New York is magical. Its diverse cultural offerings make it a city of cosmopolitan living perpetually filled with sophisticated observers and arts lovers from across the globe. At the intersection of creativity and spectacle sits Broadway – the Big Apple’s destination for live performance. Spectators of all ages come from near and far to experience the flashy lights and upbeat tunes that call The Great White Way their home for six days a week.
While the current roster of shows is plentiful, there are a few attractions that stand out among the rest. Offering performances to entice audiences all of all ages, thanks to their acrobatic wonders and timeless tales, this year Broadway presents five shows that are not to be missed.
1. Cirque du Soleil Paramour at Lyric Theatre – 214 West 43rd St.
Contortionists, aerialists and other incredible circus performers join top-notch vocalists for a musical experience unlike anything else on Broadway. The newest show from legendary Canadian circus arts Production Company, Cirque du Soleil, and Phillipe Decoufle, adopts the setting of 1970s Hollywood and tells the story of a lovesick poet forced to choose between following his art or his heart in Paramour.
2. Oh, Hello at The Lyceum Theatre – 149 West 45th St.
Comedic heavy-hitters Nick Kroll and John Mulaney trade in their mic stands for gray wigs as they take on the roles of Gil Faizon and George St. Geegland – two aging New York jews with a penchant for gossip and a good prank in Oh, Hello on Broadway. Featuring two familiar characters, which the duo portrayed regularly on Nick Kroll’s hit Comedy Central series, The Kroll Show, this two-man play received rave reviews and big laughs during it’s off-Broadway run last year.
3. Dear Evan Hansen at Second Stage Theatre – 305 W 43rd St.
Technology plays a powerful role in Dear Evan Hansen, an original musical about a shy high-school student on the verge of getting everything he’s ever wanted – that is, of course, if he can keep some big secrets. Featuring Pitch Perfect actor Ben Platt, Dear Even Hansen calls upon unique production elements to weave a melodic tale that resonates with modern audiences learning how to cope in the digital age.
4. Cats at Neil Simon Theatre – 250 W. 52nd St.
While avid theatregoers are bound to recall a Memory from their last time seeing Cats on Broadway, this revival, which features the classic, award-winning score from the legendary Andrew Lloyed Weber and new choreography from Tony Award winner, Andy Blankenbuehler, is sure to ignite a playful passion in those who are experiencing the feline phenomenon for the first time.
5. Aladdin at New Amsterdam Theatre – 214 W. 42nd St.
Experience “a whole new world” with Aladdin, a musical retelling of the Disney classic elevated by the signature enchantment of Broadway. A poor Arabian boy’s (Adam Jacobs) worries seem to disappear when he discovers a magic lamp and is befriended by a flamboyant genie who has the power to make all of his dreams come true. Through the spectacle-laden ups and downs (and we do mean ups – the flying carpets are a marvel!), he ultimately learns that one must be careful what it is they wish for.
