9 Must-See Theatre Productions to Catch This Summer
Summer is a time for having fun, and that can include going to the theatre. While theatre productions are active year-round, summer is a great time to go out on the town and see a show. The trick is picking the right show to see. This summer, there are bound to be plenty of options, which is why we wanted to share a list of all of the must-see theatre productions happening during the summer (and into the fall) of 2023.
Once Upon a One More Time
This show will be featured at New York’s Marquis Theatre all summer and deep into the fall. Once Upon a One More Time is the latest in a string of revisionist-feminist productions set in medieval times. It’s a musical about a group of princesses who learn the teachings of the famous book The Feminine Mystique. The story is far beyond most people’s imaginations, and the music is spectacular, including covers of Britney Spears songs.
Wicked
If you’re wondering if you’ve missed your chance to see Wicked, you haven’t. It’s still going strong, and not just in New York. This is the story of The Wizard of Oz but from a different perspective. It’s essentially a prequel to the famous movie and has become arguably just as famous. Wicked has truly become one of the all-time great Broadway shows and must-see viewing for any fan of the theater.
Here Lies Love
Did you ever want to picture a Broadway theatre transformed into a disco? Well, you don’t have to wonder any longer because that’s exactly what happens in Here Lies Love. The story revolves around Imelda Marcos, who was once the First Lady of the Philippines and is the mother of that country’s current president. Here Lies Love covers everything from her childhood to her exile using disco and club music. It’s a show one has to see to believe and is playing on Broadway for the first time this summer.
Hamilton
There is still time to see what will go down as one of the best and most popular Broadway musicals of all time. Hamilton can be found in both New York and Toronto all summer because even Canadian audiences can’t get enough of it. The story of Alexander Hamilton and the rest of the founding fathers is rapped more than it’s sung, as the hip-hop aspect of Hamilton adds a unique twist on a brilliantly written show that makes history come alive in a way audiences can’t begin to imagine until they’ve seen the show.
Back to the Future
While it may not be a front-runner come award season, Back to the Future: The Musical will leave audiences entertained and satisfied. On Broadway for the first time this summer, Back to the Future is an adaptation of the wildly popular movie series. It combines songs from the original movies as well as original songs. Fans of the films will undoubtedly love seeing the newest iteration of an old classic.
The Lion King
Just like the movie, The Lion King is one of those Broadway shows that can never be seen too many times. Of course, if you haven’t seen the Broadway adaptation yet, it takes everything that was great about the movie and improves it. The puppets, costumes, and songs make it seem like the movie has come to life. Needless to say, the show is great for kids. But even adults who remember watching the movie when they were young will want to see The Lion King on stage.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
If you’re a Harry Potter fan who can wait until late in the summer, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will come to New York’s Lyric Theatre. Keep in mind that you won’t be getting Harry Potter himself for the whole show but rather his son Albus. The story follows Harry’s son but brings all the magic and potions you read about to life. Not only is it a chance to experience the world of Harry Potter from the books, but the special effects of the show are well worth the price of admission.
The Book of Mormon
Humor and satire never go out of style, which is why The Book of Mormon can still be found on Broadway. The show has already banked millions of dollars and won several Tony Awards, yet it never seems to get old. The show, created by South Park co-creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker, follows two Mormon missionaries as they struggle to get their message across to the people of Uganda. Needless to say, hilarity ensues, which is why The Book of Mormon is still one of the best shows to see on Broadway this summer.
Come From Away
For folks who don’t mind a tearjerker, Come From Away is the show to see. It shares the story of 7,000 people who end up stranded in Newfoundland after planes are grounded in the aftermath of 9/11. Despite focusing on a tragedy, there is a surprising amount of humor in this uplifting story. Keep in mind that it’s based on a true story, showing audiences a side of 9/11 that they may have never considered before but needs to be told.