Before you go
What are Broadway previews?
Broadway previews are public performances before a show's official opening night. You can buy a ticket and see the production while its creative team is still making adjustments.
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Why do Broadway shows have previews?
An audience changes the rhythm of a show: a joke gets a laugh, a transition takes longer than expected, or a scene needs more clarity. Previews give the cast, crew, and writers a chance to respond before the official opening. Songs, dialogue, staging, and technical cues can change during this period.
First preview vs. opening night
- First preview
- The start of the production's public preview performances in that theatre. It is the earliest scheduled chance for a ticketed audience to see this Broadway production.
- Opening night
- The production's formal opening after previews. It marks a milestone in the run, rather than the first time an audience has watched the show.
That is why a calendar can list two dates for the same show. A November opening does not necessarily mean audiences must wait until November to attend.
An example: Galileo's Broadway dates
Galileo lists its first preview as November 10, 2026, and opening night as December 6, 2026. A November 20 performance would fall within the announced preview period. The December date is the official opening, even though public performances begin in November.
Dates checked October 27, 2026, against Galileo's official visitor information. Individual performance availability is separate from these milestones.
Should you see a preview?
Choose a preview if you like following a show's development and are comfortable seeing a version that might change. Choose a performance after opening if you would prefer to wait until the initial period of revisions is over. Neither date alone tells you whether a particular performance will be your favorite.
Treat ticket price as a separate question. Compare actual performances and seats rather than assuming that the word “preview” promises a discount. Check the production's current performance calendar and casting notices for the date you want.
A preview also does not mean a show has never been performed anywhere before. A Broadway production may follow an earlier run in another city or theatre. The preview label describes this production's position relative to its Broadway opening.
For the basic definition, see Broadway.com's preview FAQ. The choice of when to attend depends on your preferences and the production's published schedule.
Common questions about previews
Are Broadway previews open to the public?
Yes. Previews are public performances before the official opening night. If a performance is on sale during that period, you can attend with a ticket.
Is a preview the same as a dress rehearsal?
A preview is a ticketed public performance. A dress rehearsal belongs to the rehearsal process. The creative team can still adjust a production during its preview period.
How long do Broadway previews last?
There is no single length for every production. Broadway Direct describes a typical preview period as two to six weeks. Check the first preview and official opening dates for the specific show.
Find a new show to follow
Our new Broadway shows calendar puts preview dates beside opening nights. If a familiar title is returning, use the musical library to read its story and songs before comparing the new production.
Try today's Broadway puzzle →