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Best Broadway Shows Right Now (September 2026)

Broadway is currently home to 33 productions spanning musicals, plays, revivals, and world premieres. Our rankings combine scores from top critics including The New York Times, Vulture, and Variety to identify the very best shows playing right now.

33 shows | Last updated: September 2026

How We Rank

Rankings are based on CriticScore, an aggregate of professional reviews from 400+ outlets including The New York Times, Vulture, and Variety. Top-tier outlets carry the most weight in the composite score. Each show needs a minimum number of reviews to qualify. Scores are recalculated weekly. Learn more about our methodology.

1
Liberation Broadway play

Liberation

CLOSEDPLAY

James Earl Jones Theatre · 2h 30m

87
Audience:A-

Critics hail Bess Wohl's "Liberation" as a powerful, timely exploration of 1970s feminism refracted through modern eyes. The superbly acted memory play earns praise for its sharp writing, emotional resonance, and skillful balance of humor and poignancy.

2
English Broadway play

English

CLOSEDPLAY

Todd Haimes Theatre

84
Audience:A-

Toossi's Pulitzer-winning drama about Iranians learning English earns widespread praise for its smart, sensitive exploration of language and identity. Critics laud the gentle, moving storytelling and strong performances, though some find it slow-moving.

3
Little Bear Ridge Road Broadway play

Little Bear Ridge Road

CLOSEDPLAY

Booth Theatre · 1h 35m

84
Audience:B+

Critics celebrate Samuel D. Hunter's Broadway debut as a beautiful, heartfelt drama, with Laurie Metcalf delivering a pitch-perfect performance. The intimate production earns praise for its searing pathos, witty dialogue, and Joe Mantello's sensitive direction.

4
Ragtime Broadway musical

Ragtime

CLOSEDMUSICAL

Vivian Beaumont Theater · 2h 55m

83
Audience:A+

Critics hail this stripped-down revival as powerfully resonant for our moment, with Joshua Henry's performance and the glorious score earning widespread praise, though some find the staging too sparse and the material occasionally heavy-handed.

5
Dead Outlaw Broadway musical

Dead Outlaw

CLOSEDMUSICAL

Longacre Theatre

83
Audience:B

Critics hail this darkly comic musical about a mummified outlaw as bold, original, and deliciously macabre, praising its inventive score and sardonic wit. A rare gem that defies Broadway convention with brash confidence.

6
Purpose Broadway play

Purpose

CLOSEDPLAY

Helen Hayes Theater

83
Audience:A+

Jacobs-Jenkins delivers another searing family drama with sharp writing and stellar performances, though some critics find the ambitious second act overlong. Rashad's direction and the ensemble cast earn widespread praise.

7
John Proctor is the Villain Broadway play

John Proctor is the Villain

CLOSEDPLAY

Booth Theatre

82
Audience:A+

Critics praise this smart, timely play that reexamines "The Crucible" through a #MeToo lens, lauding Belflower's sharp writing and the youthful energy. Some find it heavy-handed, but most celebrate its provocative feminist perspective and engaging performances.

8
Buena Vista Social Club Broadway musical

Buena Vista Social Club

NOW PLAYINGMUSICAL

Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre · 2h 10m

Closes Jan 17, 2027

82
Audience:A+

Critics praise the intoxicating Cuban music and dazzling choreography as transporting and joyful, but note the book is wispy and clichéd. The show works best as a sensory celebration that prioritizes sound and dance over storytelling.

9
Oedipus Broadway play

Oedipus

CLOSEDPLAY

Studio 54 · 1h 40m

81
Audience:A-

Icke's sleek modern adaptation transforms Sophocles into a gripping political thriller powered by Strong and Manville's stellar performances, though some critics find the extended pacing dilutes the tragedy's compression.

10
Marjorie Prime Broadway play

Marjorie Prime

CLOSEDPLAY

Helen Hayes Theater · 1h 30m

80
Audience:B

Harrison's prescient AI drama feels more urgent a decade later, with 96-year-old Squibb delivering a masterclass performance. Critics praise its quiet devastation and timely themes, though some find it veers between poetry and cliché.

