Part of what makes living in New York City so special is easy access to an array of outstanding visual and performing arts. While attending live shows can be inspiring, they can also pose a challenge for older adults with limited mobility or access to transportation.
Subscribing to streaming platforms allows you or a loved one to see your favorite shows and performances either on-the-go or from the comfort of your home.
Here’s where you can stream your favorite performances:
Where to Stream Broadway Shows
From classic movie adaptations to the filmed versions of live theater, there are more options available than ever to watch your Broadway favorites. While all the streaming platforms listed below are subscription-based, most offer a trial period so you can try before you subscribe.
Broadway HD
The only streaming service dedicated exclusively to theater; Broadway HD offers theater-lovers hundreds of titles to choose from. Choose to go behind the scenes with a riveting documentary or enjoy favorites like:
- Into the Woods
- Cats
- Show Boat
Netflix
The original streaming service has added quite a few theatrical productions to its catalog in recent years. Numerous foreign titles and documentaries are available in addition to Broadway hits like:
- Rent
- Shrek: The Musical
- My Fair Lady
Disney+
Perhaps best known as the home for the Tony award-winning Hamilton, Disney+ has an impressive selection of shows available to stream. The platform offers titles for the entire family — from animated shows like Frozen, to Broadway classics like:
- Newsies
- Hello Dolly
- West Side Story
HBO Max
HBO Max, a streaming service launched by WarnerMedia in 2020, has an enormous library filled with original series, classic TV shows, and plenty of Broadway hits. Titles include:
- Les Miserables
- Moulin Rouge
- 42nd Street
- Little Shop of Horrors
Amazon Prime
If you are an Amazon Prime subscriber, your membership includes access to a wealth of digital content like books, music, and movies. For theater lovers, there are hundreds of movie adaptations and documentaries available to stream. Titles include classics like:
- An American in Paris
- Fiddler on the Roof
- Chicago
- Mamma Mia!
Where to Stream Dance, Opera, and Orchestra Performances
From classic ballet performances like Swan Lake to a rousing rendition of Aida, there are numerous ways to enjoy the arts online. Most of the platforms listed below also offer an interactive component — subscribers can take flight with the artists of Cirque du Soleil, or participate in a workshop hosted by the world-famous Sadler’s Wells Dance Company.
All Arts
Just as its name implies, All Arts offers free digital content featuring almost every type of art. The digital streaming service of WNET, New York’s PBS station, is continuously adding new programs, which include ballet and contemporary dance performances. Additional genres include:
- Visual
- Music
- Theater
- Film
- Written
Marquee TV
From ballet to opera to orchestra, Marquee TV offers subscribers an array of choices. Performances from world-famous dance companies are available to stream, in addition to orchestra concerts. Classical theater featuring the Royal Shakespeare Theater Company, opera, and plenty of behind-the-scenes documentaries are included. Enjoy performances by:
- Royal Ballet
- Bolshoi Ballet
- London Philharmonic Orchestra
Sadler’s Wells
Based in the U.K., the historic Sadler’s Wells theater has created a digital stage offering subscribers the ability to stream some of their most popular performances. New content is added regularly and includes:
- Dance workshops
- Musical performances
- Documentaries
CirqueConnect
Cirque du Soleil’s new digital platform offers more than just their awe-inspiring performances. Similar to MasterClass, CirqueClass showcases the creators and artists behind Cirque du Soleil, and covers creativity, artistry, and leadership. Other original content includes:
- Dedicated fitness channel called Cirque Me Out
- Make-up and costume tutorials
- Documentaries
Next Read: 5 Unique Ideas for Virtual Get-Togethers
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