Spoilers for NYT Strands #31, Wednesday, April 3, 2024. The theme clue is “Play time!” The spangram is BROADWAY, and the six theme answers are WICKED, CATS, CAROUSEL, HAIRSPRAY, CABARET and GREASE.
What is the April 3, 2024 Strands theme?
The clue “Play time!” points to musicals: each of the six theme words is a musical title, while BROADWAY names their shared theatrical connection. Forbes also reported the extra hint “West End wonders?”—a secondary hint, not the main clue.
NYT Strands #31 answers
| Answer type | Word | Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Spangram | BROADWAY | Names the shared musical-theater connection |
| Theme answer | WICKED | Musical title |
| Theme answer | CATS | Musical title |
| Theme answer | CAROUSEL | Musical title |
| Theme answer | HAIRSPRAY | Musical title |
| Theme answer | CABARET | Musical title |
| Theme answer | GREASE | Musical title |
These answers are corroborated by Forbes’ April 2, 2024 guide, Fortnite Insider’s #31 answers and the WordsRated Strands archive.
How to use the theme to solve the board
Start with the clue’s reference to “Play time!” and consider titles associated with musical theater. Once BROADWAY is found, it gives you the theme connection; the remaining paths are the six musical names in the table. The answer list confirms the words, but does not provide a verified letter-by-letter route through the grid.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
How Strands hints work
Strands is played on a 6-by-8 letter grid. Connect adjacent letters vertically, horizontally or diagonally, changing direction as needed to trace each word. Every letter belongs to a theme answer or the spangram. The spangram identifies the shared theme and reaches opposite sides of the board. Finding three valid words that are not theme answers unlocks a hint that highlights a theme word. These mechanics are described in the Forbes guide and Fortnite Insider’s guide.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- PLAY WORDLE IN REAL LIFE WITH FRIENDS: Inspired by the popular digital version, Wordle: The Party Game features the same gameplay fans love, but players compete in real life to solve the Wordle
- THE WORD IS … PARTY: Swap solo play for social with this analog version of the Wordle game. Players take turns writing down a 5-letter Secret Word. The others try to guess it in the fewest tries to win
- UNLIMITED PLAY WITH DRY-ERASE BOARDS: No more waiting for a new Wordle game. Use the Wordle dry-erase boards and markers to play as many rounds as there are players. Replay again and again
- 4 WAYS TO WORDLE: Try the classic play or 3 variations. In fast mode, players race to solve the Wordle first. In timed mode, beat the clock—or receive more points. Or compete in groups with team mode
- FRIENDS & FAMILY GAME NIGHT: Break out this fun game for evenings with friends or family game nights. For ages 14 and up, it’s a great gift for adults, teens, Wordle fans, and word puzzle lovers
Rank #4
Rank #3
- Guess the Secret Word: Inspired by the most popular online word game that broke the internet, 5-Letter Wordlet is the wordle style party game families and friends can enjoy together.
- Play All Day: With 5-Letter Wordlet, the fun never ends, as players aren't limited to one word puzzle a day like the online version. Unlimited play with dry erase guessing boards and markers means unlimited fun!
- Grab and Go Game: 5-Letter Wordlet's game boards are specifically designed to pick up and hold.
- Party Game Night: Make it a party game night with 5-Letter Wordlet, the wordle based game that is great for evenings with friends and family, game nights, or date nights.
- What's Inside: The 5-Letter Wordlet Word Party Game is loaded with 3 Dry Erase Guessing Boards, 3 Dry Erase Markers, 90 Guessing Chips, 200 Secret Words, and Instructions to get your game night started in five minutes or less
Rank #2
- Wordle Experience in a Board Game – Love Wordle? Boardle brings the same addictive 5-letter word challenge to your table, no screens required. Compete in real life word-guessing duels that capture the fun of the online game in a social, face-to-face format. (This game is unaffiliated with NYT/Hasbro Wordle.)
- Head-to-Head 2-Player Word Duel – Challenge a friend or partner in a battle of wits. Boardle is a 2-player board game where each player takes turns secretly writing a 5-letter word while their partner deciphers the other’s word through strategic guesses. It’s perfect for couples’ game nights or a quick round of competitive fun with a buddy.
- Fun for Family Game Night & Parties – Bring family and friends together with this fast-paced word puzzle game. Play one-on-one or form teams for group play. Boardle spices up parties, classrooms, and family game nights by getting everyone thinking and laughing as they race to crack the code.
- Build Vocabulary & Brainpower – More than just a game, Boardle is an educational word puzzle that helps expand vocabulary and sharpen spelling skills. Great for English learners and word enthusiasts, it’s an engaging tool for teachers or parents to make learning fun. (Screen-free brain teaser!)
- Premium Quality & Complete Set – Boardle comes with a durable game board, letter tiles, color-coded clue pegs, and even a sand timer for timed rounds – everything you need for endless play. High-quality components ensure longevity, and the sleek design makes it a great gift for puzzle lovers. (Ages 14+)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.