11
Just in Time Broadway musical

Just in Time

NOW PLAYINGMUSICAL

Circle in the Square Theatre · 2h 15m

Closes Feb 7, 2027

80
Audience:A+

Jonathan Groff dazzles in this slickly entertaining Bobby Darin bio-musical that doesn't reinvent the jukebox formula but wins audiences over with charisma, showmanship, and a transformed Circle in the Square as a swanky nightclub.

12
Pirates! The Penzance Musical Broadway musical

Pirates! The Penzance Musical

CLOSEDMUSICAL

Todd Haimes Theatre

77
Audience:B+

Critics find this New Orleans-set Gilbert & Sullivan reimagining charming and entertaining, praising David Hyde Pierce's performance and the jazzy energy, though some feel the broad updating undercuts the original's wit and sophistication.

13
The Picture of Dorian Gray Broadway play

The Picture of Dorian Gray

CLOSEDPLAY

Music Box Theatre

77
Audience:A

Critics hail Sarah Snook's virtuosic 26-character performance as a stunning feat, though some find the tech-heavy production's elaborate video screens and cameras more gimmick than substance, with opinions split on whether the spectacle enhances or overshadows Wilde's tale.

14
Real Women Have Curves Broadway musical

Real Women Have Curves

CLOSEDMUSICAL

James Earl Jones Theatre · 2h 15m

77
Audience:A

Critics praise this heartfelt musical about Latina garment workers for its timely immigrant story, body-positive anthem, and winning ensemble, though some find it predictable. Most celebrate its warmth and relevance.

15
Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) Broadway musical

Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

NOW PLAYINGMUSICAL

Longacre Theatre · 2h 15m

77
Audience:A

Critics find this charming two-hander rom-com sweet and sincere, with standout performances from Tutty and Pitts elevating a slight, formulaic story. Most praise its modest, heartfelt approach, though some dismiss it as too lightweight and treacly.

16
Operation Mincemeat Broadway musical

Operation Mincemeat

NOW PLAYINGMUSICAL

John Golden Theatre · 2h 35m

Closes Feb 14, 2027

76
Audience:A

Critics embrace this clever British musical about WWII espionage as a zany, high-energy crowd-pleaser, praising its talented five-person cast juggling dozens of roles. Some find it overstuffed or too frenetic, but most celebrate its wit and unexpected heart.

17
Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends Broadway musical

Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends

CLOSEDMUSICAL

Samuel J. Friedman Theatre

75
Audience:B+

Critics find this Sondheim revue a polished, emotionally resonant tribute elevated by stellar performers like Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga, though some question whether Broadway needs another such showcase and cite its overlong runtime.

18
Floyd Collins Broadway musical

Floyd Collins

CLOSEDMUSICAL

Vivian Beaumont Theater

74
Audience:C+

Critics find Guettel's folk-operatic score beautiful and Jordan's performance compelling, but the show's static, claustrophobic premise proves challenging to sustain dramatically, resulting in an ambitious yet uneven Broadway debut.

19
Mamma Mia! Broadway musical

Mamma Mia!

CLOSEDMUSICAL

Winter Garden Theatre · 2h 30m

74
Audience:B+

Critics find this feel-good ABBA jukebox musical as flawed but irresistibly fun as ever, with a silly plot and shoehorned songs that audiences still eat up. It's lightweight escapism that works despite itself.

20
Punch Broadway play

Punch

CLOSEDPLAY

Samuel J. Friedman Theatre · 2h 30m

73
Audience:B

Graham's searing drama about a fatal punch and its aftermath earns strong praise for Will Harrison's knockout Broadway debut and its powerful message of forgiveness, though some find its redemptive arc overly earnest or predictable.

21
Boop! The Musical Broadway musical

Boop! The Musical

CLOSEDMUSICAL

Broadhurst Theatre · 2h 15m

71
Audience:B+

Critics are divided on this nostalgic musical, with most praising breakout star Jasmine Amy Rogers' sensational debut and Jerry Mitchell's dazzling choreography, while questioning the show's thin story and unclear purpose.

