What to see??????

[4mac]

Posted: 12/7/03 at 7:05pm

I am coming over to New York for the first time in May. Me and my boyfriend are going to see as many shows as we can, as we always go to london and need a change, but we don't know what to see.

Can anyone help me? What are the best shows? and is there anything good opening before then? also is there anywhere where you can find out what shows are up at the half price booth in time square

Please help me!!!!

Rob

[CourtneyM]

Posted: 12/7/03 at 11:42pm

I would recommend seeing Wicked and Avenue Q.

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 12/8/03 at 2:37am

don't leave out HAIRSPRAY! Must see show!

[bob8rich]

Posted: 12/8/03 at 3:56am

It's difficult to advise you on what are the "best" shows as each person's tastes are different. For example, some people would recommend Mamma Mia or Hairspray while I would cringe at the thought of them - and I might recommend a Sondheim show that others find totally unappealing. But I will attempt to make some suggestions:

Leaving out shows like Chicago and Phantom, which I assume you will have seen in London, I would say that WICKED is not to be missed. Others high on the list would be THE BOY FROM OZ, AIDA, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (if you did not see it in London a while ago) and - if you wish to see a Broadway classic with an astounding performance from one of the greatest actresses Broadway has ever seen - GYPSY.

It's a shame that CABARET will have closed before your visit as that is one not to be missed too. Sondheim's ASSASSINS will have opened by then - and I am already planning my trip to see that!

Updated On: 12/8/03 at 03:56 AM

[ChristineDaae]

Posted: 12/8/03 at 9:18am

I recommend Phantom (if you haven't seen it already =-D)

[A_Boy_From_Oz]

Posted: 12/8/03 at 2:35pm

Of the shows that I've seen I would recommend Aida, Rent, Mamma Mia, Cabaret and of Course, The Boy from Oz. I've heard great things about Hairspray, Wicked and Ave. Q and can't wait to see those.

[BroadwayBaby3]

Posted: 12/13/03 at 1:14pm

Wicked and Thoroughly Modern Millie

[BrdwyThtr]

Posted: 12/13/03 at 1:16pm

Wicked, Hairspray, Little Shop of Horrors, Assasins, The Producers

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 12/13/03 at 1:59pm

Rent, Wicked, Avenue Q, Hairspray, Assassins, Little Shop

but don't forget Off-Broadway: If you missed the UK tour, then I cannot recommend De La Guarda highly enough. One of the most amazing theatrical experiences!

[BudFrump23]

Posted: 12/13/03 at 3:22pm

What's this I hear about the people in De La Guarda picking audience members up and carrying them into the air? I'm sorry, but that would give me a heart attack...

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 12/13/03 at 4:09pm

They do it safely. They audience member is rigged in a harness and attached to the cast member as well. They obviously don't make someone do it if they don't want to. Most people do, though. It occurs at a moment in the show when the cast and the audience are completely integrated in the performance. because there are no seats, the show takes place all around the audience as well as within them. It gives new meaning to the term "audience participation". It does not seem that only one or two people are included. The entire audience is actually participating in the show. It is handled so beautifully, that not once during the entire show, do you ever experience the "fourth wall". It is almost like watching a football game directly from the field running alongside the players (but without the danger of physical harm).

I took my parents to the final performance of the UK tour. It was the height of London's hottest summer on record and my parents (well into their 50s) were concerned about the heat and not having chairs. The theatre was surprisingly well air-conditioned (especially for London) and the moment the show began, my parents forgot about any comfort concerns. Both of them were so moved by the show, they were sorry they couldn't see it again during the same trip. At the next trip to New York, my father ran out to see it again immediately.

***For anyone out there who has not yet seen it, don't let this wonderful opportunity pass by. It almost closed once...but luckily, was saved.

[MillietheModern]

Posted: 12/14/03 at 1:59pm

I would reccomend Thoroughly Modern Millie because thats my favorite! but if you are looking for good singing see Phantom or good dancing, 42nd Street (I loved that dancing since I am a dancer myself)

[Hank]

Posted: 12/14/03 at 3:41pm

Phantom has great singing, and 42nd Street has great dancing, but Thoroughly Modern Millie has both, plus it's very funny. Sutton Foster will likely be replaced by Susan Egan by then, but it's still "the best musical in town, bar none". All 3 are usually available at tkts or through discounts at broadwaybox.com.

[PJ]

Posted: 12/14/03 at 3:47pm

I'd shoot for Gypsy, Wicked, Mamma Mia! and The Producers.

[Corine2]

Posted: 12/14/03 at 4:35pm

Musicals:
My new favorite is Avenue Q. It is a must see! Others:
Caroline Or Change- Public
Wonderful Town
Millie- Marquis
Hairspray
42nd Street
Urinetown
Wicked
The Producers only if Gary Beach is in it!
Plays-
Take Me Out
I am My Own Wife
The Violet Hour
Golda's Balcony
Hope you have a great trip. At the end of your trip when you have seen at least 5 shows go and see Forbidden Broadway the best show of all!
Have fun! I love NY THEATER!
Updated On: 12/14/03 at 04:35 PM

[BroadwayBaby3]

Posted: 12/14/03 at 6:20pm

I'd recommend the following:

Gypsy- two words: Bernadette Peters. She's absolutely mind blowing. Plus, the show is an American classic, something everyone can relate to in one way or another.

Avenue Q- Hilarious, if you don't mind a bit of crude humor.

Wicked- Just wonderful. Period.

[Benzy92]

Posted: 12/14/03 at 6:27pm

Wicked might slow down by May so if you can grab good seats see it! Also, Wonderful Town is a great evening at the theatre.. nice and sweet. Either way, you will love both shows.

[tark53]

Posted: 12/14/03 at 6:36pm

Really, any of the muscials would be fine, it just depends on what you're in the mood for.
Most of the musicals are fun (Hairspray, Producers, Mamma Mia), with good production values, some with very good dancing if that's your thing (Millie, 42 Street, Never Gonna Dance, Movin Out).

But there are 3 that I think are especially worthwhile, all for the performances that you simply will not get to see anywhere else! In no particular order: Boy From Oz (Hugh Jackman=Peter Allen=sensational); Wicked (Kristen & Idina=2 great ladies roles); Gypsy (Bernadette Peters giving the performance of a lifetime in my idea of a great American classic musical).

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 12/14/03 at 6:49pm

Avenue Q, Hairspray and Wonderful Town I hear Wicked is must see--need to see it myself.

don't forget the plays--I hear that Henry IV and I Am My Own Wife are both stunning--need to see them myself.

=)

[swimming17]

Posted: 12/14/03 at 6:50pm

It kinds of depends on what musicals you like.

Most people seemed to like Wicked, I'd definitely recommend that. Hairspray is alot of fun. If you like dance Movin' Out is fantastic. Avenue Q is hilarious. Rent has been in really great shape lately. Hopefully it still will be in May.

[JasonD13]

Posted: 12/14/03 at 7:11pm

RENT and WICKED are two must sees!!! hope you enjoy your trip to NY! Happy Holidays!

[BroadwayGal]

Posted: 12/14/03 at 10:06pm

WICKED! Most definitely a MUST SEE. It's just incredible!

Gypsy is also v. v. good- I love Bernadette so it was a real treat.

I also recommend Millie, it's a really fun show.

Enjoy your trip!!