Broadway tickets are sold through various channels at amazing discounts, even at half-price at times. The 41 venues that comprise Broadway theatres are in Manhattan, New York. It is a challenge to get show tickets to the most popular current hit theater events– these productions are of massive scale and cost unimaginable amounts to make, featuring the most famous theater persons or actors in the world. However, New York theater tickets are easy to find for quite a few productions at real bargain prices.
How To Go About Getting Broadway Tickets
If you know where to go and what to do, you can manage to get Broadway tickets for much less than their face value. There are several discount theater ticket guides available on the Internet to show you how you can do this. There are a couple of agencies that sell most Tickets at face value. They even charge an extra booking fee, making the cost of your show ticket steeper. It is possible to buy directly from the theatre box office, but that may not guarantee a lower price. With the increasing popularity of some New York City shows, there are many private ticket agencies that purchase spare play tickets and then sell them off at a hefty profit. But not all private agencies do this.
Alternative Ways to Get Broadway Tickets At Reasonable Rates
You can get Broadway tickets by using discount ticket codes, which are secret codes for every show. These enable you to get good discounts of up to 60% on the price of your tickets. These codes can be used at the box office or the major ticket sellers. Struggling artists can get their show tickets via the ‘starving artist tickets’ provided they are prepared to wait in line for some hours. These are cheap theater tickets, and you sometimes end up getting some of the best seats in the house.
You can also get what is called partial view tickets if you don’t mind missing seeing part of the stage because of the props and scenery that come in the way. These can be quite cheap. There is no need to worry if you are a student and you want your theater tickets at affordable rates. You need to carry your photo id. You can get your tickets when the box office opens or a few hours before the show. There are also theater Tickets that won’t assure you of a seat, but you can stand and watch the whole show inside the theater. Can you imagine getting a good view of the show at throwaway prices? Sometimes it is possible a get a straight 50% off for a same-day show that is not so popular by public standards. Information about what is playing can be had through reviews in the newspapers and the Internet. You can get the name of the theater and the show you want to see, as well as the price of the tickets. Tickets can be booked months in advance.
Broadway musicals have enthralled theater lovers for a long time. Although Broadway theater was founded when live performances by artists in New York way back in 1750, it was the introduction of musical shows that first drew large crowds of people to the theater. Over 100 musicals have been staged since its inception, however, some of them are greatly loved by theater enthusiasts.
The success of Broadway musicals can be judged by the fact that many of them have exceeded 2,500 performances in Broadway or West End theaters. Let’s have a look at some of the historic musicals that have a special place in the hearts of theater and music lovers.
Les Misérables (1987)
Based on a novel of the same name by Victor Hugo, this musical has had the longest innings in the history of theatre. This musical, performed 6,680 times, depicts the intertwining stories of characters as they struggle for revolution. The show’s fully re-orchestrated Broadway revival opened in November 2006. See more here.
The Phantom of The Opera (1988)
Based on the novel by Gaston Leroux, this Broadway musical by Andrew Lloyd Webberis is the winner of seven 1988 Tony Awards. This haunting love story is one of the longest running with 8723 shows on Broadway. Get more details here.
Cats (1981)
Running for 18 years on Broadway, this musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber is based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T S Elliot. The musical has been performed on Broadway 6,138 times and has also been made into a video.
A Chorus Line (1975)
This Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical dazzled more than 6 million people during its record-breaking 15-year run on Broadway. A modern classic, A Chorus Line depicts the joy, despair, and triumph of 17 dancers appearing for auditions for a Broadway chorus.
Beauty and the Beast (1994)
Based on the 1991 Disney film of the same name, this musical ran on Broadway for 5,464 performances between 1994 and 2007.
Rent (1996)
This Broadway musical presents the story of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive in New York’s Lower East Side while being in the shadow of AIDS. This musical ran for 12 years.
Chicago (1996 revival)
One of the most successful international musicals, Chicago is an enticing tale of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery, and treachery.
The Lion King (1997)
Based on the 1994 Disney film, the Lion King was directed the Julie Taymor with music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice. Read the details here.
Miss Saigon (1989)
A West End musical Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil, with lyrics by Boublil and Richard Maltby. This Broadway musical has had 4,092 performances.
Mamma Mia (2001)
Mamma Mia! is a jukebox musical by British playwright Catherine Johnson. Based on the songs of ABBA, the play has had over 3000 screenings.
