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Unique Broadway Shows with Unusual Theming 

Whether you are new to the theater or an old soul, it’s easy to get lost in the storyline of a Broadway musical, swept away by the amazing vocal performances and unique characters. Over the decades, there have been many amazing shows that people still talk about today, whether for the music, performances, or overall showmanship. 

It’s interesting to consider the most popular shows on Broadway, as most are unique and have unusual themes or storylines. Let’s review the oddest or most interesting shows below so you can see just how unusual musical theater can be, which only lends to magic! 

Cats 

You can’t have a list of unusual Broadway shows without listing Cats. The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical is based on the collection of 1939 poetry by T.S. Eliot, known as Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. It’s quite unusual and features furry cat characters and some of the best music Broadway has ever seen, such as Memory and Rum Tum Tugger. 

Someone going to see Cats for the first time might think the costuming is odd and the premise is weird, especially if they do not know the storyline. The show closed in 2000, but due to its oddness, it remains one of the more talked-about musicals. 

Guys and Dolls 

You might think this is an odd choice for the list but consider this: Guys and Dolls opened on Broadway in November 1950. It ran for 1,200 performances and won a Tony prize for Best Musical, all of which is fantastic. However, the show launched at a time when gambling was considered taboo, and it was based on gamblers in the 1930s. 

Today, we have land-based and online casinos ready to deliver instant gaming. Back then, gambling was considered more of a criminal activity. Guys and Dolls is based on short stories by Damon Runyon from the 20s and 30s. It features gamblers and gangsters, certainly creating a unique atmosphere for a musical!  

Little Shop of Horrors 

Considered a cult classic, Little Shop of Horrors originally a Broadway musical, was adapted into a 1986 film directed by Frank Oz. It is based on the Broadway show from the early 1980s. Little Shop debuted off-Broadway before moving to the Orpheum Theatre, where it enjoyed a five-year run. 

The storyline is based on a florist shop worker who raises a plant that needs human blood and flesh to survive. Talk about a crazy storyline! We watch the hapless Seymour try to satisfy the plant and end up falling in love. It’s quite an interesting story, and the music from the show is some of the most memorable tunes that have ever come from Broadway. It has since been revived, and you can go see the show today in NYC! 

Today’s Unique Shows 

No matter what your taste in musicals, you can easily find a show to enjoy today with a visit to Broadway in New York City. Back to the Future is a unique show to watch based on classic 1980s films, or you can enter the world of Disney with Aladdin or The Lion King. 

One of the more recent shows to launch in 2024 to much acclaim is Death Becomes Her. Based on the 1992 film featuring Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn, the musical is set to bring the story of everlasting life to the stage. 

If you love Broadway shows, be open to new and exciting experiences. You never know what to expect from the odd and crazy shows, making viewing even more fun! 

Authors

• Sophie Treadwell