Bringing a newbie to Broadway...any show suggestions??

Hey everyone!!

I'm heading to NYC Sept 18th - 21st, and bringing my Boyfriend who has never been to New York and has never seen a musical. Now he really wants to learn more abuot them and I would love to take him to a show, but I didn't know which one to take him too.

Preferably something comedic, that would be enjoyable to someone not too familiar with theatre.

Any suggestions??

*Charissa*

Well if he's familiar with and likes the the source material, shows based on films, like Spamalot or Young Frankenstein, might be good. I found The 39 Steps and Boeing-Boeing to be quite funny and totally accessible.

I guess something light and fluffy haha Spamalot would be good.. and Avenue Q, Hairspray, Xanadu, Young Frankenstein something like that :)

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Don't take your boyfriend to bullcrap like Phantom or Legally Blonde.

Why not try a beautiful production of a classic like Gypsy or South Pacific that are mentally engaging as well as immensely entertaining.

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In the Heights?

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THe problem with beautiful productions like South Pacific or Gypsy, is that people who aren't very familiar with theatre, for the most part, won't appreciate the history behind it.

I think something like Spamalot, Spring Awakening (maybe?), or Young Frankenstein may do well for him. Thank you all so much for your input! It really helped!

Young Frankenstein or Xanadu

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"THe problem with beautiful productions like South Pacific or Gypsy, is that people who aren't very familiar with theatre, for the most part, won't appreciate the history behind it."

When these shows first came out audience members didn't appreciate the history behind the shows. He can enjoy the show for entertainment purposes. They both still have great music, fun sogns, wonderful acting, and they are full Broadway productions. Though I wouldn't recommend Gypsy simply because it may be too long.

What does your Boyfriend like? That should factor in. I don't think simply because it's his first show should decide which show you guys see.

On that note, if "he likes everything" or "doesn't care," I'd recommend Wicked, Hairspray, Spamalot... These are all Broadway productions with costumes, dancing, singing, everything, adn can give him a true Broadway experience. Hopefully seeing one of these will make him want to come back for more (especially if you are together for a long time. You won't want to drag him, he'll willingly go )

Gypsy... Teach them from the get go what Broadway is all about. There is no better show.

He'll hate you if you pick Phantom. It's not only theatrical, it's OLD. Nothing like repetitive Webber nonsense to put a newbie to sleep.

Avenue Q, Spamalot or Young Frankenstein.

I wouldn't call them bullcrap in my opinion...I would actually recomment Phantom for the couple, but the OP wanted something comedic.

I could never, in good conscience reccommend this show to another human being.

Gypsy may be too long? Well, I was fully-engaged in Gypsy for the entire exhilerating evening, while Phantom is, to this day, the only show to ever actually put me to sleep. Who cares if he appreciates the history behind the shows or not? In my humble opinion, Gypsy and South Pacific are the two most entertaining evenings of theater to be had right now on the island of Manhattan!

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Musical: In the Heights
Non Musical: Boeing Boeing

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