Here is everything you need to know about the Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway shows in NYC in 2026. Throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, Off- and Off-Off Broadway theatres present everything from the classics—plays and musicals—to cutting-edge experimental pieces, concerts, festivals, and immersive works.
PLAYING OFF-BROADWAY & OFF-OFF BROADWAY, 2026
2:22 – A Ghost Story (Lucille Lortel Theatre, 121 Christopher St.) Jenny believes her new home is haunted, but her husband Sam isn’t having any of it. When their friends Lauren and Ben come around for a housewarming dinner, they stay up until 2:22 to discover the truth. Written by Danny Robins (The Battersea Poltergeist). 10/20 thru 1/17/27. (lortel.org)
THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, photo by Joan Marcus.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (New World Stages, 340 W. 50th St.) Six spellers enter, but only one can win the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee! This witty and touching musical by William Finn and Rachel Sheinkin has entertained audiences across the world since its Tony–winning Broadway debut in 2005. It made its return to NYC in a special 20th Anniversary production last September in celebration of the singular heart, humor, and verve that cemented its place in the musical theater canon. Thru 9/6. (spellingbeenyc.com)
AFTER ALL THESE YEARS: The Music of Al Tapper (ATM Theater, 354 W. 45th St.) This hilarious, heartfelt, and deliciously unfiltered musical memoir of producer/songwriter Al Tapper is packed with first loves, lost weekends, show-business dreams, political satire, romantic misadventures, and a few stories that probably should have stayed at the bar. Part concert, part comedy, and part affectionate roast, this musical celebration runs the gamut from Stephen Sondheim to Joey Buttafuoco—with stops along the way for Doris Day, Vladimir Putin, teenage lust, middle-aged regret, and the occasional dirty martini. 9/9 thru 10/10. (amttheaer.org)
Aladdin & the Wonderful Lamp (Puppetworks, 338 6th Ave., Park Slope, Brooklyn) Adapted for Marionettes by Puppetworks' artistic director, Nicolas Coppola, Aladdin & the Wonderful Lamp is accompanied by the exotic music of Aram Khachaturian's "Gayane" ballet suite, and features spectacular effects such as a flying carpet, a vanishing castle and an ethereal Djinni of the Lamp. Recommended for ages 3 and up. 1/31 thru 4/4/27. (puppetworksinfo@gmail.com)
Photo by Danny Kaan.
Amaze (New World Stages, 340 W. 50th St.) In his internationally acclaimed show, magician Jamie Allan combines state-of-the-art technology with timeless conjuring techniques. Amaze is a story-driven magic show that puts the wonder directly into the hands of the audience and makes them feel part of the magic. Recommended for ages five and up. 1/31/27. (amazemagic.com)
America Who Hurt You? (Theatre for a New Audience, Polansky Shakespeare Center, 262 Ashland Pl., Brooklyn) In a nation divided by competing narratives, who gets to tell the story of America? In her new solo show, Tony winner Sarah Jones embodies a remarkable cast of characters spanning 250 years of America’s history. Through her singular blend of comedy, storytelling, and transformation, she invites us to reckon with the myths we inherit, the realities we share, and the future we are creating together. Hilarious, provocative, and deeply human. 9/11 thru 9/27. (tfana.org)
An American Daughter (Pershing Square Signature Center, Irene Diamond Stage, 480 W. 42nd St.) The first New York revival of this acclaimed play by Wendy Wasserstein returns in a bold new staging and featuring an unpublished second act. Offering a sharper and more urgent lens for today’s world, the work is: A story of power and sexual politics; A tale of shattered dreams; A fairy tale, fractured. Starring Montego Glover, Robert Sean Leonard and Jean Lichty. Thru 9/20. (lafemmetheatreproductions.org)
An American (NOT) in Paris (59E59 Theaters, 59 E. 59th St., Theater C) An OCD, ADHD, GlutenFree, GenZ, musical comedy! Through standup, storytelling, and original music, Liv Rocklin chronicles her turbulent Paris escapade. Seven songs, six languages, and five undiagnosed conditions explore loneliness and control through a Lizzie McGuire moment gone wrong. Listed "Best of Orlando Fringe," Liv uses guitar, piano, and baguettes to portray growing up in a world burning down. Part of East to Edinburgh 2026. Thru 9/20. (59e59.org)
The Annunciation (Playwrights Horizons’ Peter Jay Sharp Theater, 416 W. 42nd St., 4th Fl.) Gabi returns home to Texas to help her mother care for her dying grandmother. As María hovers on the threshold of life, experiencing ecstatic visions of demons and angels from her hospital bed, Gabi balances on a threshold of her own. With startling clarity and sly wit, The Annunciation traces three generations of Mexican-American women to confront the overlapping crises of morals and faith at the heart of the nation today, inviting us to consider our personal and political identities — and to ask how they might be reimagined. Winter/Spring 2027. (playwrightshorizons.org)
ANON - a tempest at our kitchen table (Robert W. Wilson MCC Theater Space, Newman Mills Theater, 511 W. 52nd St) In this world premiere play by Anne Kauffman, when a gay pride flag is unfurled across the street from Jeanie, an increasingly online TikToker in a suburb in Texas, two seemingly different households...freak out. How well do you know the people you live among, and with, in an America where the line between fantasy and reality has become increasingly optional? 9/25 thru 11/1. (mcctheater.org)
Are the Bennet Girls OK? (Public Theater, 425 Lafayette St.) Raw, relatable, and wholly unstuffy, this critically acclaimed work by Emily Breeze comes to The Public. Bedlam Theater Company’s artistic director Eric Tucker directs this adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice that unbinds the canonical work’s characters from centuries of expectations, recentering the narrative around the relationships between the Bennet women. Winter, 2027. (publictheater.org)
Are You Mad at Me? (HERE Arts Center, 145 6th Ave.) In this hilarious and disarmingly honest solo show, Emmy-winning actor/writer/comedian Bryan Safi spirals through anxiety, awkwardness, people-pleasing, and the absurd emotional gymnastics of wanting desperately to be liked. A mix of stand-up, storytelling, music, and theatrical confession, this show is for anyone who has ever overanalyzed a text message to the brink of collapse. Thru 8/15. (areyoumadatmeshow.com)
ARE YOU NOW OR HAVE YOU EVER BEEN, Thomas Sadoski, photo by Marc J. Franklin.
Are You Now or Have You Ever Been (New York City Center Stage I, 131 W. 55th St.) Eric Bentley’s docudrama about the 1940s House Committee on Un-American Activities hearings. Using only the original transcripts, the play features the words of artists like Arthur Miller, Jerome Robbins, Paul Robeson, Elia Kazan, and Lillian Hellman as they faced defending their integrity and protecting their careers, or betraying their peers. And yet the probing questions posed by the committee are as powerful as the testimonies themselves, revealing a climate of intimidation and moral conflict that resonates far beyond its time. The rotating cast stars Molly Ringwald, Jay O. Sanders, Bob Odenkirk, T.R. Knight, Norbert Leo Butz, Michael McKean & others. Thru 9/11. (areyounowplay.com)
Arias with a Twist (HERE Arts Center, 145 6th Ave.) Joey Arias and Basil Twist’s celebrated musical extravaganza returns to its original home for a strictly limited engagement. Part cabaret, part fever dream, part visual spectacle, this unforgettable theatrical fantasia unleashes Joey Arias’s electrifying voice inside Basil Twist’s wildly imaginative puppet universe. This cult sensation is surreal, funny, emotional, and unlike anything else on stage! 9/17 thru 11/1. (here.org)
As You Like It (Parking Lot of Lower East Side Prep, 145 Stanton St.) The Drilling Company’s annual Shakespeare in the Parking Lot serves up one of the Bard’s most popular comedies. Its plot follows the Duke Senior, Orlando, Rosalind (in male drag), Celia, Oliver and Touchtstone to the Forest of Arden. In this refuge for those driven out of society, everybody gets lessons in love. Murders are attempted, ribs are cracked in wrestling matches, a brother is disowned, a niece is exiled, loyalties are sorely tested, and true love equals happily ever after. Thru 8/1. (drillingcompany.org)
atticwife (59E59 Theaters, 59 E. 59th St., Theater C) Astrid Fisher is an influencer who goes from Tradwife to Trapped-wife when her husband locks her in their attic. She claims she’s soooo happy to be up there, but one of her viewers isn’t so convinced. Is the life she’s made as a “traditional woman” as perfect as she’s always claimed? Or is she in serious danger? Part of East to Edinburgh 2026. Thru 7/26. (59e59.org)
Be a Mench (ATM Theater, 354 W. 45th St.) When Abe, the eldest son and breadwinner of an impoverished, dysfunctional Jewish family, is accepted into his dream college, he turns to the adults in his life for help only to find they have no intention of letting him escape. Ultimately, he's forced to choose between his family’s livelihood and his own future happiness. Part of Broadway Bound Theatre Festival. Thru 7/26. (broadwayboundfest.com)
Belly (59E59 Theaters, 59 E. 59th St., Theater C) Ellie wants to swim in college, Katie wants a healthy baby, and Susan wants her husband to be alive. Belly is a play about appetite, grief, and control told by three generations of women, one performer, and a bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios. Written and performed by Reilly O’Shaughnessy. Part of East to Edinburgh 2026. 7/22 thru 7/25. (59e59.org)
benevolent (IATI’s Main Theater, 64 E. 4th St.) Playwright Sophie McIntosh’s new play set in 1917 follows four inmates consigned to Inwood Benevolent Home, a draconian reformatory for fallen and friendless girls. They forge unlikely connections as they pass their days on laundry duty and, when one of them finds herself in trouble, the others must decide how much they're willing to risk to help her. 8/14 thru 9/5. (goodapplescollective.com)
Beyond the Stardust (The Stardust Club at The Flea, 20 Thomas St.) This immersive nightlife show conceived by Flea Artistic Director Niegel Smith and The Illustrious Blacks, features 12 original songs, stunning visuals, and a host of nightlife’s most enchanting aerialists, dancers, go-go boys, girls, and they/thems, An Afro-disco-space-punk-extravaganza of no-fucks-futurist-fabulousness, the show invites audiences into inter-cosmic dance floor liberation. 9/10 thru 10/18. (theflea.org)
Big Feelings (the cell, 338 W. 23rd St.) In Ryan Drake’s play, its Ms. Joy's last day teaching you in 1st Grade and she wants to tell you about something that hurt her feelings. How do we spell feelings? When should we ask for forgiveness? Could you come up and draw it on the board? Don't worry, I know it can be tricky—but you'll figure it all out soon enough. Kids always do. Set inside a classroom, Big Feelings places audiences directly in the room with Ms. Joy for an intimate, audience-integrated experience. Thru 7/23. (thecelltheatre.org)
Billy Stritch: My Year with Tony Bennett – Celebrating 100 years of an Icon (54 Below, 254 W. 54th St.) To celebrate the 100th birthday of one of the greatest singers ever, legendary pianist and singer Billy Stritch shares some of his favorite Tony Bennett songs along with stories from the year he spent at the piano by Tony’s side. From their first gig in West Virginia to the last show in San Francisco, it was a wild, unforgettable ride. In the show Billy will perform his personal Tony Bennett favorite selections including “For Once in a Life,” “This Is All I Ask,” and “Watch What Happens,” and will be joined by a trio of world class musicians. 8/2 & 8/3. (54below.org)
BIRTHRIGHT, cast, photo by Emilio Madrid.
