performances. Theaters can get a bit chilly, so bring a layer. 

Top tips for attending a Broadway show

Arrive at least 30 minutes before the performance time to avoid lines and get to your seat stress-free. Avoid bringing large bags to the theater as security searches every bag and there is no bag check or storage space. Most Broadway theaters allow you to pre-order drinks and concessions before intermission. Make sure your phone is silent and not just vibrate, as it can distract performers and fellow audience members. After the show, you can head to the stage door to meet some performers, take photos and get autographs.


Theatre Box Office

How to get discounted Broadway tickets

AAA Tickets offers great deals on discounted tickets to even the most popular Broadway shows. Your AAA Membership unlocks access to the best musicals and plays at remarkable rates. The savings add up fast, especially when buying tickets for the whole family.

Broadway shows are an essential part of any trip to New York City. Count on the benefits of an AAA Membership for the best ticket deals to share the wonders of Broadway with your loved ones. Join today and you’ll be roaring “Bravo!” for the best deals on Broadway’s best shows. 

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