UPDATE!! New York in August- Show suggestions? (Most Technical Show)

I have to admit......... The last couple of years have really been a drag for me as far as Broadway is concerned. I usually take 2 trips a year but haven't been in about two years because of my lack of interest in what is playing. I even opted out of New York this year and chose to go to Vegas for quality stage entertainment. Enough of that....

Here I am in July and I realize I absolutely need a vacay. No one else can go at this time so I am lone rangering it. I've decided on NY because I havent been in a while and I do love that city....regardless of the lack of quality of originality happening on the great white way. So... I have a few shows picked out that I am going to see and I need help with one more.

I have chosen to see:

South Pacific-
I love the sweeping musicals most of all. I have chosen this because it is a classic

In the Heights-
Among the modern shows I have heard this is the best. I love soulful singing and I enjoy strong dance.

What other show should I see?
I would love to round out my experience with a show that has a great technical side. Something of a visual spectacular. Great Sets, FX, Visual style, etc... I am not certain one exists that I haven't seen but maybe I am wrong. If you are so gracious to help me with a suggestion, please also tell me why you would recommend that show based on what I am looking for.

Just so you know.. I have seen all of Disney's shows so no use recommending those. I have seen Phantom and Wicked.

Thanks for your help. I know this message board is absolutely the best source of information about Broadway on the web!

Updated On: 8/10/10 at 11:09 AM

I personally like the set design of Next To Normal - and the lighting in that show never fails to amaze me.

Just because I have not been there doesn't mean I am not in tune with what is going on there. It is the reason for the recent shows that I have not gone. But alas, I need a journey and this will be it. I will have a chance to see shows I wasn't able to a couple years back due to scheduling and popularity of the shows I have selected. I am certainly open to ideas and I must admit.....Next to Normal does seem intriguing

Anyway, I said, among the most current modern shows, In the Heights is highly favored. Maybe this is not true currently?

So I am assuming according to my specs most people would recommend:

South Pacific- classic
Next 2 Normal- modern
Billy Elliott- spectacle

Yeah, Next to Normal does not really have the FX and costumes and such that make a "traditional" musical but it is really something incredible. As was said earlier, it is groundbreaking and original. Highly recommended!
For my two cents on In The Heights: Very good, but not necessarily great. Lots of great things, and some not so great things...

I wondered about the Addams Family but nothing ever seemed that way from any of the promo vids.

I haven't picked anything yet. Still seeking recommendations.

If you're looking for "spectacle" then you'll be disappointed with next to normal, although the lighting design is fabulous (and should have won the Tony, but that's a whole other thread).

I would also say next to normal is by far the best of the "modern" musicals on Broadway, and also the best of the new musicals playing on Broadway.

I would avoid the over-bloated, over-hyped mess that is Billy Elliot at all costs.

South Pacific is a perfect choice. An absolutely perfect production.

Updated On: 7/24/10 at 01:54 PM

I recommend the current Tony Award Winner, Memphis...as well as Promises, Promises and West Side Story.

When it comes to "technical" stuff, the only show I'd recommend might be Wicked, but I don't recommend the show itself.

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Updated On: 7/24/10 at 02:19 PM

I just saw the touring production of South Pacific on Tuesday. I can't say enough good things about it.

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^ Total agree with uncageg!

You want visual stimulation.. Fuerza Bruta is definitely one to watch! It's not just visual but it's an experience!

Or even American Idiot!

I want to thank everyone for your suggestions during my trip to NYC. I saw Next 2 Normal and South Pacific. I was very happy with both very different productions. If I had all the time and money in the world I would have stayed to see all the other great suggestions.

I am certain, though that the ones I saw were the ones I should have seen based on what I was looking for. Lots of autographs and pics to boot. Great time.

Also, I must recommend this for all you theatergoers who enjoy lavish productions: Since I have several friends who work there I went over to Lancaster, PA to see Sight and Sound Theater's production of "Joseph." It is a completely original production. It has more of a historical and epic take on the story with a few liberties taken due to storytelling.

I have seen a couple of other shows there. This one is without a doubt the best all-around. I am always surprised when I am up north and most people have never heard of this 2200 seat theater that sells out almost every single one of it's 10-12 shows a week.

American Idiot is also an interesting production in terms of design...just thought I would mention it.

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