Broadway Show Overviews

Curious about a show? Wondering if you would like it?
Check out the following to learn more about shows available on Ted's Tours!
Memphis
  • Memphis is set in the places where rock and roll was born in the 1950s: the seedy nightclubs, radio stations and recording studios of the musically-rich Tennessee city. With an original score, it tells the fictional story of DJ Huey Calhoun, a good ole’ local boy with a passion for R&B music and Felicia Farrell, an up-and-coming black singer that he meets one fateful night on Beale Street. Despite the objections of their loved ones (Huey’s close-minded mama and Felicia’s cautious brother, a club owner), they embark on a dangerous affair. As their careers rise, the relationship is challenged by personal ambition and the pressures of an outside world unable to accept their love.
  • This rollicking new musical is like a non-stop ball of energy. From the first notes of its electrifying opening number “Underground” right up to a rousing finale called “Steal Your Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Memphis delivers one energetic song after the next, with some of the best singing and dancing found on Broadway. Although the story deals with serious subjects regarding race, it’s never heavy-handed in the telling. It’s hard to imagine leaving Memphis without being lifted by its high-octane entertainment.
  • Playing at the Shubert Theatre (225 West 44th Street)
Show Photos - Memphis - J. Bernard Calloway - Montego Glover
Jersey Boys
  • Jersey Boys is a musical biography of the Four Seasons—the rise, the tough times and personal clashes, and the ultimate triumph of a group of friends whose music became symbolic of a generation. Far from a mere tribute concert (though it does include numbers from the popular Four Seasons songbook), Jersey Boys gets to the heart of the relationships at the center of the group—with a special focus on frontman Frankie Valli, the small kid with the big falsetto. In addition to following the quartet’s coming of age as performers, the core of the show is how an allegiance to a code of honor learned in the streets of their native New Jersey got them through a multitude of challenges: gambling debts, Mafia threats and family disasters. Jersey Boys is a glimpse at the people behind a sound that has managed to endure for over four decades in the hearts of the public. The show features over 30 beautifully sung tunes, including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”
  • Upbeat, slickly produced and fast-paced, Jersey Boys appeals to diehard fans of the Four Seasons and audience members less familiar with the group’s extensive catalogue of hits. Unlike most jukebox musicals, the show boasts heavy emphasis on storytelling, which adds to its universal appeal.
  • Playing at the August Wilson Theatre (245 West 52nd Street)
 Show Photos - Jersey Boys - cast
Lion King
  • The Serengeti comes to life as never before through the extraordinary vision that is The Lion King. More than 50 million people have felt the thrill of this Tony Award winner for Best Musical, which tells the classic journey of young royal heir Simba. Giraffes strut, birds swoop and gazelles leap in a dazzling panorama that overwhelms the sense and inspires you with the wonder of life. This is The Lion King. Imagination Untamed.
  • With a pulsing spectacle driven by primal African rhythms, unforgettable tunes (including Elton John and Tim Rice’s Oscar-winning “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”) and a jaw-dropping display of exotic African wildlife brought to life onstage, there are good reasons why The Lion King won a half-dozen Tony Awards in 1998. Intensely physical stage work and countless visual surprises hold your attention from start to finish.
  • Playing at the Minskoff Theatre (1515 Broadway)
 The Lion King - Show Photos - cast 5
Rock of Ages
    Rock of Ages - Show Photos - Mitchell Jarvis
  • A rock musical set in Hollywood in the 1980s, when it was all about big chords, big dreams and big hair! Rock of Ages explores the pursuit of dreams and tells its story through hits from iconic groups and rockers of the 1980s. It’s the tail end of the big, bad 1980s in Hollywood, and the party has been raging hard. Aqua Net, Lycra, lace and liquor flow freely at one of the Sunset Strips last legendary venues, a place where sex machine Stacee Jaxx takes the stage and scantily clad groupies line up to turn their fantasies into reality. Amidst the madness, aspiring rock star (and resident toilet cleaner) Drew longs to take the stage as the next big thing (and longs for small-town girl Sherri, fresh off the bus from Kansas with stars in her eyes). But the rock and roll fairy-tale is about to end when German developers sweep into town with plans to turn the fabled Strip into just another capitalist strip mall. Can Drew, Sherri and the gang save the strip–and themselves–before it's too late? Only the music of hit bands Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake and more hold the answer.
  • Channeling every totally rad '80s cliché in the book, Rock of Ages is superfluous silliness at its best. A high-energy dive into a living, breathing music video, the show–which never takes itself seriously–races quickly along, riding high on nostalgia and hairspray. The live band onstage and playlist of karaoke-friendly classics (as well as the drinks served seat-side during the show) encourage plenty of audience participation.
  • Playing at the Helen Hayes Theatre (240 West 44th Street)

