Here are the 10 must-see Broadway musicals to catch this summer during your study holiday in New York City.
If you’re planning a summer study holiday in New York, there’s one experience you absolutely shouldn’t miss—seeing a Broadway show.
It’s more than just entertainment. Broadway is part of the city’s identity, an evening of storytelling, music, and energy that lives with you long after the final bow.
This summer, the theatres are packed with everything from cult classics to fresh new musicals making their mark. But not every show runs forever, and some of the buzziest titles from earlier in the year have already closed.
So if you’re looking for a show that’s actually running right now, we’ve done the work for you! Read on to find out our top ten picks for musicals you can still catch this summer while on your study holiday in the Big Apple:
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1. Hamilton
Yes, Hamilton is still on Broadway, and yes, it absolutely lives up to the hype.
The legendary Lin-Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking musical blends hip-hop, history, and emotional depth in a way that still feels as fresh as the day it opened. It tells the story of Alexander Hamilton and the founding of the United States through rapid-fire lyrics, inventive staging, and characters that feel human and real.
You’ll laugh, learn, and probably cry a little too. If it’s your first time seeing a Broadway show, Hamilton is an unforgettable place to start.
2. Wicked
Some stories are so well-loved they become part of Broadway’s DNA—and Wicked is one of them. If anything, following the recent movie adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, this show has only become even more popular!
Here’s a glimpse into what you can expect from Wicked on Broadway:
It reimagines the world of The Wizard of Oz, focusing on the unlikely friendship between Glinda the Good and Elphaba, the so-called Wicked Witch of the West. It’s a story about identity, loyalty, and what it really means to be “good.”
The visuals are stunning, the music soars, and by the time the lights come up, you’ll understand why it’s still packing theatres over twenty years after it opened.
3. Chicago the Musical
Chicago the Musical is a masterclass in style and sass.
Set in the jazz-soaked world of 1920s Chicago, the show follows two women who turn murder trials into media circuses in their quest for fame. The choreography is razor-sharp. The score is packed with hits. And the cast? Always stacked with talent.
This show doesn’t rely on flashy sets or special effects. Instead, it lets the performers, the music, and the movement do the talking. It’s sleek, sexy, and still as awe-inspiring as the day it premiered over twenty-eight years ago.
4. The Lion King
Whether you grew up with the film or are discovering it for the first time, The Lion King on stage is a breathtaking experience.
The costumes and puppetry are nothing short of genius, transforming the stage into a living savanna. But the real magic is in how the show balances visual wonder with real emotional weight.
From the opening note of “Circle of Life” to the final curtain, The Lion King is pure theatrical magic.
5. MJ The Musical
If you’re even a casual fan of Michael Jackson’s music, this show will blow you away.
MJ The Musical isn’t just a concert or a tribute act. It dives into the creative mind of the artist during the rehearsal process for his 1992 world tour. Along the way, you’ll hear his biggest hits, see incredible dance numbers, and get a glimpse of the perfectionism and passion that drove him.
It’s exciting, emotional, and performed with an intensity that brings his music to life in a whole new way.
6. The Outsiders
Based on S.E. Hinton’s classic coming-of-age novel, The Outsiders is one of Broadway’s newest hits—and it’s already made a powerful impression.
The story of rival teen gangs and the search for identity is just as relevant now as it was in the 1960s. What makes this musical stand out is how raw and physical it feels. The fight scenes are thrilling. The staging is beautiful. And the music, with folk-rock roots, hits all the right emotional notes.
It’s a show with heart and muscle, and it’s definitely one to see while it’s still fresh.
7. Death Becomes Her
Camp, glamour, and immortality—what more could you want in a musical?
Death Becomes Her is based on the 1992 cult film, and it leans fully into the over-the-top drama and wicked humor that made the original so beloved. Starring Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard, the show is as much a fashion spectacle as it is a comedy about vanity and revenge.
It’s sharp, funny, and absolutely knows what it’s doing. If you want a night of laughs and glitter, this is your pick.
8. Buena Vista Social Club
This is one of the most soulful musicals on Broadway right now.
Buena Vista Social Club tells the real story behind the legendary Cuban music group, tracing the lives and dreams of its members through rich storytelling and even richer sound. The music is deeply rooted in tradition, and the performances are filled with emotion.
It’s a show that’s as much about memory as it is about music, and it brings a warmth to the stage that’s rare and unforgettable.
9. Operation Mincemeat
This one’s a surprise hit from the UK that’s made its way to Broadway with wit and charm intact.
Operation Mincemeat is based on the true story of a World War II deception plot that helped the Allies outsmart the Nazis. But don’t expect a dry history lesson—this is a comedy, full of fast-paced storytelling, wild character switches, and laugh-out-loud moments.
It’s smart, clever, and endlessly entertaining. If you like musicals that don’t take themselves too seriously, you’ll love it.
10. Smash
If you loved the TV show Smash, now’s your chance to see it live.
This new Broadway adaptation takes you behind the scenes of creating a musical, blending drama, showbiz rivalry, and big Broadway numbers into one fast-moving production. With music by the same team behind Hairspray, it has the kind of sparkle and theatricality that theatre fans live for.
It’s self-aware, fun, and packed with inside jokes for musical lovers—but you don’t need to know the original series to enjoy it.
Our final thoughts on the best 10 Broadway musicals to see on your study holiday to NYC this summer
There’s something electric about Broadway in the summer.
The streets are full, the theatres are buzzing, and every single night, people from around the world gather to laugh, cry, sing along, and fall in love with live performance.
Whether you’re here for a short stay or a full summer course, make sure you see at least one show before you leave. It’s more than a night out, it’s a memory that will stay with you forever.
Book early, check for student discounts, and go with an open mind! Because once the lights go down and the music starts, you’ll understand why Broadway means so much to so many.
