My grandma is in the city from North Carolina and though she just moved there in May and has always been a huge Broadway fan I thought we might see a musical. Which of the following would you recommend and why? Ave Q Spelling Bee Light in the Piazza Sweet Charity Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Chicago
The only two shows from that list that I have seen so far are Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and The Light in the Piazza, so I'll go with those (both I highly recommend). Of the shows I haven't seen, I want to see Avenue Q and Spelling Bee.
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DRS - Amazing performance by Norbert and all others, funny enough book, amusing lyrics, enjoyable enough score. Downside: well, there is no downside if you're out for pure comedy.
CHARITY - Fantastic performance by Applegate, but that's really the only merit this production has. There is still the timeless score and the hysterical, yet uneven book - but there's something for everyone in here.
"If you are going to do something, do it well. And leave something witchy."-Charlie Manson
DRS: Talented actors, great musica, fantastic book. Hilarious comedy. Is there any reason NOT to see this? No.
I am a firm believer in serendipity- all the random pieces coming together in one wonderful moment, when suddenly you see what their purpose was all along.
I saw DRS with my grandmother and mother and both laughed harder than me. As long as she doesn't mind a little raunchy humor from time to time you should be okay.
I think I would choose between Spelling Bee and Sweet Charity.
"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view - until you climb into his skin and walk around in it."
To Kill A Mockingbird
you have to see DRS with original cast. otherwi...no, you just have to see DRS.
<--- the set of A Midsummer Night's Dream that I was assistant stage manager for during the 2007 season at the STNJ outdoor stage.
-Dre-
You must remember all the same that at the crux of every game is knowing when it's time to leave the table... And it's important to be artful in your exit. No turning back, you must accept the con is done... It was a ball, it was a blast. And it's a shame it couldn't last. But every chapter has to end, you must agree. ~Dirty Rotten Scoundrels~
There's a special kind of people known as show people. We live in a world full of dreams. Sometimes we're not too certain what's false and what's real. But we're seldom in doubt about what we feel. ~Curtains~
It is a far, far better thing I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest I go to, than I have ever known. ~A Tale of Two Cities ~
I'd stay away from Q unless you have the most mellow grandma in the world.
"I wouldn't let Esparza's Bobby take my kids to the zoo...I'd be afraid he'd steal their ice cream and laugh."- YankeeFan
"People who like Sondheim enjoy cruelty."-LuvtheEmcee
She might relate to DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS best because it is a very funny traditional type of musical. I also noticed that there were many mature members of the audience when I saw it - and they were all laughing hard.
If she loves musicals and she sounds somewhat hip, I would take her to Avenue Q and also Forbidden Broadway. I have seen all the shows you have listed and enjoyed them all but Q and Forbidden Broadway stand out from the crowd. I would also take her to BEE.
DRS if she's kinda hip and can appreciate some raunchy humor (it's the most traditional musical comedy with flash and lots of bang for the buck)
Piazza if she's very musical or likes opera and romantic, serious musicals. This seems like the riskiest choice, and the only one that she might find boring.
Sweet Charity if she's not very critical and wants something non-offensive and unchallenging (but with a great score).
Spelling Bee if she's not raunchy enough for DRS, yet not conservative enough for Charity.