Calling all theatre lovers! The Tony Awards are always the talk of the town, and we’ve curated the ultimate guide for planning an unforgettable group outing to Broadway this summer. With a thrilling lineup of 2025 nominees and winners still lighting up the stage, there’s no better time to experience the magic of live theatre in the Big Apple. Whether you’re drawn to powerful storytelling or show-stopping musical numbers, this guide highlights the productions that promise to make your next theatre trip truly spectacular. Ready to explore Broadway’s brightest contenders, perfect for group adventures? Let’s dive in!
Just In Time
Who doesn’t love Jonathan Groff? From his first Tony-nominated performance in 2006’s Spring Awakening to his win in 2024 for Merrily We Roll Along, Groff has long been a fan favorite. Now he’s making audiences fall in love with ‘60s crooner Bobby Darrin in the new biomusical Just In Time. Presented in an intimate nightclub setting at Circle in the Square Theatre with a live big band on stage, Groff performs over 25 songs from Darin’s hit catalogue including “Splish Splash,” “Beyond the Sea,” and “Mack the Knife.” This is a great pick for any group looking for a classy dose of nostalgia and a top-notch performance.
Death Becomes Her
There’s something to be said for a Broadway production that can successfully recreate movie magic on stage—and the musical Death Becomes Her does exactly that. Based on the 1992 satire about eternal youth and vanity, the musical adaptation features ingeniously crafted costumes that whimsically nod to the original movie's fantastical physical transformations. (Think twisted necks and smoking shotgun holes.) Paul Tazewell, who recently made history as the first Black man to win an Oscar for costume design for his work on Wicked, was honored with the Tony win for his Death Becomes Her costumes. The show’s co-leading ladies, Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard, were both nominated for side-splitting portrayals of the beauty-obsessed archrivals in the dark comedy. Any group looking for a wickedly fun night of theatre should check out Death Becomes Her.
Operation Mincemeat
The new musical Operation Mincemeat is a must-see for anyone who loves a dash of history with their musical romp. Following a triumphant run in the West End, where it clinched the Best New Musical Olivier Award, the Broadway production earned four Tony nominations, capturing audiences with its ingenious storytelling that blends humor and intrigue. Set during World War II, the musical spins the incredible true story of a daring British intelligence plot that changed the course of history. Jak Malone nabbed the Tony (and the Olivier) for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his role as Hester Leggatt who performs the touching ballad “Dear Bill.” With its whip-smart lyrics, inventive staging, and a plot that mixes espionage with outright hilarity, Operation Mincemeat is a sure crowd-pleaser.
Maybe Happy Ending
This year’s Best Musical winner is a whimsical and poignant show that captures hearts as it follows the unlikely relationship between Oliver and Claire, two lovable yet outdated robots living on the outskirts of Seoul. As Oliver enjoys a quiet existence tinkering with his beloved jazz records, a simple request from Claire for a charger sparks a journey of friendship, unexpected adventure, and the stirring potential for love. Under the imaginative direction of Tony Award winner Michael Arden, this enchanting show combines heartwarming storytelling with beautifully crafted music and lyrics by Will Aronson and Hue Park, who won Tonys for Best Score and Best Book of a Musical. Maybe Happy Ending is a charming testament to the delicate moments that make life truly meaningful—guaranteed to please any group of humans.
Buena Vista Social Club
Havana comes to life in the new musical Buena Vista Social Club, set during Cuba's golden age of music. With tales inspired by real events and the music from the Grammy-winning album the same name, the show dives into the lives of the artists who lived and breathed the music that made the world fall in love with Cuba’s rhythms. At the heart of the story is a young Cuban-American woman who returns to Havana and uncovers her family's hidden musical legacy, connecting past and present through song. The production received 10 Tony nominations, including Best Musical, and took home awards for Best Choreography, Best Orchestrations, Best Sound Design, and Best Featured Actress (Natalie Venetia Belcon). The show also received a Special Tony recognizing the musicians of the onstage band who bring the pulse of 1950s Cuba to the Schoenfeld Theatre every night. Buena Vista Social Club would add a little cultural flair to any group outing, offering vibrant music, stunning choreography, and a heartfelt story that celebrates the spirit and soul of Cuba.
As the summer on these Tony-nominated gems for 2025, planning your next group outing to Broadway has never been more exciting. From grounded, real-life narratives to soaring theatrical fantasies, Broadway continues to celebrate and honor the full spectrum of human imagination. To make planning easier, turn to Broadway Inbound, a division of the Shubert Organization—Broadway’s oldest producer. As an authorized ticket seller, Broadway Inbound offers access to all Broadway shows, with special discounted pricing available for groups. Visit the Broadway Inbound website to explore show options, find planning tips, and discover educational resources and workshops designed especially for student groups.
So rally your fellow theatre lovers, secure those tickets, and experience the unmatched joy of live theatre, with each show promising to dazzle, delight, and keep you talking long after the last bow. Broadway’s brilliance is best shared, so make it a summer to remember with these Tony contenders!