With the curtain ready to drop on 2025, it’s the perfect time to look back at the shows and performances that defined the year on New York stages. Look no further. “On Stage” host Frank DiLella has curated a list of his standout Broadway, off-Broadway and theatrical highlights from the past year — performances that made waves, sparked conversations and left lasting impressions.
“Just In Time”
On the musical front, in no particular order, Tony Award-winner Jonathan Groff made quite a “splash” this season, channeling the late crooner Bobby Darin in “Just In Time.” Groff’s charismatic turn quickly became one of the year’s buzziest performances. He is set to depart the production at the end of March.
“Ragtime”
One of the most anticipated transfers of the year, “Ragtime” made the leap from City Center to Lincoln Center, opening at the Vivian Beaumont Theater in October.
The sweeping musical follows three families in pursuit of the American Dream at the turn of the 20th century — a story that feels timelier than ever.
A special shout-out to the revival’s standout trio: Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy and Brandon Uranowitz, whose performances are already generating awards-season buzz.
“The Queen of Versailles”
Broadway royalty took center stage this fall as Tony Award-winner Kristin Chenoweth returned to the boards in October as the title character in the now-shuttered “The Queen of Versailles,” delivering one of the season’s most talked-about star turns.
“Chess”
Just a block away on 45th Street, Lea Michele, Aaron Tveit and Nicholas Christopher proved that the once-maligned 1980s musical “Chess” deserves a winning second move. Their powerhouse performances helped reintroduce the show to a new generation of theatergoers.
“Purpose”
Turning to the plays, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ family drama “Purpose” dominated the season, cleaning up with both the Tony Award and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama — cementing its place as one of the year’s most important works.
“John Proctor Is the Villain”
Sadie Sink’s return to the boards in “John Proctor Is the Villain” didn’t just make waves — it became a full-blown Gen Z and TikTok sensation, bringing a new audience into the theater and sparking conversation well beyond Broadway.
“Liberation”
Among plays currently running, the women’s liberation movement takes center stage in Bess Wohl’s deeply personal “Liberation,” brought to life by an extraordinary ensemble and earning praise for its emotional honesty and relevance.
“Oedipus”
Broadway also welcomed Lesley Manville in her debut, squaring off against Mark Strong in Robert Icke’s gripping modern take on “Oedipus,” a bold reimagining of the classic tragedy.
“Masquerade”
On the off-Broadway front, the reimagined and immersive “Phantom of the Opera” experience “Masquerade” quite literally surrounds audiences with “the music of the night,” offering a fresh and thrilling take on the iconic score.
“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”
Rounding out the list, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” returned to New York boards, with Jasmine Amy Rogers starring as Olive, fresh off her Tony-nominated turn as the title character in “BOOP! The Musical!”
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