High Above Times Square: A Spring Break Guide to Broadway Season

April is when Broadway stacks its schedule. New plays open, limited engagements begin, and long-running hits are in full stride before summer crowds arrive. For Spring Break visitors to New York City, that means more choice and better energy across the theater district.

Aliz Hotel Times Square places you in the heart of the action: walking distance to dozens of theaters, close to Fifth Avenue, and Central Park an easy ride away. Explore our top picks for the best of Broadway this Spring, and other seasonal happenings to have on your radar.

Star-Studded Shows & Limited Engagements

From the silver screen to the Broadway stage, these productions feature famous actors like you’ve never seen them before. 

• Daniel Radcliffe returns to Broadway this Spring with Every Brilliant Thing, a one-of-a-kind solo show that speaks to hope and joy in life’s little moments. After the Tony-winning success of Merrily We Roll Along, Radcliffe continues his run as one of the most reliable draws on the New York stage. Snag your tickets ahead of time as this one’s likely to sell out fast!
• Adrien Brody makes his Broadway debut starring as Nick Yarris in The Fear of 13, a new play based on the true story of a man facing execution on death row. Preview performances begin March 19th, with official opening slated for April 15th for a 16-week limited engagement co-starring Tessa Thompson. 
• Beloved star of Will & Grace and co-host of the podcast, Smartless, Sean Hayes brings a solo stage show to New York this spring: The Unknown. The Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor plays 11 different characters in a thrilling drama about a writer confronting his demons.
• Also opening this spring, Dog Day Afternoon brings major screen talent to the stage, starring The Bear’s Jon Bernthal and Ebon Moss-Bachrach in a gritty adaptation of the 1970s crime drama. The limited run begins previews in March and is expected to draw strong interest from both theatergoers and film fans.
• With three Olivier Awards under its belt, Giant arrives from London with John Lithgow starring as Roald Dahl. Opening in March, the production tells the story of famous author Roald Dahl and the real-life scandal that shook his legacy.
• Running through July, MASQUERADE reimagines Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera as a fully immersive experience. The production places audiences inside the Paris Opera House, where scenes unfold around you as you move through the space.

Broadway Shows That Are Always Worth Seeing

Looking to cross off your Broadway bucket list? These long-running productions are classics for a reason. Heads up: many sell out weeks in advance, so be sure to book your tickets ahead of time.

• The Lion King – The story you know and love, with monumental costumes and family-friendly storytelling.
• Hamilton – Believe it or not, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit production is still one of the hottest tickets in town.
• Wicked – For those who can’t get enough of Elphaba and Glinda, this is the musical that started it all.
• Chicago – Sharp, sexy, and fast-paced; this makes for a great date night!
• MJ the Musical – Michael Jackson’s famous discography paired with high-energy choreography.

Easter Weekend & Spring Events

Beyond the Broadway stage, here are the NYC Spring events that we’re excited for.

• Easter Parade & Bonnet Festival – April 5: Think: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade but for Easter. A NYC tradition since the 1870s, the Easter Parade colors Fifth Avenue with costumes, oversized hats, and spectators from all over the world. 
• Frieze New York - May 13-17:Back for its 14th edition, the international art fair will spotlight contemporary artists, collectors, and galleries with a focus on Latin America.
• Central Park in Bloom: Cherry blossoms typically peak in late March and early April, depending on weather. Some of the best spots to witness them are in Washington Square Park, Central Park, and the Brooklyn Botanical Garden.
• Observation Deck Season: Clearer skies and mild temperatures make April ideal for skyline views, especially at sunset. Climb to NYC’s most epic viewpoints like the Empire State Building or the famous Rockefeller Plaza.

What’s Around Times Square

Times Square theaters aren’t the only show-stoppers in town. Our NYC rooftops offer some of the most iconic views in the world. With many reopen for spring, you’ll find epic views and late-night dining that works after curtain call. 

Our very own open-air rooftop, Dear Irving on Hudson, offers jaw-dropping views from the 40th and 41st floors of Aliz Hotel. The 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar and RT60 are easy Midtown go-tos for skyline drinks without leaving the neighborhood. 

Pre-theater dining stays efficient and consistent at spots like Carmine’s for group-friendly Italian, Joe Allen for a classic theater crowd, or Sardi’s, a Broadway institution steps from the stage doors. 

After the show, Times Square still delivers. Junior’s Restaurant for late-night cheesecake, John’s Pizzeria for a classic New York Slice, or The Rum House for live jazz and cocktails just off the main drag. With major subway lines converging nearby, it’s also easy to pivot uptown, downtown, or over to Fifth Avenue without planning your night around transit.

A Smart Base for a Busy Month

Spring Break in April means sold-out shows, full sidewalks, and limited availability across Midtown. 

Staying in Times Square keeps logistics simple: theaters are walkable, Fifth Avenue is close, and the subway puts the rest of the city within quick reach, especially late at night.

At Aliz Hotel Times Square, higher floors offer a clear advantage during the busiest weeks of the year: open views, more light, and a step removed from street-level congestion. April demand moves early, so booking ahead (rooms, Broadway tickets, and Easter weekend plans) is key to getting the experience you want, not what’s left.