As the curtain falls on 2023, Broadway leaves us with a wealth of memorable moments and performances that captured the essence of theater. This year, the stages of New York City were graced with groundbreaking revivals, innovative new works, and performances that will be remembered for years to come. Here’s a look at the standout shows of 2023 and a glimpse into the promising productions set to light up Broadway in 2024.
Top 10 Broadway Shows of 2023
1. Appropriate
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ gripping play, “Appropriate,” directed by Lila Neugebauer, opened on December 18 at the Helen Hayes Theater and runs until March 3. This powerful family drama, starring Sarah Paulson, delves into America’s darkest legacies with a compelling mix of mystery, old grudges, and unexpected humor. The story unfolds in an abandoned Southern plantation home where a startling discovery challenges the characters and the audience to confront the enduring scars of racism.
2. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Sweeney-Todd-032623-03-2000-a6c68ceaf9224d9aa1e29c367dd2889c.jpg)
Stephen Sondheim’s classic, “Sweeney Todd,” made a grand return to Broadway on March 26 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. This revival, featuring Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford, has been lauded as a theatrical event of epic proportions. Groban and Ashford’s performances, alongside Stranger Things’ Gaten Matarazzo, whose rendition of “Not While I’m Around” was particularly memorable, cemented this revival as a must-see.
3. Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch
Opening on September 27 at the Music Box Theatre, Kenny Leon’s revival of Ossie Davis’ “Purlie Victorious” offers a poignant blend of comedy and racial satire. Starring Leslie Odom Jr. and Kara Young, this production shines a light on America’s historical and ongoing struggles with race, while delivering laugh-out-loud moments that resonate deeply in today’s socio-political climate.
4. Parade
Jason Robert Brown and Alfred Uhry’s “Parade,” which opened on March 16 at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre and ran until August 6, poignantly addresses the harrowing story of Leo Frank, set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Georgia. With standout performances by Ben Platt and Micaela Diamond, this revival captured the complexities of prejudice and justice with an emotional intensity that reverberates today.
5. Merrily We Roll Along
The Hudson Theatre saw the revival of Sondheim’s “Merrily We Roll Along” on October 10, set to run until July 7. This production, directed by Maria Friedman and starring Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez, brings to life the backward journey of three friends in the entertainment industry. Radcliffe’s show-stopping performance of “Franklin Shepard, Inc.” highlighted this revival’s charm and emotional depth.
6. Fat Ham
James Ijames’ “Fat Ham,” inspired by Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” opened at the American Airlines Theatre on April 12 and closed on July 2. This Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy, featuring Marcel Spears as Juicy, reimagines the classic tale through a contemporary, Black, queer lens. The production, with its mix of humor and pathos, resonated with audiences for its fresh perspective on family and identity.
7. A Doll’s House
Jessica Chastain led the minimalist revival of Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House,” which opened on March 9 at the Hudson Theatre and closed on June 10. Directed by Jamie Lloyd, this stark production focused on the raw emotional core of the story. Chastain’s portrayal of Nora, alongside Arian Moayed, brought a new level of intimacy and intensity to this classic, making it one of the year’s most talked-about performances.
8. Prima Facie
Jodie Comer made a stunning Broadway debut in Suzie Miller’s “Prima Facie,” which opened on April 23 at the Golden Theatre and closed on July 2. Comer’s portrayal of Tessa, a defense lawyer whose life is upended by a personal crisis, delivered a powerful critique of the legal system’s handling of sexual assault cases. Her performance was a tour de force, earning critical acclaim for its emotional and physical intensity.
9. Shucked
“Shucked,” which opened on April 4 at the Nederlander Theatre and will close on January 14, brought a refreshing mix of humor and heart to Broadway. Alex Newell’s performance as Lulu, especially during the show-stopping number “Independently Owned,” was a highlight. The musical’s blend of rural charm and urban wit provided a joyous escape, even as it faced the challenges of sustaining a Broadway run.
10. Spamalot
“Spamalot,” which reopened on November 16 at the St. James Theatre, proved that the timeless humor of Monty Python continues to enchant audiences. Directed by Josh Rhodes, the revival maintained the original’s wit and absurdity. With standout performances from Christopher Fitzgerald, Michael Urie, and Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer, “Spamalot” remains a comedic gem that delivers laughter in abundance.
Looking Ahead to 2024
As we look forward to 2024, Broadway promises another year of compelling storytelling and remarkable performances. Here are some of the most anticipated productions:
1. Prayer for the French Republic
Opening on January 9 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, Joshua Harmon’s acclaimed play returns after its successful Off-Broadway run. This powerful narrative spans generations of a Jewish family grappling with their safety and identity in a changing world.
2. Days of Wine and Roses
Set to open on January 28 at Studio 54, this new musical adaptation of the classic film stars Kelli O’Hara and Brian d’Arcy James. With a score by Adam Guettel and book by Craig Lucas, it promises to be a poignant exploration of love and addiction.
3. Doubt: A Parable
John Patrick Shanley’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play returns to Broadway on February 29 at the American Airlines Theatre. Starring Tyne Daly and Liev Schreiber, this revival revisits the intense drama of suspicion and morality within a Catholic school.
4. An Enemy of the People
Amy Herzog adapts Henrik Ibsen’s classic for a modern audience, with previews beginning on February 27 at Circle in the Square. Featuring Jeremy Strong and Michael Imperioli, this production delves into the conflict between truth and power in a small town.
5. The Who’s Tommy
The beloved rock musical “Tommy” returns on March 28 at the Nederlander Theatre. Directed by Des McAnuff, this revival promises to re-ignite the revolutionary spirit of The Who’s iconic album, bringing its powerful story and electrifying music to a new generation.
With a year of exceptional theater behind us and an exciting lineup ahead, Broadway continues to be a stage for creativity and resilience. As we celebrate the best of 2023, we eagerly await the stories and performances that 2024 will bring.