At Columbus Circle, NYC: Free Broadway Under the Stars Thursdays Start Nov. 12

The Shops at Columbus Circle is bringing back Broadway Under the Stars, a free holiday-season series that puts working Broadway casts on its second-floor stage every Thursday at 5pm from November 12 through December 17. The stage sits beneath a display of stars and lights.

Each evening pairs short musical performances from current shows with a Q&A with cast members, led by Broadway alum George Psomas. It is a chance to hear performers talk about the work from a few feet away. There is no event on Thanksgiving, November 26.

The lineup changes weekly. On November 12: Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), Maybe Happy Ending and The Heart. November 19: Operation Mincemeat, The Lost Boys and SIX The Musical. December 3: The Outsiders, & Juliet and The Fantasticks. December 10: The Lion King, Aladdin and Schmigadoon! The finale on December 17 features Chicago, Wanted and The Book of Mormon.

For visitors deciding which show to buy tickets for, it works as a free preview, and for locals it is an easy early-evening stop before dinner. Several of the titles, including The Lion King, Aladdin and Chicago, are long-running favorites with international audiences.

The Shops are at 10 Columbus Circle. Mall hours are 10am to 8pm Monday through Saturday and 11am to 7pm on Sundays. Show descriptions for each date are posted on the mall's website.