It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve been to New York, whether it’s your first time or your 100th time in the city, Broadway will always remain one of the greatest places to visit.
There, you can be transported to other worlds, get lost in love stories and sing your heart out to some of the greatest musicals of all time.
Best of all, there are so many productions to choose from that you will always find something you love. And these are always changing, month to month, so you can discover something new with every visit.
As Broadway gears up for an exciting year, the lineup for 2023 includes a range of must-see musicals that promise to captivate audiences. Among the talented performers making their mark on the stage is Joe Tapper, whose noteworthy contributions to theater have not gone unnoticed.
So, if you’re heading to the big apple any time soon, here are nine must-see Broadway musicals for you to choose from in 2023.
Story Stages
1. Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Let’s kick things off with a can-can. That’s right, it’s the critically acclaimed stage adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge!, showing this year at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre.
Set in Paris at the turn of the 20th century, this musical is all about grandeur, excess, bright lights, dancing, and of course, singing.
A story of two star-crossed lovers, composer Christian and popular songstress Satine must navigate their way in a world where bohemians and aristocrats live side by side, and where the champagne never stops flowing.
The incredible soundtrack is a medley of 21st-century pop songs in a truly timeless love story doomed to end in tragedy.
2. MJ the Musical
Showing at the Neil Simon Theatre, MJ the Musical is one for the Michael Jackson fans (or any musical fanatic who loves to sing along to a good bop, really).
In this peak behind the curtain, Michael’s creative process and songwriting genius take centre stage as you find out more about the man behind the moonwalk and his incredible career.
Along the way, you can put your vocal cords to the test as the show includes more than 25 of the artist’s most famous hits, with belters such as Beat It, Billie Jean, Earth Song, Thriller, and Smooth Criminal all featuring.
3. Sweeney Todd
This year, the demon barber has found his way back to the stage at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.
This classic tale of horror is set in Victorian London, and this glorious but gory musical features stars Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford.
Join them as you follow the journey of Sweeney Todd, an ex-con who strikes up an unlikely partnership with Mrs Lovett. Together, the pair serve up some expected pies, as well as some classic hits.
This vengeful musical is sure to have you singing along… and holding on to your necks.
4. Bad Cinderella
This year, fall in love with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s unconventional new fairy tale, Bad Cinderella. Set in a town where everyone is obsessed with beauty and grace, an unruly and unpleasant peasant, Cinderella is causing quite a stir among the locals.
Having only premiered in the West End in 2021, this fun and fresh musical is certainly one to add to your bucket list.
So get on down to the Imperial Theatre for new songs, a few laughs and Cinderella like you’ve never seen her before.
5. Funny Girl
Funny girl is a musical icon that originally opened on Broadway back in 1964, and this award-winning show will be returning to the stage this year at the August Wilson Theatre.
A bittersweet comedy about a music hall singer turned Broadway star, Lea Michelle stars as the lead, Fanny Brice, alongside Les Misérables star, Ramin Karimloo.
Loosely based on the real Fanny Brice, this show is sure to have you laughing and singing along to some of the theatre’s best-loved hits.
6. SIX the Musical
SIX is a smash-hit British musical that has turned an already exciting period of history into a pop-fuelled sensation.
This year, join the Queens of centre stage as each of Henry VIII’s wives will have their chance to tell their story. The show includes a jukebox of catchy songs, such as ‘Don’t Lose Your Head’ and ‘Get Down’, as well as a roster of hits from the likes of Beyoncé, Ariana Grande and Lily Allen.
Playing at the Lena Horne Theatre, SIX brings history to life in a show of irresistible tunes and feminist charm.
7. Kimberly Akimbo
Kimberly Akimbo is a new musical brought to you by Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire and Tony Award winner Jeanine Tesori.
The story follows Kimberly, a Jersey teenager with an ageing disease that leaves her looking like a 72-year-old woman. But despite her looks, her disease is the least of her worries as family secrets, and borderline personalities come to light in a smart and moving comedy.
Having won an award for ‘Best Musical’ Off-Broadway, the show is making its way to the big stage at the Booth Theatre this year.
8. A Beautiful Noise
If MJ isn’t your thing, no worries! Perhaps Neil Diamond is more your style?
A Beautiful Noise is coming to the Broadhurst Theatre in 2023 to share with you the story of Neil Diamond and his impressive career spanning decades.
And you know what that means, a whole host of chart-topping songs, including ‘Sweet Caroline’, ‘America’ and ‘Cracklin’ Rosie’, among some of Diamond’s other greatest hits.
It’s true; good times have never felt so good with this unique, heart-warming musical, brought to you by an award-winning cast and production team that includes Anthony McCarten, Michael Mayer and Steven Hoggett.
9. The Book of Mormon Tickets
In true theatre style, let’s end this list with a bang. This year, The Book of Mormon will show at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre, a hilarious hit comedy brought to you by the creators of South Park and Avenue Q.
The story follows a misfortunate missionary and his hapless partner who are sent to a remote Ugandan village to try and convert the locals.
Yes, it really is as whacky as it sounds.
Featuring songs like ‘Baptise me’ and ‘I believe’, this satirical masterpiece is one you’ll want to see time and time again.
