Broadway in Boston: Essential Guide to the Best Shows and Performances
Boston may be best known for its rich American history and world-class universities, but it also shines as a vibrant theatre capital with a lively Broadway scene that rivals what you might expect in New York itself. When it comes to Broadway in Boston, the city hosts a mix of touring Broadway shows, Tony-winning musicals, and beloved classics that draw audiences from across the region and beyond. The tradition of Broadway performances in Boston is a must-see experience for visitors and locals alike, offering unforgettable evenings of song, drama, and spectacle. Boston.com
What Is Broadway in Boston?
Broadway in Boston isn’t a single theater but a collective term for the long-running tradition of bringing top-tier Broadway touring productions to the city’s historic stages. Each season features a curated lineup of musicals and plays performed at iconic venues such as the Citizens Bank Opera House and the Emerson Colonial Theatre. These shows come with the same energy, scale, and storytelling you’d expect on Broadway, but performed right here in Boston.
Boston’s place in the American theatre landscape stretches back over a century, and today the city’s theatre district is as lively as ever — combining historic performance spaces, community arts organizations, and major touring Broadway productions into a rich cultural tapestry.
Standout Shows Coming to Boston
Blockbusters and Fan Favorites
The Broadway in Boston 2026 season lineup brings a mix of beloved classics and contemporary hits to local audiences. Fans of timeless musicals can look forward to performances like The Sound of Music (running January 6–18, 2026) and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (April 14–May 2, 2026), both staged at the Citizens Opera House.
For those who like a mix of comedy and spectacle, Some Like It Hot — a Tony Award-winning musical adaptation — plays from January 28 through February 8, 2026, offering big production numbers and laughs galore.
The season also features emotionally rich, critically acclaimed productions like Suffs (March 17–29, 2026) and The Outsiders (March 31–April 12, 2026), which showcase the range of Broadway storytelling, from thoughtful drama to high-energy entertainment.
Fan Favorites and Showstoppers
Musicals with broad appeal, such as Kinky Boots — an energetic, award-winning show with a message of acceptance — will have a limited run in February 2026 at the Citizens Opera House.
Later in the season, classic and epic scores return to Boston stages, with Les Misérables drawing audiences June 9–21, 2026, and literary adaptation The Great Gatsby scheduled July 7–19, 2026. These performances highlight how Broadway in Boston blends tradition with bold storytelling.
Looking further ahead, audiences can look forward to Hamilton. This cultural phenomenon reimagines the story of America’s founding fathers through hip-hop and Broadway flair, appearing in a limited engagement beginning in fall 2026.
Where to See Broadway in Boston
Historic and Iconic Theatres
Boston’s Broadway scene primarily lives in a few key performance venues:
- Citizens Opera House — A beautifully restored, historic theatre known for housing large-scale Broadway shows.
- Emerson Colonial Theatre — One of America’s oldest continually operating theatres, hosting both classic and contemporary Broadway touring productions.
These venues add an extra layer of charm and history to every performance, making seeing Broadway in Boston a full experience — not just a night out.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
- Book early: Popular shows like Some Like It Hot and The Sound of Music often sell out quickly.
- Check schedules: Dates and showtimes change seasonally, so it’s worth checking the official Broadway in Boston website for the most current listings.
- Explore packages: Some venues offer subscription packages or priority seating for multiple shows.
Why Broadway in Boston Is Worth It
One of the best things about Broadway in Boston is how accessible it makes world-class theatre. You don’t need to travel to New York to see major Broadway productions — Boston’s theater district brings them to you, often with performances before or after they appear on Broadway itself.
Whether you’re moving to the rhythm of a classic score, laughing through a spirited comedy, or shedding a tear during a powerful drama, these performances offer something for every taste and every age.
