What should my last show choice be?

[NS]

Posted: 3/15/07 at 7:18am

I hope to be in NYC in December, and plan to see 7 shows to make the most of my time!

I have so far chosen...
Curtains
Little Mermaid
Pirate Queen (if it stays open)
Young Frankenstein
Spring Awakening
Tarzan (its the only disney musical i havent seen, except Aida, an di know it gets awful reveiws from people but the video preview does look good)

so I have space for one more show (2 if Pirate Queen closes or im really put off tarzan)

Im thinking of
Rent (never seen it on stage, but is it in good shape with a good cast?)

A Chorus Line (ive always hated this but ive only ever seen the film, so wondering should I see it on stage to change my mind)

Company (if it lasts) im not keen on the look of the staging but keen to see more Sondheim after seeing Sunday in Park in London

Legally Blonde - have to say this leaves me cold, unless some video previews change my mind.

Grey Gardens - know nothing about this at all.

The Colour Purple - cant say it excites me.

Alter Boyz - any good?

Otherwise I think everything else ive seen in the uk or we are getting at some stage.

[mattonstage]

Posted: 3/15/07 at 7:21am

I would say GREY GARDENS.

[D2]

Posted: 3/15/07 at 7:54am

I would say wait and see what's still playihg in the fall. There may be some new shows coming in that haven't been announced yet, and some of the shows on your list may not be around in December. You've got a great list already, keep the other one (or two) spots open for the unexpected.

[Greekmusicalfan]

Posted: 3/15/07 at 9:10am

RENT is something you have to experience live, at least once and CHORUS LINE is a piece of musical history, so I'd suggest these two !

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 3/15/07 at 9:15am

I agree with D2. Leave a couple of open slots. You never know what may sneak in and receive raves.

[bwaygal1]

Posted: 3/15/07 at 9:49am

If Grey Gardens is still running, go see it. It's unlike any other experience I've ever had.

[Piercemn]

Posted: 3/15/07 at 9:55am

My advice, besides what others are saying about leaving those slots open and see what's playing, are to, first of all, get the movie, Grey Gardens. It's fascinating, and it will help you decide. I'm going to be there in May and wouldn't miss it, but I've seen the movie and know the story behind it.

A Chorus Line should be seen, because it's a horrible movie. Personally, I didn't care for Rent.

My other piece of advice is to see what's playing off-Broadway and off off Bway. Get a copy of Time Out New York that week and see what's playing in the storefront theatres, etc. You may be surprised what you can see.

If you are at all inclined, I'd really recommend going to the Metropolitan Opera, if for no other reason than to have a total opera experience in one of the world's greatest theatres. It's an extraordinary experience. I am seeing two operas in May.

While in NYC, go to the Museum of the City of New York. There's a permanent theatre exhibit on the third floor that is marvelous. While parts of it change, it's a lovely tribute to the theatre. They have Mary Martin's costumes from The Sound of Music and South Pacific, Yul Brynner's from The King and I, and a tray given to Gershwin on the opening night of Porgy and Bess with the signatures of the Theatre Guild inlaid. It's a great place to visit. 103rd and 5th Avenue in Spanish Harlem.

Good luck with your choices.

Updated On: 3/15/07 at 09:55 AM

[MimiJudith]

Posted: 3/15/07 at 10:01am

Definitely Grey Gardens. Try to take out the documentary before seeing it.

[notabb]

Posted: 3/15/07 at 10:04am

GREY GARDENS

[Magdalene]

Posted: 3/15/07 at 10:15am

If you have to pick one now, I'd go with Grey Gardens---I was so impressed by Christine Ebersole! If you don't have to decide now, I agree with leaving a slot or two open for something unexpected!

[danhattan]

Posted: 3/15/07 at 10:16am

I would say Grey Gardens as well. Ebersole's performance is going to be talked about for many years to come. Not all go wild for the show but the votes for Ebersole are unanimous. I loved everything about this show. I really hope it's still open come December!

