Broadway Shows for First Time Visitors

I have 2 friends coming from Vermont next weekend and one hasn't been to a Broadway show in about 5 years, the other has never been to a Broadway show. Both of them are in their mid 30's, LGBT friendly (they are lesbians) and they want a show that really represents the magic of Broadway. It's always a thrilling experience taking someone to theater who has never been.

A few shows come to mind (some I have seen and some I haven't!). For the first time in a long time, there are so many shows out there they would like. I figured I would go to the experts on what you would recommend.

The Great Comet
Kinky Boots
The Color Purple
Something Rotten
School of Rock
Waitress

anything else?



thanks!

Updated On: 11/3/16 at 12:22 AM

I'd recommend Waitress or The Color Purple. Although The Color Purple has a greater emotional impact, part of the Broadway experience, to me, is in the staging and Waitress wins over the minimalist production of Purple.

BroadwayConcierge said: "Great Comet is a bit too nouveau for first-time visitors, in my opinion, and Rotten! may require a bit too much theatre knowledge. Kinky Boots, Color Purple, SoR, and Waitress are great picks, IMO. I'd also recommend Wicked (and maybe Phantom). "

Agreed, and Wicked is a great choice for a first-time visitor!

Chiming back in to say that Wicked is categorically the best "magic of Broadway," "thrilling experience" show for first-time visitors. There are plenty of options, of course, but Wicked is primo.

Another vote for Wicked, unless they see touring productions of musicals sometimes, just not *on* Broadway.

Otherwise you could also go with one of the Disney shows. Both Lion King and Aladdin have plenty of "magic" and should be great fun for first timers.

Kinky Boots probably a good choice too. Waitress as well. It's just not as showy and glitzy as Wicked or the Disney shows.

I agree about Something Rotten. It's just so much better when you get all the inside jokes. Color Purple is pretty minimalist, as has been said.

My suggestions (in order of decreasing preferences) would be Wicked, Kinky Boots, Falsettos. You can throw The Color Purple on there because the tickets would probably be pretty cheap right now because of TKTS discounts. I'd avoid Phantom - it is a worn down production. I revisited 2 months ago, and wasn't a fan at all.