“What Sets Broadway Hits Apart: Off-Broadway Origins and Beyond”

From “Hamilton” to “Hadestown,” some of Broadway’s biggest hits trace their roots back to Off-Broadway beginnings. But Off-Broadway isn’t just a stepping stone to commercial success—it’s a thriving ecosystem for groundbreaking theater that’s both artistically rich and budget-friendly for audiences. With nearly 100 small stages across New York City, Off-Broadway offers a diverse array of productions, from long-running favorites to short-lived gems. Here’s a curated list of over 20 Off-Broadway shows—from up-and-coming sensations to beloved classics—that every theater enthusiast should keep an eye on.

All the Devils Are Here: How Shakespeare Invented the Villain

“Exploring Evil: Patrick Page’s Transition from Broadway Villains to Shakespearean Soliloquies”

The Ally

“Journeying 22 Years Forward: Lab Assistants Plot a World-Changing Scheme”

Blue Man Group

“Before Stardom: The Origins of the Blue Man Group in an East Village Theater”

Buena Vista Social Club

“Reunion in Rhythm: Musical Odyssey Inspired by Cuban Revolution”

Cocktail Magique

“Brooklyn’s Hidden Gem: A 1920s Speakeasy Magic Show with Cocktails”

Corruption

“Breaking News: Drama Unravels the Rupert Murdoch Phone Hacking Scandal”

David Blaine Presents Asi Wind’s Inner Circle

“Experience the Astonishing Magic of Asi Wind in Greenwich Village” – Closing January 14th

“Dead Outlaw: A World Premiere Musical from the Creators of ‘The Band’s Visit'” – February 28 to April 7

Drunk Shakespeare

“Shakespeare After Shots: A Hilarious Journey Through Intoxicated Theatre”

Hamlet

“Eddie Izzard Takes on Shakespeare’s Tragedy Solo at Greenwich House Theater” – January 25 through March 3

Hypnotique

“Explore a New After-Hours Experience at Chelsea’s McKittrick Hotel Complex: Nudity, Strobe Lights, and Haze Await!” – Available until February 24

Jelly’s Last Jam

“Billy Porter Returns to the New York Stage in Revival of 1992 Musical About Jazz Pioneer Jelly Roll Morton” – February 21 through March 3

The Life and Slimes of Marc Summers

“Join Marc Summers on His Journey from ‘Double Dare’ Host to Food Network Star” – Begins February 14

Little Shop of Horrors

“Experience Off-Broadway Delight: A Man-Eating Singing Plant and A-List Talent Shine at the West Side Theatre”

Mind Mangler

• An evening of magic and psychic powers gone wrong, from the minds behind “The Play That Goes Wrong” and “Peter Pan Goes Wrong.” Through March 3.

1. Night of the Iguana

• Tennessee Williams’ tale of a defrocked clergyman amidst the turmoil of World War II. Through February 25.

1. Oh, Mary!

• Alt-cabaret star Cole Escola presents an offbeat look at the life of Mary Todd Lincoln. January 26 through March 24.

1. Once Upon a Mattress

• Tony Award-winner Sutton Foster stars in City Center Encores’ presentation of the beloved musical “Once Upon a Mattress.” January 24 – February 4.

1. Perfect Crime

• A long-running mystery about a psychiatrist who may have killed her husband.

1. The Play That Goes Wrong

• A Broadway hit featuring mishaps, mishaps, and more mishaps.

1. Sleep No More

• A unique immersive theatrical experience based on Shakespeare’s “MacBeth.” Closes February 25.

1. Titanique: Une Parodie Musicale

• A hilarious musical parody of the Titanic tragedy, powered by the hits of Celine Dion.