Swing Joined: 11/24/16
I will be visiting NYC next month, and am torn between seeing Falsettos OR Dear Evan Hansen...I have already read some thoughts on each, but if anyone has seen both shows already, would you please share which one moved you the most, or which one you simply enjoyed more...I can only afford to buy tickets to one show (my friend and I just saw Beautiful and An American in Paris a couple of months ago, and loved them both). Thanks for your help!!!
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/16/06
Tough call, but I would go with DEH. Both are very moving but Ben Platt's performance puts it over the top.
I agree, tough call but I'd also go with Dear Evan Hansen as Ben Platt and Rachel Bay Jones are giving some of the best performances I have seen. But with whatever you decide, both shows are great.
Understudy Joined: 10/16/13
If you loved An American in Paris, I strongly urge you to see Falsettos! If you loved the actor who played the narrator, Adam, the George Gershwin character - he plays Mendel the psychiatrist in Falsettos in what I consider to be an absolute Tony deserving performance, amongst others, in this brilliant revival of a 25 year old musical.
I have not seen DEH, but it's geared towards a generation I am not attuned to. It's heavily concentrated and based on social media influences, which is not my thing (a baby boomer).
I will be seeing Falsettos for second time in a few weeks, if that gives you a hint of which show I recommend!
I saw Falsettos last Saturday night and I loved it. And I also saw DEH at Second Stage. So with nothing negative to say at all about Falsettos, in my opinion you have a clear choice, and it's DEH. This show is so fresh and topical, with a memorable performance by Ben Platt that very likely will garner him a Tony. The show itself will be a contender for Best New Musical in an incredibly strong field. I am looking forward to seeing DEH on Broadway in a couple of weeks. If you are coming next month, it won't be easy to get tickets.
See them both if you're not staying for only one night. DEH has Monday performances so they should fit your schedule whenever you go.
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/30/15
If you'll be back in the near future, I'd say do Falsettos this time around because it's a limited run. Whereas Dear Evan hansen is more than likely going to be around for quite a while.
Featured Actor Joined: 5/17/06
Falsettos - it's a limited engagement that's only running until January. It's a superb production of one of the best musicals in the canon, with a perfect cast to boot.
Leading Actor Joined: 8/6/09
I just saw both last weekend and I lean toward the DEH camp. I also saw DEH at Second Stage and felt it got even stronger in its move to Broadway.
ELP is correct in that social media is a large part of DEH, but it's not the sole driver of the show. It's much more in a world of Fun Home/Next to Normal in terms of character development and has incredible emotional power that I think speaks to a variety of generations. I sat in between teens and a group of older adults and we were all clearly invested by the end of Act I, that the show, I think, reaches everyone.
Not to discount Falsettos, which has great performances and William Finn's score is timeless, but DEH would be my rec.
I haven't seen Dear Evan Hansen yet, but I always suggest picking the show that's closing over the show with an open-ended run, so if you can only see one, my vote goes to Falsettos. I also second ELP's statement that you'll probably like seeing Brandon Uranowitz in another role if you loved An American In Paris. Whatever you decide, bring tissues. Hope you enjoy your trip!
Swing Joined: 11/24/16
I appreciate everyone's opinion on these shows.
I am now leaning toward Falsettos, mainly because I didn't realize it was going to be closing in January, as well as the fact that it does sound like a quality production, with some great performances.
Hopefully Dear Evan Hansen will become a big hit, and we will have the opportunity to see it late next year, or in early 2018.
I think I will let my friend make the final decision!!!
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/24/09
Just wanted to chime in as someone very much NOT in the generation DEH is ostensibly aimed at. One of the best shows I've seen. Doesn't matter that I'm not a millenial, it moved me and would move most beyond words.
I just saw both this past week and I echo the comment- see them both. They are both powerful, moving shows with terrific casts. Since Falsettos is a limited run, if you can only see one now. See that one. DEH should be running a long time!
Broadway Star Joined: 9/22/14
I just saw Falsettos and it was an amazing, moving show I'll give it my vote! I am seeing Dear Evan Hansen tomoro and will give my thoughts on that show then!
These are actually my two favorite shows on Broadway right now. But if you can only choose one, I'd recommend Falsettos. It's closing in January, and it is, in my opinion, not to be missed.
See Falsettos next month and DEH in the spring or in '17.
Broadway Star Joined: 6/21/15
While I enjoyed both, I would suggest DEH. Rare to see an original show these days that's actually quite stellar. I liked Falsettos, but it never got me emotionally invested the way DEH did. DEH caught me off guard, and oddly enough, also has one of my favorite comedic scenes.
But if you have an opportunity to see DEH later, then that is something to take into consideration as well.
Broadway Star Joined: 9/22/14
Wow Dear Evan Hansen...all I can say is this show is amazing!!! Definitely lives up to the hype! I didn't think I was the target audience of this storyline but glad to be proven wrong!
OP if you can see both, then do. But see Falsettos now since it is a limited run. DEH will be here for a long while
I am in a box seat labeled partial view but I am not missing anything. Great deal for $69
Swing Joined: 11/24/16
Again, I want to express my appreciation for everyone's thoughts on these two shows!
My friend and I have decided to see Falsettos now, mainly because it is closing in January, and we both like Christian Borle and Andrew Rannells! Now we just hope neither one will be out, on the afternoon or evening we go...
I have a follow-up question regarding seating for Falsettos (if anyone sees this message).
Does it matter where we sit for the show? It will be on the left side, the right side, or in the Mezzanine...(cannot afford to purchase Premium seats.
THANKS SO MUCH!!!
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