A trip to New York City is not complete without seeing a Broadway show. If you're not a big fan of musicals, there are plenty of plays to choose from, including hot picks, War Horse, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof starring Scarlett Johansson and The Anarchist with Patti LuPone and Debra Winger.
Here are the top five musicals currently playing on Broadway.
New York Theatre District
The Book of Mormon
The comic genius of South Park's creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, makes this brand new Broadway musical a must-see. Not suitable for children, The Book of Mormon is a religious satire boasting hilarious adult content and explicit language, which tells of two young Mormons on mission in Uganda. Written in collaboration with Avenue Q's Robert Lopez, The Book of Mormon is the most irreverent fun you'll have in New York City. Run time 2 hours and 30 minutes with a 15-minute interval. Ay Eugene O'Neil Theater, 230 West 49th Street.
Wicked
Inspired by Gregory Maguire's novel, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, Wicked tells the tale of the unlikely friendship between the Wicked Witch of the West, with her green skin and dark temper, and Glinda the Good Witch, all goodness and light. Wicked opened on Broadway in 2003 and despite its adult themes, remains a firm family favourite. Run time: 2 hours and 30 minutes with a 15-minute interval. At the Gershwin Theater, 222 West 51st Street.
Once
Winner of 8 Tony Awards in 2012, including Best Musical, Once is a beautiful adaption of the independent film written by John Carney. A Czech immigrant and an Irish musician meet on the streets of Dublin and through their love of music, are drawn together for one fatal week. This is not your ordinary Broadway musical, with its captivating music by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, Once runs for 2 hours and 30 minutes with interval. At Bernard B Jacobs Theater, 242 West 45th Street.
Matilda
Based on the much-loved Roald Dahl book, Matilda tells the tale of a gifted child who is unloved at home. With the help of her teacher, Matilda plots to rid the school of the evil headmistress. Suitable for children aged 6 and up, the whole family will love this inspiring story created for the stage by British-Australian comedian, actor and musician, Tim Minchin. Winner of 5 prestigious Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical, Matilda runs at 2 hours and 45 minutes with interval. At the Shubert Theater, 225 West 44th street.
Annie
The revival production of Annie, starring Australia's Anthony Warlow as Daddy Warbucks, tells the timeless tale of plucky little orphan Annie, during The Great Depression in New York City. Annie is the winner of 7 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. With music by Charles Strouse, Lyrics by Martin Charnin and a book by Thomas Meehan, Annie is a firm family favourite. At the Palace Theatre, 1564 Broadway.
