Bandstand or Miss Saigon

Taking a friend to see a show, can't decide between these two. Thoughts?

Depends on what you like. They're very different shows that provide very different experiences,

"Bandstand" has a (fairly homogenous) big band score, a "Lifetime Movie"-esque plot, great dancing, and Tony-winning swing choreography. Decent performances by the two leads.

"Miss Saigon" is a classic with a gorgeous traditional Broadway score, a harrowing and controversial storyline, and no big "dance" numbers ("Morning of the Dragon" notwithstanding). Outstanding performances by the two leads.

Personally, I love "Miss Saigon" and am able to overlook its problematic elements because the score and story sweep me away each time. I found "Bandstand" to have a couple effective moments, but overall to be a fairly bland night at theater. For me, it's not even a contest: "Miss Saigon" without question. But not everybody is like me; some would rather have a light and fun evening than see something heart-wrenching. And that's fine. :)

Hope that helps!

Bandstand Hands Down!

Bandstand should have been nominated for best musical and far exceeds in entertainment value both The Great Comet, ComeFrom Away and Ground Hog Day. (Don't bite my head off.. my opinion.)

Bandstand is an old fashioned broadway musical with good music and great dancing and story that is involving and doesn't dissappoint. It is a beautiful and underrated musical.

Miss Saigon belongs to the poperretta vein of overly melodramatic pop musicals such as Phantom, Les Miz, the Pirate Queen, Jeckyl and Hyde... the British stuff that ruined Broadway in the 80's. It is considered a classic but it is overrated and takes itself far too seriously. It thinks its M Butterfly set in Viet Nam for God Sakes.

Go see Bandstand. You will have a good time and see a show that shows what Broadway is all about.

Bandstand left me cold and it didn't work for me until halfway through act 2. It is just way too generic and I feel the choreography is more distracting than helping. Miss Saigon, on the other hand, has substance but this means your opinion will vary depending on the way you interpret it.

I don't know why some people always have to confuse the OP even more by suggesting something that's not on their list. There could such a variety of reasons it's not of their choices, in this case the most likely their visit is after the closing date. So that's just not helpful.

Sorry, rant over, but that always annoys me.

I'd pick Bandstand out of those too. In my opinion the story has a lot of substance and a lot of heart. And it's told with a good amount of humor. The music is fabulous, a sweeping big band score with amazing dance numbers (that deservedly won the Tony). I personally think Laura Osnes is great in it, and so is Cory Cott and the rest of the cast, who all play their own instruments! I agree with what someone else said, it should have been nominated for Best Musical (over Groundhog Day, which really is kinda bland and has quite a forgettable score).

Miss Saigon was good too, but I had a few issues with the story and it's just very (melo-) dramatic. Some of the songs are great and the performances all are too. I don't really have much crititical to say about it, overall I just liked Bandstand better and it's definitely the more fun night out!

I vote for "Bandstand" also. I will admit I am a fan of big band music and love dance shows. I saw it in April and really enjoyed it, thought both leads were great.

Miss Saigon.

It's a no-brainer. Miss Saigon is one of the best shows ever written. Can't really say the same about Bandstand.

Updated On: 6/17/17 at 09:22 AM

Dancingthrulife2 said: "Bandstand left me cold and it didn't work for me until halfway through act 2. It is just way too generic and I feel the choreography is more distracting than helping. Miss Saigon, on the other hand, has substance but this means your opinion will vary depending on the way you interpret it.



"

Agreed! I prefer Miss Saigon over bandstand.

goldenboy said: It thinks its M Butterfly set in Viet Nam for God Sakes.

Well, not exactly. It's based on Madame Butterfly (which M. Butterfly is also based on), and it doesn't "think" it's Madame Butterfly any more than West Side Story thinks it's Romeo and Juliet, or Rent thinks it's La Boheme.

Another vote for Miss Saigon! I preferred it to Bandstand, plus it's a great revival of a classic megamusical with two amazing lead performances (Eva Noblezada and Jon Jon Briones).

Bandstand, not even close. First of all, it's NEW. There's nothing like seeing a new piece of theater. Second, the dancing is sensational. Third, the story is powerful and really impactful. Fourth, the score has some incredible hit songs. Welcome Home will move you completely.

Bandstand.