Broadway Show Reviews
Broadway Show Review - Content, Age Restrictions and Our Broadway Show Recommendations

Broadway tickets can be an expensive, so it's important that before you purchase your Broadway ticket, you know you've picked the right play or musical.
Consult our Broadway reviews guide below to help you determine which Broadway Show is the best choice for your group or family.
In each entry, we list the suggested age provided by the theater, as well as our own show summary and recommendations.
You can purchase Broadway tickets by clicking on the link under the name of each Broadway Show.

	Anything Goes info and tickets for this show
	Summary Sutton Foster stars in this revival of the Cole Porter classic about a cruise ship and the hijinks of its passengers, among them a nightclub singer, a gangster in disguise, stowaways, and other colorful characters. Age Tweens and Up. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation Directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall, this smashing production features some of the most spectacular dancing in town, not to mention memorable tunes like "I Get a Kick Out of You," "Blow, Gabriel, Blow," and the infectious title song. Though it was written and is set in the 1930s, Anything Goes holds up surprisingly well. It's full of laughs and an entertaining -- if silly -- story that includes plenty of romantic shenanigans and goofy gangsterism.
	The Best Man info and tickets for this show
	Summary Two candidates for President of the United States fight for their party's nomination in this 1960 play by Gore Vidal. Age Appropriate 12 +. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation You can't deny the appeal of this high-wattage cast, which includes John Larroquette as a principled presidential candidate, Candice Bergen as his estranged wife, Eric McCormack as his slick opponent, Angela Lansbury as a daffy political consultant, and James Earl Jones (in the production's most charming performance) as a spry former president. Gore Vidal is of course no slouch in the writing department, and The Best Man is a solid play that gives a long, hard, and often funny look at the cost of political ambition. But, purely as drama, it's a bit weak since it's clear right away who's the "good guy" and who's willing to sell his soul to win an election.
	Blue Man Group info and tickets for this show
	Summary Three blue-painted men create music, art, and hilarity in unusual ways in this unique and long-running Off-Broadway show. Age All Ages. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation Blue Man Group brings comedy, multimedia, lighting effects, and interactive elements together to form an original theatrical experience that is unlike anything you've seen before. Because the show mostly employs visuals, music, and action (rather than words), it is great for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
	The Book of Mormon info and tickets for this show
	Summary Young Mormons travel to Uganda to spread the gospel in this new musical by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone in collaboration with Avenue Q's Bobby Lopez. Age Parental advisory: explicit language. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation In true South Park style, The Book of Mormon brings shocking satire to the stage in a good-spirited show that has a big heart. With flawed but well-meaning characters, hilarious and tuneful songs, and a great message about the value of faith, The Book of Mormon is one of the best original musicals to hit Broadway in a long time. But we are not joking when we say that elements of this show are shocking, so be prepared for vulgarity, blasphemy, and sharp satire that graphically addresses the terrible plight of many African people.
	Chicago info and tickets for this show
	Summary Roxie Hart kills her lover and becomes a celebrity in this cynical satire of corruption in the criminal justice system set in 1920s Chicago. Age May be inappropriate for 12 and under. Our Recommendation There is virtually no set in Chicago, so don't go expecting big visuals or bright colors. The appeal of this long-running Broadway revival is the sharp humor, the Bob Fosse-style choreography, and the jazzy tunes by Kander & Ebb (e.g. "All That Jazz"). Skimpy costumes, suggestive dancing, and sassy anti-heroines who murder without remorse make this musical suitable for more mature audiences.
	The Columnist info and tickets for this show
	Summary Influential Washington columnist Joseph Alsop finds that his career in the public eye conflicts with the secrets of his personal life in this drama based on a real-life figure. Age Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation John Lithgow is excellent as usual, here taking on the meaty role of powerful and closeted columnist Joe Alsop. The play itself, written by David Auburn (Proof), is a bit dull, though. The series of vignettes show us Alsop at the height of his powers, basking in the glow of the Kennedys' Camelot, and then his gradual decline during the Johnson administration; all the while letting us peer into his complicated personal life. But none of this is terribly gripping, and, at the end of the day, this plodding biographical tale seems more suited to the page than the stage.
	Death of a Salesman info and tickets for this show
	Summary In this classic Arthur Miller tragedy about the pressures of trying to live the American Dream, a traveling salesman (Philip Seymour Hoffman) watches his seemingly perfect life fall apart for both himself and his family. Age May be inappropriate for ages 10 and under. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation This powerful production serves as an excellent reminder of why this Arthur Miller play is a classic of the American stage. Though he is technically too young for the part of fading 60-year old salesman Willy Loman, Philip Seymour Hoffman still delivers an indelible and heartbreaking performance as a man whose desire to attain the so-called American Dream of status and wealth has left both he and his sons (impressively played by Andrew Garfield and Finn Wittrock) perpetually dissatisifed.
