Next To Normal or Hair?

[pushdabutton]

Posted: 6/18/09 at 11:13pm

I will be in NYC in September. I'm already seeing West Side Story. I only have time for one more show. Should I see Next To Normal or Hair and why?

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 6/18/09 at 11:17pm

I love both to death but I'd have to go with HAIR.

It's timely, it's one of the best productions I've probably ever seen, it's by far the best show on Broadway right now IMO, and it features a kickass cast. Plus it's TONS of fun...and really moving as well.

N2N is fantastic but it's a downer. But it's an important piece of theater, for sure. Either way, you can't really lose, but I say go with HAIR.
Updated On: 6/18/09 at 11:17 PM

[adamgreer]

Posted: 6/18/09 at 11:18pm

Skip West Side Story and see both. You'll be much happier.

[ashley0139]

Posted: 6/18/09 at 11:18pm

Skip West Side and see Hair and Next to Normal.

If you can't to that, I'd say Next to Normal only because it's an original show in its original incarnation. It's absolutely brilliant and Alice is giving the performance of a lifetime.

But seriously. See N2N and Hair and skip West Side.

Updated On: 6/18/09 at 11:18 PM

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 6/18/09 at 11:18pm

Next To Normal...you need to see Alice Ripley in this role. It's a once in a lifetime performance that will not be duplicated by anyone on a tour or her replacement.

[pushdabutton]

Posted: 6/18/09 at 11:20pm

I already have tickets bought for West Side Story.

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

Posted: 6/18/09 at 11:20pm

I agree with adamgreer, skip WSS and see both.


If you can't... next to normal

[lakezurich]

Posted: 6/18/09 at 11:21pm

Oooooo... this is truly a tough call. I saw both when I was in NYC a few months ago, and both were FANTASTIC. But I liked HAIR a little bit better. It will be a long time before I see a production as good as HAIR. That being said no matter which show you pick you will have a great time.

[ljay889]

Posted: 6/18/09 at 11:21pm

They already have tickets to WSS. way to read.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 6/18/09 at 11:22pm

They could EASILY sell the WSS tickets and maybe even make a profit. :)

[pushdabutton]

Posted: 6/18/09 at 11:24pm

Even though I have read my fair share of negative posts about West Side Story, I am very excited to see it because I LOVE Karen Olivo.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 6/18/09 at 11:25pm

Olivo is really the only reason to see WEST SIDE. And Scaglione, I suppose. But if you love Olivo, you will NOT be let down. She's fantastic.

[lakezurich]

Posted: 6/18/09 at 11:26pm

I had a good time at West Side Story. Sure, the current revival has its flaws, but it was a great night of theatre nonetheless.

[Pianolin717]

Posted: 6/18/09 at 11:27pm

Olivo isn't the only reason to see this and only you can be the judge on whether you like it or not. She is def a huge highlight, but not the only reason to see the show.

[ljay889]

Posted: 6/18/09 at 11:27pm

" But if you love Olivo, you will NOT be let down. She's fantastic. "

- Totally agree.

[pushdabutton]

Posted: 6/18/09 at 11:27pm

Is there audience participation required in Hair? I thought I heard something about this earlier this week. If so, I am not into this at all.

[TalkinLoud]

Posted: 6/18/09 at 11:28pm

No audience participation, but lots of audience interaction. But it's well done and not cheesy like it sometimes is.

Hair would be my choice, hands down. Updated On: 6/18/09 at 11:28 PM

[pushdabutton]

Posted: 6/18/09 at 11:32pm

Audience interaction is cool. Thanks for putting my mind at ease.

[heo1128]

Posted: 6/18/09 at 11:36pm

Id vote for Next to Normal. Hair will be around for a long time, next to normal has a short shelf life.

[pushdabutton]

Posted: 6/18/09 at 11:44pm

I was honestly leaning more towards Next To Normal because I don't think it will be around as long as Hair. I will be in NYC again in November/December and I think the chances of Hair still playing is better than Next To Normal. I really appreciate and value the opinions of all the great people on this board that have taken the time to answer my post.

[heo1128]

Posted: 6/18/09 at 11:46pm

^If you'll be back in the early winter, definitely go with NtN this time around. I bet it'll be gone by October.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 6/18/09 at 11:48pm

Well, that I agree with. If you're coming back in the late fall, go with N2N.

HAIR isn't going anywhere any time soon. But be sure not to miss it.

Although one wonders if the replacement cast will be as excellent as the current cast.

[yay_gerb]

Posted: 6/18/09 at 11:52pm

I'd go with Hair. N2N is great if you do decide to pick that, but Hair is so powerful especially in it's message, as compared to N2N which is more mind-blowing(story and performance wise). Both have incredible performers. Most people I talk to say they all LOVED Hair, but i'd say about 70% of them liked N2N. N2N is more lifetime movie-like(not in a bad way, it's one of those really good ones that you tell all your friends about) and Hair is more of an experience or a journey with a bunch of really fun people. Both give you alot to take in. Hair is alot(yea that's right human spell checkers, i said ALOT) more fun. N2N is alot more "OMG i'm going to cry my eyes out". Everyone has their preferences. Just trying to give as many comparisons as i can to help you pick. Both are really freakin' incredible.

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

Posted: 6/19/09 at 12:02am

gerb, I have been wanting to tell you for weeks and I just can't hold it in anymore.

I mean no offense to Will but your avatar reminds me of Tarzan when he is learning "how to be civilized."

[alightinthedark23]

Posted: 6/19/09 at 12:05am

I would definitely do 'Next to Normal'. It's a show unlike any other.