Thursday, March 5, 2026

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The Best New Broadway Shows to See in February 2025

Broadway is kicking off 2025 with an incredible lineup of new productions, from bold original musicals to star-studded revivals. Whether you’re drawn to gripping dramas, historical comedies, or show-stopping musical numbers, this season has something special in store.

With powerhouse performances from Idina Menzel, Denzel Washington, and Jake Gyllenhaal, plus fresh adaptations of beloved stories, Broadway remains the ultimate destination for live entertainment. If you’re planning a theater trip to NYC, here are the must-see new Broadway shows of 2025.


Redwood

Theater: Nederlander Theatre (208 West 41st Street)
First Preview: January 24, 2025
Opening Night: February 13, 2025
Starring: Idina Menzel

Broadway icon Idina Menzel returns in Redwood, a breathtaking original musical set in California’s legendary redwood forest. The show follows a woman’s journey of self-discovery and healing, set against nature’s quiet power. Featuring soaring ballads and deeply emotional storytelling, it’s a must-see for fans of powerful vocals and heartfelt drama.

Why You Should See It: Idina. Menzel. Enough said. But beyond that, the lush score and deeply personal themes are bound to make this one of the most talked-about productions of the year.


Operation Mincemeat

Theater: John Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street)
First Preview: February 15, 2025
Opening Night: March 20, 2025
Starring: David Cumming, Claire-Marie Hall, Natasha Hodgson

Operation Mincemeat is a spy thriller meets musical comedy, based on the unbelievable true story of a World War II deception operation. A group of British intelligence officers hatch a wild plan to trick the Nazis—using a corpse carrying false documents. Packed with witty dialogue, toe-tapping tunes, and a fast-paced story, it’s a perfect pick for fans of Hamilton or The Book of Mormon.

Why You Should See It: A wildly inventive take on history, blending humor, espionage, and sharp musical storytelling.


Buena Vista Social Club

Theater: Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre (236 West 45th Street)
First Preview: February 21, 2025
Opening Night: March 19, 2025
Starring: Natalie Venetia Belcon, Julio Monge, Mel Semé

Cuban rhythms take over Broadway in this music-driven spectacle inspired by the Grammy-winning album. The show tells the story of legendary Cuban musicians who introduced their country’s sound to the world stage. With infectious beats, dazzling choreography, and a story of resilience and passion, this is the ultimate feel-good Broadway experience.

Why You Should See It: The music alone is worth the ticket—expect a high-energy mix of jazz, salsa, and Afro-Cuban rhythms performed by an incredible cast. The music alone is worth the ticket—expect a high-energy mix of jazz, salsa, and Afro-Cuban rhythms performed by an incredible cast.


Othello

Theater: Ethel Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street)
First Preview: February 24, 2025
Opening Night: March 23, 2025
Starring: Denzel Washington (Othello), Jake Gyllenhaal (Iago), Molly Osborne (Desdemona)

Shakespeare’s Othello returns to Broadway with a star-studded revival, led by Denzel Washington as the noble yet doomed general, and Jake Gyllenhaal as the manipulative Iago. Directed by Tony Award-winner Kenny Leon, this production promises a modern and visually striking take on Shakespeare’s tale of jealousy, betrayal, and power.

Why You Should See It: Two Hollywood icons going head-to-head in one of theater’s most intense rivalries—Washington’s commanding presence as Othello vs. Gyllenhaal’s sinister, scheming Iago.


Smash

Theater: Imperial Theatre (249 West 45th Street)
First Preview: March 11, 2025
Opening Night: April 10, 2025
Starring: Robyn Hurder as Ivy Lynn (Additional cast TBA)

Fans of behind-the-scenes Broadway drama will love Smash, a musical adaptation of the hit NBC TV series. The story follows a group of theater professionals working to bring a new Broadway show to life, featuring big musical numbers, backstage betrayals, and all the glitz and drama of the industry.

Why You Should See It: A high-energy love letter to Broadway, full of spectacular performances and juicy behind-the-scenes moments.


Broadway’s 2025 season is packed with exciting new productions, from star-studded Shakespeare to innovative original musicals. Whether you want to experience the magic of Idina Menzel in Redwood, groove to the rhythms of Buena Vista Social Club, or witness the legendary Denzel Washington in Othello, this year’s lineup is not to be missed.

CAL
CAL
Casey is a born-and-raised New Yorker who grew up with the city in his bones and Queens in his blood. A longtime Astoria resident, he has strong opinions about the right way to eat a dollar slice (standing, obviously), an encyclopedic knowledge of which subway car puts you closest to the exit, and a genuine belief that New York is the only place in the world worth writing about. When he's not hunting down the best new ramen spot or arguing about which bodega has the superior bacon egg and cheese, he's covering the food, music, and entertainment scenes that make this city impossible to explain to anyone who didn't grow up here. He started this blog because he got tired of seeing the same ten "hidden gem" listicles recycled by writers who had clearly never set foot below 14th Street. On any given weekend you'll find him at Brooklyn Bowl, probably nursing a beer and pretending to know more about the headliner than he does, or grazing his way through Smorgasburg with the focus of someone who hasn't eaten since Tuesday. More often than not, though, he's exactly where she wants to be — crammed into a sticky-floored dive bar somewhere, surrounded by good people and a jukebox that still has Tom Waits on it. He writes about what he loves. Lucky for him, this city never runs out of material.

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