If you’re planning a summer trip to New York City but don’t consider yourself a theatre person, Broadway might not be high on your list. That’s fair. Maybe you’re more interested in skyline views, great food, or wandering through neighborhoods than sitting in a theatre for a few hours.
But here’s the thing: Broadway isn’t just for die-hard theatre fans.
In fact, it’s often the people who go in skeptical who end up loving it most. You don’t need to know every lyric to Hamilton or be fluent in Shakespeare to enjoy a night in the Theatre District. Broadway is less about being “into theatre” and more about being open to a shared experience that feels uniquely New York.
Picture this: you step inside a historic theatre. The lobby hums with conversation. Playbills rustle. The lights dim, and suddenly the entire room goes quiet in anticipation. When the curtain rises, you’re not just watching a story—you’re surrounded by it. The live orchestra swells. The choreography fills the stage. The sets shift before your eyes. There’s no pause button, no scrolling, no distractions—just hundreds of people experiencing something together in real time.
That’s what makes Broadway different.
It’s not about being a theatre expert. It’s about the energy in the room. It’s about witnessing performers do something extraordinary right in front of you. It’s about walking back out into the city afterward, still buzzing from what you just saw.
If you’re on the fence about adding a show to your summer itinerary, consider this: in a city packed with iconic experiences, Broadway is one of the few you truly can’t replicate anywhere else. And you don’t have to be a “theatre person” to appreciate a great night out in New York.
You just have to show up.
“But I don’t even like musicals.”
First of all, you’re not the first person to say that. We hear it all the time.
Not everyone considers themselves a theatre person. Not everyone loves musicals. And that’s exactly why The Broadway Collection exists.
It’s a curated selection of Broadway shows chosen with visitors in mind — people who may be seeing their very first production, traveling with family, planning a date night, or simply looking for something unforgettable to do in New York City. The goal isn’t to overwhelm you with options. It’s to help you find a show that fits you.
And here’s something important: Broadway is more than the traditional idea of a musical.
Yes, there are big, joyful, song-filled spectacles. But there are also powerful dramas, sharp comedies, visually stunning productions, and stories based on history, film, or cultural icons. Some shows feel like concerts. Others feel like cinematic storytelling happening right in front of you. Some are intimate and emotional. Others are pure, high-energy entertainment.
You don’t have to love musicals. You just have to be willing to experience something you can’t stream, scroll, or replicate anywhere else.
“So, what show should I see?”
Great question! Let’s dig into a few of the titles in the Broadway Collection and find something perfect for you.
Broadway truly offers something for everyone — whether you’re looking for concert-level energy, jaw-dropping spectacle, or powerful storytelling without the singing.
For Music Lovers
Remember when we said some shows feel like concerts? That’s because they seamlessly blend the thrill of live music with captivating storytelling, creating an experience that resonates with music fans.
MJ The Musical is a must-see for anyone who’s ever tapped their foot to a Michael Jackson hit. This musical takes you on a journey through the King of Pop's iconic career, weaving in his legendary music with a narrative that offers a glimpse into his life and artistry leading up to the Dangerous world tour. You’re not just hearing the songs you love, you’re seeing them brought to life with electrifying choreography, powerhouse vocals, and stunning stagecraft that captures the energy and showmanship Michael was known for.
Buena Vista Social Club transports audiences to the heart of Havana, capturing the spirit and soul of Cuban music. Based on the Grammy-winning album and subsequent documentary, the musical follows the journey of a group of veteran Cuban musicians who come together to revive the vibrant sounds of the island, offering a peek into their personal stories and the cultural tapestry of Cuba. With a live band on stage, the performance pulsates with authentic rhythms and melodies, pulling the audience into an unforgettable musical celebration that pays homage to the timeless legacy of these legendary artists.
For Spectacle Lovers
If you want to be blown away by visuals, choreography, and immersive design, these are the shows to see.
The Lion King, based on the animated Disney movie, is a Broadway classic that’s truly cinematic in scale. From the puppetry to the costumes to the music of Elton John and Tim Rice, it’s an experience that engages every sense. Even people who think they’d never like musicals are often captivated by the artistry on stage, not to mention the parade of puppeteered animals down the aisles!
Moulin Rouge! The Musical is pure spectacle: high-energy, visually dazzling, and packed with modern pop hits. Set in the famous Parisian cabaret, it’s a whirlwind of color, can-can choreography, and soaring emotion—a full-on theatrical party that makes you feel like you’re inside the movie itself.
Ok…Ok…We Hear You. You Don’t Like Musicals.
Even if musicals aren’t your thing, Broadway still has options. Shows like these offer immersive storytelling without the singing.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child delivers magic, intrigue, and epic stagecraft right from the beginning. Picking up where the book series stops, the plot unfolds as Harry’s son Albus grapples with his family’s legacy and a dangerous journey through time that changes everything. The play offers spellbinding illusions and cinematic-level production design without venturing into musical territory, making it perfect for fans of the Wizarding World or anyone who craves a story-driven spectacle.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow blends beloved characters and thrilling plotlines, creating a theatrical experience perfect for TV and film fans curious about live theatre. The show explores Hawkins' mysteries and familiar characters like Hopper and Joyce before the Upside Down's chaos. With Tony-winning stage design and special effects, it captures the eerie essence of the series offering a fresh perspective on the Stranger Things universe and drawing audiences into a gripping tale of suspense and adventure.
For newcomers to the theatre scene, adding a Broadway show to your NYC itinerary is an absolute must. The energy of Times Square, the thrill of live performance, and the chance to see world-class talent on stage make Broadway an unforgettable experience. Even for someone who swears they “don’t do musicals,” The Broadway Collection offers a diverse range of productions to suit any taste. From long-running favorites to groundbreaking new works, there's something for everyone. So immerse yourself in the magic of live theatre and discover why a Broadway show is an essential part of any New York City adventure.