Birthright (Robert W. Wilson MCC Theater Space/Newman Mills Theater, 511 W. 52nd St.) In Jonathan Spector’s new play, what begins as a reunion among six young friends after a Birthright trip to Israel becomes, over the span of nearly two decades, an exploration of identity, memory, and what it means to belong. As these friends grow up and the world around them shifts, they find themselves confronting seismic questions: How do we carry the weight of history? How do we define who we are, and who we want to be? And what happens when the narratives we inherit no longer fit the lives we’re living? Thru 7/26. (mcctheater.org)
The Black Mirror Experience (The Shed, Bloomberg Building, 545 W. 30th St.) An immersive adventure putting theatregoers in the Black Mirror universe inspired by the series. In this hour-long journey, groups of up to six become protagonists navigate a storyline dissecting the accelerating, unpredictable relationship between AI, innovation, and modern society. The groundbreaking format moves beyond passive location-based VR, letting participants actively steer how the story unfolds around them. No prior knowledge of the Black Mirror TV series is required. Thru 9/6. (theshed.org)
Born in the Dirt (Lincoln Center Theaters’ Mitzi Newhouse Theater, 150 W. 65th St.) All Maddy Grace has ever wanted was to get out of her tiny Southern hometown. But when her life in L.A. falls apart, she finds herself reluctantly working at the town’s most famous attraction – a whimsical “hospital” that produces hand-sewn dolls for collectors all over the world. But when Maddy Grace sets out to make a documentary about the women behind the dolls, she’ll find there’s more to their story – and to her own – than she ever imagined. From 4/14/27. Limited 10-week engagement. (lct.org)
The Bride: A Kill Bill Ballet (Hidden Jewel Box Theatre, 625 8th Ave.) This wild immersive secret theater dance homage to Quentin Tarantino’s famous film cycle about revenge, honor, and redemption tears into the Theater District with grit, wit, sex, and action that won't quit. A cult classic combining both Kill Bill films is reimagined through evocative dance and live song for an evening of live music, dance and burlesque -- sexy, wacky, beautiful, and weird. 7/31 thru 8/2. (eventbrite.com/e/the-bride-a-kill-bill-ballet)
Britani Bateman: What About Me? (54 Below, 254 W. 55th St.) Britani as she takes center stage in an unforgettable evening that marks her bold next chapter: cabaret star. For three nights only, this “friendly” high body count haired actress and vocal powerhouse will trade the drama of the screen for the intimacy of New York City’s most legendary cabaret room. Expect dazzling vocals, dream roles brought to life, surprise guest appearances, some more announcements (plus maybe a reveal or two) as Britani shows the world exactly why everyone’s asking “What about her?” 8/30 thru 9/2. (54below.org)
Broadway Bound Theatre Festival (AMT Theater, 354 W. 45th St.) A curated festival premiering two musicals and ten plays by writers from New York and across the country. Visit website for a complete schedule of productions and descriptions. Thru 8/16. (broadwayboundfest.com)
Broadway Does Punk (Abrons Arts Center’s Playhouse Theater, 466 Grand St.) A genre-bending live music project created by musician and TikTok Creator Matt Copley. What began as a series of online videos transforming beloved Broadway songs into high-energy pop-punk and rock anthems has evolved into a passionate community of theater and music fans alike, tranforming iconic songs from musicals like Wicked, Hamilton, SIX, The Phantom of the Opera, Heathers, Grease, into a theatrical rock concert experience, joining the emotional storytelling of musical theater to the energy of a live rock show. 10/2 & 10/3. (abronsartscenter.org)
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THE BROADWAY MAGIC HOUR, photo from Michelle Tabnick PR.
The Broadway Magic Hour (Broadway Comedy Club, 318 W. 53rd St.) An amazing, treasured, family experience, this family magic show has it all—audience participation, comedy, grand illusion, mind-reading, expert sleight-of-hand magic, and, of course, stars Jim Vines and Carl Mercurio. Thru 12/29. (broadwaymagichour.com)
Cat Cohen: Broad Strokes (Lucille Lortel Theatre, 121 Christopher St.) After suffering a stroke at 30 caused by a literal hole in her heart, comedian Cat Cohen transforms this near-death experience into a wildly funny, song-filled one-woman show about mortality, hypochondria and the undeniable thrill of being the main character. Equal parts confessional comedy and sparkling musical cabaret, Broad Strokes is Cohen at her sharpest, funniest, and most fabulously vulnerable. Thru 9/5. (lortel.org)
Chain Theatre One-Act Festival (Chain Theatre, 312 W 36th St.) A multi-week Off-Off-Broadway theatrical event that serves as a “theatrical mixtape” that features dozens of dramas, comedies, and more from independent artists, tri-state area theater companies, and bold new voices to experiment and stage their work. Thru 8/1. (chaintheatre.org/oneact-festival)
Chamber Magic (Stage 42, 422 W. 42nd St.) Theatregoers, dressed to impress in cocktail attire, experience the mystifying artistry of Steve Cohen in an elegant and intimate salon within the legendary New York Palace. Recreating the up-close parlor entertainment of Manhattan in the early 20th century, Cohen conjures, mind-reads, and performs sleight of hand, along with a trick called Think-A-Drink. (chambermagic.com)
Chapter Meeting (Wild Project, 195 E. 3rd St.) (90 mins.) In this socialist comedy for the people -- written and directed by Taylor Jon Gonzalez -- an all-night DSA (Democratic Socialists of America) chapter meeting in Brooklyn devolves into chaos when one member reveals the unthinkable: he got a job. Thru 8/1. (perfect-10s.com)
The Charioteer (the cell, 338 W. 23rd St.) Growing up, Charly’s older brother was her protector and role model, but they’ve barely spoken since he went away to college. When she tags along to a bewildering night out with his new friends, she discovers that Owen is deep into a political transformation that she doesn’t understand. Ten years later, he needs her help. But first, she needs answers. The Charioteer follows a brother and sister on the brink of catastrophe, learning how to fight with—and for—the people they love. Written by Dan Giles. 10/28 thru 11/22. (thecelltheatre.org)
A Christmas Carol (PAC NYC, Perelman Performing Arts Center, 250 Fulton St.) Tony- winning playwright Jack Thorne and Tony-winning director Matthew Warchus offer a magical interpretation of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic. On a bitter Christmas Eve, a cold-hearted miser is visited by four ghosts. Transported to worlds past, present, and future, Ebenezer Scrooge witnesses what a lifetime of fear and selfishness has led to and sees with fresh eyes the lonely life he has built for himself. Brimming with merriment, music, and holiday treats, this immersive production wraps the audience around the action, inviting the communal holiday spirit in us all. 11/30 thru 1/3/27. (pacnyc.org)
Christine Andreas: S’Wonderful (54 Below, 254 W. 54th St.) Vocalist Christine Andreas them) as she performs an elegant and stylishly urban mix of the very best of the American Songbook, old and new. From Berlin to Bacharach, Gershwin to Billy Joel, Kern to Cahn, not to mention a taste of Rodgers with Hammerstein and Hart, Mancini, Mercer, Hoagy and so more! Musical direction is by Martin Silvestri. 7/30 & 7/31. (54below.org)
Come Back to the 5 & Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean (Classic Stage Company, Lynn F. Angelson Theater, 136 E. 13th St.) In 1975, the “Disciples of James Dean” gather at a dusty Texas 5 & Dime store to mark the 20th anniversary of the rebel icon’s death. What begins as a nostalgic tribute soon unearths a web of long-buried truths, shattered illusions, and the heartbreaking reality of living in the shadow of a legend. But through the unraveling comes something unexpected: a fragile kind of grace, as laughter cuts through the pain and old wounds find room to breathe. 2/11 thru 3/28, 2027. (classicstage.org)
The Comedy Series (Lincoln Center Theaters’ Claire Tow Theater, 150 W. 65th St.) At every performance, three dynamic comedic voices take the stage—not just to make you laugh, but to draw you into something deeper. This is comedy in motion: personal, and alive with discovery. Each night is a chance for these artists to test boundaries, shape new materials, and explore the space between humor and truth. No two performances are the same because it’s stand-up evolving before your eyes. Visit website for scheduled performances. (lct.org)
Commedia dell’arte (L ‘Alliance New York, Florence Gould Theater 55 E. 59th St.) Camille Henrot brings her interdisciplinary practice to the stage for the first time, incorporating the stock characters and comic ploys of the Italian Renaissance theatrical tradition within a modern-day New York City apartment building. The delivery of a package triggers a cascade of uncanny events among tenants, as the tragi-comedic play attempts to make sense out of the senseless, ultimately collapsing into it. Part of 2026’s Crossing the Line Festival. 9/23 thru 9/26. (allianceny.org/crossing-the-line-festival/)
Common Knowledge (Daryl Roth Theatre, 101 E. 15th St.) Emmy and Tony-winner Rosie O’Donnell makes her long-awaited return to the New York stage with her acclaimed solo show – her first in almost a decade. Now living in her newly adopted hometown of Dublin, Ireland, Rosie shares unfiltered reflections on leaving the US, raising and learning from her fiercely bright youngest child, Clay, and adjusting to a new yet familiar culture. Common Knowledge is a richly told hour that balances big laughs with deep insight. Thru 8/8. (darylroththeatre.com)
Cowboy (Royal Family Performing Arts Space, Upstairs, 145 W. 46th St.) (60 mins.) A ferocious and athletic blend of contemporary dance, dynamic music, multisensory performance, and physical theater, the production celebrates the struggles and the joys of this iconic American archetype, and of all of us who wonder if we are still quick enough on the draw to win one last shootout. 8/22 thru 8/24. (eventbrite.com/cowboy)
Crazy Mama: A True Story of Love and Madness (59E59 Theaters, 59 E. 59th St., Theater C) Laced with humor, live music, and pathos, Linda Purl stars in this tour-de-force true story of a young girl’s decades-long dream of saving her mother from the soul-crushing grip of mental illness. As Mama continues to be committed to mental institutions, convinced she’s working for the FBI, Daddy blurs his pain with Kentucky bourbon and teenage brother Spikey struggles with his faith. Sharon grows up shackled to her mother’s pain, but never loses hope that one day Mama will come home. 9/16 thru 10/18. (59e59.org)
Creation Stories and All the Important Importants (Lincoln Center Theaters’ Claire Tow Theater, 150 W. 65thSt.) Centering on a midlife Black woman pulled between her many selves—child, future daughter, artist, possible mother—the play pulses with longing as its heroine races against the clock and the limits of her own body. Moving across time and space, from ancestor to AI, from dream cycle to IVF cycle, through music and ritual, Udofia weaves her own surprising folktale on the cost of creation and the impossible work of becoming. From 9/15. Limited 6-week engagement. (lct.org)
CRIMES OF THE HEART, photo by Ana Radice.