Wicked
    Show Photos - Wicked -  Katie Rose Clarke - Mandy Gonzalez - cast
  • A vivid reimagining of the classic The Wizard of Oz, Wicked spotlights the untold stories of Oz’s most famous (or infamous) characters, namely the Wicked Witch of the West and her unlikely friend, Glinda the Good. The show follows green-skinned star Elphaba from birth to college and through the life-changing events which eventually label her “wicked,” introducing spoiled rich girl Glinda, local prince and heartthrob Fiyero and even the Wizard of Oz himself, a troubled man very unlike the one you may remember. As Elphaba, a passionate political activist if there ever was one, fights injustice and seeks to undo the mistakes of the past, dark secrets and personal tragedies shape the history of Oz, paying homage to the classic Wizard of Oz story while simultaneously changing fans’ understanding of it forever. A cautionary tale about love, friendship and trust, Wicked effortlessly reveals that there are indeed two sides to every story.
  • The untold musical story of The Wizard of Oz’s Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good... before Dorothy dropped in. Based on the imaginative Gregory Maguire novel, Wicked takes a fantasy journey through the unseen side of Oz, sharing a tale of unexpected friendship and love.
  • Playing at the Gershwin Theatre (222 West 51st Street)

Sister Act
    Show Photos - Sister Act - cast 2
  • When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in one place the cops are sure she won't be a found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with the with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but in doing so, blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood.
  • From its brightly colored costumes to its hummable tunes and wholesome message, Sister Act is a family friendly musical all the way. The big no-nos—sex, drugs, rock ‘n’ roll—play little part in the show (these are nuns, after all) and what violence is seen onstage is largely implied, rather than graphic.
  • Playing at the Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway)
Chicago
    Show Photos - Chicago - cast
  • Chicago is a musical tale of "murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery—all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts." Paint the town red with merry murderesses Roxie Hart, Velma Kelly, their hotshot lawyer, Billy Flynn, and the iconic choreography of Bob Fosse.
  • Set in the legendary city during the roaring “jazz hot” 20s, Chicago tells the story of two rival vaudevillian murderesses locked up in Cook County Jail. Nightclub star Velma’s serving time for killing her husband and sister after finding the two in bed together. Driven chorus girl Roxie’s been tossed in the joint for bumping off the lover she’s been cheating on her husband with. Not one to rest on her laurels, Velma enlists the help of prison matron Mama Morton and slickster lawyer Billy Flynn, who turn Velma’s incarceration into a murder-of-the-week media frenzy, thus preparing the world for a splashy showbiz comeback. But Roxie’s got some of her own tricks up her sleeve...
  • Playing at the Ambassador Theatre (219 West 49th Street)

