Play Recommendations for a B'WAY novice

[verynewyorkcurious]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 9:12pm

I am 21 years old, born in New York City, and the first Broadway show I saw was 'Avenue Q' two months ago. Of course I blame my parents for not exposing me to this culture and creativity. I love musical theatre now..I feel like it's the only thing that keeps me sane in this city.

I am making up for the fact that they never took me to the theatre now. I have seen six shows in 2 months. However, they were all musicals. I would love to see a play, so I need recommendations from y'all. I am a Broadway novice. For the most part I enjoy comedy, but occasionally I do enjoy the compelling drama.

These are the ones I've thought about going to see:

August Osage County
The Homecoming
Is He Dead?
Rock N' Roll

What do you guys think? What about your recommendations for Off-Broadway shows (either musical or play)? Looking forward to your responses.

Updated On: 1/5/08 at 09:12 PM

[JRybka]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 9:17pm

I would say see whatever you can. Theater is amazing! Even the poo shows are full of wonders that will make you see life in a new way!

[Testing1232]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 9:19pm

I have not seen much off-broadway recently (more logistics, than anything else), but I would recommend

1) "August"
2) "Seafarer"
3/4) "Is He Dead?" & "Come Back, Little Sheba"

[steven22]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 9:22pm

i love broadway..love musicals..(most)..hate plays..i don't know if it is just me..i can't seem to get into them

[defyingravity11]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 9:23pm

From your list, I would recommend Is He Dead? if you're looking for a comedy. Even though it's not on your list, I highly recommend The Seafarer.

[Mealz1042]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 9:28pm

well what shows have you seen? and which did you and didnt you like. Since you're new to the theatre (okay and because i'm a bit biased) I think you should see rent if you havent, because its a great show and has so much history with it as well. I havent seen any of the plays on your list, sorry.

[Caroline-Q-or-TBoo]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 9:30pm

August: Osage County.

take your breath away, marvelous.

[Broadway_Bound_Star]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 9:39pm

Yes, I've heard great things about August and Is He Dead.

You could see both, haha.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 9:44pm

Under no circumstances, miss AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY. It's easily one of the most entertaining, exciting and flat-out superb American plays to come along in a decade.

[obsessedjb]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 9:49pm

Definitely, definitely August:Osage County! It's brilliant.

[Cape Twirl of Doom]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 9:59pm

I haven't yet seen AUGUST, but my recommendation would be THE SEAFARER.

[ShiksaGoddess2]

Posted: 1/4/08 at 10:00pm

I recommend Is He Dead? and August: Osage County. Both are really great.

[verynewyorkcurious]

Posted: 1/5/08 at 3:52pm

august osage county it is. i don't want to overdo it, so i'm gonna start off with just the one. thanks for your inputs.

what about off-broadway? anyone?

[Caroline-Q-or-TBoo]

Posted: 1/5/08 at 3:54pm

GONE MISSING.

(it's not a play, but it's super amazing fantastic)

As for plays:

Speech and Debate is wonderful (I hear...)

[jordangirl]

Posted: 1/5/08 at 3:55pm

I haven't seen Is He Dead?, but any of the others you listed are great.

Updated On: 1/5/08 at 03:55 PM

[keen on kean]

Posted: 1/5/08 at 8:47pm

See THE HOMECOMING. Pinter doesn't get to Broadway that often, and this is a shockingly talented cast.

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 1/5/08 at 8:56pm

My vote goes to The Homecoming.

[uncageg]

Posted: 1/5/08 at 9:04pm

I have only seen August: Osage County and The Homecoming. I would say see them both, but if you are only planning to see one, see August: Osage County. I live in Denver and I am trying to get back to NYC to see it again before it closes. It was that good.

[Bwayfan4]

Posted: 1/6/08 at 1:50am

Also consider The 39 Steps...it's super funny!

[IdinaBellFoster]

Posted: 1/6/08 at 1:54am

I say go with "August" or "Is He Dead?"

Pinter can confused the hell out of some people; so you because you are "B'Way Novice" The Homecoming might be a little dense for you.

Updated On: 1/6/08 at 01:54 AM

[EugLoven]

Posted: 1/6/08 at 2:05am

If budgeting isn't a terrible boulder to climb over, why not see them all? If you're lucky, you can student rush many of the Broadway plays (or lotto), and more often than not, the balcony seats are $26.50 (and you can move down at intermission)

CLICK PLAYBILL.COM HERE for a nice break-down of what shows offer what deals
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/82428.html

Broadway, I'd recommend: August, 39 Steps, Sunday in the Park with George, The Homecoming, Spring Awakening, Is He Dead?, Cymbeline (anything Lincoln Center and MTC really), A Chorus Line, Spelling Bee, Wicked, Xanadu

Don't get me wrong, I love Broadway, but if you're looking for innovative and out of control awesomeness, do NOT overlook Off-Broadway (I'm glad you asked).

In no particular order, I recommend Altar Boyz, Speech & Debate, Gone Missing, I Love You You're Perfect Now Change, The Fantasticks, No Dice.

Also, you may start becoming a fan of specific theatre companies: For example CSC, Vortex, The Flea, Red Bull, Vineyard, Signature

SAVE THIS PAGE:
http://www.talkinbroadway.com/boards/
It's a break-down of mostly everything On-The-Boards.

Honey, just go. If you find yourself sitting at home wanting to go out, then GO OUT! This city BREEDS theatre. It's like the rats in the subway stations: EVERYWHERE!

Hop on the train with a few bucks and see what you can see!

[broadwayfan7]

Posted: 1/6/08 at 10:28am

Is He Dead? Glad you are seeing shows!