	Ghost info and tickets for this show
	Summary After being murdered on the street, Sam turns into a ghost. Trapped between this world and the next, he enlists the help of a phony psychic to communicate with his girlfriend, Molly. Age Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation The 1990 hit film was hardly crying out to be turned into a musical, and the cynical attempt to cash in on the movie's name recognition is a bit irritating. Not to mention the constant use of screens and video footage, making it seem like this show was meant to be theater for people who don't actually like theater. However, that doesn't change the fact that Ghost the Musical features some truly stunning stage effects (created by Paul Kieve) that are nearly worth the ticket price alone. Director Matthew Warchus also does a nice job of keeping the show moving at a good pace, and the contemporary pop-rock score (punctuated by the obligatory gospel numbers for the African-American cast members) features a few solid numbers.
	Godspell info and tickets for this show
	Summary In this musical based on the Gospel According to Matthew, the teachings of Jesus Christ are celebrated through songs that are joyful, haunting, and full of humor. Age Appropriate 4+. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation Directed with ingenuity by Daniel Goldstein and choreographed by Christopher Gattelli, this highly exuberant production injects the 1971 musical by John-Michael Tebelak and Stephen Schwartz with non-stop energy, color, and a steady stream of modern pop-culture references. Though Godspell seems longer than necessary (the show moves through so many parables so quickly that it can be all too easy to miss the point), the winning cast and Schwartz's marvelous, tuneful score keep most of the audience grinning from ear to ear.
	How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying info and tickets for this show
	Summary Ambitious window washer J. Pierrepont Finch (Nick Jonas) consults a manual called How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and uses it to quickly climb his way up the corporate ladder. Age Tweens and Up. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation Jonas Brothers fans may be flocking to this production solely to see their favorite pop idol, but they'll be pleased to find that the entire show impresses in this joyful, colorful, and energetic production under the able direction of Rob Ashford.
	Jersey Boys info and tickets for this show
	Summary This biographical Broadway musical tells the story of how a group of tough young guys from Jersey became internationally renowned hit makers Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Age May be inappropriate for 12 and under. (Strong language.) Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation Jersey Boys is a smartly-written play about four men chasing after -- and dealing with the pitfalls of -- fame and an unforgettable concert rolled into one. Wonderfully sung and staged versions of all the Frankie Valli/Four Seasons hits are here, from "Walk Like a Man" to "Can't Take My Eyes Off You".
	Jesus Christ Superstar info and tickets for this show
	Summary The final days of Jesus Christ, from the time that he arrives in Jerusalem to his crucifixion, are the subject of this Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice rock musical that focuses on Jesus' celebrity and his relationships with Mary Magdalene and Judas Iscariot. Age Tween and Up. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation Under the direction of Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys), this no-frills production of one of the earliest rock musicals moves along at a good pace as the story of Jesus Christ's last days unfold. Although Lloyd Webber and Rice seldom delve very deeply into the many themes in this oft-told story, their central focus on Judas's skepticism of Jesus' divinity and Mary's complicated love for him is intriguing. McAnuff does a particularly good job of staging the final scenes, powerfully depicting the crucifixion and featuring Judas' rendition of the memorable title song. As Jesus and Judas, respectively, Paul Nolan and Josh Young deliver impressive scream-rock vocals without sacrificing vocal clarity or becoming self-indulgent, and they are surrounded by a strong ensemble of singers and dancers.
	The Lion King info and tickets for this show
	Summary Based on the Disney animated feature, The Lion King is about Simba, a young lion who flees his home after being convinced that he was responsible for his father's death. Age Disney recommends its productions for ages 6 and up. Our Recommendation Though some aspects of this Broadway adaptation of the movie still seem a bit too cartoon-y, the new African-inspired music and director/designer Julie Taymor's breathtaking puppetry and stage effects make The Lion King Disney's most innovative and theatrical show so far.
	The Lyons info and tickets for this show
	Summary As the head of the Lyons family lays dying in his sick bed, his wife gathers their children around him to say goodbye. Age May be inappropriate for 13 and under. (Strong language.) Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation Playwright Nicky Silver specializes in dark comedy, so you better come to The Lyons prepared to laugh at people's pain and mortality. In her Tony-nominated star turn, Linda Lavin is (miraculously) both callous and likable as the matriarch of a family full of unpleasant people - specifically, her terminally ill husband and her downright pathetic adult son and daughter. Silver keeps the audience laughing throughout the evening, and, by the end, he's nudged all four troubled souls a little bit closer to happiness.
