What Musical to See?

#1

What 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!

#2

re: What Musical to See?

Posted: 12/24/09 at 4:14pm

Ragtime

#3

re: 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!

#4

re: 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?

#5

re: 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..

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Give me claws and a hunch, just away from this bunch.

Updated On: 12/24/09 at 04:23 PM

#6

re: 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

#7

re: What Musical to See?

Posted: 12/24/09 at 4:28pm

Please 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.

#8

re: What Musical to See?

Posted: 12/24/09 at 4:55pm

See either Next to Normal, Hair, or Memphis

#9

re: 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.

#10

re: What Musical to See?

Posted: 12/24/09 at 5:10pm

West Side Story also falls under the category of spectacular but not lavish.

#11

re: What Musical to See?

Posted: 12/24/09 at 5:49pm

I 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.

#12

re: 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.

#13

re: What Musical to See?

Posted: 12/24/09 at 5:56pm

Memphis, N2N & Hair

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Poster Emeritus

#14

re: What Musical to See?

Posted: 12/24/09 at 6:01pm

Slightly 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.

#15

re: 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.

#16

re: What Musical to See?

Posted: 12/24/09 at 8:52pm

Next to Normal, Wicked, Jersey Boys, Ragtime =)

#17

re: 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

#18

re: What Musical to See?

Posted: 12/24/09 at 10:21pm

Wicked, Billy Elliot, Finian's Rainbow, West Side Story

#19

re: What Musical to See?

Posted: 12/25/09 at 4:25pm

thank you thank you thank you

#20

re: What Musical to See?

Posted: 12/25/09 at 4:45pm

Ragtime 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.

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Measure your life in love, RENTheads, and keep it always in your heart.

Avatar: Me with Al Larson, Jonathan Larson's father.

#21

re: What Musical to See?

Posted: 12/26/09 at 12:36am

Ragtime 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!

#22

re: What Musical to See?

Posted: 12/26/09 at 1:11am

Hair, 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!

#23

re: 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

#24

re: What Musical to See?

Posted: 12/28/09 at 11:25pm

well, definitely not ragtime.

#25

re: What Musical to See?

Posted: 12/28/09 at 11:36pm

Ragtime. Just do it.