In the bustling world of Broadway, where the stage becomes a canvas for storytelling, 2023 was a remarkable year that witnessed an array of captivating plays and musicals. From the poignant drama of “Kimberly Akimbo” to the electrifying revival of Stephen Sondheim’s “Merrily We Roll Along,” each production left its indelible mark on theatergoers.
The year kicked off with a sweep at the Tony Awards for “Kimberly Akimbo,” a bittersweet musical dramedy centered around the challenges of a rapidly aging teen. The young talents of actors like Amelia Fei, Kolton Krouse, and Casey Likes shone brightly, contributing to the vibrancy of Broadway’s landscape.
One notable discovery was the revelation that Hudson Yards held something special – Stephen Sondheim’s posthumous show, “Here We Are,” premiered Off-Broadway, captivating audiences with its unique narrative.
Looking ahead to the spring, anticipation grew for hotly anticipated revivals featuring Eddie Redmayne in “Cabaret” and Steve Carell in “Uncle Vanya.” Musical adaptations of beloved stories like “The Notebook,” “Water for Elephants,” and “Days of Wine and Roses” added to the excitement.
Reflecting on more than two dozen shows that graced Broadway in the past 12 months, here’s a ranking of the top plays and musicals of 2023:
10. ‘Shucked’
“Shucked,” a scrappy, ballad-heavy musical, took audiences on a journey through the lives of the quirky denizens of a small-town corn haven. The show’s earnest heart and punny one-liners, delivered with delightful peculiarity by Kevin Cahoon, won over spectators. Tony-winning powerhouse Alex Newell’s performance as the independently owned Lulu added a layer of brilliance to the production.
Closing on Jan. 14 at the Nederlander Theatre, with a North American tour scheduled for fall 2024.
9. ‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street’
Thomas Kail’s reverently rendered production of “Sweeney Todd” showcased the vocal prowess of Josh Groban and the fervent performance of Annaleigh Ashford. While not the scariest rendition, the lush orchestrations and the upcoming inclusion of Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster promised a thrilling experience.
Now playing at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.
8. ‘Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch’
Leslie Odom Jr. returned to Broadway in a sparkling revival of Ossie Davis’ 1961 satire. The dynamic portrayal of a Black preacher reclaiming his church and inheritance added depth to the narrative. Kara Young’s standout performance as a down-home Eliza Doolittle showcased her exceptional talent.
Now playing at the Music Box Theatre through Feb. 4.
7. ‘Here Lies Love’
“Here Lies Love,” a neon-drenched immersive musical, explored the rise of Filipino dictator Ferdinand Marcos and his disco-loving first lady, Imelda Marcos. The high-concept material, complemented by David Byrne’s infectious pop score, delved into how ordinary people can be lulled into complicity.
Closed at the Broadway Theatre on Nov. 26.
6. ‘A Doll’s House’
Jessica Chastain’s spellbinding performance in “A Doll’s House” demonstrated that a chair and her commanding presence were all that was needed for a captivating night of theater. The revival of Henrik Ibsen’s classic, focusing on a woman’s journey to enlightenment and freedom, left a lasting impression.
Closed on June 10 at the Hudson Theatre.
5. ‘Fat Ham’
James Ijames’ Pulitzer Prize-winning drama ingeniously transported “Hamlet” to a Southern family barbecue, addressing themes of queerness, toxic masculinity, and generational trauma. Marcel Spears’ stunning rendition of Radiohead’s “Creep” became an unexpected highlight.
Closed at the American Airlines Theatre on July 2.
4. ‘Alex Edelman: Just For Us’
“A Jew walks into a neo-Nazi meeting” formed the wild premise of this brilliantly conceived one-man show by Alex Edelman. Confronting antisemitism and whiteness with razor-sharp punchlines, Edelman’s charisma and ingenious tangents made for a stand-up act that was equal parts hilarious, thoughtful, and moving.
Closed at the Hudson Theatre on Aug. 19, with a North American tour ongoing through Feb. 24.
3. ‘Jaja’s African Hair Braiding’
Jocelyn Bioh’s “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” created an endlessly captivating universe within the confines of an immigrant-owned hair-braiding shop in Harlem. The comedy, featuring a richly drawn cast of characters, explored the hopes, dreams, wisecracks, and complaints of stylists and clientele.
Closed at the Friedman Theatre on Nov. 19.
2. ‘Parade’
The Tony-winning revival of “Parade,” directed by Michael Arden, told the harrowing true story of Leo Frank, wrongfully imprisoned and lynched by a mob. Ben Platt’s remarkable complexity in portraying Leo and Micaela Diamond’s mesmerizing performance as Lucille, Leo’s wife, made for a thrilling and emotional experience.
Closed on Aug. 6 at the Jacobs Theatre, with a North American tour launching in January 2025.
1. ‘Merrily We Roll Along’
The climb to success for Stephen Sondheim’s legendary 1981 flop, “Merrily We Roll Along,” turned into a triumph. Directed by Maria Friedman, the production became Broadway’s hottest ticket. Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez delivered sensational performances, capturing the pains of growing up, drifting apart, and witnessing dreams slip away.
Now playing at the Hudson Theatre through July 7.
In a year filled with theatrical brilliance, these productions stood out, showcasing the diversity and richness of storytelling on Broadway. As the curtains closed on 2023, the memories of these performances lingered, a testament to the enduring power of live theater.