Some other musicals that have created history with excellent performances by actors and moving music include 42nd Street (1980), Grease (1972), Jesus Christ Superstar (1971), Me and My Girl (1983), Fiddler on the Roof (1964), Evita (1978), Hello Dolly (1964), My Fair Lady (1956), The Producers (2001) and Hairspray (2002). In addition to these shows, several other Broadway musicals have been liked and admired by theatre lovers.
With all the great Broadway show reviews it seems so many shows and so little time which seems to be a common problem for anyone heading to New York City. A site with great reviews helps spare some time and make sure that the perfect journey to Broadway is fulfilling. With so much to do in the city one can be overwhelmed but taking on at least one Broadway show must be done. These days it is difficult to go wrong on Broadway because there are some amazing plays and musicals to choose from.
We keep this site up to date on all Broadway show reviews so that finding the perfect show can be quickly and easily researched. Keeping on top of Broadway can be daunting as new shows come and old shows leave all the time. Leave all the research to us and enjoy a one-stop cyber spot to see all the theater happenings in New York City.
Of course, the big productions such as Wicked and The Lion King get a lot of attention but there are always great original musicals and plays as well. Many times, it is the smaller shows in which theatergoers fall in love and that bring Broadway to life. Whether it is a family musical, classic revival, or new original play you want to see the reviews and information, as well as news, will be on this site.
Getting great Broadway show reviews may be the easy part, but getting Broadway tickets for high-demand shows can be bewildering and costly. There are plenty of great articles to help find discounted tickets and local secrets for finding tickets to even a sold-out performance. All options are covered, from the box office to the secondary market. Take advantage of the ticket-buying guide articles within the article’s section of the site.
There is consistently a list of Broadway shows that must be seen and that rings true today. With a renowned diversity of shows available from dramatic plays to classical musical revivals, The Great White Way is as good as ever. The economy has kept the theatres from being filled as years passed but this only provides better ticket deals. Here is a look at some of the most popular musicals now playing.
1) Wicked – The Stephen Schwartz music really transforms the audience, and the story will remain with you long after departing from the theater. Based on the “Wizard of Oz” but well before Dorothy ever enters the picture. The musical never gripped critics as much as it has audiences and fans, but the production has been the most sought-after ticket for years now. The storyline focuses on the two witches of the original Oz and tells of their childhood friendship. It goes on to reveal the contrasts between them. A huge financial accomplishment for Broadway and for anyone who has not seen the show, it is not to be missed. Memorable songs include “Defying Gravity,” “For Good,” “Popular,” and “The Wizard and I”.
2) Billy Elliot – A massive success in London’s West End theater scene the musical came to Broadway and even did better. In the creative movie of the same name, the story tells a heartwarming tale of a young boy who longs to do something different with his life. To gain the reverence of his father along the way. Elton John’s music and some amazing choreography bring the show to life on stage and the production had a huge night at the Tony Awards winning Best Musical. Tony’s had made the show very popular, and tickets are one of the toughest to obtain, a sure winner for the list of Broadway shows.
3) South Pacific – A much-anticipated revival when it first came to Broadway and probably still one of the best on Broadway. Considered a real classic morsel of American theater for its delivery of a dramatic storyline alongside comedy. The astonishing stories that such Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein present come with melodic musical scores that only add to what makes this style show an impeccable fit for the stage. The musical won the 2008 Tony Award for Best Revival and audiences have been relishing the show night after night. Noteworthy songs include “Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair,” “Some Enchanted Evening,” “Bali Hai”.
4) West Side Story – Another classic piece of American theater and a huge influence on dance and choreography still to this day. Revival is sure to make any top list of Broadway shows and after three decades it has returned with great reception. It is wandering off a bit from the original in an attempt to be fresher for today’s time, adding an edge to capture today’s generation with its groundbreaking story of love and triumph. The same award-winning team of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim will be behind the musical score.
5) Rock Of Ages – On a lighter note the list of Broadway shows to be seen is “Rock Of Ages”, not a classic or an anticipated revival from the Golden years but getting attention less. A fun rock musical bringing back the songs of the 1980s and placing them right in the heart of Broadway at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre. It includes all of what the 1980s brought to pop culture including enormous hair, loud guitars, and all the legendary rock ballads of the era. Rock of Ages was written by Chris D’Arienzo and made its world premiere in Los Angeles at the Vanguard before moving off-Broadway in October 2008 where it had a successful run. Now the show has made it to Broadway and provides a really entertaining time, especially for those who grew up in and love excessive time.
There are always great shows playing on Broadway and this list of Broadway shows is a great primer. If you want to see some of the most sought-after shows now playing in New York City, then this is a pretty good synopsis. Seats and ticket prices are available for even the most popular productions as the economy has been reducing demand so that means a night out in New York City is more affordable than ever.
