Help me pick a show? 3rd NYC visit

[geissap]

Posted: 7/19/12 at 3:30pm

So this is our 3rd NYC visit in a year. The first time we came we got hooked on plays. Here's what we've seen and here's how my wife and I would rank them #1 being our fave and then #8 being our least favorite. Based on these rankings anyone got any recommendations. We plan on seeing 3 or 4 plays on this visit coming up.

1. Mary Poppins
2. Priscilla Queen of the Desert
3. How to Succeed in Business Without Trying
4. Sleep No More
5. Memphis
6. Traces
7. Lion King (We thought this was EXTREMELY overated)
8. War Horse

We really liked the big sets of Mary Poppins and Priscilla. The upbeat feel and all the colors and stuff.

[aasjb4ever]

Posted: 7/19/12 at 3:31pm

If you make it in time, definitely see One Man, Two Guvnors. It was absolute comedic joy.

[Broadway Joe]

Posted: 7/19/12 at 3:36pm

If you really enjoyed the big sets and colors then I suggest seeing Spider-man.

[geissap]

Posted: 7/19/12 at 3:46pm

We're going Aug 24th - 27th. Is that still playing? I see that at TKTS all the time. That should be easy to get tickets too.

[aasjb4ever]

Posted: 7/19/12 at 3:49pm

It’ll still be open then :)

It closes September 2nd Updated On: 7/19/12 at 03:49 PM

[TalkinLoud]

Posted: 7/19/12 at 3:57pm

I'll second One Man, Two Guvnors. Probably the funniest thing I've ever seen.

[tphiliboy152]

Posted: 7/19/12 at 4:02pm

I'd recommend
Wicked
Newsies
Phantom

You should also look into Sister Act (it closes August 26th - so maybe you could see the closing performance? I saw it last night and enjoyed it. It was very funny!)

[macnyc]

Posted: 7/19/12 at 4:10pm

I second Newsies. I saw it a few weeks ago and loved it: electrifying dancing, a memorable score, appealing orphans, great pacing. Judging from the other shows you've liked, I think you'll really enjoy Newsies. Once, on the other hand, is subtle and quiet, and it did not hold my interest the way Newsies did. (Then again, I loved War Horse, so our taste must be different.)

I haven't seen Nice Work If You Can Get It because I'm not a big Matthew Broderick fan, but you may like that as well, depending on how you feel about him.

I loved One Man, Two Guvnors also. I would say if you like Benny Hill, Monty Python and Mr. Bean, One Man will right up your alley! I'm seeing it again next month!

Enjoy your trip!


Updated On: 7/19/12 at 04:10 PM

[dreaming]

Posted: 7/19/12 at 4:14pm

One Man, Two Guvnors is truly comedic genius-I hope to get back before it closes. (James Corden is amazing.)

I guess given your interest in color and sets, I too, would recommend Spiderman. I also think Bring It On might fit there. Nice Work is another possibility.

I also think Newsies is probably a good bet for you, as well.

[SFFrontRow]

Posted: 7/19/12 at 4:41pm

Newsies - may be a kid-oriented show, but I enjoyed it and the story was interesting.

Once - I went not knowing the story and was not all that hyped on going, but I REALLY enjoyed it - a well written show that doesnt have HIGHT energy dancing but the music really fits this show, the dancing "movement" is very interesting and it really was a unique experience. If you go, be sure to arrive early and have a drink at the bar on stage (they do it before the show and during intermission). Before the show, the performers are on stage playing music. Like I said, a unique experience.

One Man Two Guvnors - another one I went to reluctantly (not my kind of humor) but James Cordon was incredibly funny and really made the show - performances across the board were fun along with the small band that plays before the show and during intermission.

The Best Man - could not see this as my theater spaces were all booked up - disappointed I missed this production. I have heard nothing but good things about it (original cast).

Peter and the Starcatcher - a little disappointed in this as the story was a little hard for me to follow for some reason. But a lot of people LOVED this show.

Clybourne Park - missed seeing it off-Broadway and at ACT in San Francisco, saw it on my last visit a week before the Tony Awards. I thought it was just OK and really loved Other Desert Cities better. But, it is a quality play with great performances. I liked the first act much better than the second, but others I have talked to thought the second act was much better - go figure.

Evita - had a ticket and passed on it - the original production was my first musical and it was the first or second replacement after Patti LuPone (have also seen 2 touring productions in Boston and SF). I prefer an Evita that can really belt and sing the part. I would suggest seeing this with the alternate (DiCicco - spelling?). The rest of it looks interesting.

Ghost - had a ticket and passed on it as well - I think I would have enjoyed the technical aspects of the production but was unsure of the rest of it so booked One Man 2 Guvnors instead.

Hope this helps...

Updated On: 7/19/12 at 04:41 PM

[aaronb]

Posted: 7/19/12 at 10:27pm

I haven't seen ONE MAN yet, but I think CLYBOURNE PARK is the best show on Broadway right now. TRIBES is also excellent and has been extended for the second time.

[mjroberts972]

Posted: 7/19/12 at 11:19pm

if you're looking for big flashy sets, then you should definitely check out GHOST

[*Alice*]

Posted: 7/20/12 at 11:47am

Going by the rankings on your list, I'd also recommend Ghost.

[*Alice*]

Posted: 7/20/12 at 11:47am

Going by the rankings on your list, I'd also recommend Ghost.

[Judy25]

Posted: 7/20/12 at 2:25pm

My recommendations:

NEWSIES
SISTER ACT
WICKED
GHOST
ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS
SPIDER-MAN, TURN OFF THE DARK

I have seen all of these and based on you rankings I think you would enjoy these.

[little_sally]

Posted: 7/20/12 at 6:40pm

I echo what everyone has said about One Man! Also, Peter and the Starcatcher!

[rja16]

Posted: 7/20/12 at 7:12pm

Peter and the Starcatcher is one of the best shows on broadway right now, if not the best. It is so much fun. I have heard that Matthew Saldivar isn't as good as Christian Borle, but still, the show has to much amazingness built into it, it'll still be incredible regardless of who is black stache.

[nicnyc]

Posted: 7/23/12 at 3:50am

Based on your list, I highly recommend Peter & the Starcatcher

[tchabt]

Posted: 7/23/12 at 6:59am

I would strongly recommend Ghost. Most of the critics and "serious" theatre people roll their eyes and say it's quite bad. But in my estimation, it is a very ambitious work and most importantly,something that you will never forget. Is it the greatest musical around? no-but there are many memorable scenes that will leave you astounded and stay with you. Also, this musical probably won't be around too long whereas some of the more popular ones can still be seen on your next visit.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 7/23/12 at 8:42am

nice work if you can get it

[CaissieFan101]

Posted: 7/23/12 at 9:10am

Ghost. Definitely. Like some other people said, it might not be around next time you go so it should be a definite.