The Addams Family
Show Photos - The Addams Family - Brooke Shields - Roger Rees - cast
  • Based on the bizarre and beloved characters created by Charles Addams, this original story finds the famously macabre Addams Family put to the test when outsiders come to dinner, hurling Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley, Fester, Grandmama and Lurch headlong into a night that will change the family forever.
  • That lovable family of creepy kooks is alive and well and living in their super-spooky mansion in Central Park. The Addams family, led by the elegantly gaunt and seemingly undead Morticia and her ever-devoted husband Gomez, is in turmoil. Their daughter Wednesday, now 18, finds herself falling in love—a sensation that is unsettling for both her and her family of endearing misfits. When the teen invites her new boyfriend, Lucas Beineke, over with his “normal” family to get better acquainted with the Addams household, comic chaos (including everything from an amorous giant squid to mixed-up potions to a scorching tango) ensues.
  • Playing at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (205 West 46th Street)
Mary Poppins
Mary Poppins - Show Photos - Laura Michelle Kelly - Gavin Lee
  • One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a hit Broadway musical! Now in its 5th acclaimed year at the New Amsterdam Theatre on 42nd Street, Mary Poppins has dazzled and delighted millions of theater audiences. Come experience the enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers and astonishing stagecraft that makes this the musical that soars high above the rest. Believe in the magic of Mary Poppins and discover a world where anything can happen if you let it!
  • If you like the movie, you’ll probably love the show. It features all the classic songs (“A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee” and “Spercalifragilisticexpialidocious” to name a few) plus some catchy new tunes. With elaborate sets, eye-popping light displays and show-stopping numbers, this Disney-rific production will transport you to the Banks’ household on Cherry Lane as well as the rooftops of London.
  • Playing at the New Amsterdam Theatre (214 West 42nd Street)

Phantom of the Opera
    Show Photos - The Phantom of the Opera - Hugh Panaro - Sara Jean Ford
  • Based on the 1910 horror novel by Gaston Leroux, which has been adapted into countless films, The Phantom of the Opera follows a deformed composer who haunts the grand Paris Opera House. Sheltered from the outside world in an underground cavern, the lonely, romantic man tutors and composes operas for Christine, a gorgeous young soprano star-to-be. As Christine’s star rises, and a handsome suitor from her past enters the picture, the Phantom grows mad, terrorizing the opera house owners and company with his murderous ways. Still, Christine finds herself drawn to the mystery man. Audiences agree—The Phantom of the Opera is Broadway’s longest-running hit. Ever.
  • Both romantic and scary, The Phantom of the Opera is a thrilling night of theater with grand emotions. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s score, with its beloved signature song “Music of the Night,” sets the mood, but you may also find yourself humming the gorgeous period costumes and simple yet grand sets (even the famous chandelier, which probably falls slower than you’d expect, is a thrill).
  • Playing at the Majestic Theatre (247 West 44th Street)

