‘Wicked’ and ‘The Lion King’ Ranked in Top Ten Most Affordable Broadway Getaways

Looking for a Budget-Friendly Broadway Experience? These are the Shows to Discover

• Recent study uncovers budget-friendly options for New York theatergoers, spotlighting ‘Days of Wine and Roses’ at Studio 54 Theatre as the most economical choice, offering tickets as low as $70
• Following closely is Eric Idle’s ‘Spamalot‘ at St. James Theatre, with tickets starting at $73
• Popular productions like ‘Hamilton‘ and ‘The Lion King’ also feature among the top 10 affordable picks

Embarking on a Broadway adventure this March promises not just a spectacle of storytelling and song but also an opportunity to indulge in the theater without breaking the bank. Thanks to recent research by SeatPlan, a beacon for theater ticket insights, the stage is set for those eager to experience the magic of Broadway on a budget. The study meticulously scored musicals based on affordability, including ticket prices, hotel stays, and seat availability, creating a definitive guide for thrifty theater lovers.

Topping the list with a melody of affordability and allure is “Days of Wine and Roses,” making its mark as the must-see musical for those visiting the vibrant streets of New York City. With a resounding score of 90.8, this show, housed in the iconic Studio 54 Theatre, beckons with its compelling narrative and an average hotel cost of just $220 per night. The musical shines a spotlight on Kelli O’Hara and Brian d’Arcy James, who masterfully navigate the tumultuous romance entangled in themes of love and despair. As this limited-run production concludes on April 28, it’s an invitation to witness a poignant adaptation of a classic story at an unbeatable price.

Following closely in the footsteps of affordability and laughter is “Spamalot,” a comedic gem playing at the St James Theatre with an impressive affordability score of 85.2. With ticket prices averaging $74 and nearby hotels welcoming guests at $219 per night, it’s a golden ticket to hilarity and heart. This revival of the Monty Python classic has Broadway buzzing, thanks to a star-studded cast including Christopher Fitzgerald, Alex Brightman, Leslie Rodriguez, and Ethan Slater. It’s a theatrical journey filled with knights, quests, and uproarious comedy.

“The Lion King,” a timeless saga of pride and destiny, continues to reign over Broadway from its throne at the Minskoff Theatre. Surprisingly, it boasts one of the lowest median hotel prices at $207 per night, making it a regal choice for families and fans alike, eager to experience the majesty of this iconic musical.

Not to be overlooked, “The Book of Mormon” offers a satirical glance at faith and friendship with a side of sparkling wit. Playing at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre, it presents an opportunity to dive into a nine-time Tony Award-winning spectacle, with tickets and nearby accommodations priced to welcome all who seek laughter and light.

As the curtains rise on “Wicked,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Moulin Rouge!”, “MJ the Musical,” “& Juliet,” and the revolutionary “Hamilton,” Broadway unfolds as a landscape of diverse narratives and musical journeys. Each show, with its unique ranking in SeatPlan’s study, offers a gateway to worlds where imagination and reality collide, all within the embrace of affordability.

Ben Jackson, CEO of SeatPlan, captures the essence of this Broadway exploration, stating, “Musicals can appeal to a broad range of people, and it is key that many get to experience the exciting atmosphere of top shows with reasonably priced tickets.” His words underscore the vibrant tapestry of performances awaiting audiences, from blockbuster hits to emerging masterpieces. As the theater world rebounds with resilience, these findings offer a roadmap to experiences filled with wonder, laughter, and reflection, ensuring that the heart of New York City beats stronger than ever for all who dream of Broadway’s lights.

Sixth most affordable is the recently revived Sweeney Todd, playing at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, with its music and lyrics written by the late Stephen Sondheim. The musical gained a score of 63.9 in the rankings. Presently, Grease: Live and Les Misérables actor Aaron Tveit is starring in the titular role alongside musical legend Sutton Foster and Heartstopper actor Joe Locke. The cheapest tickets are priced around $89, with local hotels costing on average $340 for a room.  

Top ten affordable musicals to see on Broadway, ranked 

Rank	Show	Average of cheapest tickets	Cost for one night in a hotel	Score
1	Days of Wine and Roses	$70	$220	90.8
2	Spamalot	$74	$219	85.2
3	The Lion King	$172	$207	75.2
4	The Book of Mormon	$96	$222	69.9
5	Wicked	$130	$250	68.9
6	Sweeney Todd	$89	$340	63.9
7	Moulin Rouge! The Musical	$92	$358	60.7
8	MJ the Musical	$112	$392	55.4
9	& Juliet	$114	$373	52.8
10	Hamilton	$172	$363	41.0

Another film-turn-musical adaptation, Moulin Rouge! at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre comes in seventh place, receiving a score of 60.7. The average price of the lowest priced tickets currently stands around the $92 mark with nearby hotels offering stays for roughly $358 per night.  

With a score of 55.4, MJ the Musical comes in eighth place. The musical, set during Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour, playing at the Neil Simon theatre, set records after it made then-Michael actor Myles Frost the youngest-ever Tony Award winner for best actor. Cheaper tickets can currently be found averaging $112 for the show, with local hotels costing around $392 per night. 

In ninth place is the jukebox musical & Juliet with a score of 52.8; the show is playing at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre currently. The musical, which is one of the newest on the list, opened in November 2022 and visitors can grab cheap tickets for around $114.  

Rounding off the list is Lin-Manuel Miranda’s iconic Hamilton with a score of 40. The hip-hop musical, based on the founding father Alexander Hamilton, is currently playing at the Richards Rodgers Theatre and fans can grab cheaper tickets for an average of $172. 

Ben Jackson, CEO of SeatPlan, commented on the findings: 

“Musicals can appeal to a broad range of people, and it is key that many get to experience the exciting atmosphere of top shows with reasonably priced tickets. 

“The research revealed not only that larger-scale productions like The Lion King, Hamilton, and Wicked offer budget-friendly entertainment, but also highlights the allure of newer and emerging musicals as great options for a Broadway outing. As the prestigious Tony Awards approach in June, seizing the opportunity to witness decorated classics or explore potential award-winning shows could make for an enriching experience. 

“It is no surprise that the musical theatre industry struggled post-pandemic resulting in more expensive ticket prices. But it is reassuring that many shows still have affordable seating so a variety of people can treat themselves and their friends and family to a special day or night out on Broadway.” 

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