Top Ten New York Broadway Plays and Musicals
Each of the plays and shows mentioned below is a stunning experience that you would not forget for years together:
Wicked: One of the most popular mega-hits of all time. The play is a musical that features the famous Wizard of Oz. Its magic lies in the way the story depicts the tale of friendship and love. Wicked is now touring the US again. So, if you wish to catch this timeless classic, book your tickets now.
Tarzan: Another entry into the most popular New York Broadway Shows. This relatively new show is a story of a small baby called Tarzan. He is raised by gorillas till he meets Jane. The story proceeds when Tarzan encounters humans and has to make a choice between his two heritages.
The Lion King: Another Disney movie adapted for a theater performance. This musical is about Simba, the lion cub. The play is enacted brilliantly by child actors. It reveals the journey of Simba from his childhood to adulthood to finally accepting his post as a King.
The Phantom of the Opera: A timeless classic musical that is running strong to date. The show has played in 22 countries and 113 cities. It has witnessed an audience numbering more than 10 million. The play is also the longest-running play in the history of New York Broadway Shows.
Les Misérables: This is a musical based on a classic novel. The story is a tale of obsession and liberation. The play originally ran for over 16 years and has opened again to cast its magic once more.
Spamalot: The play is based on the legendary Holy Grail and Monty Python. It features King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. If you are an ardent fan of Monty Python’s television series, then this play is a must-see for you.
Chicago the Musical: This is a story about a murder trial. A must-watch for all theatergoers who wish to witness some iconic performances.
Jersey Boys: The play is about four boys who rise from rags to riches. It is again a musical and is currently touring America. To watch this unexpectedly popular show, book your tickets now.
Mamma Mia: This is also a musical that is built around the 1970s. The play is about ABBA music and has an engaging storyline to it that would leave you asking for more.
Rent: A hit musical that explores the world of disease, poverty, and drugs in New York. It can be rightly called the modern rock version of the classic Italian opera ‘La Boheme’.
If you are touring New York City, you might want to know where to purchase a Broadway NYC theater ticket from. The best place to purchase the tickets is online. The Internet has made things so easy that it is now possible for people to book tickets for shows held at faraway places from the convenience of their homes. If you are in California and you intend to visit the Big Apple, you can book the tickets in advance for your favorite show on Broadway right from your home!
Purchasing Tickets to Broadway Shows
There are several ways in which you can purchase a Broadway NYC theater ticket. The regular method is to use the services of an authorized ticket broker. Make sure that the broker is registered and that he has no complaints lodged against him at the Better Bureau of Business. Authorized ticket brokers operate websites online that are simple and easy to use. The websites offer a list of shows currently running on Broadway as well as a list of off-Broadway shows.
Reviews of the programs are also posted to give an idea of what to expect from a particular presentation. This comes in handy if you wish to include children in the shows as some shows are inappropriate for kids under 16 years of age. Most theaters do not permit children under 4 years of age inside the hall. The various kinds of tickets are available with their respective rate lists. The websites also give the visitors the facility to select their seats based on the seating arrangement of the venue of the shows. You can purchase tickets in advance or even get tickets for “sold-out events”. Online authorized ticket brokers have a huge selection of tickets for a customer to choose from. The buyers can make the payment online by using credit cards. The websites are secured using encrypted servers and are safe for using credit cards.
You can get a Broadway NYC theater ticket from other sources too, but they are definitely not as convenient as an authorized online ticket broker.
You can get day-of-the-performance tickets from the box office itself if you do not mind standing in a long queue and waiting for a couple of hours. You can also wait at the venue hoping someone will offer you tickets that have been canceled at the last minute. TKTS booths also offer discounted day-of-the-performance tickets. Credit cards are not accepted at TKTS booths and there is no guarantee that you will secure the tickets for the show that you want to watch. Tickets are offered at discounts ranging from 25-75% on their face value. Some theaters offer special lottery tickets a few hours before the show enabling people to get good seats at cheap rates.
Some viewers do not mind getting “standing room only” tickets that can be purchased at the box office. These tickets cost around $25-$30 and are available only when all the tickets have been sold out.
For adults, there are always great plays at any given time. There are consistently large productions that include Hollywood actors as well as lesser-known shows that many adore. Spend the time to learn about each production and determine what style of a show would make for a great night out. You may not want to limit yourself just to Broadway and if looking forward to saving money, there is always great play Off-Broadway as well. With a little time, you may be able to see a great lesser-known Off-Broadway production that ultimately is so great that it earns its way onto Broadway.
