If you could recommend a show...

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

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.

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

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.

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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!

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.

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.

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

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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.

"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!!!!

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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!

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

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.

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

Ave Q
Wicked

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