25 Must-See Broadway Shows and Off-Broadway Hits This May

As you scan the May lineup of Broadway shows and Off-Broadway hits, you’ll notice a diverse array of 25 productions vying for your attention. From genre-bending musicals like “A Strange Loop” to nostalgic revivals like “Mr. Saturday Night,” there’s a wealth of storytelling on offer. But which shows will truly resonate with you? Will it be the poignant drama of “The Lehman Trilogy” or the reimagined classic “Company”? The choices are endless, and the curtains are about to rise – which ones will you choose to lift?

A Strange Loop: The Groundbreaking Musical Event

What makes A Strange Loop a musical event like no other?

You’ll experience musical innovation at its finest, as the show seamlessly blends genres and styles.

Identity exploration takes center stage, delving into the complexities of blackness, queerness, and the human experience.

Prepare to be challenged, moved, and inspired by this groundbreaking production.

The Lehman Trilogy: A Family’s Epic Saga

As you settle in to experience The Lehman Trilogy: A Family’s Epic Saga, you’ll be transported to the 19th century, where the Lehman brothers’ humble beginnings in Bavaria set the stage for a sweeping narrative that spans generations, continents, and fortunes.

This theatrical adaptation masterfully weaves a historical drama, exploring the immigrant experience, family legacy, and economic impact of their financial collapse, delving into emotional depth and character development.

Plaza Suite: A Hilarious Romp Through Time

You’ll find yourself checking into the Plaza Hotel time and time again as Plaza Suite: A Hilarious Romp Through Time takes you on a comedic journey through the decades.

This clever time travel comedy explores love, relationships, and identity in three distinct eras.

• Witness the swinging sixties, where social norms are put to the test.
• Experience the tumultuous seventies, where free love reigns supreme.
• Visit the materialistic eighties, where status is everything.

Mr. Saturday Night: Billy Crystal’s Triumphant Return

Billy Crystal shines in his triumphant return to Broadway in Mr. Saturday Night.

You’ll be captivated by his nuanced performance as Buddy Young Jr., a comedian trying to revive his fading career.

This nostalgic return to the stage is a reflection of Crystal’s enduring talent, making Mr. Saturday Night a must-see this May.

How I Learned to Drive: A Haunting Memory Play

After basking in the nostalgic glow of Billy Crystal’s triumphant return, it’s time to shift gears with Paula Vogel’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, How I Learned to Drive.

This haunting memory play takes you on a journey of self-discovery, delving into the complexities of memory exploration.

You’ll be drawn into:

• The intricate web of relationships and their influence on personal growth
• The driving symbolism, where the road becomes a metaphor for life’s journey
• The blurred lines between reality and fantasy, leaving you questioning what’s real and what’s not

The Minutes: A Scathing Look at Small-Town Politics

Politics seeps into every crevice of small-town America, and Tracy Letts’ The Minutes is a scathing examination of the machinations that govern these seemingly idyllic communities.

You’ll witness the intricate web of small town dynamics, where backroom deals and personal agendas shape local policy.

This biting political satire exposes the hypocrisy and power struggles that simmer beneath the surface of small-town politics.

Macbeth: A Dark and Moody Shakespearean Thriller

As you settle into your seat, the lights dim, and the eerie atmosphere of Macbeth envelops you, transporting you to a world of darkness and tyranny. This modern adaptation masterfully weaves Shakespeare’s themes of power struggles and moral ambiguity, creating a sense of psychological tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

• The dark atmosphere is amplified by the clever stage design, which conjures the supernatural elements that haunt Macbeth’s tragic characters.
• The production’s use of lighting and sound creates an immersive experience, drawing you into the world of the play and refusing to let go.
• With its exploration of the human psyche, Macbeth is a thriller that will leave you breathless and questioning the true cost of ambition.

The Skin of Our Teeth: A Timeless Classic Reborn

While the curtains of time may divide us from the 1940s, when Thornton Wilder’s The Skin of Our Teeth premiered, this timeless classic continues to resonate with audiences today.

Its themes of humanity’s cyclical struggles and triumphs remaining eerily relevant. You’ll find yourself pondering existential questions as the Antrobus family navigates the absurdities of life, grappling with the timeless themes that make this play a reborn classic.

