I think American Psycho will be a stretch for many people.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
Waitress, Shuffle Along, Bright Star and She Loves Me
I have not seen, nor have I any chance of seeing these, so these suggestions are ME living vicariously through YOU. First and foremost, THANK YOU for limiting the options. It made the selection process sooooo much easier! ...and a huge hug for not including Hamilton (it would probably just be a 'given' in anybody's list...).
I chose Waitress and Shuffle Along because they are brand, spankin' new, and have pretty great publicity. Better to be in on the ground floor and form your own opinions (especially if those opinions are sprinkled with positive pre-opening word of mouth) I always say.
Bright Star and She Loves Me because I've heard the cast albums for both, and both scores are knockouts for completely different reasons. Additionally, Bright Star because it may not be around long and I fear that you'll (we'll) miss a Tony-award winning performance.
She Loves Me, also because:
a) Laura Benanti - besides her obviously gorgeous singing voice, I dare you to listen to her two, recent Theater People podcast episodes and not fall in love with her, or insist that she be your absolute BFF (along with her mother).
b) Zachary Levi. He was absolutely adorkable in Chuck. In a fairly short time, he's really made a serious name for himself in musical theater (who knew??). Please see this show so you can tell him how much I love him.
c) Jane Krakowski. I've heard a bootleg of the entire Roundabout Benefit Concert and Jane is marvelous. See this production, then you and I will toast with glasses of Trop 50.
I can only speak to three of the shows. She Loves Me is by far the best of the bunch. It's a wonderful show, and I loved it. Having seen the original, I can tell you that this is almost as good. I say that because nothing beats Barbara Cook! Although Laura Benanti is a sensation all her own. I could easily see it again.
Waitress was terrible and should be 86ed from anyone's list. While Jesse Meuller is by far the best and only thing about the show. Otherwise the characters are cartoonish clicjes, the music is dull O(sorry Sarah Barellis fans. I just didn't like it) and the emotion was lacking
American Psycho drove me crazy. I wanted to like it, but the music was fair, there were no stand-out performances, and I was bored. The only thing the show has going for it are the beautiful bodies.