Help! Recommend show when I visit

[Laertes]

Posted: 9/16/04 at 12:42pm

I'm new here, not sure this is the right place to post this. Anyway, I'm in NYC for exactly one day and one night, on October 4. I haven't been there in 2 years, but have been enough to not have to see any tourist-y things. Anyway, I need recommendations for the *one* show I'm going to see. What do I *need* to see? Avenue Q? Frogs? I wanted to see "Assassins" but it's gone now, sadly. Not restricted to musicals either, just suggest a good theatrical experience.

[luvWICKED416]

Posted: 9/16/04 at 12:48pm

Hey!!! i hope you have a good trip!!! If i could recommnend a show... it would be Ave Q! They have tixs available so give them a call. The show is sooooo good! I would ofcourse suggest Wicked as #1, but they are sold out, and you would have to wait on canncelaltion line all day and that isn't fine if you only have one day in the city.....
if you have any question... IM me!!!! gabbi416

[Love4Cheno]

Posted: 9/16/04 at 12:49pm

See Avenue Q for sure!!! I'd also say Wicked, but you won't get tickets. You can get tix for Avenue Q, even if they're not the best seats. Also try the Wicked lottery and if you luck out, you'll see 2 great shows. YES I think Wicked is a GREAT show, so to all of the Wicked-haters, let the hateration begin...

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 9/16/04 at 12:49pm

Hairspray or Avenue Q.

[B.B. Wolf]

Posted: 9/16/04 at 12:51pm

Avenue Q or I Am My Own Wife. Come on people, show some love for the Pulitzer Winners!!! There's a reason why they win them!!

[suzycat]

Posted: 9/16/04 at 12:58pm

Only one problem.... October 4th is a Monday! Hardly any shows have performances on Monday. So unfortunately you will have little choice. It would be much better for you to come Sunday or Tuesday...

[CurtainUp2]

Posted: 9/16/04 at 1:15pm

If you can only see one show, whatever you do DON'T SEE 'AVENUE Q'! Every out-of-towner friend of mine who went to see it was very disappointed. I tried to warn them, but they 'had' to see it because it won the 'Best Musical' Tony. IMO it's sophomoric and strictly 'Off-Broadway' material. But if you are going to see it, make sure you get discounted tickets. You'll want to kick yourself if you pay full price. Not knowing you or your tastes, it's difficult recommending a show. If you don't care about elaborate sets or costumes, and can appreciate modern dance, then I'd suggest 'Movin' Out'. If you're looking for something lighter and somewhat more traditional, then I guess I'd recommend 'Hairspray'. Although, to tell the truth, I think it's over-rated as well.

Updated On: 9/16/04 at 01:15 PM

[CurtainUp2]

Posted: 9/16/04 at 1:40pm

suzycat is correct. I didn't realize that Oct. 4 was a Monday. Your options are limited. The only Broadway shows with Monday evening performances are...

Brooklyn (in previews) *THIS WOULD BE MY CHOICE.
Chicago
Marc Salem's Mind Games (1st night of previews)
Phantom of the Opera
Rent

You should be able to get discounted tickets for $55.00 + service charges for 'Brooklyn'. Just go to Broadwayoffers.com or call telecharge (212-947-8844) and use code BKLYN.

If you want to check out the website...

http://www.brooklynthemusical.com/index.html

Updated On: 9/16/04 at 01:40 PM

[Laertes]

Posted: 9/16/04 at 2:00pm

Yeah, I know. That's why I mentioned the date originally, and then I forgot as I was writing my message to stress it was a Monday. Blah.

I saw Rent way way back in 1996, and I've caught the touring version. Is it worth checking out again? I heard some Lachey kid was doing it, and I understand Scary Spice has wrapped her run on it, right?

I'm actually in town for a wedding, so maybe I can ditch family some of the time I'm there (ie-Saturday), so maybe I can catch 3 shows, 2 on Saturday, one on Monday.

So here we go: what shows are worth incurring wrath of the family?

Avenue Q seems popular, if I can get tix. Maybe Rent on Monday (if it's still worth checking out, maybe someone can inform me on buzz or whatnot). Brooklyn didn't thrill me when I checked out its website. I'm definitely *not* into elaborate shows as a rule, but good theatre overrides this. (ie--Wicked, maybe, Hairspray, not so sure,-- Phantom, Les Miz are definitely no go).

One vote for I am My Own Wife. Anyone else? Any other drama worth checking out? A girl I knew made me see some modern dance, and I didn't understand it.

(I'm a pretty big theatre freak, and don't get a chance to go often, so I need stuff I can brag about...)

[CurtainUp2]

Posted: 9/16/04 at 2:11pm

You wouldn't have any trouble understanding 'Movin' Out'. And if you like Billy Joel's music, all the better. I took two out-of-town friends to see it and they were blown away. They're still talking about it! I've seen it three times. After seeing it for the first time I turned to the person I was with and we simultaneously said "Now that was worth $100.00!!!" It was thrilling! If you don't get to NY that often, and only have a chance to see one or two shows, why not go see something you haven't seen already? I mean... I've seen 'Rent' four times myself, so if you absolutely love it and want to see it again, who am I to talk? But I don't think you'd be disappointed with 'Movin' Out', and if you can only go on Monday night, then I'd seriously reconsider seeing 'Brooklyn', especially at $55.00 per ticket!

