Best Broadway Show for First-Timers: Insider Tips & Top Picks 2025
Jul, 19 2025
There’s something electric about stepping into a Broadway theater for the first time. The velvet seats, the hush before curtain, the orchestra tuning up—you immediately know you’re part of something bigger than just a night out in the city. For some, like me, that first show was a big deal. I remember watching Caleb and Daphne—bouncing in their seats, wide-eyed and way too squirmy—waiting for the lights to dim. If you’re trying to pick your first Broadway show, the truth is there's no easy answer. It’s like trying to pick just one video game or slice of pizza as your favorite. But some shows really are a better jump-start into the world of musicals. Some have the heart, the energy, and the wow factor that turns first-timers into lifelong fans. And that, right there, is the magic of Broadway.
Why Your First Broadway Show Matters More Than You Think
Your first Broadway show isn’t just a night out—it’s usually how you measure every other theater experience after. There are people who saw "The Phantom of the Opera" in the '90s and have chased that feeling ever since. But here’s the kicker: the show you choose might even shape how you think about Broadway. That feeling of your seat rattling as the orchestra booms, the gasp you can’t suppress when the stage transforms right in front of you—it sticks.
Some shows speak to kids, some to grownups who want to relive their youth, and some to anyone just needing to laugh, sing, or sit in amazement for two hours. And Broadway is huge these days. Over 14.8 million people bought tickets to Broadway shows during the 2023–2024 season, putting the city’s stages right back at their pre-pandemic highs. Tourists made up nearly 66% of that crowd, so you’re definitely not alone wondering how to choose. Different shows mean different things: “Hamilton” might inspire your next deep dive into American history, while “Wicked” could have your kids thinking about best friends and flying monkeys for weeks.
What makes a first show unforgettable? Sometimes it’s spectacle—jaw-dropping sets or dance numbers that feel like they belong in their own league. Other times, it’s a familiar story sung in a new way. For my daughter, Daphne, the right show is one she can sing along to the next morning. For others, it’s a performance that leaves them thinking about love, loss, and the wild ride of being human. Either way, the first time is always a memory-maker.
The Best Broadway Musicals for Beginners: The Can't-Miss List
If you’re new to Broadway, you get swamped with options the second you hit Times Square—big, bright posters everywhere, and dozens of eager ticket-sellers waving discounted offers at you. So, which stands out for someone seeing their first show?
- The Lion King: If you’re taking kids, or if you’re just a big kid at heart, this one is hard to top. Julie Taymor’s costumes and puppetry have drawn standing ovations since 1997. It’s not just familiar songs (“Circle of Life” still gives me chills) but visual storytelling that turns grown adults into grinning fans. Over 11 million people have seen it on Broadway alone.
- Hamilton: If you’ve got teens, or you want something that feels ‘now,’ Hamilton is a wild ride. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hip-hop take on the Founding Fathers rewired Broadway in 2015 and turned ticket lines into day-long affairs. Besides the revolutionary story, Miranda mashed together wordplay, history, and epic choreography. You won’t forget it.
- Wicked: This one’s for the dreamers and the “Wizard of Oz” fans. Wicked flips the legendary story inside out and gives you “Defying Gravity”—a song that’ll be stuck in your head for a week (at least). Glinda and Elphaba’s friendship feels real, the flying stunts are jaw-dropping, and the crowd? Ranges from giddy elementary kids to wide-eyed grandparents.
- Aladdin: You know the music, you know the story—maybe you’ve even practically memorized the old cartoon, like Caleb did as a preschooler. “Friend Like Me” and the flying carpet scene are true Broadway magic. And it’s a safe pick for families.
- Chicago: A little edgier and filled with jazz, “Chicago” works for anyone who loves dance and razzle-dazzle. The choreography (think Fosse style) is tight, and the show’s satire hasn’t aged a day. Adults and teens eat this one up if they’re into true crime vibes and classic showbiz tunes.
| Show | Debut Year | Audience Age | Number of Broadway Performances (2024) | Main Draw |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Lion King | 1997 | All ages | 10,000+ | Stunning visuals, family-friendly |
| Hamilton | 2015 | Teens & up | 3,800+ | Rap/hip-hop, modern history |
| Wicked | 2003 | Kids (8+) & up | 7,000+ | Packed houses, lush sets |
| Aladdin | 2014 | All ages | 3,000+ | Classic Disney, vibrant costumes |
| Chicago | 1996 | Teens & up | 10,000+ | Dazzling dance, sharp humor |
I’ve watched both my own kids grow up through these shows—Caleb started with “The Lion King” bursting out of his seat at “Hakuna Matata.” Daphne went for “Wicked” and didn’t stop singing “Popular” on the subway home. If you’re an adult going solo or on a date, you might try something unpredictable like “Hadestown” or “Moulin Rouge! The Musical”—both deliver spectacle and boundary-pushing music. Can’t get tickets to the big names? Look up “& Juliet” for a pop-music spin or “SIX” if you want a raucous history lesson told by Henry VIII’s ex-wives. It’s a wild time to be buying your first ticket.