	Mamma Mia! info and tickets for this show
	Summary Set in the Greek isles, Mamma Mia incorporates 23 tunes by pop group ABBA into its story about soon-to-married Sophie, her free-spirited single mom Donna, and three men from Donna's past -- one of whom, Sophie hopes to discover, is her father. Age May be appropriate for ages 4 and older.  Our Recommendation Mamma Mia has become a worldwide smash since its London debut in 1999, and its biggest fans are usually the middle-aged crowd who fondly remember the disco days of ABBA. Women in particular enjoy watching fun-loving Donna and her two best friends reminiscing about their youth, when they were in a singing trio. Since the plot is a bit thin and the tone decidedly silly, the upbeat Mamma Mia is best appreciated as a big Broadway-style ABBA concert.
	Mary Poppins info and tickets for this show
	Summary A very unusual nanny helps two children connect with their distant parents, and she shows them a bit of magic along the way. Based on the P.L. Travers stories and the Disney film. Age Disney recommends its productions for ages 6 and up. Our Recommendation Fans of the books will be happy to see that this adaptation includes characters and adventures the film left out. Fans of the film may miss its simplicity (and a few of the songs). But everyone is sure to appreciate the excellent cast and impressive sets. Be aware that there are a few darker moments in the show that might scare smaller kids.
	Memphis info and tickets for this show
	Summary Inspired by the real-life story of a 1950s rock 'n' roll deejay, Memphis is about the man who brought black music to white listeners in the segregated South. Age May be inappropriate for 9 and under. (The show includes a depiction of violence against one of the lead characters.) Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation Memphis boasts one of Broadway's most dynamic characters, Huey Calhoun, a guy who is going nowhere until his love of "race music" - combined with his brash style and quick wit - makes him the most popular radio personality in town. Both his ego and his refusal to acknowledge the barriers of a racist society threaten his relationship with a black singer. Though David Bryan's score is not nearly as strong as the real rock 'n' roll and blues music of that era, it is enjoyable and includes some standout songs; Joe DiPietro's book, with the exception of a few predictably cheesy moments, is generally smart, funny, and well-constructed; Christopher Ashley's direction is superb. Overall this is an exciting original Broadway musical with a good look, a hot band, an engaging story, and an excellent cast of performers to bring it to life.
	Million Dollar Quartet info and tickets for this show
	Summary This new Broadway musical dramatizes a legendary jam session held on December 4, 1956, when Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash all happened to be at the Sun Records recording studio at the same time. Age Tweens and Up. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation Anyone familiar with the recordings that survive from this session, which are largely made up of spirituals and traditional songs, will realize that Million Dollar Quartet is lacking in historical veracity. The show bends over backwards to find excuses to have the four men play some of their most famous tunes, like "Blue Suede Shoes," "Folsom Prison Blues," and "Great Balls of Fire". But even if the musical's narrative feels forced, the fact is that Million Dollar Quartet features some of rock 'n' roll's greatest tunes played and sung live by a phenomenally talented cast.
	Newsies info and tickets for this show
	Summary In 1899, New York City newsboys go on strike in this stage adaptation of the cult-favorite Disney movie musical. Age Appropriate 4+. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation It took 20 years, but the flop-turned-cult hit movie Newsies is finally on Broadway. Stirring ensemble numbers like "Carrying the Banner," "The World Will Know," and "Seize the Day" (the score is penned by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman) are as good as ever, and all the more exciting in a live setting with an energetic cast of talented young singer-dancers. Several new songs (most of which are fine if not remarkable on first hearing) have been added to fill out the show, many existing songs have had lyric changes, and there are a number of plot and character alterations. While not all of the changes seem necessary, most serve the story fairly well. Newsies is not without weaknesses, but overall it is an enjoyable and inspiring real-life tale with phenomenal dancing and great songs -- a perfect musical for the whole family.
	Nice Work If You Can Get It info and tickets for this show
	Summary Matthew Broderick stars in this new musical about a playboy who gets mixed up with a trio of bootleggers; the songs of George and Ira Gershwin make up the tuneful score. Age Family show. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation While it is certainly not high art, Nice Work If You Can Get It does provide a truly giddy evening in the theater. Wacky characters, farcical shenanigans, and timeless Gershwin tunes combine to create a raucous, silly crowdpleaser. Kathleen Marshall directs with ingenuity and genuine showmanship, and Joe DiPietro provides the sometimes witty, often goofy book that manages to make this period piece feel contemporary. The cast is excellent across the board, with extra credit going to Judy Kaye as a prohibition activist, Chris Sullivan as a dumb bootlegger in love, and star Matthew Broderick. Broderick plays his wealthy playboy character as though the fellow always has his head in the clouds, or is always just a little bit drunk - either way, it's a hilarious performance.
