Broadway’s Spring Awakening: 18 Fresh Shows Blooming Before May
If you’re eager to shake off the winter doldrums with a brand-new theatrical adventure, Broadway’s spring season has you covered. Eighteen exciting productions—ranging from sizzling new musicals to timely dramas, from Shakespearean classics to revivals of modern masterpieces—are set to open before the “lusty month of May.” Here’s an in-depth look at what’s buzzing on the Great White Way, shuffled into a fresh order to help you decide your perfect spring outing.
1. THE LAST FIVE YEARS (Musical)
Hudson Theatre | Previews Begin March 18 | Opens April 6
Book, Music & Lyrics by: Jason Robert Brown
Directed by: Whitney White
Starring: Nick Jonas, Adrienne Warren
Jason Robert Brown’s cult favorite returns, brought to life by pop superstar Nick Jonas and Tony winner Adrienne Warren. This intimate two-hander follows the bittersweet relationship of Jamie and Cathy—told in overlapping timelines—and boasts a cherished score featuring unforgettable numbers.
2. OTHELLO (Drama)
Ethel Barrymore Theatre | In Previews | Opens March 23
Written by: William Shakespeare
Directed by: Kenny Leon
Starring: Denzel Washington, Jake Gyllenhaal, Molly Osborne, Andrew Burnap, Kimber Elayne Sprawl, Anthony Michael Lopez, Daniel Pearce
In this contemporary production of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, Oscar winner Denzel Washington faces off against Jake Gyllenhaal’s cunning Iago. Under Kenny Leon’s direction, this bold reimagining of Othello delivers a potent blend of loyalty, deception, and ambition.
3. BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB (Musical)
Schoenfeld Theatre | In Previews | Opens March 19
Book by: Marco Ramirez
Music by: Buena Vista Social Club
Directed by: Saheem Ali
Starring: Natalie Venetia Belcon, Julio Monge, Mel Semé, Jainardo Batista Sterling, Isa Antonetti, Da’von T. Moody, Wesley Wray, Leonardo Reyna, Renesito Avich, Ashley De La Rosa, Justin Cunningham
Step into the fiery heart of Cuba where blazing trumpets and sizzling guitars create a vibrant backdrop for a story of musical discovery. This production celebrates the legendary Cuban sounds that transformed lives and continues to captivate audiences.
4. REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES (Musical)
James Earl Jones Theatre | Previews Begin April 1 | Opens April 27
Music & Lyrics by: Joy Huerta & Benjamin Velez
Book by: Lisa Loomer
Directed & Choreographed by: Sergio Trujillo
Starring: Tatianna Córdoba, Justina Machado, Florencia Cuenca, Shelby Acosta, Carla Jimenez, Aline Mayagoitia, Mason Reeves, Jennifer Sánchez, Sandra Valls, Mauricio Mendoza
In an empowering celebration of community and body positivity, Real Women Have Curves transports you to an East L.A. garment factory in 1987, where a pivotal rush order forces Ana Garcia to balance dreams with duty. Expect a vibrant mix of Latin rhythms and heartfelt storytelling.
5. FLOYD COLLINS (Musical)
Vivian Beaumont Theater | Previews Begin March 27 | Opens April 21
Music & Lyrics by: Adam Guettel
Book & Direction by: Tina Landau
Starring: Jeremy Jordan, Jason Gotay, Sean Allan Krill, Marc Kudisch, Lizzy McAlpine, Wade McCollum, Jessica Molaskey, Taylor Trensch, Cole Vaughan
This haunting, folk-infused musical follows the true story of cave explorer Floyd Collins, who became an unlikely media sensation after a tragic mishap in 1925 Kentucky. With Tina Landau at the helm, the production explores ambition, isolation, and the dark side of fame.
6. JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN (Drama)
Booth Theatre | Previews Begin March 20 | Opens April 14
Written by: Kimberly Belflower
Directed by: Danya Taymor
Starring: Sadie Sink, Nihar Duvvuri, Gabriel Ebert, Molly Griggs, Maggie Kuntz, Hagan Oliveras, Morgan Scott, Fina Strazza, Amalia Yoo
In a fresh twist on a well-known classic, a group of high school students in rural Georgia challenges the traditional narrative of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. Led by Sadie Sink, this biting new comedy questions whether John Proctor truly deserves to be hailed as the hero.