Crimes of the Heart (Theater 154, 154 Christopher St.) (2 hrs., 30 mins.) It's been a bad few days for the Magrath sisters. The eldest, Lenny, is turning 30 alone in the family’s home in Mississippi; middle sister Meg, has come back from L.A. with broken dreams and old wounds; and the youngest, Babe, has just shot her husband. Together in their grandparents' kitchen, they reckon with the past, with each other, and with the madness of family love. Beth Henley's Pulitzer Prize-winning play is devastating and hilarious in equal measure — often in the same breath. Thru 7/26. (eventbrite.com)
Crossing the Line Festival (Various locations throughout NYC) An international survey of new experiments in audience and form, highlighting a diversity of artists working at the intersections of visual art, music, film, dance, and theater. The program comprises an array of groundbreaking, thought-provoking film, music, dance, theater, installation, and performance, many of which are world, U.S., North American, or New York premieres. The works celebrate diversity, inclusion, and hope, and represent the urgency of dialogue in this country and across oceans. Visit website for scheduled performances and locations. 9/18 thru 12/20. (lallianceny.org/crossing-the-line-festival/)
Crying at My Podiatrist (The Rat NYC, 66-117 Jay St., Fl. 1, Brooklyn) When Julia Atkin loses her big toenail, she gains an unlikely spiritual advisor: her Ukrainian podiatrist. In this preposterous dark comedy, Julia revisits the worst three years of her life - medical mishaps, identity crises, and giggling through grief. Crying At My Podiatristblends absurd body horror with a reluctant search for meaning in the world’s least spiritual office. Existential dread and unexpected tenderness collide in this EdFringe debut. 7/27 thru 7/30. (theratnyc.com)
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (The Public Theater’s Newman Theater, 425 Lafayette St.) A highly acclaimed musical from the Olivier Award-winning writing team Jethro Compton and Darren Clark who reimagine F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic story of an old man who is not at the end of his life, but at the beginning. Set in a Cornish fishing village on the coast of Great Britain, and brought to life by a company of 15 actor-musicians, this is the magical tale of a love that defies all odds. 10/8 thru 11/15. (publictheater.org)
The Dead, 1904 (American Irish Historical Society, 991Fifth Ave.) You are invited to step into the heart of Edwardian Ireland for an evening at the Morkans’ annual holiday party. Inside a Gilded Age mansion, you’ll join the characters of James Joyce’s beloved story, Set in Dublin, this Christmastime gathering is hosted by sisters Kate and Julia Morkan. Over an authentic 20th century feast, you’ll meet their friends—a celebrated tenor, a wayward alcoholic, and married couple Gabriel and Gretta Conroy—as they laugh, bicker, and ponder the nature of life and death. 11/21 thru 1/3/27. (irishrep.org)
Dear Michelle Kwan (59E59 Theaters, 59 E. 59th St., Theater C) Four teen figure skaters rehearse for their holiday show, led by their bizarre and obsessive coach. When a blizzard traps them in the ice rink, madness descends. They pray ritualistically to Michelle Kwan, a figure skating legend, while exploring friendship, unattainable expectations, and IBS. A dark comedy about the beauty, violence, and camaraderie of girlhood in hyper-competitive spaces. Part of East to Edinburgh 2026. Thru 7/25. (59e59.org)
Degenerates (Playwrights Horizons, 416 W. 42nd St.) In playwright Else Went’s play, the boys are fucked. And they know it. In their own obscure corner of the internet, they offer each other proof that the game is rigged against men: it was over before it began, they will never be loved, better just to lay down and rot. When an unexpected relationship begins to form, the consequences of the boys’ fatalism are made painfully clear. Degenerates offers a telescopic, darkly funny view of one insular community, formed on the bedrock of shared and infinite miseries. Fall, 2026. (playwrightshorizons,org)
Delirium (The Space at Irondale, 85 S. Oxford St., Brooklyn) Director Igor Golyak’s timely adaptation of one of Eugène Ionesco’s least performed plays, Frenzy for Two. While the world outside collapses, a couple are locked inan endless argument while the world outside collapses into chaos. As the boundaries between reality and delusion dissolve, Her and Him inhabit a space where conflict becomes connection, and contradiction becomes a form of devotion. What begins as absurdist comedy reveals its deeper truth: two people fighting not against each other, but for each other’s continued existence. Starring Andrey Burkovskiy and Chulpan Khamatova. 9/8 thru 10/24. (deliriumnyc.com)
Drag Me To Joanne’s (Joanne Trattoria, 70 W. 68th St.) Hosted by the sensational Jupiter Genesis, the show—which takes place every Wednesday night beginning at 5:30pm—rotates New York’s best drag artists from week to week (and yes, there will be ample Lady Gaga action, seeing as the venue is owned by Lady Gaga’s parents, Joe & Cynthia Germanotta!). (joannenyc.com)
Dream Feed (HERE Arts Center, 145 6th Ave.) This electro-acoustic vocal work from the Grammy winning theatrical family band The HawtPlates asks: Can we remember our own dreams? Can we share the dreams we have in common? Can we awaken ourselves to the origin of our aspirations? In this shared dream sequence and live concept album, The HawtPlates metabolize the surreal allure of the active mind within a slumbering body through trip-like lullabies and bold reverie. 11/9 thru 11/22. (here.org)
Drunk Shakespeare (Ruby Theatre, 35 W. 39th St.) Five actors meet as members of The Drunk Shakespeare Society. One of them has five shots of whiskey and then attempts to perform a major Shakespearean role while the four sober actors attempt to keep the script on track. Suffice to say, every wildly madcap show is different. Craft cocktails are available for purchase and entry is strictly 21+. (drunkshakespeare.com)
DUKES (SoHo Playhouse, 15 Vandam St.) Two friends and one piano. One dream and two fools. Two geniuses and one huge mistake. A two-person musical comedy show about hope, lust, and dreams written by and starring “SNL” cast member Jane Wickline and Second City comedian Liva Pierce. 7/8 thru 8/2. (sohoplayhouse.com)
East to Edinburgh 2026 (59E59 Theaters, 59 E. 59th St.) A unique showcase of 15 New York shows headed to Scotland for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (the largest arts festival in the world. Visit website for a complete schedule. Thru 7/26. (59e59.org)
EGG; or anything dipped in egg gone soften (National Black Theatre, 2031 5th Ave.) A lovesick songwriter arrives in New York City with a notebook of love songs and a bad habit of choosing men who make him feel small. But when a game night forces him into the same room with his situationship and his gym crush, he must confront the unsettling truth that he might be bringing the poison to the party himself. 1/28 thru 1/21/27.(nationalblacktheatre.org)
Elektra (Theatre for a New Audience, Polansky Shakespeare Center, 262 Ashland Pl., Brooklyn). Years of lamenting her father’s murder at her mother's hands have hardened Elektra into a vessel of incandescent rage. But when her brother Orestes returns home to consummate their revenge, the two discover the terrible costs of getting one’s savage way. MacArthur-winning poet Anne Carson’s timely translation of Sophocles’ 2,500-year-old tragedy features choral songs composed by Ted Hearne. This is an Elektra as visceral as it is timeless. 11/10 thru 12/6. (tfana.org)
Elysian Fields (American Theatre of Actors, 314 W. 54th St.) (2 hrs., 45 mins.) A time travel musical centering around two couples in love and in trouble: 19th -century Abraham Lincoln and Joshua Speed and 21st-century Abe Kaplan and Josh Reddy. The eclectic score for this very fun and very poignant show is a mash-up of Bluegrass, Club, and Broadway fare. 10/13 thru 11/1. (americantheatreofactors.org)
An Enchanted Evening with Paulo Szot (54 Below, 254 W. 54th St.) Tony-winning actor Paulo Szot (South Pacific) presents a musical journey filled with romantic songs from the Broadway and beyond. Backed by musicians from the American Pops Orchestra, conducted by Luke Frazier, Szot brings the dramatic power, charm, and storytelling finesse of a true leading man to every song. Featuring special guest Tony nominee Kate Balwin on July 7 only. Thru 7/27. (54below.org)
Fall for Jodie (The Tank, 312 W. 36th St.) When John checks into a New Haven hotel, he discovers an ally in the night concierge, Eddie. The two share a problem: they’re both hopelessly in love with two Yalies who barely know they exist. Their peculiar business arrangement blossoms into an unexpected friendship, revealing John to be John Hinckley Jr. Set in 1980, just months before Hinckley’s attempt to assassinate President Ronald Reagan, Falls for Jodie uses wit and humanity to ask the question: Would we recognize a John or an Eddie in our own lives? 9/24 thru 10/18. (thetanknyc.org)
The Fanatics (Theatre Row, 410 W. 42nd St.) In Mint Theater’s production of Miles Malleson’s play published in 1924, John Freeman and his sister Gwen, disillusioned by the Great War—are each trying to forge lives based on radical new ideas about love, sex and marriage—while living under their parents’ roof. 2/13 thru 3/20, 2027. (minttheater.org)
Feast of Rabbits (Playwrights Horizons’ Judith O. Rubin Theater, 416 W. 42nd St., 4th Fl.) The town was empty, mysteriously abandoned when they found it. So the Forsythes, a homesteading family, settled there with their friends and their kin – and soon the town began to flourish. But there’s blood in the soil here, and generations later it permeates the gardens and the homes of this bucolic place. A deranged, ferocious satire, Feast of Rabbits reveals an open wound in the myth of the American Frontier. Spring 2027. (playwrightshorizons.org)
Finn (Atlantic Stage 2, 330 W. 16th St.) Hilarious and heartwarming, this underwater Atlantic for Kids musical chronicles the coming-of-age journey of Finn, a young shark who dreams of following in his family’s footsteps by joining the prestigious Shark Guard. Finn explores the depths of the brilliant and beautiful ocean, with quirky sea creature characters and catchy tunes. As Finn faces the challenges of growing up and following his heart, his musical story becomes a magical journey of self-discovery, friendship, and adventure. 12/12 thru 1/31/27. (atlantictheater.org)
Fish (WP Theater, 2162 Broadway @ 76th St.) 2016, London. 17-year-old Karya is navigating her brother’s unresolved disappearance. When her mother’s outrageous theory about his whereabouts starts to gain traction, Karya decides to put it to the test. With her best friend, she devises a twisted online experiment, setting a hook in the darkest corners of the internet. But what begins as a search for answers quickly spirals into something more sinister than she ever expected. By turns sharp, tensely funny, and tender, Fish is a darkly comedic coming-of-age story about grief, girlhood and games that go too far. 9/26 thru 10/25. (wptheater.org)
Fito (The Shed, Bloomberg Building, 545 W. 30th St.) There’s a moment where time stands still for those leaving the life they know for the possibilities of tomorrow. Rudi Goblen crafts a love letter to immigrants who dream relentlessly despite the obstacles they face in this interactive concert-play. Through music, dance, and spoken word, this production asks what it means to become an American while holding onto one’s roots. Part of Open Call: Stages; admission is free with a ticket reservation. 7/24 & 7/25. (theshed.org)
Forget I Said Anything (Theatre Row, 410 W. 42nd St.) This new sung-through musical by Samantha Roberts follows an ensemble of characters as they navigate through relationships, new and old, exploring how people treat each other in the modern age, and the toxic and unhealthy relationships that are produced and reinforce our warped perceptions of reality. Thru 8/2. (54below.org)
Friends! The Musical Parody (Jerry Orbach Theater at The Theatre Center, 210 W. 50th St.) The unauthorized comedic musical that lovingly pokes fun at TV’s Friends celebrates the adventures of Ross, Monica, Rachel, Phoebe, Joey, and Chandler as they navigate the pitfalls of work, life, and love in 1990s Manhattan. The show recreates favorite moments from all 10 seasons of the iconic sitcom through an uncensored, fast-paced, music-filled romp! (ticketmaster.com/friends-the-musical-parody-new-york)
Funeral of God (ATM Theater, 354 W. 45th St.) A theatre company attempts to stage a burial for God—only to find they can’t agree on what died, who should attend, or why the ritual even matters. What starts as a logistical problem‑solving becomes a reckoning with belief, grief, and responsibility. Personal histories surface, exposing how faith, silence, and meaning have been used to avoid facing what hurts. Part of Broadway Bound Theatre Festival. 7/30 thru 8/2. (broadwayboundfest.com)
GARRY STARR-CLASSIC PENGUINS, Damien Warren-Smith, photo by Matt Crockett.
Garry Starr: Classic Penguins (Seaview Studio, 304 W. 43rd St.) The classics, stripped bare. Garry Starr is hell-bent on saving books from extinction by performing every Penguin Classic novel ever written in under an hour, (mostly) naked. Starr takes the audience on a literary adventure through the world’s most iconic works of fiction. From “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” to “Moby Dick” and everything in between, nothing is safe from being lampooned. Written and performed by Damien Warren-Smith. 9/3 thru 10/4. (garrystarrnyc.com)
Gazillion Bubble Show (New World Stages, 340 W. 50th St.) A family phenom for your family from the Yang family of bubble virtuosos. Audiences delight to an “unbubblievable” experience -- and some even find themselves inside a bubble. Mind-blowing bubble magic, spectacular laser lighting effects, and momentary soapy masterpieces will make you smile, laugh, and feel like a kid again. Thru 9/7. (gazilllionbubbleshow.com)
Gene Frankel Theatre Festival (Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.) one of New York's most selective showcases for contemporary theatre, this year's event features just 29 productions selected from nearly 200 submissions by playwrights, producers, and theatre companies from across the country. Dedicated to celebrating originality, artistic excellence, and exceptional storytelling, the festival’s carefully curated program reflects the vitality and diversity of contemporary theatre. Visit website for lineup and schedule. 7/27 thru 8/16. (genefrankeltheatrefestival.com)
The Gin Game (Housing Works Bookstore, 126 Crosby St.) This revival of D.L. Coburn’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama stars Debra Winger (Terms of Endearment) and Arliss Howard (Full Metal Jacket). By turns funny and heartbreaking, the play centers on two nursing-home residents whose rounds of gin become a riveting duel of pride and self-preservation. Thru 8/9. (eventbrite.com/e/the-gin-game)
Photo credit: Andy Henderson.
