Next to Normal or Billy Elliot?
Next to Normal or Billy Elliot?
jaxel614
Featured Actor Joined: 4/12/09
#1Next to Normal or Billy Elliot?
Posted: 4/28/09 at 9:11pmIf you could only see one which would you choose? I'm leaning towards Next to Normal because it interests me a bit more and I can use a discout code, but I know Billy is getting Tony-hype. Please give your thoughts.
#2re: Next to Normal or Billy Elliot?
Posted: 4/28/09 at 9:15pm
I haven't seen Billy Elliot but Next to Normal was phenomenal! You won't regret it! And depending on what your schedule is like, Next to Normal has a general rush: when the box office opens at 10am (12pm on Sundays), $25 tickets, two per person. I suggest getting there early.
Updated On: 4/28/09 at 09:15 PM
#2re: Next to Normal or Billy Elliot?
Posted: 4/28/09 at 9:15pm
That's a tough call, but I'd say Next to Normal since Billy will be around for awhile and I'm not too sure how long Next to Normal will survive. Both are amazing, but if I had to recommend one for right now then Next to Normal. 
Tom's Cat
Leading Actor Joined: 2/21/09
#4re: Next to Normal or Billy Elliot?
Posted: 4/28/09 at 9:19pmBilly - all the way. I didn't think the 2nd act of N2N would EVER end. Billy makes you feel good - it inspires and uplifts - every time you see it.
Meow!
#5re: Next to Normal or Billy Elliot?
Posted: 4/28/09 at 9:20pmWhile I adore Billy Elliot, I would also vote for Next to Normal simply because it might not make it through the summer.
jaxel614
Featured Actor Joined: 4/12/09
#6re: Next to Normal or Billy Elliot?
Posted: 4/28/09 at 9:23pm
I think I may go with next to normal because I'm coming back to the city in November where I could have a chance to see Billy. I come up at least twice a year so I'll see it eventually.
I think I have a good set up for the rest of '09
Im seeing 9 to 5 and (now) Next to Normal in June
and
Hair and (possibly) Billy Elliot in November
WishingOnlyWounds2
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/25/08
#7re: Next to Normal or Billy Elliot?
Posted: 4/28/09 at 9:51pm
I have seen both shows (Billy twice actually) and both were amazing so, it mainly comes down to this...
1) Do you want to see a large cast and big production? Billy
2) Do you want to see an original musical? next to normal
3) Do you want to see something very emotional and touching? Either, but I should add 'next to normal' may really get to you and is somewhat depressing.
I know some people aren't crazy about small cast musicals but 'next to normal' was great.
In all honestly if I hadn't see either yet and had to choose, I would go with 'Billy Elliot' because pretending I hadn't seen either Billy would be the obvious choice for me because I love big productions and the story really interested (and still does interest) me.
Also, I don't know if this would bother you but if you see Billy next year you probably wont have that high of a chance of seeing any of the original Billys.
Have fun with what ever you choose.
2008: Feb. 18- Rent, Feb. 19- Curtains, April 18- Xanadu, April 22- Wicked, April 26- Legally Blonde, May 31- Wicked, June 13- The Little Mermaid, June 28- Wicked and Young Frankenstein, July 2- The Little Mermaid, July 6- A Chorus Line and Legally Blonde, August 16- Xanadu, September 13- Legally Blonde and 13, September 28- Xanadu and Spring Awakening, Oct. 12-GYPSY and [title of show], Oct. 19- Hairspray & Legally Blonde, Nov. 9- Wicked and 13, Dec. 14-13, Dec. 26- Billy Elliot, 2009: Jan 1- Shrek, Jan 2- 13 and Wicked, Jan 4- 13, Feb 17- In The Heights, Feb 19- Billy Elliot, Feb 22- Sweeney Todd (tour), March 28- Mary Poppins, April 4- Mamma Mia!, April 15- Jersey Boys (on tour), April 25- next to normal & 9 to 5
May 1- Billy Elliot, May 3- Spelling Bee (tour), May 8- Chicago, May 21- Wicked, June 6- Everyday Rapture, June 23- The Wiz, June 25- Hair July 15- Shrek, August 9- Wicked, September 7- Rock of Ages, October 11- Next To Normal, October 23- The Marvelous Wonderettes, November 7- Ragtime November 29- Dreamgirls, December 25- Billy Elliot, December 30- Finian's Rainbow, 2010: January 9- Bye Bye Birdie, January 16- Memphis February 17- The Phantom of The Opera, February 18- God of Carnage, March 7- Billy Elliot, March 31- American Idiot
Updated On: 4/28/09 at 09:51 PM
jordangirl
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/1/06
#8re: Next to Normal or Billy Elliot?
Posted: 4/28/09 at 9:58pmI saw both in the same weekend, and hands down I (and my unbiased family before anyone says I'm too biased) would go with next to normal.
Experience live theater. Experience paintings. Experience books. Live, look and listen like artists! ~ imaginethis
LIVE THAT LESSON!!!!!!
LIVE THAT LESSON!!!!!!
dramamama611
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
#9re: Next to Normal or Billy Elliot?
