Whether you are a theater fan or not, it is no secret that Broadway is the heart of New York City. From legendary classics like The Phantom of the Opera and Into the Woods, to newly beloved musicals such as The Notebook and Shucked, each show has had an incredible impact on Broadway as a whole. There is no doubt that Broadway’s current season will go down in history as well.
Today I will be reviewing my picks for the top five best musicals that are currently playing on Broadway. From musical scores to overall performance, these reviews will cover everything you need to know before your next visit to the lights of Broadway.
- Chess
After the debut of Chess flopped at its opening in 1988, this first ever revival of the musical aims to change that. With an epic score written by Benny Anderson and Björn Ulvaeus of the Swedish pop group ABBA, Chess tells the true story of the world chess championship that took place at the height of Cold War tensions. An American, Freddie (played by the legendary Aaron Tveit), and a Russian, Anatoly (Nicholas Christopher), are bent under the weight of their pressures, their own drama, and their shared love for the brilliant chess strategist Florence (played by the dazzling Lea Michelle).
Although the script was revamped for this new revival, the music remains the heart of the show. Chess is truly driven by the star power of Tveit, Christopher, and Michelle. Their performances are unmatched, and each of their voices carry such power that even the not-so-great plot can be overlooked. Adam Schelker saw this show over Spring Break, and he was blown away by the cast:
“I loved the star-studded cast, and the 80s style music stayed in my head for weeks after. It is a very comedic show and it was really fun to watch.”
The ensemble is another wow factor of the show. With barely any time off stage, their presence brings an unstoppable energy to every scene. The choreography and overall staging is unlike any past production of Chess, and it brings a fresh feeling to the musical.
However, with the many changes, the overall plot is often lost in the midst of the spectacle. The script still lacks consistent storytelling and can be very difficult to follow.
Regardless, Chess is a star packed show that you do not want to miss. Its catchy tunes, incredibly impressive vocals, and dancing make it a spectacle that will go down in history.
- Operation Mincemeat
Operation Mincemeat has defied the odds by making it to Broadway, and it is no doubt the funniest show on the market. The show follows the unbelievably true story about a British deception operation to confuse Nazis in World War II. The mission was this: dressing a corpse in the clothing of a British officer and setting it adrift on the coast of Spain in hopes to trick Hitler into shifting troops away from Sicily. It is a truly fascinating story and yes, it is as crazy as it sounds.
The show is extremely impressive with only 5 actors playing 87 different characters, and each punch line leaves the audience rolling with laughter. Despite its small cast, the show has become a classic, big, brassy Broadway experience. And that is what it truly is: an experience.
My only critique: there is not much melodic contrast between the music. Each big song kind of sounds the same, and it does not bring much to the score.
Operation Mincemeat shows Broadway what humor really is. However, humor is not all that this show has to offer. You will be surprised how much heart is in this production as well. It is an emotional roller coaster that is 100% worth the ride.
- The Outsiders
The Outsiders won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2024, and for good reason. I mean, real rain on stage, a score unique to any other, and an emotional story that has already shaped generations? Say no more.
Based on another iconic novel, the story follows Ponyboy and his friends as they navigate life as greasers in Tulsa 1967, and challenge the norms of the society they live in. Packed with the meaningful message of staying gold, each performance touches the hearts of the audience and leaves them wishing for more.
On a technical note, the visual aspect of this show is unlike anything Broadway has ever seen. With simple yet extremely unique scene changes, The Outsiders is seamless and will never allow you any time to be bored during the performance. Each scene leads perfectly into each song with no obvious filler lines, a problem that many Broadway shows run into.
The Outsiders score is another unique part of the show, and truly proves that less is more. Written by Jamestown Revival, the songs feel acoustic and unplugged, with three part harmonies and choral parts that take them to the next level.
Overall, the cast of The Outsiders bring raw and real emotion to the stage. You are not just watching the plot points happening in front of you — you are feeling each thing along with the characters. The show is a unique and must see experience as it continues to gain popularity and love from New York and beyond.
- Maybe Happy Ending
Another Tony Award winner, Maybe Happy Ending, has had theater fans in the palm of its hand since its opening last season. This wholesome story follows two retired human-like helper bots as they form an unexpected yet strong connection. The show explores what it means to be human, but it does so in the eyes of a robot. The themes of love, true connection, and identity are strong and will stay with you long after the show ends.
Unlike most shows on Broadway right now, Maybe Happy Ending chooses emotion over extravagance. It is simple, yes, but it brings an overwhelming charm and warmth to the theatre, and its fresh concept is unique and heartwarming. It is a pleasant surprise to see how much an audience can learn about humanity from a story about robots.
Maybe Happy Ending is moving and adorable, yet it has so much that the audience can learn from. Overall, the journey that Maybe Happy Ending brings you on is inspiring. It is a must see for anyone who appreciates good Broadway.
- Ragtime
To no one’s surprise, Ragtime takes the cake for #1 show on Broadway right now. The revival of this 1996 musical is nothing short of magical. The story revolves around three distinct groups of people in the 1900s: well-off white Mother (the astonishing Cassie Levy), Jewish immigrant Tate (Brandon Uranowitz), and Black musician Coalhouse Walker Jr. (Joshua Henry). Performed simplistically yet emotionally, Ragtime is a breathtaking and relevant tribute to the importance of justice and hope, heavily reflecting America’s social and cultural upsets.
The scenic design of this show is simplistic and practically bare, meaning the show focuses on what really matters: the story. The performances of Cassie, Brandon, and Joshua alone are masterclasses in how to tell a good story, and truly ground the show. Each note they sing and word they say is specific and packed with real meaning.
With one of the greatest scores in the history of musical theater, Ragtime leaves each audience member with tears in their eyes. Iconic numbers such as “Wheels of a Dream” and “New Music” move the story forward in a perfect way, and haunt the audience throughout the rest of the show. Ginger Cox attended Ragtime this February, and had this to say about the performance:
“I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. It was so beautiful, the message was so important and pertains to what’s going on in our current political atmosphere. It was unlike anything I have ever seen.”
Ragtime is a megamusical that is urgent and checks on the current status of the “American Dream.” This show is a force to be reckoned with, and it would be a shame to miss it before it ends its run on August 2nd.
Broadway is ever changing, but one thing is for sure: it sets the standard that influences the way that people see the world. The works performed foster empathy and social change, and often express the things that people are too scared to say on their own. It inspires and it tells stories that define generations. In the end, Broadway does not only reflect the world – it shapes it. And by attending a Broadway show, you can be a part of that change too.
