New York City’s Off-Broadway scene is a treasure trove of innovative and diverse theatrical productions. For theater enthusiasts seeking unique experiences beyond the Broadway marquees, here’s a curated list of the top five must-see Off-Broadway shows to catch next time you’re in the city. These Off-Broadway productions showcase the vibrant and eclectic nature of New York’s theater scene, offering audiences a chance to experience innovative storytelling beyond the traditional Broadway offerings.
5. The Play That Goes Wrong
The Play That Goes Wrong is a riotous, slapstick comedy that follows the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society as they attempt to stage a classic murder mystery, The Murder at Haversham Manor. However, as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong does—props malfunction, actors forget lines, set pieces collapse, and chaos ensues. Despite the disastrous performance, the amateur actors are determined to see the play through to the end, resulting in a hilarious, fast-paced spectacle filled with perfectly timed physical comedy and unexpected mishaps. Now running Off-Broadway, this Olivier Award-winning farce guarantees nonstop laughter and proves that sometimes, the best theater is the one that falls apart.
4. Perfect Crime
Holding the title of New York’s longest-running play, “Perfect Crime” is a thrilling murder mystery that has been captivating audiences since 1987. The plot centers around a psychiatrist suspected of murdering her husband, with twists and turns that keep viewers guessing until the end. The New York Theatre Guide notes that lead actress Catherine Russell is a Guinness World Record holder for having played the same role for all that time.
3. Drag: The Musical
Love drag? Love musicals? Then this show can’t be beat (and do beat your face before coming in — expert queens expect nothing less!) Experience Drag: The Musical off Broadway to see some of today’s most celebrated drag icons, including contestants on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, appear in this new musical. Yes, a musical: there’s no lip syncing in this show; all the singing is real, belted, and will surely bring the house down.
2. Little Shop of Horrors
This cult classic musical tells the story of Seymour, a meek flower shop assistant who discovers a mysterious plant with a craving for human blood. The Off-Broadway revival has been lauded for its stellar performances and catchy tunes. The New York Theatre Guide highlights its acclaim, mentioning that “stars like Jonathan Groff, Jeremy Jordan, Conrad Ricamora, and Skylar Astin have all stepped into the role of the nebbish flower shop worker Seymour.”
1. Drunk Shakespeare
Imagine a Shakespearean play where one actor has consumed multiple shots of whiskey before the performance begins. This is the premise of “Drunk Shakespeare,” where a troupe of five actors, with one inebriated member, delivers a hilarious and unpredictable rendition of the Bard’s work. The result is a night of improvisation, audience interaction, and side-splitting comedy that offers a fresh take on classic literature. As noted by Show-Score, the show is “a pleasant mix of immersive theater, iambic pentameter, audience participation, slapstick comedy and bar hopping.”