Theater comes in all different forms. So before you drop big bucks on the Broadway fan in your life, use this guide to help steer you to the gift that is sure to blow their mind–and maybe even change their life.

For the Aspiring Actor Fan

Farinelli and the King (New York, NY)

With tickets starting at $41, it’s hard to pass up seeing Sir Mark Rylance (aka every theatre actor’s favorite) in a role that he’s originating. This 2015 comedy by Claire van Kampen, Rylance’s wife, explores the true story of why renowned baroque musician Farinelli gave up his musical career to play for the court of King Philip V. Lit by candles and scored with live traditional baroque instruments in the style of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, any aspiring actor will be floored by the intimacy of its production and the depth of the performances. Browse tickets.

For the Aspiring Dancer Fan

Chicago (New York, NY / Jacksonville, FL)

Give the young dancer in your life the old razzle-dazzle! Experiencing a cultural resurgence since the 2002 film by Rob Marshall, Chicago is known for its scathing critique of the criminal justice system shrouded in Bob Fosse’s masterful choreography and, of course, all that jazz. Chicago is playing in New York and Jacksonville straight through the holidays. Browse tickets.

For the Aspiring Singer Fan

Waitress (US Tour)

Based on an indie film from 2007, this powerful musical from 2015 is about a pregnant waitress in an unhappy marriage who sets her sights on the grand prize in a pie contest. Singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles composed the music and wrote the lyrics for what has become a pop phenomenon since debuting at the American Repertory Theatre. The show requires incredible vocal ability and has been praised for the talented singers in its cast since day one. On October 20 of this year, Waitress began its first national tour and is slated to travel to Michigan, Colorado, Wisconsin, Ohio and more. Browse tickets.

For the Aspiring Playwright Fan

Angels in America (New York, NY)

This two-part epic about the AIDS epidemic in 80s New York received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1993, the Tony Award for Best Play the same year, and was undoubtedly a major factor in playwright Tony Kushner’s reception of the National Medal of Arts from Barack Obama. Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes is one of the most celebrated plays of the 20th century, and the writer in your life will jump for joy when they find out they’re going to see this seven-hour saga live on Broadway. Look for the new envisioning of the legendary play opening February 2018. Browse tickets.

For the Old School Fan

Hello, Dolly! (New York, NY)

This revival of the 1964 Broadway classic about a widowed matchmaker and her gruff new client has received unilateral acclaim. Of Bette Midler and David Hyde Pierce in the lead roles, one expects nothing less, but look to Gavin Creel in the role of Cornelius Hackl for an unexpectedly remarkable performance which won him the Tony for Best Actor in a Featured Role. This production also won the 2017 Tony for Best Actress in a Leading Role and Best Revival of a Musical. See it before Ms. Midler takes her final bow on January 14 or wait until after then for a significant price drop. Browse tickets.

For the Shakespeare Fan

Red Velvet (Chicago, IL)

This play by Lolita Chakrabarti about the first black actor to play the lead in Othello won her the Critics’ Circle Award for Most Promising New Playwright. If there’s anything a Shakespeare fanatic loves, it’s a new lens with which to examine a Bard classic. A combination of theatre history, Shakespeare, and modern narrative all its own, this play is socially relevant meta-theatre at its best. Red Velvet opens at the esteemed Chicago Shakespeare Theatre this December 1. Browse tickets.

For the Under-10 Fan

The Lion King (US Tour)

Ahhhhhhhhhh Zabenyaaaaaa! At any age, it’s hard not to be astonished by the sheer spectacle of director Julie Taymor’s much-lauded musical based on the Disney film. But little ones will be especially amazed by the imaginative puppetry and staggering production design. Plus, who doesn’t love the original music by Elton John? If you can’t catch it on Broadway, it’s playing Buffalo, Atlanta, and Orlando this early part of 2018, so you can take the whole family in a city near you. Browse tickets.

For Every Fan

Hamilton (New York / Chicago / Los Angeles)

Sure, the prices are high, but it’s for good reason. Featuring a fully non-white cast, this hip-hop musical explores Alexander Hamilton’s role in the founding of the United States. This record-setting Tony Award winner (16 nominations and 11 wins) is a masterpiece on so many levels that it’s achieved the sort of national attention usually reserved for film and television. Hamilton is playing in New York, Chicago, and LA for the foreseeable future. Take any fan of theatre for a night to remember. Browse tickets.