Giulia: The Poison Queen of Palermo (PAC NYC, Perelman Performing Arts Center, 250 Fulton St.) What began as a single act of self-defense ripples through Palermo, creating a cascade of casualties and inspiring a secret sisterhood. But the path to safety is never safe. Can Giulia Tofana save them all without losing herself? Written by and featuring Grammy winner Jennifer Nettles, this world premiere—inspired by a true story—is laced with dangerous secrets and a soulful, contemporary score. Thru 8/2. (pacnyc.org)
The Good Thief (Irish Repertory Theatre, W. Scott McLucas Studio Theatre, 132 W. 22nd St.) Conor McPherson’s one-man play in the form of a confession: After a seemingly straightforward job spirals into betrayal and violence, a small-time Irish gangster is forced to face the consequences. In telling his sordid and riveting tales, he finally has the chance to reflect on his past and long for a future beyond brutality. 11/7 thru 12/13. (irishrep.org)
Good Time Charlie (Public Theater, Martinson Hall, 425 Lafayette St.) Ryan J. Haddad’s joyous, moving new play. As a young man, Charlie dreamt of a life on the stage, but his parents thought dentistry sounded better, so he channeled his passion for culture into his nephew Ryan—a fellow theater-loving gay kid with Broadway ambitions. Spanning more than three decades, the play is a multigenerational story of gay men growing up, falling in love, and cherishing the arts. 9/24 thru 10/18. (publictheater.org)
GOODBYE HORSES: An Unauthorized Retelling of Jonathan Demme’s The Silence of the Lambs (Brick Theater, 579 Metropolitan Ave., Brooklyn) (70 mins.) Prepare yourself for his newest Oscar-winning cinematic tale spin. “Good evening, Clarice.” Now sink your teeth into this wild homage to Hannibal, Clarice, Buffalo Bill seeing them as you never have before. One man, one twisted mind. This ain’t your Mama’s Hannibal… might be careful what you eat beforehand! Adapted by Michael Kinnan from Ted Tally’s original screenplay. Thru 7/25. (bricktheater.com)
The Grief Easter Near North Bender (Laura Pels Theatre, Harold & Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre, 111 W. 46th St.) A creature stalks the woods near North Bender. It kills the person you love most, erasing them from your memory. A makeshift hunting party forms to track it down before it feeds again. This surreal comic fable by Dylan Guerra, follows a grieving ex, his fiercely loyal sister, and a partner who can’t remember the man he loved, as they join forces to bring this creature down and reclaim what they’ve lost. These unlikely comrades confront the fact that restoring what they lost might hurt more than losing it. Winter, 2027. (roundabouttheatre.org)
The Grioraphet Speaks on Sundays (National Black Theatre, 2031 5th Ave.) A century has passed since the United States’ tech-fueled Icarian collapse. Many new things emerged in its wake, from cults and guerrilla groups to quasi-utopias and mutual aid societies. One presence has outlasted them all: the Grioraphet — a lineage of orators with an enduring purpose of looking back in order to move forward. But, on this Sunday, as the Grioraphet speaks to a gathering of followers, naysayers, and the generally curious, the legacy of care they’ve built their life on may no longer exist. Spring, 2027 (nationalblacktheatre.org)
The Hairy Ape (Irish Repertory Theatre, Francis J. Greenburger Mainstage, 132 W. 22nd St.) Eugene O’Neill’s provocative play about brutish laborer Yank, who’s in element as head stoker on an ocean liner. But when the beautiful, spoiled daughter of the ship's owner visits the engine room, she’s at once repulsed and terrified by Yank and what she sees there. Half in love with the unattainable and half blinded by rage, Yank blunders violently through Manhattan, seeking both revenge and a place in a society which continually refuses him. 9/25 thru 11/19. (irishrep.org)
Hallelujah Baby! (New York City Center, 131 W. 55th St.) This 1968 Tony Award–winning musical from legendary Golden Age collaborators Jule Styne and Arthur Laurents and Betty Comden and Adolph Green traces the journey of both a rising star and a changing America. At its center is Georgina, a determined young Black woman pursuing ambition, identity, and love across decades of the 20th century—without aging a day. 3/17 thru 3/28/27. (nycitycenter.org)
The Heart (Laura Pels Theatre, Harold & Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre, 111 W. 46th St.) A young surfer’s life is cut short. A stranger suddenly has a second chance. And the life-force of one beating heart drives two families and a medical team through 24 hours that couldn’t matter more. Playwright Kait Kerrigan and musical mavericks Anne Eisendrath and Ian Eisendrath join forces with Tony -winning director Christopher Ashley to bring undeniable theatrical life to Maylis de Kerangal's 2014 novel Réparer les vivants. 10/8 thru 12/6. (roundabouttheatre.org)
The Heart Sellers (Robert W. Wilson MCC Theater Space, Susan & Ronald Frankel Theater, 511 W. 52nd St.) Playwright Lloyd Suh’s warm and funny story of a chance encounter and quintessentially American connection. When Jane and Luna, two immigrant strangers, meet on Thanksgiving in 1973, they decide to spend this strange, new holiday together over an evening full of shared laughs, dreams, and a frozen turkey that refuses to thaw. January, 2027. (mcctheater.org)
HEATED RIVALRY, Jimin Moon and Jay Armstrong Johnson, photo by Marc J. Franklin.
Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody (The Club, 6th Floor Theater, 530 W. 27th St.) Inspired by the hit show about hockey, the musical follows starry-eyed golden boy Shane Hollander on his journey from power center to power bottom. Relive all of the moments from the show up close on the small-stage by cast of Broadway actors. Sporting a bop-infused score, cameos by characters like "Rose Landry" and "Ilya's Ass", and time jumps impossible to keep track of. So, grab a Canada Dry and join us for this hot and steamy romp! Thru 9/7. (heatedrivalryparody.com)
HEATHERS THE MUSICAL—Original cast, photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.
Heathers the Musical (New World Stages, 340 W. 50th St.) Welcome to Westerberg High, where popularity is a matter of life and death, and Veronica Sawyer is just another nobody dreaming of a better day. But when she's unexpectedly taken under the wings of the three beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers, her dreams of popularity finally start to come true. That is until JD turns up, the mysterious teen rebel who teaches her that it might kill to be a nobody, but it is murder being a somebody. Thru 11/8. (heathersthemusical.com)
Hershey Felder: The Piano and Me (59E59 Theaters, 59 E. 59th St., Theater A) Known for his hit portrayals of musical geniuses in his beloved composer series, Felder now renders a different musical artist: himself - and 16 other wild characters that color his story. In this deeply moving new play, Growing up in Montreal as the child of Polish and Hungarian immigrants, a young Felder discovers the piano, its captivating music connecting him to his unsuspected heritage, while opening up a remarkable new world full of adventure, possibility, heartbreak, and connection. Thru 8/23. (59e59.org)
Hole! (Playwrights Horizons, 416 W. 42nd St.) A religious sect in Nebraska wears butt plugs at all times because they believe a wrathful God shall suck all of earth’s unplugged sinners up, ass-first, to burn on the face of the sun. The terrible truth is… they're right. Now, a decade after “The Great Sucking,” best friends Luke and Connor set off across America on a holy mission to complete God’s work, only to discover horrors and ecstasies beyond any world they could conceive. Brought to life by two virtuosic and unhinged writer-performers, HOLE! is an epic, ungodly musical love story, equal parts perverted and pure of heart. Fall/Winter 2026. (playwrightshorizons.org)
Honor, An Artist Lecture (Theatre for a New Audience, Polansky Shakespeare Center, 262 Ashland Pl., Brooklyn)(60 min.) In 2022, the Metropolitan Museum of Art invited performance artist Suzanne Bocanegra to create a work about the largest tapestry in their collection: the 16th-century Dutch masterpiece ”Honor”. The result is a slyly witty performance impossible to categorize. Performing in tandem with Lili Taylor, Bocanegra weaves concepts of ownership, authenticity, cruelty, and feminism together with personal and collective histories. With droll humor and startling imagery, the work poses profound questions about this double-edged virtue. 1/13 thru 1/31/27. (tfana.org)
The House of the Negro Insane (59E59 Theaters, 59 E. 59th St., Theater B) The year is 1935. For years, Attius has lived behind the imposing walls of Central State Hospital – one of only seven US psychiatric institutions built to house "insane and idiotic negroes" – where the homeless and destitute are confined alongside the diseased and the criminally insane. Attius has carved out a meager existence within the hospital building coffins, quietly crafting the final boxes for those who will never see freedom again. But everything changes when two new patients arrive, and Attius is forced to confront a possibility he buried long ago – a chance at life beyond the walls. 8/14 thru 9/6. (59e59.org)
How Shakespeare Saved My Life (The Public Theater’s Shiva Theater, 425 Lafayette St.) Born with a gift for poetry but rejected as unfit to play the part of the poet, Jacob Ming-Trent invites us to take a deep dive into the crevices of his youth. Calling on the Bard and a host of genius rappers, half-crazed preachers, and soulful poets to throw him a lifeline, he takes us on a propulsive ride that reaffirms the power of language. It all adds up to one man’s attempt to reclaim his life, and through that journey we connect to the deeper parts of ourselves, and, ultimately, to each other. 9/15 thru 10/18. (publictheater.org)
How to Put Down the Weight of Your Past (American Mime Theatre, 137 W. 25th St.) Theatregoers are invited to a new “self-help class” – a life-changing seminar personally guided by two expert facilitators. But as the session unfolds, the structure begins to fracture, and the rules dissolve, pulling you into a chaotic, immersive experience where the line between guidance and manipulation blurs and nothing can be trusted. Starring Kirsten Kilburn and the show’s playwright Tommy Vines. 7/23 thru 8/9. (howtoputdownyourpast.com)
how to roll a blunt (Pershing Square Signature Center, 480 W. 42nd St.) Maya is a writer. James is a painter. They’re best friends — and their college exes are about to get married… to each other. Should Maya and James go to the wedding? Of course, they shouldn’t. But will they? Playwright/actor Naomi Lorrain’s warm, irreverent dramedy about love, friendship, and often ridiculous entanglements of young adulthood is by turns hilarious and profound: a celebration of Black love in all its many forms. Limited engagement. April, 2027. (2st.com)
Human (The Shed, Bloomberg Building, 545 W. 30th St.) What does it truly mean to be human? Perhaps the answer lies somewhere at the bottom of the ocean. Nehprii Amenii dives deep in a mythical theatrical experience blending puppetry, music, and movement to tell the story of humanity beyond extinction through the eyes of the ocean’s most sentient being. Part of Open Call: Stages; admission is free with a ticket reservation. 7/10 & 7/11. (theshed.org)
Hungry Women (SoHo Playhouse, 15 Vandam St.) (90 mins.) If men went extinct, what would our world look like? Playwright Melissa Maney envisions this exact reality across two hundred years. A dark comedy that blends absurdism and the macabre through a feminist lens, the play explores survival, identity, sexuality, motherhood, and the reshaping of power in the absence of the patriarchy. In the end, it asks: What are women most hungry for? 7/23 thru 8/30. (sohoplayhouse.com)
I Almost Died for This? (59E59 Theaters, 59 E. 59th St., Theater C) A peak good girl meets her soulmate, gets in way over her head, falls from the sky, suffers a brain injury, hikes a volcano in the world's most dangerous country, and comes roaring back. In other words, a love story. Sort of. Written and performed by Kristina Libby a Moth StorySlam winner who has appeared in the New Yorker, McSweeney's, and more. Part of East to Edinburgh 2026. 7/15 thru 7/23. (59e59.org)
I’m Almost There (BAM Fisher, Fishman Space, 321 Ashland Place, Brooklyn) (1 hr., 50 min.) Love at first sight is easy… letting it through the front door is a freaking Odyssey. All he wants to do is let the perfect man in. But can he overcome his unhinged neighbor, a seductive cult, a self-obsessed vampire, and a cat intent on dragging him to hell? Written and performed by Todd Almond the show is a rueful, hilarious, and poignant modern love story in song about a man crossing a sea of doubts to find happiness... and good coffee. Joined onstage by musicians Erin Hill and Noah Max Amick, Almond weaves his songs into a confession about fear, longing, and the courage it takes to let love in. Thru 7/27. (bam.org)
Imitation of Life (The Shed, 545 W. 30th St.) Inspired by Fannie Hurst’s 1933 bestseller and the beloved films, this new musical by Lynn Nottage and John Legend follows two single mothers, one Black and one White, and their daughters, who build a shared life while each strives for success and love in a society divided by race and class. Set across the vibrant backdrop of 1920s Atlantic City and 1930s NYC, this profoundly moving show explores themes of identity, the American Dream, and what we leave for future generations. 11/21 thru 1/3/27. (theshed.org/imitationoflife)
In Honor of Jean-Michel Basquiat (New York Theatre Workshop, 79 E. 4th St.) Award-winning actor, playwright, and director Roger Guenveur Smith presents an intimate one-man show honoring his friend and collaborator Jean-Michel Basquiat. Weaving personal stories and historical anecdotes with his improvisational performance style, Guenveur Smith explores the legacy of one of the most defining artists of the 20th century and his enduring impact. Fall, 2026. (nytw.org)
In the Heights (New York City Center, 131 W. 55th St.) Feel the heat and heartbeat of the Heights, powered by a Tony-winning score by Lin-Manuel Miranda and a book by Quiara Alegría Hudes. Directed by David Mendizábal (Mexodus), this production features beloved songs, explosive choreography, and a story that pulses with humor and heart. This genuine New York story brings the block to life for audiences of every generation. 10/28 thru 11/15. (nycitycenter.org)
IPFF2023 Day 1 by George Riveron.
International Puppet Fringe Festival NYC 2026 (Clemente Soto Velez Cultural Center, 107 Suffolk St.) The official lineup and theme for its 4th Edition is Women in Puppetry, marking a celebration of the extraordinary women who have shaped, expanded, and reimagined the art of puppetry around the world. The festival features more than 50 performances, films, exhibitions, workshops, panels, and special events by artists from more than a dozen countries across five continents. Visit website for a complete schedule of events. 8/12 thru 8/16. (puppetfringenyc.com)
Intríngulis (Theatre Row, 410 W. 42nd St.) In this solo play, written and performed by Carlo Albán, Albán takes on many of the personas he’s assumed over the years: stoner teenager, Sesame Street cast member, and sensitive, reflective adult. At age 7, Albán came to New Jersey from Ecuador with his parents and brother on a tourist visa and proceeded to live his youth as a secretly undocumented actor. The show also looks at the process of becoming American. Thru 8/2. (bfany.org/theatre-row)
Isaac Mizrahi: Hooray (54 Below, 254 W. 54th St.) With music ranging from Billie Eilish to Cole Porter, Isaac, performing along with his acclaimed jazz band, leaves you with cultural whiplash. Subjects range from social media to politics and a good deal of insider tea. 8/12 thru 8/15. (54below.org)
ISLA, from Hit the LIghts! Company.