Posted: 4/28/09 at 10:06pmNext to Normal. (And I adored BE) It is the most original thing out there.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
Parks
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/5/04
#10re: Next to Normal or Billy Elliot?
Posted: 4/28/09 at 10:22pmNext To Normal. My new favorite show--possibly the best production I've ever seen (in my opinion). I absolutely loved it.
"If it walks like a Parks, if it wobbles like a Parks, then it's definitely fat and nobody loves it." --MA
JazzSquare55
Featured Actor Joined: 4/28/09
#11re: Next to Normal or Billy Elliot?
Posted: 4/28/09 at 10:24pm
9 TO 5.
Why these two choices? Both terrible options..
ZONEACE
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/10/05
#12re: Next to Normal or Billy Elliot?
Posted: 4/28/09 at 10:40pmSays the person who suggested 9 to 5
when ducks grow thumbs then maybe my opinion will change.
#13re: Next to Normal or Billy Elliot?
Posted: 4/28/09 at 10:44pmGuys, you do realize the OP already said she was choosing N2N, so we really don't have to keep giving him/her advice...
#14re: Next to Normal or Billy Elliot?
Posted: 4/28/09 at 10:49pm
I haven't seen either but I want to see Next to Normal more than Billy Elliot, and like people are saying, Next to Normal may not make it very long so you should see it so if it doesn't make it , you can see it before it leaves. However, like some peple were also saying, I want to see 9 to 5 more than either but thats just me!
Remember when drama was only on the stage?
#15re: Next to Normal or Billy Elliot?
Posted: 4/28/09 at 10:52pm
Jazz, calm down. The OP already wrote that they are seeing 9 to 5.
"If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition and then admit that we just don't want to do it." -Stephen Colbert
#16re: Next to Normal or Billy Elliot?
Posted: 4/28/09 at 11:16pm
Next to Normal.
Not only is it a fantastic show, it will be a nice contrast to 9 to 5.
"Oh look at the time, three more intelligent plays just closed and THE ADDAMS FAMILY made another million dollars" -Jackie Hoffman, Broadway.com Audience Awards
WishingOnlyWounds2
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/25/08
#17re: Next to Normal or Billy Elliot?
Posted: 4/28/09 at 11:18pm
^^^
I agree, I saw 'next to normal' than that evening '9 to 5'- it was my best 2-show-one-day experience.
2008: Feb. 18- Rent, Feb. 19- Curtains, April 18- Xanadu, April 22- Wicked, April 26- Legally Blonde, May 31- Wicked, June 13- The Little Mermaid, June 28- Wicked and Young Frankenstein, July 2- The Little Mermaid, July 6- A Chorus Line and Legally Blonde, August 16- Xanadu, September 13- Legally Blonde and 13, September 28- Xanadu and Spring Awakening, Oct. 12-GYPSY and [title of show], Oct. 19- Hairspray & Legally Blonde, Nov. 9- Wicked and 13, Dec. 14-13, Dec. 26- Billy Elliot, 2009: Jan 1- Shrek, Jan 2- 13 and Wicked, Jan 4- 13, Feb 17- In The Heights, Feb 19- Billy Elliot, Feb 22- Sweeney Todd (tour), March 28- Mary Poppins, April 4- Mamma Mia!, April 15- Jersey Boys (on tour), April 25- next to normal & 9 to 5
May 1- Billy Elliot, May 3- Spelling Bee (tour), May 8- Chicago, May 21- Wicked, June 6- Everyday Rapture, June 23- The Wiz, June 25- Hair July 15- Shrek, August 9- Wicked, September 7- Rock of Ages, October 11- Next To Normal, October 23- The Marvelous Wonderettes, November 7- Ragtime November 29- Dreamgirls, December 25- Billy Elliot, December 30- Finian's Rainbow, 2010: January 9- Bye Bye Birdie, January 16- Memphis February 17- The Phantom of The Opera, February 18- God of Carnage, March 7- Billy Elliot, March 31- American Idiot
heo1128
Broadway Star Joined: 7/9/08
#18re: Next to Normal or Billy Elliot?
Posted: 4/29/09 at 12:41amHaving seen both shows back to back, I had a much better theater experience at Next to Normal. Billy was fantastic but it's very much a main stream show, and has a similar feel to other big production shows. Next to Normal is a much more unique experience and as IdinaBellFoster said, N2N would be a great contrast to 9-5
Harpz2006
Broadway Star Joined: 1/3/08
#19re: Next to Normal or Billy Elliot?
Posted: 4/29/09 at 1:20am
Why are they both terrible options (in reply to JazzSquare)?
Edit: hahaha... totally just realizd I think JazzSquare is TOODARNHOT!
Updated On: 4/29/09 at 01:20 AM
jaxel614
Featured Actor Joined: 4/12/09
#20re: Next to Normal or Billy Elliot?
Posted: 4/29/09 at 9:10pmThanks everyone, I just bought three tickets for Next to Normal, row B front mezz for a Tuesday evening. From your responses, I know I'll enjoy the show.
#21re: Next to Normal or Billy Elliot?
Posted: 4/29/09 at 9:15pm
Too late.
Enjoy!
"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
Updated On: 4/29/09 at 09:15 PM
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
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