Special Reports

An Old Disney Musical and a New Dave Malloy Musical Top Our Critics' Weekly Faves

Here’s a reminder that, if you’re in New York City, the movie theater isn’t the only way to see the ”Aladdin” story retold.

| Broadway | Off-Broadway |

May 23, 2019

With so much great theater in New York City, you might need a little help deciding what to see this week. We've got you covered!

Here you'll find a list of standout shows that our TheaterMania critics consider especially worth your time. They're all top productions that you definitely won't want to miss.

Click on the title of a show to learn more and purchase tickets.


Aladdin

Michael James Scott and Ainsley Melham currently play the Genie and Aladdin, respectively, in Aladdin on Broadway.
Michael James Scott and Ainsley Melham currently play the Genie and Aladdin, respectively, in Aladdin on Broadway.
(© Deen van Meer)

"You're going to have a great time at Aladdin, despite its conflict-starved filler of a book. But are you really going for the dramaturgy? No, you're going to see sexy actors sing and dance while performing magic tricks. In that regard, Aladdin delivers in abundance." Read Zachary Stewart's full review here.


Enter Laughing: The Musical

Chris Dwan (center) and the cast of Enter Laughing at York Theatre Company.
Chris Dwan (center) and the cast of Enter Laughing at York Theatre Company.
(© Carol Rosegg)

"Enter Laughing: The Musical enters laughing from the second the lights go down, and though the 2019 cast doesn't reach the gut-busting levels of farcical hilarity of the 2008 company, Stuart Ross's production is still an early summer delight that feels like comfort food for the musical-theater soul." Read David Gordon's full review here.


Mac Beth

The cast of Red Bull Theater's Mac Beth.
The cast of Red Bull Theater's Mac Beth.
(© Carol Rosegg)

"Beyond one shocking artistic liberty at the very end, Mac Beth is essentially just Macbeth, smartly shaved down to 90 minutes and seven actors. That's fine: It's a great play and [Erica] Schmidt's inventive, seamless staging makes it soar." Read Zachary Stewart's full review here.


Octet

The cast of Dave Malloy's Octet.
The cast of Dave Malloy's Octet.
(© Joan Marcus)

"Octet is one of those rare shows that's ambitious as hell and actually delivers on its promise. It's admittedly not for everyone — if you thought The Great Comet was impenetrable, this is even trickier — but those who thrive on theater will likely appreciate it." Read David Gordon's full review here.


Proof of Love

Brenda Pressley stars in Chisa Hutchinson's solo play Proof of Love.
Brenda Pressley stars in Chisa Hutchinson's solo play Proof of Love.
(© Joan Marcus)

"Proof of Love is one of the more realistic portrayals of infidelity I've seen onstage, and its observations on love and marriage are spot-on." Read Zachary Stewart's full review here.


For more suggestions, visit our Broadway listings page here and our off-Broadway listings page here.

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