ISLA (WP Theater, 2162 Broadway) (75 mins., no intermission) Based on the true saga of one family exodus to Miami via the 1960's Freedom Flights, ISLA is a visually sumptuous, musically driven play that evokes the rustic spirit of pre-Castro Cuba’s kitchens, fields, dance halls and public squares. Blain, in the role of her aunt, must ally with her sisters to chart a path to an uncertain and newly imagined future. 8/8 thru 8/29. (hitthelights.org)
Jerry Seinfeld (Beacon Theatre, 2124 Broadway at 74th St.) Legendary New Yorker and comedian Jerry Seinfeld returns to the historic Beacon Theatre with a new comedy performance. His historic residency at The Beacon began in January 2016 and he currently holds the record for the most comedy shows at the venue with 133 lifetime performances (and counting). 12/11 & 12/12. (ticketmaster.com)
Jim Caruso’s Cast Party (Birdland Jazz Club, 315 W. 44th St.) A potent mix of Broadway stars, jazz swingers and cabaret legends, in addition to new faces and rising talent from every genre. The buoyant, sharp and charming Caruso guides the entire affair, while musical genius Billy Stritch holds court at the ivories and leads the Cast Party Symphony Orchestra (Steve Doyle on bass and Daniel Glass on drums). Monday nights @ 9:30pm. (birdlandjazz.com)
The Jinkx & Dela Holiday Show (New York City Center, 131 W. 55th St.) The greatest holiday show south of the North Pole is back with another brand spankin’ new wintertime wonder starring award-winning comedy icons/writers/actors and drag queen powerhouses BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon. Whatever the twists and turns, fans can expect another year of over-the-top camp spectacle, side-splitting gags, brand new songs, heartfelt storytelling, thrilling dance numbers, and iconic costumes. 11/25 & 11/27. (jinkxanddela.com)
Julius Caesar (Flea Theater, 20 Thomas St.) Shakespeare’s story of a murder that changed the course of western civilization. Far more, however, than dramatizing a bloody assassination, the play invites us into the hearts and minds of the humans whose words, actions, and ambitions transformed their society and indeed our world. The play never decides who is right but invites the audience to engage with its debates on democracy, leadership, morality, and honor. 7/9 thru 7/26. (ensembleshakespearecompany.com)
Justin Vivian Bond: Summer’s Eve (The Amph, Little Island, bet. 13th & 14th Streets, Hudson River Park) (75 mins.) Feeling hot and bothered? You need a summer’s eve with Viv. Visit Little Island with confidence knowing that cabaret icon Mx. Bond and her band will deliver just what you need under a full Buck Moon. 7/29 thru 7/31. (littleisland.org)
Photo by Russ Rowland.
Katsura Sunshine’s Rakugo (New World Stages, 350 W. 50th St.) (75 mins., no intermission) Rakugo, the 400-year-old Japanese art of comic storytelling, features a lone storyteller using only a fan and a hand towel for props. He performs a comic monologue followed by traditional stories handed down from Master to Apprentice for centuries. Sunshine is the only Western Rakugo Master and has performed all around the world promoting Rakugo and Japanese culture. Thru 8/8. (rakugo.lol)
The Kick Inside (HERE Arts Center, 145 6th Ave.) Written by eleven New York City based playwrights – The Million Underscores --.the play follows Alenka, a woman who grows awfully tired of the way that people talk to one another and begins experimenting with language in every scene of this one-and-a-half-act play. Visually rich and littered with strange phenomena, action sequences, dogs, algorithm possessions, hitmen and a world that speaks back, The Kick Inside uncovers a lost city that tilts language to ask where words come from within us, and how deeply we transform each other's emotional fabrics. 10/21 thru 11/7. (here.org)
Kilgallen (Theater at St. Jean’s, 150 E. 76th St.) A true crime musical about Dorothy Kilgallen, the most powerful female journalist of the 1950s. Brilliant, relentless, and unapologetically ambitious, Kilgallen moved among the celebrities, politicians, and power brokers who defined her era. When President Kennedy was assassinated, she became convinced that the truth was being buried, and set out to prove it. Even as she realized her life was in danger, she forged ahead. Dorothy died under suspicious circumstances on November 7, 1965. The mystery remains unsolved today. 11/28 thru 12/27. (yorktheatre.org)
King Lear (Theatre for a New Audience, Polansky Shakespeare Center, 262 Ashland Pl., Brooklyn) John Douglas Thompson reunites with TFANA artistic director Arin Arbus to tackle William Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. 2/28 thru 3/28/27. (tfana.org)
King of the Yees (WP Theater, 2162 Broadway @ 76th St.) Playwright Lauren Yee’s semi-autobiographical work, set in San Francisco’s Chinatown, centers around the sudden disappearance of Yee’s father, Larry. Laced with Yee’s deft comedic style, the show stars Tony winner Francis Jue. October, 2026. (signaturetheatre.org)
Kiss of the Spider Woman (New York City Center, 131 W. 55th St.) John Kander, Fred Ebb, and Terrence McNally’s hauntingly beautiful seven-time Tony Award–winning musical returns in a revelatory revival directed and choreographed by Tony winner Andy Blankenbuehler. Imprisoned under brutal conditions, unlikely companions Molina and Valentin find solace in the beguiling tales of the glamorous movie star Aurora, in a powerful story of hope and resilience that feels as urgent as ever. Thru 5/9/27. (nycitycenter.org)
Kramer/Fauci (St. Ann’s Warehouse, 45 Water St., Brooklyn) One of the most combustible conversations of the AIDS crisis: the 1993 televised clash between Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading AIDS researcher, and playwright-activist Larry Kramer. A confrontation charged with rage, urgency, and unexpected intimacy, it crystallized a turning point in the fight for care, treatment, and recognition. Fish dramatizes their exchange as both history and provocation, a searing reminder of how art, activism, and public health collide on the most human terms. With Tony winner Will Brill, Thomas Jay Ryan, Greig Sargeant, and Jennifer Seastone. 9/27 thru 10/24. (stannswarehouse.org)
Label-less (New 42 Studios, Duke on 42nd Street, 229 W. 42nd St.) Written and directed by Lea and Drew Lachey, the new musical experience gets real about the challenges we all face in today’s world. A talented cast of young adults share real-life experiences and take audiences on a journey packed with soaring vocals and electric dancing. Featuring an original score spanning rock, pop, and R&B, plus hit songs like “Born This Way” and “Rise Up”. Thru 8/29. (labellessmusical.com)
Lean-To (59E59 Theaters, 59 E. 59th St., Theater B) An overprepared hiker and a not-so-prepared couple are forced to share a rustic lean-to shelter in the woods. Bonding over Britney Spears, shared supplies, and the desire to escape city life for a weekend, these strangers experience a rare moment of authentic connection. But as they come together around the warmth of the campfire, a different type of kindling threatens to combust. Part comedy and part tender drama, Lean-To explores the human desire to connect and the shadow of loneliness that lurks within all of us. 9/10 thru 10/10. (59e59.org)
Legendary (59E59 Theaters, 59 E. 59th St., Theater C) Ancient myths. Modern questions. International multi-award-winning artist Cheeyang Ng blends Chinese mythology, memory and queer legacy in this electrifying solo ritual musical. Legendary doesn't just tell a story: it invites the audience to create one. Written and performed by Cheeyang Ng. Part of East to Edinburgh 2026. 7/19 thru 7/25. (59e59.org)
Les Misérables: The Arena Concert Spectacular (Radio City Music Hall, 1260 6th Ave.) Said producer Cameron Mackintosh: “I am thrilled that we will be bringing home this iconic event to New York's legendary Radio City Music Hall... Les Misérables has not been seen in New York for almost a decade, since we closed our third triumphant Broadway. We are putting together an incredible array of Les Mis alumni for this engagement.” 7/23 thru 8/9. (ticketmaster.com)
Likewise (59E59 Theaters, 59 E. 59th St., Theater C) Joey’s 17. Joey knows everything. Except why Callie won’t call her back. Let her gut punch your funny bone in this biting comedy from the trenches of girlhood. A "hilarious, heartbreaking, and so relatable" piece about friendship, fighting dirty, and performing for the voices in your head, real or imagined. Joey is your winningly unreliable narrator, fired up and ready to speed run all the crazy things you do when you lose someone—and the even crazier things you’d do to get them back. Part of East to Edinburgh 2026. July 14–18. (59e59.org)
LimeFest (The Tank, 312 W. 36th St.) New, zesty works by emerging artists and creative teams who identify as women, non-binary, or gender non-conforming. Curated by Meghan Finn. July 13–19. (thetanknyc.org/summer-2026)
Linda Eder (54 Below, 254 W. 54th St.) One of the world’s most versatile voices, Linda Eder, returns to 54 Below for a trio of special performances. A best-selling recording artist with 14 solo albums to her credit, invites audiences to get up close and personal in Broadway’s living room with an unforgettable cabaret show. July 21 & July 29. (54below.org)
The Lineup with Susie Mosher (Birdland Theater, 315 W. 44th St.) A wild, anything-goes variety show featuring entertainers from the Broadway, cabaret and comedy scenes, ranging from today’s hottest headliners to the best up-and-coming stars of tomorrow. Mosher—a noted actress and singer from Broadway and beyond—hosts this spontaneous weekly extravaganza. Tuesday nights at 8:30 PM. (birdlandjazz.com)
THE LISTIES - MAKE SOME NOISE, photo by Jess Shurte.
The Listies: Make Some Noise (AMT Theater, 354 W. 45th St.) Direct from Australia and fresh off acclaimed international appearances, the award-winning comedy duo The Listies make their U.S. debut with their uproarious family show phenom combining pop music, puppetry, visual gags, PowerPoint presentations, dad jokes, and a healthy dose of delightful nonsense into one unforgettable hour of entertainment. Through July 19. (amttheater.org)
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, photo by Emilio Madrid.
Little Shop of Horrors (West Side Theatre, 407 W. 43rd St.) The wildly acclaimed Tony-winning musical revival is now a long-running Off-Broadway hit! The story follows hapless flower-shop employee, Seymour, who finds himself trapped under the blood-thirsty fronds of the plant he's named Audrey II, after the girl of his dreams. With frequent cast changes featuring high-profile stars, be sure to visit website for updates! (littleshopnyc.com)
The Loved Ones (Irish Repertory Theatre, 132 W. 22nd St.) In a remote farmhouse in West Clare, Nell is preparing to scatter her late son’s ashes with his grieving wife. Meanwhile, an American tourist settles in for what she expects to be a peaceful countryside retreat. But when a young woman arrives at the cottage unexpectedly, the weekend takes a surprising and darkly comic turn. As tensions rise and secrets are revealed, these four strangers are forced into an uneasy reckoning with the past—and each other. With Maryann Plunkett. Through August 2. (irishrep.org)
MAGIC MIKE LIVE Las Vegas, photo by Jerry Metellus.
Magic Mike Live (Magic Mike Live, 268 W. 47th St.) A 360-degree live experience inspired by the hit films. The audience is in the middle of it all as the cast performs onstage, overhead, and throughout the room, blurring the line between the stage and the audience. For 90+ minutes, the show delivers world-class dance, athleticism, and acrobatics, layered with music and comedy, grounded in a message of confidence, celebration, and empowerment. It’s made for the ultimate girls’ night out, big celebrations, or a date night that keeps the party going long after the music ends. From October 8. (magicmikelive.com)
Marilyn Maye (54 Below, 254 W. 54th St.) Back by popular demand, the theatrical legend makes a shining return to Broadway’s Living Room. An artist for connoisseurs, Ms. Maye’s powerhouse delivery and chatty rapport with the audience holds the evening together and electrifies the proceedings. November 17–28. (54below.org)
Marina (The Amph, Little Island, bet. 13th & 14th Streets, Hudson River Park) (60 mins.) In this world premiere by Julio Torres and Martine Gutierrez, audiences are invited under the sea. Martine stars as Marina, a New York City seawench on a journey of romance and self-discovery. Along with production design by Griffin Stoddard, score by Lia Ouyand Rusli, and choreography by Ryan McNamara, Torres and Gutierrez’s comic collaboration blends their surreal humor and sublime artistry into something altogether unique. August 27–30. (littleisland.org)
MASQUERADE, Hugh Panaro and Francesca Mehrotra, photo by Oscar Ouk.
