Embark on a theatrical adventure and explore New York’s Broadway with an ESTA visa

The city offers a wide range of exceptional musicals and theatrical performances that cater to diverse tastes.

With an amazing selection of theatres and productions to pick from, there’s something for everyone.

From captivating reimagined cartoons like “SpongeBob: The Musical” and enchanting adaptations of beloved classics like “Winnie the Pooh,” to long-standing favourites such as “Annie” and “42nd Street,” Manchester leaves no shortage of thrilling shows to indulge in.

Moreover, the city’s commitment to presenting modern reprisals of cult classics like “Heathers” and “Dirty Dancing” solidifies its reputation as a heavyweight in theatre culture.

However, as summer approaches, it’s a great opportunity for theatre aficionados to venture beyond Manchester’s borders and embark on some new theatrical adventures.

And what better destination than New York City, renowned as the ultimate mecca for experiencing theatre in all its glory?

It would be remiss not to acknowledge that NYC offers an unparalleled theatre landscape that ignites the senses and immerses visitors in the very essence of the performing arts.

While Manchester provides an exceptional theatre scene, exploring productions abroad can truly broaden the horizons of theatre enthusiasts.

Here’s just a small selection of amazing shows in NYC this summer 

While it would not be hard for any theatre lovers to find a good show in New York City, these particular productions have a bit of an edge despite the competitive showbiz world and make a visit all the more special.

Funny Girl

Perhaps one of the most exciting shows to catch this summer is the revival of Funny Girl starring Lea Michelle. Although the show itself has opened on Broadway with many different stars, it seems that the role that made Barbara Streisand famous has indeed proved difficult
to cast in recent years. The arrival of Lea Michelle as Fanny Brice has changed the game.

Critics and audiences are raving about her performance and her ability to make Fanny Brice all her own. How she delivers her lines, her physicality, and her effortless ability to belt out songs tailor-made for Barbara, all add up to a showstopping performance that has people
talking about Funny Girl as if it was the 1960s all over again.

That makes this particular engagement quite special, as this performance has literally put the show Funny Girl back in the news. Most reviews have made it abundantly clear, that while Michelle is the star of the show, the surrounding cast is also bringing a lot to their
performances. Michelle will be starring in Funny Girl at the August Wilson Theatre until September, so this summer is the ideal time to catch this performance before it’s a matter of history.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

While there could never be a more quintessentially British play than Sweeney Todd, the current iteration of the Broadway production is incredibly noteworthy and ultimately worth a visit to the Big Apple. Vocal powerhouse Josh Groban stars as the bloody barber this time around, and many have been raving about his performance along with his equally talented co-star Annaleigh Ashford.

Both have backgrounds that are nothing to scoff at, as Ashford has made a name for herself by performing in Wicked, Legally Blonde:
the Musical. Although Groban has performed in many films and TV series, he is most notably a classically trained singer whose talents range from operatic solos to bombastic pop duets with the likes of Celine Dion.

The two have been making waves as Todd and Misses Lovett, which is no easy feat considering the footsteps they are following.

The eponymous Sweeney Todd was originally made famous by the legendary Len Cariou, and Mrs. Lovett was fabulously portrayed by beloved icon, Angela Lansbury. They both won Tonys for their memorable performances.

Now the new actors, both Groban ad Ashford have been nominated for their performances as well. This makes making a trip to see this performance while they are both performing all the more enticing.

This production just debuted in February of 2023, and is currently ongoing at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.

Hamilton

Although this show will be making its way to Manchester later this year, it is worth mentioning because of the phenomenon it became.

Although the show’s creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda was already become known for his work with In the Heights and Bring It On, Hamilton catapulted him into a household name.

Although the show did get its start off-Broadway, it did eventually make it to the Richard Rogers Theatre, where it has been showing since 2015.

There is something to be said for seeing a show in its original setting, and seeing it where it all began in 2015 does give one a sense of time and place. This musical was such a breakout spectacle and introduced an entirely new generation to the world of musicals.

Furthermore, while Manchester eagerly awaits the arrival of “Hamilton,” it is worth mentioning the unparalleled phenomenon it has become in the theatre world.

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking creation catapulted him into the realm of household names.

Although the show originated off-Broadway, witnessing it at the Richard Rogers Theatre, where it all began in 2015, adds a sense of time and place to the experience.

“Hamilton” not only introduced a new generation to the magic of musical theatre but also captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.

While Manchester prepares for this sensational production, indulging in the original setting in New York City offers a unique perspective and a deeper appreciation for its historical significance.

As theatre enthusiasts seek to broaden their horizons, exploring international theatrical offerings becomes an enticing proposition.

Fortunately, the ESTA visa program provides an accessible avenue for UK travellers to embark on theatrical adventures abroad.

Applying for a visa is a simple process that can be completed online, saving the hassle of visiting embassies or consulates.

Whether you are travelling with some good friends, or taking your family on an adventure, everyone will need an ESTA to travel to New York.

And to make things easier is just as easy to apply for an ESTA for yourself as it is to do so for an entire group.

Luckily an ESTA is easier to apply for than a regular visa because it doesn’t require travelling to an embassy or consulate.

You can fill in an ESTA application online, which only takes a few minutes.

After submitting a copy of your passport, your application will be processed and you will receive confirmation via email.

If you can’t make a show during your holiday, you can travel again to the USA with the same ESTA as long as it is still valid.

The ESTA is valid for up to 2 years, depending on your passport expiration date.

This means you can keep up with upcoming shows and performances for several show seasons.