Broadway is a place where stories from all walks of life come alive, delving into themes like love, friendship, identity and resilience. Experiencing theatre can broaden student groups’ understanding of the world, spark creativity, and inspire in ways no textbook can.
If you’re planning a student trip to NYC, there are so many shows you can consider. Here are four to get you started:
Water for Elephants: A Tale of Love and Adventure
Water for Elephants, based on Sara Gruen’s best-selling novel, is a mesmerizing tale set in the world of a traveling circus in the downtrodden 1930s. The story follows the life of Jacob Jankowski, a veterinary student who, after a tragic turn of events, finds himself working as a vet for a second-rate traveling circus.
Water for Elephants is not just a story of love and adventure; it’s a deep exploration of resilience, love, and the essence of community. Through its rich storytelling, the show explores Jacob’s struggle to adapt to his new life, his passionate love affair with Marlena, a beautiful circus performer, and his efforts to protect Rosie, the circus elephant. The lively life of the circus, the colorful cast of characters, and the intricate relationships between them create a plot that captivates audiences.
A Wonderful World: Celebrating the Life of Louis Armstrong
A Wonderful World is a musical celebration of the life of legendary jazz musician Louis Armstrong. The show delves into Armstrong’s life, loves, and music, portraying the ups and downs of his journey from a poor boy in New Orleans to a global jazz legend. It offers an intimate look at Armstrong’s relationships, struggles, and triumphs, all underscored by his music that forever changed the landscape of jazz.
A Wonderful World is also a narrative about Armstrong’s influence on jazz and the Black community. His story is one of resilience and determination, a testament to his indomitable spirit. His music broke barriers, and his success paved the way for future generations of Black musicians. In the show, Armstrong’s iconic songs serve as both a soundtrack and a narrative device. Each musical number is woven into the story, providing emotional resonance and historical context.
Tammy Faye: A Fascinating Story of Redemption
Tammy Faye is a musical that tells the story of Tammy Faye Bakker, a controversial televangelist who, despite scandal and public ridicule, managed to carve out a space for herself in the world of television. The show highlights her unwavering faith, tumultuous love life, and her quest for redemption in the public eye.
Tammy Faye presents a compelling portrait of a woman who, despite her flaws and mistakes, remained steadfast in her faith and emerged from her trials with renewed strength and resilience. The performances in the show, particularly Katie Brayben’s portrayal of Tammy Faye, embody the complex emotions and real-life experiences of her journey.
Hell’s Kitchen: Inspired by Alicia Keys
Hell’s Kitchen features the music of Grammy-winning artist Alicia Keys. The show, inspired by Keys’s journey, follows a teenage girl named Ali living in Hell’s Kitchen, New York, exploring her struggles, victories, and complex relationship with her mother. Hell’s Kitchen explores Ali’s journey and the influence that music can have on one’s life. The narrative masterfully showcases the challenges she faced and the relentless pursuit of her dreams.
Broadway’s exceptional storytelling can serve as a rich educational and cultural enrichment tool. Along with being highly entertaining and a unique live experience for educators and students alike, these stories can stimulate critical thinking, foster empathy, and broaden understanding of diverse perspectives. If you’re an educator, consider incorporating Broadway shows into your curriculum or planning a class trip to New York City.
Remember, Broadway shows are very popular, and tickets can sell out quickly. To ensure you don’t miss out, it’s advisable to book your tickets well in advance, especially if you’re planning to attend with a group.
Photo courtesy of Marc J Franklin.
