There is nothing quite like live theatre to transport young minds to different eras, expose them to varied perspectives, and inspire creativity. This makes Broadway not just a fun attraction but an invaluable teaching tool.
This year, a number of Broadway’s Tony Award®-winning productions offer educators a great way to integrate theatre into their curriculum, making student trips to Broadway an enlightening experience.
Exploring Class Conflict and Self-Identity with The Outsiders
The Outsiders, an adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s novel of the same name, has taken home the coveted Tony Award® for Best Musical in 2024. Helmed by Danya Taymor, who won Best Direction of a Musical, the show also garnered accolades for its creative team, including Best Sound Design and Best Lighting Design in a Musical.
Set in mid-20th-century Tulsa, The Outsiders explores the tumultuous lives of two young groups of boys–Greasers and Socs–divided by socio-economic boundaries. The show paints a picture of how much your background can affect your life and why it’s important to talk about these differences. The musical also covers topics like growing up and dealing with peer pressure, which are things every student can relate to.
The musical is performed at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theater at 242 West 45th Street and runs for approximately two hours and thirty minutes, including one intermission. A study guide is available to enhance the educational experience.
Hell’s Kitchen: A Journey of Growing Up in NYC
Hell’s Kitchen has captivated audiences and critics with its compelling narrative and stellar performances. At the 2024 Tony Awards®, Maleah Joi Moon won the award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical, while Kecia Lewis took home the award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress.
The show follows a teenage girl named Ali as she tries to find herself growing up in the infamous NYC neighborhood in the 1990s. The story touches on experiencing first love and mother-daughter relationships—rollercoasters of emotions that many students can connect with. The show’s protagonist is a mixed-race girl navigating her way through life, which can stimulate valuable discussions about identity, race, and the experiences of growing up mixed-race in America.
For those considering a student trip to Hell’s Kitchen, the musical is staged at the Shubert Theatre on Broadway at 225 West 44th Street. The show’s duration is approximately two hours and thirty-five minutes, including one intermission.
Suffs: A Historical Dive into Women’s Suffrage
Suffs is another standout from the 2024 Tony Awards®. Shaina Taub, the creative genius behind the show, received accolades for Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score.
Suffs brilliantly brings to life the intense struggle and tireless activism of the women’s suffrage movement in the early 20th century, offering a historical perspective for students. By watching the story play out on stage, students can learn more about the importance of this historical movement. It also shows them what political activism looks like and how important it is to fight for equal rights.
The musical is playing at the Music Box Theatre and runs for roughly two hours and thirty minutes, including one intermission. The study guide offers background information, activities, and discussion prompts related to the themes and historical context of the show.
For more information and to get your tickets, head to https://www.broadwayinbound.com/.
Photo courtesy of Matthew Murphy.