22
Good Night, and Good Luck Broadway play

Good Night, and Good Luck

CLOSEDPLAY

Winter Garden Theatre · 1h 33m

69
Audience:B

Critics find Clooney's Broadway debut timely and handsomely staged by David Cromer, but the faithful screen-to-stage adaptation feels overly reverent and dramatically inert, often preaching to the choir rather than generating theatrical urgency.

23
Art Broadway play

Art

CLOSEDPLAY

Music Box Theatre · 1h 40m

67
Audience:B

Critics are divided on this starry revival, with some finding it a sharp, witty exploration of friendship while others dismiss it as slight and dated. Corden's performance stands out, but the play's modest laughs and thin premise leave many underwhelmed.

24
Glengarry Glen Ross Broadway play

Glengarry Glen Ross

CLOSEDPLAY

Palace Theatre

66
Audience:B-

A starry cast led by Culkin and Odenkirk delivers strong performances in Mamet's classic, but critics are divided on whether this fourth Broadway revival justifies its existence, with some finding it underwhelming and others praising its crackling energy.

25
Stranger Things: The First Shadow Broadway play

Stranger Things: The First Shadow

NOW PLAYINGPLAY

Marquis Theatre · 2h 45m

Closes Jan 3, 2027

65
Audience:A

Critics are divided on this technically spectacular but narratively uneven prequel, with most praising the jaw-dropping special effects and stagecraft while questioning whether the convoluted three-hour story works for non-superfans.

26
Waiting for Godot Broadway play

Waiting for Godot

CLOSEDPLAY

Hudson Theatre · 2h 30m

65
Audience:C+

Reeves and Winter's Bill & Ted reunion brings star power to Lloyd's visually striking but uneven "Godot." Critics are mixed: some praise the tender chemistry and bold minimalism, others find the leads overmatched by Beckett's demands.

27
Chess Broadway musical

Chess

CLOSEDMUSICAL

Imperial Theatre · 2h 40m

64
Audience:B+

Critics remain divided on this Chess revival: the powerhouse vocals from Michele, Tveit, and Christopher earn praise, but the famously troubled book still frustrates despite rewrites, leaving the show caught between camp spectacle and Cold War drama.

28
Call Me Izzy Broadway play

Call Me Izzy

CLOSEDPLAY

Studio 54 · 1h 25m

61
Audience:B+

Jean Smart delivers a magnetic performance that elevates a formulaic, clichéd script about an abused Louisiana trailer park poet. Critics praise Smart's virtuosity but find Jamie Wax's solo play uneven and reminiscent of a Lifetime movie.

29
SMASH Broadway musical

SMASH

CLOSEDMUSICAL

Imperial Theatre

58
Audience:C+

Critics are divided on this meta-musical adaptation of the NBC series, with some finding it a gleefully bonkers guilty pleasure while others dismiss it as a messy, tasteless spectacle that wastes its talented cast and catchy score.

30
Redwood Broadway musical

Redwood

CLOSEDMUSICAL

Nederlander Theatre · 2h 30m

56
Audience:C

Critics are mixed on this tree-hugging musical, praising Menzel's powerhouse vocals and the stunning technical design, but finding the show earnest, shallow, and dramatically wooden despite its emotional ambitions.

31
The Last Five Years Broadway musical

The Last Five Years

CLOSEDMUSICAL

Hudson Theatre

53
Audience:C-

Brown's beloved score shines in its long-awaited Broadway bow, but critics find the production hampered by uneven casting, with Jonas struggling to match Tony winner Warren's powerhouse performance.

32
Othello Broadway play

Othello

CLOSEDPLAY

Ethel Barrymore Theatre

52
Audience:C

Despite star power from Washington and Gyllenhaal breaking box office records, critics find this "Othello" underpowered and lacking vision, with Leon's hands-off direction failing to elevate the performances beyond competent.

33
The Queen of Versailles Broadway musical

The Queen of Versailles

CLOSEDMUSICAL

St. James Theatre · 2h 30m

50
Audience:F

Critics are divided on this musical about American excess, with Kristin Chenoweth's powerhouse performance widely praised but the show itself faulted for tonal confusion—unable to decide whether to satirize or celebrate its billionaire subjects.