What Musical to add? (Trip report update)

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What Musical to add? (Trip report update)

Posted: 6/9/15 at 1:04pm

I am planning a trip to New York next month and I have room for one more show in my lineup. Leaning toward a musical as I've seen a lot of plays this year. I am so torn right now between The King & I, Something Rotten, Finding Neverland, and On the Town. I live in Chicago so I get to see all of the touring productions, but obviously often the Broadway headliners don't tour with the productions, so if a performance is critical to the show I'd like to see that in New York. (Although obviously there are exceptions to that. I wish I had known Idina would tour with If/Then as I saw that show in NY just for her and did not like it. My only bad pick in my NY trips this year. Would much rather see a show I don't like at home than in NY where my opportunities are more limited.).

For that reason I'm leaning a bit toward either TKAI or FN, as I would love to see Kelli and I really don't think I'll see FN without Morrison or Grammar. I know Brian D'Arcy James is supposed to be great in SR but from the Tony's I just don't know that I'd enjoy that show as much. I didn't particularly love Spamalot and it seemed like it may be similar but correct me if that's wrong... And I'm tempted by On the Town because I love that type of classic Broadway show, but I imagine that will tour as well. Any suggestions? Or is there another show I'm missing that's a must-see?

I will see Gentleman's Guide, Beautiful, and Matilda in Chicago when they tour this year. Really no desire to see American in Paris although I'm sure that will tour and I'll catch it in Chicago as well.

If I can't make up my mind I'll just have to plan another trip. :) Which I may do anyway since I think I might have to check out Taye Diggs in Hedwig...

I've already seen/will see:

Hamilton (at the public and I'm seeing it again this trip)

Fun Home

Hedwig

Curious Incident

Hand to God

On the Twentieth Century

skylight

Fish in the Dark

act of God

Any tips would be much appreciated.

Updated On: 7/20/15 at 01:04 PM

What Musical to add?

Posted: 6/9/15 at 1:07pm

TKAI, hands down!

What Musical to add?

Posted: 6/9/15 at 1:07pm

I'd rank your possibles thusly:

King and I

On the Town (a delight, but it may not be around much longer)

Finding Neverland (although there are plenty of folk here that hated it -- I enjoyed it a great deal)

Something Rotten (I feel the same way you do, but will be seeing it in August with my kids)

If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it? These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.

Updated On: 6/9/15 at 01:07 PM

What Musical to add?

Posted: 6/9/15 at 1:19pm

I saw three out of those four. The one I didn't see was The King and I which i plan on seeing this summer.

The shows are all very different.

Something Rotten was absolutely hilarious and I had such a fun time. The music is also very fun. To get all of the jokes and references you need to know theatre but it sounds like you do so that should be fine. And their Tony performance did not really do it that much justice and I think that many of the other songs are much better than that one.

Finding Neverland was a pretty good show. I know that there were lots of not so good things about it but i enjoyed the show a lot. Matthew Morrison is not that great, but Laura Michelle Kelly is absolutely terrific and she makes it worth going to see the show.

On The Town was pretty fun, but it was not that great. It is going on tour with the lead right now starring in the tour so I think you might want to just wait and see that one on tour.

I would probably say go with The King and I or Something Rotten because they are both sure to be very good.

Have fun and hope this helped!

What Musical to add?

Posted: 6/9/15 at 1:28pm

These are all very helpful tips! Great to know Tony Yazbeck will tour with On the Town, as that means I'll skip that one in NY. (I am so excited to hear that! His performance at the Tony's was great... It wasn't even on my list until I saw that and thought it was up my alley.)

Right now I'm thinking I'll probably go with the King and I in case I don't get back. Will try to plan another trip to hit up Finding Neverland and Something Rotten in the coming months.

Thanks all!

Updated On: 6/9/15 at 01:28 PM

What Musical to add?

Posted: 6/9/15 at 1:31pm

And also, the fact that I've never actually seen the King and I in any form or on any stage is probably borderline criminal, so another good reason for that choice.... :)

What Musical to add?

Posted: 6/9/15 at 1:34pm

Rotten, King and OTT

All great choices.

Poster Emeritus

What Musical to add?

Posted: 6/9/15 at 1:39pm

I loved this production of The King and I and i really think that Kelli's performance in that should not be missed, so i would definitely recommend that one as your top priority.

I wasn't crazy about Spamalot, but loved Something Rotten, so it's hard to predict. SR is definitely lots of silly humor and lots of great tap dancing, but there is nothing vocally difficult about the songs. I think it could probably be equally great with many different performers in the various roles (not to take away from the current performers, who are doing great jobs). Just saying that the material is more central to the experience than any one specific performer.

Tony Yazbeck is great and definitely the highlight of On The Town so i'm also delighted to hear that he will be going on tour. I will see it again in my hometown, assuming that it comes on tour here.

I did enjoy finding Neverland, but for me the staging was more of a highlight than any one specific performance - probably the tour would be just as enjoyable.

What Musical to add?