Masquerade (218 W. 57th St.) An immersive Phantom of the Opera spinoff from Andrew Lloyd Webber. From the highest rooftop to the subterranean lair deep below the Opera Populaire, guests are invited to experience the music of the night more intimately than ever before. When the 30,000-crystal chandelier rises again above NYC, it will provide more than “a little illumination.” Tony winner Diane Paulus directs a rotating cast that includes former Broadway Phantom Hugh Panaro. Through January 31, 2027. (masqueradenyc.com)
Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen (The Night Egg at the Culture Club, 530 W. 27th St.) Based on Moyoco Anno's award-winning manga of the same name, this new musical with a score by Duncan Sheik follows Colette, a witty young dreamer in 20th-century Paris, who finds her power through writing. While working at an elusive maison close, she begins chronicling the fantasies and confessions of her eccentric clients, slowly transforming herself from object to observer. But underneath, she has her own perversion: a lingering attachment to Léon, her childhood love, whose toxic hold on her continues to blur the line between devotion and self-destruction. Running dates TBA. (memoirsmusical.com)
MIDNIGHT (Daryl Roth Theatre, 101 E. 15th St.) Set in the American South during the 19th century, this new original musical explores love, identity, empathy, and the humanity that connects us across the boundaries of race, class, and expectation. The sung-through score blends gospel, rhythm and blues, pop, rock, folk, opera, and musical theatre, as it follows the interconnected lives of six Black and six white characters. As friendships deepen, romances blossom, and beliefs are tested, the 12 are forced to confront what it truly means to understand another person’s experience. Written and directed by Todrick Hall. September 12–November 1. (midnightoffbway.com)
Midtown International Theatre Festival (American Theatre of Actors, 314 W. 54th St.) This year marks the festival’s 19th season with 32 plays, ranging from 30 to 120 minutes long, plus a program of 10-minute plays, the Short Play Lab. Visit website for a complete roster of plays and playing schedule. Through July 26. (eventbrite.com/cc/midtown-international-theatre-festival-2026)
The Misfortunes of a Spay and Her Mystic (59E59 Theaters, 59 E. 59th St., Theater C) In this modern-day, queer-coded witch hunt, Eve, a woman working on the fringe of the mental health system blurs the line between hired advocate and spy. On a rollercoaster of grey areas and spiritual awakening, her alluringly witchy, enigmatic client challenges Eve’s sense of ethics, truth and perception, leaving her questioning who gets to judge and ultimately shape reality. Part of East to Edinburgh 2026. July 8–26. (59e59.org)
Mother/Road (The Shed, Bloomberg Building, 545 W. 30th St.) In this multimedia musical meditation, Avi Amon reminds us there is more than one way to remember. Cassette tapes carried by his parents when they immigrated to the United States from Istanbul in 1979 transport us beyond borders and time into an act of emotional memory for generations to inhabit together. Part of Open Call: Stages; admission is free with a ticket reservation. July 17–18. (theshed.org)
MS. BLAKK FOR PRESIDENT (Vineyard Theatre, 108 E. 15th St.) Part campaign rally, part nightclub performance, part confessional, and all party, this new work by Tina Landau and Tarell Alvin McCraney stars Wayne Brady as Joan/Terence—the first (and only) Black Drag Queen Candidate for POTUS. It’s the early '90s, the height of the AIDS epidemic, and Joan and the newly formed Queer Nation Chicago set off on a journey to drag queer politics out of the closet and onto the floor of the DNC. Inspired by the true story of drag performer and activist Terence Alan Smith, the show is a joyous stampede through urgent and unfinished business. From October 15. (vineyardtheatre.org)
Mulan (David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, 20 Lincoln Center) Created by choreographers Zhou Liya and Han Zhen, the production masterfully merges classical Chinese dance, martial arts, and epic theatrical aesthetics into a powerful movement language. Where traditional retellings focus solely on Mulan’s heroism, this interpretation reveals her grace, vulnerability, and unwavering longing for peace. September 18–20. (davidhkochtheater.com)
Stephen Michael Spencer, Lauren 'LOLO' Pritchard, and Jonathan Judge-Russo in Music City. Photo by Jeremy Daniel.
Music City (St. Luke’s Theatre, 308 W. 46th St.) This new musical follows two young singer-songwriters into The Wicked Tickle, an East Nashville bar that serves up cheap beer, open mics, and dreams of big breaks. The bar regulars bravely pursue love and music in the face of addiction, poverty, and haunting pasts. But in Nashville, heartbreak is the only thing they hand out for free. Music City is an intimate, gritty, and thrilling take on the world of beers, guitars, sawdust, and sunshine. (musiccitythemusical.com)
New York Theater Festival (Latea Theater, Clemente Soto Velez Cultural Center, 107 Suffolk St.) For its multi-week 2026 Spring/Summerfest, the New York Theater Festival is presenting full-length plays and musicals, as well as one-acts, shorts and solo shows by emerging and established playwrights. Visit website for a description of shows and playing schedules. Through August 2. (newyorktheaterfestival.com)
Odd Salon NYC (Parkside Lounge, 317 E. Houston St.) This bi-monthly show curates cocktail hour lectures highlighting strange-but-true stories from history, science, art, and adventure, live on stage, over cocktails. Experts and amateurs come together to explore overlooked and under-told stories, about everything from lost cities to engineering failures to daring heists, questionable taxidermy, tales of epic revenge, and beyond. Visit website for playing schedule. (frigid.nyc)
Open Call: Stages (The Shed, Bloomberg Building, 545 W. 30th St.) A unique summer festival event spotlighting the next wave of performing artists giving life, sound, and texture to stories that don’t sit still. Experience the power of storytelling through spoken word, music, meditation, and puppetry that engages themes of living through climate change, migration, and how collective responsibility shows up in our daily lives. Visit website for a complete schedule of events, all of which are free with a ticket reservation. Through July 25. (theshed.org)
Othello (Richard Rodgers Amphitheater, Marcus Garvey Park, Harlem) A gripping exploration of jealousy, power, race, and manipulation, Othello remains one of Shakespeare’s most urgent and emotionally-charged tragedies. Through its signature lens, The Classical Theatre of Harlem’s 2026 Uptown Shakespeare in the Park brings renewed perspective to the play’s timeless themes. Admission is free. Through July 26. (cthnyc.org)
The Pass (La MaMa, 74 E. 4th St.) Twelve years; three hotel rooms; one goal. On the eve of their first Champions League match in 2014, two rising British football stars find themselves facing something neither preseason training nor media coaching could prepare them for. Sharp, sexy, and darkly funny, John Donnelly’s The Pass explores masculinity, desire, and the brutal machinery of fame. Sometimes the biggest risk isn't losing the match. July 30–September 4. (thepassplay.com)
The People Versus Lenny Bruce (Theatre Row, 410 W. 42nd St.) 1964, New York City. Iconic comic Lenny Bruce was facing obscenity charges. Herbert S. Ruhe, former CIA agent and witness for the prosecution, said after the trial: "We picked him out of all the performers. I know he was obscene... Yet, in a way, I felt he had to be convicted." Over 60 years later, our right to free speech is more threatened than ever. When our right to speak is put on trial, our response is: Don’t watch what you say; watch great theatre! Through June 30. (bfany.org/theatre-row)
Pepper Slit Live! In Her Living Room (East Village Basement, 321 E. 9th St.) Starring SNL alum Chloe Troast, this theatrical experience by Troast and Sam Blumenfeld blends music, nostalgia, and delusion into an unforgettable comedy spectacle. Each night, only 35 guests are invited to stage and screen legend Pepper Slit’s personal home to experience a night of art and performance that New Yorkers thought was outlawed back in 1971. July 21–August 15. (pepperslit.com)
Catherine Russell, starring in Perfect Crime.
Perfect Crime (Anne Bernstein Theater at The Theater Center, 210 W. 50th St.) This ultra-long-running murder mystery is the story of brilliant but money-hungry psychiatrist and suspected cold-blooded killer Margaret Brent, her wealthy husband, a deranged patient, and the handsome detective who's falling in love with her while trying to solve the crime. (perfect-crime.com)
PETRA (Vineyard Theatre, 108 E. 15th St.) Celebrated fashion designer Petra lives and works in a world of her own making, attended by her devoted assistant, Marlene. When a beautiful young model named Karin enters her orbit, Petra falls obsessively in love—and her carefully constructed reality begins to unravel. Sharp, seductive, and darkly funny, Satter’s fresh staging transforms this cult classic of emotional warfare into a riveting contemporary event. Conceived and directed by Half Straddle’s Tina Satter from Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant. February 2027. (vineyardtheatre.org)
Phyl (Theatre Row, 410 W. 42nd St.) In Mint Theater’s production of this play written by Cecily Hamilton in 1911, Phyllis Chester is trapped in the solitary existence of a governess, walled off from the life she craves—until she loses her temper and does something that could cost her everything. October 3–November 7. (minttheater.org)
Pied-À-Terre (Anne Bernstein Theater, The Theater Center, 210 W. 50th St., 4th Fl.) TV journalist Julia discovers a Manhattan apartment owned by her husband, Jack, that she never knew existed. As she begins searching for answers, she encounters Katie, a beautiful young woman who appears to know Jack far better than she should. What initially seems like a tale of infidelity evolves into something more surprising as long-buried secrets emerge. Part mystery, part emotional drama, the show explores grief, loss, survivor's guilt, and the complicated ways love, memory, and truth intersect. Through July 29. (piedaterreplay.com)
Pinkalicious the Musical (Actors Temple Theatre, 339 W. 47th St.) Pinkalicious can't stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor's office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe—a dream come true for this pink-loving enthusiast. But when her hue goes too far, only Pinkalicious can figure out how to get out of this predicament. Perfect for ages 2 to 7. Through July 26. (pinkaliciousthemusical.com)
A Play On Words (59E59 Theaters, 59 E. 59th St., Theater C) Who's On First meets Waiting for Godot in this ferociously witty play on, about, and spilling over with language. Rusty and Max have been friends for most of their lives and they've been arguing almost the entire time. Today, they're scheming up something big. Fringe First winner Brian Dykstra's signature style crackles in this uproarious backyard comedy. Part of East to Edinburgh 2026. July 8–16. (59e59.org)
Photo by Jeremy Daniel.
