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The 10 best Broadway shows to see by yourself

From feel-good musicals to introspective plays, these theatre pieces are perfect for a solo date.

Erin Cavoto
Written byErin Cavoto

Seeing a Broadway show with a friend, partner, or family member is a perfect way to spend time together, and you have someone to chat about the show with on the way home. But if you’ve never experienced a solo date to a musical or play, you’re missing out on an equally meaningful way to enjoy live theatre.

Going to a Broadway show alone gives you the freedom to see whatever show you want, without catering to people's differing tastes. And there’s something almost magical about sitting in the dark auditorium, completely immersed in the show in front of you. Plus, you’re never really alone at a show — you and your entire audience are part of a collective experience as you watch together.

Below, we rounded up 10 of the best Broadway shows to see by yourself, whether you’re interested in a thoughtful, introspective play or a loud, high-energy musical.

1.

Every Brilliant Thing

2.

Hadestown

3.

Wicked

4.

Titanique

5.

& Juliet

6.

Proof

7.

Six

8.

Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

9.

Maybe Happy Ending

10.

Operation Mincemeat

1.

Every Brilliant Thing

Broadway
Play
Interactive
Stars on stage

Every performance of Every Brilliant Thing is a unique experience. Driven by plenty of audience interaction, each show is centered around a solo actor's list of reasons to stay alive.

If you’re looking for a show to see alone that will make you feel part of a whole, this show will do just that. Oh, and did we mention you might get to share the stage with Daniel Radcliffe (through May 24) or Mariska Hargitay (starting May 26)?

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Every Brilliant Thing

2.

Hadestown

Broadway
Musical
Award winner
Drama
Romance

Sometimes, it’s freeing to see a work of art that makes you cry. Seeing it alone is even more freeing. At the beginning of Hadestown, Hermes tells the audience that the story ahead, a retelling of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, is a tragic tale. Yet, there’s comfort in hearing the story collectively. It feels like you’re part of the young lovers' tale because everyone can relate to its themes: doubt, desperation, and hope. And no one will blame you if you shed a few tears at the end.

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Hadestown

3.

Wicked

Broadway
Musical
Page to stage
Stage to screen
Award winner

There are some shows you simply want to see over and over again — and for many, that's Wicked. And why not take a solo trip to Emerald City? Just like Elphaba, sometimes you learn the most about yourself when you’re on your own — and this popular show might take on new meaning once you see it by yourself. Plus, plan a full, positively emerald itinerary with our guide on how to make a day of Wicked.

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Wicked

4.

Titanique

Broadway
Jukebox musical
Comedy
Award winner
Screen to stage

While crying solo at a Broadway show is a transformative experience, so is belly laughing. At Titanique, you’ll be cracking up as Céline Dion herself (okay, an actress playing her) takes you through the story of Jack and Rose on the Titanic. But this isn’t James Cameron's version — this is Céline's version, and it’s even more outrageous than you'd expect. Set to hits like “My Heart Will Go On” and “All By Myself” interspersed throughout the show, Titanique is a practically guaranteed good time — even all by yourself.

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Titanique

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09:00

Breakfast at Liberty Bagels

Regularly named one of the city’s best bagel shops, the unassuming Liberty Bagels is the perfect spot to get a classic NYC breakfast sandwich.

10:00

Macy’s Herald Square

One of the world’s largest stores, Macy’s is a sight to behold, especially when it’s decked out for the holidays.

5.

& Juliet

Broadway
Jukebox musical
Popular

There’s nothing like a feel-good jukebox musical to lift your spirits. If you need a break from the world and want a show that will pump you up, & Juliet is the perfect fit. Using hits from the Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson, and more, the show questions what would happen if Shakespeare's Juliet lived, while giving voice to to the Bard's wife, Anne Hathaway. Be like Juliet and find your independence — we're confident this celebratory musical will make a great solo day.

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& Juliet

6.

Proof

Broadway
Play
Stars on stage
Drama
Award winner

Sometimes, a solo show calls for thoughtful reflection about big ideas in life, and Proof is just that. Starring Ayo Edebiri and Don Cheadle, this revival of the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning play centers around grief, family trauma, sexism, and mental illness. It follows the daughter of an esteemed but mentally ill mathematician as she deals with the fallout of his death. You'll get a deep look inside the character’s own hazy sense of reality, and Proof will leave you thinking long after you leave.

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Proof

7.

Six

Broadway
Musical
Historical
Award winner

Six feels like a party with your closest pals — well, if your closest pals were Henry VIII’s ex-wives reunited in concert. The musical follows some of the most famous women in history, telling their stories from their own perspective rather than the history books that keep the British king as the central figure. It’s a perfect show to see solo because of its infectious high-energy performances and the heartwarming themes of independence and sisterhood at its core.

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Six

8.

Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

Broadway
Musical
Romance

Both characters in Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) are on their own internal journeys — and it isn’t until they learn to trust each other that they let go of some of the burden. Earnest Brit Dougal arrives in NYC to attend his estranged father’s wedding, and skeptical Robin, the sister of the bride, is his polar opposite.

This feel-good musical is the perfect way to spend a solo afternoon or evening — it will leave you excited to embark on an NYC adventure of your own, even if you already call the city home.

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Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

9.

Maybe Happy Ending

Broadway
Musical
Romance
Stars on stage
Award winner

Being on your own is a central part of Maybe Happy Ending — especially if you’re a discontinued robot. Living in solitude where all outdated “Helperbots” are sent for their remaining days, Oliver and Claire strike up an unlikely friendship-turned-romance while on an adventure that uncovers lost parts of themselves — beyond their malfunctioning parts. It’s a show about love and human connection, and it’s perfect for the solo Broadway-goer who may want to feel a little less alone.

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Maybe Happy Ending

10.

Operation Mincemeat

Broadway
Musical
Comedy
Historical
Award winner

Are you the only history buff in your friend group? If so, take yourself to Operation Mincemeat, centered around a secret World War II mission that turned the tides — with the help of a corpse. It’s a hilarious, inventive musical filled with a lot of heart and uniquely intriguing characters. Learn some little-known history while being amazed by this Olivier Award-winning show.

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Operation Mincemeat