What show should I bring my friend to?

I almost always go to shows alone, I don't really have any friends in the city- it's usually pretty great because I have the opportunity to get a great price, last minute ticket and don't have to worry about getting 2 seats together. So, when I do have the rare opportunity to bring someone to a show, I really want it to be a great experience for them. I am the kind of person who always worries/wonders/hopes the other person is having a really great time.

I have a friend who is coming to visit me at the end of September, and we are going to a concert Saturday night. I thought it would be great to take her to a Broadway musical matinee on Saturday beforehand. I haven't seen her in years, but she is the kind of person who will have fun and enjoy whatever I bring her to. She's not really picky, but it's kind of because of that I want to blow her mind a little.

What should I bring her to? The problem is, the end of Sept seems to be pretty lackluster. A bunch of stuff closing and new shows not starting until Oct/Nov.

She said she was interested in:

-DEH (more specifically, Ben in DEH, which we already decided is pretty much not happening since it is likely he'd be out for Yom Kippur and if he's not, getting tickets will be tough. Plus I already have a ticket that I bought for my birthday like 6 months ago....)
-Wicked (she has seen this but would see it again. I'd see it again but I'd rather not)
-Kinky Boots (I have not seen this)
-Miss Saigon (I thought it was 'eh', but my mom loved it)
-Avenue Q (saw this a few years ago and it was great but so sad how empty the theater was)
-Phantom (I haven't seen this in years, she never has and feels like she should- kind of a 'bucket list' type thing)

Her budget is around $150 but that 'a case can be made for something spectacular.'

I'm starting to think Kinky Boots is the way to go, although we'd miss Brendon Urie. (I looked up a discount code which leads me to another side question -- When I popped in the code, 4 seats came up in the 3rd row center Orch with a little handicapped symbol for Deaf/Low Vision - I assume these tickets are off-limits unless you require them due to a disability)

Phantom is a decent option, but I am afraid that it will be the epitome of 'bad theater behavior.' How has the show held up? Will it seem worn after everything this theater season was so spectacular?

I so desperately wish GHD or Sunset Blvd would have been around. Those would have been perfect!

Yes I do realize this situation is a 'me' problem and not a problem with my friend. She will be happy no matter what we pick. But I'd love anyone's insight or perhaps something I'm not thinking of.

Thanks, all!

Updated On: 8/16/17 at 10:20 PM

greenifyme2 said: "I'm starting to think Kinky Boots is the way to go, although we'd miss Brendon Urie."

The original leads, Billy Porter and Stark Sands, return on 9/26, though.

I wish I could say Great Comet. That might have "blown her mind a little." But yeah, Kinky Boots seems like the best option with those choices. I'd skip Phantom and Avenue Q. Not exciting choices, plus, they'll probably still be there if she comes back to visit next year.

I'd ask her about Waitress and Anastasia too.

Out of your choices, Kinky Boots sounds like a good option, though I'd consider Come From Away.

Thank you all for your thoughtful responses! Some more info:

Wicked - I do love it, but I have seen it 5 times over the years, so I'm good on it for awhile.
DEH - I enter the lottery every day, so definitely! Only won once since it started (but I do consider it one of the luckiest moments I've ever had! Not even sure if they'd ever let me win a 2nd time).
Sweeney Todd - I randomly saw this a few weeks ago when someone reached out of the blue with an extra ticket. While it was an incredible experience with an incredible cast, I don't love the music so I am not too interested in returning. But you're right, it would blow her mind!
Great Comet - I wish, too.
Waitress - Good suggestion, I'll ask her if she even knows about it (I haven't seen it and would like to).
Hello Dolly - I am going this weekend
Come From Away - Saw it, didn't love it. The only show I thought I should have done SRO for.
Anastasia - Loved the costumes and the projections but didn't love the cast or the actual show (am a huge fan of the movie. Can't stand Christy Altomare)

Thanks for confirming my suspicions to steer clear of Avenue Q or Phantom. Done.

Sounds like we've narrowed it down to Kinky Boots (esp now if you say that some of the original cast is returning) or Waitress! Votes between those 2? And if anyone has any discount codes handy or tips on where to sit, I'd really appreciate it!

Updated On: 8/16/17 at 11:24 PM

I enjoyed Waitress much more than Kinky Boots, but I don't think you can go wrong with either.

Looks like BroadwayBox has a code for Kinky Boots that expires 10/1, so that should work for you. The Waitress code expires 9/1, but hopefully there will be a new one.

LxGstv said: "I'd pick Waitress over Kinky Boots.

I believe it's constantly on TKTS, also read that they sell the box seats at the box office for around $79?



"

You do NOT want box seats for Waitress. Especially if you are on the left side, you miss half the show. You can get a TKTS half price ticket or even ask the box office about mezz seats. Both shows are in smallish theaters and there really are very few bad seats.

Both shows should be on TKTS for September so it's totally a matter of preference. They are both two of my favorite shows. The current cast of both shows are excellent.

If it's at all possible, go see a Sunday matinee as well and see both. KB has a 3 pm matinee and Waitress willl have a 2pm and 7pm show on Sunday starting in September.

Updated On: 8/16/17 at 11:41 PM

greenifyme2 said: "LxGstv said: "I'd pick Waitress over Kinky Boots.

I believe it's constantly on TKTS, also read that they sell the box seats at the box office for around $79?



That would be perfect! I'd love to sit in the box if we won't really miss anything important on that side of the stage. (I sat in a box at DEH and it was totally fine. I sat in a partial view seat behind the box at Dolly last night and missed 1/4 of the show!). Really seems to depend on the show.





"

If I remember correctly they sell them in advance as well. I would recommend the boxes on the right side if you can pick as the band is on stage left, while the counter/kitchen is on stage right.

She's in for Waitress! Last question - she's kind of tall. Would an aisle seat in the front mezz or the first row of the rear mezz be better? I don't see anything from row E on A View From My Seat.

They've already decided on Waitress. I don't think they need other suggestions.

If you are tall, an aisle seat is always better in any theater in any section. The first row of the rear mezz (row E) has a bar across it which may or may not be to your liking. But it also has a curtain under the bar, not a wall so technically you can stretch your legs out from it a bit.

Thanks Kathy. I'll be sure to grab an aisle seat for her.

Sorry all, I did not like Come From Away. If I hear 'Welcome to the Rock' one more time I'll scream. (Please don't throw stuff at me :-P)

Hey guys, wanted to say I went to the box office today to buy tickets for Saturday matinee end of september... not only did they let me use the Theatermania code, but they sold me 2 tickets row J of the orchestra on the aisle for only $89 each. WOW!