The Play That Goes Wrong (New World Stages/Stage 4, 340 W. 50th St.) (2 hrs.) A madcap hybrid of Monty Python and Sherlock Holmes, this award-winning comedy is bringing down the house—literally—Off-Broadway. It’s opening night of The Murder at Haversham Manor, where an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything are only some of the hilarious mishaps. (broadwaygoeswrong.com)
Playing Burton (Lincoln Center Theaters’ Mitzi Newhouse Theater, 150 W. 65th St.) On the night of his death, iconic stage and screen star Richard Burton offers his final performance: a passionate, poetic reflection on his own legacy. With tenderness, wry humor, and Shakespearean grandeur, Burton recalls a life shaped by love, tragedy, and scandal—including his two explosive marriages to Elizabeth Taylor—and his own undeniable gifts. Dates TBA. (lct.org)
The Potluck (Playwrights Horizons’ Peter Jay Sharp Theater, 416 W. 42nd St.) In 1979, five labor organizers were murdered at a protest in Greensboro, NC, by members of the KKK and the American Nazi Party. A year later, César James Alvarez was born into the survivor community and, 37 years later, received a commission to write a musical about the massacre. It turned into a show about ghosts... and capitalism... and how to recuperate from trauma that happened to you before you were even born. Through July 26. (playwrightshorizons.org)
Pretend It’s Pretend (Lincoln Center Theaters’ Claire Tow Theater, 150 W. 65th St.) Jen teaches third grade and runs on coffee and bad sleep. Arthur designs playgrounds and carries an old grief he cannot shake, while his teenage daughter Clara is writing songs she isn't yet brave enough to sing. A tender, funny, searching new play about the teachers who memorize every name, the fathers who mistake protection for love, and the students who are asked to carry more than they should. From January 28, 2027. Limited 6-week engagement. (lct.org)
PrideFest (The Tank, 312 W. 36th St.) A festival of new and imaginative performances from queer artists that center our community. The shows of PrideFest 2026 address queer joy, laughter, struggle, resistance, and beauty through a range of mediums including theater, comedy, puppetry, storytelling, and music. Curated by Max Mooney. Through June 30. (thetanknyc.org/summer-2026)
The Prince & the Magic Flute (Puppetworks, 338 6th Ave., Park Slope, Brooklyn) Adapted for the Marionette stage by artistic director Nicolas Coppola, Puppetworks’ production features simple songs taken from Mozart’s opera. The tale of a brave prince and a funny bird catcher, who attempt to rescue a princess from the Palace of the Sun, features highlights such as the Creatures of the Night, the Prince’s test of Water, Fire, and Silence, and the defeat of the evil Queen of the Night. August 31–November 17. (puppetworksinfo@gmail.com)
The Problem (59E59 Theaters, 59 E. 59th St., Theater C) In their secretive high-rise office, the odd trio of Manning, Slater, and Wilson think they've finally redeemed themselves. But then... The Problem. One that threatens their very existence. It must be solved fast or—the abyss. A rapid-paced, last-chance comedy by Fringe First winner Brian Parks. Part of East to Edinburgh 2026. July 7–19. (59e59.org)
Public Works’ Public Record (The Public Theater’s Newman Theater, 425 Lafayette St.) Written by Lisa Sanaye Dring, with music by Michael Thurber, this electrifying new production stands as an act of collective hope, joy, and resistance. The album will be preserved by the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts forever, ensuring that long after summer fades, it will remain a powerful reminder that the true record of a city isn’t just its headlines—it’s the sound of New Yorkers coming together to create a life album, on stage, in real time. September 4–8. (publictheater.org)
Puppetopia 2027 (HERE Arts Center, 145 6th Ave.) A springtime review of HERE’s puppetry state of mind; Dream Music’s annual celebration of imagination, possibility, exciting techniques, and community creation. Curated by Barbara Busackino and Basil Twist, the 2027 edition of Puppetopia features the world premiere of Water Walker by Ash Winkfield. Performance dates TBA. (here.org)
Queen of Hearts (Théâtre XIV, 383 Troutman St., Brooklyn) Journey down the rabbit hole with Company XIV to follow the adventures of Alice, the White Rabbit, Mad Hatter, and many more iconic characters. This variety show from burlesque troupe Company XIV puts a sensual, colorful, and highly theatrical spin on the beloved classic Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. This "Wonderland" is actually a boutique venue where the performers also host and bartend. (companyxiv.com)
The Reading Series (Lincoln Center Theaters’ Claire Tow Theater, 150 W. 65th St.) In this intimate new series, six celebrated playwrights – Sarah Ruhl, Ayad Akhtar, J.T. Rogers, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Marco Ramirez, and Lynn Nottage – curate a series of one-night-only staged readings of bold new works, alongside open conversations between the storytellers. Visit website for scheduled events. (lct.org)
Rediscovery Readings (Classic Stage Company, Lynn F. Angelson Theater, 136 E. 13th St.) Throughout Classic Stage's 2026-2027 season, this acclaimed series steps away from the established canon to shine a light on the "Neo-classics" – the bold, subversive, and brilliant plays of the late 20th-century that resonate today and beyond. These readings remind us that the category of "classic" is ever-growing. Visit website for details & dates. (classicstage.org)
Return of the Buffalo: Tatanka Owe Akupi (St. Ann’s Warehouse, 45 Water St., Brooklyn) A breathtaking herd of 50 life-size buffalo puppets gathers in New York City to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Part spectacle, part ritual, this performance invites us to join the herd as they roam, graze, and run wild through downtown Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan, encountering live music, poetry, ceremonies, and performances along the way. 9/19 & 9/20. (stannswarehouse.org)
Rhinoceros (A.R.T./New York Theatres, Loeb Drama Center, 502 W. 53rd St.) In this new adaptation of Eugène Ionesco’s landmark play, everything seems normal one Sunday morning… until it’s not. One by one, friends and colleagues transform into rhinoceroses, and Bérenger (John Turturro) is forced to decide: will he follow the crowd or stand his ground? Also starring Paul Giamatti. 8/12 thru 9/20. (art-newyork.org)
the ripple the wave that carried me home (Playwrights Horizons, 416 W. 42nd St.) Janice’s parents are prominent activists fighting for the integration of public swimming pools in 1960s Kansas—a struggle that penetrates the warm bubble of her childhood, driving a wedge between Janice and her family. Years later, she must decide whether she’s ready to reckon with her political inheritance and the scars of a past she has tried to forget. Fall, 2026. (playwrightshorizons.org)
Röcket Stähr's Death of a Rockstar: A Cine-Concert Experience (Joe’s Pub, 425 Lafayette St.) Tony nominee Euan Morton, Alex Joseph Grayson, and Ryan Shaw appear alongside Abby Ahmad, Röcket Stähr, and a band comprised of Broadway and rock 'n' roll all-stars. As the 90-minute animated film plays, the entire futuristic rock opera will be performed live for the first time. 6/23 & 7/7. (publictheater.org)
The Root of It All: A Dentist’s Tale (Various outdoor venues throughout the five boroughs) (75 mins.) In this comic musical, a dentist operating a free clinic for immigrant families is knocked unconscious when an ICE agent storms his office. He enters a surreal dreamworld where dancing teeth, an activist Tooth Fairy, and a chorus of patients battle the moral decay threatening America's ideals. Free and family-friendly. 8/1 thru 9/13. (theaterforthenewcity.net)
Saigon (St. Ann’s Warehouse, 45 Water St., Brooklyn) In a bustling restaurant set in both 1950s Vietnam and 1990s France, strangers gather to eat, drink, sing, argue, remember, and mourn. Created by director Caroline Guiela Nguyen, the work is an epic and deeply personal portrait of migration, memory, and belonging. 12/3 thru 12/20. (stannswarehouse.org)
The Saviors (Atlantic Theater’s Linda Gross Theater, 336 W. 20th St.) When a lost young man takes shelter in their church, two altar boys desperately cling to each other as their changing faiths, lives, and bodies threaten to tear them apart. Written by Bubba Weiler. 7/8 thru 8/8. (atlantictheater.org)
SEE/UNSEE (HERE Arts Center, 145 6th Ave.) In an evening of music and storytelling, Lila Blue and their eight-piece band commune with the work and imagined life of artist Hilma af Klint. Delving into queerness, love, and loss, SEE/UNSEE invites you to step into the alchemical waters of ecstatic creation. March, 2027. (here.org)
Seven Guitars (Lincoln Center Theaters’ Mitzi Newhouse Theater, 150 W. 65th St.) Set in 1940s Pittsburgh, August Wilson’s haunting drama follows blues musician Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton, a man determined to win back the woman he loves and build a future beyond the limitations of Black life in America. Directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson. From 11/5. Limited 9-week engagement. (lct.org)
SheNYC Summer Theater Festival (Lynn F. Angelson Theatre, 136 E. 13th St.) New York City’s premier festival showcasing new, original works by women, trans, and non-binary writers and composers. 2026’s lineup features eight original full-length plays and musicals. Visit website for descriptions and playing schedule. 7/14 thru 7/26. (shenycarts.org)
Shifters (Cherry Lane Theatre, 38 Commerce St.) Heather Agyepong and Daniel Ezra star as Des and Dre, old friends with a deep connection. She got out, and he stayed, but she has returned for his grandmother’s wake, temporarily causing their past to come flooding back. 7/6 thru 8/30. (cherrylane.org)
Singfeld! An Unauthorized Musical Parody About Nothing! (Jerry Orbach Theater, 210 W. 50th St.) This unauthorized parody of the hit sitcom Seinfeld follows Jerry, Elaine, George, Kramer, and other iconic characters as they navigate living and loving in New York City. The hilarious score features songs like “What’s the Deal with Musicals?” and “The Ballad of Bubble Boy.” (singfeld.com)
Slam Frank (Orpheum Theatre, 126 2nd Ave.) (110 mins.) A hilarious, provocative, and highly talked-about new musical about what happens when a progressive community theater company decides to transform Anne Frank's diary into an intersectional, multiethnic, genderqueer, Afro-Latin hip-hop performance. 9/17 thru 11/30. (slamfrankmusical.com)
Small (Pershing Square Signature Center, Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre, 480 W. 42nd St.) This critically acclaimed play written by and starring Robert Montano traces his deeply personal journey to become a jockey, exploring the high expectations and impossible physical standards that come with a life in the saddle. Thru 7/25. (smalltheplay.com)
Spanglish Affair Open Mic (UNDER St. Marks, 94 St. Marks Place) A new bimonthly open mic for the Spanish & Spanglish-speaking community to develop and share their work. Performers get 5 to 8 minutes each to share work in progress. Every other first Wednesday; visit website for schedule. (frigid.nyc)
Spark Theatre Festival NYC (28th Street Theatre, 15 W. 28th St.) Showcasing polished works-in-progress, this year’s festival is divided into workshop productions and fully developed new works, many featuring post-show talkbacks for audience feedback. 10/5 thru 10/25. (emergingartiststheatre.org)
Stage Fright at Red Eye (Red Eye NY - 355 W. 41st St.) Every Wednesday night at 10pm, Marti Gould Cummins hosts a Broadway talk in Hell's Kitchen featuring some of NYC theatre’s hottest stars. No cover charge. (redeyeny.com/stage-fright)
The Stand-In (WP Theater, 2162 Broadway @ 76th St.) Best friends Claire and Claudia try to make it BIG in the movies. But is there room for two stars? An absurdist romp through the madness of the artist’s journey and the toll it takes on friendship. 1/30 thru 2/28/27. (wptheater.org)
Stone Belly (HERE Arts Center, 145 6th Ave.) A dance, music, and installation artwork that re-imagines myths of the Philippines for returning the queer diasporic body back home. Created and performed by Marie Lloyd Paspe. May, 2027. (here.org)
Strange Men (BrickAux, 628 Metropolitan Ave., Brooklyn) In Stroller Scene’s developmental workshop of Sarah Bernstein’s new play, four men are brought together by a dating coach who promises to help them make meaningful connections with women. In this dark comedy about what it means to be a man, both the coach and his clients try to find the balance between vulnerability and masculinity without destroying each other or themselves in the process. Thru 8/2. (bricktheater.com)
Sukkot (59E59 Theaters, 59 E. 59th St., Theater B) One year after losing his wife to cancer, Patrick Sullivan is still unable to overcome his overwhelming grief, until a rabbi introduces him to Sukkot - the only Jewish holiday where God directly commands us to rejoice! Suddenly energized with this new purpose, Patrick builds a sukkah (a hut) in their yard and forces his three grown children to celebrate as they return home to attend their mother’s unveiling ceremony. 7/11 thru 8/9. (59e59.org)
Summerworks 2026 (wild project, 195 E. 3rd St.) Clubbed Thumb’s annual festival will feature productions of three new plays: Titans, Derangements, and The Family Dog, as well as a series of free play readings. Visit website for a complete schedule and descriptions. Thru 6/30. (clubbedthumb.org)
Taylor Mac & Matt Ray: Songs from Bark of Millions (The Revitalized Delacorte Theater, Central Park) Taylor Mac and Matt Ray to share songs from their epic rock-opera meditation on queerness. This special concert version (presented as part of Joe’s Pub in the Park) is an electrifying blend of performance, live music, and drag spectacle. Inspired by queer figures past and present, the duo crafts an expansive new canon of original songs, inviting audiences into a space of reflection, community, and exuberant celebration. As Mac says, if you’re not invited to the party, throw a better one! 9/18 thru 9/20. (publictheater.org)
That Math Show (Theater555, 555 W. 42nd St.) A new theatrical experience where numbers become entertainment. Created by and featuring Dr. Arthur Benjamin, the show combines math, magic, humor, and audience interaction in a way that is mind-bending, accessible, and fun for anyone who lives in a world of mathematics, and that means everyone! Bringing the beauty, wonder, and magic of math to the stage, this 75-minute show turns the science of numbers into an experience full of surprise, wonder, and theatrical fun. Thru 8/16. (theater555.venuetix.com)
Thursday is a Cabaret at Joanne’s (Joanne Trattoria, 70 W. 68 St.) The popular, cozy restaurant owned by Lady Gaga’s parents, Joe and Cynthia Germanotta, is serving up a rotation of incredible performers every Thursday from 6 to 8pm for a one-of-a-kind experience. The only charge is that of your meal—no cover charge for the performance. (joannenyc.com)
