First time in New York and Broadway - Advice PLEASE x

[mikelg80]

Posted: 8/8/09 at 8:31am

Hello

I'm going to New York on the 26th December until the 3rd January and was wondering which shows people reccomended I see whilst there.

I was thinking of seeing some of those shows that I havent seen in London so probably wont go to Wicked, Chicago, Jersey Boys, Lion King, Mamma Mia, Billy Elliot as I have seen them all.

Maybe In The Heights? Shrek? Hair? West Side Story?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[AndAllThatJazz22]

Posted: 8/8/09 at 8:38am

The general opinions on West Side Story and Shrek are mixed. Lots of people here really like HAIR, Next to Normal, In the Heights, and Rock of Ages...so I would go with those 4 for sure.

[saveusmike]

Posted: 8/8/09 at 9:03am

Im just recomendding if you do wanna see shows like Wicked, Jersey Boys, Lion King, Billy Elliot You best buy your tickets asap.

Orch tickets are usually more avaliable due to its high 121$ price tag but if you come to new york during christmas season and expect to get a mez ticket for Wicked or Lion King you are deff out of luck (Wickeds Mezz. was sold out for the summer for 4 weeks straight, before the summer even began). So buy tickets for sold out shows now

For shows like Mamma Mia, Shrek, etc you would deff be abe to get last minute tickets.

Updated On: 8/8/09 at 09:03 AM

[TimesSquareRegular]

Posted: 8/8/09 at 9:09am

saveusmike: Does he really need ticket-buying advice for shows he said he WON'T be seeing ???? ????

Definitely HAIR and NEXT TO NORMAL should be the must-sees. Keep in mind that there will be several new shows coming in the fall, so you might not want to schedule ALL your slots this far in advance.

[mikelg80]

Posted: 8/8/09 at 9:34am

Thanks,

does anyone know what new shows there will be in the fall?

I heard Ragtime was opening, I did see this in London but would love to see it again.

Definately think I'll try and get to see In The Heights.

What's The Little Mermain Like?

And does Hair have a narrative plot? My friend who is coming with me isnt a huge musicals fan, will she understand it?

[kec]

Posted: 8/8/09 at 9:48am

The new production of Ragtime is well worth a look. I saw it in Washington DC (first time, had never seen it before) and I loved it. I understand most of the cast will be going to NY, which will be great especially if Quentin Earl Darrington reprises his role as Coalhouse.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 8/8/09 at 9:52am

If your friend is not a huge musical fan, Hair and Next to Normal are your best choices. Hair is an event, and Next to Normal is a compelling drama set to music. Both are very atypical and bound to interest her.

[mikelg80]

Posted: 8/8/09 at 9:55am

Oh good im glad you think she'll like Hair as I really want to see that. I think she'll like In The Heights too as she is a big music fan, just hasnt seen many musicals.

[singtopher]

Posted: 8/8/09 at 10:45am

Mermaid will be closed by the time you get here. And I don't think Ragtime will be open yet. Enjoy your trip! Will you be one of the crazies in Times Square for the ball drop on New Years?

[mikelg80]

Posted: 8/8/09 at 10:48am

HaHa not sure about Times Square at NYE yet. Ive read a few forums saying its not that pleasurable, although it would be an experience I guess. What do you think?

Also what's the West Side Story production like? Might be nice to see a classic Broadway show on Broadway and Ive never seen a pro production.

[singtopher]

Posted: 8/8/09 at 11:25am

If you want to see a classic Braodway show on Broadway, see South Pacific. Kelly O'Hara is slated to be back in the show when you get here, and that production is FAR superior to WSS.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 8/8/09 at 11:30am

Ragtime will DEFINITLY be open...opens late October.

I will chime in: Hair, Next to Normal, South Pacific (gads better than WSS) In the Heights.

Be warned...that is one of the busiest weeks that B'way experiences. Do NOT wait until the last minute to get your tickets and don't expect to find too many discounts.

Have a great time.

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

Posted: 8/8/09 at 11:33am

Hair and Next to Normal definitely, and I recommend sitting in Orchestra for both.

[TreyKenyon]

Posted: 8/8/09 at 12:28pm

Are you and your friend into 80's music? If you are I strongly reccomend Rock of Ages. It's an AWESOME time and also an atypical musical, so your friend should really enjoy it.

[Yero my Hero]

Posted: 8/8/09 at 12:35pm

New shows that will be open then:
BYE BYE BIRDIE (with John Stamos, so even if your friend hates the musical, she'll probably get a thrill out of meeting Uncle Jesse)
A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC (probably too musical-y for your friend)
WISHFUL DRINKING (Carrie Fisher's one-woman show)
OLEANNA
BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS/BROADWAY BOUND
FINIAN'S RAINBOW
IN THE NEXT ROOM
RAGTIME
SUPERIOR DONUTS
MEMPHIS

For obvious reasons, we can't give advice yet on which of those to see, but you should leave some slots open in your trip in case any of these turn out to be must-sees.