Choosing a show for an upcoming NY visit

[Keiichi2]

Posted: 11/9/25 at 9:21am

I'm planning to fly out to NY in February, mainly to meet with my screenwriting manager, for a four day period from the 17th to the 20th. Normally, me visiting NY would be built around seeing as much theater as humanly possible, but given that cash is a bit tight at the moment and it's a business oriented trip, I am limiting myself to one.  

 

I'm trying to choose between the following shows. Each have their own Pros and Cons for me, so I would like the help of the good people here in deciding that if you had to choose between these shows, which one would you see?

 

CHESS - I have loved the Concept and Original Broadway Cast albums since childhood. The only time I have seen it performed was a mind-numbingly awful high school production back in 2000 that I could make an entire post talking about it, but I will spare the details. It'd be great to see a competent (or even semi-competent) production, but I also understand that the show has a number of issues still. 

 

RAGTIME - Another long time favorite of mine. I did see the 2009 revival, which I loved, which is the main setback I have with this. I'm wondering how different the new revival is and if it's worth catching if I saw the previous one. I'm leaning more to this one than Chess if I must be honest.

 

TWO STRANGERS CARRY A CAKE ACROSS NEW YORK - It might be nice to support this year's "little show" that is getting a huge amount of buzz, however. I've loved the songs that I have looked up, so this is a strong possibility as well.

 

There is a possibility that this trip might be moved to mid to late March. If this happens, I am definitely adding Giant with John Lithgow to my list.  

 

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.

[Zeppie2022]

Posted: 11/9/25 at 11:21am

I would vote for Chess (I am going in March). Love the music and chance to see personal favorites Aaron Tveit and Lea Michele make it a must for me. You can't go wrong with any selection, enjoy!!

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 11/9/25 at 11:23am

Ragtime

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 11/9/25 at 11:59am

Ive seen all three recently and all had incredible strengths. But something is happening at Lincoln Center that is unlike anything I've seen there since before Covid. It's electric, the cast is perfect in all the ways a cast can be, and the score (the most perfect score in Broadway history) has never sounded better. Run, don't walk to see Joshua Henry earn his Tony! 

Updated On: 11/9/25 at 11:59 AM

[Mike66]

Posted: 11/9/25 at 12:30pm

Today I would say RAGTIME.

But I would wait until the reviews come out on TWO STRANGERS -- since its only a few days from now -- and see if your fav reviewer(s) have as advice for that show.

 

 

[Cheesecake2]

Posted: 11/9/25 at 12:34pm

If Liberation extends, that’s the one you’re gonna want to see