School of Rock or Groundhog Day

The other day I posted on musical suggestions. Unfortunately after research, my number one choice is Dear Evan Hansen....but of course, there are no tickets. I'll try the 4 day before trick but not optimistic. We're coming to NY last weekend in April so we would go Friday night, Sat matinee or Sat evening (which probably lessens our chances even less).



So I've narrowed down my backup choices to either School of Rock or Groundhog Day.



There are still lots of seats for School of Rock (including near front which I prefer) but I've read good things about Groundhog Day.

I know it's a personal preference, but which you do recommend?

Personally, I'd take Groundhog Day. It's funny, the music is good, the staging is fun, and the 2nd Act gets a bunch of great songs from supporting roles.

Also, a lot less children/teenagers in the audience!

PThespian said: "At least when I saw it it was almost three hours and felt much longer. The very premise of the show means the same scene gets repeated over and over again. I kept thinking, "Please not again. Please don't let them sing again." but they would."

I felt the same way. It just went on and on. Frankly, even if they hadn't kept repeating the same scenes, the original scenes were boring enough as it was. Having to see them four or five times was almost torture. I also would have left during intermission (my first time ever), but I committed this year to see every new show, so I stuck it out.

I've seen both shows within the past 2 months. I would go with Groundhog Day. Go while the OBC is still there and while performances and audience energy are high because its a new show and its Tony season.

School of Rock, especially in Alex Brightman is back.

I just read Alex Brightman is coming back! The kids are great, but he makes it worth seeing. Maybe see that one now while he's in it.

I haven't seen Groundhog Day, but one of my girlfriends did and LOVED it. The staging looks really cool. I want to see it, but I'm waiting til summer.

LesWickedly said: "Personally, I always choose new over old on my trips. School of Rock isn't going anywhere and is touring this coming season. Go see the new Groundhog Day, the newly minted Best Musical Oliver winner. Andy Karl is a star and you'll have another show to form an opinion on come Tony time. I'd also suggest you do everything you can to see Dear Evan Hansen. Cancellation line is a great option and for matinees, the most you have to wait is two hours. Definitely look into that. Enjoy your trip!



"



This is what I'm thinking...We lucked out a few years ago and bought Book of Mormon tickets right before it went crazy (maybe before preview). Then it was impossible to get tickets...and we even got to see the OBC with Andrew Rannells and Josh Gad. Very cool. So think I'm still leaning to Groundhog Day.

I'm constantly checking telecharge for Dear Evan Hansen. How lucky is the online lottery? If we bought Groundhog Day beforehand, then that would be for Sat matinee. We are flying in the Friday so I could test my luck at lottery that morning for Friday evening show. Or for cancellation line...how does that work? Two hours is a lot of time when we are only in NY for less than 3 days.

mmFan said: "This is what I'm thinking...We lucked out a few years ago and bought Book of Mormon tickets right before it went crazy (maybe before preview). Then it was impossible to get tickets...and we even got to see the OBC with Andrew Rannells and Josh Gad. Very cool. So think I'm still leaning to Groundhog Day.

I'm constantly checking telecharge for Dear Evan Hansen. How lucky is the online lottery? If we bought Groundhog Day beforehand, then that would be for Sat matinee. We are flying in the Friday so I could test my luck at lottery that morning for Friday evening show. Or for cancellation line...how does that work? Two hours is a lot of time when we are only in NY for less than 3 days."

There have been very few reports of people winning the DEH lottery (I personally don't think it exists) so I would not count that as an option, but still try. Lastly, you would be in the DEH cancellation or rush line for longer than two hours so it might not be the best use of your time.

But I have won the lottery for Groundhog Day and with that one you find out a day better and get to choose your seats if you win! Hope this helps!

Thank you for all the responses. I'm one who likes to sit upfront so decided to go for Sat matinee of Groundhog Day. Grabbed good seats while they are available (on the side but not too far back). I like to listen to the music beforehand but i see i have to wait for another week or so as it's not even released.

Will try lottery for Dear Evan Hansen for the Friday...even before we hop on our flight. If doesn't exist, then nothing to lose. Can also stop into the box office when we get there but know it's a lost cause. If we don't see it this time, I'm determined to see it someday. My son't name is Evan so feel like I must see it...someday. Lol.

bear88 said: "For Dear Evan Hansen, I would start checking the website the Sunday morning before you leave just in case and especially Monday. That 'four-day rule' worked for me (and I got three tickets together) and I was encouraged by the luck of others on this board. You shouldn't pay any more than $199 plus fees."

Thank you. I will try looking a few days before for the Friday night (and I keep checking now too even though a couple weeks away). We'll see. Glad it worked for you!