Best Broadway Shows 2026: Top 10 Must-See Plays and Musicals

Located in Manhattan, NYC, the magic of Broadway attracts millions of visitors, actors, and theater lovers worldwide, all hoping to experience an iconic or currently popular musical number in one of the world's greatest cities. Everything is always changing on Broadway, and below, we will detail and display exactly why you don't want to miss it.

How to Get Broadway Shows Tickets?

You can search for shows on Broadway.org or BroadwayDirect.com. If you're already in New York, buying tickets directly at the theater entrance will waive the online service fee of approximately $10-$15 per ticket. Alternatively, you can preview the ticketing options on trip.com for classics, musicals, or plays and more with better deals.

Top 10 Broadway Shows to See in 2026

Here are 10 highly-anticipated Broadway productions that premiered specifically in 2026.

This list highlights the newest hits and star-studded limited engagements currently defining the 2026 Broadway season.

#1 Schmigadoon!

Schmigadoon! | Credit: PureWow

It's one of the hottest new Broadway shows of 2026. Just a few days ago (early May 2026), the show received 12 Tony Award nominations.

It's adapted from the hit Apple TV+ series of the same name. The story follows a doctor couple living in modern-day New York who, in an effort to salvage their strained relationship, go on a forest hiking trip. They accidentally cross a mysterious stone bridge and enter a magical town called Schmigadoon.

Performance Information Update

• Theater: Nederlander Theatre
• Duration: ~ 2 hours 30 minutes (with intermission)

Latest News: Due to overwhelmingly positive reviews and multiple Tony Award nominations, the production team has just announced an extension of the run, originally scheduled to end in September 2026, to January 3, 2027.

👉 Primary seller: BroadwayDirect.com

#2 The Lost Boys

The Lost Boys | Credit: Out Magazine

If you enjoy rock music and vampire themes, then you absolutely cannot miss the 2026 Broadway production of *The Lost Boys*. This musical is an adaptation of the classic 1987 horror-comedy film of the same name.

Compared to traditional musicals, its musical style leans more towards 80s pop-rock. The production utilizes wire work to create a stunning "vampire flight" effect on stage.

Performance Information

• Theater: Palace Theatre
• Running Time: ~ 2 hours and 20 minutes (with intermission)
• Genre Tags: Rock, Dark Humor, 80s Nostalgia, Visual Effects Blockbuster

👉 Primary seller: BroadwayDirect.com

#3 Every Brilliant Thing

Every Brilliant Thing | Credit: New York Theatre Guide

This play, starring Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), is a heartwarming and therapeutic surprise for Broadway in 2026. It's not a traditional stage play, but a highly interactive one-man show. It has been postponed to June 28, 2026.

2026 Viewing Information (Important)

• Theater: Hudson Theatre (located on 44th Street).
• Running Time: ~ 85 minutes (no intermission)
• Age Recommendation: Although it explores depression and suicide, the underlying tone is very positive and humorous. Officially recommended for ages 12 and up.

👉 Primary seller: BroadwayDirect.com

#4 Dog Day Afternoon

Dog Day Afternoon | Credit: The New York Times

This play is adapted from a real bank robbery that occurred in Brooklyn, New York in 1972. Since its premiere in March 2026, it has been widely praised by the media as an "adrenaline-pumping live experience."

2026 Audience Guide (Latest)

• Theater: August Wilson Theatre (located on 52nd Street).
• Performance Dates: Premiering March 10, 2026, originally scheduled to end at the end of June, but due to extremely high ticket sales, some ticketing platforms currently show the performance extended to July 12, 2026.
• Running Time: ~ 2 hours and 15 minutes (including intermission)
• Age Recommendation: Recommended for ages 16 and up (contains adult themes and intense emotional fluctuations).

👉 Primary seller: ATG Tickets

#5 Cats: The Jellicle Ball

Cats: The Jellicle Ball | Credit: Perelman Performing Arts Center

The original *Cats* tells the story of a group of cats attending a dance party in a junkyard. The 2026 version, however, completely shifts the setting to the modern Harlem ballroom culture of New York. This production has been hailed by the media as a "revolution of joy" due to its extensive use of LGBTQ+ and people of color artists.

2026 Practical Information

• Theater: Broadhurst Theatre (located on 44th Street).
• Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes (including a 15-minute intermission).
• Review: Critics believe this gives *Cats*, which was previously considered "illogical," emotional resonance and realistic significance.

👉Primary seller: Telecharge

#6 The Fear of 13

The Fear of 13 | Credit: West End

This production stars Oscar-winning actor Adrien Brody (of *The Pianist* fame). Adapted from the documentary of the same name, the play tells the true story of Nick Yarris.

