Off Broadway Shows: Various

Most people think of "off-Broadway" shows as smaller, lesser known and perhaps less-expensive-to-see plays.  However, given the way NYC attracts great crowds and people interested in the arts, you can actually see fabulous, richly-produced, and pricey plays off-Broadway.

Just last week, I saw the critically acclaimed "War Horse" at the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center (see right) and over the weekend I saw "As You Like It" by the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Armory (see above).  These unique shows are amazing (if you want to catch Shakespeare by the Royal Shakespeare Company, as of today you have 6 more chances before they leave after August 14, 2011) and, while expensive, they are worth the splurge.

Of course there are great smaller theaters that put on fantastic off-Broadway shows.  Look for up and coming productions at places like Cherry Lane, Vineyard Theater, and The Public Theater.  Check them out if you get the chance.  Who knows, maybe you'll be one of the first to see a new classic (like Nunsense at Cherry Lane over 10 years ago).

P.S. If you want to get a big dose of British theater, you could do what I did quite by accident last week and see 3 British plays by adding the Broadway production of "Billy Elliott" to the above.