The 20 best plays and Broadway musicals this summer

Anyone who believes that the Tony Awards finale means the end of New York’s theater season should think again. Whether it’s new Broadway musicals—bafflingly obscure (Amazing Grace) or wildly anticipated (Hamilton)—or exotic imports at Lincoln Center Festival, the summer is as drama-filled as fall and spring. Festivals are particular hotbeds of activity, both curated ones such as Ice Factory, or the all-you-can-eat insanity of the New York International Fringe Festival (around 200 offerings). So here is our short list of events on Broadway and Off worth your time, a chance to cool off and enjoy top-shelf talent. And talk about variety: You can opt for class (DruidShakespeare’s history plays) or crass (the Brick’s F*ckfest)—even magic from the marvelous Penn & Teller.

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