Deciding between 2 shows - need advice

[Keiichi2]

Posted: 12/24/15 at 7:41am

So, I'm heading back to NY April 2nd to the 7th for my Spring Theater trip, and will be seeing 8 shows.  I have most of the shows picked, but am trying to decide between two for a slot on Sunday afternoon, April 3rd.

 

I know that these are two very different shows, but I am trying to decide between the new revival of Fiddler (because I have loved a lot of the other productions by Bartlett Sher) and The Humans.  I have seen Fiddler many times, but the raves this new production received have enticed me.  Obviously, The Humans would be a new play.  Those of you who saw it Off Broadway, are there any other shows you could compare it to?  That might help make up my mind a little.

 

Also, any help you can give on the running times for both shows (if you remember roughly how long The Humans was Off Broadway), that would help with making dinner plans for that evening.

 

Thanks in advance for any help or information!

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 12/24/15 at 8:07am

Fiddler is an absolute must see in my book. I would not miss it. 

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 12/24/15 at 11:47am

Running times are listed on New York Times reviews. Fiddler runs close to three hours, though the review says 2:35.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/21/theater/review-a-fiddler-on-the-roof-revival-with-an-echo-of-modernity.html?_r=0

The Humans is 90 minutes.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/26/theater/review-the-humans-a-family-thanksgiving-for-a-fearful-middle-class.html

I did not like this production of Fiddler, but then again, I don't really like Fiddler.

[alliesinger]

Posted: 12/24/15 at 11:49am

I saw Fiddler last night and liked it, but I think The Humans is unmissable. Humans would get my vote.

[TerrenceIsTheMann]

Posted: 12/24/15 at 11:49am

The Humans, which is a great new play. Fiddler is okay, but not on the same level..

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 12/24/15 at 12:46pm

Do not miss this production of Fiddler. Especially with Danny.

[wonderfulwizard11]

Posted: 12/24/15 at 12:52pm

I haven't yet seen this production of Fiddler, though I'm sure Danny Burstein is excellent. I would vote regardless for The Humans, though- it's a beautiful play with a stellar cast. Fiddler is bound to be revived again, but The Humans may not have the same longevity, so I think it's worth it to see that instead. 

[Mike66]

Posted: 12/24/15 at 5:36pm

I haven't seen either show, so take my thoughts with a grain of salt.

 

Like the OP, I travel to NY from some distance, stay in a hotel, and try to cram as much as I can into a weekend.  My problem with many of the new shows is that 90 minutes isn't an "evening of theatre" (and we wont discuss whether 75 minutes of entertainment is entitled to charge the prices they charge).

 

Last visit in, we saw Fool for Love with Arianda.  It was good.  We left the theatre and walked towards Times Square, passing Gentlemen's Guide -- which was just starting the second act. 

 

Maybe I'm just old and scruffy, but it's no darn fun going for dessert after the show at 9:30......

 

(So I guess that's a vote for Fiddler.....)

m

 

 

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 12/24/15 at 5:43pm

The Humans

[KathyNYC2]

Posted: 12/24/15 at 5:53pm

I loved the Humans and it's wonderful to have the opportunity to see an original cast of a new play. Plus Jayne Houdyshell is not to be missed.

Personally I had very mixed feelings at Fiddler but in all fairness i saw it early previews..and I know that's not fair to judge from a preview.

I would still vote for Humans.

[Comden Green]

Posted: 12/24/15 at 6:11pm

Mike66 said: "I haven't seen either show, so take my thoughts with a grain of salt.

 

 

 

Like the OP, I travel to NY from some distance, stay in a hotel, and try to cram as much as I can into a weekend.  My problem with many of the new shows is that 90 minutes isn't an "evening of theatre" (and we wont discuss whether 75 minutes of entertainment is entitled to charge the prices they charge).

 

 

 

Last visit in, we saw Fool for Love with Arianda.  It was good.  We left the theatre and walked towards Times Square, passing Gentlemen's Guide -- which was just starting the second act. 

 

 

 

Maybe I'm just old and scruffy, but it's no darn fun going for dessert after the show at 9:30......

 

 

 

(So I guess that's a vote for Fiddler.....)

 

m

 

 

 

 

 

"Yep.  That's me.  Not that I won't go to a shorter show but I love an "evening event"    

 

[goldenboy]

Posted: 12/25/15 at 10:20am

I found this Fiddler a huge disappointment -- ... so that leaves The Humans

[TheGingerBreadMan]

Posted: 12/25/15 at 10:37am

Both would be good choices IMO, but Fiddler will likely have a long run than The Humans, so catch Humans while you can. Fiddler will probably be around on your next trip if you still want to see it. 

[DAME]

Posted: 12/25/15 at 10:38am

Much to like in Fiddler.  But my vote goes to The Humans.

[Keiichi2]

Posted: 12/25/15 at 12:41pm

Thanks for the opinions, everyone!  It was a very tough choice, but in the end, I went with The Humans.  Just purchased a ticket for that and Blackbird with the help of a Telecharge Gift Card I got for Christmas.

 

So, it looks like this will be my line up for my Spring Theater Trip...

 

April 2nd (afternoon) - She Loves Me

 

April 2nd (evening) - School of Rock

 

April 3rd (afternoon) - The Humans

 

April 3rd (evening) - The Father (Haven't purchased this yet, but will soon.)

 

April 4th (evening) - Shuffle Along

 

April 5th (evening) - Bright Star (I know this has gotten a very mixed response here, but I've liked what I've seen from video clips of the Kennedy Center production.)

 

April 6th (afternoon) - Blackbird

 

April 6th (evening) - Waitress

 

Thanks again, everyone!

[romain2]

Posted: 12/25/15 at 1:48pm

I was just going to ask you what other shows you plan to see and suggest that you go for an eclectic mix, and it looks as if that is what you are doing.  What a fantastic list of shows!  Enjoy!