First Time at a Broadway Show? The Essential Beginner’s Guide

Update (July 10): This article has been updated with the latest Broadway shows that are perfect for beginners.

You only get one first Broadway show. So how do you choose?

Every theater fan remembers their first experience. Whether it was a musical staged in your hometown high school or a dramatic straight play put on by the community theater, the irreplaceable memory stays with you through a lifetime of theatergoing magic.

But there’s nothing like seeing a show on bonafide Broadway in New York City. Whether you’re a lifelong theatergoer or someone new to it entirely, if you are deciding what to see on Broadway for the first time — or even just want tips on how to buy Broadway tickets — we’ve got you covered.

Broadway First-Timer Checklist

Seeing your first Broadway show means making a few key decisions before curtain. Start by choosing a production that fits your interests, whether that’s a Tony-winning drama or a family-friendly musical. From there, buy tickets through an authorized source, review the venue’s seating chart, and plan to arrive with time to spare. Dress code is typically flexible, so wear whatever feels comfortable, and confirm any age restrictions in advance, since these vary by production. Here’s a quick checklist of what to do:

• Choose a show that matches your interests and comfort with its content or themes, especially if attending with children or teens.
  Buy tickets only through an authorized source, such as Ticketmaster.com, to guarantee entry on event day.
• Check the official seating chart for your chosen theater, since layout and sight lines vary by venue.
• Confirm your arrival time in advance to allow time for security, will call, and finding your seat before the show starts.
• Wear comfortable, smart-casual clothing if desired — most Broadway shows do not enforce a specific dress code.
• Verify age restrictions for your chosen production, as some shows have minimum age recommendations or theaters may restrict children under four.

Below, we’ve laid out six musicals to serve as the perfect beginner’s guide to Broadway, along with other important factors to consider when selecting a show.

 

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How Do You Choose a Broadway Show for the First Time?

Show Content

The first thing to consider when perusing the dozens of shows currently playing on Broadway is each production’s content. Themes explored on the stage are virtually boundless, and it’s important to know what you’re in for heading into the theater — particularly if you’ll be with kids or teenagers.

Show Venue

The Broadway Theater District is located in Midtown Manhattan, where Broadway crosses through Times Square (making “Broadway” both a street and a genre of theater!). The Theater District is home to the 41 professional theaters that make up Broadway. In general, Broadway shows are known for attracting top talent and offering an intimate entertainment experience.

Each Broadway theater in NYC is unique, ranging from the neoclassical Adam style of theaters like the Walter Kerr and Winter Garden to the Moorish and Byzantine details in the Al Hirschfeld Theatre and the thrust stage at Circle in the Square Theatre.

Which Broadway Seats Should You Choose?

Every Broadway theatre has its own layout and structure, oftentimes with orchestra seating, a mezzanine and smaller balcony, offering varied sight lines of the stage and ticket prices. However, it’s important to remember that there’s really no such thing as a bad seat in a Broadway theater — you’ll experience the magic no matter where you’re sitting. Check the seat map of the venue your show is playing at to see your choice of Broadway seats.

What Are the Dress Code and Family Rules?

As a general rule, most Broadway shows don’t have a specific dress code, and simply recommend wearing whatever feels comfortable and appropriate for the occasion. However, it’s always wise to check the dress code for the specific show on its official site before you arrive.

Family Factor

Another important thing to consider when attending your first Broadway show is the age limit for small kids. Broadway theaters do not permit children under the age of 4, considering it may be difficult for little ones to sit through an entire performance.

Filming Broadway Curtain Calls: Rules Explained

Taking photos or videos of a Broadway curtain call is generally permissible. While technically prohibited, most Broadway productions generally allow you to film or take photos during the curtain call (and it’s never allowed during the show). Be sure to wait to pull out your phone until after the cast begin their bows and follow any instructions given by ushers in your seating area.

What Is Proper Broadway Etiquette?

A few notes on etiquette: Don’t impede the view of audience members seated behind you when taking photos or videos during curtain call. Be prepared to put your camera away if asked by theater staff. Bows are also, first and foremost, the time for applause—so don’t let taking footage distract you from cheering, clapping and showing the cast your appreciation for the show they’ve just finished.

Remember, taking photos or videos during the performance or at ANY time prior to the curtain call is strictly prohibited in every Broadway theater unless explicitly stated otherwise by the production.

