Broadway and Off-Broadway. Two sides of the same coin. Sure, Broadway shows have bigger budgets, name performers, and thus an effectively bigger audience, but from a purely arts point of view, the best Off-Broadway shows can rival and sometimes even better Broadway shows.
In this list, we will take a look at some of the best Off-Broadway shows in NYC right now that are also a part of NYC Off Broadway Week 2018. What does Off-Broadway mean, you ask? Off-Broadway is simply a collection of slightly smaller theatres, with a seating capacity of 100-499 folks, as opposed to Broadway theatres, most of which seat more than 1000 people. If you’re planning a New York City theater experience, why not give Off-Broadway shows a chance?
Here's our roundup of the top Off-Broadway shows of this season:
1
Blue Man Group

Open Run

$50 - $100



A show about reconnecting with your inner child, Blue Man Group is hilarious and heartwarming in equal measures. With a pronounced emphasis on being comfortable in your own skin and the power of being different, the show is not the funniest of our list, but humorous and poignant it most certainly is. Backed by a live rock band, the Blue Men Group unifies the audience for the show’s climax - an unforgettable, euphoric dance party, marking a departure from how regular shows ends.
Duration: 1 hour 40 mins

Astor Place Theatre
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2
Drunk Shakespeare

Open Run

under $50



Set in a hidden library with over fifteen thousand books, join the ‘Drunk Shakespeare Society’ - a troupe of five professional actors - as they come together to perform one of history’s most well-known plays. A handful of shots later, let the good times roll! As the four sober actors try to keep the story on course, mayhem is sure to unravel, which is why Drunk Shakespeare is one Off-Broadway comedy show you just cannot miss. Get ready to laugh, drink, and have a down right good time at this show!
Duration: 1 hour 30 mins

The Lounge
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3
The Gazillion Bubble Show

Open Run

under $50



The Gazillion Bubble Show will take you and your family into the world of blow bubble magic! With spellbinding lasers, spectacular lighting effects, and jaw-dropping pieces of bubble art, you will be transferred to an interactive bubble world. An experience that is suitable for all the members of your family, this is one of the best Off-Broadway shows for kids !
Duration: 1 hour 10 mins

New World Stages - Stage 2
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4
The Imbible: A Spirited History of Drinking

Open Run

$50 - $100



The Imbible is an extraordinary Off Broadway musical comedy that will take you on a 10,000-year journey across the globe while you learn about alcohol, its history, its impact on our society, the art of brew making and much more.
Duration: 1 hour 45 mins

New Word Stages
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5
Sistas - The Musical

Open Run

under $50



Sistas is the story of a multi-generational African-American family that reflects on society, particularly the history of black women and is a told by a musical playlist that consists of songs from artists such as Billie Holiday, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Beyoncé and others.
Duration: 1 hour 15 mins

St Luke's Theatre
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6
Jersey Boys

Open Run

Under $50



Jersey Boys chronicles the life of Four Seasons, a group of four rookies from Jersey who smashed records in the 1960s. This musical tribute explores not only the songs that made them famous, but also the lives of the band members and how fame changed their lives. While the spotlight remains on Frankie Valli, the lead singer of Four Seasons it also brings the audience closer to immortalized songs like ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’ and ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’.
Duration: 2 hour 30 mins, 1 intermission

New World Stages
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7
Little Shop of Horrors

Sept 17, 2019 - Mar 8, 2020

$99 onwards



Little Shop of Horrors is a thrilling new production starring Emmy Award winner Tammy Blanchard, Tony Award nominee Jonathan Groff, and two-time Tony winner Christian Borle. The story revolves around Seymour, a down-on-his-luck florist with a crush on his co-worker Audrey. He discovers a mysterious and voracious plant, that he and Audrey have to fight to save the human race. The show is the perfect blend of comedy and horror set to the tune of rock music, bringing the stage alive with stellar performances.
Duration: 2 hours, one intermission

Westside Theatre Downstairs
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8
Perfect Crime

Running Till Mar 8, 2020

$31 onwards



If you’re a fan of Law and Order, then you will enjoy watching the Perfect Crime. Written by Warren Manzi in 1987, the plot involves Margaret Thorne Brent, a Connecticut psychiatrist and potential cold-blooded killer who may or may not have murdered her husband. The handsome detective thinks he has it all figured out, but her husband's murder is only the beginning of what may just be a perfect crime. With an intriguing storyline, this play is a must-watch if you love solving mysteries.
Duration: 1 hour 55 minutes, one intermission

The Theatre Center
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9
MsTRIAL

Dec 4, 2019 - Mar 1, 2020

$49 onwards



Originally written by Dep Kirkland in 2002, the significance of the show has reached pulsating heights owing to the recent #MeToo movement. Writer Dep, along with Christine Evangelista, play key roles in the show, and are joined by Janie Brookshire, Alan Trinca, and Gayle Samuels. Rick Andosca, a theatre and cinema veteran, directs the show. MsTRIAL is about a the getting to the bottom of a rape allegation raised against famous lawyer John Paris by his assistant Karen Lukoff. It allegedly took place during the night when the two were celebrating the victory of a high-profile case. Did it really happen? Will Paris be acquitted? Find out by watching MsTRIAL.
Duration: 2 hours including 1 intermission

New World Stages
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10
The Play That Goes Wrong

20 Feb 2019 - 24 May 2020

$79 onwards



Matt DiCarlo follows the drama and trouble that unfolds when the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society plans to put on a stage production of a 1920s murder mystery. But, don’t forget to look closely! The title of this show is a strong hint into what antics might hinder the CPDS production. Watch as the actors struggle to make it to the final curtain through all the chaos.
Duration: 2 hours

New World Stages
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11
72 Miles to Go

13 Feb 2020 - 03 May 2020

$79 Onwards



Jo Boney shows the struggles of a family separated due to immigration. As the days pass and the miles between them increase, happy memories aren’t created, family pictures aren’t hung and Christmas cards aren’t posted. This stunning production shows the family’s struggle of over 10 years as they stand strong in the face of the personal drama that follows immigration. There is love, struggle and strength present at each step, and there are 72 miles of it for you to savor!
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Laura Pels Theater
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12
Cambodian Rock Band

24 Feb 2020 - 08 March 2020

$35 Onwards



Cambodian Rock Band tells the story of a father-daughter reunion haunted by the ghosts from their past. The father, a Khmer Rouge survivor, returns to Cambodia after 30 years while his daughter prepares to prosecute one of Cambodia’s most infamous war criminals. Their past catches up to them when the music is turned up and we travel back and forth in time as they narrate their story. The New York premiere of this rock epic, unearthing stowed away family secrets is set against a dark chapter of Cambodian history.
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes

The Pershing Square Signature Center
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13
We’re Gonna Die

25 Feb 2020 - 22 Mar 2020

$89 Onwards


Raja Feather Kelly’s new and improved We're Gonna Die (originally by Young Jean Lee) is music therapy for lost souls. Throughout the play, numerous hilarious and heartbreaking stories unfold in story and song, teaching us not just to keep going, but to actually live. We’re Gonna Die follows encourages its audience to create and carry our unique stories. It features original music by Lee with Tim Simmonds, additional music by John-Michael Lyles and lyrics by Lee.
Duration: 65 minutes

Tony Kisser Theater
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To discover other shows on Broadway, check out our guide on the Best Broadway shows in New York. Check out our exclusive deals & offers and get cheap Off-Broadway show tickets! The choice is all yours!
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