First time seeing a broadway show — Page 2

Pose2 said: "I disagree about "The Book of Mormon" being a love letter to theater. I think it's what people see when they don't want to see a traditional Broadway show."

The lyrics to some of the songs might be irreverent, but their structure and melodies are extremely traditional, and, dare I say, old-fashioned.

Updated On: 6/4/19 at 04:10 PM

For a first-time experience I think it’s hard to go wrong with a classic musical, particularly a big, splashy musical comedy. Right now, that would be “Kiss Me Kate.” In other recent seasons, “Hello, Dolly!” and “The King and I” would be great choices. They don’t have to be old. Way back in 2001, I took first-timers to one or more of “The Full Monty, “The Producers” and “The Music Man.” All were hits with my visitors.

Recently, a friend from home chaperoned a group of teenagers (I think an age range around 13-16) on a spring break trip to NYC. They saw “Kiss Me Kate” and my friend said they couldn’t stop talking about it. They’d never seen a Broadway production and were blown away. Sure, those of us who’ve seen a lot or “everything,” as some of you have, might not get the same thrill (though I, for one, was thoroughly entertained by KMK). But for those kids, it made them instant Broadway fans.

On my first NYC trip more years ago than I want to count, I went with my family to “Oklahoma,” first, then “Peter Pan,” and then my mom and I saw, “Annie.”

I was hooked for life.

Lot666 said: "pacificnorthwest said: "For a first-time experience I think it’s hard to go wrong with a classic musical, particularly a big, splashy musical comedy. Right now, that would be “Kiss Me Kate.” In other recent seasons, “Hello, Dolly!” and “The King and I” would be great choices."

While I respect your enthusiasm for this era of Broadway, I feel compelled to offer a counterpoint. I've never liked these types of shows or their music, and if I'd been dragged to one of them as my first Broadway experience, I would never have gone back to musical theater. They are obviously beloved by many people, but I'm living proof that you can indeed "go wrong with a classical musical"."

I totally agree with this. I love musical theatre and at this point in my life feel pretty well versed, but I still find myself fidgeting in these old musicals, even though I enjoy them. If King and I had been the first thing I ever saw, I doubt I would've fallen in love in the first place.

re: If King and I had been the first thing I ever saw, I doubt I would've fallen in love in the first place.

Funny thing about that. We had a terrific series of locally produced summer productions in my hometown, all really well done. But there was one that just didn't grab me: "The King and I." When the Lincoln Center production came around, I didn't go until late into its run, and only then because a friend wanted to see it. I ended up loving it. But you're right, prior to that I doubt I would have recommended it.

Again, not an exact science. I'm just going with the percentages. So far at least, I don't think I've gone wrong with the shows I've recommended to Broadway newbies or those I've seen with them. But I expect I'll strike out one of these days.