Good Show for Date with Non Theater Lover

I am looking to go to a show on a date with a guy I've been seeing for a couple months. He isn't really into theater (not that he dislikes it, just he has no feelings in particular). This will be our first time seeing a show together, so I was hoping to get recommendations (we are gay if that makes a difference).

I don't get to see shows as often as I'd like, so I am also hoping to check off a show I wanted to see anyways at the same time. In addition, it has to be a TKTS show because I'm poor lol.

Here are some shows off TKTS that I had been planning on seeing at some point or another anyways:

1. A Gentlemans Guide to Love and Murder

2. An American in Paris

3. Fun Home

4. Something Rotten!

5. Spring Awakening

Some of my favorite shows:

1. Into the Woods

2. The King and I (already seen the current revival twice, and already have tickets to go again)

3. Wicked

4. Hairspray

5. Bombshell

Updated On: 10/4/15 at 11:21 AM

Kad said: "Are you opposed to seeing plays? Because Hand to God would be a very good choice for a non theater-lover."

Definitely not opposed to, I just personally prefer musicals. I'll look into it. Also, just to re-clarify, non theater lover is a bit strong, he is just not "into" theater like I am, I think he may like it fine.

Updated On: 10/4/15 at 11:24 AM

Yeah not sure any of those are the best options for non-theater lovers. I would highly recommend Avenue Q. If you can get to the box office when it opens, you can snag $25 rush tickets for amazing seats. The show is quirky with a really great score. I've seen it twice off-broadway with my boyfriend(a non-theater lover...) and he really enjoyed it!

Def take him to see a musical comedy. He won't want to see a dramatic show, and he won't want to see a play. This is coming from someone who's whole family isn't really into theater.

^ Disagree wholeheartedly. SOMETHING ROTTEN absolutely DEMANDS a knowledge of theater, and particularly musical theater to get the jokes, which are constant, and if you don't find the jokes funny, there's absolutely no other reason to sit for 3 hours at that show.

GENTLEMEN'S GUIDE requires a love for all things Gilbert and Sullivan, which it is basically an homage to. It's charming, it's fey, it's mannered, and some of it is quite expert, but if you don't love theater going in, and especially British theater, you at least had better be addicted to Downton Abbey and its ilk. Otherwise this could be a slog as well.

I think you're right to head to SPRING AWAKENING or perhaps FUN HOME as a second choice. Both are very contemporary in sound and structure, both deal in what it feels likes to be the "other" in a family or in a community. Both avoid the cliches of traditional musicals and sweep you up in emotions that don't require prior knowledge of theater conventions. And they'll both give you a ton to talk about over drinks afterword.

Whenever I have to drag a non-theater lover to a show, I always pick Avenue Q.

I would knock out AAIP immediately unless he likes dance. I enjoyed Fun Home and Spring Awakening and given your taste in musicals, I think you might too but they're not really "date night" shows. I mean, you have been seeing each other for a while so it's not like you have to worry about scaring him off but still, I assume you'd want something a little lighter. If not, they're great choices. I don't know Something Rotten which leaves A Gentlemans Guide to Love and Murder.

I would say Spring Awakening because it is such a beautiful show and I think it would be perfect for you guys. I think Fun Home might be too serious and Something Rotten! requires lots of theatre knowledge. Also AAIP would not be good because he might find it boring and A Gentlemans Guide might not be good for a someone who isn't very into theatre. But Maybe Spring Awakening will even get him more into theatre :)

I hope you have fun no matter what you do!

My go to would be something a bit lighter - I'd go with Wicked personally. He already knows the backstory (or...whatever the opposite of that is) so it will be easier to get into.

I don't think your choices are the best options either..no offense. American in Paris - too long and too much dance unless you are really into dance or the movie, GG - just no, I loved the show but it's like an old style operetta. Something Rotten - is greatly enhanced by knowing about many Broadway shows. The others are more questionable.

It's hard to tell without us knowing about what the boyfriend DOES like. I think most of us could give you a better answer if we had an idea what movies he likes, what are his interests, etc.

I would say Ave Q as well, fun show.

Wow, thank you everyone for all the answer. So I guess I should clarify.

1. He is actually already going to Avenue Q with one of his friends sometime this month.

2. This is actually for my birthday, and he know I like theater, that is why we are going.

3. The only media I've seen him watch/watched with him has been: The Walk (Movie 2015), Interstellar, Once Upon a Time (TV), I Love Lucy, Modern Family, Scream Queens. Not sure that really helps lol.

And again just to clarify, by non theater lover, I just mean not someone who would be on a forum like this. I grew up with theater and performed in High School. I just mean someone who doesn't yet/already love/like theater. He doesn't actively dislike it.

Isn't Spring Awakening pretty intense?

Updated On: 10/5/15 at 09:44 AM

pnewelljr said: "just to clarify, by non theater lover, I just mean not someone who would be on a forum like this."

Most people have that level of sanity.