Broadway Shows Closing Soon (August 2026)
As August 2026 draws to a close, Broadway theatergoers face an unusually rich selection of critically acclaimed productions preparing to take their final bows. The shows closing soon this month represent an eclectic mix of bold revivals, innovative reimaginings, and unexpected theatrical experiments that have collectively raised the bar for what audiences expect from Broadway.
Leading the pack is Joe Mantello's stark revival of Death of a Salesman, featuring Nathan Lane in what critics are calling a career-defining performance. Lane's shattering portrayal of Willy Loman has earned near-universal acclaim, with the production's emotionally devastating approach to Arthur Miller's classic resonating powerfully with contemporary audiences. Similarly praised is the stripped-down revival of Ragtime, anchored by Joshua Henry's performance and hailed by critics as remarkably relevant for our current moment.
Perhaps most surprising is the critical embrace of CATS: The Jellicle Ball, a ballroom-inspired reimagining that has transformed Andrew Lloyd Webber's divisive musical into what reviewers describe as a "joyous glitter bomb." The production demonstrates how radical reinterpretation can breathe new life into familiar material.
On the more intimate end of the spectrum, Daniel Radcliffe charms in Every Brilliant Thing, an interactive solo show that tackles depression and suicide with unexpected warmth and humor, while Titanique offers pure camp escapism with its Céline Dion-Titanic parody that critics find hilariously deranged, if occasionally unfocused.
With an average critic score of 81 out of 100, these closing productions represent some of the season's most accomplished work. If any of these shows have been on your list, now is the time to secure tickets before they disappear from Broadway stages.
4 shows | Last updated: August 2026
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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.
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.
Critics are dazzled by the spectacular production design and sensory overload, but divided on whether the 70-song jukebox spectacle offers substance beneath its glittering surface. Most praise the eye candy while questioning the excess.
Critics find this campy Céline Dion-Titanic parody hilariously deranged and entertaining, though some worry it loses scrappy Off-Broadway charm in a larger venue. The unhinged premise and committed performances delight most, but a few remain unmoved by the chaos.
Jonathan Groff dazzles as Bobby Darin in this slick, entertaining bio-musical that doesn't reinvent the jukebox genre but succeeds on star power and showmanship. Critics praise Groff's charisma and vocals, though some find the by-the-numbers format familiar.