	Once info and tickets for this show
	Summary When an Irish street performer meets a Czech immigrant, they develop an unexpected friendship and fruitful musical collaboration in this beautiful and complicated love story. Age (Contains limited profanity, including the “f” word, but is otherwise an extremely wholesome show.) Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation From a purely musical standpoint, Once presents a uniquely beautiful experience in the theater. The folk-rock score that first caught audiences' attention on the big screen in 2007 now shimmers even moreso onstage, where it's played and sung by a cast of talented performer-musicians. The movie's gentle love story is also nicely rendered in this stage version of the film. But where Broadway's Once falters is in the tone of the script, which comes off as rather cutesy, featuring several characters that are quirky to the point of cartoonishness. This tone clashes with the music itself, which is passionate, earthy, and lyrical. That frustrating contrast notwithstanding, Once remains a musical gem that is well worth experiencing live in the theater.
	One Man, Two Guvnors info and tickets for this show
	Summary Working for a killer in hiding while also in the employ of an East End gangster, Francis Henshall is doing his best to keep up with crazy and convoluted dealings of each of his bad-guy bosses. Age Tweens and Up. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation Farce usually has to come with a warning label since it's a style of comedy that not everyone appreciates these days. But if you can get a laugh from broad physical comedy, slamming doors, cross-dressing, larger-than-life characters, bizarre non-sequiturs, and other assorted forms of silliness, One Man, Two Guvnors is likely to give you plenty of belly laughs. James Corden gives a star turn as the easily-confused (and very hungry) young man attempting to serve two bosses, and he's accompanied by a strong cast, notably Oliver Chris as a preppy oddball and Tom Edden as an 80-something waiter who keeps falling down the stairs.
	The Phantom of the Opera info and tickets for this show
	Summary A disfigured man who lives beneath the Paris Opera House becomes obsessed with a beautiful singer and "haunts" the owners until they make her the star of the opera. Age May be appropriate for 4 and older. Our Recommendation This romantic musical tends to be especially liked by female audiences, but in its 20-year Broadway run it has become popular with viewers of all kinds. The lush Andrew Lloyd Webber score boasts modern classics "Music of the Night" and "All I Ask of You". Despite the Phantom's penchant for singing seductive ballads, he is a really disturbed guy, so be aware that this often eerie musical does feature kidnapping and murder.
	Porgy and Bess info and tickets for this show
	Summary Disabled beggar Porgy and Bess, the woman he loves, experience both hardships and happiness in their impoverished home of Catfish Row, South Carolina. Age Appropriate 12 +. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation Powerhouse Broadway singer Norm Lewis and Tony winner Audra McDonald are marvelous in the title roles in this streamlined production of the 1935 Gershwin folk opera. Purists have balked heavily at changes made to this Broadway adaptation, but anyone with two working ears will appreciate the stunning score, including the passionate "Bess, You Is My Woman," the charming "I Got Plenty O' Nuttin'", and the humorous "It Ain't Necessarily So," not to mention the classic lullaby "Summertime". All these decades later, Gershwin's music still sounds modern and daring, and the story itself is a gripping melodrama that carries great emotional impact.
	Priscilla Queen of the Desert info and tickets for this show
	Summary Based on the 1994 Aussie flick of the same name, this musical is about three friends (two are drag queens, and the other is a transsexual) who hop into old bus and go off on a fabulous adventure in the Outback. Age Tweens and Up. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation Not as nuanced or warm as the film, the stage version of Priscilla Queen of the Desert focuses more on the camp. Strong performances by Tony Sheldon and Will Swenson lend the show some heart, but don't go expecting anything too clever because the dialogue is chock full of bad puns and lame gay jokes. However, if you go to enjoy fabulous costumes and a killer soundtrack (Madonna and Cyndi Lauper figure prominently), you're likely to have a lotta fun.