7. SMASH (Musical)
Imperial Theatre | Previews Begin March 11 | Opens April 10
Music & Lyrics by: Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman
Book by: Rick Elice & Bob Martin
Directed by: Susan Stroman
Starring: Robyn Hurder, Brooks Ashmanskas, Krysta Rodriguez, John Behlmann, Kristine Nielsen, Caroline Bowman, Jacqueline B. Arnold, Bella Coppola, Casey Garvin
Inspired by its television predecessor, Smash offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a Marilyn Monroe musical. With a mix of hilarious backstage antics and show-stopping numbers, this production captures the frenetic energy of Broadway’s creative process.
8. OPERATION MINCEMEAT (Musical)
John Golden Theatre | In Previews | Opens March 20
Written and Composed by: SpitLip
Directed by: Robert Hastie
Starring: David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson, Zoë Roberts, Claire-Marie Hall, Jak Malone
This offbeat musical blends historical intrigue with sharp humor. Set during World War II, Operation Mincemeat recounts the true and wildly improbable espionage caper that helped turn the tide of the war, delivering laughs and suspense in equal measure.
9. THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY (Drama)
Music Box Theatre | Previews Begin March 10 | Opens March 27
Adapted and Directed by: Kip Williams (from Oscar Wilde’s novel)
Starring: Sarah Snook
In a tour de force performance, Sarah Snook takes on all 26 roles in this modern adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s classic. Merging live performance with innovative video elements, the production reinvents Wilde’s cautionary tale for today’s audience.
10. GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS (Drama)
Palace Theatre | Previews Begin March 10 | Opens March 31
Written by: David Mamet
Directed by: Patrick Marber
Starring: Kieran Culkin, Bob Odenkirk, Bill Burr, Michael McKean, Donald Webber Jr., Howard W. Overshown, John Pirruccello
David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama returns with a vengeance. Set in the ruthless world of Chicago real estate, Glengarry Glen Ross exposes the cutthroat nature of sales with biting dialogue and unforgettable performances from a stellar ensemble cast.
11. PURPOSE (Drama)
Hayes Theater | In Previews | Opens March 17
Written by: Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
Directed by: Phylicia Rashad
Starring: LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Harry Lennix, Jon Michael Hill, Glenn Davis, Alana Arenas, Kara Young
Centered on the storied Jasper family—a dynasty of civil rights leaders and political figures—Purpose unearths family secrets when the youngest son returns home unexpectedly. This epic drama balances humor with incisive commentary on legacy and identity.
12. PIRATES! THE PENZANCE MUSICAL (Musical)
Todd Haimes Theatre | Previews Begin April 4 | Opens April 24
Music & Lyrics by: Arthur Sullivan
Book by: W.S. Gilbert
Adapted by: Rupert Holmes
Directed by: Scott Ellis
Starring: Ramin Karimloo, David Hyde Pierce, Jinkx Monsoon, Nicholas Barasch, Preston Truman Boyd, Samantha Williams
In this reimagined Gilbert & Sullivan classic, a pirate ship docks in New Orleans and brings an infusion of Caribbean rhythms and French Quarter flair to the stage. With standout performances from Ramin Karimloo and David Hyde Pierce, the show promises a riotous blend of comedy and musical brilliance.
13. STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW (Drama)
Marquis Theatre | Previews Begin March 28 | Opens April 22
Written by: Kate Trefry
Directed by: Stephen Daldry
Starring: Louis McCartney, Rosie Benton, Alex Breaux, Nicky Eldridge, Andrew Hovelson, Alison Jaye, T.R. Knight, Gabrielle Nevaeh, Burke Swanson
Journey back to a 1959 town on the brink of mystery and suspense. This standalone adventure, set in the early days before the well-known series, unpacks untold stories of small-town secrets and supernatural occurrences that set the stage for the larger saga to come.
