With Broadway returning after having shut down because of the pandemic, here are some of the top shows everyone should see!

1. Wicked

“Wicked” is a musical based on two witches, The Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, and The Good Witch, Galinda, from The Wizard of Oz. The story is of two unlikely friends who struggle through the corrupt government of the Wizard, opposing viewpoints and personalities, and the same love interest. “Wicked” is currently the 5th longest running show, surpassing “Les Miserables”. The show’s run time lasts around two hours and 30 minutes along with an intermission. The original cast won seven Drama Desk awards, three Tonys and a Grammy. The show celebrated its 16th anniversary on Broadway back on October 30, 2019.

2. Les Misérables

“Les Misérables” is set in the 19th century during the French Revolution. Follow Jean Valjean, a French peasant, who was just released from a 19-year sentence for stealing a loaf of bread. He decides to break his parole to start a new life but Javert, a police inspector, doesn't want to let him escape justice. So Javert spends years trying to track him down. Throughout the show many characters and their struggles during the revolution are brought to light. The show has been running since March of 1987.

3. Waitress

“Waitress” is the story of Jenna Hunterson who is a baker and a waitress. Jenna is in an abusive relationship with her husband, Earl. She later learns that she is pregnant, and begins an affair with her doctor. To try to escape her living situation, Jenna enters a pie baking contest to attempt to win the grand prize.

“Waitress” has been on Broadway since 2016 and is returning this year for a limited time. Singer Sara Bareilles will be starring as Jenna. To help engage the audience, there are real pies warming as they enter the theater to help you feel like you are entering the pie shop. They also sell slices of pie at the theater.

4. Hamilton

“Hamilton” is a historical musical starring two of the founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. This musical is unlike any other musical because the characters rap and sing. The story follows Hamilton's rise to fame, fortune, and his inevitable downfall unfold. In act one Aaron Burr, John Laurens, Marquis de Lafayette, George Washington and Hercules Mulligan are introduced. Later we meet the Schulyer sisters, Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy. Eliza falls for Hamilton during a ball and their love story unfolds along with watching Hamilton and his friends fight the Revolutionary War. Act two is more about Hamilton’s struggles as secretary of state. Watch as his life slowly falls apart after he has an affair. Eliza struggles to cope with her husband's infidelity and the loss of her son. “Hamilton” is unique as it was recorded and put on Disney+ in July of 2020.

5. Heathers EXPLICIT

Based off of the 1989 film,” Heathers” is a rock musical with very dark subject matter. The musical follows Veronica Sawyer as she rises in popularity in her school. She was a very nerdy and unpopular girl, until she met the Heathers. The Heathers are a group of three girls, all named Heather, that run Westerburg Highschool. She meets a new student named J.D., who is very dark and mysterious. The musical takes a dark turn after J.D. is introduced. Students at the school are killed by J.D. and Verionica, but they make it look like the students commited suicide. This show talks about difficult subjects such as bullying, sexual assault, teen suicide, and school violance. The show has been on Broadway since 2014 and has toured all over the country. There is even a production in London.

Broadway may not be for everyone, but it can also bring joy to so many people.