Double Booked - Merry Wives vs. Waitress

[Alexander Lamar]

Posted: 8/26/21 at 3:32pm

I find myself double-booked for next Thursday.

I purchased a ticket for the first performance of Waitress. I could return my ticket and rebook for a later date. I've never seen it but I have been anticipating this for a long time - the first time the lights go down, the first note played in a musical on Broadway.

My friend has an extra ticket for Merry Wives next Thursday. I know nothing about it, but I know people have said it is a good adaptation. Obviously there is no guarantee I'd have another chance to see this.

The choice seems obvious but I'm worried about missing out on that first night "energy" for a Broadway musical; which would you choose to see?

Updated On: 8/26/21 at 03:32 PM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 8/26/21 at 3:35pm

Honestly? Waitress. (And I dont even love it as a show). Especially since we know PBS will broadcast Merry.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 8/26/21 at 3:40pm

Watching it on TV is nothing like watching it live. Since Waitress will be performing in the Fall, I would go with Merry Wives, it's sensational.

[Hairspray0901]

Posted: 8/26/21 at 3:53pm

I’d keep an eye on the weather when making your decision too. Merry Wives since it’s outdoors might get canceled. Can you wait until closer to the performance to decide?

[gibsons2]

Posted: 8/26/21 at 4:03pm

I wouldn't miss the first day of Waitress return to Broadway for anything. I have to say, The Merry Wives was great, especially as the first show post pandemic closure, but I'm biased towards Waitress as one of my favorite shows so I think it's far superior. Don't return the ticket.

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 8/26/21 at 4:08pm

I vote Waitress. Reopening night will be an event that you really won’t be able to duplicate if you go on another day. You made a point of getting a seat for that particular show, and it sounds like you’re really looking forward to it. And, yes, the weather is a big factor for Merry Wives. 

Frankly, I think the choice is clear.

Updated On: 8/26/21 at 04:08 PM

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 8/26/21 at 4:08pm

I don't particularly like Waitress, but I think that first night back there will be pretty special.

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 8/26/21 at 4:18pm

bwayphreak234 said: "I don'tparticularly like Waitress, but I think that first night back there will be pretty special."

I agree with everything you just said. Plus, it won't just be the first performance back of Waitress; September 2nd will be the first time in 539 days a Broadway musical will be performed in person, in front of an audience. You obviously won't be at Hadestown, but please don't miss Waitress. The energy will be electric, guaranteed.

[GiantsInTheSky2]

Posted: 8/26/21 at 5:17pm

…if you end up going with Merry, I will gladly buy the Waitress ticket off you. 😉

[SouthernCakes]

Posted: 8/26/21 at 7:14pm

I’d say Waitress. I mean Merry Wives I’m sure is fab and seeing anything in the park is so much fun, but waitress with Sarah, first performance, etc. that’s an event. Try for Shakespeare another day.

[Wick3]

Posted: 8/27/21 at 5:01pm

My vote goes to Waitress. I saw Merry Wives and it’s funny and a great production but the weather can make it miserable (mine had. 1.5 hour rain delay and we left centra park at 11:30pm.)

[Alexander Lamar]

Posted: 8/27/21 at 9:23pm

Thanks everyone, I'm going to stick with Waitress