Must-See Broadway Musicals in 2025
Broadway in 2025 is bursting with creativity, spectacle, and emotional storytelling. Whether you’re drawn to sci-fi thrillers or nostalgic revivals, this season offers unforgettable experiences for every kind of theatergoer. Here are two standout productions that are generating serious buzz on stage right now.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow
The world of Hawkins, Indiana has officially landed on Broadway—and it’s unlike anything audiences have seen before. Stranger Things: The First Shadow is a prequel to the hit Netflix series, reimagined as a live theatrical experience that blends suspense, supernatural intrigue, and cutting-edge stagecraft.
This Broadway musical in 2025 pushes the boundaries of immersive theater. With jaw-dropping visual effects, dynamic lighting, and a haunting original score, the production transports viewers into the eerie world of the Upside Down. Fans of the show will appreciate the deeper dive into character backstories, while newcomers will be captivated by the gripping narrative and cinematic staging.
The buzz around this new Broadway show is electric—critics are calling it a “genre-defying spectacle,” and tickets are selling fast. If you’re looking for a musical that combines pop culture with theatrical innovation, this is your must-see.
Mamma Mia! Revival at Winter Garden Theatre
Back by popular demand, Mamma Mia! has returned to Broadway for a limited engagement at the iconic Winter Garden Theatre—and it’s bringing all the joy, glitter, and sing-along magic that made it a global sensation.
This Broadway revival celebrates the timeless music of ABBA, weaving hits like “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me,” and “The Winner Takes It All” into a heartwarming story of love, identity, and family. The 2025 production features a fresh cast, updated choreography, and dazzling new set designs that breathe new life into this beloved musical.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time, Mamma Mia! is one of the best musicals on Broadway this season. It’s the perfect feel-good escape—and a reminder of how music can bring generations together.
Rising Stars & Creative Collaborations
Broadway in 2025 isn’t just about big productions—it’s about the artists who bring them to life and the creative partnerships that push boundaries. This season, two standout talents are redefining what it means to perform and create on stage.
Jonathan Groff in Just In Time
Broadway favorite Jonathan Groff returns to the spotlight in Just In Time, a dazzling new biomusical that chronicles the life and legacy of singer Bobby Darin. Known for his emotionally rich performances and vocal versatility, Groff brings Darin’s charm, complexity, and charisma to life in a way that’s earning rave reviews and early Tony Award buzz.
What sets this show apart is its immersive nightclub-style staging. Performed at Circle in the Square Theatre, the venue has been transformed into a retro cabaret lounge, complete with candlelit tables, velvet curtains, and live jazz ambiance. Audiences don’t just watch the show—they feel like they’re part of it.
Groff’s casting was one of the most exciting Broadway cast announcements of the year, and his performance is already being hailed as one of the season’s most compelling. If you’re looking for a musical that blends biography, intimacy, and star power, Just In Time is a must-see.
🎨 Laziza Rakhimova’s Artistic Influence
While Broadway is known for its musicals and plays, visual art is increasingly becoming part of the theatrical experience—and Laziza Rakhimova is leading that movement. Her solo exhibition Around Us, Beauty, presented in partnership with The Parkline and supported by the PERETZ FOUNDATION, showcases a unique cameraless art style that uses light, heat, and water to create ethereal, memory-like images.
Rakhimova’s work is more than visual—it’s emotional storytelling. Her pieces evoke nature’s fragility and the invisible systems that shape our world, making them a perfect complement to the themes explored in many NYC theater events in 2025. As an immigrant artist, her perspective adds depth and diversity to the city’s cultural landscape.
Her influence is being felt beyond galleries, with collaborations that bring her art into performance spaces, community centers, and even stage design. In a season defined by innovation, Rakhimova’s presence reminds us that Broadway isn’t just about what happens on stage—it’s about the creative energy that surrounds it.
Planning Your Broadway Experience
Whether you’re a local theater lover or visiting New York City for the first time, planning your Broadway adventure can make all the difference. From scoring great seats to exploring the vibrant Theater District, here’s how to make the most of your time in the heart of live entertainment.
🎟️ How to Get Broadway Ticket Deals in 2025
Broadway doesn’t have to break the bank. In 2025, there are more ways than ever to find discount Broadway tickets and enjoy world-class performances on a budget.
- Apps & Websites: Use trusted platforms like TodayTix, TKTS, and BroadwayBox to find last-minute deals and promo codes. Many offer mobile lotteries and flash sales for same-day performances.
- Rush & Lottery Tickets: Most shows offer rush tickets (first-come, first-served) or digital lotteries for deeply discounted seats. Check each show’s website or social media for details.
- Student & Senior Discounts: If you qualify, bring ID—many theaters offer special pricing.
- Group Rates & Standing Room: Traveling with friends? Group discounts are available. And for sold-out shows, standing room tickets can be a hidden gem.
Pro Tip: Weekday matinees and previews often have lower prices and smaller crowds.
🏙️ Exploring the Theater District in NYC
The Theater District is more than just Broadway—it’s a cultural playground nestled in the heart of Times Square. Before or after your show, take time to explore:
- Dining: Grab a bite at iconic spots like Joe Allen, Becco, or Sardi’s, where theater legends have dined for decades. For quick eats, try Shake Shack or Los Tacos No. 1.
- Attractions: Visit Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center, or take a stroll through Hell’s Kitchen for local flavor. The Museum of Broadway is a must-see for fans of stage history.
- Broadway Theater Schedule: Plan ahead by checking the Broadway.com or Playbill websites for showtimes, cast updates, and special events. Many theaters offer behind-the-scenes tours—perfect for curious minds.
Whether you’re catching a matinee or a late-night musical, the Theater District offers a full day of excitement, culture, and unforgettable memories.