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
    Show Photos - How to Succeed in Business - Christopher J. Hanke - Mary Faber
  • How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying centers on a young window-cleaner, J. Pierrepont Finch, who begins a meteoric rise from the mail room to Vice President of Advertising at the World-Wide Wicket Company. Finch's unorthodox and morally questionable business practices jeopardize not only his career but also his romance with Secretary Rosemary Pilkington.
  • As the show begins, J. Pierrepont Finch, a young window washer, is poring over a how-to book for transforming himself into a tycoon. He soon bluffs his way into a job in the mail room at World Wide Wicket Company, where he catches the eye of secretary Rosemary Pilkington. With a mixture of innocence and smarts, our hero continues to climb the ladder of success, impressing boss J.B. Biggley while overcoming opposition from Biggley’s lazy nephew, Bud Frump. Meanwhile, Biggley is trying to keep his sexy mistress, Hedy La Rue, happy, and Rosemary is dreaming of an idyllic suburban life with her future husband “Ponty” Finch. Will everyone at World Wide Wicket get their version of a happy ending?
  • How to Succeed is a delightful musical satire of corporate life and office politics, packed with memorable songs such as “I Believe in You,” “Brotherhood of Man” and “Been a Long Day.” The big draw of director/choreographer Rob Ashford’s revival is the exhilarating musical debut of Daniel Radcliffe as Finch. With impish charm, Radcliffe sings and dances his way through this big, bright production, which features Ashford’s signature high-energy musical numbers and design elements perfectly in sync with the show’s early ’60s setting. Winner of both the Tony and Pulitzer Prize for its 1961 debut, How to Succeed has earned its status as a classic, not-to-be-missed musical treat.
  • Playing at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre (302 W. 45th Street)
Spiderman
    Show Photos - Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark - Reeve Carney
  • Drawing from over 40 years of Marvel comic books for inspiration, Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark spins a new take on the mythic tale of a young man propelled from a modest rowhouse in Queens to the sky-scraping spire of the Chrysler Building, the bustling offices of the Daily Bugle, through the dizzying canyons of Manhattan, to new vistas never before seen. The musical follows the story of teenager Peter Parker, whose unremarkable life is turned upside-down—literally—when he’s bitten by a genetically altered spider and wakes up the next morning clinging to his bedroom ceiling. This bullied science-geek—suddenly endowed with astonishing powers—soon learns, however, that with great power comes great responsibility as villains test not only his physical strength but also his strength of character.
  • One of the most technically elaborate Broadway musicals of all time, Spider-Man brings the Manhattan skyline to life on stage and features incredible aerial stunts as Spider-Man flies over the audience to fight his foes. The musical features a rock score penned by famed U2 musicians Bono and the Edge. Similar to other projects from the show’s original director, Julie Taymor, there are inventive costumes, puppets, masks, projections and more stunning visual techniques used throughout the show.
  • While superhero loving kids will go crazy for Spider-Man as he soars around the audience, younger children may be slightly frightened by the evildoers who aim to bring down the super hero. Much of the fight choreography looks like stylized dancing, so it is not overly violent, though some of the video projections are a bit intense (and loud) for younger kids.
  • Playing at Foxwoods Theatre (213 West 42nd Street)
Godspell
  • The show is composed of various musical parables from The Gospel According to Matthew. Jesus Christ recruits a group of followers and teaches them various lessons through song and dance. Toward the end of the second act, the show begins to follow a more linear narrative as Jesus is betrayed by Judas and eventually crucified.
  • The two-act musical is performed in the round with the musicians placed throughout the audience. The show features various musical styles, including rock ‘n roll, pop, R&B, ragtime, rap and more. The eccentrically dressed cast often gathers around Jesus as he tells different stories and sings about his teachings and the importance of love. The cast occasionally plays their own instruments and uses props such as ladders, newspapers and more to further enhance their storytelling. This new production modernizes the story by making references to Facebook, iPhones and celebrities like Donald Trump and Lindsay Lohan. The cast frequently enters the audience and frequently improves, which adds to the spontaneous and involving atmosphere
  • Godspell can teach many powerful lessons and values to children, and they may enjoy the energetic, silly nature of the show. Children may find the crucifixion scene disturbing.
  • Playing at Circle in the Square Theatre (235 West 50th Street)
Show Photos - Godspell - cast
Rent
  • Loosely based on Puccini’s opera La Boheme, Rent tells the story of a group of impoverished friends struggling to survive and create in New York’s gritty Alphabet City in 1991. Over the course of one year, Rent follows these starving artists as they strive for success and acceptance while enduring the obstacles of poverty, illness, impending gentrification and the AIDS epidemic.
  • Saturated with sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll, Rent also contains heavy subjects like people living with AIDS (and dying of it) that might be too much for younger audience members. With its insistent rock score and themes of rebellion and independence—and despite an onstage death and some very emotional moments—Rent has always been a teen favorite. The show’s many love stories appeal to all ages.
  • Playing at New World Stages - Stage One (340 West 50th Street)
Show Photos - Rent - Adam Chanler-Berat - cast

GhostPoster for Ghost
  • Ghost follows a young couple, Sam and Molly, who get mugged while walking home to their New York apartment one night. Sam is murdered and becomes trapped in this world as a ghost, unable to leave Molly, who he learns is in grave danger. With the help of a phony storefront psychic, Oda Mae Brown, Sam tries to communicate with Molly in the hope of saving and protecting her.
  • Opens April 23, 2012
  • Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (205 West 46th Street)






Nice Work... If You Can Get ItPoster for Nice Work If You Can Get It
  • Hilarious Broadway entertainment is back in high style with Nice Work If You Can Get It. Overflowing with 15 great songs, including “But Not For Me,” “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off,” “I’ve Got a Crush on You” and “Someone to Watch Over Me,” this brand-new Gershwin musical comedy combines laughter, romance and high-stepping musical magic.
  • Opens April 24, 2012
  • Imperial Theatre (249 West 45th Street)