Fall theater season in New York City is officially here, bringing an exciting lineup of star-studded limited engagements, thought-provoking plays and musical parodies to smaller stages. Whether you are looking for dark high school comedies like Heathers, powerful new dramas like Pre-Existing Condition or long-running crowd-pleasers like The Play That Goes Wrong, you’ll find entertainment in this season’s Off-Broadway roster to rival what’s showing on Broadway.
Friends! The Musical Parody
Ongoing
After 10 hit seasons on NBC, Friends! The Musical Parody has come to Off-Broadway. The show is an unauthorized comedic musical that lovingly pokes fun at the sitcom. As you might expect, it re-creates favorite moments from the long-running series, which was set—though not filmed—in NYC.
For fans of: ’90s TV shows, Jennifer Aniston, poking fun at pop culture
Perfect Crime. Photo: Russ Rowland
Perfect Crime
Ongoing
NYC’s longest-running play is celebrating its 39th year Off-Broadway at the Anne L. Bernstein Theater at The Theater Center. Perfect Crime is a murder mystery that unfolds in the home of an affluent psychiatrist who becomes the investigator’s prime suspect. The complex plot continues to twist and turn to the point that the audience is provided with an answer key after the show to help understand the play. The production, written by the late Warren Manzi, is best known for its star, Catherine Russell, having missed only a handful of shows since its 1987 debut.
For fans of: Agatha Christie, CSI, true crime
The Play That Goes Wrong. Photo: Jeremy Daniel
The Play That Goes Wrong
Ongoing
The Play That Goes Wrong, now in its ninth year in New York City—which includes a run on Broadway—is a farce comedy about the theater. The play introduces the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society, which is attempting to stage a 1920s murder mystery, but as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong—does. The smash-hit comedy, at New World Stages, is directed by Matt DiCarlo.
For fans of: Noises Off, slapstick comedy, onstage mishaps
Heathers: The Musical. Photo: Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade
Heathers
Through October 11, 2026
Welcome back to high school, where popularity kills. Based on the 1989 cult-classic film, which starred Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, this musical centers on a clique of mean girls all named Heather and the self-righteous new student who has murderous plans for making his school a better place. Playing at New World Stages, with direction by Andy Fickman, Heathers features a book, music and lyrics by Kevin Murphy (Reefer Madness The Musical) and Laurence O’Keefe (Legally Blonde The Musical).
For fans of: Mean Girls, The Breakfast Club and Fast Times at Ridgemont High
The Hairy Ape
Through November 15, 2026
Celebrated playwright Eugene O’Neill’s The Hairy Ape returns to New York City in an Off-Broadway production at Irish Rep Theatre. The play, set in 1922, follows a head coal stoker on an ocean liner who has an altercation with the spoiled daughter of the ship’s captain. Directed by Ciarán O'Reilly, the show stars Elizabeth Teeter (Beetlejuice) and Jon Beavers in the two leading roles.
For fans of: famous playwrights, intimate revivals, identity crises
Pre-Existing Condition. Photo: Jessica Kourkounis
Pre-Existing Condition
Through January 8, 2027
An all-star roster of Lupita Nyong’o, Edie Falco, Hari Nef, Phillipa Soo and Susannah Flood rotates taking center stage at the Greenwich House Theatre. A New York Times Critics’ Pick, Pre-Existing Condition is written by Tony nominee Marin Ireland and directed by longtime TV and stage actress Maria Dizzia. In a joint statement, Ireland and Dizzia said, “Actors sharing the role creates a community inside this production.” Their hope is that this play makes “someone feel less alone, hold them in sacred space with others and shed light in the places we need it most.”
For fans of: award-winning actresses, Liberation, Hamilton
Heated Rivalry. Photo: Matthew Murphy
Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody
Through January 17, 2026
The production is so popular, it’s been extended three times. Inspired by the hit streaming show about hockey, Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody follows Shane Hollander and his rival, Ilya Rozanov, through the tension of their professional rivalry and secret relationship. Relive all of the moments from the show—this time, in musical form—that made you LOL. It features a book, music, lyrics and orchestrations by Dylan MarcAurele and choreography by Brooke and Tiffany Engen; producer Alan Kliffer also directs.
For fans of: hockey, enemies-to-lovers, parodies
The Ask
Performances begin October 6, opens October 13, through November 22, 2026
Marilu Henner (Taxi) and Shannon Purser (Stranger Things, Riverdale) star in The Ask, a new play written by Matthew Freeman and directed by Jessi D. Hill. The action unfolds during a donor meeting in an Upper West Side apartment. Greta (played by Henner), who has a pronounced liberal streak, meets with Tanner (Purser), a young ACLU fundraiser hoping to nail down a donation. The encounter lays bare the divisions in cultural and emotional values that separate their generations.
For fans of: generational perspectives, Celebrity Apprentice, charitable donations
The Heart
Performances begin October 8, opens October 29, through December 6, 2026
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour choreographer, Mandy Moore, stages the dance numbers in the new musical The Heart. Tony winner Christopher Ashley (Come From Away) directs the story of an organ donation, taking the audience through 24 hours of this beating heart’s journey. This limited engagement features Broadway talent including Heidi Blickenstaff (Something Rotten!), Nick T. Daly (MJ The Musical), Joaquina Kalukango (Slave Play) and a host of other experienced actors. Playwright Kait Kerrigan (The Great Gatsby) joins forces with KPop Demon Hunters musical team (and married couple) Anne and Ian Eisendrath to create this new work of art at the Laura Pels Theatre.
For fans of: KPop Demon Hunters, Taylor Swift, So You Think You Can Dance
The Visitors
Performances begin October 21, opens November 9, through December 6, 2026
When Joanna’s three siblings gather at her apartment, she hits them with a question so surprising, it forces this chaotic family to reconsider how they relate to each other. Written by Bryna Turner and directed by Jenna Worsham, The Visitors stars Celia Keenan-Bolger (To Kill a Mockingbird) and is showing at the Pershing Square Signature Center.
For fans of: Purpose, dysfunctional family comedies, Wedding Crashers
Note that Off-Broadway Week, which offers 2-for-1 tickets to select shows, runs October 5–18.
