Broadway Show Reviews
Broadway Show Review - Content, Age Restrictions and Our Broadway Show Recommendations

Broadway tickets can be an expensive, so it's important that before you purchase your Broadway ticket, you know you've picked the right play or musical.
Consult our Broadway reviews guide below to help you determine which Broadway Show is the best choice for your group or family.
In each entry, we list the suggested age provided by the theater, as well as our own show summary and recommendations.
You can purchase Broadway tickets by clicking on the link under the name of each Broadway Show.

	Anything Goes info and tickets for this show
	Summary Sutton Foster stars in this revival of the Cole Porter classic about a cruise ship and the hijinks of its passengers, among them a nightclub singer, a gangster in disguise, stowaways, and other colorful characters. Age Tweens and Up. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation Directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall, this smashing production features some of the most spectacular dancing in town, not to mention memorable tunes like "I Get a Kick Out of You," "Blow, Gabriel, Blow," and the infectious title song. Though it was written and is set in the 1930s, Anything Goes holds up surprisingly well. It's full of laughs and an entertaining -- if silly -- story that includes plenty of romantic shenanigans and goofy gangsterism.
	Blue Man Group info and tickets for this show
	Summary Three blue-painted men create music, art, and hilarity in unusual ways in this unique and long-running Off-Broadway show. Age All Ages. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation Blue Man Group brings comedy, multimedia, lighting effects, and interactive elements together to form an original theatrical experience that is unlike anything you've seen before. Because the show mostly employs visuals, music, and action (rather than words), it is great for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
	The Book of Mormon info and tickets for this show
	Summary Young Mormons travel to Uganda to spread the gospel in this new musical by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone in collaboration with Avenue Q's Bobby Lopez. Age Parental advisory: explicit language. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation In true South Park style, The Book of Mormon brings shocking satire to the stage in a good-spirited show that has a big heart. With flawed but well-meaning characters, hilarious and tuneful songs, and a great message about the value of faith, The Book of Mormon is one of the best original musicals to hit Broadway in a long time. But we are not joking when we say that elements of this show are shocking, so be prepared for vulgarity, blasphemy, and sharp satire that graphically addresses the terrible plight of many African people.
	Chicago info and tickets for this show
	Summary Roxie Hart kills her lover and becomes a celebrity in this cynical satire of corruption in the criminal justice system set in 1920s Chicago. Age May be inappropriate for 12 and under. Our Recommendation There is virtually no set in Chicago, so don't go expecting big visuals or bright colors. The appeal of this long-running Broadway revival is the sharp humor, the Bob Fosse-style choreography, and the jazzy tunes by Kander & Ebb (e.g. "All That Jazz"). Skimpy costumes, suggestive dancing, and sassy anti-heroines who murder without remorse make this musical suitable for more mature audiences.
	How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying info and tickets for this show
	Summary Ambitious window washer J. Pierrepont Finch (Nick Jonas) consults a manual called How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and uses it to quickly climb his way up the corporate ladder. Age Tweens and Up. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation Jonas Brothers fans may be flocking to this production solely to see their favorite pop idol, but they'll be pleased to find that the entire show impresses in this joyful, colorful, and energetic production under the able direction of Rob Ashford.
	Jersey Boys info and tickets for this show
	Summary This biographical Broadway musical tells the story of how a group of tough young guys from Jersey became internationally renowned hit makers Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Age May be inappropriate for 12 and under. (Strong language.) Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation Jersey Boys is a smartly-written play about four men chasing after -- and dealing with the pitfalls of -- fame and an unforgettable concert rolled into one. Wonderfully sung and staged versions of all the Frankie Valli/Four Seasons hits are here, from "Walk Like a Man" to "Can't Take My Eyes Off You".
	The Lion King info and tickets for this show
	Summary Based on the Disney animated feature, The Lion King is about Simba, a young lion who flees his home after being convinced that he was responsible for his father's death. Age Disney recommends its productions for ages 6 and up. Our Recommendation Though some aspects of this Broadway adaptation of the movie still seem a bit too cartoon-y, the new African-inspired music and director/designer Julie Taymor's breathtaking puppetry and stage effects make The Lion King Disney's most innovative and theatrical show so far.
	Mamma Mia! info and tickets for this show
	Summary Set in the Greek isles, Mamma Mia incorporates 23 tunes by pop group ABBA into its story about soon-to-married Sophie, her free-spirited single mom Donna, and three men from Donna's past -- one of whom, Sophie hopes to discover, is her father. Age May be appropriate for ages 4 and older.  Our Recommendation Mamma Mia has become a worldwide smash since its London debut in 1999, and its biggest fans are usually the middle-aged crowd who fondly remember the disco days of ABBA. Women in particular enjoy watching fun-loving Donna and her two best friends reminiscing about their youth, when they were in a singing trio. Since the plot is a bit thin and the tone decidedly silly, the upbeat Mamma Mia is best appreciated as a big Broadway-style ABBA concert.
