Posted: 9/3/15 at 7:56pm
I am going to be in NYC this coming December and only have time for two shows. I already have tickets bought for Hamilton. I have narrowed it down to either Get On Your Feet or Allegiance. It's hard to make a decision since both have not opened yet.
What show would you recommend I go with and why?
Thanks!
Posted: 9/3/15 at 8:12pm
Even though I'm going to on your feet for my dad's bday, I would much rather go to Allegiance. Oyf will most likely be a mediocre, sanitized story, which is sad, bc I bet there's a really interesting story buried.
Posted: 9/3/15 at 8:12pm
Like you said, it's hard to say for sure without having seen either. But from what I know of both shows, Allegiance is the more culturally significant, and probably the more emotionally engaging. Personally, I don't like juke-box musicals, and I ESPECIALLY hate juke-box musicals that are about the person/group that wrote the show's music (e.g Jersey Boys, Beautiful, Fela!), because they tend to have weak books in order to cram in as many recognizable songs as possible.. If I'm not mistaken, On Your Feet belongs to that category.
Posted: 9/3/15 at 8:13pm
Allegiance.
My thoughts: personally, On Your Feet has absolutely no interest to me. I can't imagine anyone that isn't a big Estefan fan BEING interested. (But maybe you are!)
I love the idea of Allegiance, a big part of our horrible American history, that so few of us really know much about. And the cast has some real impressive talent. And George Takei. How can one not love him.
Good luck making your choice!
Posted: 9/3/15 at 8:36pm
I think you won't go wrong with either show. I saw On your feet in its Chicago tryout in June and loved the show. But I also grew up listening to Gloria Estefan music and a big fan of hers. The show did not have much conflict (except for Gloria's accident) but it was just a fun and feel good show.
At the same time I am also looking forward to Allegiance for its story (neglected part of history), cast (Lea Salonga, Telly Leung and George Takei's Broadwsy debut), and its music (the mini cast album of 5 songs from San Diego tryout is absolutely beautiful)
I plan to watch both (and Hamilton too) in my Jan '16 trip!
Good luck with choosing the show for you!
Updated On: 9/3/15 at 08:36 PM
Posted: 9/3/15 at 8:39pm
Knowing that On Your Feet is likely gonna have a longer life, I'll say Allegiance.
Posted: 9/3/15 at 9:52pm
Jeffrey Karasarides said: "Knowing that On Your Feet is likely gonna have a longer life, I'll say Allegiance."
Why would you know that On Your Feet is going to last longer than Allegiance? It seems like many people are more excited about Allegiance. It has known Broadway names and a great marketing strategy going too.
Posted: 9/3/15 at 10:39pm
We're seeing Allegiance on our November visit and I'm very excited about it. We'll see On Your Feet if it ever tours.
Posted: 9/3/15 at 10:46pm
NJ_BroadwayGirl said: "Jeffrey Karasarides said: "Knowing that On Your Feet is likely gonna have a longer life, I'll say Allegiance."
Why would you know that On Your Feet is going to last longer than Allegiance? It seems like many people are more excited about Allegiance. It has known Broadway names and a great marketing strategy going too.
I could see Allegiance having an issue after Tony time if the stars depart. The best (only) thing OYF has going for it is that it's not star driven.
"
Posted: 9/3/15 at 11:16pm
^Plus On Your Feet does seem to be much more commercially viable than Allegiance.
Updated On: 9/3/15 at 11:16 PM
Posted: 9/4/15 at 10:32am
Thanks for your responses and suggestions everyone. I always value and appreciate the opinions of the great people that visit this message board.
It looks like Allegiance maybe the better of the two shows to see. I'll have to see what's left for tickets!
Posted: 9/4/15 at 7:26pm
I don't think either of these will be tough shows to get tickets for. If I were you I'd wait for the word of mouth (or this board) once previews start and just keep an eye on availability as it gets closer.
On Your Feet was good in Chicago. It will not make my list to see again in New York, though. The first act was better than the second. It's a very fun show and exceeded my expectations, which weren't high considering I don't really care for jukebox musicals. I suspect some of the things I didn't like about it will be tweaked before the Broadway run.
Allegiance could still go either way.