Posted: 6/9/15 at 1:48pm

Have you seen Kinky Boots? I would see Amazing Grace which is the first musical of next season! If not, The King and I

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#10

What Musical to add?

Posted: 6/9/15 at 1:49pm

Tap Dancing and silly humor??? Well it sounds like I would, in fact, like that very, very much. A shame the Tony performance didn't do it justice. Another trip in my near future is looking increasingly likely... But sounds like TKAI is the biggest must-see.

#11

What Musical to add?

Posted: 6/9/15 at 1:51pm

"Have you seen Kinky Boots? I would see Amazing Grace which is the first musical of next season! If not, The King and I"

Yes, I saw Kinky Boots in previews here in Chicago. I enjoyed it, although not my favorite. I'll be interested to hear the buzz on Amazing Grace after it comes out.

#12

What Musical to add?

Posted: 6/9/15 at 1:51pm

Yeah i loved something rotten!! But you have to know musicals, because if you don't, you won't really get a lot of the jokes. The tonys didn't do the number justice. and yes a LOT of tap dancing!!

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#13

What Musical to add?

Posted: 6/9/15 at 1:54pm

The Tony performances can't really do justice to big ensemble dance numbers, with the camera focusing in on one person for so much of the time. Both Something Rotten and Aladdin have tap dances that play far better on stage than in their respective Tony performances.

#14

What Musical to add?

Posted: 6/9/15 at 2:36pm

"The Tony performances can't really do justice to big ensemble dance numbers, with the camera focusing in on one person for so much of the time. Both Something Rotten and Aladdin have tap dances that play far better on stage than in their respective Tony performances."

Fair enough. I remember seeing the big tap number in Anything Goes with Sutton Foster... can't imagine that would've translated well to TV. (I didn't see the Tonys that year, so pardon my ignorance if they actually did that number on TV!)

The inside theater jokes pique my interest as well. I've loved musical theater since I was a little girl acting out Phantom and Les Mis in my living room... Sounds like I'll definitely have to see Something Rotten at some point!

Updated On: 6/9/15 at 02:36 PM

#15

What Musical to add?

Posted: 6/9/15 at 5:28pm

It's definitely worth seeing Something Rotten! if you get a chance. They did do the Anything Goes song and tap dance on the Tony Awards a few years back, albeit in a truncated form, as is usually the case with long numbers. That is also part of the problem with televising it with a time limit - some of the skillful emotional build that is choreographed into the dances gets lost.

#16

What Musical to add?

Posted: 6/9/15 at 5:45pm

The King and I, hands down.

I think Something Rotten was funnier than Spamalot or Book Of Mormon, however I went in with slightly lower expectations for Something Rotten.

"I saw Pavarotti play Rodolfo on stage and with his girth I thought he was about to eat the whole table at the Cafe Momus." - Dollypop

#17

What Musical to add?

Posted: 6/9/15 at 6:31pm

Agree re Rotten being funnier than BOM & it is about even with Spamalot

Poster Emeritus

#18

What Musical to add?

Posted: 6/9/15 at 6:32pm

I Thouhgt King and I an overrated collosal bore. After the ship comes out, it's all downhill from there. You can't understand one word of the Ken Wattanabe as the King and Deborah Kerr does a much better job in the movie.

Finding Neverland is pretty darn good despite the critical drubbing.

On the Town is delicious.

Something Rotten is a musical comedy fun house. A bit of Saturday Night live Skit on Shakespeare that goes on too long... but sill funny and entertaining none the less.

I skip the King and I which to me is like the emperor's new clothes. Do not get the love for it all.

#19

What Musical to add?

Posted: 6/9/15 at 6:40pm

Have not seen King. We will probably see it eventually

Interesting re your take on Neverland

Agree re OTT

Poster Emeritus

#20

What Musical to add?

Posted: 6/9/15 at 10:09pm

Thanks to all for the helpful thoughts. I've decided to see the King and I, as my mom really would like to see it as well, so that's the tipping point. (We're seeing Fish in the Dark for me and dad that day--huge Seinfeld fans--and she's not huge on the Larry David humor so I want her to see a show that's more up her alley...)

Already looking for my next weekend available to make another trip to see Something Rotten and Finding Neverland. I know the reviews for the latter have been less than stellar but it sounds like enough people though it an enjoyable show I think I'll give it a shot. I'll pair those with a trip when Taye Diggs is in Hedwig. Will see On the Town when it comes to Chicago.

On a related note, my dad is not so into the King and I, and wants to see something "more offbeat" while my mom and I go soak in seeing Kelli in this classic. I suggested Hand to God but he is thinking something more "out there" and probably Off Broadway--the kind of show he won't ever get to see anywhere else. (He would really be up for something pretty unusual I'd imagine. He saw Tim Curry 7 times in the original Rocky Horror in LA back in the day... and we already have tickets to Hedwig.... Just wish he could've seen it with JCM as I think JCM in Hedwig was to my generation what Tim Curry in RHS was to his.) I have zilch knowledge of any off broadway productions... Any tips in that regard?