	Mary Poppins info and tickets for this show
	Summary A very unusual nanny helps two children connect with their distant parents, and she shows them a bit of magic along the way. Based on the P.L. Travers stories and the Disney film. Age Disney recommends its productions for ages 6 and up. Our Recommendation Fans of the books will be happy to see that this adaptation includes characters and adventures the film left out. Fans of the film may miss its simplicity (and a few of the songs). But everyone is sure to appreciate the excellent cast and impressive sets. Be aware that there are a few darker moments in the show that might scare smaller kids.
	Memphis info and tickets for this show
	Summary Inspired by the real-life story of a 1950s rock 'n' roll deejay, Memphis is about the man who brought black music to white listeners in the segregated South. Age May be inappropriate for 9 and under. (The show includes a depiction of violence against one of the lead characters.) Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation Memphis boasts one of Broadway's most dynamic characters, Huey Calhoun, a guy who is going nowhere until his love of "race music" - combined with his brash style and quick wit - makes him the most popular radio personality in town. Both his ego and his refusal to acknowledge the barriers of a racist society threaten his relationship with a black singer. Though David Bryan's score is not nearly as strong as the real rock 'n' roll and blues music of that era, it is enjoyable and includes some standout songs; Joe DiPietro's book, with the exception of a few predictably cheesy moments, is generally smart, funny, and well-constructed; Christopher Ashley's direction is superb. Overall this is an exciting original Broadway musical with a good look, a hot band, an engaging story, and an excellent cast of performers to bring it to life.
	Million Dollar Quartet info and tickets for this show
	Summary This new Broadway musical dramatizes a legendary jam session held on December 4, 1956, when Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash all happened to be at the Sun Records recording studio at the same time. Age Tweens and Up. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation Anyone familiar with the recordings that survive from this session, which are largely made up of spirituals and traditional songs, will realize that Million Dollar Quartet is lacking in historical veracity. The show bends over backwards to find excuses to have the four men play some of their most famous tunes, like "Blue Suede Shoes," "Folsom Prison Blues," and "Great Balls of Fire". But even if the musical's narrative feels forced, the fact is that Million Dollar Quartet features some of rock 'n' roll's greatest tunes played and sung live by a phenomenally talented cast.
	The Phantom of the Opera info and tickets for this show
	Summary A disfigured man who lives beneath the Paris Opera House becomes obsessed with a beautiful singer and "haunts" the owners until they make her the star of the opera. Age May be appropriate for 4 and older. Our Recommendation This romantic musical tends to be especially liked by female audiences, but in its 20-year Broadway run it has become popular with viewers of all kinds. The lush Andrew Lloyd Webber score boasts modern classics "Music of the Night" and "All I Ask of You". Despite the Phantom's penchant for singing seductive ballads, he is a really disturbed guy, so be aware that this often eerie musical does feature kidnapping and murder.
	Priscilla Queen of the Desert info and tickets for this show
	Summary Based on the 1994 Aussie flick of the same name, this musical is about three friends (two are drag queens, and the other is a transsexual) who hop into old bus and go off on a fabulous adventure in the Outback. Age Tweens and Up. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation Not as nuanced or warm as the film, the stage version of Priscilla Queen of the Desert focuses more on the camp. Strong performances by Tony Sheldon and Will Swenson lend the show some heart, but don't go expecting anything too clever because the dialogue is chock full of bad puns and lame gay jokes. However, if you go to enjoy fabulous costumes and a killer soundtrack (Madonna and Cyndi Lauper figure prominently), you're likely to have a lotta fun.
	Rock of Ages info and tickets for this show
	Summary Set in L.A.’s infamous Sunset Strip in 1987, Rock of Ages tells the story of Drew, a boy from South Detroit, and Sherrie, a small-town girl, both in L.A. to chase their dreams of making it big and falling in love. Rock of Ages takes you back to the times of big bands with big egos playing big guitar solos and sporting even bigger hair! Age Appropriate for 14+ (Strong language). Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation From the lighter-shaped lights they hand you when you walk into the theater to the beer being served by vendors during the performance, Rock of Ages has the feel of a rock concert. Oh, yeah, and then there's the music. If you lived through the '80s (and have happy memories of listening to the radio or watching MTV during that time), then you're likely to be grinning like an idiot and desperate to sing along as the energetic cast belts out melodic rock hits like Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive," Whitesnake's "Here I Go Again," and Foreigner's "I Want To Know What Love Is". Sure, the story and dialogue is silly (sometimes deliciously, sometimes cringingly), but when they start singing "Don't Stop Believing," you'll be waving your lighter in the air with everyone else.
	Seminar info and tickets for this show
	Summary Alan Rickman stars as a famous literary figure who takes on four aspiring writers in a private seminar, where tensions run high and things get vicious when some students are deemed more talented than others. Age May be inappropriate for 12 and under. (The show contains a brief moment of partial female nudity and some adult language that is likely not unfamiliar even to younger teenagers.) Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation Theresa Rebeck's latest work is witty and entertaining, with a strong cast headed by British thespian Alan Rickman (aka Severus Snape in the Harry Potter movies) as a casually cruel teacher leading a small seminar for promising young writers. Though this comedy about warring young scribes does contain some insider humor best appreciated by practicing writers, Rebeck remains one of Broadway's smartest, funniest, and most accessible playwrights. Seminar isn't necessarily a piece that you will be thinking about days later, and it would have been nice to see Rickman take on a meatier role for his return to Broadway, but overall this play provides an enjoyable and occasionally thought-provoking evening at the theater.