Through extensive monologues, Adrien Brody portrays the character's transformation from an angry petty criminal to a learned, refined, yet deeply tormented individual.

2026 Performance Information (as of May)

• Theater: James Earl Jones Theatre
• Premiere Dates: Previews begin March 19, 2026; Official premiere April 15, 2026.
• Running Time: Approximately 110 minutes (no intermission).

👉 Official ticketing: Telecharge or via Broadway.org

#7 The Rocky Horror Show

The Rocky Horror Show | Credit: Broadway Musical Home

This play is one of the most famous cult classics in film and theater history. The 2026 version stars Hollywood actor Luke Evans (Gaston from *Beauty and the Beast*).

Many audience members wear bodysuits, fishnet stockings, or imitate the costumes from the play to see it; this is one of the most inclusive places in New York.

2026 Practical Information

• Theater: Studio 54 (located on 54th Street).
• Status: Premieres March 26, 2026; official opening April 23, 2026.
• Duration: ~ 2 hours (including intermission)

👉 Official ticketing: Telecharge is the theater's official partner.

#8 Titanique

Titanique | Credit: The New York Times

After a phenomenal three-year run off-Broadway, this show finally premiered on Broadway at the St. James Theatre on March 26, 2026. It garnered impressive nominations at the Tony Awards in May 2026, receiving multiple nominations including Best Musical.

2026 Showtime Information

• Theater: St. James Theatre (246 W. 44th St.). Notably, it's located opposite *Cats: The Jellicle Ball*, making these two shows the "subcultural duo" of Broadway in 2026.
• Schedule: Currently a limited engagement, originally scheduled to run until July, but due to overwhelming positive reviews, it has been extended to September 20, 2026.
• Running Time: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes (no intermission), extremely fast-paced, with jokes so dense they'll leave you breathless.

👉 Official ticketing: BroadwayDirect.com is the official ticketing platform.

#9 Giant

Giant | Credit: Hippodrome Broadway Series

Starring two-time Tony Award winner John Lithgow, the show tells a true and highly controversial story about Roald Dahl, author of *Charlie and the Chocolate Factory* and a renowned children's author.

2026 Audience Guide

• Theater: Music Box Theatre (located on 45th Street).
• Schedule: Previews begin March 11, 2026, with the official premiere on March 23. This is a limited season, currently scheduled to end on June 28, 2026.
• Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes (including intermission).

👉 Official ticketing: Telecharge or BroadwayDirect.com are recommended.

#10 Beaches

Beaches | Credit: New York Theatre Guide

This is a deeply moving musical about female friendship that will have you in tears. Adapted from Iris Rainer Dart's novel of the same name, after years of regional trials and refinement, it will finally premiere on April 22, 2026, at the iconic Majestic Theatre (formerly the Phantom of the Opera Theatre) on Broadway.

2026 Audience Information

• Theater: Majestic Theatre (245 W. 44th St.)
• Premiere Date: April 22, 2026
• Running Time: ~ 2 hours and 30 minutes (including intermission)

👉 Official tickets: Telecharge or via Broadway.org

Useful Tips When Attending a Broadway Show

Attending the best Broadway shows can be an exhilarating experience of a lifetime. However, it is important to keep in mind a few useful tips that'll ensure you enjoy every minute to the fullest.

What are the best seats?

Broadway Show

Typically, the group seats that are closest to the stage are considered the Orchestra. Although these tend to be the most desirable seats, they are also the most expensive.

However, these seats provide incredible views of the stage production and performers, allowing you to immerse fully into everything happening throughout the show.

If you're worried about multiple rows of heads blocking your view, consider sitting in the closer rows of the balcony/mezzanine. They are the most common seats after the Orchestra section but are usually less expensive and still provide great views of the show.

What should I wear?

• If you plan to have dinner at a nearby French or Italian restaurant after the show, dress more like you're going to a "Saturday night party."
• New York theaters are very air-conditioned! Bring a light jacket or shawl. A small shoulder bag or clutch is also recommended.
• Absolutely do not wear a hat to your seat! It will completely block the view of those behind you and could cause a "theater dispute."

What to know about New York City?

Times Square

There are many tips to remember when traveling to the Big Apple. Public transportation (especially the subway) is the most convenient option to reach various New York attractions and is the most inexpensive compared to taxis or limousines if you would like to treat yourself. However, try to plan around rush hour traffic.

When should I visit?

April to June and September to early November are considered the best months to visit New York as the weather is a lot more pleasant, and there are fewer crowds. Traveling during the summer or winter months are also great if you're with your family. However, note that Christmas time is the peak season. Therefore, hotels, restaurants, and attractions will be pricier this time of the year.

Fortunately, Trip.com offers the best flights all year around to New York, helping you experience the city without emptying your pockets.