8 Best Cities for Broadway (That aren’t NYC)

8 Best Cities for Broadway (That aren't NYC)

When thinking of attending a great Broadway show your mind probably naturally floats to New York City, as that is the birthplace of and rightful home to true Broadway shows.

Marquee Lights on Broadway Theater Exterior Bokeh

Marquee Lights on Broadway Theater Exterior Bokeh

However, there are several more cities throughout the United States and Canada that will rock your world, from the Old Log Theater in Minneapolis to the American Repertory Theater in Boston.

New York City who?


1. Boston

What makes Boston our number 1 choice for Broadway outside of the Big Apple? Boston has been a rising star on the theater scene for some time now, and according to Broadway.com, 'Broadway in Boston' has allowed over 6 million theatergoers to experience over 300 Broadway productions thus far. While the shows may be new, most of the theaters you will experience them in are not (in a good way), which will make your experience that much more authentic to the traditional theater scene.

Theaters: 
Boston Opera House
American Repertory Theater
Actors Shakespeare Project
The Lyric
Speakeasy

2. Minneapolis

Minneapolis, believe it or not, actually holds a higher number of theaters per capita than any other city in the United States, bar NYC. With a seriously impressive line-up of venues, Minneapolis will offer you the well-known theater seats of the Orpheum and Pantages, as well as the historic seats of what is considered to be the Northwest's very first professional theatre, The Old Log Theater.

Theaters:
Orpheum Theatre
Pantages Theatre
State Theatre
Old Log Theater
Guthrie Theater

3. Chicago

Chicago Theater

Chicago Theater

When it comes to theater in Chicago there is certainly one name that rules the scene: Second City. The Second City has certainly made their lasting impact on the acting scene in Chicago in general, but when it comes to Broadway you need to head to the Chicago Theater District. With several excellent theater options, this district will show you everything from new and contemporary to pre-broadway productions. Kinky Boots, Wicked, The Lion King...you name it, they've probably featured it!

Theaters:
Oriental Theatre
Cadillac Palace Theatre
CIBC Theatre
Chicago Theater
Broadway Playhouse

4. Seattle

Representing the Pacific Northwest's theater scene, Seattle is home to some of the best productions on the West coast, the local Broadway scene showing over 400 shows each year.

Theaters:
The Paramount
The Moore
The Neptune
Pacific Northwest Ballet
5th Avenue

5. San Francisco

It's no secret that San Francisco holds it's own on the Broadway scene, this West Coast superstar providing all the latest and greatest in hit productions. The great thing about San Francisco is you can find almost any type of performing arts here. In fact, outside of Broadway, San Francisco is extremely well-known for its opera group, the second biggest in the United States.  Opera has always been huge here.

Between 1851 and the earthquake of 1906, nearly 5,000 opera performances were given in San Francisco in 26 different theaters. - San Francisco Opera

Theaters:
The Orpheum
Berkely Repertory Theater
American Conservatory Theater
Curran
SHN Golden Gate Theater

6. Toronto

Welcome to Toronto,  home to the largest English-speaking Theater District outside of New York City and London. If you make your way to Toronto's Entertainment District, which is almost impossible to avoid, you will find a huge selection of local theaters and performing arts centers showing locally cast improv shows, Broadway, ballet, and so much more.

Theaters:
Royal Alexandra Theatre
Ed Mirvish Theater
Princess of Wales Theater
Toronto Centre for the Arts
CAA Theater

7. Houston

Many people believe Houston is going to be the next big name in Broadway, and we agree! Houston proudly boasts the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, the premier center holding two state-of-the-art theaters inside.

Theaters:
The Hobby Center
-Sarofim Hall
-Zilka Hall
Alley Theater
Broadway Bound Performing Arts Centre

8. Orlando

Orlando is an oftentimes overlooked hotspot for Broadway and performing arts in general, the city actually putting on some of the best shows in all of the states. Between various Disney productions such as Cirque du Soleil in Downtown Disney and Broadway Across America productions, this city is certainly not one to forget on the theater scene.

Since 1989 Florida Theatrical Association has presented over 1000 Broadway performances.

Theaters:
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Orlando Repertory Theatre
Orlando Shakespeare Theater
Garden Theater
Disney's Epcot

 

Are you ready to start planning your own Broadway-themed trip? Our agents are standing by ready to set up your group vacation today, just give us a call at 877.397.5700. These are always great trips for student groups, large family groups, and corporate events.