While taking in a Broadway show usually tops the list of New York City visitors, scoring tickets is often not only challenging but can come with a hefty price tag. New York City offers a variety of Off-Broadway shows for
travelers to enjoy. What exactly is an Off-Broadway production? Off-Broadway shows are featured in smaller sized theaters compared to their Broadway counterparts. These theaters offer seating between 100-499 seats inclusively and are shown in professional venues located in Manhattan. Off-Off-Broadway shows are defined as theaters with fewer than 100 seats.
Both of these types of productions adhere to the same trade union and contractual obligations as Broadway shows. It’s not uncommon for these Off-Broadway shows to later hit Broadway. Tickets to Off-Broadway shows are a better value than the city’s Broadway stage, enabling visitors to stretch their travel budget. There are several outstanding productions now showing Off-Broadway, each providing a memorable theater experience.
Avenue Q
New World Stages•340 West 50th Street•New York, NY
The plot of Avenue Q center around a recent college grad who relocates to New York City to start a new chapter in his life. Unable to afford the high rent in many of the city’s neighborhoods, he decides on the low rent area of Avenue Q. He quickly meets his new neighbors who are a hilarious group of puppets. Yes, that’s right, puppets. This uproarious, adult-content puppet show will leave audience members completely entertained.
The Fantasticks
The Theater Center•210 West 50th St•New York, NY
The Fantasticks is the world’s longest running musical. The production has been running over 50 years in not only Manhattan but around the world. This amusing, romantic musical is narrated by El Gallo and takes the audience on a journey through young love. It tells the tale of a boy and girl who live next door to one another. Their fathers build a wall between them. Are they keeping them apart or teaching them a valuable lesson about life and love?
Stomp
Orpheum Theatre•126 2nd Avenue•New York, NY
Stomp proves to audience members that you don’t need dialogue to be funny and you don’t need instruments to perform music. Brooms, garbage cans, and lighters are among the show’s props performers use to entertain and delight audiences show after show.
Gazillion Bubble Show
New World Stage•340 W. 50th St•New York, NY
World-renowned artist Fan Yang and his wife Ana provide great family-fun with their complete show dedicated to the amazement of bubbles. With the use of laser lights, props, and music this duo will delight audiences with a unique bubble performance.
Blue Man Group
Astor Place Theatre•434 Lafayette St #1•New York, NY
Blue Man Group is a show that is sure to entertain audience members of all ages. Blue Man Group incorporates everything theatergoers are seeking. It offers engaging performances, rock concert effects, an exciting dance party, and comedy all rolled into one entertaining production.
For more unmissable things to do and see, check out our guide to the best New York tours.
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