14. STEPHEN SONDHEIM’S OLD FRIENDS (Musical)
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre | Previews Begin March 25 | Opens April 8
Music & Lyrics by: Stephen Sondheim
Devised by: Cameron Mackintosh
Musical Staging & Direction by: Matthew Bourne
Starring: Bernadette Peters, Lea Salonga, Jasmine Forsberg, Kate Jennings Grant, Kevin Earley, Bonnie Langford, Beth Leavel, Gavin Lee, Kyle Selig, Jacob Dickey, Jason Pennycooke, Joanna Riding, Jeremy Secomb, Maria Wirries, Daniel Yearwood
A tribute to the legendary composer-lyricist, this concert-style celebration brings together iconic songs and an all-star cast. With Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga leading the charge, the production is a heartfelt salute to Broadway’s beloved maestro.
15. DEAD OUTLAW (Musical)
Longacre Theatre | Previews Begin April 12 | Opens April 27
Music & Lyrics by: David Yazbek & Erik Della Penna
Book by: Itamar Moses
Directed by: David Cromer
Starring: Andrew Durand, Jeb Brown, Eddie Cooper, Dashiell Eaves, Julia Knitel, Ken Marks, Trent Saunders, Thom Sesma
Based on the true and bizarre tale of outlaw Elmer McCurdy, this darkly humorous musical follows his posthumous journey from forgotten criminal to bizarre side-show attraction. With a score by David Yazbek and imaginative staging, it promises to be one of the season’s most unusual offerings.
16. BOOP! (Musical)
Broadhurst Theatre | Previews Begin March 11 | Opens April 5
Music by: David Foster
Lyrics by: Susan Birkenhead
Book by: Bob Martin
Direction & Choreography by: Jerry Mitchell
Starring: Jasmine Amy Rogers, Faith Prince, Ainsley Melham, Erich Bergen, Stephen DeRosa, Angelica Hale, Anastacia McCleskey, Aubie Merrylees
Betty Boop takes center stage in a dazzling musical adventure that transports her from a monochrome cartoon world into a vibrant, technicolor escapade in New York City. With the creative magic of David Foster and Jerry Mitchell, this production is set to charm audiences of all ages.
17. GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK (Drama)
Winter Garden Theatre | Previews Begin March 12 | Opens April 3
Written by: George Clooney and Grant Heslov
Directed by: David Cromer
Starring: George Clooney, Glenn Fleshler, Ilana Glazer, Paul Gross, Georgia Heers, Fran Kranz, Andrew Polk, Christopher Denham, Will Dagger, Mac Brandt, Aaron Roman Weiner, Carter Hudson, Michael Nathanson, Jennifer Morris, Clark Gregg
Step back into the tense days of the Red Scare with George Clooney as Edward R. Murrow. This politically charged drama, helmed by David Cromer, recreates the groundbreaking broadcast that challenged McCarthyism and reshaped American journalism.
18. JUST IN TIME (Musical)
Circle in the Square Theatre | Previews Begin March 28 | Opens April 23
Developed & Directed by: Alex Timbers
Book by: Warren Leight & Isaac Oliver
Starring: Jonathan Groff, Erika Henningsen, Gracie Lawrence, Emily Bergl, Joe Barbara, Michele Pawk, Lance Roberts, Caesar Samayoa, Khori Michelle Petinaud
Tony nominee Jonathan Groff returns to Broadway as the iconic Bobby Darin in this nightclub-style musical. With a dazzling array of hits and an intimate setting, Just In Time captures the urgency and passion of a true musical legend.
Ready to Choose Your Spring Shows?
From cutting-edge musicals that blend history with irreverent humor to star-studded dramas that reimagine timeless classics, this spring season offers a cornucopia of theatrical adventures. Whether you’re drawn to the soulful beats of Buena Vista Social Club, the intimate confessions of The Last Five Years, or the magnetic intensity of Othello, Broadway’s fresh offerings ensure there’s something for every taste. Secure your tickets now, and let your springtime on Broadway begin!
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