The Best of Broadway: August 2025 Show Guide

“There’s nothing like summer in the city.” Just ask Hamilton’s Aaron Burr(, sir) or Hell’s Kitchen’s Ali, two of the famous characters narrating some of Broadway’s top shows in August.

This month also brings some much-appreciated end-of-summer turnover, with revivals of Mamma Mia! and Art coming to Broadway for the first time in decades, plus a new one-man show from roast comedian Jeff Ross. And it’s the last chance for theatergoers to catch stars like Audra McDonald in Gypsy and Jean Smart in CALL ME IZZY before those shows, as well as Tony winner Purpose, take their final bow by the end of the summer.

If you’re looking for things to do in NYC, you’ll find details on all the best that Broadway has to offer. Plus, get helpful tips on buying Broadway tickets online with our handy guide, and as always, snag Broadway tickets via Ticketmaster.

Shows Opening on Broadway in August 2025

Mamma Mia!

@mammamianorthamerica

Blue since the day we parted. But in ONE WEEK, MAMMA MIA! is BACK at the Winter Garden Theatre on BROADWAY! How could you ever let this go? Get your ticket now at our link in bio. #MammaMiaBroadway

♬ original sound – mammamianorthamerica

Here we go again! Mamma Mia! returns to Broadway for the first time in a decade with its very first revival. The fan-favorite jukebox musical is once again making its home at the Winter Garden Theatre (where it originally ran from 2001 to 2013) for a six-month limited run starting August 2. Starring Christine Sherrill as Donna and newcomer Amy Weaver as Sophie, Mamma Mia! features all of ABBA’s chart-topping hits, including “Dancing Queen,” “Voulez-Vous,” “SOS” and more.

Buy tickets to Mamma Mia! on Ticketmaster.

Jeff Ross: Take a Banana For the Ride

Comedian Jeff Ross puts Broadway in his crosshairs with Take a Banana For the Ride. In the new one-man show, the “Roastmaster General” of the stand-up comedy circuit turns semi-autobiographical, taking audiences on an uproarious and pointed journey through his life and career. Starting performances August 5 at the Nederlander Theatre, Ross’ Broadway debut will be filled with, in his own words, “uncensored jokes, uplifting stories, songs and even some live roasting of the bravest volunteers.”

Buy tickets for Jeff Ross: Take a Banana For the Ride on Ticketmaster.

Art

Based on playwright Yasmina Reza’s original French script, Art returns to Broadway for the first time since its original run in 1998. The three-man show will star Bobby Cannavale, Neil Patrick Harris and James Corden as a trio of longtime friends whose relationships are tested when a debate over a ridiculously priced painting devolves into a battle over taste, ego and long-festering resentments. Art comes to life at the Music Box Theatre for a strictly limited engagement starting August 28.

Buy tickets for Art on Ticketmaster.

Top Shows on Broadway in August 2025

Hell’s Kitchen

Speaking of Hamilton, Christopher Jackson has joined the cast of Hell’s Kitchen at the Shubert Theatre. The OG George Washington is now playing Davis opposite Kecia Lewis as Miss Liza Jane, Jessica Vosk as Jersey and Amanda Reid as Ali in Alicia Keys’ semi-autobiographical musical about growing up in the thriving, artistic community of Hell’s Kitchen, all soundtracked by some of the superstar’s greatest hits.

Buy tickets to Hell’s Kitchen on Ticketmaster.

Oh, Mary!

Fresh off her hysterical turn as Ruth the Pirate Queen in the Tony-nominated revival of Pirates! The Penzance Musical, Jinkx Monsoon is stepping into the delightfully demented heels and petticoats of Mary Todd Lincoln in Cole Escola’s Oh, Mary!. The drag legend takes over as the First Lady of Cabaret starting August 4 for an eight-week run at the Lyceum Theatre. She’ll be joined by almost an entirely new cast as well — including Kumail Nanjiani as Mary’s Husband, Michael Urie as Mary’s Teacher and Jenn Harris as Mary’s Chaperone.

Buy tickets to Oh, Mary! on Ticketmaster.

Shows Closing on Broadway in August 2025 (Last Call)

Gypsy

It’s Rose’s turn…one last time. August 17 will mark the final chance to see Audra McDonald in the role of a lifetime as Mama Rose at the Majestic Theatre alongside Danny Burstein as Herbie, Joy Woods as Louise and Jordan Tyson as Baby June. The latest Broadway revival of Gypsy earned five nominations at the 2025 Tony Awards, including Best Revival, acting nods for McDonald, Burstein and Woods and Best Choreography for Camille A. Brown.

Buy tickets to Gypsy on Ticketmaster.

CALL ME IZZY

Jean Smart’s return to the Broadway stage will wrap up August 24 at Studio 54. In Jamie Wax’s new play CALL ME IZZY, the 6-time Emmy winner plays a writer “whose words are her greatest gift, her biggest secret, and her only way out.” The one-woman show is directed by Sara Lapine with original music composed by T Bone Burnett and David Mansfield.

Buy tickets to Call Me Izzy on Ticketmaster.

Purpose

Purpose became the must-see play of the season after being honored with the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Ultimately, the family drama by playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins took home the award for Best Play at the 2025 Tonys as well as the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play and the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Play. Purpose will close August 31 at the Hayes Theater.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hottest show on Broadway right now?

While it depends on your taste, one of the hottest shows on Broadway right now is Wicked, a long-running favorite.

Can I wear jeans to a Broadway show?

Yes, you can wear jeans to a Broadway show. There’s no official dress code for Broadway.

What are the top 10 shows on Broadway?

Death Becomes Her, Moulin Rouge, The Book of Mormon, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, The Outsiders, Maybe Happy Ending, The Great Gatsby, Hell’s Kitchen and Buena Vista Social Club are the top 10 shows you can see on Broadway this summer.

What are the top 3 Broadway shows?

The Lion King, Aladdin and Hamilton are the top three Broadway shows you can see right now.

What is the #1 Broadway show?

The #1 highest-grossing Broadway show of all time is The Lion King, which is still playing at the Minskoff Theatre.