Hangmen: A Dark Comedy of Errors

You’ve just stepped out of the existential whirlwind that’s The Skin of Our Teeth, and now you’re about to enter a world where the absurd and the darkly comedic collide.

In Hangmen, Martin McDonagh’s dark humor masterfully weaves a tragic irony that will leave you questioning the fragility of human life.

• A morbidly fascinating plot that’s both eerie and hilarious
• A cast of eccentric characters that will make you laugh and cringe
• A set design that’s as haunting as it’s mesmerizing

Birthday Candles: A Heartwarming Family Drama

Every year, on your special day, someone lights those birthday candles, and for a fleeting moment, time stands still.

In “Birthday Candles,” this poignant ritual becomes a catalyst for emotional storytelling, expertly weaving together complex family dynamics.

Through tender moments and poignant revelations, this heartwarming drama illuminates the beauty in life’s imperfections, making it a must-see this May.

Flying Over Sunset: A Psychedelic Journey Through Time

What if you could transcend the boundaries of time and space, and find yourself in the midst of a psychedelic journey? In “Flying Over Sunset,” you’ll commence a thrilling adventure through time travel themes and mesmerizing psychedelic visuals.

• Witness the lives of three iconic figures from the 1950s intertwined in a surreal exploration of consciousness.
• Experience the fluidity of time as the past, present, and future converge.
• Get lost in the kaleidoscope of colors and patterns that bring this fantastical world to life.

The Woman in Black: A Chilling Ghost Story

While the lights dim and the anticipation builds, a sense of unease settles in as you prepare to experience the haunting tale of “The Woman in Black.”

This classic ghost story has been sending shivers down the spines of audiences for decades, and its latest incarnation on Broadway is no exception.

You’ll be enveloped in a ghostly atmosphere, where theatrical suspense masterfully weaves a web of fear, keeping you on the edge of your seat.

The Play That Goes Wrong: A Hilarious Theatrical Romp

As you take your seat, the anticipation builds, and the lights dim, signaling the start of a theatrical experience like no other – “The Play That Goes Wrong: A Hilarious Theatrical Romp” is about to unfold.

This sidesplitting production masterfully blends slapstick comedy and theatrical mishaps, keeping you on the edge of your seat.

• Expect a series of hilarious mishaps, from falling set pieces to forgotten lines.
• The talented cast’s impeccable timing and physical comedy skills will leave you in stitches.
• Be prepared for a night of non-stop laughter and entertainment.

The Ferryman: A Family’s Turbulent Past

By delving into the complexities of family dynamics, “The Ferryman: A Family’s Turbulent Past” presents a gripping narrative that unravels the dark secrets and unspoken truths of the Carney family.

You’ll be drawn into a world of family secrets, historical trauma, and political tension, where personal redemption and cultural identity are explored through generational conflict and emotional resilience.

Ultimately revealing the power of storytelling and legacy exploration.

The Inheritance: A Sweeping Two-Part Epic

You’re about to experience a theatrical event that redefines the boundaries of storytelling, as “The Inheritance: A Sweeping Two-Part Epic” masterfully weaves together the intricate narratives of three generations.

This epic production explores themes of love, loss, and identity, boasting exceptional character development that will leave you emotionally invested.

• Expertly crafted storytelling techniques evoke a strong emotional resonance, making the show’s historical context feel eerily relevant to modern audiences.
• The show’s theatrical style has garnered widespread critical acclaim, cementing its cultural significance in the world of contemporary theatre.
• With its thought-provoking exploration of the human experience, “The Inheritance” is an unforgettable theatrical experience that will linger long after the curtain falls.

Company: A Reimagined Sondheim Classic

In a bold reinterpretation of Stephen Sondheim’s 1970 classic, Company: A Reimagined Sondheim Classic cleverly updates the original’s themes of relationships, loneliness, and the human need for connection, breathing new life into this timeless musical.

You’ll discover Sondheim’s genius in modern interpretations, musical innovations, and character exploration, yielding emotional depth and thematic relevance that resonates with contemporary audiences.

Caroline, or Change: A Powerful Musical Drama

The 1963 Louisiana setting of Caroline, or Change: A Powerful Musical Drama serves as a poignant backdrop for a poignant exploration of racial tensions, socioeconomic disparities, and personal identity.