I'd definitely kick TARZAN out and maybe replace it with LEGALLY BLONDE. It's out of town try out went incredibly well and the buzz has been great ever since. But if you don't like fluff your not gonna be a big fan.

Just re-read your post and honestly you couldn't go wrong with COMPANY or ALTAR BOYZ either. ALTAR BOYZ is a hilarious show with awesome singing/dancing and usually fantastic casting. Such great shows out there! What an exciting time for theatre!

[uncageg]

Posted: 3/15/07 at 10:28am

You asked it "Altar Boyz" was any good. I avoided this show for 2 trips after hearing the cast recording. (Didn't like it) I finally saw the show last June and it was a scream! Loved it.

I agree with other posters, wait and see what may me opening between now and then. Although, if you want to see Young Frankenstein, I would bet you will need to get your tickets well in advance.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 3/15/07 at 10:33am

A Chorus Line
Grey Gardens
Rent(any cast is good)
and go to see Tarzan, don't get so influenced by reviewers.

[bdwybug55]

Posted: 3/15/07 at 10:54am

I have to add to the GREY GARDENS votes. Yes the show definitely has its problems but I found it very unique and the performances by the two leading ladies were spectacular.

[NS]

Posted: 3/15/07 at 11:22am

Thanks for all of this, its really useeful, although now im thinking i need longer in NYC!!

Also thanks for the tip about the theatre exhibit, ive been to NYC several times but never seen a show

[jess20882]

Posted: 3/15/07 at 11:31am

i would choose either RENT or a chorus line. the color purple would be my third choice.
and yes, you should absolutely see tarzan. it's a show you either love or hate (i happen to love it). see it and create your own opinion, don't base it on the thoughts of others. every person has his own personal taste - you never know, tarzan could become your new favorite

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 3/15/07 at 11:43am

Would you consider some other shows you haven't listed, such as Avenue Q, Drowsy Chaperone, Hairspray, Jersey Boys, Les Mis (if it's still open), Spamalot, Phantom, Wicked, or Spelling Bee?

[NS]

Posted: 3/15/07 at 12:01pm

All except Spelling Bee are in london or are expected in London soon so thats why I havent listed them.

[Sondheim Geek]

Posted: 3/15/07 at 12:22pm

Never EVER judge ACL off that terrible thing they called a movie. I'd see it to just get out of the idea that the attrosity is actually is the show.

Rent... eh, I've always liked the show very much, but I've been iffy on the cast for over 5 years.

You seem to be seeing pretty much newish, popular (mostly light) shows. From what you seem to like, I'd say Altar Boyz (hilarious, and inexpensive).

If you want to see something different from the things your already going to, see Company or Grey Gardens. It'll always be worth it to see Christine Ebersole, and the fact that you want to see more Sondheim means Company of course.

I’d take Tarzan off your list, and see ACL and Altar Boyz. If Pirate Queen closes, you could possibly see Company.

[lildogs]

Posted: 3/15/07 at 12:51pm

COMPANY
GREY GARDENS

Or how about LOVEMUSIK or RADIO GOLF?

[DickonDefysGravity]

Posted: 3/15/07 at 1:12pm

The Color Purple is a gorgeous show.
Spelling Bee is a riot.

[viola13]

Posted: 3/15/07 at 1:18pm

I've really enjoyed A Chorus Line, Company, and Rent. Haven't got a chance to see Grey Gardens, but it seems like a really good choice. I personally really like the current cast of Rent, but by December a lot of the actors will have changed, so I have no idea how the cast will be at that time. Also, you said you didn't want to see anything that is playing or going to be playing in London, and supposedly Rent is going back to the West End in the fall. While not on your list, I also recommend Spelling Bee. It's hilarious.

[Kelly2]

Posted: 3/15/07 at 1:20pm

Deleted.

Updated On: 5/9/07 at 01:20 PM

[fossemoves]

Posted: 3/15/07 at 1:54pm

My vote totally would be Company but I'm Sondheim nut, but there is something slightly 'edgier' about this production that I think 'reinvents' the musical a bit.

Though Grey Gardens is utterly fantastic. But I'd only see if Christine Ebersole were still in it.