Plays That Went Right! : The Best Broadway Plays Of 2017

While the glitz and glamour of a musical are often considered the major draw for Broadway shows, there’s something to be said about the power of a good ol’ play. No frills, just a kickass plot and powerful performances. The Tony Awards, considered the highest honour in the Broadway community, also recognize how deeply ingrained plays are to Broadway’s DNA. This is why they have separate acting, production, and other technical categories for the best Broadway plays and musical.

Some of the best Broadway plays in the last couple of years have grossed equal to (and in some cases more than) their musical counterpart. For instance, Present Laughter, which premiered on March 12th 2017, has grossed an astounding $9,863,493 within three months! In comparison, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, a much more popular franchise, grossed approximately $12,497,705 within pretty much the same time frame.

Clearly enough people enjoy Broadway plays to warrant this little piece spotlighting the best Broadway plays 2017. Let’s begin.

Oslo

There’s nothing quite like a good political thriller. Add a dash of comedy and you’ve got yourself the perfect show. Oslo, based on the mysterious peace agreements between Israel and PLO, chronicles the role a young couple had in the proceedings and brokering a deal between the two warring parties. Winner of the Best Play in the 2017 Tony Awards, Oslo is Broadway royalty now and you’d best get your tickets now!

A Doll’s House-Part 2

Set in Alabama, 1900, The Little Foxes chronicles Regina and her wily family, including an equally ruthless sister-in-law, Birdie, as they butt heads in brutal ways to strike the deal of a lifetime. The show was originally supposed to end its run on July 2nd 2017, but after lapping up nomination in every major category for the 2017 Tony’s, the show’s run was extended till January 2018!

Indecent

Tackling the extremely relevant topic of cultural restrictions on creative expression, Indecent is the real life story of controversial debut of the 1923 play, “God of Vengeance”, by Sholem Asch. The show follows the cast and crew of this groundbreaking show and everything they risk by performing the show against all odds. The show won the Best Lighting Design of a Play in the 2017 Tony’s and you can expect a visual and intellectual delight when you watch the show!

Sweat

A contemporary take on the pure joy and complexities of friendship, Sweat follows a group of friends who work together on a line of a factory floor. With a commendable tale full of heart and humor, this 2017 Tony nominated show is mandatory viewing if you too wish to cherish and celebrate your friendship.

Present Laughter

There’s something both comic and tragic about seeing actors struggle with real-life problems like a mid-life crisis. Present Laughter, starring theatre favourite Kevin Kline, is a laugh out loud comedy based on Noel Crawford’s play that guarantees a good time and then some. This 2017 Tony Winner for Best Actor in a Musical for Kevin Kline is one of the best plays on Broadway right now! Show closes July 2nd 2017

The Little Foxes

Set in Alabama, 1900, The Little Foxes chronicles Regina and her wily family, including an equally ruthless sister-in-law, Birdie, as they butt heads in brutal ways to strike the deal of a lifetime. The show won a Tony for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for Cynthia Nixon’s fabulous performance and ends its run on July 2nd 2017.

The Play That Goes Wrong

Ever imagined watching a play within a play? It’s called a “playception” and The Play That Goes Wrong taken the concept a step further with errors within errors in the play within a play. Disarmingly funny and well-acted, this show is a definite must-watch if high-concept comedies are your thing. Winner of the Best Scenic Design Tony, this play has quickly become one of the best comedies on Broadway.

1984