Choosing My First Broadway Shows

[DBAK]

Posted: 7/18/21 at 2:55pm

After waiting virtually my whole life, I am going to be able to visit the city with my partner in March. We're seeing 2 shows together, and I'm planning to see 2 more by myself. The two shows we've agreed on are Wicked and Company. I've seen regional/touring companies several times, but I've wanted to see Wicked on Broadway for 20 years. Sondheim is my absolute favorite composer, so seeing Company is a no brainer.

Trying to choose another two shows, I'm completely overwhelmed. I'd love to hear some of your opinions and suggestions if you have any. Thanks!

[gibsons2]

Posted: 7/18/21 at 3:28pm

Hadestown is a must. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child would be the other great choice.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 7/18/21 at 3:31pm

How exciting! You made two great picks for the first two shows! I would also recommend Hadestown. It is a beautiful show that is very different from the other two shows you are seeing.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 7/18/21 at 3:52pm

That is really wonderful, I hope you have an amazing experience! I agree with these knowledge posters above me. Hadestown is just hands down brilliant with such gorgeous music. Book it!

[uncageg]

Posted: 7/18/21 at 5:13pm

I too suggest "Hadestown". See it in a Broadway theater. There is a particular part of the show I would assume, for me at least, would not have the same impact in a larger touring house. Hopefully Andre' De Shields is still with it and you can see his wonderful performance.

I would also recommend "Girl From the North Country". I am not familiar with all of Bob Dylan's music so only knew 2 songs. That turned out to be great as those other songs were new to me and really worked in the show. I do plan to see it again.

And yes, if you are a Harry Potter fan, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" is a must. It will also work out for you as it is now one part instead of two. Really sad that it is being cut down but I am sure it will still be worth seeing. I plan to see it again also.

The one show I just feel should be seen on Broadway is "Phantom of the Opera". The touring productions have been wonderful but there is just something about seeing it in a Broadway house. That's just me though!

Have a wonderful trip and hope you enjoy the shows you choose to see! (And yes, seeing "Wicked" on Broadway for a "Wicked" fan is a must!)

[BCfitasafiddle]

Posted: 7/18/21 at 5:32pm

Congratulations on your big trip! How wonderful. That time of year on Broadway is always buzzing with excitement. I'd suggest seeing the revival of The Music Man if you can. It'll be definitely a once in a lifetime experience with the casting. 

Also, perhaps a new musical as well? Flying Over Sunset at Lincoln Center is highly anticipated for its originality and complexity. Mrs. Doubtfire promises to be a fun night of heartwarming musical comedy.

My biggest suggestion would be Six The Musical. I saw it before it was slated to open. It's sensational. 

Whatever you pick: you will have a fantastic time. Enjoy each moment of your trip. I hope there are many more to come over the years.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 7/18/21 at 6:45pm

Hadestown, and Come From Away (just a delightful, heartwarming show, and a very different style than your other choices)

[Alexander Lamar]

Posted: 7/18/21 at 7:45pm

Another vote for a hadestown here.

[Brave Sir Robin2]

Posted: 7/18/21 at 11:21pm

Another vote for Come From Away and Hadestown!

[bear88]

Posted: 7/18/21 at 11:46pm

I forget when new shows are opening, but I might keep a slot open for a new show or something else you decide you want to see between now and then. There might be a show that gets rave reviews that you really want to see.

Hadestown would be a good choice, in part because the staging on Broadway is quite impressive and can’t be replicated on tour. No idea who will be in the cast by then.

You might need to decide about The Music Man because it’s selling well.

Five years ago, on my first trip back to Broadway in years, the first show we saw was Wicked at my daughter’s insistence even though we had seen it on tour. You will have a good time.

I want to see the Company revival myself.

[blaxx]

Posted: 7/19/21 at 12:50am

DBAK said: "After waiting virtually my whole life, I am going to be able to visit the city with my partner in March. We're seeing 2 shows together, and I'm planning to see 2 more by myself. The two shows we've agreed on are Wicked and Company. I've seen regional/touring companies several times, but I've wanted to see Wicked on Broadway for 20 years. Sondheim is my absolute favorite composer, so seeing Company is a no brainer.

Trying to choose another two shows,I'm completely overwhelmed. I'd love to hear some of your opinions and suggestions if you have any. Thanks!"

Please try seeing a play. So many good ones out there!

[Broadway61004]

Posted: 7/19/21 at 10:22am

blaxx said: "Please try seeing a play. So many good ones out there!"

^I wholeheartedly second this.  It's a very different experience seeing a Broadway play and a Broadway musical, so I definitely recommend making at least 1 of your 4 shows a play so that you can experience both.  As for which plays, it really depends on what interests you (comedy, drama, historical, modern, large scale, small scale, etc.).  With the musicals, I'm in the extreme minority who hated Hadestown, but I do agree that the staging of it will be impossible to replicate on tour, so if you've listened to the music and it seems like something you'd want to see, I'd recommend seeing it on Broadway rather than on tour.

Updated On: 7/19/21 at 10:22 AM