It’s an ideal in-between time for theater lovers. Those who missed summer fare can catch up before the deluge of new fall openings. But a few upcoming, off the beaten path shows and ticket deals have tongues wagging.
Below are a few gems you’ll want to see before the new shiny toys arrive and they fall off your radar.
Jeff Ross: Take A Banana for the Ride
Comedian Jeff Ross grew up just across the Hudson in Newark, New Jersey, working for his family-owned catering company. But fate had greater things in store for him. He’d go on to become the “Roastmaster” for many televised celebrity roasts.
Ross takes a trip down memory lane in a flat out wonderful solo show that details his tight knit but somewhat complicated family, a hard won battle with cancer, heartwarming tributes to his late pet, an arsenal of jokes, and bananas. Why bananas? Get a ticket and find out.
Jeff Ross: Take a Banana for the Ride runs on Broadway through September 28th 2025 at the Nederlander Theater. For tickets, click here.
Ginger Twinsies
Writer and director Kevin Zak lovingly skewers the 1998 remake of the Walt Disney classic The Parent Trap with an impeccably talented cast of comic actors who zip through the incredulous but fun story in 80 minutes. Expect lightning quick costume changes, references from Broadway shows, pop culture, and a dancing lizard that strikes a Fosse pose. Outrageous? Yes. Fun? Absolutely. It offers the most consistent laughs of any show On or Off-Broadway.
Ginger Twinsies runs Off Broadway through October 26th 2025 at the Orpheum Theatre (126 Second Ave NY, NY). For tickets, click here.
Mamma Mia
Ten years ago this month, the global phenomenon played its final performance at Broadway’s Winter Garden Theater. Ten years later, this crowd pleaser is back in its original home, delivering cotton candy confection to the masses.
Based on songs from Abba, It weaves together a wafer-thin plot that involves the Greek islands, three lifelong friends, and three different men who might be her real father.
Glitter, glam, and spandex fill the stage and there’s a big, happy dance number at the end involving voluntary audience participation. My my! How can you resist it?
Mamma Mia runs on Broadway through February 1st 2026 at the Winter Garden Theatre (1634 Broadway, NY NY) For tickets, click here.
Two additional shows worth putting on a watch list:
Prince Faggot
Jordan Tannahill holds nothing back in his edgy play that imagines an openly gay member of the British royal family. Colonialism, human sexuality, substance abuse, white privilege, and media frenzy are all put under a lens by this phenomenal cast directed by Shayok Misha Chowdhury.
Prince Faggot premiered this summer in a joint production from Soho Rep and Playwrights Horizons. After much critical acclaim and sold-out performances, it returned to the stage this week at Studio Seaview and runs through November 9th. Leave the urge to pearl clutch at home.
Prince Faggot runs Off-Broadway at Studio Seaview 305 West 43rd Street, NY NY through November 9th. For tickets, click here.
House of McQueen
Bridgerton star Luke Newtown tackles the complex and traumatic rise and fall of fashion hotshot Alexander McQueen. This visually dazzling spectacle charts his hardscrabble days of youth through early experience at Saville Row, his role at Givenchy, and eventually to the creation of his own brand.
Stage veterans Emily Skinner & Catherine LeFrere co-star and Kaye Voyce‘s costumes recreate many of Mcqueen’s dazzling designs. For fashionistas, it’s sheer pleasure. For the rest, it’s an educational lens into the price that comes with notoriety and fame.
House of McQueen plays at The Mansion at Hudson Yards 508 West 37th Street, NY, NY through October 19th. For tickets, click here