What Musical to See?
What Musical to See?
#1What Musical to See?
Posted: 12/24/09 at 4:12pm
If anyone could give me advice on what Musical to see in NY that would be wonderful.
I've seen huge shows before, some in NY, some on tour. While the two other people im going with haven't.
So, I want to find a show that I know they will like but also has maybe the 'spectacle' aspect that they maybe expecting when going to see a show in NY.
Im going the second weekend in January, after all the closings.
If anyone has any good recommendations please let me know!
Yankeefan007
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/20/04
#2re: What Musical to See?
Posted: 12/24/09 at 4:20pm
Ragtime, In The Heights, Hair
Best shows on Broadway currently, in my opinion.
What kind of people are they?
If they are sort of free spirited and vert liberal you should see Hair.
If they aren't crazy about Broadway Musicals or would like more contemporary music then In The Heights would be good.
If they are a LITTLE more conservative and wouldn't mind sitting through a long show then Ragtime is great.
I think In The Heights is a happy medium for everyone!
#3re: What Musical to See?
Posted: 12/24/09 at 4:22pm
Hmm definitely not the type to sit through anything too long, I was watching clips of Ragtime, and I don't think they would enjoy it as much as say Hair.
Also, does Wicked still have its lottery?
#4re: What Musical to See?
Posted: 12/24/09 at 4:23pm
I don't know much about the physical production of In the Heights - but would it satisfy the condition of being a 'spectacle'? (Not that Hair or Ragtime would I guess)
But I mean, is "In the Heights" considered a fully staged production with elaborate sets, large 'orchestra'/(Band?) etc.?
"Also, does Wicked still have its lottery?"
Yes, but I wouldn't count on winning it..
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
Updated On: 12/24/09 at 04:23 PM
#5re: What Musical to See?
Posted: 12/24/09 at 4:26pm
Not counting on winning it, most likely going to buy tickets for something else at TKTS.
Updated On: 12/24/09 at 04:26 PM
#6re: What Musical to See?
Posted: 12/24/09 at 4:28pmPlease don't spend your money on Wicked, I know it sounds mean but it's really not very good and doesn't need the support. The shows everyone has named are MUCH better and need the support.
bwaylvsong
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/28/05
#8re: What Musical to See?
Posted: 12/24/09 at 5:05pm
If you want spectacle, steer clear of ITH and especially Chicago.
I haven't seen Hair or Ragtime, but both have large casts and should provide spectacle despite minimal sets.
The really lavish shows are Mary Poppins, Lion King, Phantom, Wicked, South Pacific, and from what I've heard, Billy Elliot.
bwaylvsong
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/28/05
#9re: What Musical to See?
Posted: 12/24/09 at 5:10pmWest Side Story also falls under the category of spectacular but not lavish.
AwesomeDanny
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/30/09
#10re: What Musical to See?
Posted: 12/24/09 at 5:49pmI would say Next to Normal is an amazing show in itself, plus I would say it is a spectacle because of the breathtaking lighting design and the way it really works with the set. I wouldn't say it's quite what people would expect to see, but I wouldn't say it's completely out there and ridiculous, either.
Luv2goToShows
Broadway Star Joined: 9/13/09
#11re: What Musical to See?
Posted: 12/24/09 at 5:55pm
See Hair with the original cast, it is a great show and a great time!
Memphis and Ragtime are on my next to see list, saw N2N, good show too.
Mr Roxy
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/17/03
broadwayboy101
Broadway Star Joined: 3/20/08
#13re: What Musical to See?
Posted: 12/24/09 at 6:01pmSlightly off topic, but when is the cast of Hair leaving to go to London? I'm going the last week in January and am hoping to see A Little Night Music, Hair, and Next to Normal.
#14re: What Musical to See?
Posted: 12/24/09 at 6:34pm
The Hair cast is leaving March 7th, so if you're going in January you're fine.
I'd recommend Hair, Ragtime, Finian's Rainbow, and Billy Elliot. In terms of length, I believe Finian's is the shortest of those 4 at around 2 hours and 20 minutes...the other 3 clock in at about 2 hours and 40 minutes but they're all great shows and it definitely doesn't feel like almost 3 hours.
#15re: What Musical to See?
Posted: 12/24/09 at 8:52pmNext to Normal, Wicked, Jersey Boys, Ragtime =)
rmusic11322
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/22/07
#16re: What Musical to See?
Posted: 12/24/09 at 8:53pm
Wicked - Katie Rose Clarke is the Glinda on Jan 14.
she is a riot and you will love her
MPtheater
Swing Joined: 9/5/09
#17re: What Musical to See?
Posted: 12/24/09 at 10:21pmWicked, Billy Elliot, Finian's Rainbow, West Side Story
#19re: What Musical to See?
Posted: 12/25/09 at 4:45pmRagtime is one of my favorite shows and I saw it last week. There's nothing special about the production. The director didn't make interesting choices. The music isn't loud enough to be as powerful as it actually is. Skip that, see Hair. Finnian's Rainbow was fun, but it's fluff. If you manage to get reasonably-priced tickets to Billy Elliot, I'd love to know how. Wouldn't bother with Wicked. It'll be running forever. Chicago is not at all a spectacle, if spectacle is what you're looking for. See Hair.
Measure your life in love, RENTheads, and keep it always in your heart.
Avatar: Me with Al Larson, Jonathan Larson's father.
Avatar: Me with Al Larson, Jonathan Larson's father.
minicko88
Featured Actor Joined: 7/12/07
#20re: What Musical to See?
Posted: 12/26/09 at 12:36amRagtime is the best show on Broadway right now and is a MUST SEE... However, from what you are saying, I do believe you should see something more of a happy medium. Go see the Lion King or something familiar to them... However, Ragtime and Next to Normal are not to be missed!
#21re: What Musical to See?
Posted: 12/26/09 at 1:11amHair, Billy Elliot, Phantom, or Jersey Boys are all great shows with some spectacle. Hair and Phantom should be on TKTS, but Billy Elliot and Jersey Boys won't be. Don't see Wicked... there are so many better things out there to see!
#22re: What Musical to See?
Posted: 12/26/09 at 11:35am
Two of us have seen Phantom in NY before, when I was in highschool -- maybe 5 years ago?
Half my class fell asleep. It as a horrible horrible mess that show.
Updated On: 12/26/09 at 11:35 AM
Videos