Tin Pan Alley (The Amph, Little Island, bet. 13th & 14th Streets, Hudson River Park) (90 mins.) Grammy winner Cécile McLorin Salvant, curates and performs a week revealing the surprising edges of the popular 20th century hit factory, Tin Pan Alley. Salvant performs both with her infamous trio and in an intimate concert with her closest collaborator, the Grammy Award-winning pianist Sullivan Fortner. Visit website for complete schedule of guest stars. 8/12 thru 8/16. (littleisland.org)
Tony Danza: Sinatra & Stories (54 Below, 254 W. 54th St.) The show pays homage to the music of the legendary Frank Sinatra, with whom Danza had a personal relationship. Accompanied by his four-piece band, Danza brings his trademark wit, charm and storytelling—and a touch of soft shoe and ukulele playing – to a selection of Old Blue Eyes’ timeless classics. 7/23 thru 7/25. (54below.org)
TrashFest (The Tank, 312 W. 36th St.) It is often difficult to wrestle with the environmental impact that our daily lives and our work have - especially in theater, where so many resources are needed to develop sets, props, and costumes that are only used for a short amount of time. TrashFest centers work that produces no waste by reusing materials discarded as garbage. Curated by JoJo Knott. Visit website for a complete roster of performances and dates. Shown in conjunction with DarkFest. 7/13 thru 7/19. (thetanknyc.org/summer-2026)
Tristan & Yseult (St. Ann’s Warehouse, 45 Water St., Brooklyn) When Cornwall’s King Mark sends Tristan into battle to collect Yseult, his Irish bride-to-be, the two fall madly in love, setting off a chain of events both tragic and heroic. In Rice’s world, the Cornish court looks more like a scene from Reservoir Dogs than one from Poldark. In fact, it is set in “The Club of the Unloved,” where Tristan and Yseult’s intoxicating love story alights in hilarious, low-fi aerial acrobatics, and a live band performs new and found music that will have audiences clapping and dancing through their tears. 11/1 thru 11/22. (stannswarehouse.org)
Truly, Howard Hughes (Theater at St. Jean’s, 150 E. 76th St.) This world premiere musical follows an unconventional love story following one of the 20th century's most fascinating figures: aviator, filmmaker, businessman, and recluse, Howard Robard Hughes, Jr.. The story unfolds as Hughes revisits his extraordinary life during his final moments, confronting the one thing his power and fortune could never secure, and leaves us with a haunting question: ...Wouldn't you, if you could? Starring Brenda Braxton, David Elder and others. 9/9 thru 10/4. (yorktheatre.org)
The Unbelievers (NY City Center Stage I, 131 W. 55th St.) In this poignant and disarmingly funny new play, Faith means believing in something. Especially when it feels impossible. As the years go by and the mystery of the sudden disappearance of Miriam and David’s teenage son remains unsolved, their blended family must figure out how to go on, relearning how to live through the ups and downs of ordinary days in their altered world. By Tony-nominated writer Nick Payne (Constellations) and starring Lauren Ambrose (Six Feet Under) and Tom Riley (Down Cemetery Road). From 10/13. (manhattantheatreclub.com)
The Unsinkable (PAC NYC, Perelman Performing Arts Center, 250 Fulton St.) A wildly inventive, darkly funny, and deeply moving odyssey inspired by the six Chinese seamen who lived—then were erased from the story of the Titanic’s survivors. From Liverpool’s engine rooms and Chinatown streets to Cuban sugarcane fields, and a Chicago nursing home in 1986, survivor Little Fong’s memories and desires spring to life through puppetry, cross-Atlantic dance traditions, and flourishes of Chinese opera. He fights for dignity and love even as time slips and his life is largely forgotten. 2/10 thru 3/7/27. (pacnyc.org)
The Vagina Monologues (Laura Pels Theatre, Harold & Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre, 111 W. 46th St.) Performed in over 140 countries and translated into over 50 languages, this is the show that launched V-Day, a global movement to end violence against women and gender-expansive people. Based on 200 interviews which playwright V (formerly Eve Ensler) wrote into fictional monologues about sex, trauma, pleasure, and birth, this landmark work broke taboos, lifted shame, and empowered women to talk about things they never talked about before—from joy and desire to pain and violence. Spring, 2027. (roundabouttheatre.org)
The Verge (Public Theater, LuEsther Hall, 425 Lafayette St.) In Susan Glaspell’s 1921 masterpiece, botanist Claire Archer is on a quest to create a new life: a plant unlike any that has ever come before. When her husband, lover, and soulmate each arrive in her greenhouse seeking heat in a snowstorm, chaos ensues. But as Claire pushes–sometimes violently—against the constraints of her own good breeding, she wonders if the only way to transcend boundaries is to destroy them. By turns witty farce, devastating philosophical debate, and scathing feminist cry, the play defies genre and pierces the bounds of theatrical realism. 10/27 thru 11/22. (publictheater.org)
The Vessel (59E59 Theaters, 59 E. 59th St., Theater C) In the center of Hudson Yards, New York City, stands a honeycomb-like structure known simply as the Vessel. After its unveiling in 2019, this 150-foot interactive art installation was repeatedly shut down, becoming an unexpected and controversial viral obsession. Inspired by these true events, three minimum wage parks employees find themselves at the center of attention in The Vessel. The unlikely trio works together in hilarious and surprising ways as they navigate through and beyond the structure that looms over their every move. Three coworkers against one tourist trap. 7/30 thru 8/23. (59e59.org)
The Visitors (Pershing Square Signature Center, 480 W. 42nd St.) Joanna is in her mid-thirties and eager to become a parent. When she invites her three siblings to her New York City apartment to ask them for a shocking favor, they’re all forced to get to know each other as adults – but whether they’ll emerge from the visit closer or more at odds than ever is anyone’s guess. From playwright Bryna Turner, comes this wry, heartfelt world premiere comedy-drama about finally meeting the people you’ve known your whole life. Limited engagement. October, 2026. (2st.com)
Waiting for Lefty (Classic Stage Company, Lynn F. Angelson Theater, 136 E. 13th St.) Exploited, exhausted, and pushed to the edge, the taxi drivers of Depression-era New York City gather to make a choice that will change their lives forever. But as they wait for their leader, the tension reaches a fever pitch. Marking the directing debut of acclaimed actor Steven Pasquale, this innovative production uses music and movement to breathe fresh life into Clifford Odets’ 1935 masterpiece, transforming the theater into a high-stakes union hall. Both then and now, speaking truth to power can come at a deadly cost. 10/15 thru 11/22. (classicstage.org)
A Walk on the Moon: A New Musical (Laura Pels Theatre at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre, 111 W. 46th St.) It’s the Summer of 1969. Pearl Kantrowitz, a Brooklyn mother and housewife, takes the annual trip north to a Catskills bungalow colony just as the world begins to shift beneath her feet. The country is reaching for the moon. A new spirit of freedom is sweeping the nation. And an unexpected encounter leads her to a musical festival happening just around the corner. As the countercultural revolution begins, and music starts to change the world, Pearl awakens to a life beyond the one she's always known. Thru 8/22. (awalkonthemoonmusical.com)
We’ll See (Public Theater, Barbaralee Theater, 425 Lafayette St.) Richard Nelson’s latest follows the Apple family on midterm election day, November 3, 2026. The Apples are anxious, looking for a way to get through the night. They gather at Barbara’s for a family dinner. They tell stories, catch up, laugh, make fun of themselves, eat, sing, and talk about their lives and the incidental moments of their day, while asking themselves a question: “Do we define ourselves by what we are not, by what we hate?” Part of Nelson’s 12-play series The Rhinebeck Panorama. 10/25 thru 11/22. (publictheater.org)
Welcome Table (Public Theater, 425 Lafayette St.) In the spring of 1963, acclaimed writer James Baldwin sent a searing telegram to Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, blaming his brother’s administration for violence across the country amidst the battle for civil and human rights. Kennedy called Baldwin back and said, “We need to talk.” What followed was the infamous Baldwin-Kennedy meeting, which brought together a group of artists, thinkers, and activists, including Lorraine Hansberry, Harry Belafonte, Lena Horne, and Freedom Rider Jerome Smith, to engage in conversations about how to imagine a better country. Pulitzer Prize-winning dramatist James Ijames reimagines that meeting, set in an afterlife where these iconic figures wrestle with their legacy. Winter, 2027. (publictheater.org)
What a World! What a World! (The Tank, 312 W. 36th St.) In a long-forgotten Hollywood melodrama, a plucky young socialite falls for a brutish older fisherman. At a gay bar, a drag queen and king rehearse a live send-up of the film. In a living room, a queer couple watches the drag send-up online. Each pair recreates, adapts, destroys, and starts over. Something new emerges from the old, but will it ever satisfy what they hoped to find within the film, in themselves, and each other? 7/9 thru 8/2. (thetanknyc.org/summer-2026)
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (Robert W. Wilson MCC Theater Space, Newman Mills Theater, 511 W. 52nd St) This world premiere musical is a fresh look at the beloved story of a small-town life, a family on the edge, and the dream of escape. Featuring a book by Peter Hedges, based on his 1991 novel, with music and lyrics by Adrian Enscoe, Christopher Sears, Sydney Shepherd, and Regina Strayhorn. June, 2027. (mcctheater.org)
THE WHOOPI MONOLOGUES cast, photo by Angela Marie Orellana.
The Whoopi Monologues (Lincoln Center Theaters’ Mitzi Newhouse Theater, 150 W. 65 St.) Kerry Washington and Kara Young lead a remarkable ensemble of five women in bringing Whoopi Goldberg’s unforgettable characters back to the stage. These nuanced portraits feel as fresh and irresistible today as they were over 40 years ago. Featuring Tony winners Kecia Lewis (Hell’s Kitchen) and Kara Young (Purlie Victorious; Purpose). From 7/7. (lct.org)
Why Stuck a Flare Up My Arse for England (SoHo Playhouse, 15 Vandam St.) (75 mins.) Written and performed by Alex Hill, the show tells the true story of ardent England football fan Billy Kinley, who sticks a flare up his bum at Euro 2020 and goes viral. What follows is a funny, raw and disarmingly honest exploration of identity, loyalty and belonging. Winner of multiple awards and boasting over 50 five-star reviews, this is a show that has captivated audiences around the world. 7/8 thru 7/18. (sohoplayhouse.com)
Wild Rose (New York Theatre Workshop, 79 E. 4th St.) Fresh out of jail for some past mistakes, free-spirited Rose-Lynn is bursting with raw talent & charisma, and ready to escape Glasgow, Scotland to chase her dream of being a country music singer. But her mother Marion has had enough, insisting that she settle down, ditch the fantasy, and focus on raising her two young kids. Rose-Lynn reluctantly agrees to take a cleaning job and finds an unlikely champion in her new boss Susannah, bringing her dream closer than ever. Now Rose-Lynn must decide if risking everything will really pave the road to Nashville. Fall/winter, 2026. (nytw.org)
The Winter’s Tale (Free Shakespeare in the Park, Delacorte Theater, Central Park) The King of Sicilia becomes convinced his pregnant wife has been unfaithful and the royal baby is smuggled to the coast of Bohemia where an old shepherd finds her and renames her Perdita. Sixteen years later, Perdita falls in love with another young shepherd, Doricles, who turns out to be a prince in disguise. The cast includes Raúl Esparza, Chuck Cooper, and Lily Rabe. 8/25 thru 9/22. (publictheater.org)
Wold Meteor (Playwrights Horizons, Judith Rubin Theatre, 416 W. 42nd St.) A great stone falls from the atmosphere at 3 o’clock on 13 December 1795, plummeting into Emory Miller’s farm. In its wake come reports of fire and strange flashes of light. What happens next is the story of a townspeople divided, manipulated by fear and destitution at the hands of the wealthy few. A darkly funny musical allegory for modern times, Wold Meteor is a potent, cautionary fable that asks in a shadowy age: What sacrifice will bring about change? Winter 2026/27. (playwrightshorizons.org)
Wonder! A Woman Keeps a Secret (Classic Stage Company, Lynn F. Angelson Theater, 136 E. 13th St.) A luxury voyage turns into a high-seas heist aboard the Aqua Royale: Paris to Portugal. Recklessly and unfaithfully adapted by playwright Talene Monahon from Susanna Centlivre’s 1714 farce of the same name, the play catapults the action (and feminism) to 2027, where a money-grubbing matriarch, lonely toilet maid, and lascivious lady-detective propel the storyline. 5/7 thru 6/13/27. (classicstage.org)
Work of Devotion (Pershing Square Signature Center, 480 W. 42nd St.) A raucous, profound, and decidedly contemporary story about a group of 8th century nuns in rural Italy desperate to make meaning out of their constrained lives. When their leader dies in a freak accident (don’t ask), the women ask themselves: How do we actually want to live? Written by Miranda Rose Hall this is a dazzlingly original world premiere play about devoting yourself to beauty, wonder, and the glorious absurdity of being alive. Limited engagement. February, 2027. (2st.com)
You Seem Sad (WP Theater, 2162 Broadway @ 76th St.) The play weaves post-WWII Nagasaki and early-2000s New York City together through the parallel journeys of Keiko—a young unapologetic atomic-bomb survivor rebuilding her life in 1950s Japan—and Student 1, a half-Japanese twenty-something who is reckoning with her career, love and identity in contemporary America. With humor, brutal honesty, and heart, the play intertwines memory, personal pain and history into a layered portrait of two women shaped by different eras yet bound by a shared search for meaning, connection and the pursuit of survival. 4/3 thru 5/2/27. (wptheater.org)
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (New York City Center, 131 W. 55th St.) Happiness is...experiencing this heartwarming classic, directed by Tony Award winner Sam Pinkleton and featuring the original 1967 orchestrations. Join the PEANUTS gang on a series of small but seismic adventures in this beloved musical that captures the joy, struggle, and quiet urgency of growing up. When every triumph sings and every failure stings, this show reminds us of the importance of searching for happiness anyway. 2/3 thru 2/14/27. (nycitycenter.org)
