Posted: 4/19/15 at 10:40pm
Im coming to the city for a gig next week and want to try and fit in a show that may possibly not last to much longer so we are seeing fun home and on the twentieth but for the last slot would you go see American in paris or On the town. Would like to hear some opinions on which show the more enjoyed.
Posted: 4/20/15 at 12:06am
An American In Paris was much, much better in my opinion.
Both shows have great music and great dancing. I think the songs in An American In Paris are better, but the huge orchestra in OTT is wonderful. The dancing in An American in Paris was better, in my opinion. There are several very creative song/dance numbers in AAIP I just loved.
But the major difference is the book/story line. OTT sucked. An American In Paris was very good.
It is not even a close contest in my mind, I would love to see AAIP again. I would never see OTT again.
Updated On: 4/20/15 at 12:06 AM
Posted: 4/20/15 at 12:10am
On The Town. Pure joy. One of the best times I have ever had in a Broadway theatre.
Posted: 4/20/15 at 12:21am
"OTT sucked."
With all due respect, this American classic with a score by Leonard Bernstein, book by Comden & Green and choreography inspired by the original Jerome Robbins' most definitely does not "suck," as the kids say. If you're looking for true sophistication and sky-high entertainment value, this is your ticket. An American in Paris is also wonderful but it will be around long after OTT closes.
Posted: 4/20/15 at 12:36am
Well, AAIP is not going anywhere so you can always see that during the year or on your next trip so On The Town will be the show you should then see next week! Check (my) reviews on those threads!
Updated On: 4/20/15 at 12:36 AM
Posted: 4/20/15 at 1:12am
Agree with Robbie.
Both received great reviews…so seeing the one that has been around longer might be advisable...before it closes. OTT has been open for a while now, and with the more recent opening and raves that AAiP has received, it seems that it will be around a while.
I saw both, and IMO you wouldn't go wrong with either one.
I saw OTT my first vacation night in NY and thought it was a sentimental way to start my return to New York!
OTT can be considered a bit dated. But then again, so is An American in Paris.
OTT comes off as carefree and fun (sailors on leave); Paris is more pensive and artistic, with lots of ballet-style dance.
The sets for Paris are very creative and lush. OTT is more cartoon-like and colorful.
Music for OTT is lighthearted, sometimes comical, and fun. For Paris…well…it's Gershwin. What can you say!
Both these shows are just great.
Posted: 4/20/15 at 1:28am
Agree with sctrojan
AND the gorgeous Bernstein OTT score is played by a lush 30 piece orchestra
Updated On: 4/20/15 at 01:28 AM
Posted: 4/20/15 at 11:27am
Niether, was bored with both shows. OTT is dated and feels like it goes on forever. AAIP misses the mark. Yes, the music is good, but the songs are way too short. And the book is all over the place. Shake things up and go see Hand To God. One of the best plays I have ever seen.
Posted: 4/20/15 at 11:41am
On the Town! Such a great score by a theatre legend.
Posted: 4/20/15 at 11:56am
On The Town. The other show can't even be compared to On The Town, because there is no connection with the audience.
Posted: 4/20/15 at 11:57am
"You win either way."
Exactly. I did prefer American in Paris, but it will be around longer. And they're both wonderful.
Posted: 4/20/15 at 12:23pm
I guess it depends on whether you think you will be back in time to see AAIP. I haven't been able to get in to see AAIP yet, but I think that OTT is worth seeing while it's here. I agree that the book is weak, the jokes fall flat (although there were a lot of people laughing so maybe it's just me?), and it is old fashioned and outdated, but there are a few moments in the show that make it worth seeing. 1) the opening number New York NY 2) lonely town 3) the dance between Megan Fairchild and Tony Yazbeck and 4) Alysha Umphress singing "I can cook too", which is worth the price of admission IMO. Generally the show drags and there are better shows to be seen, but I would regret not seeing those particular scenes in OTT. Not to mention the amazing orchestra.
Posted: 4/20/15 at 12:29pm
But American's book is also very weak. Don't even think about it. See On The Town. Easy decision!
Updated On: 4/20/15 at 12:29 PM
Posted: 4/20/15 at 12:29pm
Updated On: 4/20/15 at 12:29 PM
Posted: 4/20/15 at 2:59pm
As others have said, American in Paris will be around for a while. See On the Town. But as PalJoey put it, You win either way. How glorious to have both of these shows the same year.
Posted: 4/20/15 at 7:28pm
Saw OTT. Based on the film's AAIP is superior in every way. OTT is enjoyable and may be an early casualty after the Tony nods if it does not get any. AAIP will be around for awhile.
Posted: 4/21/15 at 12:55am
OTT is one of those quintessential NY musicals, IMO. The opening number alone attests to that. What a classic Broadway song.
And Yazbeck's "Lonely Town" and "Lucky to Be Me" are just amazing.
Posted: 4/21/15 at 9:22am
I just saw OTT for the second time and loved it even more than the first. It is one of the most joyful shows I've seen in years with a superb cast. The big orchestra alone is worth the price of admission.
The next night I went to see the last preview of AIP and was completely enchanted. Nevertheless comparing both shows is useless like apples and oranges. Both shows are masterworks of the Broadway musical idiom and occupy totally different spheres.
Definitely see OTT as who knows if it will run after the Tony nominations are out. Also you still can see the original cast with the added attraction of spotting Rudy Abreu who won last season's So You Think You Can Dance.
I would imagine that AIP will be around for a very long time
Updated On: 4/21/15 at 09:22 AM
Posted: 4/21/15 at 9:39am
"OTT" hands down. You're unlikely to ever see a production of "On The Town" on this scale, and performed with such virtuosity. The orchestra alone is reason enough to buy a ticket. And, I agree with previous posters....Tony Yazbeck's portrayal of Gabey is PERFECT.
Posted: 4/21/15 at 9:42am
if you download the Today tix app you could see both for a discounted price. used code RSDSI on your first purchase and get $20 off!
Posted: 4/21/15 at 2:41pm
I personally enjoyed both shows, however I would see An American In Paris again in a heartbeat. (I saw it during previews too- I didn't think it was possible for it to get any better, however I heard it improved a lot.)
