Hair or Next to Normal

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Hair or Next to Normal

Posted: 3/28/09 at 3:48pm

Hi. I am new to this board and have a question. I am traveling to NYC Friday, June 12th- Saturday, June 13th. I already have tickets to the Friday night Billy Elliot and the Saturday night 9 to 5. I am looking for a show for the Saturday matinee. I have pretty much narrowed it down to Hair and Next to Normal, though I would take other suggestions. My favorite kinds of shows are ones with upbeat or rock music, which both have, for the most part. And it also seems most likely that Next to Normal tickets would be about $60, while I'd have to pay full price for Hair, it seems. Also, if you recommend Hair and have seen it, please let me know the place I can sit that has the least audience interraction, since I really don't like that at all, though I would tolerate it at a minimum.
Thank you!

"Art, in itself, is an attempt to bring order out of chaos."-Stephen Sondheim

re: Hair or Next to Normal

Posted: 3/28/09 at 3:50pm

Ah, this is such a tough decision.

They're both fantastic. N2N is the best new musical of the year and HAIR is the best musical revival. Either way, you're in for a great time at the theater. If I had to choose though, I'd choose N2N simply because it's a NEW musical and it may not be around for very long. But it's a very tough decision.

Updated On: 3/29/09 at 03:50 PM

re: Hair or Next to Normal

Posted: 3/28/09 at 3:51pm

There are discounts for Hair as well. For the least interaction don't sit on an aisle seat.They are all over the theatre, but mostly interact with people on the aisle. As for which show to see.....these are 2 of my top shows.....both fantastic! I would go with N2N as it most likely won't be around as as long as Hair will be. Whichever one you pick, you will probably enjoy it.

Updated On: 3/28/09 at 03:51 PM

re: Hair or Next to Normal

Posted: 3/28/09 at 3:52pm

I'd say do N2N. God knows how long it'll last, but Hair is going to be around for a while.

"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."

re: Hair or Next to Normal

Posted: 3/28/09 at 3:53pm

What a difficult decision.

re: Hair or Next to Normal

Posted: 3/28/09 at 3:56pm

I have been going back and forth for weeks now. I love original shows, especially those with a rock edge like SA and RENT. I also enjoy a good revival, and LuPone Gypsy is still one of the best shows I've seen. And Hair is available in the film version and other incarnations, while N2N can only be seen on Broadway. But then I remember how much I like the music from Hair. So I really don't know!

Oh, and I forgot to mention that I'm seeing this with my Grandma, if that makes any difference.

"Art, in itself, is an attempt to bring order out of chaos."-Stephen Sondheim

Updated On: 3/28/09 at 03:56 PM

re: Hair or Next to Normal

Posted: 3/28/09 at 4:02pm

...that could make a difference... Grandmas+Hair=Bad Idea IMO

But I've never seen N2N do I don't know if there's anything grandma un-friendly there

Updated On: 3/28/09 at 04:02 PM

re: Hair or Next to Normal

Posted: 3/28/09 at 4:04pm

Actually, she'd rather see Hair. She loves the music. And she was fine in Spring Awakening (in fact, she loved it), so she should be okay. Her favorite kind of shows are ones that have a message and pack an emotional punch.
And for anyone that's seen N2N, the website recommends it for 13 and up...why is this?

"Art, in itself, is an attempt to bring order out of chaos."-Stephen Sondheim

Updated On: 3/28/09 at 04:04 PM

re: Hair or Next to Normal

Posted: 3/28/09 at 4:16pm

Both shows have a great/emotional message. N2N deals with a mental illness that may be too much to handle for anyone younger than 13. If your grandmother prefers Hair, go see that.

Updated On: 3/28/09 at 04:16 PM

#10

re: Hair or Next to Normal

Posted: 3/28/09 at 4:21pm

It's not so much that she prefers Hair...she just knows very little about N2N. I think she would really like N2N because of the message. And out of curiousity, how is the N2N music...I have heard some of it, and absolutely love the song Just Another Day...are they all similar to that?

"Art, in itself, is an attempt to bring order out of chaos."-Stephen Sondheim

#11

re: Hair or Next to Normal

Posted: 3/28/09 at 4:48pm

"...that could make a difference... Grandmas+Hair=Bad Idea IMO "

Please! Many of those who saw Hair in it's original run are now Grandmas and Grandpas! I am taking my 75 year old Aunt in April and she says she wants to get up and dance at the end!

Those Blocked: SueStorm. N2N Nate. Good riddence to stupid! Rad-Z, shill begone!

#12

re: Hair or Next to Normal

Posted: 3/28/09 at 4:52pm

oooh that's a tough one. BOTH! lol

They're both brilliant, brilliant shows/productions that are not to be missed

(imo of course)

I don't need a life that's normal. That's way too far away. But something next to normal would be okay. Something next to normal is what I'd like to try. Close enough to normal to get by.

#13

re: Hair or Next to Normal

Posted: 3/28/09 at 4:54pm

Hair

A little swash, a bit of buckle - you'll love it more than bread.

#14

re: Hair or Next to Normal

Posted: 3/28/09 at 5:22pm

I AM seeing both on the same day. Cannot wait.

If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it? These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.

#15

re: Hair or Next to Normal

Posted: 3/28/09 at 5:56pm

Next to Normal, no question.

