Big Broadway Shows To Stream at Home Right Now

While the pandemic has upended our ability to head to Broadway, whether in the Big Apple or in our hometown theaters, the shows have come to us. A whole bunch of current and old-time favorites have been made available for streaming across a variety of different platforms. Now you can cozy up at home and stream some of the productions that have quite literally defined the glory of the stage.

“Hamilton”

One of the most culture-defining shows in the history of Broadway, “Hamilton” is the brainchild of Lin-Manuel Miranda and tells the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton through rap, hip-hop and traditional Broadway show tunes. Earlier this year, Walt Disney Studios shelled out $75 million for the distribution rights to the show, which premiered on Disney+ last July. The production stars the Broadway production’s original 2015 cast and was filmed specifically for the big screen.

Where to stream: Disney+

“Cats”

The recent film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s famous “Cats” didn’t land so well with both audience members and critics—a surprising fact given the immense popularity and longevity of the Broadway production. So, stick with the tried and true and catch this 1998 restaged version of one of the longest-running hits in the history of both Broadway and the West End (London’s equivalent of Broadway), starring the always wonderful Elaine Paige.

Where to stream: Prime Video

“Rent”

A lot of people have seen “Rent”—either the stage version, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and four Tony Awards in 1996, or the 2005 film adaptation starring members of the original Broadway production, notably Idina Menzel and Taye Diggs. But there’s something about the final performance of the production on Broadway that truly tugs at the heartstrings and takes us back to a time and place in New York City that remains meaningful today.

Where to stream: Prime Video

“Sunday in the Park with George”

This version of “Sunday in the Park With George” is the original 1984 production. That being said, you’d be remiss to skip your chance to watch stars Bernadette Peters and Mandy Patinkin in this Tony Award–winning musical, which touches upon the themes of art, love and more, all to the tunes of Stephen Sondheim and inspired by the famous painting by George Seurat.

Where to stream: Prime Video

“Newsies”

Although successful Broadway shows often become films, the story of “Newsies” follows the opposite arc. Based on the eponymous 1992 movie, the show was brought to theatrical life once Disney decided to adapt it. Chronicling the real story of the 1899 New York City newsboys strike, it stars Jeremy Jordan, Kara Lindsay, Andrew Keenan-Bolger and Ben Frankhauser, among others. This version was filmed onstage in Los Angeles in 2016 during the show’s national tour.

Where to stream: Disney+

“What the Constitution Means To Me”

This play takes on a variety of modern day topics, from women’s rights to immigration, and how they came to be part of the U.S. Constitution. Telling this as a personal tale, Tony Award–nominated playwright and star Heidi Schreck delivers a sharp performance that’s clever, funny and poignant. Bonus: You’ll come away knowing quite a bit more about the U.S. Constitution.

Where to stream: Prime Video

“Into the Woods”

Forget about the fantastic movie starring Meryl Streep and James Corden. Why? Because the original Broadway production, which first premiered in 1987, featuring Bernadette Peters and Joanna Gleason, will have you falling in love with the musical genius of Stephen Sondheim all over again. If you’re not familiar with the show, “Into the Woods” is an intermingling of different renowned fairy tales, including “Cinderella”, “Little Red Riding Hood” and “Rapunzel”, among others.

Where to stream: Prime Video

“She Loves Me”

This is a revival worth catching. In 2016, the Roundabout Theatre Company restaged Joe Masteroff’s 1963 musical about two co-workers who hate each other while simultaneously (and unknowingly) being romantic pen pals. You might have seen the movie it inspired: Nora Ephron’s “You’ve Got Mail” (1998). The streamable version of the show features a terrific cast that includes Jane Krakowski, Laura Benanti and Zachary Levi.

Where to stream: Prime Video

“American Utopia”

One of the most talked about shows of 2020, David Byrne’s “American Utopia” was a stunning theatrical concert. The one and only Spike Lee directed and produced this live recording of the Broadway production, which is a based on Byrne’s 2018 album of the same name. This feat of music and movement is headed back to Broadway when theaters reopen, but here’s your chance to catch it from home.

Where to stream: HBO

Program availability may have changed and is subject to change. Streaming services may require a subscription and sometimes an additional fee.