My first Broadway trip: Dec. 30 - Jan. 7

[TigerBait88]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 8:47pm

Hi y'all!

I've posted about my trip in a few places on this board but I thought since I was pretty settled in now I would make a general thread about my trip and get your thoughts and suggestions. Here's my plan so far:

Dec 30: Aladdin, Ronda Rousey fight at a TS bar...any good places?
Dec 31: Hamilton, Rosie O'Grady's party (woohoo!)
Jan 1: Matinee - Matilda, Evening - Dear Evan Hansen
Jan 2: Statue of Liberty, Museum, chill out day....may hit up the Alamo Drafthouse in Brooklyn (I'm an Austinite who supports the Alamo brand religiously)
Jan 3: Museum (Met/Nat History), Russian restaurant, The Great Comet
Jan 4: Matinee - The Present (rush), anything else rush/lottery? Recommendations? Evening - The Band's Visit
Jan 5 - Matinee: Phantom (if lottery win or cheap seats) Evening - TKTS play line: The Front Page/The Humans/Jitney (in order of preference...kinda)
Jan 6 - Empire State, MOMA and TKTS return express line for Waitress/Falsettos or Paramour (maybe?)

Glad to hear any input about this week. I would particularly like to hear any rush or lottery suggestions for that Wednesday matinee, any more backups for the TKTS nights and if anyone knows a good UFC viewing place in Times Square/Bway area that first night. I'm definitely willing to listen and would be very appreciative!

Tiger (Alex)

P.S. My profile pic is Caitlin Houlahan falling out of a bus and looking adorable doing it haha

[LYLS3637]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 9:50pm

Don't miss FALSETTOS. It's absolutely unforgettable, and you'll be in town for its last week. 

[Cupid Boy2]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 9:57pm

LYLS3637 said: "Don't miss FALSETTOS. It's absolutely unforgettable, and you'll be in town for its last week."

I second this. If you haven't seen The Color Purple yet, add that to your list as well. Given that it will also be in its last week, standing room will likely be a ticketing option, which is a great value at $30. 

 

[Robbie2]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 10:01pm

Must see:

FALSETTOS

[Valentina3]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 10:11pm

I'd like to add my voice for The Color Purple too. It's the last week of the show, and it's a tour-de-force! Your Jan 4th matinee and Jan 6th list can both accommodate it. I'd actually keep Phantom Of The Opera and Waitress out, if you can get in TCP instead. Your list looks fantastic otherwise, have fun!

[TigerBait88]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 10:11pm

Falsettos is definitely in consideration because I HAD a matinee ticket for it on Wednesday that week but they a canceled the matinee for filming so it fell back into the TKTS limbo. Really bummed that's the case because now I have to choose between my current #1 Broadway crush or Falsettos which is not the easiest choice to make.

Also depends what shows has the best availability that night.

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 10:13pm

Do not miss The Color Purple!!!

[TigerBait88]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 10:14pm

Valentina3 said: "I'd like to add my voice for The Color Purple too. It's the last week of the show, and it's a tour-de-force! Your Jan 4th matinee and Jan 6th list can both accommodate it. I'd actually keep Phantom Of The Opera and Waitress out, if you can get in TCP instead. Your list looks fantastic otherwise, have fun!

 

"

For what it's worth...I have seen the last production of The Color Purple, didn't like it at all and have little to no interest in this production whatsoever... I am sorry if that gets me on the bad side of some on here but just being honest...I will at the very least have it on the list for the matinee possibly...

Also, I'm a HARDCORE Phanatic so I'd like to see it especially seeing how in that matinee slot it's literally competing with nothing else. Also, not planning on spending too much on it.

Updated On: 12/18/16 at 10:14 PM

[TigerBait88]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 10:17pm

BroadwayConcierge said: "Do not miss The Color Purple!!!

