Ideas for first Broadway experience?

I'm taking two friends to see their first Broadway show this March. From the shows that will be playing, what do you think is the best option for someone who has dreamed of watching a Broadway show and never had the opportunity before? We are watching more than one, but I'd like the first to be special (after all, who doesn't remember the first Broadway show?)

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as cliche as it is, Wicked would make a great first broadway memory.

and if not that, I would go with Chicago.

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I saw Avenue Q as my first Broadway show and it was one of the greatest New York experiences I ever had.

RENT It's the show that got me truly intrested in B-way I've seen it 12 times

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Phantom of the Opera was my first... at the time I was overwhelmed and amazed, before that I had little or no knowledge of Broadway... that show got me interested in Broadway, but it is definitely not my favourite now, but it was a very good first exposure.

I would go with GYPSY. Classic show, great performances, what could be better?

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I recently took a friend to her first show- Hairspray and she loved it. If your friends aren't that into theater I would start with a fun show and or one with some bigger musical numbers like Hairspray, Lion king (haven't seen in years- but was amazing), Wicked, Chicago. I don't recommend Spring Awakening for a first show- if you read on this board people either love it or hate it. I thought it was ok and really overrated. Sadly the current production of A Chorus Line is flat- or at least the current actors are. Phantom has some cool staging, but the music is not for everyone-one of my least favorites. Depending on what type of music they are in may determine what shows they would like more. Rent is a good show- again haven't sen since original cast so unsure about current actors. They may like Mary Poppins too - would be familiar.

I second (or third or fourth) seeing Lupone in Gypsy. I can't imagine a better 1st experience than seeing a legend perform in an amazing show.
But then again, my first broadway experience was seeing Starlight Express so what the hell do I know? :)

If it was someone who'd never thought of seeing a Broadway show before, I'd probably pick Wicked. As it's already been stated, it is rather cliche, but it's a show I think everyone can enjoy regardless of whether they actually enjoy theatre or not.

After all, my parents and younger brother both saw it and thought it was awesome.

ETA: Okay, I misread that. I thought you said they'd NEVER wanted to see a show. If they've always wanted to and only have the one chance, I think it'd be best to just ask.

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Updated On: 1/4/08 at 10:49 PM

If you think they'll like it: LuPone in Gypsy.

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Wicked, Jersey Boys, Legally Blonde or Xanadu

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I would NOT recommend POTO, unless the person already has an interest in it or musicals of a similar dramatic style. It was my first, and I actually fell asleep for a moment or two.

I would recommend anything fun and lively (Xanadu, Hairspray, etc.), especially if you're going to be tired from traveling. I know I always like to leave a theater with a smile on my face.

Yes, I haven't seen Curtains either, but I thought it would be a good choice. I actually was thinking of A Chorus Line, for what it represents, but it seems that the current cast is less than stellar. They want to see Spring Awakening, but I didn't know if it would be to overwhelming.

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