If you're spending time near the Upper West Side this July, prepare for a front-row seat to some of the best Broadway shows in NYC. 

The Broadway shows in the summer of 2025 are thrilling, emotional, and imaginative, ranging from blockbuster revivals to brand-new musicals making their highly anticipated debut. 

Dazzling Musicals and Must-See Revivals

Some of the most beloved musicals are being revived for new experiences and audiences. Here are a few must-sees if you’re visiting the Upper West Side this summer. 

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Start your summer theater journey with Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on West 45th Street. Running through July 20, this opulent, high-energy show brings Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film to life with dazzling visuals and a remixed pop soundtrack. 

Jordan Fisher returns as Christian, and the legendary Boy George commands the stage as Harold Zidler. The Lucerne Hotel is just a 15-minute rideshare or a quick subway trip from the venue, making it a fantastic first stop on your Broadway itinerary.

Buena Vista Social Club

For a night of rhythm, soul, and story, catch Buena Vista Social Club at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on Broadway. This new musical, inspired by the legendary GRAMMY Award-winning album, dives into the heart of Havana, where fiery trumpets, heartfelt vocals, and life-changing music take center stage. Featuring a global cast of musicians, dancers, and actors, it’s a passionate, moving celebration of second chances and the bonds built through song. From The Lucerne Hotel, it’s a straight shot downtown, about an hour via a quick rideshare.

Whimsical Fun and Comic Flair

Cole Escola’s Oh, Mary! at the Lyceum Theatre is a delightfully campy and comedic musical. This outrageously hilarious romp imagines Mary Todd Lincoln as a booze-soaked, cabaret-style diva, laden with queer sensibilities and laugh-out-loud satire. After a sold-out Off-Broadway run, it officially opened on July 11 and will run through early January 2026.

Located at the Lyceum Theatre – a similar 15–20 minute commute from the Lucerne Hotel – Oh, Mary! offers convenient access for both midday and evening performances. Whether you're in the mood for a whimsical twist on U.S. history or simply want a big-hearted laugh, this camp musical is sure to infuse your Broadway summer with plenty of flair.

A Jazzed-Up Classic with Star Power

For a completely unexpected and thrilling experience, consider The Pirates of Penzance, which has been reimagined with a jazzy New Orleans twist at the Todd Haimes Theatre on West 45th Street. 

Featuring a star-studded cast that includes David Hyde Pierce and Jinkx Monsoon, this Gilbert and Sullivan favorite has never felt so alive. It’s only running through July 27, so now’s the time to seize the opportunity. The theater is roughly 20 minutes by rideshare or subway from the Lucerne Hotel, making for a quick and convenient trip.

Powerful New Voices on the Stage

One of the freshest offerings this summer is Call Me Izzy, a brand-new Southern gothic musical playing at Studio 54. The show explores resilience and identity through the eyes of a small-town young woman on the run. 

With a gritty, bluesy score and emotional weight, it’s ideal for theatergoers who crave new stories and bold performances. The show’s intimate staging at Studio 54 on West 54th Street is about 10 minutes by rideshare or subway from the Lucerne Hotel.

Immersive Storytelling in an Unconventional Venue

If you're searching for something immersive and cutting-edge, The Phantom of the Opera: Masquerade offers a fresh and intimate take on the beloved classic. Rather than unfolding in a traditional Broadway theater, this experience is staged in the former Lee’s Art Shop on West 57th Street, just 10 minutes from the Lucerne Hotel by rideshare. 

Slated to begin in July, this unique retelling lets audience members move with the actors through gorgeously designed spaces, reinterpreting the Phantom’s world in haunting new ways.

From Screen to Stage: A Hit for Sci-Fi Fans

Rounding out the season is the high-energy, genre-bending production of Stranger Things: The First Shadow at the Marquis Theatre on West 46th Street. Based on the popular Netflix series, this prequel brings audiences back to Hawkins, Indiana, in the 1950s, before the Upside Down broke loose. 

With a gripping storyline and Broadway-caliber effects, it’s already a fan favorite in previews and doesn’t currently have an end date. It’s also conveniently located about 15 minutes from the Lucerne Hotel, making it a great option for a spontaneous show night.

Getting There from the Upper West Side

Getting to these venues from the Upper West Side is easy. Most are clustered within the Theater District, just 2.2 to 2.6 miles south of the Lucerne Hotel. 

A subway ride from the 79th Street station on the 1 or B/C lines can get you downtown in minutes, or you can enjoy a scenic cab ride through Midtown. 

Regardless of how you travel, you’ll find yourself steps from New York City’s theatrical heart in no time.

Stay Near the Stage at the Lucerne Hotel

When your curtain call ends, the comfort and elegance of the Lucerne Hotel are just minutes away. With its prime Upper West Side location and classic New York atmosphere, the Lucerne is the perfect place to rest your head after an unforgettable night on Broadway.

Book your stay at the Lucerne Hotel for an unforgettable experience filled with the stars of Broadway shows in NYC!