Posted: 1/26/23 at 8:52pm
It's been almost four years since I last visited New York City but my wife and I might actually go in mid-March (specifically, the week of March 13). We would almost certainly see just three shows, Tuesday through Thursday. As usual, I'm looking for shows that I can't experience as well if they go on tour later, either because the Broadway performances or the staging really stands out.
I'm also not looking to spend big bucks, with exceptions for something that's really worth it. So I'll spend $200 for one show but would prefer to find ways to spend a lot less for the other shows - unless I'm persuaded otherwise.
First, the one show I'm insisting on seeing is the Sweeney Todd revival, which may be quite a hill to die on, because no one has seen yet and it might be a disappointment. I'm trying to figure out the best seats, below $200, at the Lunt-Fontanne. This is a musical that seems like one I'll have to get tickets in advance for if I want decent seats. Am I correct in that assumption? I have specific seat questions on another thread on Lunt-Fontanne Theatre seats.
A few other things: While some shows require advance purchases, we like to keep a few options open on New York City trips, and I know there lotteries, in-person rush, or the TKTS booth. My wife usually favors musicals if the shows are comparable. I don't want to buy all our tickets in advance (only one, preferably), especially due to the possibility we might have to cancel and also because I would rather get a bargain. I also know there are shows opening in March, and who knows, maybe one of them will be something we don't want to miss.
Here's what I'm thinking now:
Funny Girl - The decision on this musical may affect a lot of our other choices. All I've heard about this show, over and over, was that it's a mediocre and kind of cheap-looking revival of a dated musical with a tiresome second act. And then Lea Michele took over, and the consensus seems to be that it's still a mediocre revival of a dated musical, but that Michele is so terrific that it's something you don't want to miss. Is this a show and performance we really shouldn't miss, even though it's now expensive?
Kimberly Akimbo - This feels like a relatively easy call, a mostly lauded musical with a much-praised lead performance that isn't wildly popular but is certain to be nominated for a bunch of awards. What's the best way to get tickets to this one? Lottery, in-person rush, TKTS?
Leopoldstadt - I assume this play will tour, but is it something we really ought to see on Broadway due to the quality of the performances? Again, this is a play where it seems like we can wait until we get there. Like Kimberly Akimbo, it's always on TKTS and I gather in-person rush is an option too.
I know there are other plays and musicals opening in March, including off-Broadway. I would certainly consider that. What if What Girl in Danger is really fun? On Broadway, what if something like Camelot is really good? If there are other shows I should be tracking, let me know.
And by the way, is there any reason to catch an early flight from the West Coast to see a show on Monday evening? I don't need to see Phantom one last time, and my wife doesn't want to see Chicago on Broadway. There don't seem to be many theater options. We can do something else that evening unless there's a compelling reason otherwise.
Thanks in advance. I'm off to see a local production of Assassins tonight.
Updated On: 7/14/23 at 08:52 PM
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