"What Should I See?": The Broadway Shows Worth Shelling Out For

June 22, 2011

New and Noteworthy


Baby It’s You!

The show is inspired by the true story of a New Jersey housewife who discovered the ’60s girl group The Shirelles. With a stellar doo wop soundtrack including “It’s My Party,” “Shout” and “Sixteen Candles,” you’ll be singing along with the cast until the curtain drops.


Sister Act

You saw the movie with Whoopi Goldberg, right? Now you can see it with live singing and dancing nuns!


Catch Me If You Can

Follow charming Frank Abagnale Jr. as he swiftly cons his way through his 20s, disguising himself as a pilot, a doctor and even a picture-perfect fiancé. Jerry Mitchell’s high-energy, classic theater jazz choreography perfectly complements the show’s Technicolor sets and costumes.


How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

The latest version of this Broadway classic opened starring Harry Potter’s Daniel Radcliffe—what more do you need to know? How to Succeed… tells the story of a window washer who—with the aid of a self-help book—climbs the corporate ladder. It’s musical comedy at its best.


Anything Goes

The revival of the classic “we’re on a cruise ship and we’re causing lots of trouble” story opened to rave reviews earlier this year. Broadway darling Sutton Foster shines in the leading lady role and the ensemble embraces show tap at its best.


Priscilla Queen of the Desert

A road-tripping trio of drag queens leads this glitzy spectacle filled with karaoke favorites like “It’s Raining Men” and “I Will Survive.”


The Book of Mormon

From the creators of South Park, this R-rated hit is sure to offend tons of people. But Casey Nicholaw’s choreography for the dancing missionaries is fast and fun. If you’re not easily put off by crude jokes about sex and religion, there are lots of laughs to be had.

The Danciest Shows


Billy Elliot

Named Best Musical at the 2009 Tony Awards, the show features ballet, tap and tons of talented young dancers making their Broadway debuts. The music was written by Elton John, so you know it’s good!


Memphis

This Sergio Trujillo–choreographed show—which took home the Best Musical Tony in 2010—is filled with high-energy jazz dancing. Leaps, turns and tumbling aplenty.


Stomp

Making music and dance with lighters, garbage cans and brooms? Yes, please!

Edgy & Awesome


Rock of Ages

Small-town girl meets wannabe-rocker boy. They sing, they dance and they fall in love.


Chicago

It’s a scandalous showdown in the Cook County Jail when Velma and Roxie try to make the front page of the city’s newspapers.


La Cage Aux Folles

Think Meet the Parents—in drag.


Wicked

One of the top-grossing shows on Broadway, this dance-filled musical features good witches, bad witches and flying monkeys on a memorable trip down the Yellow Brick Road.


Mary Poppins

The practically perfect nanny greets the Banks family with strict rules and a spoonful of sugar—plus there’s tap dancing on the ceiling!


The Lion King

Everyone knows the story of Simba and his jungle pals, but you have to see this show to believe it. If you go, don’t be late: The opening number, featuring a breathtaking parade of “animals,” is the best part.


The Addams Family

They’re creepy and they’re kooky, and this family of crazies will keep you laughing from start to finish.


The Phantom of the Opera

It’s Broadway’s longest-running musical for a reason: Audiences of all ages appreciate the classic score, the stunning sets, the beautiful ballerinas and the emotional love story.

If You Want to Sing Along…


Mamma Mia!

Admit it: Your mom isn’t the only one who knows all the words to ABBA’s “Dancing Queen”…


Jersey Boys

…and your dad isn’t the only one who loves The Four Seasons.