Broadway is having a moment this spring. From May 14 to June 4, The Rink at Rockefeller Center transforms into an open-air stage for Road to Broadway, a free four-week performance series curated by Playbill featuring live sets from 15 of Broadway's biggest shows, every Thursday at noon from May 14 through June 4.

But Broadway is bigger than any single series. New York City's Theater District is one of the great cultural destinations in the world, and whether you're planning your first Broadway show or you've been a regular theatre-goer for decades, there's always more to know:. Consider this your definitive guide: everything you need to make the most of Broadway in NYC, starting right here at Rockefeller Center.

Road to Broadway at Rockefeller Center

Every Thursday at noon from May 14 through June 4, The Rink at Rockefeller Center hosts free live performances from some of the most celebrated Broadway musicals running right now. The series is curated by Playbill and organized into four themed acts:

May 14 — Opening Act Wicked, Hadestown, Chicago

May 21 — Act II Six: The Musical, Just in Time, & Juliet, Death Becomes Her

May 28 — Act III Operation Mincemeat, The Great Gatsby, Maybe Happy Ending

June 4 — The Famous Finale MJ: The Musical, The Outsiders, The Book of Mormon, Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Performances are free and open to the public. For a front-row view, reserve terrace seating at Jupiter or NARO. Guests shopping or dining at Rockefeller Center can use their receipt for standing access from the Rink balconies.

Before or after the show, head up to Top of the Rock for sweeping views of Midtown Manhattan.

Where Broadway Happens: The Theater District and Beyond

Broadway's home base is Midtown Manhattan, concentrated in the Theater District around Times Square. It’s located from roughly from 40th to 54th Street, between Eighth Avenue and the Avenue of the Americas. Most Broadway theaters are clustered here, including iconic venues like the Gershwin Theatre (home to Wicked) and the Richard Rodgers Theatre (where Hamilton ran for years).

Not all of New York's great theater happens on Broadway, though. Lincoln Center, on the Upper West Side, is home to the Vivian Beaumont Theater, one of the city's most acclaimed stages and the home of productions like Death of a Salesman and other award-winning new plays. Off-Broadway theaters regularly produce some of the most exciting work in New York, often launching productions that later move to larger Broadway stages.

Rockefeller Center sits just blocks from the Theater District, making it a natural anchor for any Broadway itinerary. Come for a pre-show dinner, head to a performance, and make a full evening of it.

The Best Broadway Shows to See Right Now

The current Broadway season is one of the strongest in recent memory. If you're looking for the best Broadway shows to add to your list, here's where to start.

Long-Running Favorites

Wicked remains one of the best-selling Broadway musicals of all time, and its profile has never been higher following the release of the film adaptation. The Book of Mormon, the irreverent Tony Award–winning musical from the creators of South Park, continues to sell out. Chicago, the classic revival, is still going strong at the Ambassador Theatre.

New and Notable

Hadestown, the mythological Tony Award winner from Anaïs Mitchell, is essential viewing. Moulin Rouge! The Musical brings the Baz Luhrmann film to life with a dazzling score. Death Becomes Her, a new musical adaptation of the 1992 film, is one of the buzziest new arrivals of the season. The West End transfer Operation Mincemeat arrives with serious momentum.

For Families & Kids

Disney has a long history on Broadway, and productions like The Lion King and Aladdin remain perennial favorites, particularly for families. Both are reliable, spectacular choices if it's your first Broadway show or you're bringing kids.

Worth Watching

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child brings the wizarding world to the stage in a production that's as technically ambitious as anything on Broadway.

For a full, up-to-date list of what's playing, check the official Broadway box office or visit Playbill.

How to Get Broadway Tickets

Road to Broadway at Rockefeller Center

Road to Broadway performances at The Rink are free and open to the public every Thursday at noon from May 14 through June 4. There is no ticket required. You can reserve terrace seating at Jupiter or NARO for a front-row view, or use your Rockefeller Center dining or shopping receipt for access to the Rink balconies.

Buy Direct

The most straightforward approach to buy Broadway tickets is buy directly through the theater's box office or official ticketing platforms. This guarantees your seats and avoids third-party markups. If you’re unsure of where to start, the Playbill website features all upcoming shows and booking information.

Discount Tickets

TKTS booths offer same-day discount tickets to many shows, often at 20–50% off. The most convenient location is in Times Square. Lines can be long, but it's one of the best ways to score last-minute seats at reduced prices.

Many shows also offer rush tickets, lottery programs, and student discounts. Check each production's website for details.

