Posted: 10/5/15 at 12:16pm
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.
Posted: 10/5/15 at 12:27pm
I took my non-theatre lover boyfriend to see Gentleman's Guide. We both loved it. While the score may not be particularly memorable, it is a smart and clever show with a hilarious book. This gets my recommendation.
Posted: 10/5/15 at 12:27pm
I'm surprised how many people are suggesting shows as heavy-handed as Fun Home and Spring Awakening.
I'd spring for Rotten! (I've taken non-musicals obsessed friends who are able to get a kick out of it anyway), GGLAM, or AIP.
Posted: 10/5/15 at 3:26pm
Yah, while I really wanna see both of those, I am slightly apprehensive because I know they are both fairly intense subject matter. If money wasn't an object, BOM or Wicked would definitely be on the table.
Posted: 10/5/15 at 3:51pm
What's his personality like? Does he like movies/tv shows that are deep or more escapist? Do you think he's more into seeing stars or more into the story? I think Fun Home is great but it might be too emotional for non theater person. I think maybe (just going on your op) that if you can't get into Hamilton, you might be wise to stick to the basics, Lion King, Les Mis type. If he's into stars, go to China Doll.
Posted: 10/5/15 at 3:54pm
Something Rotten is your best bet here.
Posted: 10/5/15 at 4:04pm
I've seen it 8 times now and I think, for a play, it almost plays like a musical. In fact it was nominated for last season's Tony for Best Choreography- The Curious Incident of the Dog In the Night. It's engrossing, moving and funny. And it's at TKTS.
Posted: 10/5/15 at 5:16pm
"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."
Well, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder is like Scream Queens in a way.
And Fun Home and Spring Awakening sort of have the family drama of Once Upon a Time, Interstellar, and Modern Family. In a way.
Honestly, knock out AAIP and just pick whatever one you want. It's your birthday. You should do something you enjoy. Whatever you pick, he's going to see a great Broadway show and if he doesn't love it you can always make it up to him the next time you make plans. :)
Posted: 10/5/15 at 5:35pm
My boyfriend is also not a "theatre person" and I've dragged him to all sorts of shows, so I know the reactions you're likely to get.
as many have said, musical comedy is probably the safest bet. And Avenue Q fits the bill nicely and has cheap seats. But if he's already seeing that, Gents Guide is a great option. It has just enough theatricality to be impressive to those who don't go to theatre much, and the comedy harkens to a British Monty Python esque vibe, with Gilbert and Sullivan thrown in. The BF loved that one.
Dont discount Fun Home though. Is it serious? Yes. But it's absolutely not heavy handed. They find a way to bring humor into it and it never feels like a drag. And there is a lot he may find interesting or latch onto as a gay man. The BF usually doesn't go for dramas (or emotion at all) but this remains a favorite. And it might give you guys the most to talk about afterwards.
And of corse if he just likes a campy good time then it's pretty easy to find a cheap seat to Kinky Boots. It's entertaining and gay if not revolutionary
Posted: 10/5/15 at 6:19pm
My note's for HAND TO GOD. Emphatically so!
Posted: 10/5/15 at 7:02pm
One more vote for hand to God. If he likes irreverent humor it will absolutely be up his alleg. It's not a musical but he also doesn't have to come to grips with that whole added aspect of people randomly break out into song. My favorite play in a long time.
Or just pick what you want to see since its your birthday and hopefully he'll want you to be happy. :)
Posted: 10/5/15 at 9:04pm
I'm going to add a vote for Gentleman's Guide. It's light, tuneful, and funny, with a nicely twisted plot. Plus, it's closing soon.* You can save some of your other ideas for a possible future date. :)
*Edited to add: The same goes for Hand to God, which is another excellent choice.
Updated On: 10/5/15 at 09:04 PM
Posted: 10/5/15 at 9:18pm
Thanks for all the advice everyone. I think I'm gonna go with Gentleman's Guide because I really want to see it and it will close soon. Who knows, maybe he'll surprise me. We are going tomorrow so I'll let you know how it goes.
Posted: 10/5/15 at 9:28pm
Have fun!
Updated On: 10/5/15 at 09:28 PM
Posted: 10/6/15 at 2:01pm
A moot point since he already made his decision, but on a personal note, I'm taking a good friend of mine to City Center's Annie Get Your Gun concert. She likes theatre but isn't as crazy as I am. Lol. But she's all about inexpensive performances and we got $35 seats.
Posted: 10/7/15 at 10:35am
TheGingerBreadMan said: "Have fun!"
We had a great time! I was a little worried after the first two songs, but it really was very funny and we were entertained the whole way through. Not the best music, but the show as a whole was a lot of fun. Thanks again for all the advice guys!
Updated On: 10/7/15 at 10:35 AM