#16

re: Hair or Next to Normal

Posted: 3/28/09 at 6:05pm

If you were in NYC and you knew you could only see one show, which show would you be devastated to have missed between Hair and Next to Normal?

"Art, in itself, is an attempt to bring order out of chaos."-Stephen Sondheim

#17

re: Hair or Next to Normal

Posted: 3/28/09 at 6:07pm

next to normal

There are commonalities throughout the songs of the score, but none are really identical. The music kind of parallels the ups and downs of Diana's illness. It is amazing.

Experience live theater. Experience paintings. Experience books. Live, look and listen like artists! ~ imaginethis
LIVE THAT LESSON!!!!!!

#18

re: Hair or Next to Normal

Posted: 3/28/09 at 6:30pm

If you were in NYC and you knew you could only see one show, which show would you be devastated to have missed between Hair and Next to Normal?

agg, see.. both. haha. I really do adore them equally!

Though, actually, thinking about it, if you absolutely can ONLY see one, I'd say Next to Normal, simply because it needs all the support it can get or it might not be around for long. Hair seems to be doing really well sales wise, and I have a feeling it's going to easily stick around for a while. So yeah, go see Next to Normal first, just so that you get to see it for sure, and also to give it some financial support.

Then, whenever you get a chance to see another show, go see Hair right away

I don't need a life that's normal. That's way too far away. But something next to normal would be okay. Something next to normal is what I'd like to try. Close enough to normal to get by.

Updated On: 3/28/09 at 06:30 PM

#19

re: Hair or Next to Normal

Posted: 3/28/09 at 6:42pm

I live about 9 hours away from NYC and can only get in about once a year, so I really only can take one trip a season. And I also see all of the shows that tour at least once, and I live in a city that gets most if not all the major touring shows. And since I am only there for 2 days and have 9 to 5 and BE tix, I have to chose only one, as tough as it may be.
I am leaning towards N2N at this point...
How would you compare it... like two comparable shows (N2N similar show vs. Hair similar show) Maybe that'll help me make up my mind.

"Art, in itself, is an attempt to bring order out of chaos."-Stephen Sondheim

#20

re: Hair or Next to Normal

Posted: 3/28/09 at 7:53pm

Really there's not a similar show to next to normal. It is a completely unique experience.

I have not seen Hair, but a few friends of mine have. One left at intermission. Another stayed, but said that they're pretty much using that "give them something big and flashy to wow them at the end" trick. I'm seeing it in May, and frankly...I wasn't looking forward to it BEFORE hearing these reviews. Now I'm frankly dreading it and wishing I'd had SOME say in what I wanted to see ~ because these people who've told me those things are people whose theatrical opinions I trust pretty solidly.

Experience live theater. Experience paintings. Experience books. Live, look and listen like artists! ~ imaginethis
LIVE THAT LESSON!!!!!!

#21

re: Hair or Next to Normal

Posted: 3/28/09 at 11:36pm

Sounds like I should go with N2N, which is good since I can get my favorite seats, first row mezz, for $60.
Thanks for all the feedback!

Also, does anybody know what cast attendance is usually like the weekend after the Tonys? I really don't want any understudies when I see 9 to 5...

"Art, in itself, is an attempt to bring order out of chaos."-Stephen Sondheim

#22

re: Hair or Next to Normal

Posted: 3/29/09 at 12:00am

This is like making me choose between my children.

#23

re: Hair or Next to Normal

Posted: 3/29/09 at 12:36am

I HIGHLY recommend those front row mezz seats for Next to Normal.

"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."

#24

re: Hair or Next to Normal

Posted: 3/29/09 at 12:39am

yeah, i agree, those are definitely going to be the best seats in the theatre.

#25

re: Hair or Next to Normal

Posted: 3/29/09 at 12:50am

I would listen to some sounds clips on the N2N site before I get tickets...

2008: Feb. 18- Rent, Feb. 19- Curtains, April 18- Xanadu, April 22- Wicked, April 26- Legally Blonde, May 31- Wicked, June 13- The Little Mermaid, June 28- Wicked and Young Frankenstein, July 2- The Little Mermaid, July 6- A Chorus Line and Legally Blonde, August 16- Xanadu, September 13- Legally Blonde and 13, September 28- Xanadu and Spring Awakening, Oct. 12-GYPSY and [title of show], Oct. 19- Hairspray & Legally Blonde, Nov. 9- Wicked and 13, Dec. 14-13, Dec. 26- Billy Elliot, 2009: Jan 1- Shrek, Jan 2- 13 and Wicked, Jan 4- 13, Feb 17- In The Heights, Feb 19- Billy Elliot, Feb 22- Sweeney Todd (tour), March 28- Mary Poppins, April 4- Mamma Mia!, April 15- Jersey Boys (on tour), April 25- next to normal & 9 to 5 May 1- Billy Elliot, May 3- Spelling Bee (tour), May 8- Chicago, May 21- Wicked, June 6- Everyday Rapture, June 23- The Wiz, June 25- Hair July 15- Shrek, August 9- Wicked, September 7- Rock of Ages, October 11- Next To Normal, October 23- The Marvelous Wonderettes, November 7- Ragtime November 29- Dreamgirls, December 25- Billy Elliot, December 30- Finian's Rainbow, 2010: January 9- Bye Bye Birdie, January 16- Memphis February 17- The Phantom of The Opera, February 18- God of Carnage, March 7- Billy Elliot, March 31- American Idiot

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