Plan Ahead for Best Seats

If you have a specific show in mind, book early. The best seats go quickly, especially for high-demand productions. For a first Broadway show, if you want a truly special experience, aim for the orchestra or the first few rows of the mezzanine for the clearest sightlines and the fullest sense of the room.

Performance Times: Matinees and Evening Shows

Most Broadway shows run on a standard schedule: evening performances Tuesday through Sunday, with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday (and sometimes Sunday). Specific performance times vary by production, so always confirm before you book.

Matinees are a great option if you want to see a show and still have the evening free for dinner, a visit to Top of the Rock, or a nightcap in Midtown. They're also typically easier to get tickets for than weekend evening performances.

Doors open approximately 30 to 45 minutes before showtime. Plan to arrive early. We also recommend taking the subway (traffic around Times Square and the Theater District can be unpredictable, especially on weekends).

What to Wear: Broadway Dress Code

There's no formal dress code for Broadway. The range runs from business casual to full black tie (especially for opening nights and Tony Awards season). Most theatregoers land somewhere in the middle: a step up from everyday casual, but not a black-tie event.

Smart casual is a safe and comfortable choice. Avoid overly casual clothing like athletic wear or flip-flops if you want to feel appropriately dressed, but there's no rule against it. Wear what makes you feel good!

What to Expect: First-Timer's Guide to the Broadway Experience

Before the Show

Arrive at least 30 minutes before curtain. Pick up your tickets at the box office or will call, grab a program, and find your seats. Many theaters have bars in the lobby. You can bring drinks to your seat in most venues.

The Intermission

Most, but not all, Broadway shows include an intermission of 15 to 20 minutes, roughly halfway through the performance. It's the time to use the restroom (lines move fast; go early), grab a drink, and discuss the first act. Don't wait until the last minute to get back to your seat.

Photography

Recording and photography during performances is prohibited at virtually every Broadway show. Take your photos in the lobby or before the house lights go down.

Where to Eat Before and After the Show

Rockefeller Center is one of the best pre- and post-theater dining destinations in Midtown Manhattan. Just steps from the Theater District, it's easy to build an evening that starts here and ends on Broadway (or the other way around).

Jupiter is an ideal pre-theater dinner spot. Book ahead and allow time to get to the theater. NARO, helmed by a Michelin-starred chef, is another excellent option for a more leisurely meal. During Road to Broadway performances, both restaurants offer reserved terrace seating with direct views of the stage.

For something more casual, 5 Acres, Lobel's, Ace's Pizza, and Shake Shack are all steps from the Plaza and easy to fit into a pre-show window.

For more dining options, read our full guide on where to eat before a Broadway show.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best Broadway shows to see right now?

Some of the most popular productions include Wicked, Hadestown, The Book of Mormon, Chicago, and Death Becomes Her. Pop fans of all ages will love MJ the Musical. For families, The Lion King and Aladdin are reliable favorites.

How do I get discount Broadway tickets?

The TKTS booth in Times Square offers same-day discount tickets to many shows. Many productions also offer lottery programs, rush tickets, and student discounts. Matinee tickets aren’t technically discounted but do tend to be less expensive than their evening counterparts.

What is the best seat for a Broadway show?

Part of the beauty of Broadway theaters is that all seats offer great views. For an experience near the stage, orchestra center offers the closest, most immersive experience. The front mezzanine provides excellent sightlines and is a great option for seeing the full stage picture. Avoid the rear orchestra if the theater has a steep rake (the mezzanine will often be better).

Is there a dress code for Broadway?

No formal dress code. Smart casual is a safe choice. Most theatergoers dress up slightly, but there's no requirement.

What time do Broadway shows start?

Evening performances typically begin at 7 or 8 pm; matinees usually start at 2 pm. Confirm specific performance times with the theater or ticketing platform before you go.

What is Road to Broadway at Rockefeller Center?

Road to Broadway is a free, four-week Broadway performance series at The Rink at Rockefeller Center, curated by Playbill. Performances take place every Thursday at noon from May 14 through June 4, featuring live sets from 15 Broadway productions.

Where is Rockefeller Center in relation to the Theater District?

Rockefeller Center is located in Midtown Manhattan, just a few blocks east of the Theater District. It's an easy walk to most Broadway theaters and a natural stop for pre- or post-show dining and drinks.

What Broadway shows will perform at Road to Broadway?

The series includes Wicked, Hadestown, Chicago, Six: The Musical, Just in Time, & Juliet, Death Becomes Her, Operation Mincemeat, The Great Gatsby, Maybe Happy Ending, MJ: The Musical, The Outsiders, The Book of Mormon, and Moulin Rouge! The Musical.