Hit Broadway shows aren’t limited to the theatre, the musical talents hit just as well through the orchestra, no matter the style.

One of the best things about theatre and concerts comes in how well they can mesh and/or play off each other. Experience the sensation through the lens of the Colorado Symphony and the Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ Broadway tours as the two showcase pop favorites, classic tunes, and stars of the stage. From movies with live scores to award-winning musicals highlighted through the instrumental side, these five shows at the Colorado Symphony will resonate with Broadway lovers and shouldn’t be missed. 

A Holiday Evening with Ingrid Michaelson on November 30

Before seeing the stage rendition of The Notebook at the Buell Theatre (December 16- 28), hear the woman behind the music first. That’s right, Ingrid Michaelson performs on November 30 with the Colorado Symphony, showcasing holiday tunes from her acclaimed album, Ingrid Michaelson’s Songs For The Season.

In 2019 Michaelson crafted the music and lyrics for the musical adaptation of The Notebook, a popular 2004 film starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, which is based on the 1996 book by Nicholas Sparks. The Broadway premiere of the musical took place at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on March 14, 2024. Now it’s on tour, so you can double up on the Michaelson magic with the holiday show, followed by The Notebook on stage. 

Elf in Concert on December 22 and 23

If you were lucky enough to catch Elf the Musical in 2017 at the Buell Theatre, you’ll understand why booking a ticket to the Colorado Symphony’s rendition of Elf in Concert is a holiday must. Conducted by Nicholas Hersh, the orchestra brings to life John Debney’s festive score as it compliments a screening of the movie in real time. The event once again shows the many ways music can add a layer to art, be that film, stage, or instrumental theater. 

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire on January 16 and 18

When orchestras started performing live scores to beloved movies, it opened a whole world of immersive experiences. While this isn’t the first time the Colorado Symphony played along with a Harry Potter movie, it never ceases to astound. 

Experience the magic yourself when conductor Justin Freer and company take on Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, complete with a large-screen showing of the film. Pair that event with the upcoming tour of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, showing at the Buell Theatre May 30 through June 21. The award-winning play follows Harry Potter’s son Albus as he befriends Scorpious, son of Potter’s famed rival, Draco Malfoy. The pair go on to adventure, shifting the wizarding world as we know it.

An Evening with Sutton Foster and Kelli O’Hara on February 26, 2026

While not dedicated to just one Broadway musical, songbirds Kelli O’Hara and Sutton Foster have harnessed the power of the show with a tribute to the 1962 CBS special “Julie and Carol at Carnegie Hall.” The iconic production featured Broadway and silver screen legends Julie Andrews and Carol Burnett singing an assortment of tunes from nursery rhymes to popular ditties to classic songs. 

The current rendition stars Tony Award-winning singer, dancer, and actress Sutton Foster who recently appeared in Meredith Willson’s The Music Man on Broadway (the touring production comes to the Buell Theatre Feb 127-Mar 1, albeit sans Foster) and Kelli O’Hara (whome Denver audience may remember from the DCPA’s 2016 gala, Saturday Night Alive). Expect the duo to belt out songs from their own hit shows, quip about life and the industry, and share heartwarming stories, all while the Colorado Symphony provides the musical backbone. 

One thing to note, the original date for the show was November 15, 2025, but it’s been rescheduled for February 26, 2026. All tickets purchased will be honored on the new date.

Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet on March 20 through 22

A centuries-old tale never sounded so fresh as it does through a live production. Join conductor Peter Oundjian as he leads the Colorado Symphony through highlights of Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet ballet score (which has also been done through the Colorado Ballet). Not only that, but the first part of the show will showcase the world premiere of American composer Christopher Theofanidis’ latest composition. Headlining that aspect you’ll experience a double concerto with violinist Yumi Hwang-Williams and percussionist Svet Stoyanov.

But how does that relate to Broadway? While completely different in music and overall story line, last season we saw the tour of the award-winning & Juliet come through Denver, and it wasn’t something we could easily forget. It’s also the perfect example of how a story most of us know well can be retold and modernized in a way that’s just as enjoyable as the original. The energetic soundtrack was composed by Swedish pop songwriter Max Martin, and the book written by David West Read, who is known for his work on the hit sitcom Schitt’s Creek.

Visit the Colorado Symphony for a full lineup of these shows and many more.