You know that feeling when you're standing in the lobby of the Old National Centre, holding a $15 plastic cup of Chardonnay, waiting for the chimes to tell you it's showtime? There’s an energy there. It’s not just about the velvet seats or the fancy outfits; it's about that specific Indianapolis brand of theater magic. Honestly, if you think you have to fly to NYC to see "real" theater, you're basically missing out on some of the best tours hitting the Midwest right now.
The Indianapolis Broadway shows 2025 lineup is, frankly, a monster. We’ve got a mix of heavy hitters that have been around the block and some fresh, neon-soaked musicals that are finally making their way to the 317.
But here is the thing: a lot of people mess up the timing. They wait until they see a billboard on I-65 to check for tickets, and by then, you’re stuck behind a pillar or paying five times the face value on a sketchy resale site. Let’s break down what’s actually happening on our stages this year so you don't end up with FOMO.
The Heavy Hitters: Hamilton and Les Miz Are Back
Yeah, I know. You’ve probably seen Hamilton or Les Misérables before. Or at least you’ve heard the soundtracks enough to know every word. But seeing them in Indy hits different.
Les Misérables is taking over Clowes Memorial Hall from November 4 to 9, 2025. It’s the classic Cameron Mackintosh production. Expect the barricades, the revolving stage (well, the updated version of it), and a lot of crying in the dark. It’s a marathon of a show, but there’s a reason it’s been around since the 80s. The sheer scale of it inside Clowes is something else.
📖 Related: Alfonso Cuarón: Why the Harry Potter 3 Director Changed the Wizarding World Forever
Then, there’s the big one. Hamilton returns to the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre from December 2 to 14, 2025. It’s staying for two weeks, which is a decent chunk of time, but don’t let that fool you. These tickets disappear faster than a tenderloin sandwich at the State Fair.
- Venue Note: The Murat is beautiful, but the acoustics can be tricky depending on where you sit.
- Pro Tip: If you can, aim for the mid-orchestra. You want to see the choreography and the "turntable" stage floor clearly for Hamilton.
Something New? & Juliet and MJ The Musical
If you’re tired of the "classics," 2025 (and the very start of 2026) has some wild cards.
& Juliet is kinda the sleeper hit of the season. It’s written by David West Read—one of the masterminds behind Schitt's Creek—and it basically asks: "What if Juliet didn't kill herself at the end of the play?" It's a jukebox musical packed with Max Martin songs. Think Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, and Katy Perry. It hits Clowes Memorial Hall in June 2026, so it's technically at the tail end of the season, but the buzz is already starting.
Then there is MJ The Musical. This one lands at the Old National Centre from January 13 to 18, 2026. It focuses on Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour. It doesn't matter what you think of the man; the choreography in this show is insane. It won a ton of Tonys for a reason. The moonwalk on stage? It’s a whole vibe.
👉 See also: Why the Cast of Hold Your Breath 2024 Makes This Dust Bowl Horror Actually Work
Why 2025 is Different for Indy Theater
We've seen a shift in how Broadway in Indianapolis handles their season. They’re splitting the big shows between Clowes Memorial Hall (up at Butler University) and the Old National Centre (downtown).
Clowes has that collegiate, academic atmosphere. It feels "proper." The Old National Centre, specifically the Murat Theatre, feels like a rock concert venue that happens to be hosting a musical. Depending on the show, the venue change really shifts the mood. Seeing a whodunit like Clue (coming April 14-19, 2026) in a historic, slightly creepy downtown theater just feels right.
The Full 2025-2026 Schedule at a Glance
- Les Misérables: Nov 4-9, 2025 (Clowes Memorial Hall)
- Hamilton: Dec 2-14, 2025 (Old National Centre)
- MJ The Musical: Jan 13-18, 2026 (Old National Centre)
- The Wiz: March 17-22, 2026 (Clowes Memorial Hall)
- Clue: April 14-19, 2026 (Old National Centre)
- Disney’s Beauty and the Beast: May 5-10, 2026 (Old National Centre)
- & Juliet: June 16-21, 2026 (Clowes Memorial Hall)
Wait, I almost forgot The Wiz. It’s coming in March 2026. This isn't your grandma’s version of Oz. It’s got a fresh infusion of material from Amber Ruffin and direction by Schele Williams. It’s soulful, it’s loud, and it’s a massive homecoming for a show that hasn’t had a major tour like this in years.
How to Actually Get Tickets Without Getting Robbed
Seriously, don't just Google "Hamilton Indy tickets" and click the first link. That’s how you end up paying $400 for a seat in the back row.
✨ Don't miss: Is Steven Weber Leaving Chicago Med? What Really Happened With Dean Archer
The only official spots are Broadway in Indianapolis, Ticketmaster, and the venue box offices. If the site looks like it was designed in 2004 and has a countdown timer screaming at you to "BUY NOW," run away.
Subscription packages are usually the way to go if you want to see more than two shows. You get better seats, and it usually works out cheaper per ticket. But if you're a "one show a year" person, sign up for the eCLUB. They send out pre-sale codes that give you a 24-hour head start on the general public.
Final Insights for Your Theater Night
Look, Indianapolis isn't just a "flyover" city for these tours. We get the big sets and the original Broadway cast replacements. To make the most of it, plan your parking ahead of time. Downtown can be a nightmare if there's a Pacers game at the same time as a show at the Murat.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Dates: Mark your calendar for the Hamilton and Les Misérables windows now.
- Join the eCLUB: Go to the official Broadway in Indianapolis website and get on the email list. It’s the only way to get those pre-sale codes.
- Verify Your Venue: Double-check if your show is at Clowes or the Murat before you head out. I've seen people show up at the wrong one, and trying to get from 46th Street to Downtown in 10 minutes is a losing battle.
- Set a Ticket Alert: If the show you want says "on sale soon," set a phone alert for the morning they drop. Popular shows like Hamilton can sell out their best seats within the first hour of the public sale.