Each and every group is unique. Whether you're celebrating the holiday as a family or giving the gift of a Broadway group trip, each group has its own specific wants and needs when it comes to picking the perfect Broadway show. Fortunately, no one knows Broadway better than our staff at Broadway Inbound. We're lucky enough to see almost every show that opens on Broadway, which makes every staff member on our team a bona fide theatre expert.
There's nothing we love more than talking about our favorite shows, so we've assembled a list of some of our current Staff Picks. This month, we're bringing you our favorite shows for the holidays. Read the picks below, and stay tuned for even more Staff Picks next month.
Fatima’s Pick: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Fatima didn’t know how much fun Broadway could be until she saw her first show: Matthew Broderick starring in How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. After that, she jumped at the opportunity to work in the tour and travel industry, where she could see show after show. Now a theatre veteran, Fatima still looks forward to the opportunity to see a show and connect with the story.
All-Time Favorite Musical: Although many shows have a little piece of my heart, I have to say that Beauty and the Beast is my all-time favorite. I saw it so many times, and every time I loved it more and more. "Be Our Guest" was always just magical, and when the Beast turned into the Prince, it just took my breath away every time.
Fatima Recommends: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is truly a wonder that must been seen to be believed. Everything about the show, from the sets to the songs was so imaginative, it was such a sight to behold. It’s a family friendly classic. A great story of hope and magic for the holidays.
Perfect For: For children, grandparents and everyone in between!
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in Three Words: Fun, Mystical, Sweet.
To purchase group tickets for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, click here.
Mary’s Pick: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Mary’s introduction to theatre was The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center. She loved seeing children up on the stage, and she wanted to be there too. She especially loved the musical numbers and the idea of telling a story through song. As she grew up, she started seeing plays, and she fell in love with those too. Now, Mary loves a little bit of everything, and probably sees more theatre than anyone in our office!
All-Time Favorite Musical: I saw Les Miserables several times, and I always loved the epic storytelling and going on the journey with the characters. I laughed with them, I cried with them, and I cried some more with them.
Mary Recommends: Beautiful. I enjoy this show because of the wonderful music and the inspiring story. Before I saw the musical, I knew some of Carole King’s music. I didn’t know how much music she wrote for other performers and how great those songs are! It’s a great story of a woman taking control of her own life, finding her voice and having the courage to share it with the world.
Perfect For: I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys an inspirational story. I call it a great “Mom Show”: it’s the show you can take your Mom to see that you’ll both love.
Beautiful in Three Words: Inspirational, Joyful, Beautiful.
To purchase group tickets for Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, click here.
Todd’s Pick: The Lion King
Todd’s love of theatre began at an early age, but like most people, it really blossomed in high school after he saw his first Broadway show, Into the Woods. Through the years he’s been a performer, producer, stage manager, house manager, and for the last 15 years, a marketing and graphic design professional helping to share the joys of Broadway with the world. His favorite thing is talking about the Broadway flops he’s seen (but this isn’t the time or place).
All-Time Favorite Musical: “Sondheim, Sondheim, Sondheim. Probably Sweeney Todd or Into the Woods, maybe Company. No wait, Once On This Island. Not Sondheim, I know, but it makes me cry every time.”
Todd Recommends: I just had the opportunity to see the 20th Anniversary performance of The Lion King, and wow! It had been 18 years since I’d seen it, and it’s just as vibrant, moving, and fun as it was then. I think it’s probably the most visually appealing show on Broadway, thanks to its visionary director, Julie Taymor, and Tony®-winning design team. And of course, there’s the score, including Elton John’s “Circle of Life” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” plus the exquisite music from South African musical genius Lebo M.
Perfect For: Everyone. The story’s so recognizable and universal, anyone can enjoy it.
The Lion King in Three Words: Perfect Holiday Musical.
To purchase group tickets for The Lion King, click here.
Ashlyn’s Pick: Wicked
Raised in upstate New York, trips to NYC were a common occurrence in Ashlyn’s family. The hustle and bustle of the city, the flashing billboards in the heart of Times Square, and the sense of following your dreams left her knowing that one day she would live and work in this fascinating city. Ashlyn and her family would make the short trip every year to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and shop for last minute gifts. Christmas in the city is like no place else on Earth!
All-Time Favorite Musical: My first Broadway show Chicago left me completely dazzled. The shining spot lights, detailed lace dresses cut short at the hem, expertly choreographed dance sequences, and the overwhelming feeling of pure joy when the curtain closes and you cannot wait to book your next ticket to the Great White Way.
Ashlyn Recommends: Wicked is a clever twist on an incredible story, and full of spectacle. The songs are moving and catchy, and the show can be enjoyed by all ages. This makes it the perfect family holiday pick. The tale of two witches, with their troubles and triumph, do come together in the end “for good”.
Perfect For: Anyone looking to add a little magic to their holidays.
Wicked in Three Words: Spectacle. Enchanting. Family-friendly.
To purchase group tickets for Wicked, click here.