One of my favorite parts about NYC is all of the entertainment options. It’s one of the quintessential experiences here in the city. It’s definitely a bucket list item. Although I don’t go often, seeing shows on Broadway is always so much fun, especially when people are visiting from out of town.

A few things to note before seeing a Broadway show:

1. Shows actually do start when they say they are going to. I highly recommend not being late and suggest arriving about 15 minutes ahead of time, especially if you plan to use the restroom or hit the bar. Lines are always long. If you’re late, you’ll have to wait to be seated until an act is complete.
2. The cost of EVERYTHING is expensive. If you have time, I suggest grabbing a bite to eat beforehand. If not, you’ll be eating overpriced Skittles and Pretzels for dinner. I’ve included some nearby restaurants with each of my reviews. Don’t forget to tell your server you’re seeing a show. Most restaurants in the area run some type of special deal for theatre-goers.
3. This last one should go without saying – shut your phone off during the show! I’ve sat through plenty of shows where someone’s phone rings and it can totally ruin everyone’s experience. One time, a man near me couldn’t silence his phone and ended up leaving during the first act and never came back.

Here are the 3 most recent shows I’ve seen. I’ll be adding to the post as I see more shows so be sure to check back often for updates reviews!

Wicked

Gershwin Theatre

Nearby Restaurants: The Palm (upscale steak and seafood), American Cut (steakhouse), Natsumi (sushi)

Wicked is one of my favorite shows that I’ve seen on Broadway and actually my first! I saw it with my mom when she was in town. It’s the story of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West and her journey before the Wizard of Oz.

From the set design to the music to the acting, it was a truly incredible experience. The performers are seriously so talented. I had chills for almost every performance and I do admit – there were tears at the end during “For Good.” I highly recommend this show and it’s good to see with friends, a date or with your family.

Waitress

Brooks Atkinson Theatre

Nearby Restaurants: Room Service (Thai), Glass House Tavern (upscale American)

Waitress is the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie cook whose dream of leaving her small town and her unhealthy marriage becomes reality when she hears about a baking contest in a nearby town. While it’s partly a love story, the main theme is discovering one’s self-worth. I loved this one!

One thing that makes this musical so special is its all-female creative team. The screenplay and direction are both lead by women. The music and lyrics were written by 6-time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles. You can even catch her as the lead role until February 3rd. I happened to see it when Jason Mraz played the male lead.

The best part? There’s real pie! Not only do they use them onstage at each show and have mini ones for sale, but there’s also a hidden oven in the lobby, baking a pie, that fills the room with the delicious scent of fresh apple pie. Overall, this show was a fun, witty, and uplifting experience. It’s a great pick for a girl’s night out. 

Mean Girls

August Wilson Theatre

Nearby Restaurants: Vida Verde (contemporary Mexican), Angelo’s Pizza, The Palm (upscale steak and seafood)

The theatre is a little further north, but I loved the location. We went to Hallow Green prior to the show (not the biggest fan of the pizza). The restaurant/bar seemed like a fun place to grab a few cocktails and food prior to the show starting. I’ve included an alternative pizza option above.

As for Mean Girls the movie, I enjoyed it but I wasn’t someone who obsessed over it or memorized every line. However, I did enjoy the overall plot. I thought the characters were cast really well in the play, the performances were great and it followed the movie’s plot line well. Overall, I loved the show and would definitely recommend it for a girl’s night out. Don’t forget to wear pink if you go on a Wednesday!

Living so close to Theatre District, I’d love to take advantage of the Broadway scene more often. 

A Bronx Tale

Longacre Theatre

This classic theatre situated off w. 48th street is a great place to watch a show. We had been wanting to see this production for a while before we finally went. A Bronx Tale is one of Matt’s favorite movies so it was easy to get him to come with me. The marquee in the front is gorgeous and so charming. It reminded me of the New York I saw in movies when I was young. If you are unfamiliar with the movie or play, it, of course, takes place in the Bronx. It’s about a young boy from a traditional Italian family and he ends up befriending the local Mob boss. It paints the picture of him growing up on this block in the Bronx and the tug of war between his life with his family and the one with the neighborhood tough guys. It’s a very NYC production and just a great story. Highly recommend!! It’s currently on tour so be sure to check it out.

Kinky Boots

• Anastasia
• Hamilton
• Chicago
• Frozen
• To Kill A Mockingbird
• Dear Evan Hanson
• Jersey Boys
• Lion King
• Mamma Mia
• Aladdin

Other Restaurants in the area:

• Sardi’s
• Five Napkin Burger
• Nizza
• Marseille
• Kodama Sushi
• Bond 45
• Wolfgang’s Steakhouse
• Heartland Brewery

What are some of your favorite Broadway shows and restaurants? Would love to hear in the comments!

xo, Olivia