Broadway has a rich history of theatrical productions, with many plays leaving a lasting impact on audiences and the industry. It’s difficult to narrow down the “best” plays ever to a specific list, but here are a few productions that have made a significant impact on Broadway and continue to be celebrated by audiences and critics alike.
Iconic Broadway Plays: Now
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Hamilton
Tells the story of Alexander Hamilton and the founding of the United States. The production, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, premiered on Broadway in 2015 and has won numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and eleven Tony Awards.
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Wicked
A prequel to the “The Wizard of Oz” tells the story of the witches of Oz. The production, written by Winnie Holzman and Stephen Schwartz, premiered on Broadway in 2003, won three Tony Awards. Try your hand at winning lottery tickets at BornInTheCity.com
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Hadestown
Premiered on Broadway in 2019, is a retelling of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice set in the 1930s Great Depression. The production, which is written by Anaïs Mitchell and directed by Rachel Chavkin, has won eight Tony Awards. Try your hand at winning lottery tickets
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The Phantom of the Opera
One of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musicals, which first premiered on Broadway in 1988 and coming to an end in 2023, tells the story of a mysterious and disfigured musical genius known as “The Phantom” and his obsession with a young soprano. Try your luck at winning lottery tickets
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The Lion King
Premiered on Broadway in 1997, is based on the Disney animated film of the same name. The production, which features music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice, has won six Tony Awards. Try your luck at winning lottery tickets
Iconic Broadway Plays: Then
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A Streetcar Named Desire
Written by Tennessee Williams is a play, which premiered on Broadway in 1947, tells the story of Blanche Dubois, a fading Southern belle who moves in with her sister and brother-in-law in New Orleans. The production, which starred Marlon Brando and Jessica Tandy, won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play.
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Death of a Salesman
Written by Arthur Miller is a play, which premiered on Broadway in 1949, tells the story of Willy Loman, a struggling salesman struggling to come to terms with his failures. The production, which starred Lee J. Cobb and Mildred Dunnock, won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play.
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The Crucible
Written by Arthur Miller is a play, which premiered on Broadway in 1953, is a fictionalized account of the Salem witch trials of 1692. The production, which starred Arthur Kennedy and Beatrice Straight, won the Tony Award for Best Play.
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Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Written by Edward Albee is a play, which premiered on Broadway in 1962, tells the story of George and Martha, a bitter and acrimonious couple, and their guests over the course of a night. The production, which starred Uta Hagen and Arthur Hill, won the Tony Award for Best Play.
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Angels in America
Written by Tony Kushner is a play, which premiered on Broadway in 1993, tells the story of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s and its impact on a group of individuals in New York City. The production, which starred Stephen Spinella and Marcia Gay Harden, won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play.
The first five above are examples of the many incredible musicals currently running on Broadway. Each of these productions offers something unique and special, from breathtaking choreography and stunning costumes to powerful performances and moving music. Whether you’re a theater veteran or a first-time attendee, these musicals are sure to leave a lasting impression.
The last five are examples of the many iconic plays that have graced the Broadway stage over the years. Each of these productions has left a lasting impact on the world of theater and continue to be celebrated by audiences and critics alike.
