First visit to NY..

[Moromir]

Posted: 4/5/06 at 8:16pm

Evening all -

I will be coming to NY for the first time over easter, April 13th - 19th.

I don't want to clog up the board with repeated topics but if people could explain, or point me to relevent threads to address some of my concerns -

1. Does anyone know the last contracted day for Norbert Leo Butz?

2. Has David Hyde Pierce finished at Spamalot?

3. Can someone explain how the Wicked lotto thing works? Ie literally what time to go where, what happens etc.

4. My parents are willing to let me see two full price shows, I was seriously considering Spamalot and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels but I am also interested in The Odd Couple. Is there anything people would reccomend or reccomend I do not see? My parents arn't huge musical theatre people, my mum actually really dislikes musical theatre so maybe something funny and easy to follow for her.

5. Any novel places to eat, things to do etc that escape the usual tourist websites?

Thank you for any help :)

Updated On: 4/5/06 at 08:16 PM

[Fabrizio2]

Posted: 4/5/06 at 8:34pm

See Sweeney Todd...thats all I would reccomend at the moment...Watch the movie* first though...I want you to see how much control a director has over a show.

*the movie was a video of the actual original production itself aired on a tv station (I do not know which one).

this is the one you need
http://www.deepdiscountdvd.com/dvd.cfm?itemID=WBD006750

[moulin724rouge]

Posted: 4/5/06 at 8:47pm

let me first say that you are in for an amazing experience! NY happens to be the greatest place ever for musical theater lovers! now for us questions.

1. I don't know when Norbert is finished but he is still there and will b next week unless he is sick or something

2.David Hyde Pierce (along with most of the original cast) is no longer in spamalot

3. Wicked lotto.... 2 hours b4 the show u go to the theater and put ur name in a lotto.... u can only request up to 2 tickets and u can only enter once (but ur parents cant both enter too) then they draw names an hour later and if u win u get $20 front row seats

4. I wouldnt recommend spamalot cuase most of the original cast is gone... however if u are a big python fan this might b a good choice. Same thing with Scoundrels... i luved this show but i saw the original cast.... norbert is still there so it might be worth it. Otherwise if ur parents have a good sense or humor and wouldn't b offended easily by racism and bodily function id suggest avenue q and spelling bee.... also the drowsy chaperone is only an hour and a half and it is easy to get $60 tickets.

5. The Carnegie deli is a must for food! they give u GIANT sandwiches and u frequently see celebs in there.... also since its ur first time.... statue of liberty/empire state building/ central park... it is fun to be touristy ur first time!

I hope i helped! have a great trip!

[lovesclassics]

Posted: 4/5/06 at 8:47pm

Hello, Moromir,

Since you say your mother isn't a big musical theater fan, I'd say Sweeney Todd might be a bit much for her. I think your instincts about Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Spamalot are good. I haven't seen Spamalot, but friends of mine have and said it was really funny. I have seen Dirty Rotten Scoundrels with the current cast, and it was hilarious. The comedy takes precedence over the music in both of these shows, so I think they would be good for people who are not really into musical theater. Plus the songs themselves are funny and not esoteric, if you know what I mean. Norbert Leo Butz will be in DRS through the end of July, but I think David Hyde Pierce has left Spamalot already.

The Odd Couple is sold out, plus it didn't get great reviews. If you are looking for a non-musical, I'd suggest Doubt, especially if your parents like drama. You can probably get half-price tickets at the TKTS booth for it. When I was in NYC in early March, three of us went up to the box office about an hour before curtain and bought balcony seats for $26.25. If you're not sure if a show like Doubt is your cup of tea but are game to try, that might be a good way to see it.

If you haven't viewed the video previews here on BWW, that could be a good way for you and your parents to see what you might like. I honestly don't think you can go wrong with Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, though.

