I thought it would have occured much earlier than this...but the first show I saw by myself was "Thou Shalt Not" (and I guess any potential show-going partner for that night should be thankful of that fact).
Every other time I saw a show in NYC, I had either been travelling in the city with friends/family, or met friends who were NYC residents at the theatre.
"You pile up enough tomorrows, and you'll find you are left with nothing but a lot of empty yesterdays. I don't know about you, but I'd like to make today worth remembering." --Harold Hill from The Music Man
The first show I ever saw alone in NYC: The Producers starring Hunter Foster as Bloom.
I love seeing shows alone. I will always invite someone, but if no one can come and see anything, or no one is willing to spend some money to see a show, I love going myself and enjoying theatre. Finding a cheap ticket for a great show.
I go to NYC 1-2 times per year, and see between 7 and 11 shows (usually in 5-8 days) and see most of them alone. Sometimes my NYC friends will join me, but I love the cathardic experience of attending theatre. I love it.
A Christmas Carol with Patrick Stewart, but I was alone because I was paid to be there. Can't remember what I 1st paid to see alone. Not really a fan of going to the theatre w/o someone else there to compare notes with.
Thoroughly Modern Millie It was my 4th of 7 times seeing that show. Lately though, I've been seeing a lot of shows by myself, usually on a whim, sometimes just to see an early preview before everyone else. I'll be there for Shreck and Billie Elliott.
I think it would be Spamalot. I completely agree that seeing theatre alone is fantastic. I can have whatever reaction I want to have to the show, and it is ok. I love being surrounded by strangers who are all taking the same journey. I love not feeling embarrased when I cry. I especially enjoy seeing shows for the first time alone. It really allows me to form my own opinion to the piece.
So, that was the Drowsy Chaperone. Oh, I love it so much. I know it's not a perfect show...but it does what a musical is supposed to do. It takes you to another world, and it gives you a little tune to carry with you in your head for when you're feeling blue. Ya know?
The first would be The Producers. And I thought there were more, but after looking back at ticket stubs and Playbills, that is the only one! However, that will most likely change next week if I want to see as much as I want to see up there in the city!
"I mean, sitting side by side with another man watching Patti LuPone play Rose in GYPSY on Broadway is essentially the equivalent of having hardcore sex." -Wanna Be A Foster.
"Say 'Goody.' Say 'Bubbi.'" ... "That's it. Exactly as if it were 'Goody.' Now I know you're gonna sing 'Goody' this time, but nevertheless..."
Wicked On Tour in Baltimore. My Dad and I were visiting people there so we tried the lotto and we lost and they only had seat so I went by myself. And then I saw Rent a few times on my own in NYC!
I was in boarding school, and home sick with mono. I had a noon doctor's appointment and after I left the doctor, I took a cab to the Majestic and saw a matinee of Mack and Mabel.
I was tired and sick, but it was the best medicine in the world.
My parents were very pissed when I got home, but how do you punish a sick kid?
Aida. But I've seen many shows alone since then. I like seeing shows alone because I don't have to worry about anyone else liking the show or stuff like that... but I also dislike seeing a show alone because I love discussing the show over drinks or dinner afterwards.
"Because talent isn't genius, and no amount of energy can make it so. I want to be great, or nothing."
I don't remember for sure, but it was probably when the Les Miz tour was in San Francisco in 2002. If you want to count regional, then definitely an excellent local production of The Secret Garden. (The first time I ever saw a musical twice!)
"This thread reads like a series of White House memos." — Mister Matt