	Rock of Ages info and tickets for this show
	Summary Set in L.A.’s infamous Sunset Strip in 1987, Rock of Ages tells the story of Drew, a boy from South Detroit, and Sherrie, a small-town girl, both in L.A. to chase their dreams of making it big and falling in love. Rock of Ages takes you back to the times of big bands with big egos playing big guitar solos and sporting even bigger hair! Age Appropriate for 14+ (Strong language). Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation From the lighter-shaped lights they hand you when you walk into the theater to the beer being served by vendors during the performance, Rock of Ages has the feel of a rock concert. Oh, yeah, and then there's the music. If you lived through the '80s (and have happy memories of listening to the radio or watching MTV during that time), then you're likely to be grinning like an idiot and desperate to sing along as the energetic cast belts out melodic rock hits like Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive," Whitesnake's "Here I Go Again," and Foreigner's "I Want To Know What Love Is". Sure, the story and dialogue is silly (sometimes deliciously, sometimes cringingly), but when they start singing "Don't Stop Believing," you'll be waving your lighter in the air with everyone else.
	Sister Act info and tickets for this show
	Summary After accidentally witnessing a murder, singer Deloris Van Cartier has to go into hiding and ends up joining a convent and posing as a nun. Although she has trouble fitting in at first, Deloris's musical talent helps to inspire her "sisters" and revitalize the church. Age May be inappropriate for 8 and under. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation Not that Broadway really needs yet another movie-to-musical adaptation, but, as such projects go, Sister Act is a success. Silly? Yes. But it's also a ton of fun, with colorful characters from hapless gangsters to quirky nuns. The score by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater is firmly rooted in the soul music of the late '70s (which is when the show is set), with happy detours into gospel and Broadway styles. It's a crowd-pleasing musical that'll have your party saying Hallelujah!
	Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark info and tickets for this show
	Summary With music by U2's Bono and The Edge and direction by The Lion King's Julie Taymor, Spider-Man the musical follows the story of teenager Peter Parker, whose unremarkable life is turned upside-down when he’s bitten by a genetically altered spider. Age Everyone (including children of all ages) must have a ticket for entry. Recommended for ages 8 and older. No one under 4 will be admitted. Ages 4-7 years to be approved by Management on site at time of entry. Our Recommendation Judged purely as a musical theater piece, Spider-Man is a rather mediocre one. But, as theatrical entertainment, the show is an absolute blast. The comic book-inspired set and costume design is visually impressive and creatively rendered, and the flying and aerial choreography is stunning.
	Venus in Fur info and tickets for this show
	Summary The lines between fantasy and reality are blurred when a young actress auditioning for a role in a new play engages in an erotic cat-and-mouse game with the director of the play. Age May be inappropriate for 12 and under. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation The interplay between a director and an actress (who may have a lot more depth than is initially apparent) makes this psychological comedy intriguing. Hugh Dancy and Tony Award nominee Nina Arianda are perfect in their roles and display great chemistry. However, as Venus in Fur is about an audition, an integral part of the comedic drama involves the pair "performing" the play that the actress is auditioning for. The play in question deals with a 19th century sadomasochistic relationship, so whether you find these sections tedious or titillating may relate directly to how interesting you find S&M power struggles.
	War Horse info and tickets for this show
	Summary At the dawn of WWI, a boy's beloved horse is sold to the cavalry. But he can't get over losing his friend and eventually goes on a journey to find him. Age May be inappropriate for 7 and under. Children under the age of 5 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation War Horse is almost like two separate plays. The first is a sweet tale of boy meets horse, boy falls in love with horse, boy faces losing horse - you've seen many similar stories in film and literature, and it is both touching and family-friendly. The second is a fascinating war story that shows the horrors of World War I and how it senselessly devoured young men and animals alike - it is also very moving, but also frequently terrifying and not suitable for young children. Aside from its intriguing glimpse into the cavalry as it had its last gasp in the heavily mechanized First World War, War Horse's most distinguishing feature is its use of large, multi-person operated puppets that bring the horses to life onstage. Beautifully designed by Handspring Puppet Company, these human-puppet hybrids are remarkable characters in their own right and are vital in making us care about the animals and the relationships forged between them and the humans that encounter them.
	Wicked info and tickets for this show
	Summary In this Broadway musical based on Gregory Maguire's novel (a "prequel" to The Wizard of Oz), we learn how Elphaba, a sensitive and misunderstood college student in Oz, came to be known as the Wicked Witch of the West. Age Recommended age for children is 8 years and up. There is nothing of a vulgar or sexual nature, but there are adult themes. Our Recommendation This popular Broadway musical is especially loved by tweens, who can relate to its tale of a young woman struggling to fit in, but audiences of all ages can appreciate the themes about prejudice and friendship, as well as the pop-infused score by Stephen Schwartz. If you're thinking of bringing your pre-tweens, bear in mind that, as in The Wizard of Oz itself, there are some scary scenes.