The Best Broadway Shows for Date Night

Love is in the air!

Valentine's Day is the time of the year where everything except love takes a back seat. This time of the year is all about cherubs, kisses, hearts, and flowers. If you're still wondering how to spend an evening with your partner, take them out somewhere special.

While most people would consider going for dinner and a movie, why not try something new, and take your loved one to a Broadway show? Watching a Broadway show is an experience like no other. You are in a theater as part of a live audience, watching extremely talented individuals sing and act out their story. And if you're not a fan of musicals, fret not. Broadway also has plays from a range of genres - there really is something for everyone.

Below is our list of recommended Broadway shows for a fantastic date night:

First Date

There's nothing like a well-known classic to break the ice. This heartwarming tale of a man who goes from rags to riches, and finds true love, is based on a 1994 animated Disney movie of the same name. Get ready to show your date 'a whole new world' as you embark on this magic carpet ride together.

Strong and Steady

Carole King's story will strike a chord with the couple that has been together for a while. The musical, based on the early career of Carole King, explores her rise to fame along with her relationships with her husband and friends. The story journeys through King’s transformation from songwriter to singer, as she struggles to find peace and balance with her relationships. It’s a tale about the real-life making of a star!

Double Date

If you are on a double date, Phantom of the Opera is the musical to see! Broadway's longest running show, The Phantom of the Opera revolves around rising star, Christine Daaé. Christine takes the help of the Phantom, a musical genius who composes operas for her to practice. Lonely and deeply romantic, the Phantom becomes obsessed with his love for Christine. When she begins seeing another man, the Phantom grows furious, terrorizing the opera house. A dark and mysterious love story, find out where Christine’s heart leads her.

Married

For the married couple, Hamilton provides the perfect entertainment. This hip-hop musical is the perfect amount of fun and enjoyment, and is well-known for its talented cast, engaging performances, and excellent storytelling. The musical traces Alexander Hamilton’s his life from his birth in a Caribbean island to his rise as George Washington’s right-hand man and Treasury Secretary, his life as a rebel and a war-hero, and as a loving husband embroiled in the nation’s first sex scandal.

Another choice would be to watch 'Head Over Heels' - a celebration of love in more ways than one! From the crafting visionaries that brought you 'Avenue Q' and 'Spring Awakening', this original musical is set to the tunes of the famed 1980s all-female rock band The Go-Go's. This adaptation (by James Magruder) of Jeff Whitty's book is one that married couples are sure to get buzzed about. Told from the perspective of a royal family, the musical delves around a life-changing journey that they take.

Friends with Benefits

Keeping it casual? Drunk Shakespeare is the perfect play for you. Watch as four actors try their best to keep the script on point as they act out a Shakespearean play alongside one, very drunk, cast member, who has had at least five shots of whiskey. An absolute hoot, this is one evening of fun and riot that you and your friend just cannot miss! Drinks and snacks will be available for audience members throughout the show’s entirety.

Need an option B? Go for 'Pretty Woman', the Broadway musical based on the hit film of the same name! Featuring music by Grammy-award winner Bryan Adams and his eclectic songwriting partner Jim Vallance, choreography and direction by Jerry Mitchell, a two-time Tony Award winner, and a book by Gary Marshall and the movie's screenwriter J.F Lawton, 'Pretty Woman' is a must-watch. Watch the stunning chemistry unfold between lead actors Samantha Barks and Andy Karl!

Friends

Don't have a date? Don't worry! Grab your best friend and head out for a night of fun, and watch The Imbible: A Spirited History of Drinking. Tracing the history of alchohol over the last 10,000 years, this 'spirited' play is accompanied by craft cocktails and the brilliant vocals of the Backwaiters acapella group. The lead performs live beer brewing demonstrations and like any good bartender, he keeps his guests laughing/entertained throughout the night. Dive in for an enjoyable evening of immersive theatre and an experience unlike any other.

An alternative option would be to catch Jack Thorne's theatrical take on 'King Kong', the by-now extremely popular myth. The show also features a scintillating crew - Drew McOnie handling the choreography and the duo of Marius de Vries and Eddie Perfect offering a splendid musical score. Be stunned by the innovative display of puppetry, stagecraft and robotics.

To discover other shows on Broadway, check out our guide on the Best Broadway shows in New York. There are tons of other On and Off Broadway shows as well that you can consider! The choice is all yours!

If you're looking for restaurants to visit before your play, check out our list of 30 Best Theater District Restaurants in NYC.

What are you waiting for? Get your Broadway tickets now and take your special someone out for a lovely night out.