Show Recommendations for June/Contract Lengths

[AberJ01]

Posted: 2/1/15 at 11:27pm

For the first in as long as I can remember, I am traveling to New York in June without any shows I'm really that excited to see. Of course, I still plan to see like two shows while I'm there, but nothing is popping out. Unfortunately for me, I'm still the kind of person to plan ahead, and buy tickets early. You'd thin I'd wing it while I'm there, but not my style, so I'm looking for recommendations, if anyone feels like contributing.

Shows I've seen, and see no reason to see again: Wicked, Lion King, Jersey Boys, Avenue Q, Chicago.

As dumb as it sounds, these shows as national tours to Chicago where I live, so I plan to just see them then: Beautiful, Kinky Boots, and Gentlemen's Guide.

The only things that has sort of perked my interest is Finding Neverland, but after seeing Jeremy Jordan nail an amazing tune from the show in his cabaret, I'm not really sure I'd be that happy with Matthew Morrison (why is he in it again?)

Also, as much as I wasn't really a big fan of Book of Mormon (though I know I'm in the minority on that one), I wouldn't mind seeing Gavin Creel, who I love and have never seen in a show. I have no idea how to find out now if he'll still be doing it in June, so I'd be hesitant to buy tickets now...

[haterobics]

Posted: 2/1/15 at 11:36pm

Since you seem to favor musicals, I would say Fun Home should top the list. It hasn't started previews yet, but its Off-Broadway run last year was one of the best things I saw last year... and, most of that cast is transferring with the show. There are whole threads on here, if you want to research the show.

Otherwise, we have a bunch of musicals that are opened and may not be around in June, and a whole other bunch that haven't opened yet, so a bit too soon to say. Unless you like classics, in which case King & I looks to be a potential charmer.

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 2/2/15 at 1:25pm

Gavin should still be in BOM in June. He just started his Broadway run in January. We have a bunch of musicals opening this spring, since it seems that's what you mean.

In addition to King & I and Fun Home: American in Paris, Something Rotten, Dr. Zhivago, On the 20th Century, Gigi, The Visit & It Shoulda Been You. I also recommend The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time.

Updated On: 2/2/15 at 01:25 PM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 2/2/15 at 1:40pm

Things to be excited about, well, at least I am:

Hand to God
Curious Incident
Fun Home
Something Rotten
King and I
The Visit
The Audience
On the Twentieth Century
Heidi Chronicles
Fool for Love

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 2/2/15 at 1:41pm

Fool for Love won't be around in June. It's next fall.

[South Florida]

Posted: 2/2/15 at 1:54pm

For me Fun Home is the best music and story in years. I didn't see it at the public theater but I have absorbed this music and tale like a sponge.

[MaddieBB12]

Posted: 2/2/15 at 2:49pm

Fun Home, for sure. You DO NOT want to miss it. Other musical options to consider:
It Shoulda Been You (I don't know how good the show is, but the cast list is superb)
Finding Neverland (not for everyone; it's a hit or a miss on this board, but maybe look to see if you can find some clips from the ART production)

[dramamama611]

Posted: 2/2/15 at 2:57pm

Oops! Thanks for pointing that out Neon!

[haterobics]

Posted: 2/2/15 at 3:01pm

"Finding Neverland (not for everyone; it's a hit or a miss on this board, but maybe look to see if you can find some clips from the ART production)"

To be fair, no one knows what the Broadway version of this will be yet...

[MaddieBB12]

Posted: 2/2/15 at 3:03pm

^True...all we have of the Broadway production is that Thanksgiving performance and the sample song on the website.

[BroadwayBaby14]

Posted: 2/2/15 at 6:25pm

I suggest putting Something Rotten! (musical) and Hand to God (play) at the top of your list!

[VintageSnarker]

Posted: 2/2/15 at 11:46pm

Personally The King and I is at the top of my list because I've been dying to see Kelli O'Hara live in something (I ended up seeing Laura Osnes as Nellie instead which was really not the same at all.), I love the idea of that big orchestra, and it's great to see so many Asian actors employed.

I haven't heard a single bad thing about Fun Home.

Something Rotten seems like it could be a lot of fun so that's my pick for the wild card.

To me, An American in Paris, Dr. Zhivago, and Gigi are a lot more iffy. I wouldn't book those way in advance unless you hear great things from sources you trust.

[rcwr]

Posted: 2/3/15 at 12:57am

Curious: which FN song did Jordan sing in his Cabaret?

As others have said, we don't know what changes have been made to FN for Broadway. But if you're interested in hearing a song and some song snippets from the ART version, just to get a better sense of the music (though again, who knows what's been changed!), I can link you to some.

[fyeahmaria]

Posted: 2/3/15 at 6:02am

I would say the chance of Gavin still being in BoM in June is about 98%, although there is never a guarantee he won't be out sick/on holiday etc.

Personally I would say I'm more a musical person than a play person, but despite that the show I'm most excited by this spring is Hand to God. Closely followed by Fun Home.

[goldenboy]

Posted: 2/3/15 at 5:28pm

Here's your first negative on Fun Home.
I was bored silly and couldn't wait for it to end.