Five Broadway Shows to See This Holiday Season
Photo by Denys Nevozhai on Unsplash
The opinions reflected in this OpEd are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of staff, faculty and students of The King's College.
The holiday season is a special time in New York City. From Rockefeller Center to New Years Eve in Times Square, there is no shortage of exciting experiences to be had in the coming weeks. Many of us will spend at least part of the holiday season in the city with friends and family, and there is no better way to spend a winter evening in New York than at a Broadway show. Thirty-six Broadway shows will perform during the Christmas break, but I will save you some trouble and narrow down the best options. These five have something for everyone, offering a variety of genres, lengths and prices. Here are five Broadway shows you don’t want to miss this holiday season:
Photo by Joan Marcus
#5: Leopoldstadt
“Leopoldstadt” is a brilliant play from the writing genius of Tom Stoppard. It’s a powerful story of generational change in a wealthy Jewish family during the early twentieth century, the rise of Naziism and the Holocaust. “Leopoldstadt” features a massive, highly-talented cast and makes for an unforgettable night of theater. It is a moving, tragic and nostalgic tour-de-force in dramatic writing and acting. This play is likely one of Stoppard’s last new plays on Broadway, and it is only in New York for a limited time. Read my full review of “Leopoldstadt” here.
Leopoldstadt is running at the Longacre Theatre. Tickets are available at telecharge.com. Discounted day-of tickets are available at the box office for $35, and students can purchase day-of tickets at the box office for $25.
Jefferson Mays in "A Christmas Carol" I Photo courtesy of A Christmas Carol Live
#4: A Christmas Carol
No story best epitomizes the Christmas season than Charles Dickens’ iconic “A Christmas Carol.” This year, this classic story of redemption, family and joy is back on Broadway in the form of a one-man retelling featuring the brilliant storytelling and character acting of Jefferson Mays. Even though this adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” is unique, it is perfectly true to Dickens’ novel and a masterful production for all ages. Read my full review of this production of “A Christmas Carol” here.
A Christmas Carol is running at the Nederlander Theatre through January 1, 2023. Tickets are available at achristmascarollive.com, and discounted day-of tickets are available at the box office for $30.
Photo by Matthew Murphy
#3: The Phantom of the Opera
After 35 years on Broadway, the iconic chandelier at “The Phantom of the Opera” will rise for the last time on April 16, 2023. The beautiful spectacle of “The Phantom of the Opera” is as thrilling and romantic as ever. The musical is one of the last remaining lavish productions of a bygone era of Broadway. This year will be the show’s final holiday season in New York, and if you have not seen this masterpiece before (or even if you have), this is a must-see performance for the holiday season. Also, you can read my article here about the impact of the show’s closing on the theater industry.
The Phantom of the Opera is running at the Majestic Theatre through April 16, 2023. Tickets are available at telecharge.com, and day-of standing-room tickets are available at the box office for $27 when the performance is sold out.
“The Old Man & The Pool” I Photo by Emilio Madrid
#2: The Old Man & The Pool
If you aren’t a fan of musicals or plays, then consider checking out “The Old Man and the Pool,” stand-up comedian Mike Birbiglia’s latest one-man show on Broadway. This show is an evening of hilarious stories from the comedian about death, parenting and a YMCA swimming pool. Already extended on Broadway by popular demand, it is a heartwarming and entertaining evening that should not be missed. Read my full review of “The Old Man & The Pool” here.
The Old Man & The Pool is running at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre through January 15, 2023. Tickets are available at telecharge.com, and discounted day-of tickets are available on the TodayTix app for $29.
Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
#1: Into the Woods
One of the most popular revivals on Broadway this year has been the return of the late Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods,” over twenty years since it last played on Broadway. For fans of classic Broadway musicals, this comedic mashup of fairy tales features some of Sondheim’s most iconic songs and characters. The show is lighthearted, funny and has a little something for everyone. This production has also been a rotating showcase of Broadway celebrities this fall, including Sara Bareilles, Gavin Creel, Stephanie J Block, Brian D’arcy James, and many, many more. Different actors perform on different nights but check out intothewoodsbway.com to see who will perform over the holiday season.
Into the Woods is running at the St. James Theatre through January 8, 2023. Tickets are available at seatgeek.com, and discounted day-of tickets are available at the box office for $59.
In addition to these shows, be sure to check out Broadway classics such as Wicked, Hamilton, Aladdin, Hadestown and The Lion King, which just celebrated its 25th Anniversary on Broadway. The holiday season (particularly after the new year) is full of discounts and opportunities to experience the best of New York’s theater industry.
Check out additional reviews of this season’s new plays and musicals.
Eli Johnson is the Theatre Columnist for the Empire State Tribune. He is a freshman at The King's College majoring in Business. He is an avid theatre-goer and always enjoys a game of chess.