There are a few different ways to find out what shows are currently playing on Broadway in New York City. Broadway is famous for its musicals, plays, and other theatrical productions. At any given time there are usually between 30-50 different shows playing in the many historic Broadway theaters in midtown Manhattan.
Check Broadway Websites
One of the easiest ways to see what’s currently playing on Broadway is to check one of the main Broadway websites. These sites maintain up-to-date listings of all the current and upcoming Broadway shows.
Some popular Broadway websites to browse show listings include:
- Playbill.com – This site provides a full schedule of all current and future Broadway shows. You can view by month and also search by show titles.
- Broadway.com – Broadway’s official website has a complete Broadway show schedule. You can search by date ranges and buy tickets.
- NYTix.com – The New York Times’ Broadway listings let you see what’s playing sorted by categories like musicals, plays, limited engagements, etc.
- BroadwayBox.com – This site aggregates Broadway deals and discounts on show tickets.
These sites all clearly list every show currently on Broadway along with key info like show times, theaters, cast lists, and brief plot descriptions. If you want a quick overview of everything playing on Broadway, browsing one of these sites makes it easy.
Check Individual Theater Websites
In addition to the main Broadway sites, you can go directly to the website for any Broadway theater. There are 40 Broadway theaters in total that host shows, and each maintains its own website listing the current and upcoming productions at that venue.
For example, some of the most famous Broadway theaters include:
- St. James Theatre – Currently showing The Music Man
- Gershwin Theatre – Currently showing Wicked
- Eugene O’Neill Theatre – Currently showing The Book of Mormon
- Richard Rodgers Theatre – Currently showing Hamilton
- Shubert Theatre – Currently showing To Kill a Mockingbird
Looking up what’s playing on the website for any specific Broadway theater is an easy way to get information about current and upcoming shows in that venue.
Use Broadway Ticket Sites
There are many websites for purchasing Broadway show tickets online. These sites can also provide information on the current Broadway show lineups. Some popular Broadway ticket sites include:
- Telecharge.com – Lets you buy tickets for Broadway shows online or by phone. Lists all currently playing shows.
- Ticketmaster.com – Large ticket marketplace offering Broadway show tickets. Has Broadway listings.
- VividSeats.com – Broadway ticket reseller with show schedules and real seat views before buying.
- SeatGeek.com – Search for Broadway tickets using interactive seating maps. See show calendars.
These sites make it simple to see the schedule of current and upcoming Broadway shows. You can view shows by date or by theater location. Many also offer deals on Broadway tickets for select performances.
Check Broadway Publications
There are several print and online publications that cover the theater scene in New York and provide Broadway show information:
- Playbill – Famous print magazine with news on current Broadway shows, performers, theaters and more.
- TheaterMania – Online performance guide with Broadway show listings, reviews and ticket deals.
- TIME OUT New York – Weekly New York City arts and entertainment magazine with Broadway listings.
- New York Magazine – Biweekly magazine with NYC arts coverage, including Broadway shows.
Checking the latest Broadway listings in these theater publications is a great way to find out what’s playing on Broadway stages.
Check the TKTS Booth
TKTS is a discount Broadway ticket booth located in Times Square that sells same-day theater tickets up to 50% off. The TKTS booth has electronic displays that show the full schedule of Broadway and off-Broadway shows currently playing in New York City.
You can check the listings at TKTS in person to see what Broadway shows have tickets available day-of. This can help you decide which shows to try to see on the spur of the moment. The TKTS booth typically has the most real-time information on Broadway show schedules and ticket availability.
Use Broadway Apps
There are mobile apps created specifically to provide Broadway show information and tickets right from your phone. Some popular Broadway apps include:
- TodayTix – Lets you browse and buy discounted Broadway tickets. See show schedules.
- Broadway.com App – Official Broadway League app with Broadway show listings and tickets.
- Playbill App – Get Playbill magazine info and Broadway news, listings and ticket deals.
Broadway apps make it easy to check the latest Broadway show schedules, buy tickets, see reviews and get show alerts right from your smartphone.
Check Local Listings
Listings in New York City local newspapers, websites, magazines, blogs and event calendars can also provide Broadway show information. Sources to check include:
- NewYork.com – NYC events calendar with Broadway shows and ticket info.
- NYC-Arts.org – Online guide for New York City arts and culture, including Broadway.
- TimeOut.com/NewYork – Listings for NYC events, including Broadway shows.
- NYMetroParents.com – NYC parent resource with family-friendly NYC shows.
Checking local NYC listings can help you find more niche Broadway performances and family-oriented Broadway shows playing in New York.
Follow Broadway News
Following Broadway news online or via social media can keep you up-to-date on the latest show openings, closings and schedules. Some sources for Broadway news include:
- Playbill on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram – Get real-time Broadway news alerts.
- BroadwayWorld.com – Broadway news, interviews, reviews and show listings.
- NYTimes Theater Section – Read reviews and news on Broadway shows.
- Timeout.com/NewYork/Theater – NYC theater news and Broadway updates.
Monitoring Broadway news sites, blogs and social media accounts can help you find out about new shows, special events, limited engagements and other Broadway happenings.
Check the Theater District
To see currently playing Broadway shows first-hand, you can walk around the Theater District in midtown Manhattan where the Broadway theaters are concentrated. Broadway theaters are located primarily on or near Broadway between 41st and 54th Streets.
When walking by Broadway theaters, look at the marquees and billboards out front which will list the show titles and cast. You may also see posters, signs and LED screens advertising the current shows inside each theater.
You can also stop by the TKTS booth in Duffy Square in Times Square to browse listings for all Broadway and off-Broadway shows.
Conclusion
Finding out what’s playing on Broadway is easy with so many helpful online and offline resources. By checking Broadway websites, theater websites, ticket sellers, publications, apps, news sites, local listings and the Theater District itself, you can discover all the great shows on Broadway stages in New York City.
Some top current Broadway shows include The Lion King, Hamilton, Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera, Moulin Rouge! and Chicago. There are always exciting dramas, comedies and diverse musical acts performing on Broadway.
With so many ways to find the latest Broadway show schedules, you can easily plan your next Broadway theater experience in New York!