 

"

I know Cynthia is amazing but it's hard to justify in my mind seeing a show I dislike over a show I haven't seen before where I like the music (Waitress) or another show I haven't seen with a GREAT cast as well (Falsettos)

[MarkBearSF]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 10:34pm

You don't want to see Color Purple AND love Phantom - NOW you're asking for it! (joking)

Sounds like a great visit - enjoy! I'm sure you also know about TodayTix, the apps to see what's being offered on TKTS and the alternative TKTS sale locations. (If not you may want to check them out)

For a couple more classic Broadway experiences may I suggest - pre or post-show meal at Joe Allen - home of the notorious flop wall. (Make your res exactly 1 week prior) and you should visit Sardi's fabled upstairs bar to check out some of the famous caricatures and ask the person next to you what they're seeing to strike up broadway fan conversation. (Just turn right inside the door and go up the stairs)

Updated On: 12/18/16 at 10:34 PM

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 10:39pm

Tiger, I was in the same boat—the original production/show did nothing for me. I actually bought a ticket for this production last winter mainly to see Jennifer Hudson. But believe me... this production, Cynthia's performance, the ensemble... it's far and away out of this world. You'll be doing yourself a disservice if you miss it, though I understand your reasoning!

[TigerBait88]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 10:41pm

MarkBearSF said: "You don't want to see Color Purple AND love Phantom - NOW you're asking for it! (joking)

Sounds like a great visit - enjoy! I'm sure you also know about TodayTix, the apps to see what's being offered on TKTS and the alternative TKTS sale locations. (If not you may want to check them out)

For a couple more classic Broadway experiences may I suggest - pre or post-show meal at Joe Allen - home of the notorious flop wall. (Make your res exactly 1 week prior) and you should check out Sardi's fabled upstairs bar, check out some of the famous caricatures and ask the person next to you what they're seeing to strike up broadway fan conversation. (Just turn right inside the door and go up the stairs)

 

"

Haha yeah...I know the Color Purple/Phantom thing isn't a popular feeling on here....oops!

Also, yep definitely know about TodayTix! Will consider them along with the rush options for the Wednesday matinee. I have a friend joining me late in the trip and we both have TKTS gift certificates to burn which is why we're going to hit that place up the last couple days. Also, going to TKTS is kind of a right of passage for a first timer is it not? ha

[itsshowtime2]

Posted: 12/19/16 at 5:34am

Hi Tiger.  I was in the same boat as you regarding The Color Purple.  I saw the original production with Fantasia.  I thought she was great, but didn't really care for the show or the music.  I thought without Fantasia, it would have been a total waste of time and vowed to never see the show again.  Then this production opened.  Great reviews and great word of mouth.  I still was not going to see it as I had already determined it was not for me.  My NYC friends kept telling me I had to see it.  I resisted.  I saw all the folks on this board praising it.  My friends kept saying you MUST GO!  So, I finally gave in.  When I did my trip in July, I bit the bullet and went.  I was shocked.  I LOVED IT!  Even the music, which I thought was not great my first go round.  Of the 15 shows I saw on my trip, it was my 3rd favorite after She Loves Me and Waitress.  I couldn't wait to get the cast recording of it.  It is truly not the same show as the original production.  I am not sure what was wrong with the original that this one fixed, but it sure as hell did.  I know there have been a couple of cast changes since I saw it, but I am planning to see it a 2nd time on my trip over Xmas/New Year's.  

I hope that is of some help to you and convinces you to give it a chance.  I suspect you will be mighty glad you did.  If not, I am sure you will still have a great trip!  Happy Holidays!

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 12/19/16 at 6:09am

Hey fellow Austinite!  from Roman in  (South) Austin.  

[TigerBait88]

Posted: 12/28/16 at 4:05pm

Patti LuPone FANatic said: "Hey fellow Austinite!  from Roman in  (South) Austin.  

 

"

Hi! I've been enjoying your reports from your trip and I am a fellow South Austinite! How cool!

Also, wanted to say thank you all so much for your advice and suggestions means a lot. I've taken them all into account and we'll see where the chips fall for that Wednesday and my friend and I's trips to TKTS. Thanks again!

[little_sally]

Posted: 12/28/16 at 4:21pm

PThespian said: "If you like Phantom come see the other side of ALW and rock out with us at School of Rock. 

Rush, lottery, standing room, Today Tix, broadwaybox discounts, and (frequently) TKTS are all available. 

I also recommend School of Rock. It's such a blast. Definitely recommend it over Waitress.

[ACL2006]

Posted: 12/28/16 at 4:30pm

Let me add to the chorus and say squeeze in THE COLOR PURPLE. I also disliked the original. This revival is one of the best shows on Broadway right now and is only around through Jan. 8.