You’ll be drawn into a rich tapestry of themes, characters, and music. Consider:

• The historical context that underscores the characters’ struggles for change
• The emotional impact of Caroline’s character analysis, revealing her inner world
• The significance of the music, which elevates the narrative structure and cultural relevance of the show

The Lifespan of a Fact: A Journalism Thriller

As the curtain rises on The Lifespan of a Fact: A Journalism Thriller, you’re thrust into the high-stakes world of investigative reporting, where the pursuit of truth is paramount.

You’ll question fact checking ethics, journalism integrity, and the storytelling techniques that shape our understanding of reality.

Will you be able to distinguish truth from fiction amidst the dramatic tension?

The Prom: A Joyous Musical Celebration

You’ve navigated the complexities of journalistic integrity, and now you’re ready to trade fact-checking for fabulousness.

Get ready to be dazzled by “The Prom”, a joyful musical celebration that will transport you back to the nostalgia of high school memories.

• Experience the heartwarming storyline of LGBTQ representation and acceptance journey, set to joyful choreography and emotional performances.
• Witness the empowering message of self-acceptance and friendship dynamics, all wrapped up in a prom-themed extravaganza.
• Be swept away by the musical celebration that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.

Hadestown: A Folk-Opera Retelling of a Classic

With its roots in ancient Greek mythology, Hadestown reimagines the Orpheus and Eurydice legend as a folk-opera, weaving a mesmerizing narrative that will draw you in with its haunting melodies and poignant storytelling.

You’ll be transported to a world where mythical themes meet modern interpretations, as the show’s creators cleverly update the classic tale for a contemporary audience.

The Book of Mormon: A Hilarious Musical Romp

From the haunting melodies of Hadestown to the outrageous humor of The Book of Mormon, the tone of Broadway shows this May takes a dramatic turn.

You’ll find yourself laughing out loud at this irreverent comedy’s satirical brilliance and biting cultural commentary.

• Expertly crafted songs that are both catchy and cringe-worthy
• A clever, if not sacrilegious, take on Mormonism
• A talented cast that brings this outrageous story to life

Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz

The curtains draw open to reveal a richly imagined Oz, where magic is real and the line between good and evil is blurred.

You’re transported into the world of Wicked characters, exploring Oz origins and musical themes that investigate feminine perspectives and complex friendship dynamics.

Moral dilemmas abound, as stagecraft techniques mesmerize, leaving a lasting cultural impact and resonating with audiences through nuanced song analysis.

To Kill a Mockingbird: A Timeless Classic Reborn

As you step into the world of 1930s Alabama, Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel springs to life on stage, its exploration of racial injustice, tolerance, and the loss of innocence reimagined for a new generation.

This modern adaptation breathes new life into Harper Lee’s legacy, tackling complex themes with nuance and sensitivity.

• Witness the iconic character of Atticus Finch come alive on stage, his moral compass guiding the story.
• Experience the emotional depth of Scout’s journey, as she navigates the complexities of adulthood.
• Be transported to a bygone era, where the struggles of the past still resonate today.

The Band’s Visit: A Heartwarming Musical Romance

You’re in for a treat with The Band’s Visit, a musical romance that whisks you away to the Israeli desert.

This Tony Award-winning show masterfully weaves together poignant musical themes and nuanced character development, crafting a tender, slow-burning romance that explores the complexities of human connection.

Dear Evan Hansen: A Powerful Coming-of-Age Story

Evan Hansen’s digital footprint serves as a catalyst for a poignant exploration of loneliness, social anxiety, and the blurred lines between reality and fabricated identity.

You’ll be drawn into a powerful coming-of-age story that tackles complex mental health representation with nuance.

Key highlights include:

• Authentic portrayal of teenage angst and vulnerability
• Thought-provoking exploration of social media’s impact on self-perception
• A hauntingly beautiful score that resonates long after the curtain call

Conclusion

You’ll find this month’s lineup of 25 Broadway shows and Off-Broadway hits to be a mixed bag, with some productions, like “A Strange Loop,” pushing boundaries, while others, like “Wicked,” rely on familiar formulas. Overall, the selection is diverse, catering to various tastes, but it’s up to you to discern the truly exceptional from the mediocre.