Beyond Broadway: Where to Find Highbrow Theater in New York

Broadway is a well-known American institution of theatre, but for theatre-lovers with a more refined taste, some of the offerings of the high-profile productions leave them wanting more. These theatre-goers are looking for something more scholarly, intellectual, or rarefied when they choose to purchase tickets. There are options to suit these needs, they’re just not as obvious. We’ve done some research and confidently recommend this group of productions that will satisfy theatre audiences with highbrow taste, beyond Broadway.

The Humans

While The Humans made the move to Broadway after a surprisingly successful run off-Broadway, Charles Isherwood of The New York Times says that it is the “finest new play of the Broadway season.” Taking home four Tony Awards, including Best Play, Stephen Karam’s The Humans is touching audiences with thought-provoking, irreverent humor and emotion. The Humans original run closed in January of 2017 but based on its success, it’s certain to make a return.

Twelve Angry Women

Reginald Rose’s television movie has had many incarnations over the years and this revival is a fresh spin on the original. As the story goes, a young man from the wrong side of the tracks is on trial for murder and this drama centers around the jury’s deliberation of the case.  Twelve Angry Women is playing at The Roebuck Theater in New York.

The Play That Goes Wrong

Since highbrow doesn’t mean uptight, we’re recommending The Play That Goes Wrong. It’s Downton Abby meets Monty Python in this whodunit romp that The New York Times calls a “gut-busting hit”. After taking London’s West End by storm and winning the Olivier Award, The Play That Goes Wrong is poised to do the same for Broadway.  The Play That Goes Wrong is playing at Lyceum Theatre in New York.

The Suitcase Under The Bed

Teresa Deevy’s collection of four short plays takes the stage as The Suitcase Under The Bed, having been named after the place where she would store her unpublished works. Each play takes an unsentimental look at marriage as an institution. The Suitcase Under The Bed is in short run at The Beckett Theatre at Theatre Row in New York.

FEAST: A Performance Series

FEAST: A Performance Series is an ongoing series of productions ranging from the silly romp to the superlative thinker. With newly curated acts each month, FEAST is worth multiple visits. FEAST: A Performance Series plays under St. Marks Theatre in New York.

When the bright lights of Broadway get to be a bit too much, looking for highbrow theatre beyond Broadway is a great alternative. While you’re around New York’s Theatre District, you’ll want to make the most of it, read What to Do on Broadway: A Luxury Itinerary. So which of these performances will you catch while in town?