New Broadway Shows 2026: Guide to Musicals, Plays, and Casts
The Star-Powered Plays of Spring 2026
The first half of 2026 is dominated by “The Year of the Actor,” with several limited-run plays featuring massive names from film and television.
1. Every Brilliant Thing
The Story: A man recounts his life through a list he started as a child—a list of everything worth living for, intended to help his suicidal mother.
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe
Theatre: Hudson Theatre
Dates: Previews Feb 21 | Opening Mar 12, 2026
Why See It: Radcliffe’s return to the stage follows his recent Tony win. This production is uniquely interactive, with Radcliffe involving the audience in the storytelling process.
2. Dog Day Afternoon
The Story: A gritty stage adaptation of the classic 1975 Al Pacino film. Based on a true story, it follows two botched bank robbers whose hostage situation becomes a media circus.
Starring: Jon Bernthal and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear)
Theatre: August Wilson Theatre
Dates: Previews Mar 10 | Opening Mar 30, 2026
Why See It: Seeing the electric chemistry of Bernthal and Moss-Bachrach in their Broadway debuts is a once-in-a-lifetime theatrical event.
3. Death of a Salesman
The Story: Arthur Miller’s American tragedy returns. Willy Loman is a man at the end of his rope, struggling to reconcile his failed dreams with the reality of his family life.
Starring: Nathan Lane and Laurie Metcalf
Theatre: Winter Garden Theatre
Dates: Previews Mar 6 | Opening Apr 9, 2026
Why See It: Nathan Lane and Laurie Metcalf are arguably the king and queen of the modern stage. This revival is expected to be a major Tony contender.
4. The Fear of 13
The Story: Based on the true story of Nick Yarris, who spent 22 years on death row for a crime he didn’t commit, only to petition for his own execution.
Starring: Adrien Brody and Tessa Thompson
Theatre: James Earl Jones Theatre
Dates: Previews Mar 19 | Opening Apr 15, 2026
Why See It: This marks the Broadway debut for Academy Award winner Adrien Brody and fan-favorite Tessa Thompson.
Groundbreaking Musicals: Reimagined and Brand New
2026 is also a year of musical reinvention, with two cult classics and several film-to-stage adaptations taking center stage.
1. Cats: The Jellicle Ball
The Story: This is Cats as you’ve never seen it before. Reimagined within the world of New York’s Queer Ballroom Culture, it turns the Jellicle Ball into a high-fashion, competitive vogue ball.
Starring: André De Shields as Old Deuteronomy
Theatre: Broadhurst Theatre
Dates: Previews Mar 18 | Opening Apr 7, 2026
Why See It: After a sold-out run at PACNYC, this production has become a cultural phenomenon for its inclusivity and vibrant energy.
2. The Rocky Horror Show
The Story: The ultimate cult classic returns! Squeaky-clean Brad and Janet find themselves at the mercy of Dr. Frank-N-Furter during a night of cosmic chaos.
Starring: Luke Evans (as Frank-N-Furter), Stephanie Hsu, and Rachel Dratch.
Theatre: Studio 54
Dates: Previews Mar 26 | Opening Apr 23, 2026
Why See It: Directed by Sam Pinkleton, this revival promises to turn Studio 54 into a literal party, encouraging audience participation and high-energy rock ‘n’ roll.
3. The Lost Boys: A New Musical
The Story: Based on the 1987 vampire film, this musical follows two brothers who move to a California town that happens to be a haven for stylish, bloodthirsty teenagers.
Starring: Ali Louis Bourzgui and Shoshana Bean
Theatre: Palace Theatre
Dates: Previews Mar 27 | Opening Apr 26, 2026
Why See It: With music by The Rescues, this brings a dark, 80s-inspired rock sound to the newly renovated Palace Theatre.
Continuing the Momentum: Other Notable 2026 Openings
Schmigadoon! (Nederlander Theatre, Apr 4): Based on the Apple TV+ series, this musical is a love letter to the Golden Age of theatre.
Titanique (St. James Theatre, Mar 26): The Off-Broadway parody of the movie Titanic (featuring Celine Dion’s music) finally hits the big stage with Jim Parsons and Deborah Cox.
Beaches: A New Musical (Majestic Theatre, Mar 27): A heartbreaking story of lifelong friendship starring Jessica Vosk.
Joe Turner’s Come and Gone (Ethel Barrymore Theatre, Mar 30): A revival of August Wilson’s masterpiece starring Taraji P. Henson and Cedric the Entertainer.
Final Verdict: Which Show Should You Pick?
The 2026 Broadway season is defined by intimacy and scale. If you want a personal, life-affirming experience, Every Brilliant Thing is your best bet. If you crave the adrenaline of a heist thriller, go see Dog Day Afternoon. For those who want a high-fashion party, Cats: The Jellicle Ball is the ticket of the year.
As always, tickets for these star-led productions sell out fast. Most limited engagements close by July 2026 to accommodate the actors’ filming schedules, so book your trip to New York City early!
Links
Torch Song Trilogy – Memorabilia
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof – Memorabilia
The Boys in the Band – Memorabilia