Updated On: 9/16/04 at 02:11 PM

[Love4Cheno]

Posted: 9/16/04 at 2:14pm

Avenue Q is so witty, brainy, and timely I just don't see how you couldn't enjoy it. The recording puts me in hysterics- I'm constantly thinking "I can't believe they just said that!"

I definitely recommend I Am My Own Wife- the acting is masterful.

Les Miz closed a while ago, so that's not even an option. As far as Phantom, Mamma Mia, etc. *VOMIT*

Also, it is currently the New York Musical Theatre Festival. Lots of B'way shows get their starts here. Check out NYMF.org All shows are only $15

*Personally though, I think Avenue Q is SO worth incurring familial wrath.

[Type_A_Tiff]

Posted: 9/16/04 at 2:21pm

As someone who visited NYC for a week, chose not to see Avenue Q, bought the OBCR at home and then spent every day regretting not seeing the show, please do yourself a favor and get tickets to Avenue Q. It's my biggest regret from my NYC trip. (Then again, you'll have to do this on any day but Monday.)

I would also recommend Rent if you can get discounted tix (TKTS and lottery). Mel B is gone (rejoice!) and Drew Lachey's getting mixed--> bad reviews, but I would love to see the show again. (Then again, I'm also on a Rent high since I saw the tour 3 times last week.)

Either way, have a good time and make sure to review fully!

[CurtainUp2]

Posted: 9/16/04 at 2:22pm

I didn't say I didn't enjoy 'Avenue Q'. I thought it was cute and clever. Just not Broadway material and definitely not worth $100.00 per ticket! If you like puppets and sophomoric social commentary, then maybe it's the show for you. If you're looking for something more mature, and with a little more substance (not to mention the best choreography on Broadway), then IMO 'Movin' Out' is a better bet. I guess it depends on what you like, what you're looking for, and who you're going with.

And Type-A-Tiff... I can't believe you loved the Cast Recording of 'Avenue Q'. I thought it was a complete waste of money! I listened to it once, and will probably never listen to it again. I would have glady mailed you my copy for free.

Updated On: 9/16/04 at 02:22 PM

[Love4Cheno]

Posted: 9/16/04 at 2:46pm

Type A Tiff- I also LOVE the OBCR and listen to it again and again.

"Sophmoric social commentary" ??? Sorry, but someone didn't get it. The subversive nature of the show is exactly what makes it not only enjoyable, but politically relevant. What other show is addressing this many issues in such an honest, open, and wry way?

[Type_A_Tiff]

Posted: 9/16/04 at 3:11pm

I appreciate the fact that Avenue Q can bluntly say what people think but never talk about, without winking at the audience in an unintentionally obtuse way (Wicked, anyone?). It doesn't preach or pull its punches. There were quite a few songs from the OBCR that I really enjoyed, but a lot of them I think need to be seen in order to understand the context.

Either way, I don't know if I'd pay $100 to see any show (what are the cheapest seats?), but I do know my biggest regret is not catching it live in NYC.

[CurtainUp2]

Posted: 9/16/04 at 3:12pm

Love4Cheno... I can assure you... "I got it". What's not to get? It really isn't all that subversive or sophisticated. Or "politically relevant" for that matter. You obviously don't get out much.

Updated On: 9/16/04 at 03:12 PM

[Love4Cheno]

Posted: 9/16/04 at 3:14pm

No, you're right! I don't get out at all, in fact!

How old are you?

[Type_A_Tiff]

Posted: 9/16/04 at 3:19pm

Ouch CurtainUp, don't turn what could've been an interesting debate into a personal and snarky attack. That's more sophmoric than any of the shows discussed on this thread.

[CurtainUp2]

Posted: 9/16/04 at 3:29pm

Excuse me... but who stated that "someone didn't get it"? That is a passive agressive insult if I've ever heard one. And just for the record, I never said that I'm not sophomoric at times. I've found that when dealing with sophomoric minds, it's best relating to them on their level.

[Love4Cheno]

Posted: 9/16/04 at 3:41pm

I just don't agree with your use of the word "sophmoric" at its fundamental level. Sophmoric to me is Austin Powers, every Ben Stiller/Vince Vaughn movie, Soul Plane, etc. Stupid, childish humour that despite yourself you *sometimes* laugh at.

Avenue Q to me is so out-and-out funny in a very adult and clever way, that I never feel it's a "guilty pleasure."

Let's agree to disagree. We could debate vocabulary/etymology for ages on end.

[CurtainUp2]

Posted: 9/16/04 at 3:45pm

Agreed! I agree to disagree.

[Laertes]

Posted: 9/22/04 at 12:59pm

Okay, it's me again. Due to my limited options on Monday October 4, 2004, I'm gambling on "Brooklyn the Musical." Need to see theatre when I'm in NYC. If I don't like it, I swear to god I'll find someone here to blame!!!! Oooh, and that person might be mildly upset....

Figure I'll take a chance with the Musical Theatre Fest on Saturday during the day. If someone can recommend something on Saturday October 2, during the day, feel free to do so--will also welcome civilized shilling.

[pab]

Posted: 9/22/04 at 1:48pm

I will be seeing Brooklyn on October 4th. Call Telecharge or go online and purchase tickets NOW.

[Laertes]

Posted: 9/22/04 at 2:20pm

Dude, (assuming you're a dude), I'm going to be there October 4 as well. Already got my ticket!

Man, it better not suck, or I'm going to be mad that this was my one big show on my trip....

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 9/22/04 at 2:27pm

Well, you already chose, but you're new so....

Willkommen.
Bienvenue.
Welcome!