	Sister Act info and tickets for this show
	Summary After accidentally witnessing a murder, singer Deloris Van Cartier has to go into hiding and ends up joining a convent and posing as a nun. Although she has trouble fitting in at first, Deloris's musical talent helps to inspire her "sisters" and revitalize the church. Age May be inappropriate for 8 and under. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation Not that Broadway really needs yet another movie-to-musical adaptation, but, as such projects go, Sister Act is a success. Silly? Yes. But it's also a ton of fun, with colorful characters from hapless gangsters to quirky nuns. The score by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater is firmly rooted in the soul music of the late '70s (which is when the show is set), with happy detours into gospel and Broadway styles. It's a crowd-pleasing musical that'll have your party saying Hallelujah!
	Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark info and tickets for this show
	Summary With music by U2's Bono and The Edge and direction by The Lion King's Julie Taymor, Spider-Man the musical follows the story of teenager Peter Parker, whose unremarkable life is turned upside-down when he’s bitten by a genetically altered spider. Age Everyone (including children of all ages) must have a ticket for entry. Recommended for ages 8 and older. No one under 4 will be admitted. Ages 4-7 years to be approved by Management on site at time of entry. Our Recommendation Judged purely as a musical theater piece, Spider-Man is a rather mediocre one. But, as theatrical entertainment, the show is an absolute blast. The comic book-inspired set and costume design is visually impressive and creatively rendered, and the flying and aerial choreography is stunning.
	Stick Fly info and tickets for this show
	Summary In this new comedy of manners about an African-American family gathering at their Martha's Vineyard home, adult sons Flip and aspiring novelist Kent introduce their girlfriends (one of whom is white, the other black) to their parents. Age May be inappropriate for 12 and under. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation Lydia R. Diamond's Stick Fly offers a promising set-up, a slate of intriguing characters, and a few interesting twists and turns as it dramatizes a family weekend full of class conflict, sexual tension, and big revelations. However, Diamond's writing is frequently lacking, with stiff dialogue, weak jokes, and cliches that even a cast as strong as this (Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Dule Hill, Condola Rashad, Tracie Thoms, etc.) can't completely overcome.
	Venus in Fur info and tickets for this show
	Summary The lines between fantasy and reality are blurred when a young actress auditioning for a role in a new play engages in an erotic cat-and-mouse game with the director of the play. Age May be inappropriate for 12 and under. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation The interplay between a director and an actress (who may have a lot more depth than is initially apparent) makes this psychological comedy intriguing. Hugh Dancy and Tony Award nominee Nina Arianda are perfect in their roles and display great chemistry. However, as Venus in Fur is about an audition, an integral part of the comedic drama involves the pair "performing" the play that the actress is auditioning for. The play in question deals with a 19th century sadomasochistic relationship, so whether you find these sections tedious or titillating may relate directly to how interesting you find S&M power struggles.
	War Horse info and tickets for this show
	Summary At the dawn of WWI, a boy's beloved horse is sold to the cavalry. But he can't get over losing his friend and eventually goes on a journey to find him. Age May be inappropriate for 7 and under. Children under the age of 5 are not permitted in the theatre. Our Recommendation War Horse is almost like two separate plays. The first is a sweet tale of boy meets horse, boy falls in love with horse, boy faces losing horse - you've seen many similar stories in film and literature, and it is both touching and family-friendly. The second is a fascinating war story that shows the horrors of World War I and how it senselessly devoured young men and animals alike - it is also very moving, but also frequently terrifying and not suitable for young children. Aside from its intriguing glimpse into the cavalry as it had its last gasp in the heavily mechanized First World War, War Horse's most distinguishing feature is its use of large, multi-person operated puppets that bring the horses to life onstage. Beautifully designed by Handspring Puppet Company, these human-puppet hybrids are remarkable characters in their own right and are vital in making us care about the animals and the relationships forged between them and the humans that encounter them.
	Wicked info and tickets for this show
	Summary In this Broadway musical based on Gregory Maguire's novel (a "prequel" to The Wizard of Oz), we learn how Elphaba, a sensitive and misunderstood college student in Oz, came to be known as the Wicked Witch of the West. Age Recommended age for children is 8 years and up. There is nothing of a vulgar or sexual nature, but there are adult themes. Our Recommendation This popular Broadway musical is especially loved by tweens, who can relate to its tale of a young woman struggling to fit in, but audiences of all ages can appreciate the themes about prejudice and friendship, as well as the pop-infused score by Stephen Schwartz. If you're thinking of bringing your pre-tweens, bear in mind that, as in The Wizard of Oz itself, there are some scary scenes.