Ideas for first Broadway experience?

[blaxx]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 10:08pm

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?)

[bluetuna]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 10:10pm

What others are you seeing?

[Pippin]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 10:15pm

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

and if not that, I would go with Chicago.

[blaxx]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 10:16pm

ACL, Spring Awakening, In The Heights, Passing Strange, Xanadu, Curtains.

I was thinking A Chorus Line, but not sure how the show is looking nowadays.

[verynewyorkcurious]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 10:21pm

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

[obsessedjb]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 10:22pm

ACL is pretty disappointing these days.

[coolkid11776]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 10:22pm

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

[bluetuna]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 10:22pm

I agree with Pippin. You want to pick something your friends will enjoy and fully appreciate.

[zooxanthellae]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 10:23pm

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.

[blaxx]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 10:29pm

Eeek! I suppose I should've said that I rather wait for them outside than having to watch Wicked, Rent or Phantom again.

I suppose Gypsy is an option, what's wrong with ACL?

[wonderfulwizard11]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 10:31pm

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

[philly03]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 10:33pm

I would say either Phantom or Gyspy, but only for LuPone.

[sesot]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 10:39pm

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.

[Gobstopper]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 10:44pm

I sort of think "The Lion King" would be a good one. I've only seen it on tour, but I think that opening sequence would be such a powerful way to kick off your Broadway experience.

[patti+bettysgirl]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 10:46pm

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? :)

[pushdabutton]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 10:49pm

Jersey Boys

[dramaparoxysm23]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 10:49pm

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.

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

[Mealz1042]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 10:55pm

Hairpray, Wicked, In the Heights, or Rent

[sondheimgeek]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 10:58pm

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

[BroadwayBelle2]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 11:07pm

Either Wicked or The Phantom of the Opera. They are the most exciting for someone who has never seen a broadway show.
Updated On: 1/4/08 at 11:07 PM

[broadwayfan7]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 11:10pm

Wicked, Jersey Boys, Legally Blonde or Xanadu

[blaxx]

Posted: 1/11/08 at 10:46pm

I guess they've seen Wicked, Phantom and Lion King on tour, and they are Gypsy-phobic thanks to a couple of really bad community theatre productions (no, not even Lupone would change their minds).

How about Curtains? Do you think it would be a nice Broadway first?

[mauriposa]

Posted: 1/11/08 at 10:56pm

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.

[uncageg]

Posted: 1/11/08 at 10:59pm

Curtains would be a good choice. A really fun show. It has an old Broadway feel to it. Or Sunday in the Park With George. I had been going to Broadway for a few years but I saw Sweeney Todd and was hooked. Thank you Mr. Sondheim!

[blaxx]

Posted: 1/11/08 at 11:04pm

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.