The Must-See Off-Broadway Shows In New York City

It’s nearly impossible to think of New York City without envisioning its unparalleled performing arts culture. NYC has no shortage of world famous, long-running hits on the Great White Way, but here, The Culture Trip shifts its sights to some of the city’s smaller productions.

1. Avenue Q

Theatre

Avenue Q rehearsals | © The Skyline View/Flickr

This long-running comedy has become a household name and a must-see for any edgy, Off-Broadway enthusiast with a sense of humor. Childish muppet-like characters take center stage in this laugh-out-loud production, tackling sensitive issues such as racism and sexuality. Don’t miss Avenue Q at New World Stages in Hell’s Kitchen through December 31st, 2016.

2. Angel Reapers

Theatre

Currently playing at the Signature Theatre in Hell’s Kitchen,Angel Reapers transports you back to the 18th century — a time in which an early American religious sect called the Shakers aimed to connect with God and achieve divine purity through strict celibacy and ritual. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Alfred Uhry and MacArthur ‘Genius’ Martha Clarke, Angel Reapers is a must-see performance featuring an eclectic mix of traditional Shaker song and dance fused with modern choreography.

3. Bayside! The Musical

Theatre

This New York Times Critics’ Pick, at Theatre 80 in the East Village, takes audiences back to their high school days. Bayside! The Musical is an unofficial musical parody of beloved sitcom Saved By The Bell and pokes fun at all of the slang and spandex that defined the ’80s and ’90s.

5. The Body of an American

Theatre

The Body of an American tells the hard-hitting tale of Paul Watson, a middle-aged war reporter who suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder after spending an extended period of time documenting events in Afghanistan, Kosovo, Syria, and Somalia. Exploring the cost of a lifetime of witnessed violence, The Body of an American is one of Off-Broadway’s most emotionally-gripping productions. Catch it at the West Village’s Cherry Lane Theatre.

6. Daddy Long Legs

Theatre

Musical production Daddy Long Legs tells the tale of a witty young lady and her mysterious benefactor, drawing inspiration from the classic stories of Jane Austen and the Brontë Sisters. Don’t miss this intimate performance at Hell’s Kitchen’s Davenport Theatre.

7. Buried Child

Theatre

Directed by Scott Elliot, Buried Child follows the story of family patriarch, Dodge, and the secrets he keeps. The family’s drama heightens when his grandson visits, revealing issues of identity, memory, and power. Don’t miss this star-studded production at the New Group.

8. Her Requiem

Theater

Her Requiem tells the tale of Caitlin, a teenager who is torn between aiding her sick mother and honoring her musical talent as she conceives of a requiem. Straddling the line between possessiveness and obsession, Her Requiem is playing at theClaire Tow Theater.

9. Hold On To Me Darling

Theater

Upon learning of his mother’s passing, country-western star Strings McCrane begins to question the meaning of his own life, and what all of his fame truly amounts to. Written by acclaimed playwright Kenneth Lonergan, don’t miss Hold On To Me Darling at the Atlantic Theater Company in Chelsea.

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