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Best Upcoming Musicals In New York City

theater lights
(credit: Clipart)

The lights are shining on Broadway this year with one great musical after another. Funny, sappy, silly and happy stories make their way to the stage and some of the best actors are bringing them to you. With brilliant set design, feel-good plots and incredible singing, you can't help but want to see each and every show in town. Here's our guide to the top five musicals in New York.

'On the Twentieth Century'
American Airlines Theatre
227 W. 42nd St.
New York, NY 10036
(212) 719-1300
www.roundabouttheatre.org

Date: Previews begin February 12, 2015

Kristin Chenoweth and Peter Gallagher star in this Broadway revival of the 1930s musical. The plot follows down-on-his-luck Broadway producer Oscar Jaffee (Golden Globe winner Gallagher) who tries to cajole Hollywood starlet Lily Garland (Emmy and Tony Award winner Chenoweth) into starring in his not-yet-created Broadway show. The catch? The entire drama takes place on a train from Chicago to New York — will Jaffee pull it off in time?

'On the Town'
Lyric Theatre
213 W. 42nd St.
New York, NY 10036
(877) 250-2929
www.onthetownbroadway.com

Date: Opening night was October 16, 2014

This 2.5-hour musical is said to be one of the greatest comedies in Broadway history. With the biggest orchestra on Broadway, you know you'll be in for a treat. The plot follows three sailors who end up in New York City on shore leave. With just a short amount of time to discover all of New York's charms, the sailors will of course end up having the time of their lives - and possibly even fall in love in the process. The score by Leonard Bernstein alone is enough to send musical lovers running to this theatre!

'Honeymoon in Vegas'
Nederlander Theatre
208 W. 41st St.
New York, NY 10036
(877) 250-2929
www.honeymoonbroadway.com

Date: Previews being November 18, 2014

Rob McClure, Brynn O'Malley and Tony Danza star in this hilarious new musical based on the book by Andrew Bergman. Beautiful Betsey finds herself courted by two dashing young men — one her long-term boyfriend Jack Singer, who finally built up the nerve to propose, and the other the smooth-talking gambler Tommy Korman who is in search of a second chance at love. Will Betsey and Jack end up getting hitched in Vegas as they planned? Or will Jack have to fight for his girl?

Related: Best New Stars on Broadway in 2014

'An American in Paris'
Palace Theatre
1564 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
(212) 730-8200
www.broadway.com

Date: Previews begin March 13, 2015

You loved the 1951 movie (starring Gene Kelly) and now it's being turned into a Broadway musical that you'll want to watch as often as possible. World War II veteran Jerry Mulligan decides to settle down in Paris, where he hopes to put his talent at painting to good use. Jerry is friendly with wealthy American Milo Davenport, but falls in love with young Parisian shop girl Lise. Both women have secrets of their own. Jerry's friends are also interested in learning more about Lise — how will this story end?

'Finding Neverland'
Lunt-Fontanne Theatre
205 W. 46th St.
New York, NY 10036
(212) 575-9200
www.broadway.com

Date: Opening night is April 8, 2015

If you've ever watched or read the story of Peter Pan, you'll fall in love with this musical. The show, which is currently running in Boston, follows the life and relationships of "Peter Pan" author J. M. Barrie and his family. Barrie and his family have powerful imaginations and Barrie eventually uses his experiences with his family to write his famous children's story. Filled with both heartbreak and happiness, this story is one of the more serious of the upcoming musicals.

Related: Best Disney Movies Made Into Broadway Shows

Jennifer is a writer, reader, crafter, traveler and New Yorker. She works in midtown New York City for non-profit organizations. Her degrees are in communication studies and art history.You can contact Jennifer at @egyptologist. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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