Advice?

[Rose_Lee]

Posted: 7/14/08 at 4:36pm

My grandmother wanted to see a show with my sister and me this Sunday. My sister and I have seen Phantom, Spring Awakening, Rent, Gypsy and Legally Blonde already and don't need to see them again.

Our top choices were South Pacific, Wicked, Hairspray and Mary Poppins.

For Hairspray they offered Left Orch. row O. Would that be any good, or should we try the Mezzanine?

Can someone please offer honest advice or their opinions of these shows or suggest some shows that are appropriate for a family?

Thank you!

[Steve2]

Posted: 7/14/08 at 4:42pm

Wicked and South Pacific are tough tickets to get these days.

I enjoyed Mary Poppins however many on this board didn't.
Hairspray is a crowd pleaser however I haven't seen it in years (I hope it's holding up well). Xanadu is fun and may be an option for you.

Keep checking online for best seats because often good ones become available as a show approaches.

Good luck.

[Gary Indiana]

Posted: 7/14/08 at 4:45pm

How familiar is your grandmother with theater? I think of those shows Hairspray and Wicked would be best for someone who isn't obsessed with musical theater to just have a good time. I think row O would be fine. I personally prefer front Mezz, but that's just a personal preference, it's not necessarily better.

If your grandmother saw South Pacific in the original production or saw the movie it might be most fun for her to see that, as it seems to be a really popular show for older, nostolgic people (and it's a great show in general, so you and your sister would have fun too).

I saw Mary Poppins last week and didn't like it very much. The musical itself was alright, but because it's Disney, the audience is filled with excited small children. There was constant, annoying chatter throughout the show, and several crying incidents. I knew what I was getting into (it IS Mary Poppins), but it was still very frustrating, and I wouldn't recommend it at all.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 7/14/08 at 5:00pm

[TOS] or Forbidden Broadway!

Posted: 7/14/08 at 5:03pm

My grandmother used to love the review at the Gaiety theater! We'd have Francheezies and Chocolate sodas at HoJo's after and her eyes would be glowing as she recalled her favorite dancers! Memories...

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 7/14/08 at 5:17pm

Hey, Joe, my Grandpa used to work there! He was an usher. Of course whenever he said "usher", he did air quotes and gave a little wink. Whatever THAT means.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 7/14/08 at 5:18pm

Or was it the Strand? I forget.

[jordangirl]

Posted: 7/14/08 at 8:15pm

Of those, Hairspray and Mary Poppins are probably the only ones you've got a shot at.

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 7/14/08 at 8:28pm

Hairspray will probably release better seats a couple of days before the show.

[BroadwayBelle2]

Posted: 7/14/08 at 8:33pm

Try for Wicked or Hairspray.

[Rose_Lee]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 2:38pm

Thanks for your opinions. Wicked was sold out, not to my great surprise. I was really upset because the only available Hairspray seats weren't great. We called Grams and she said Mama Mia or Gypsy (I saw it with the drama club, but no one else in our family had). I would kill to see Gypsy, but my sister was complaining (8th grade girl...) and wanted to see Mama Mia.To me, Gypsy or Mama Mia is an obvious choice. But, why would we see the better show?

Anyway, at least I'll have the chance to experience something new, and add another playbill to my wall. Thanks everyone! Now I have some feedback for next time, too.

[uncageg]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 2:53pm

I say, see what your grandmother wants to see whether you have seen it already or not. She is your grandmother and, in my opinion, more imprtant than another new playbill on YOUR wall. Just my opinion. And I suggest Gypsy. Haven't seen it. But it is LuPone and Gypsy with 3 Tony wins.

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 3:30pm

I don't know your financial situation and schedule, but Mamma Mia I think has an evening show on Sunday. You can always see Gypsy in the afternoon and Mamma Mia at night.

[Rose_Lee]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 3:33pm

Thanks! That's a really good idea. I'll see if I can do that.