Check out more frequently asked Broadway questions below.

Can I take photos or videos at a Broadway show?

The best time to take photos or videos at a Broadway show is before the show starts. In fact, it’s customary for many fans to snap a quick photo of their playbill ahead of the curtain rising in order to post later on social media (or just keep for the memories!). The atmosphere inside the theater will be buzzing ahead of the show kicking off, so it’s also the perfect time to grab some concessions, leaf through the show’s playbill and take in the majesty of the theater’s unique architecture and history.

Remember to turn off your phone before the lights go down — taking photos or videos during the performance is strictly prohibited.

How Should You Buy Broadway Tickets Safely?

When it comes to booking methods, don’t leave it to chance—buying Broadway tickets on Ticketmaster.com is the best way to ensure you get in on event day. You can also line up for rush tickets (when applicable) or purchase tickets last minute, but planning ahead is always a good idea.

What is Broadway music?

The music of a Broadway show is used to tell the story through singing, dancing, and live dialogue.

What is Broadway called in England?

In England, the West End is the British equivalent of Broadway, as both are theater districts known for high-quality productions.

Why is it called Broadway?

The street in New York City known as Broadway got its name from the British, who renamed it because of its wide width. The street was originally called Heeren Straat, which means “Gentlemen’s Way” or “High Street.” The name comes from a similar street in Amsterdam. The term “Broadway” became associated with the theater industry in the late 1860s.

Discover Broadway Shows for First-Timers

What’s the best show on Broadway right now?

It’s all up to your personal preference, of course, but you can’t go wrong with perennially popular and/or award-winning productions, as we outline below. Here are some of the best shows for first-timers:

The Outsiders

The Outsiders brings the classic novel by S.E. Hinton to life, telling the story of Ponyboy Curtis, his best friend Johnny Cade and the rest of the Greasers born on the wrong side of the tracks in 1960s Tulsa, Oklahoma. Caught in an endless class war between the Greasers and the preppy Socs from the other side of town, Ponyboy’s life is turned upside down when a tragedy strikes that threatens his way of life, his chosen family and all he holds dear. With a score by Jamestown Revival, The Outsiders won four awards at the 2024 Tonys, including Best Musical.

The Lion King

The highest-grossing musical in Broadway history, The Lion King has kept audiences enraptured for nearly 26 years and counting. The popular Disney adaptation is a perfect choice for first-timers both young and old, all of whom are sure to be taken in by the magic unfolding on stage at the Minskoff Theatre as Simba takes the long road to becoming king of the savanna with help from Timon, Pumbaa, Rafiki, Zazu, Nala and more beloved characters.

Wicked

The only show on Broadway that will defy gravity and your expectations, Wicked is a perfect choice for first-time theatergoers as it’s widely revered as the defining show of the 2000s. The story of Elphaba and Glinda before they became the famous Witches of Oz is nothing short of a modern classic, filled with famous songs like “The Wizard and I,” “What Is This Feeling?” and, of course, “Defying Gravity.”

Aladdin

 

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It’s Broadway’s biggest party—and an experience that’s perfect for the whole family. Disney’s Aladdin features a flying magic carpet, glittering-gold costumes, and art deco-style sets that’ll dazzle every one of your senses. The show opened at the New Amsterdam Theatre on March 20, 2014, so it recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary—making for an even more festive atmosphere! Recommended for ages six and up, Aladdin is one of the most magical experiences to be had on Broadway.

Hadestown

Based on the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, Hadestown tackles themes of romance, tragedy, politics, freedom and even climate change as the ill-fated lovers travel to hell and back and face off against Hades, god of the underworld. With music by Anais Mitchell, the tragic tale won eight Tony Awards—including Best Musical—in 2019 and has been playing at the Walter Kerr Theatre ever since.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Moulin Rouge! The Musical dominated the 74th Tony Awards, taking home 10 trophies including Best Musical. Since then, the show has been transporting audiences back to the Belle Époque, when a dashing young composer named Christian falls for Satine, the star of the famous Parisian cabaret Moulin Rouge. Taking cues from the 2001 movie musical of the same name, the jukebox musical provides a feast for the senses as the star-crossed pair fall in love to the sounds of “Lady Marmalade,” “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” the famous “Elephant Love Medley” and more.