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Broadway Experiences: A Guide to the Latest Shows and Tips for Your Visit

Zachary Laks
Zachary Laks 5 Min Read
Times Square, New York City looking back toward billboards on Broadway at night

Curtain up! Light the lights! Witnessing some of the world’s greatest performances live is electrifying, and there’s no better place to experience this than on Broadway. A visit to New York City is incomplete without attending a Broadway show, one of the city's most iconic cultural highlights.

On any night of the week (or day, as matinees typically occur on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday), you’ll find more than three dozen Broadway shows performing throughout 41 Broadway theaters in Midtown Manhattan. The shows range from long-standing, grand-scale musicals like "Wicked", "Hamilton" and "The Lion King" to various newer musicals and plays, often with recognizable names from TV and film.

Read on for details on the most popular shows on Broadway, the new ones to look out for and expert tips on scoring the best seats. This is your handy guide to a most magical Broadway outing.

There’s nothing like the thrill of a Broadway musical with big sets, a large cast and a mystifying story that takes you on a journey. Here are three of the most popular Broadway musicals playing now. 



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Broadway’s most popular shows 

"Wicked" is a big-blockbuster Broadway musical that details the untold story of the witches of Oz. This imaginative retelling of The Wizard of Oz offers a new look at the Wicked Witch, here known as Elphaba, as she discovers corruption in Oz and fights against it. The musical’s songs by Stephen Schwartz have become Broadway classics, with songs that include “Popular” and the rousing Act 1 closer, “Defying Gravity.” The musical is now one of the hottest tickets in town following its two-part blockbuster motion pictures. The best ticket availability is typically available at least three months before your desired performance date.

How long is "Wicked" on Broadway? Wicked runs 2 hours and 45 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.

"Hamilton" is Broadway’s Tony Award-winning hit musical about Alexander Hamilton, a Founding Father who fought for a new nation. Lin-Manuel Miranda created the show as a fully sung-through musical that combines hip-hop, jazz, R&B and more into a searing story of history and perseverance. "Hamilton" debuted to remarkable fanfare in 2015 and remains one of Broadway’s hottest tickets. Plan ahead for the best seats as every performance sells out, with the best ticket availability often found at least three months out.  

How long is "Hamilton" on Broadway? "Hamilton" runs 2 hours and 45 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.

"The Lion King" on Broadway is the Tony Award-winning landmark musical that reimagines the animated Disney classic. A cast of more than 40 performers brings Simba's story to life with visually stunning puppets, costumes and sets. You’ll hear Elton John and Tim Rice’s hits, including “Can You Feel The Love Tonight?” and “Hakuna Matata,” in this creative masterpiece. This show remains a hot ticket and is recommended for ages six and up. Book at least three months in advance to secure the best seats.

How long is "The Lion King" on Broadway? "The Lion King" is 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.

Don't miss out on spectacular live performances. Experience the thrill of seeing your favorite musicals live in and save on tickets.

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What’s on Broadway right now?

The 2025-2026 Broadway season is filled with many new musicals and plays, with something for everyone, along with hit shows that continue to run from previous seasons. Here are three of the most exciting new shows to see on Broadway. 

“Chess” makes its highly anticipated return to Broadway this season after 37 years. The legendary show plots a thrilling Cold War-era love triangle with political intrigue featuring a score by ABBA's Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, with lyrics by Tim Rice. This new production stars Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele and Nicholas Christopher.

"Buena Vista Social Club" is an electrifying new musical that won five 2025 Tony Awards. The show features the original songs from the Grammy-winning Buena Vista Social Club album, all performed live by a Tony Award-winning Afro-Cuban band. This vibrant production is a joyous celebration of Cuban music, culture and history with irresistible energy. 

“Hadestown” is the Tony Award–winning Broadway musical now in its sixth year on Broadway. This epic love story reimagines the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice with a rich, tuneful score blending folk, jazz and New Orleans–inspired rhythms. The cast of seasoned experts mesmerizes audiences nightly.

Don't miss out on spectacular live performances. Experience the thrill of seeing your favorite musicals live and save on tickets. 

How long do Broadway musicals usually run for?

Broadway musicals typically run between nine months and 10 years. Many long-running shows are currently on Broadway, including "Chicago", "The Book of Mormon" and "Aladdin", all of which have been playing for over a decade. 


Couple getting dressed up for broadway

What to wear to a Broadway show

Broadway doesn’t have a strict dress code, but most audience members are dressed up for the occasion, especially for evening performances. Theaters can get a bit chilly, so bring a layer. 


Top tips for attending a Broadway show

Arrive at least 30 minutes before the performance time to avoid lines and get to your seat stress-free. Avoid bringing large bags to the theater as security searches every bag, and there is no bag check or storage space. Most Broadway theaters allow you to pre-order drinks and concessions before intermission. Make sure your phone is silent and not just vibrate, as it can distract performers and fellow audience members. After the show, you can head to the stage door to meet some performers, take photos and get autographs.

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How to get Broadway tickets

AAA Tickets offers trusted access to tickets to even the most popular Broadway shows. Your AAA Membership unlocks access to the best musicals and plays at remarkable rates. The savings add up fast, especially when buying tickets for the whole family.

Broadway shows are an essential part of any trip to New York City. Count on the benefits of an AAA Membership for the best ticket deals to share the wonders of Broadway with your loved ones. Join today and you’ll be roaring “Bravo!” for the best deals on Broadway’s best shows.

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