Good luck.

lc

[greeneyed_one]

Posted: 4/5/06 at 8:51pm

Definetly see Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. For straight plays I would recommend Barefoot in the Park. It is very cute and romantic and I adored it. Look into the TKTS booth if you want to try and see more shows. Scoundrels seems to be there regularly for 50% off. (BTW If you are unfamiliar with the TKTS booth PM me or just ask here, someone will explain, I'm sure)

[Enjolras77]

Posted: 4/5/06 at 8:54pm

I would agree that DRS would probably be the best show for your family to see -- but I wouldn't rule out Drowsy Chaperone. From what people on the board have said it seems like a really good time and if you Mom still doesn't like it -- she only has to endure 90 minutes! Also, you mentioned only being able to see 2 "full-price" shows. DRS does have a discount going on if you are interested in it. Check out www.broadwaybox.com to get the details. Enjoy your trip!

PS -- There is a great Italian restaurant in the theatre district called Don Giovanni's, it's not too pricey and the food is excellent -- I would highly recommend it!

[gavrochegirl]

Posted: 4/5/06 at 8:57pm

I would recommend that you go to Sweeney Todd and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

[Anakela]

Posted: 4/5/06 at 9:07pm

3. Wicked lotto.... 2 hours b4 the show u go to the theater and put ur name in a lotto.... u can only request up to 2 tickets and u can only enter once (but ur parents cant both enter too) then they draw names an hour later and if u win u get $20 front row seats

Actually u can put ur name in starting at 2.5 hours b4 the show. At 2 hours b4 the show is when the names r drawn. And u pay $25 each tix. Cash only.
official Wicked site- lotto info

[beacon1]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 8:25am

I whole-heartedly suggest Barefoot in the Park. It is cute and "period" but adorable. It is worth the price of admission just to see Patrick Wilson's comedic performance. His facial expressions and comic behavior are fabulous.

The two nights I went to the show, the audience really broke up at his performance and a couple of times burst into applause. Act II has some of the best moments for that.

[kimmie103]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 4:11pm

Here is a listing of shows that have rush, lottery's or SRO ( Standing Room Only)


The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Lottery Rush: A limited number of $25 lottery tickets will be offered at every performance. These lottery tickets are available in-person, at the box office only. Two hours prior to each performance, names are collected. Ninety minutes prior to each performance, names of the winners are drawn. There is a limit of two tickets per person, cash only. Winners must be present, with valid photo I.D., when their names are drawn.
SRO: $25.00 - Available at the Box Office only on the day of the performance - ONLY if the performance is sold out.

Altar Boyz
General Rush: Subject to availability, tickets go on sale two hours prior to curtain for all performances except Friday and Saturday evenings. Tickets are $21.00 (cash only) and 2 tickets can be purchased per person.

Avenue Q
Lottery Rush: $21.25 tickets available at the box office only on the day of the performance - Cash only - Subject to Availability. You will have to print your name and number of tickets you want on a card which will be provided. Limit of two tickets per person. One card per person. Cards will be available starting at 5:30pm for 8pm shows, 11:30am for the 2pm matinees and 5pm for the 7pm shows. Cards will be placed in a container. Daily drawings will be held at 6pm for 8pm shows, 12 Noon for the matinees and at 5:30pm for the 7pm shows. After the names have been drawn, the eligible ticket buyers will line up at the box office window to show proper identification and buy their ticket(s).

Awake and Sing!
SRO: $21.25 - Available at the Box Office only when the performance is sold out.

Barefoot in the Park
SRO: $26.25. Available at the Box Office only. Only available when the performance is sold out.

Beauty and the Beast
SRO: When the show is sold out, standing room tickets are available on the day of the performance at the box office.


The Caine Mutiny Court-Marshal
SRO: $26.25 - Available at the Box Office only on the day of the performance - only when the performance is sold out.

Chicago
General Rush: $26.25 tickets available @ the Box Office only - when the box office opens - limit 2 per customer - Not available for Saturday evenings - Subject to availability.
SRO: $21.25, available at the Box Office, day of performance only when the performance is sold out.

