Entertainment
7 Reasons Why Now Is The Absolute Best Time To See A Broadway Show
It’s as exciting as ever.
Besides eating bagels, strolls in Central Park, and riding the subway, catching a Broadway show is a quintessential New York City rite of passage. And in 2024, the theatre is more exciting — and more within reach — than ever before.
Whether you’re a city dweller who rarely makes it to Midtown, a visitor who’s on the fence about making room in your itinerary, or a never-been dreaming of your first trip, here are seven reasons why it’s a better time than ever to give your regards to Broadway.
1. You’ll Be Struck By The Singular Experience That Is Live Theatre
Turning on the TV doesn’t even begin to compete with the enchanted hush that comes over the theatre when the lights dim — let alone the electric energy exchange that occurs between the performers and the audience in real-time. Plus, in an era marked by remote work and lots of time spent on your phone, you get the opportunity to engage in a collective, emotional experience, whether you’re being awestricken by rows of tap dancers while seeing a classic adaptation like The Great Gatsby, witnessing an exploration of friendship and personal reinvention in a play like The Roommate, or treating yourself to the legendarily great Chicago.
2. It’s Easier Than Ever To Score Tickets — & They Don’t Have To Cost A Lot
A 2024 poll found that Gen Zers routinely had the impression that Broadway show tickets cost 50% more than they actually do. Fortunately, seeing a show is within closer reach than many of us might think (regardless of generational status) and buying them is a simple process, too.
The digital app TodayTix is one foolproof method for getting New York theatre tickets without any hassle (as well as tickets to shows throughout North America). It’s well worth downloading the app and joining the platform’s new rewards program (it’s free). Members of the tier-dependent program get additional benefits, like 10% off automatically, surprise seat upgrades on eligible orders, and access to week-of deals that can drop prices by up to 50%. (Of course, like any rewards program, all benefits are subject to the TodayTix Rewards terms and conditions.)
3. The Shows Are More Creative & Groundbreaking Than Ever
When you hear “Broadway,” you might automatically think of the classics, like Les Miserables and Carousel, but today’s offerings are even more wide-ranging (no shade to those shows — they’re some of the best Broadway musicals of all time). Illinoise has turned indie musician Sufjan Stevens’ seminal 2005 album into a dance-forward musical, replete with Tony award-winning choreography and heart-squeezing themes. And Oh, Mary, written by and starring Cole Escola (Search Party, At Home With Amy Sedaris) brings delightfully irreverent cabaret comedy to the stage (read: Mary Todd Lincoln as a booze-loving, stagestruck First Lady — no, it’s not historically accurate). Shows come and go, but you can expect to see a variety of new creations that are working outside the norm. (And don’t worry — you can always catch the classics, too, if that’s more your speed.)
4. You Get A Chance To Escape From Daily Life... & Your Phone
A darkened theatre leaves no room for you to check texts, get newsalerts, or mindlessly scroll TikTok — if that’s not reason enough, I don’t know what is.
5. You Don’t Have To Dress Up... But You Can
If you’re wondering what to wear to a Broadway show, the answer is: anything. There’s no Broadway dress code, so your jeans and sneakers work just fine (perfect if you don’t want to make a pit stop to change outfits between The Met and the play). Of course, if you’re a born sartorialist, it’s a first-rate excuse to go all out and make a fashion statement.
6. You Might See A Celebrity IRL
Broadway attracts top talent from all over the country, which means you might see some of your favorite actors right there on the stage in front of you — like Sutton Foster (Younger) in shows like Once Upon A Mattress. But don’t just set your sights on familiar Hollywood faces — prepare to be blown away by up-and-comers you’re sure to hear about for years to come. (Sarah Jessica Parker and Natalie Portman are just two examples of A-listers who spent their early years on Broadway.)
7. Trying Something New Makes Time Slow Down
Does it feel like time is speeding up these days? Researchers have discovered one easy way to make it slow down: Try something new. It turns out, the passage of time feels stretched out when your brain is busy gathering new information. So if you feel like the days are adding up to a blur, seeing a new show is a reliable way to stop and smell the roses.
Not in New York any time soon? See what’s playing near you.
If Broadway isn’t in the cards at the moment, you can still get the live theatre experience in whatever town you’re in — and reap all the above benefits (except for, perhaps, the lack of dress code). Check out TodayTix to see what shows are playing in your area.