Thanks again for all the great advice.

Updated On: 6/9/15 at 10:09 PM

#21

What Musical to add?

Posted: 6/9/15 at 10:24pm

Your father shouldn't underestimate how "out there" Hand To God is. Plus, it's a really good show.

#22

What Musical to add?

Posted: 6/9/15 at 10:31pm

Has he seen Book of Mormon? or Avenue Q?

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#23

What Musical to add?

Posted: 6/9/15 at 10:47pm

"Your father shouldn't underestimate how "out there" Hand To God is. Plus, it's a really good show."

That's what I said! He hasn't been to Broadway in awhile. I don't think he realizes it's got a lot more than big blockbuster shows... I think I'm going to keep trying to talk him into this one. :)

#24

What Musical to add?

Posted: 6/9/15 at 10:49pm

"Has he seen Book of Mormon? or Avenue Q? "

He has seen BOM. I don't think he's seen Avenue Q, but he said he's looking for a play. I think there will be more opportunities to see Avenue Q.

#25

Trip Report Update

Posted: 7/19/15 at 7:02pm

Just wrapping up one of the best show weekends with my family. What a great time. Wanted to report back since I had asked for advice awhile back.

Fish in the Dark (Friday matinee): we had a really fun time at this show. We are big Seinfeld fans and it is basically an extended Seinfeld episode, with even some overlap in the jokes. Jason Alexander was hilarious and I'm glad I saw it him instead of Larry David. We got our photo taken with him and the stage door. He was so nice and really made sure to go through the line several times so everyone who wanted autographs/selfies got them. I had never really done the stage door other than for Hamilton at the Public so I was happy to see even such a big star was so nice and generous with his time.

The King and I/Hand to God (Friday night): my mom and I followed the advice I received and saw The King and I. My dad followed my advice as well as that I received in this thread and saw Hand to God. Everyone was very happy! Kelli and Ruthie were both mesmerizing and I loved TKAI. I had never seen it in any form (including the movie) and I really loved it and am glad I caught this production. It was really beautiful.After seeing Fun Home I didn't know how Sydney Lucas did not win a Tony but after seeing this show, I am so glad I am not a Tony voter so I don't have to pick! As I posted on another thread, I really enjoyed Jose as King. He doesn't play it as a commanding or intimidating but his performance was very enjoyable. We met Kelli, Ruthie, and Jose at the stage door and all were so nice. Ruthie was adorable as could be and led a round of Happy Birthday for a fan. She seems like such a genuine sweetheart. When we got back in the evening my dad did his best Tyrone impersonation. He really loved Hand to God and thought it was hilarious.

Saturday was the day of days. The pinnacle. The highlight of all highlights.

First was Hedwig. I have seen it with both Andrew Rannells and JCM but my parents had never seen it. My dad was a big Rocky Horror fan back in the 70s and saw it live many times so I thought this would be up his alley. Well. He was the lucky recipient of Darren's car wash. I knew it was a possibility sitting in the aisle but I didn't think it would actually happen! It helped that he was one of about 10 men in the audience. Darren even commented on that and made a joke about it looking like a suffragette party or something. Anyway, I went in expecting Darren to do fine in the role but he vastly exceeded my expectations. I actually think it may have been my favorite. (Although obviously there is something special about seeing JCM in the role.) I had seen one of the crate performances so I had forgotten since seeing AR how much movement there is. I thought he was absolutely fantastic and he blew me away.

Saturday night was Hamilton. I saw it at the Public and it was the reason for this trip. I don't even know what to say. I am going to have a hard time not trying to scrounge up a ticket every time I go to New York. I loved it just as much as the public (although nothing can really top being eye level with them in the fifth row). Leslie Odom Jr. still is my favorite performance and Wait for It my favorite song. My parents loved it as well. They said they missed some words but still understood everything going on. I thought during the Schuyler Sisters song in particular Angelica was a bit drowned out at times and I couldn't hear what she was saying. (I think it was that song? Could've been a different one.) I did miss the Dear Theodosia reprise partly because I'm all for more Leslie Odom Jr. But partly because I felt it skipped a little of the story. But I understand they needed to trim and I can't imagine what else you'd cut. (Also, didn't they expressly address washington's death at the public? I thought I remembered that but it's been a long time and I only saw it once. Here the only reference was when Hamilton says Washington is waiting on the other side. Anyway, loved loved loved loved it with or without the changes.

Sunday we saw an Act of God. Really enjoyed this as well. Basically a comedy act as opposed to a play but Jim Parsons is hilarious. We went to the stage door and he came out and very quickly signed for everyone

a memorable weekend! I've booked another trip to see Taye Diggs in Hedwig and Hamilton again. I'm planning to catch on the town with misty copeland and Something Rotten! that trip. So I will see them all! Except maybe finding neverland which I'll try to catch on a work trip when Kelsey is back.

Updated On: 7/20/15 at 07:02 PM

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