Musical theatre lovers have been bopping their heads to love songs their entire lives, whether it's "Tonight" from West Side Story or "All I've Ever Known" from Hadestown.
Love stories are ubiquitous in storytelling, which means that Broadway has been spreading the magic since its earliest days—even if sometimes, things don't work out as planned (looking at you, Romeo and Juliet).
With Valentine's Day romance in the air, here's the ultimate theatre-fan's guide to the romantic holiday, for all types of people: single, coupled, and even self-coupled. This guide includes recommendations for a few choice excursions in New York City.
The Danny & Sandy
Valentine's Day typically comes easy-peasy for lovers but not always. Just look at the hurdles Danny and Sandy faced before finally striking their electric chemistry. To truly woo your theatre-loving consort, and ensure that you don't end up stranded at the drive-in, give your significant other tickets to one of the most romantic shows on Broadway, Moulin Rouge!.
This Tony-Award-winning jukebox musical features covers of Katy Perry's "Firework" and Elton John's "Your Song," as well as the classic "Come What May." It's an elegant affair, both in its stage direction and set design, that submerges viewers in the dreamy backdrop of Paris, undying love, and red-hot burlesque.
Unfortunately, the musical doesn't play on Mondays, but for those unable to make it to the Broadway scene or looking for a day of activity, the movie adaptation is also a delight and avaliable for streaming on Hulu.
The Mark Cohen
It's time to remember that spending Valentine's Day alone doesn't have to be the worst thing in the world. The Mark Cohens tend to be a bit lovesick. But despite his single identification, the Rent lead still holds an endless amount of love for his friends and his craft as well as a hearty amount of pining for this ex. For this reason, hopping down to Broadway to catch an evening performance of Company would be highly recommended, if it showed on Mondays.
Instead, make a detour to catch Six — one of the few Broadway productions that run on Mondays. Playing at Brooks Atkinson Theatre, this one-act musical dives into the tale of the six ex-wives of Henry VIII, chronicling their heartbreak and feisty attitudes. It's the perfect combination of love songs and powerful anthems that will leave those destined to singledom in a good mood.
The Mama Rose
The difference between the Mama Rose and the Mark Cohen is that this group has zero interest in or time for romance. Their eyes are set on their ambitions and stage-mothering their own lives. Therefore, we recommend checking out A Broadway's Valentine's Day! at Feinstein's/54 Below which features an epic lineup that includes Gerard Canonico (Be More Chill), Devon Meddock (The Imbible), Joey Contreras (Love Me, Love Me Not), and many more.
54 Below teases that the show will be a combination of "Broadway's greatest love songs" and personal stories about the performer's own love lives.
The biggest perk of this show is that it will also be live-streamed by the cabaret venue, meaning one can tune in from the comfort of their couch, rather than investing time in their wardrobe and the commute. It's the perfect pressure-free way to ring in the holiday.
Be sure to check out Broadway's current weekly schedule to see if there are any other shows that catch your eye (or heart!).
