Seeing a Broadway musical can be a memorable experience. Getting to sit in a huge theater and watch a tale filled with wonderful songs and a gripping plot can be truly unforgettable. There are some musicals that have lasted on Broadway for a long time, so potential audience members already know to look out for them. However, there are always new musicals popping up, and only so many people can be lucky enough to be one of the first to see those new musicals. They may not be on everyone’s radar, but they could be the beginning of something special. Whether it is a revival coming back to tell a story in a more modern way, or a brand new musical that is hoping to be the next big thing, a musical premiere is always something that theater fans should notice. These musicals will be premiering during the 2023-2024 Broadway season, and you should try to get tickets now while you still can!

1. Days of Wine and Roses (Begins Previews January 26, 2024, at Studio 54)

Many love stories don’t have happy progressions. Sometimes, there can be an element that leads to disaster as well as heartbreak. That is what happens in the 1962 film Days of Wine and Roses. The story is about a couple that starts out happy and in love, but alcoholism threatens that happiness. This one-of-a-kind story will soon premiere as a Broadway musical. Songs might have the power to give this story some more fleshed-out perspectives. Ths musical will also star Broadway veterans Brian d’Arcy James and Kelli O’Hara, which means there will be a lot of talent on stage. This adaptation will likely be packed with drama but also be a musical interpretation of the hardships of love.

2. The Notebook (Begins Previews February 10, 2024, at Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre)

The story of The Notebook has made audiences swoon for many years, from the romantic Nicholas Sparks novel to the drama-filled 2004 film adaptation, The Notebook has taught many people about passionate love. Soon, musical audiences will get this lesson on love as well. A musical adaptation of The Notebook is heading to Broadway, and it will probably offer up the same romantic magic of the book and movie, this time with music. The musical will show the young couple across their whole lives as they get old and demonstrate how the strength of their love grows. So, when this show opens, get ready to be swept away -- and maybe bring tissues.

3. Spamalot (Begins Previews October 31, 2023, at St. James Theatre)

Comedy lovers have appreciated the talents of Monty Python for a long time. Specifically, there has been love for the comedy group’s film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, a parody of Arthurian legends. In 2005, the classic film was turned into a Broadway musical, Spamalot, that met great critical acclaim and ran for four years. However, this musical did not say goodbye for good. In a few months, the musical will be back to Broadway. With a new cast and some new timely jokes, Spamalot is ready to wow audiences once again. A lot of musicals on Broadway may seem dramatic and emotional, and while there is nothing wrong with that, Spamalot is the musical to see if you want a lot of laughs.

4. The Outsiders (Begins Preview March 16, 2024, at Bernard Jacobs Theatre)

With its combination of engaging characters and an exciting story, The Outsiders became important reading for teenagers everywhere. They got to see how a tough group of guys were able to survive the daily lives of being social outcasts. Then, in 1983, the book was adapted into film and fans got to see their favorite characters brought to life (and launched the careers of Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, Matt Dillon, and more). Now, over 50 years after the novel came out, these characters will be seen in musical form. The Outsiders is headed to Broadway with a new musical that should get deeper into the layers of the gangs. This story should be able to lend itself to music as it is a very character-driven story that is filled with emotion. Only time will tell if that turns out to be true.

5. Harmony (Begins Previews October 18, 2023, at Ethel Barrymore Theatre)

The music of Barry Manilow has been celebrated for decades, and he has fans all over the world. Now, he is taking his music writing talents to the theater with a new musical, Harmony. To be clear, this is not a jukebox musical with previously written Manilow songs. This score is a completely original one that Manilow wrote in order to tell an exciting real-life story. Harmony is about the Comedian Harmonists, a popular German singing group from the late-1920s and early-1930s. Specifically, this musical talks about what happens when the group starts letting in Jewish singers at a time of political turmoil in Germany. With songs by one of the most popular singers of the 20th century, Harmony tells a deep and important history in a unique way.

6. The Wiz (Begins Previews March 29, 2024, at Marquis Theatre)

The Wizard of Oz is a movie that pretty much everyone knows the story of by this point. The movie has practically been ingrained in everyone’s heads. However, that does not mean there can not be some original takes on the story. That is where The Wiz gets to shine. The Wiz tells the story of The Wizard of Oz in the form of a musical and through the lens of modern African-American culture. The musical originally premiered on Broadway in 1975 to great success with a 4-year run, and it was revived again in 1985 but it unfortunately only lasted a few weeks. However, it was adapted into a movie in 1978 starring music legends like Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, preserving the magic forever on-screen. Now, The Wiz is coming back again and everything is looking positive for this return. This new cast is ready to dazzle audiences and show them a snazzier and catchier version of a classic.

7. How to Dance in Ohio (Begins Previews November 15, 2023, at Belasco Theatre)

Many people are looking to see positive representations of mental health struggles in the media. How to Dance in Ohio might just be the musical that people are looking for. This musical is based on a documentary of the same name that follows a group of autistic young adults at a counseling center and all of the ups and downs that they face in their lives. They are also trying to set up a formal dance to create something fun that they can all participate in together. A great part about this musical is that actual autistic people are being cast in the parts of autistic characters, which demonstrates a great step for representation. There may not be celebrity names or a well-known basis attached to this musical, but it is still a story full of heart that could be enjoyed by people from all walks of life.

8. Water For Elephants (Begins Previews February 24, 2024, at Imperial Theatre)

The tasks and challenges that life throws your way can often be unexpected. However, they can also turn into something thrilling. That is the case for the characters in the novel-turned-film Water for Elephants. The story follows a young man who ends up joining the circus. While taking care of the animals, he grows closer to the ringmaster’s wife. He also grows close to an elephant who seems to need love and proper attention. Anything can happen at a circus, and it can also be a place for dreams. This story captivated many audiences, and now it is giving Broadway a try. A musical adaptation of Water for Elephants is coming to Broadway soon, and bringing a circus on stage could certainly be exhilarating, not to mention how the animals might be depicted. There are a lot of important elements of this story to bring to a musical, and that can lead to quite the eye-catching and emotionally moving show.