If you could recommend a show...

[Bway_Mill_Fan]

Posted: 11/3/03 at 9:56pm

what would be your top 5/10 in order? and why please.

Posted: 11/3/03 at 10:03pm

You mean on broadway right now?

[TheaterBaby]

Posted: 11/3/03 at 10:09pm

Assuming you mean shows that are currently running? Because if we're supposed to include ones that closed then my list might be altered a bit.


My Top 5, In Order:

Wicked ~Because Kristen Chenoweth and Idina Menzel are amazing in it; and because it gives a great backstory to the Wizard of Oz (which most children grew up watching). Also, I think everyone can relate to either Glinda (the preppy, vein girl with lots of friends) or to Elphaba (the outcast with a good heart).

Gypsy ~Because it's a classic. Plus, Bernadette Peters is a different type of Rose. She really makes you feel for the character. It also depicts a scary truth about stage mothers (even the ones of today can be compared to Rose).

Mamma Mia ~Well, I would have reccomended it while Louise Pitre was in it. That woman is awesome. Still, I'm sure the new cast must be good. It's a very upbeat show...more like a concert with a story. It's nice if you don't feel like sitting through a typical Broadway show. The dream sequence at the beginning of Act 2 is kind of cool. :)

Avenue Q ~It's extremely witty and funny. It's completely vulgar, and I love it! lol Everyone gets made fun of, so it's ok to laugh and take a break from being Politically Correct.

Throughly Modern Millie ~It's a nice typical Broadway show. Yes it has a starry-eyed girl coming to the big city; but I like the fact that she's not there to make it big on Broadway...which is a storyline that can get played out. She's a pioneer woman pal!You can also learn some Chinese.

Updated On: 11/3/03 at 10:09 PM

[JoizeyActor]

Posted: 11/3/03 at 10:18pm

I'm not sure what 5/10 means, but I'll list my 3 favorite shows because that's all I can think of at this moment.

1. Hairspray: There's never a dull moment in the show. I enjoyed EVERY song that was performed, and I was in awe of the performances! It's just a lot of fun!

2. Little Shop of Horrors: Ah, I couldn't decide if this was first or second, so I put it second anyways. I've always loved LSOH though. Its just a silly show with some of the best songs! What other show has a man eating plant with a deep black man's voice and a name like Audrey II? It's pure excellence! Like Hairspay, I never get tired of any of the songs.

3. Thoroughly Modern Millie: This show was SO much funnier than I ever expected it would be, and its a good, old fashioned type of show. But I'm not sure how it will be without Sutton. She's an amazing force to be reckoned with and she puts so much into the character. Oh yeah, and the random Chinese subtitles and White Slavery is too classic!

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 11/3/03 at 10:18pm

I recommend things to people based on the people and not on the things. For instance, I have not seen Take Me Out but strongly recommended it to two different friends because I know them well and know what they like. One said, "It was, like, the best play I have ever seen in my life." The other said, "I loved the naked men!" Two different reactions from two different people. I would not recommend Take Me Out to my mother.

I would recommend Wicked, which I did see, to my mother. Not because it is so great, but because it's big and wouldn't offend her or the ladies she rides a bus into town with to take in a Wednesday matinee. I told two friends who loved the source novel very much that they shouldn't see it. Tho they strengthened a couple of weak spots in the novel as they brought it to the stage, they definitely messed with it in some very substantial ways and I won't put a spoiler here but one thing was fairly unforgiveable.

[mickdill]

Posted: 11/3/03 at 10:21pm

One choice. "Urinetown"- the most original, funny and entertaining of the currently running shows.

[Princess MimiChica]

Posted: 11/3/03 at 10:53pm

RENT, just because it rocks and its the best musical ive ever heard =D

AIDA even though it was better with Adam and Sherie, it's still a groovy show in my book! great pop songs, amazing sets and costumes

Millie because Sutton is AMAZING

I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change! it has some of the funniest songs ever, and everyone can relate to this!

And even though it closed, im just gonna say Tick Tick BOOM because Raul was increadible and it's songs are second only to RENT in my opinion!

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 11/3/03 at 10:58pm

Do you have a time machine you can put people into? To get to TTB, I mean?

[bestofbroadway]

Posted: 11/3/03 at 11:14pm

These are obviously of the one's I have seen. I'm going to New York in January and will definetely report back:

1- Urinetown- Completely original and creative (something we don't see a lot), Urinetown is sone of the best shows I have seen in a long time on Broadway. I am very sad to hear of it's closing so see it while you can.

2- Thoroughly Modern Millie- not everyone will like this but if you are like me and love the classic dancing musicals you will love this. But it is far better than 42nd Street or many of the other "dance" shows (ie Anything Goes, etc) If nothing else see it for Sutton Foster and Rob Ashford's choreography

3- Movin' Out- Simply put- Twyla Tharp is brilliant. While it may not be the best story in the world I dare to say that I have never seen anything like it. With some of the best dancers around you simply can't miss this.

4- Gypsy- Bernadette Peters brings a new take to the role and moved me to tears (sure not everyone loves her but her portrayal worked for me.) Not the best production of Gypsy I have seen but definetely worth while.

Shows To Skip:
-Hairspray- Waste of my time and hard earned money. Complete Trash.
-Mama Mia- at least the songs in Hairspray fit into the plot.

