Going to NYC... advice? DRS or Sweeny?

First of all, I was hoping to get up to NYC on November 23rd, however, is the city unbearable chaos due to the holliday? How about the 26th?

I also can't decide between Sweeny Todd or Dirty Rotten Scoundrels... I can't go see shows as often as I'd like, so I want this experience to be great.

In your experiences, how does each respective show leave you feeling after you walk out of the theater? Thats always the big test for me. :) Thanks.

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I can't comment on Sweeney, as I haven't seen it, but DRS is a ton of fun.

I would recommend that so that you can see Norbert's Tony Award-winning performance. Also, I was enthralled by John Lithgow. What a wonderful performer. Joanna Gleason was flawless. Didn't see Greg Jbara, unfortunately. And Sara Gettelfinger has the most memorable 15 minute role on the stage.

Go see "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" for sure!! Lithgow, Gleason, Scott and Butz are not to be missed!!!

Unless you are a big fan of "Sweeney" or a Patti fanqueen I would stay away from "Sweeney".

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SWEENEY...without a doubt.

I've seen both DRS and SWEENEY...and when I left SWEENEY I was in awe. That is truly a great theatrical experience.

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Eh, don't even waste your time with DRS. I walked out of that theatre not remembering anything about the show except that Norbert deserved the Tony. The production is completely forgettable.

The production of Sweeney Todd is something that will definitely stick with you after the show. I'd say definitely don't miss out on this one!

Updated On: 10/11/05 at 04:25 PM

Well, Sweeney is a classic, but IMHO--the subject matter is too down-beat. I did not like it.

I loved DRS and the cast is great, but don't go for anything but a good time.

I didn't really care for DRS. Okay it was well done and Norbert is good.....but it's like eating candy floss.....

Without a doubt: Sweeney Todd.

I should mention that I haven't seen either (though I've got tickets for Sweeney- which I'm very excited about), but the DRS recording did very little for me. Sweeney Todd is considered by many to be Sondheim's masterpiece, and this production, whether you wind up loving or hating it, seems like the kind of thing you'd definitely want to see. This isn't the kind of show that you forget about, the second you leave the theatre. The book, and score (I can't currently speak for the actors) are unbelievable and, in my opinion, definitely worth experiencing over DRS.

Updated On: 10/11/05 at 06:18 PM

I enjoyed both thoroughly buuuuttt they are two COMPLETELY different shows. People have already said this but I'll repeat. If you want to have a fun good time at the theater see DRS, if you want to be thought provoked and emotionally moved by a show, see Sweeney Todd.

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Saw both. Although dirty rotten scoundrels was very entertaining and much fun, is just another passing show that I can barely listen to anymore that despite its outstanding performances(the best part of the show), it isnt a very memorable show.
Howeverrrrrrrrr, sweeney has both AMAZING music with a well rounded cast and a show that is well written and you leave feeling so fulfilled having seen. One of the finest productions I ever saw

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Wow, you propose a hard question. My only thing is, you can expect DRS to tour. Although the cast is wonderful, I'm sure the touring production will be all most as enjoyable.

Don't get me wrong. I LOVE DRS. It's a great show, and just about anyone would enjoy it. Oh yes, and Norbert is wonderful.

Sweeney though, is such a unique experience. I left the theatre shaking from head to toe. It's such a powerful production, and I have never seen anything that has affected me the way Sweeney did. I don't think this is the type of production that would ever consider a tour. So, if you could catch Sweeney now, you can catch DRS when it goes on the National Tour (which is already in the works).

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I'm dying to see Sweeney, and it's gotten pretty good word of mouth, so I would suggest it on that alone.

DRS is great fun, so you're in a win-win situation.

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