I have a confession: I haven’t stepped into a theater in six weeks.
In my defense, I have been at the beach (happily) and in SF (less happily) instead of my usual midtown haunts. Summer is also famously a quiet time for theater. There’s a Tony Awards surge, then a cool period as Broadway shows for the next season don’t tend to open until the fall.
Financially, right now is not the best time for Broadway. But it is the best time for you, financially, to go see Broadway.
That’s because Broadway Week is upon us.
At this very moment, you can book 2-for-1 tickets for 25 Broadway shows for performances during Sept 8-20th. If there’s any Broadway show you’ve been thinking about seeing, now is the time to buy.
Have no idea what you should prioritize? Is there anything you totally shouldn’t see? Don’t worry. That’s literally why I’m writing this Substack.
Here’s what to get 2-for-1 tickets for—and what to skip.
Shows to See
Hadestown
It wouldn’t be my Substack if my first recommendation wasn’t “Hadestown.” This is my all-time favorite musical.
8 years and 11 trips later, I remain incredibly moved by this show. Based on the Greek myths of Orpheus and Eurydice and Persephone and Hades, it uses meaningful storytelling, gorgeous folk music, and detailed design to tell and retell a tale that never turns out just right.
The show recasts its five main characters often, and for the September dates, you’ll see a new eclectic group in its second week. I’m particularly excited about Norbert Leo Butz, the original Fiyero from Wicked, and the literal goddess that is Amber Iman.
This show is for: everyone. Full stop.
Maybe Happy Ending
Yes, “Maybe Happy Ending” is a musical about robots falling in love. But that’s just the surface. Set in a distant future, we watch two retired helper robots journey to connect with humans, the world, and each other. This show is expansive in its simplicity and makes for a very sweet night at the theater. It was one of my favorites of last year—please, please go.
This show is for: the lovers, the dreamers, and me
Operation Mincemeat
I will admit I’m not as big of an Operation Mincemeat fan as Taffy Brodesser-Akner The New York Times, but I still think this musical is still a feat.
“Operation Mincemeat” retells the tale of the real historical event where the British used a dead man to trick Germany during WWII. It does so in an entirely fun, inventive, and heartwarming way. Like its history musical predecessor “Hamilton,” the music is quick and packs a lyrical punch; however, what I find most impressive is how the cast of six transforms into hundreds (literally) of historical characters.
This show is for: the history nerds, the “Hamilton” rap lovers, people who like to watch other people wear a lot of hats
Buena Vista Social Club
There’s no one playing like the band at “Buena Vista Social Club,” a musical that tells the story of the band of the same name. It’s a vibrant, beautiful production that features lively choreography and powerful vocals. While I left wanting more from the story—really digging into the emotional and historical context of this band’s formation—getting to hear and see these songs like this is unmissable.
This show is for: people who love Cuban music, stunning dancing, and watching the most talented band on Broadway (I’m not biased! They won a special Tony).
Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York
When the first promo clips for “Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York” came out, I was a hater. I immediately wrote off its New York clichés and cheery vibe.
And I was entirely wrong.
“Two Strangers” follows a mid-20s English boy in New York for his dad’s wedding and the late-20s sister of the bride from Brooklyn. The unlikely pair travel around New York—in this production, a stunning tetris of suitcases that become anything and everything—and learn more about themselves by learning more about each other. It’s shockingly hilarious and quietly moving. While some of the plot points are a bit wonky, I still think it has true heart.
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This show is for: the quarter-life crisis-havers, the New Yorkers who want to watch a piece of media about New York and not hate it
Schmigadoon!
Sometimes you want to travel to a land where people sing about food and tap dance on command.
Or maybe that’s just me and Melissa in “Schmigadoon!”, a musical theater lover who gets trapped with her reluctant boyfriend, Josh, in a world where everyone is in a Golden Age musical.
You don’t need to love Golden Age musicals (or have watched the Apple TV version of this show!) to enjoy the whimsical nonsense of this town. With a stacked leading cast and triple threat ensemble, Schmigadoon! brings both sparkly musical theater energy and real heart.
This show is for: the people who knew of Joshua Henry in “Carousel” before he was ever in “Ragtime”; girls who love to burst into a little musical theater song; girls who are mad at their bfs for not showing them the love they deserve
School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play
This play is one of two in the 2026-2027 Broadway season that’s opening in time for the 2-for-1 Broadway deal. It’s got a packed cast—Patina Miller, Denée Benton, Jasmine Amy Rogers—and directed by Whitney White.
I’ve heard incredible things about this comedy. Like Mean Girls, it tells the story of a queen bee that gets threatened by a newcomer. But this time, the tension heats up in a competition for Miss Ghana.
Admittedly, I got my tickets for just after Broadway Week, and you should too if you’re under 35. MTC offers a $35 under 35 deal.
This is for: girls who love plays about girls, people who want to go see Boop (Miss Jasmine Amy Rogers)
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The Lost Boys
I don’t think I’ve ever experienced a musical quite like the thrill of “The Lost Boys.” Based on the 1987 indie film of the same name, the show follows two teenage brothers and their mom who move to a town with vampires.
Yes, vampires. And these vampires fly.
“The Lost Boys” goes for full maximalism. It’s a giant, three-story set that flies in and out—just like the vampires, who soar around the stage while singing gorgeous harmonies.
I’ll warn that the lyrics are laughably cringe and the book could use a facelift. But if you’re in for the ride, it’s a hell of a viewing experience.
This is for: the boys
The Outsiders
Looking for more musicals about groups of boys fighting? “The Outsiders,” which won the Tony in 2024 for Best Musical, tells the story of S.E. Hinton’s book with a folky soundtrack and impeccable staging. The show is pretty faithful to the book, with songs that range from warm and all-American to cliché and over explanatory.
Yet the awe is in this show’s dynamic choreography and inventive, painful design. The scene of the rumble—where the two groups of warring teenagers fight—is one of the “most haunting portrayals of violence I’ve ever seen on stage” (thanks Zoe from 2024).
This show is for: your 7th grade English teacher who made you read this book, the girls (apparently? The fangirl culture of The Outsiders is bordering on scary), anyone who wants to see five minutes of live theater they’ll remember the rest of their life
Wicked
Remember those movies we loved the last two Novembers? They actually have that on Broadway, too.
“Wicked” rarely does any sort of ticket deals. If you’re looking to snag a cheaper one, now is quite literally one of the only times. It’s pretty popular. Lar.
This show is for: people holding space for Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s duet at her London Concert
What to Skip
Paranormal Activity
I’m sure this is a wonderful production, which is exactly why if you feel the same way about horror as me, you must skip it. It will be scary. It will haunt you. The effects will be stellar and you’ll think about them in the dark in your apartment alone and be terrified. We don’t want a repeat of the horror trailers before “The Odyssey.” Sometimes you have to set a boundary.
(You should not skip this if you like horror—in fact, you should 100% see this and tell me I’m missing out by being a wimp.)
The Book of Mormon
I usually don’t like to yuck anyone’s yum—I just want people to go to the theater!—but I’m putting my foot down. Guys. It’s 2026. We cannot be opting to go to “The Book of Mormon” in these times! Please find something less offensive to go to. I beg of you. There are 24 other options for this deal. Choose “Aladdin” if you must.
Here’s to enjoying cheap Broadway tickets, my inevitable 12th visit to “Hadestown,” and returning to the theater—finally!—tonight.