What to Consider Before Booking Your Broadway Tickets
Picking a show isn’t just about the biggest name in lights. Here are a few things I always think about, especially with little ones or Broadway newbies in tow:
- Who are you going with? Tags like “family-friendly” actually matter. Some shows have adult humor or dramatic themes—read plot descriptions before you buy.
- Do you love music, dance, or storytelling? If you’re a soundtrack fan, musicals like “The Lion King,” “Aladdin,” and “Wicked” deliver classic hits. If dazzling choreography is your thing, “Chicago” and “MJ” (the Michael Jackson show) are hard to beat.
- Bigger budget or bargain hunter? Not all shows cost the same. “Hamilton” is still pricey in 2025, but you can sometimes get standing-room tickets for a deal. Matinees are usually cheaper than Saturday nights. For last-minute deals, check the TKTS booth in Times Square or try Broadway Roulette apps—sometimes you get lucky with big shows at half price.
- How young is your youngest? Broadway theaters can be strict—kids under 4 are usually not allowed, and some shows don’t recommend kids under 8. Check age guidelines, and trust your gut about whether your kiddo will sit through a 2-3 hour musical.
- Accessibility and comfort matters. Some theaters are easier than others if you need ramps, aisles, or accessible restrooms. Look at reviews for specifics, especially if someone in your group has accessibility requirements.
If you’re stuck picking between a few options, look at YouTube clips or cast recordings. Let your kids watch a performance of “Let It Go” or “Defying Gravity” before you book. Ask friends. My siblings swear by “Book of Mormon” for first-timers who want irreverence and edge; I lean Disney when kids are tagging along.
One pro tip: The seats matter less than you think for your first show. Try not to blow the budget on orchestra center the first time—sit in the mezzanine if you have to. The atmosphere gets you every time, even if you’re a bit further from the stage. And bring snacks for kids, just not into the theater—lines at intermission move faster than lightning, but you’ll want to be ready.
Unexpected Broadway Stars: What If You Want Something Less Mainstream?
Maybe you’re someone who likes to zig when everyone else zags. You looked at the “Wicked” poster, shrugged, and thought, “What’s next?” Broadway is full of surprises for the first-timer who doesn’t want mainstream or family fare.
Take “Hadestown,” for example—a mythological musical that cleaned up at the Tony Awards and is still hitting sold-out crowds in 2025. It blends New Orleans jazz, indie rock, and a love story doomed by fate. The set design shifts right in front of you; it’s like no Greek myth you learned in school. Or “SIX,” which reimagines Henry VIII’s wives as pop stars duking it out in a live concert battle. It’s 80 minutes of pure energy that leaves everyone buzzing.
Maybe you want something laugh-out-loud funny. “Shucked” is new on the scene, bringing farm-country comedy and clever songs—and the wordplay is so fast you almost miss it. “Kimberly Akimbo” was a quiet sleeper but took home Best Musical in 2023, thanks to sharp writing and a quirky, heart-tugging story about a girl aging faster than she lives. If you show up for something everyone else considers “offbeat,” you could catch the next cult classic—like my parents did when they saw “Rent” in its opening months.
And don’t overlook revivals—classic plays and musicals getting a fresh update. Broadway in 2025 is packed with returns of shows like “Cabaret” and “Sweeney Todd.” Sometimes an older story, seen through new eyes, is more powerful than anything new on the block.
Making The Most of Your Broadway Experience: Pro Tips and Fun Facts
So, you’ve picked your Broadway debut—now you want every minute to count. Here’s some wisdom from years of shuttling kids and friends into those Midtown theaters:
- Arrive early. House doors open about 30-45 minutes before curtain. The lobby is usually filled with merchandise, drinks, and a pre-show buzz you don’t want to miss.
- Dress for comfort, but don’t stress about formal wear. Broadway’s crowd is every mix—from hedge fund manager to family in theme park tees. My kids have worn everything from princess costumes to basketball jerseys, and nobody bats an eye.
- Do a bathroom break before the show starts. There’s often a mad dash at intermission. Most of the big theaters in New York were built before 1990, so stalls are at a premium.
- Phones off, snacks away—sounds obvious, but Broadway crowds fill with first-timers trying to catch a quick selfie mid-show. Leave the phone in your bag and soak in the real magic.
- Check for autograph lines at the stage door after the show. Often, cast members come out to sign programs or take selfies, and for kids (yes, and grownups), it’s unforgettable.
Fun stat: Broadway’s total box office in 2024 topped $1.75 billion, with musicals like “Hamilton,” “The Lion King,” and “Wicked” still leading the pack. The longest-running show to date is “The Phantom of the Opera,” which finally closed after more than 13,000 Broadway performances. That’s a record not even the best video game speed-runner could touch.
And remember, Broadway shows aren’t just for tourists. Local families line up, actors chase dreams, and new productions hit the stage every season. If your first pick doesn’t grab you? There’s always another chance. The best part is, nobody forgets their first show. It’s not just about theater—it’s a rite of passage, as New York as a slice of pizza at midnight or a Yankees game on a summer day.
Whatever you pick, take it in. Sing along (quietly). Laugh hard. Tear up. Let Broadway do what it does best—make you feel part of something big. Who knows? You might end up going back for seconds, like so many of us.