While Broadway denotes a very specific neighborhood in midtown Manhattan, in our American culture, it now defines any splashy musical in any venue in the US. Broadway shows are constantly on tours throughout our largest cities and everyone from the local theater to our neighborhood high school host Broadway shows.
Still, many people list going to a show on Broadway as a must during any NYC visit. There are currently 41 Broadway theaters hosting shows ranging from serious plays to new productions to Broadway classics.
ThinkFives checked out all 41 Broadway marquees and identified these musicals still on Broadway that would be perfect for any teacher. And the good thing is most of these musicals are frequently on tour, so if you can’t make it to New York, you can certainly catch them locally.
Wicked
On Broadway: Gershwin Theatre, 22 W. 51 St.; wickedthemusical.com
The Synopsis: In the Land of Oz, pre-Dorothy, two witches — the nerdy (and very green) Elphaba and the extremely popular Glinda — become unlikely friends while at university. Many critics didn’t love the show when it opened in 2003, but guess what? Word of mouth beat back the mixed reviews and the show has soared with gorgeous ballads (“Defying Gravity” and “For Good”) (Travel and Leisure Magazine)
Why Is This Great for Teachers?
This life-affirming message about friendship and standing up for your beliefs makes for great student conversations. It also turns upside down everything we’ve ever thought about the wicked witch and the people of Oz. It’s great for adults, teenagers, and kids of all ages.
Dear Evan Hansen
On Broadway: Music Box Theatre, 239 W. 45 St.; dearevanhansen.com
The Synopsis: An endearing and thought-provoking look at how a teen manages his social anxiety. The show, running since 2016, is not light entertainment — the show deals with divorce, bullying, and suicide and is not appropriate for young children. Be prepared to have it in your head for days, along with its haunting anthem of inclusion, “You Will Be Found.” (Travel and Leisure Magazine)
Why Is This Great for Teachers?
The emotional themes of Dear Evan Hansen make for some great talking points if you’re traveling with high schoolers. But as we warned, this is not a family show. Teachers will be moved and can identify with the challenging themes of teenagers, some of which they observe in their classrooms every day.
Come From Away
On Broadway: Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, 236 W. 45 St.; comefromaway.com
The Synopsis: This powerful musical, running since 2017, tells the story of how the intrepid residents of the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, came to the aid of thousands of travelers left stranded when their planes were forced to land there after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. A lot of what you’ll see on stage really happened (even some of the names are the same). (Travel and Leisure Magazine)
Why Is This Great for Teachers?
Not only is this an uplifting story, but it’s a true story. Teachers can discuss with students the themes of friendship, hospitality, and our shared human experience. The show is a testament to the power of kindness in the face of devastating tragedy, and after a tough week at work, it’s hard not to feel uplifted by Come From Away.
The Phantom of the Opera
On Broadway: Majestic Theatre, 245 W. 45th St.; thephantomoftheopera.com
The Synopsis: The longest-running show in Broadway history has been astonishing audiences with bravura performances — not to mention its crashing chandelier — since Jan. 26, 1988. But beware, if you are traveling to NYC, it will finally close on Feb. 18, 2023.
You’ll recognize many of the songs in this musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, the story of a mysterious masked maestro who lives beneath the Paris Opera and the soprano who falls under his spell. The 1988 Tony winner for best musical is the perfect show for a romantic weekend. (Travel and Leisure Magazine)
Why Is This Great for Teachers?
This true classic of American theater is based on a novel by French author Gaston Leroux. The story is partly inspired by historical events at the Paris Opera. Watching the play can evoke discussion on its key themes of empathy, understanding, and the age-old lesson of not judging a book by its cover.
Hamilton
On Broadway: Richard Rogers Theatre, 226 W. 46 St.; hamiltonmusical.com
The Synopsis: The hottest ticket in town for years after its 2015 opening, you can finally get tickets to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony and Pulitzer–winning musical without requiring a second mortgage. With a rap-influenced score and a diverse cast of actors portraying Alexander Hamilton and other American founding fathers, the show is probably the most fun you’ll ever have at a history lesson. (Travel and Leisure Magazine)
Why Is This Great for Teachers?
Even if you saw the Disney+ movie, there’s nothing like, as they sing in the show, being “in the room where it happens.” If you’re a teacher of history – or any teacher for that matter – you can see how American culture and story can be brought to life. In what should be required viewing by every high school student, Hamilton is the story of how America looked years ago, represented by how America looks today.
What Broadway Musical Would You Recommend?
I saw Wicked with my university- good thing Charlotte was close enough for Student Activities to take a group of students. I was one of the first to sign up- Wicked, after is one of my top two favorite musicals. Added a lot more meaning to the show
Thanks for sharing. Yes, I loved how Wicked took what we thought about a classic like the Wizard of Ox, and turned it upside down.
In total, I saw Wicked 5 times- my first time was on Broadway and the other four was the US Tour
It is not even easy to watch Wizard of OZ now- the two stories don’t seem to line up anymore
I actually prefer Wicked more—–more emotionally connected to this musical. For a good number of reasons
Have been wanting to see Wicked! 🧙🏻♀️ I was able to see Hamilton, and it was amazing!
Wicked is terrific. And Hamilton is the greatest thing to ever hit the stage! 🎭