Located on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., The National Theatre is the oldest venue still showing touring Broadway shows. In the coming months, “The Book of Mormon,” “The Great Gatsby,” “SUFFS,” “Beetlejuice” and “The Notebook” are showing at the theater.

For a classic comedic musical, “The Book of Mormon,” which runs from April 28 to May 3, and “Beetlejuice,” being performed from July 7-19, are perfect options. While “The Book of Mormon” is nowadays considered to not be very politically correct, the nine-time Tony award-winning musical will still induce many laughs. 

In the romance genre, “The Great Gatsby,” at The National Theatre from May 12-24, and “The Notebook,” which runs from August 18-30, are great options. I would recommend first reading the books the musicals are based on or watching their movie adaptations, as comparing them to the musicals can be a fun experience. 

Attending a musical at The National Theatre is an experience like no other, as you feel the history of the space while watching the show. With a wide variety of well-known musicals coming soon, it’s impossible to go wrong.

The Kennedy Center, a renowned venue for the performing arts, is expected to welcome a few musicals this summer, though some may be canceled as the theater is set to close following July 4. 

Touring first to the Kennedy Center from June 17 through July 5 is “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” which last came in 2023. As an attendee of the musical’s last tour to the Kennedy Center, I can safely say that this is worth watching. From the elaborate set and costumes to the familiar songs, this musical is a very enjoyable watch. While “Back to the Future: The Musical,” “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “The Outsiders” are expected this summer, the impending closure could prevent these engagements from taking place.

“Back to the Future: The Musical,” which is being performed from July 7-19, and “Mrs. Doubtfire,” which runs from July 14 through August 2, are comedic musicals, with the former featuring sci-fi elements and the latter focusing on heartfelt family dynamics. Showing at the Kennedy Center from July 28 through August 16, “The Outsiders” is a four-Tony Award-winning coming-of-age story with a more serious tone and has become a hit on Broadway.

If these musicals do run this summer, I would definitely recommend attending. They are a great opportunity to see new shows that have been adapted from classic books and movies. 

The Hippodrome Theatre in Baltimore has an eclectic mix of musicals coming to the theater this summer. This includes “Kimberly Akimbo,” “Bat Out Of Hell: The Musical,” “SUFFS” and “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical.”

Two of the musicals, “Bat Out Of Hell: The Musical” and “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical,” are jukebox musicals that use previously released songs. The former, being performed on May 10, uses music from the album “Bat Out of Hell” by Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf and the latter, which runs from June 23-28, exclusively uses music from Neil Diamond’s catalogue. 

If you are interested in a classic, “SUFFS” is a great option about the suffragists movement leading up to the approval of the 19th Amendment, which runs from May 26-31. While the plot of “Kimberly Akimbo” may not sound compelling to some, the Tony award-winning musical running from April 28 through May 3 is a great option for those looking for a quirky and humorous show about growing up.

The unique mix of lesser-known musicals coming to the Hippodrome Theatre is perfect for musical connoisseurs who are looking to see something different. With a variety of different musicals coming to local theaters this spring and summer, there is something for everyone’s taste.