What do Broadway blockbusters "Hamilton" and "Hadestown" have in common other than their titles begin with an "h"? They all had their New York beginnings as Off-Broadway shows.
Much more than just an incubator for commercial hits, Off Broadway offers artists and producers the opportunity to present groundbreaking work while offering a budget-friendly option for theater addicts. The big plus is, given the intimate size of Off-Broadway houses, everyone usually has a great seat.
There are close to 100 small stages that can present Off- or Off-Off-Broadway shows in New York City. Some of them house long-running hits that have been delighting audiences for decades, others present short runs. Below is our list of up-and-coming and long-running Off-Broadway shows that theater lovers should have on their radar.
The Big Gay Jamboree
After a night of heavy drinking, a woman finds herself trapped inside a Golden Age Broadway musical and then has to figure out how she can sing and tap dance her way to an escape. Performances begin September 14.
Blue Man Group
Long before they became an international sensation, three blue men drummed in paint, played with PVC tubing, and strew toilet paper over audiences in this intimate East Village theater.
Cocktail Magique
This show is so far Off-Broadway, it's in Brooklyn! A 1920s-themed speakeasy magic show promises cocktails and delivers. For audiences 21 and over.
Cats: "The Jellicle Ball"
Uptown goes all the way downtown to the new Perelman Performing Arts Center at the World Trade Center in a radical reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic musical. Inspired by the LGBTQ Ballroom culture that roared out of New York City over 50 years ago and still rages around the world. Closes September 8.
Drag: the musical
RuPaul's Drag Race star Alaska headlines a campy evening about two competing drag houses (The Cathouse and The Fishtank) who vie for supremacy. Features Broadway's J. Elaine Marcos, Nick Adams, and RPDR stars Lagoona Bloo, Jujubee, and Jan Sport. Performances begin September 30.
Drunk Shakespeare
A hit in New York, Chicago, DC, Phoenix, and Houston, this show explains what happens when one actor downs five shots of real booze and attempts to perform Shakespeare. For audiences 21 and over.
Gatz
Purist fans of the F. Scott Fitzgeral novel The Great Gatsby who were disappointed with the Broadway musical, will rejoice in this innovative two-part eight-hour verbatim retelling of the 20th century's most beloved American novel. Runs November 1 through December 1 at The Public.
Hold On to Me Darling
Adam Driver stars in a revival of Kenneth Lonergan's play about a country music star who abandons the limelight to return to his Tennessee hometown after the death of his mother. Performances begin September 24.
King Lear
Kenneth Brannagh does double duty as director and star in William Shakespeare's immortal drama about family relations, justice, loyalty, and self-awareness. Performances begin October 26.
Life and Trust
The producing power behind Sleep No More presents a site-specific immersive tale of money, sex, and power in the heart of New York's Financial District that realizes the Faustian legend in New York on the eve of the Great Crash of 1929.
Little Shop of Horrors
A man-eating singing plant and a rotating roster of A-list stage talent have been delighting Off-Broadway audiences upstairs at the West Side Theatre since 2019.
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Emmy Award-winner Holland Taylor ("The Practice," "Two and a Half Men," Ann) and Theatre World Award-winner Ana Villafañe (On Your Feet) star as two congresswomen not a lot unlike Nancy P and AOC. Closes September 1.
Perfect Crime
A psychiatrist may have killed her husband. But why is he still alive? This isn't the only question you'll be asking yourself at this head-scratcher of a show. At 36 years it's the longest-running play in New York City history.
The Play That Goes Wrong
A Broadway hit before it transferred to Off-Broadway, the show features an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can't play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines).
Sleep No More
Easily New York's most unique theatrical experience, this environmental film noir loose treatment of Shakespeare's MacBeth has audiences wandering rooms, looking for answers, and wanting more. Closes September 29.
Teeth
Based on the cult horror film of the same name, this musical focuses on a righteous girl whose body knows how to "bite back" when men violate her. Performances begin October 16.
Titanique: Une Parodie Musicale
As hilarious as a maritime tragedy can get, the Oscar-winning film hits the stage full-steam powered by the hits of Celine Dion.
Queen of Hearts
Fall down a rabbit hole of sensual wonders and surreal delights at Company XIV's sumptuous ode to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Peer into a decadent dreamworld laced with a mesmerizing blend of stunning circus, shining chanteuses, brilliant burlesque, classical dance, and lavish design. For audiences 21 and over. Closes October 31.
