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Shrek, Billy Elliot or 39 Steps

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#1

Shrek, Billy Elliot or 39 Steps

Posted: 6/22/09 at 7:36pm

I'm going to NY in November and I like to buy my tickets in advance to be sure.

Should I see Shrek, Billy Elliot or the 39 Steps.

Here are my initial thoughts on each show:

Shrek: I like a lot of the numbers in the show, and others I am completely turned off by. I hated their Tony Performance, but like I said, I like a lot of the other numbers. I find the set and aesthetics to be okay, and the acting is phenomenal, but it is Shrek. Is it worth it?

Billy Elliot: I've been turned off by the dancing in the show, and I haven't found a lot of numbers I like on the Cast Recording. Will I be able to connect to the characters? Is the show even that good?

39 Steps: I've just been wanting to see it for a while, it looks really good.

Tell me what you think, I know that I have a different taste than others, like everyone, but I would appreciate your opinions.

Thanks.
#2

re: Shrek, Billy Elliot or 39 Steps

Posted: 6/22/09 at 7:38pm

I've seen all three, and all three are really different.
Billy Elliot is definitely the best of the three. Shrek was eh, and 39 Steps was terrible. I could not have been more disappointed in the 39 Steps.
#3

re: Shrek, Billy Elliot or 39 Steps

Posted: 6/22/09 at 7:41pm

Billy Elliot is the best choice of the three. The weakest part is the score, so don't make your decision based on the cast recording.
#4

re: Shrek, Billy Elliot or 39 Steps

Posted: 6/22/09 at 7:46pm

Billy's probably the best artistically, but it's certainly going to be running for a very long time, so I might see the charming 39 Steps or the surprisingly touching Shrek instead, with the 39 Steps most likely to be closing soonest, if your not going to be in NYC again anytime soon, and you can also always get extremely cheap tickets, so if price is an issue, it's definitely the way to go.

Shrek you definitely see your money on the stage, and you probably won't get another chance to see the amazing cast of the show, since that'll be coming up on a year in December and they'll likely start replacing the leads shortly after.
#5

re: Shrek, Billy Elliot or 39 Steps

Posted: 6/22/09 at 7:47pm

I definitely think you should see Billy Elliot. I'd also recommend The 39 Steps. It's one of my favorite shows currently running. I saw it last week, and it's still in great shape.
A little swash, a bit of buckle - you'll love it more than bread.
#6

re: Shrek, Billy Elliot or 39 Steps

Posted: 6/22/09 at 7:49pm

My AP Bio Exam told a better story than Shrek: the Musical. Go see Billy Elliott.
Bill Finn rocks. Woot.
#8

re: Shrek, Billy Elliot or 39 Steps

Posted: 6/22/09 at 8:17pm

Having seen all three, I'd go with Shrek. I found Billy very over-rated. Didn't like the score at all. 39 Steps is just ok, Shrek really gives you an evening of entertainment. The cast is just so terrific.
#9

re: Shrek, Billy Elliot or 39 Steps

Posted: 6/22/09 at 8:19pm

Sgv, i agree with you. the most memorable numbers are shine, solidtiary, electricity, expressing yourself. they need more numbers for dancing like they do in the first act of the show. if you seen the movie before they left out the billy and debbie conversation in the musical. Sorry but Aussies or broadway cast needed to do a recording of their own.

The Best choice is Billy Elliot by far.
#10

re: Shrek, Billy Elliot or 39 Steps

Posted: 6/22/09 at 8:19pm

Sgv, i agree with you. the most memorable numbers are shine, solidtiary, electricity, expressing yourself. they need more numbers for dancing like they do in the first act of the show. if you seen the movie before they left out the billy and debbie conversation in the musical. Sorry but Aussies or broadway cast needed to do a recording of their own.

The Best choice is Billy Elliot by far.
#11

re: Shrek, Billy Elliot or 39 Steps

Posted: 6/22/09 at 8:36pm

Sorry to threadjack, but has anyone seen '39 Steps' with Jill Paice recently? Big fan of hers, it's certainly what prompted my interest...! Also: anyone know if she's out any days this week?
#12

re: Shrek, Billy Elliot or 39 Steps

Posted: 6/22/09 at 8:47pm

I've been seeing live theatre for over 40 years and Billy Elliot is as fine a production as any I've ever seen before. Like you, I was majorly unimpressed with the music when I heard it on the CD. That score MUST be heard in the context of the show in order to be appreciated. Then, like those ballet girls, it will SHINE!

39 Steps is fun but nothing to write home about. Shrek is fabulous when seen with a small child or two. Go alone and it's a real yawner.

Don't waste your time or money - go see Billy Elliot!
Meow!
#13

re: Shrek, Billy Elliot or 39 Steps

Posted: 6/22/09 at 8:58pm


Without question you should see Billy Elliot. We saw it yesterday afternoon and I am still beaming with excitement from this highly original, clever and extremely entertaining show.

I was worried that it might be over rated but, after the first few moments I was enthralled and sat with rapt attention for the duration. I was sorry when it ended. Billy Elliot is absolute theater magic, go and see this fine production and I promise you will be transported and charmed by its great power and heart.
#14

re: Shrek, Billy Elliot or 39 Steps

Posted: 6/22/09 at 9:12pm

philly03, I saw Jill the other night. She does a good job with the three roles.
A little swash, a bit of buckle - you'll love it more than bread.
#15

re: Shrek, Billy Elliot or 39 Steps

Posted: 6/22/09 at 9:25pm

Thanks Little_sally! I honestly really don't know anything about this one -- in fact it's my first straight play on Broadway! (Luckily have seen some of the great stars of the plays on tour!)

Threadjacking over :) .
#16

re: Shrek, Billy Elliot or 39 Steps

Posted: 6/22/09 at 9:30pm

It's great fun, and has an easy rush (if you're a student that is).
A little swash, a bit of buckle - you'll love it more than bread.
#17

re: Shrek, Billy Elliot or 39 Steps

Posted: 6/23/09 at 2:32am

If you arent' going until the fall....I highly doubt that the 39 Steps will be playing. But for a straight play it will have a terrific run.

I would skip Shrek altogther. It's pretty long winded and boring...even my kids didn't LOVE it, although they did like it better than did I.

and while I do think BE is a tad overrated, it is an enjoyable evening of theater.

If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it? These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
#18

re: Shrek, Billy Elliot or 39 Steps

Posted: 6/23/09 at 8:19am

>If you arent' going until the fall....I highly doubt that the 39 Steps will be playing.<

People here said 39 Steps wouldn't be running past Labor Day of '08. I think they'll probably tighten their belts to get through September and soldier on through the end of the year.
Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop.
#19

re: Shrek, Billy Elliot or 39 Steps

Posted: 6/23/09 at 11:02am

I haven't seen 39 Steps, so I can't comment on that. However, I personally would reccommend Billy Elliot. During Shrek all I kept thinking was that I'd rather be at home watching the movie...which is far superior and less expensive.
#25

re: Shrek, Billy Elliot or 39 Steps

Posted: 6/23/09 at 5:27pm

Hair!

Lol, I know that's not one of your choices. I have only seen Shrek out of those three, so I cannot really give a fair answer.
"We like to snark around here. Sometimes we actually talk about theater...but we try not to let that get in our way." - dramamama611

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