Best time to go to NY for Broadway

[spock2]

Posted: 11/30/18 at 11:03am

Hi guys! First post here

I was wondering which are the best months to go to New York to be able to see the most Broadway shows? As in, which are the periods when the majority of new shows open?

I’m going to be in New York early June, and I’m just going to miss Moulin Rouge by a few weeks. Is it worth it going again in say early September, or is the majority of shows playing going to be the same as in June?

I think I’m going to be able to go twice a year, and just wanted to know which periods are the best to maximize my opportunities!

[Elfuhbuh]

Posted: 11/30/18 at 11:14am

I’d say September is the prime time to go back if you want to return as soon as possible, but some shows that didn’t do so hot over the summer tend to fold around Labor Day. The springtime is also a good period to go in, since that’s when a lot of shows like to open just before the Tonys start ramping up.

[haterobics]

Posted: 11/30/18 at 11:21am

"Most" is subjective. A lot of plays do limited runs so they will be 12-15 weeks and often not extend. Most musicals will hope to stay open into the April-June timeframe for the Tony Awards, but there are often a few casualties when nominations are announced (if a show doesn't get any) and again after the awards are handed out (again, if they don't get any). After Labor Day and after New Year's Day, a lot of shows tend to close, since they make more money in the summer/holiday season, so if they are struggling, that is a good time to pack up shop.

There's no specific good time. There will always be new shows you didn't see, and always be a new show opening right after you visit.

[JudyDenmark]

Posted: 11/30/18 at 11:35am

haterobics said: "There's no specific good time. There will always be new shows you didn't see, and always be a new show opening right after you visit."

This. But going in June is otherwise a great time to go - everything for the season will have opened before the Tonys, and will still be open at least that month. You'll miss Moulin Rouge, as well as the limited run plays from the season that will have closed before summer, but you'll be able to see everything else. 

[broadwaybabywannabe2]

Posted: 11/30/18 at 11:52am

i have been to see Broadway shows right after the TONY'S, when hotel prices are not Summer rates yet...i have been to see shows the weeks before Thanksgiving because once again hotel rates are not high due to the lull before the Holidays...and i have been to NYC in September, when the weather in NYC is wonderful...

SO I SAY PICK YOUR POISON...

[LuPita2]

Posted: 11/30/18 at 3:59pm

January is the best time to go for discounts and availability.  Sure, the weather is cold, but bundle up and enjoy yourself!

[Bwayfan292]

Posted: 11/30/18 at 4:02pm

I agree with LuPita. It will be cold, but airplane and hotel’s are usually the cheapest they can get.

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 11/30/18 at 5:51pm

I tend to like to go in early November. I like NYC in the cold (but sometimes not frigid yet) weather. I do miss some plays that are limited engagements though. I agree that September is a good time to go - weather is more temperate. Also, prices all around are cheaper post-NYE for the first two or three months of the new year. This year I went in June because I didn’t want to miss Angels in America and other limited-engagement plays. It was worth it for that, but I hated being there in the middle of a heatwave. I live in Oklahoma where summers are scorching but at least I have my AC in my car to cool me off. Whenever you go, you’ll have a good time whatever the trade-offs.

[MarkBearSF]

Posted: 11/30/18 at 6:26pm

MAY.  Simply put, most shows target Tony season and the nomination deadline is the end of April. Voting is in May. The highest number of theaters will be open then. Since May is when the voters will be seeing the shows, it's unlikely for an actor to be out on vacation (or sick, unless they're VERY sick). It's also during school season, so fewer kids, and usually has nice weather.

LiIkewise, the other "shoulder month," September will also have the Spring and Summer hits and some Fall ones should be in previews. Also nicer weather and no kids.

If you like winter and Christmas season, the beginning of December will still have the Spring hits still open (most with the original cast) and the new Summer and Fall shows as well. Travel is usually cheaper then - and the decorations are out.

For discounts, the biggest discounts tend to be in the Winter (Jan-March) - but a lot of shows close in January, leaving many theaters dark until March-April.

Updated On: 11/30/18 at 06:26 PM

[jo]

Posted: 12/1/18 at 7:33pm

The week or two before the TONYs are excellent -- as performers give their best performances ( with very rare absences), hoping to catch the attention of TONY voters. The shows themselves try to be the one chosen for each TONY category.