Note: Also saw Chicago, Cabaret and Phantom recently- all of which can be skipped. Sorry folks but after several years of a run these shows simply don't have the power and freshness they used to.

[broadway86]

Posted: 11/3/03 at 11:29pm

NINE. In my opinion, it's the best show currently running on Broadway (and I have seen most of them).

Posted: 11/3/03 at 11:35pm

Every time I go back to Chicago. I find it still vrey fresh and exciting. I usually see it twice a year when I am up there.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 11/4/03 at 9:09am

RENT is my favorite musical (right now) also, but you can't just say because it rocks! I love it because it is DIFFERENT. It isn't like any other show on Bway. It has a touching topic, but is funny at the same time. The music is brilliantly composed and the lyrics are clever. Jonathan Larson was an amazing writer/composer!

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 11/4/03 at 9:30am

You rock for finding an original combination of words to say what you like about a show!

[Hank]

Posted: 11/4/03 at 12:02pm

1. Thoroughly Modern Millie. My all time favorite! Great music, choreography, set, costumes, and cast, especially the incredibly talented Sutton Foster.
2. Hairspray. A must for John Waters fans. A great production all around.
3. The Producers, the new Mel Brooks musical. From the king of offensive humor, it's the funniest show I have ever seen.
4. Mamma Mia. As an ABBA fan, I enjoyed the songs even more in the context of this show.
5. Urinetown. Will go down in history as a satirical masterpiece.

I'm very much looking forward to seeing Wicked and Never Gonna Dance this coming weekend, and I've a funny feeling that my top 5 may shift a bit soon.

[Cadriel]

Posted: 11/4/03 at 12:17pm

Depends on what they were going for.

I would recommend Wicked before almost anything else, because I think it's freaking phenomenal. After that, probably Rent to anyone who'd be into the whole Bohemian vibe of the show. For the rest, I'd probably say Cabaret next - not because I think too highly of the production, but because it's one of the best musicals ever.

I'd recommend that just about anyone see The Phantom of the Opera once from good seats; more than that and it gets a little redundant. Thoroughly Modern Millie is decent if you're not looking for anything too deep. That makes a pretty good five.

I'm hoping Avenue Q - when I get around to seeing it - replaces one of the later entries on that list. Chicago can go in place of Cabaret once that closes - a better production, but frankly I prefer Cabaret as a musical.

[sheekala]

Posted: 11/4/03 at 12:33pm

Walk, Don't Run! To see TABOO...it's AMAZING! The creative team has given the show just the right amount of grit and sash to make it the feel great it of the season! Bravo Rosie for caring enough to bring the very best! (Hopefully I'll be quoted!)

[ChristineDaae]

Posted: 11/4/03 at 1:28pm

"Note: Also saw Chicago, Cabaret and Phantom recently- all of which can be skipped. Sorry folks but after several years of a run these shows simply don't have the power and freshness they used to."

Cabaret & Phantom still are both fantastic shows! I haven't seen Chicago on Broadway but I imagin thats good to!

I recommend seeing Phantom, Cabaret, 42nd Street & Aida because all of them are just awsome shows!!!!

[TEACHEROFTHEATER]

Posted: 11/4/03 at 1:31pm

GYPSY

[Dollypop]

Posted: 11/4/03 at 1:40pm

TEACHEROFTHEATER, how can you recommend GYPSY or any other show that is currently running on Broadway? You live in Florida and can't come to New York because there's a warrent out for your arrest. That means you haven't seen the show you're touting!

Updated On: 11/4/03 at 01:40 PM

[mamamia sammy]

Posted: 11/4/03 at 1:49pm

Oh dear.

[Kitzarina]

Posted: 11/4/03 at 2:25pm

I've only seen 4 of the shows playing on Broadway right now, seeing as the other 2 I saw in April have since closed. But I would definately reccomend everything I saw.

1. Urinetown--the funniest thing I've ever seen in my life. The scene in "Run Freedom, Run" nearly had me falling out of my seat, I was laughing so hard. I'm really depressed that this is closing, because it's so witty and irreverant.

2. Thoroughly Modern Millie--I didn't think I'd like it very much, but I was pleasantly surprised. It's got great music, Sutton Foster is fabulous (I'm not sure if she's still in it or not, but she's a reason to see it all by herself), and it's just a feel-good show.

3. RENT--Although the Roger I saw was horrid (don't remember his name), it's still one of my favorite shows. I'm a total Renthead and it was awesome seeing it in the Nederlander.

4. Aida--Love the music, and the costumes and staging was pretty spectacular. Even without getting to see Adam Pascal, it was still a great show.

I also saw "La Boheme" and "Les Miz," but they're closed. I'm just glad I saw them before they did, cuz those are the best 2 I saw.

[sheekala]

Posted: 11/4/03 at 2:39pm

I honestly think at the moment either Hairspray or Take Me Out are your two best bets. The both are in wonderful shape.

[newyorkuniq]

Posted: 11/4/03 at 3:05pm

1. Wicked
2. Avenue Q
3. Chicago
4. 42nd Street
5. Hairspray

[RobbO]

Posted: 11/4/03 at 4:44pm

1. rent - it's just good fun and the music is great
2. lion king - great production value and some memorable songs
3. take me out - great dramatic play with terrific performances

[stagedoorguy]

Posted: 11/4/03 at 5:04pm

Ave Q
Wicked