The Color Purple
General Rush: Subject to availability, a limited number of tickets are sold at the box office on the day of the performance. Tickets go on sale for matinee performances when the box office opens, and for evening performances at noon. The tickets are $26.25 each and 2 tickets are sold per person. The seats are usually located in the front two rows of orchestra.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Lottery Rush: $26.25 - The tickets will be sold by lottery method at the theatre two hours before performance time. Cards are distributed approximately 2 1/2 hour prior to the performance. Each winner will be allowed to purchase up to two tickets. Cash Only. Subject to availability.

Doubt
SRO: $21.25 available at the Box Office only - only when the performance is sold out.

Festen
SRO: $21.25 - Available at the Box Office only on the day of the performance. Only available when the performance is sold out. Student Tickets: $21.25 - Available at the Box Office only - May be purchased in advance with valid photo student ID - Limit 2 per ID - Subject to Availability.
30 and Under Tickets: $31.25 - Available at the Box Office only for patrons under the age of 30 - May be purchased in advance with valid photo ID - Limit 2 per ID - Subject to Availability.

Hairspray
Lottery Rush: 25 tickets will be sold for each performance at $25 each for seats in the first row of the orchestra. Each person may enter only one name into the lottery. The individual whose name has been entered must be present to purchase tickets (2 tickets per person; cash only; photo ID required).
SRO: When the show is sold out, a limited number of standing room tickets are available at the box office for $20. Two tickets per person.

Jersey Boys
SRO: $26.25 - available at the Box Office only. Only available when the performance is sold out.


The Lion King
SRO: When the show is sold out, standing room tickets are available on the day of the performance at the box office. There is a limit of 1 ticket per person. $20 (orchestra) or $15 (mezzanine).

Mamma Mia!
SRO: $21.25. At the box office day of the performance ONLY if the performance is sold out. Go on sale two hours prior to curtain - Limit 2 limit per person!

The Odd Couple
SRO: When the show is sold out, standing room tickets are available on the day of the performance at the box office. Tickets are $25 and one is available per person.

The Pajama Game
General Rush: Subject to availability, a limited number of tickets are sold at the box office, when it opens, on the day of the performance. The tickets are $36.25 each and 2 tickets are sold per person. The seats are usually located in the rear mezzanine.


The Phantom of the Opera
SRO: When the show is sold out, standing room tickets are available for $20 at the box office.

The Producers
SRO: Available at the Box Office only on the day of the performance - only if the performance is sold out.
.

Rent
General Rush: Two hours prior to each performance, 34 $20 tickets will be sold by lottery in front of the theatre. There is a limit of two per person. These tickets are located in the first two rows of the orchestra and must be paid for in cash. You will have to print your name and number of tickets you want on a card which will be provided. One card per person. Limit of two tickets per person. Cards will be placed in a contained. Cards will be available starting at 5:30pm for 8:00pm shows, 11:30am for the 2:00pm matinees, and 5:00pm for the 7:00pm show on Sunday. After the names have been drawn, the eligible ticket buyers will line up at the box office window to show proper identification and buy their ticket(s).


Spamalot
SRO: $21.25 at the box office only on the day of the performance. Only available when the performance is sold out. Limit 2 per person.

Sweeney Todd
SRO: $26.25 - Available at the Box Office only. Only when the performance is sold out.

Tarzan
Lottery Rush: Two and a half hours prior to each performance, guests are invited to fill out a lottery card at the theatre to enter the drawing for a limited number of $20 tickets. Lottery tickets are located in the first row of the orchestra. Winners will be drawn two hours prior to the curtain time for each performance. There will be a limit of 2 tickets per person and tickets may be purchased using cash only. Winners must be present with identification at the time of the drawing to purchase their tickets.

Wicked
General Rush: Each day, 2_ hours prior to show time (11:30 AM for 2 PM matinees; 12:30 PM for 3 PM matinees; 4:30 PM for 7 PM performances; 5:30 PM for 8 PM performances), people who present themselves at the Gershwin Theatre box office will have their names placed in a hat. 30 minutes later, names will be drawn for 28 front-row seats at $25 each. This lottery is available only in-person at the box office, with a limit of two tickets per person, cash only. Photo-ID required.