Show Suggestions April/May

[firescape]

Posted: 3/17/17 at 9:31am

My wife and I are traveling for our anniversary. We are going on a cruise out of NY but are coming in 2 days early and will have a day on the other side as well. 

I have tickets to see Sunset Boulevard on one night. What would be recommended for one or possibly 2 more shows if time allows. 

We enjoy the spectacles but also appreciate moving intimate pieces as well. I prefer period work but if its outstanding I will entertain a show with a modern setting. Innovation is always a plus. Music has to be incredible for me. 

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated and I can answer more questions to narrow it down.

We've seen:

BOM

Chicago

Hamilton

Lion King

Phantom

Wicked

Cats

Miss Saigon (Original)

[haterobics]

Posted: 3/17/17 at 9:39am

Great Comet, Hello Dolly.

[firescape]

Posted: 3/17/17 at 9:51am

I have seen some good things said about Comet. What do you like about it?

[Lot666]

Posted: 3/17/17 at 9:53am

Phantom is, to my eyes and ears, the best "period" piece of all time!

Oops, sorry - I just realized that your list is of shows you've seen, not those under consideration.

Updated On: 3/17/17 at 09:53 AM

[CT2NYC]

Posted: 3/17/17 at 9:59am

I think ANASTASIA might be a good choice for you. Not sure if you're familiar with the animated movie it's based on, but the songs are excellent, with a classic orchestral Broadway style. Look up "Journey to the Past," which is one of the tentpole numbers. It'll give you a good idea of the show's sound. Also, it's a period piece!

Updated On: 3/17/17 at 09:59 AM

[firescape]

Posted: 3/18/17 at 6:41pm

Thank you for this suggestion. I will definitely check it out. It's hard to pick shows out now and secure a ticket before it has begun showing because no one really knows how good it will be.

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 3/18/17 at 7:21pm

Do not miss Comet!

[Mike66]

Posted: 3/18/17 at 9:59pm

Comet =  worst show I've seen in 20 years.  And I like just about everything.

 

[Wick3]

Posted: 3/18/17 at 11:42pm

If you're a Sondheim fan, try Sunday in the Park with George (setting in 1880s and 1980s) and off-bway Sweeney Todd (late 19th century London).

 

[firescape]

Posted: 3/18/17 at 11:45pm

Why does there seem to be so much division over Comet?

[CT2NYC]

Posted: 3/19/17 at 12:00am

firescape said: "Why does there seem to be so much division over Comet?

I appreciated its scenic design and musical innovation, but, at times, it definitely borders on avant-garde, which I think is divisive. 

 

[Hairspray0901]

Posted: 3/19/17 at 12:11am

I too say steer clear from the great comet. As mentioned, brilliant scenic design but that's about it.

if you're looking for something intimate/moving with good music i highly recommend come from away. 

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 3/19/17 at 12:13am

I say avoid Comet too, it was the worst thing I have seen in a long time and unbearable, not only I'd say it was not my cup of tea, it was painful and uncomfortable and the audience also didn't know any theatre etiquette, texting and talking was totally normal at that show, but the good thing is that you're seeing the best show on Broadway: Sunset.

[CT2NYC]

Posted: 3/19/17 at 12:15am

To give you some background about ANASTASIA, here's a review of its pre-Broadway run in CT last year:

https://www.broadwayworld.com/connecticut/article/BWW-Review-New-Musical-ANASTASIA-in-World-Premiere-at-Hartford-Stage-Company-20160606

[Robbie2]

Posted: 3/19/17 at 12:20am

Don't miss COME FROM AWAY!

http://comefromaway.com/

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 3/19/17 at 12:23am

Robbie2 said: "Don't miss COME FROM AWAY!

http://comefromaway.com/

 

I actually really liked it, but I would have been pissed if I had spent over $30, it is a very small show, small cast, very cheap little show. Not worth too much $$$. But very well done.

 

[CT2NYC]

Posted: 3/19/17 at 8:42am

PThespian said: "This thread exemplifies why these types of postings are so ridiculous. 

Two people say, "Go see 'x'" then two people say "Don't go see (X). 

Who do you believe?

You believe both groups, and maybe don't risk seeing a show that has such differing opinions about it. I think an informed decision is a good thing, which is why I mentioned ANASTASIA, a show that I haven't seen, but appears to check off all his boxes. Also, he can listen to the music from most of the shows that are being suggested, so as to select something that they'll more likely enjoy.

 

[Mediamaven2]

Posted: 3/19/17 at 1:23pm

PThespian said: "It's honestly not important ...

Listening to music from a show in advance is definitely a good idea (assuming they are contemplating a musical). That will help them make an informed opinion on their own instead of by asking a bunch of strangers. 
...."

I had a big disagreement with a good friend about this. Look, on one hand, it's an individual's choice-their money, their time. But for me, I would never go out of my way to download/listen to music BEFORE seeing a musical as a way to gage my potential enjoyment thereof.

I feel that when I go to a musical, I am seeing theater, not a music concert.  I feel I  should go and allow the entire whole wash over me. live. All the elements that go into production. I think one could unfairly deny oneself of multitudes of great experiences by cutting out a slice beforehand, like the music, and using it as a gage when it may be that everything else actually helps give entry to the music, allow you to enjoy the music more.  If that makes sense.

But to each his own. More generally - It is hard to take opinions from strangers but when you say more about your likes and dislikes, or why you liked/disliked something, it helps. I wasn't going to see The Great Comet but reading this board encouraged me. A bunch of strangers! There was a real mix of opinion and I found it informative.   I went with little expectations. I know it got a rave from the ousted NYT reviewer - but I often disagreed with him so paid no attention to that. I am indifferent to Josh Groban.  I was  expecting not to necessarily like it but being open to the experience, I was pleasantly surprised. I will be returning.