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

[firescape]

Posted: 7/24/10 at 11:09am

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

[dramamama611]

Posted: 7/24/10 at 11:16am

In the Heights as the BEST musical currently playing? It's good...but its far from groundbreaking or amazing.

I think that Next to Normal is the best show currently playing although I have not yet seen the new cast, but they are getting great word of mouth.

Billy Elliot sounds like something you might enjoy.

But I don't understand one thing: how can B'way have been disappointing to you in the last few years if you haven't actually SEEN anything on B'way for a few years??

[MeggilyWeggily08]

Posted: 7/24/10 at 11:21am

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

[ColorTheHours048]

Posted: 7/24/10 at 11:22am

If you're just looking for spectacle, dramamama is right in suggesting BILLY ELLIOT. It's probably the closest you'll get to visual stimulation that you haven't seen yet.

But if you want a show that actually is groundbreaking, original, and all-around great, see NEXT TO NORMAL.

[firescape]

Posted: 7/24/10 at 11:22am

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?

[ColorTheHours048]

Posted: 7/24/10 at 11:25am

IN THE HEIGHTS was highly overhyped. A big letdown when I finally saw it. Not bad, but not great either. Updated On: 7/24/10 at 11:25 AM

[firescape]

Posted: 7/24/10 at 11:29am

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

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

[dramamama611]

Posted: 7/24/10 at 11:35am

Yes...if you want it in the most simplest form.

ITH was never "all that and a bag of chips". It was the best from a less then fabulous season. It's sweet and fun, but that's it.

Personally: I think SP is the closest thing to theatrical perfection I've ever seen. I was lucky enough to see the original cast within its first few months. I plan to see it next week before it closes as well.

[afaye11]

Posted: 7/24/10 at 11:36am

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...

[tazber]

Posted: 7/24/10 at 11:41am

The Addams Family isn't that great of a show, but technically it's a spectacle.

[firescape]

Posted: 7/24/10 at 11:47am

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

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 7/24/10 at 12:58pm

Oh no, I wish you had asked me before picking those 2 shows!

[firescape]

Posted: 7/24/10 at 1:02pm

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

[Lexie27]

Posted: 7/24/10 at 1:44pm

Next to Normal is the best show currently playing. I enjoyed South Pacific and In the Heights but N2N is something not to be missed. I can't even put into words how incredible it is. Just go see it.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 7/24/10 at 1:54pm

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

[CockeyedOptimist2]

Posted: 7/24/10 at 1:59pm

In my opinion, South Pacific and Next to Normal are the two best shows on Broadway at the moment. Don't miss either of them. South Pacific is the most beautiful show I have ever seen and the combination of the show, the performances, and the technical elements is strikingly gorgeous and flawless! Go, go, go!

Next to Normal is another wonderful show. An emotional and thought-provoking show that drew me in with the great story and music. The technical elements are very impressive. I'm an aspiring stage manager and the last time I saw the show I decided that I would love to call that show one day. The lighting is wonderful and I was very excited by how some of the cues were so well integrated with the music. I highly recommend the show for the theatrical experience as well as the great story!

Go see both of these shows and you can see two of only 8 musicals ever that have won the Pulitzer Prize

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 7/24/10 at 2:19pm

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.

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

[bwayfan7000]

Posted: 7/24/10 at 4:07pm

I'd say South Pacific, next to normal and Billy Elliot would be a pretty perfect bunch of shows for you if you haven't seen any of them. I'll also echo what everyone is saying that next to normal is especially wonderful.

[uncageg]

Posted: 7/24/10 at 4:30pm

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

[uncageg]

Posted: 7/24/10 at 4:33pm

I know some people just don't "do" off-Broadway but for some technical fun, try Fuerzabruta.

No offense to the OP, I stay in touch also but I don't really let that affect what I see when I get to NYC.

[MusicAngel]

Posted: 7/24/10 at 5:22pm

^ 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!

[Phantom of London]

Posted: 7/24/10 at 8:10pm

there is not really a technical show in Broadway at the moment that would take your breathe away, Billy Elliot is a spectacle, but that is down to movement, In The Heights and Next to Normal are great because they work as a stage production. South Pacific well that is just a classic, that is timeless on stage.

[firescape]

Posted: 8/10/10 at 11:02am

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.

[lightguy06222]

Posted: 8/10/10 at 3:26pm

"Sight and Sound Theatre- where the BIBLE comes to LIFE!"

Direct quote from their "Joseph" promo vid.

I will admit that the design looks pretty amazing, but I am curious to know how much bible thumping is added into the show.

Joseph Flies over the audience during his dream? Sounds like unnecessary spectacle to convince us that Jesus is tops.

EDIT: The show is called "Joseph". this is NOT a production of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. Definitely bible-thumping.
Updated On: 8/10/10 at 03:26 PM

[backwoodsbarbie]

Posted: 8/10/10 at 3:36pm

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