I didn't enjoy Next to Normal much, and they announced a tour, so I'd rather see Finian, but then again, I haven't seen it. But I wouldn't recommend N2N.
"People have their opinions and that doesn't mean that their opinions are wrong or right. I just take it with a grain of salt because opinions are like as*holes, everyone has one".
-Felicia Finley-
But to reiterate a PP: we can't REALLY say, since we haven't seen FR yet.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
I saw Finian's Rainbow twice at Encores! and Next to Normal once on Broadway, and I must say it's comparing apples and oranges. I loved FR because it has wonderful melodies, charming performances and a remarkably topical book. N2N has stunning performances and a great set but is not going to make you feel good, and I didn't leave the theater humming any of the tunes whereas I'm still singing "If This Isn't Love" sung by the amazing Cheyenne Jackson. IMHO, it is worth the price of admission for his performance alone in FR, and he is surrounded by great singers, dancers and actors, so my vote would be for Finian's Rainbow.
Finian is having 7:00 curtains Tuesday through Thursday, I believe.
When I see the phrase "the ____ estate", I imagine a vast mansion in the country full of monocled men and high-collared women receiving letters about productions across the country and doing spit-takes at whatever they contain.
-Kad
I think it really depends on the type of show you want to see. Next to Normal takes place in modern times, is very serious, and probably one of the most powerful shows I've ever seen in my life. (I was in NYC for a long weekend this spring and was so moved by it, I saw it twice). It also has an amazing score. I don't know all that much about Finian, but Cheyenne Jackson is an amazing performer. I would recommend listening to both scores before you go(though some people may disagree because Next to Normal has some twists that are revealed by the cd), and deciding which one sounds more like a show you'd want to see. Next to Normal also has a web site with lots of video from the show, so you can get a sample of what it is like. Someone else on here may know if Finian has any video from the Encores production.
Thanks everyone. I went for 'Finian's Rainbow' on the Fri night (only second preview so here's hoping it doesn't get cancelled!)... and have extended my stay so can see a 'Next to Normal' matinee as well. So I have my tickets... and can eat them too (or something like that). Thanks again!