The Play That Goes Wrong vs. Bandstand

[Kitsune]

Posted: 8/22/17 at 9:50pm

My boyfriend and I are doing a 5-show weekend over Labor Day.  We're going to see Groundhog Day twice, as I'm a huge fan.  We bought tickets to see Great Comet on the 2nd (day before closing), and my boyfriend has recently become obsessed with the cast recording.  Since he's humoring me by seeing GHD twice, I offered him the chance to do Great Comet twice when tickets for the closing show on the 3rd opened up.  He excitedly accepted.

All of this aside, this means we have only one slot left.  Originally our plan was GHD x2/Great Comet/Bandstand/The Play That Goes Wrong.  This means choosing between the last two, alas.

I realize that Bandstand is closing, but do people around here strongly recommend one over the other?  TPTGW is my boyfriend's choice, and I also wouldn't mind mixing things up a little by doing a lighthearted comedy.  

Other factors:

-We're doing the Saturday matinee of Great Comet, so either Bandstand or TPTGW would be on Saturday night (already doing GHD on Friday and Sunday nights).  Not sure which one "pairs" better with Great Comet.

-I may get back to New York around the holidays, and it's possible TPTGW would still be around then.

Suggestions appreciated!

Updated On: 8/23/17 at 09:50 PM

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 8/22/17 at 9:53pm

TPTGW, without a doubt. One of the funniest shows I've ever seen on Broadway, and its lighter fare pairs perfectly after the overwhelming experience of Comet.

[Cfried]

Posted: 8/22/17 at 10:16pm

No question -- Bandstand. It's a stunningly beautiful production and has easily one of the best scores of the season. Don't miss it before it's too late. 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 8/22/17 at 10:23pm

I haven't even seen Bandstand and that's what I'd recommend.  I just saw TPTGW last week it and really disliked it.  (But not everyone feels this way.)

[Margo319]

Posted: 8/22/17 at 10:31pm

Absolutely, Bandstand.  It is gorgeous, the choreography breathtaking, the musicians on stage actually playing their instruments, and the incredible chemistry between the two leads makes is SO AMAZING.  Please see and support it!!!  

[MCfan2]

Posted: 8/22/17 at 10:38pm

I saw both shows during my trip last month. Without question, Bandstand. TPTGW was very funny and I enjoyed it, but Bandstand grabbed my heart. It's a truly special show and I'd see it again in a second if I got the chance.

[ChildofEarth]

Posted: 8/22/17 at 11:15pm

I'd say The Play that Goes Wrong. The original cast leaves soon and that is just magic up on the stage.

I'm likely alone in this, but I detested Bandstand. Too much useless choreography, purposely emotionally trying, and writing that is at once sour and too sweet.

[poisonivy2]

Posted: 8/22/17 at 11:22pm

I'd recommend TPTGW. It's fun and light and you'll need it because both TGC and GHD are amazing shows but both are rather heavy and intense. Bandstand is a good show but it has a lot of flaws in the storyline and again, it's a very intense heavy show. If you think you can do four very intense heavy musicals in one weekend go for it but ...

[poisonivy2]

Posted: 8/22/17 at 11:23pm

I'd recommend TPTGW. It's fun and light and you'll need it because both TGC and GHD are amazing shows but both are rather heavy and intense. Bandstand is a good show but it has a lot of flaws in the storyline and again, it's a very intense heavy show. If you think you can do four very intense heavy musicals in one weekend go for it but ...

[Valentina3]

Posted: 8/22/17 at 11:27pm

Raise your hand if you came to this thread just to find out what the heck "TPTGW" meant.

 

Having seen both shows - Bandstand. It's actually much more meaningful. If you're open to it, I'd also consider the Sweeney Todd revival. That was my personal favorite show of the season apart from Hello, Dolly! and Dear Evan Hansen.

[hmph]

Posted: 8/22/17 at 11:38pm

I would say Bandstand. I really enjoyed TPTGW and busted up cracking throughout, but Bandstand really surprised me. Corey Cott was very good to the point where I thought he deserved a Tony nomination, and Laura Osnes was great as usual. Really wasn't as cliched or treacly as I thought it would be. The album has been in heavy rotation at my house since it was released.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 8/23/17 at 1:08am

I don't recommend Bandstand

[haterobics]

Posted: 8/23/17 at 2:11am

Play That Goes Wrong seems more fun to throw into the mix. I enjoyed both, but if I had to see either one again, it would be TPTGW.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 8/23/17 at 8:11am

I really didn't care for either, but I would go with Bandstand. I know I am in the minority, but I hated The Play That Goes Wrong.

[massofmen]

Posted: 8/23/17 at 8:17am

the play that goes wrong (is it so hard to write that out in the original subject line) is horrible. You get the humor after the first 5 slap stick jokes and from then on its just the same thing over and over. 
gO see bandstand. Very moving show about our troops when they come home.

[theatregeek6]

Posted: 8/23/17 at 8:22am

LOVED Bandstand.  Great score and excellent performances.Trying to get back a 3rd time before it closes

[comets]

Posted: 8/23/17 at 8:27am

I absolutely adored TPTGW. I saw it in London and again on Broadway. I highly recommend it but I can see why it's not for everyone. 

[all_that_jazz]

Posted: 8/23/17 at 8:30am

Valentina3 said: "Raise your hand if you came to this thread just to find out what the heck "TPTGW" meant.
 

????????????????

I mean can we please use out words. If you dont have the attention span to write it out, you dont have the attention span to watch it.

"

 

[theaterdude2]

Posted: 8/23/17 at 8:34am

BANDSTAND, without a question. 

My partner and I walked out of TPTGW at intermission. It was so amateurish, it was torture to sit through even half. BANDSTAND is the most underrated musical this season. In fact, it was so good that we went back again before our trip ended. Listen to the CD - it's great, and you will not find better performances or a harder working, more passionate cast on Broadway right now. 

As for TPTGW, I'm still upset I wasted a slot on that garbage. When it was in previews, the buzz was so good that I bought tickets thinking it would be the next hard ticket. Boy, was I wrong. 

Have a great time!

[newintown]

Posted: 8/23/17 at 8:38am

I found The Play That Goes Wrong to be a very special comic experience. Bandstand, however, was (I thought) a messy, amateurish string of clichés.

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 8/23/17 at 8:52am

Without a doubt Bandstand and I saw TPTGW in London and enjoyed it. Bandstand has very good music, excellent dancing and the leads are wonderful. 

[haterobics]

Posted: 8/23/17 at 9:27am

massofmen said: "the play that goes wrong is horrible. You get the humor after the first 5 slap stick jokes and from then on its just the same thing over and over. "

So, you're saying it is a classic farce?

[newintown]

Posted: 8/23/17 at 9:32am

I've heard many stories from people who saw The Play That Goes Wrong about how 99% of the theatre was guffawing, while a few individuals sat stony faced, just not appreciating the humor. Personally, I was too busy laughing to see if anyone else wasn't.

[coreman009]

Posted: 8/23/17 at 1:46pm

They're both so amazing, it's so tough. Any chance you can back out of Great Comet once? Seeing it once for the spectacle is a lot of fun but the 2nd time it lacks something. The Play That Goes Wrong is legitimately the funniest thing I've ever seen, I've never laughed harder. Bandstand is moving and important and has a showstopper in Welcome Home. I'd implore you to see both. 

[asimplegal2]

Posted: 8/23/17 at 1:55pm

I haven't seen Bandstand, but I can say that TPTGW is a really fun night and memorable experience!