What to see? First time in NY
What to see? First time in NY
#0What to see? First time in NY
Posted: 4/13/05 at 6:51pm
My family and I are going to New York this summer, and me being the drama freak I am, my parents are taking me to a Broadway show of my choice for my 17th birthday. The problem is that I can only pick ONE! I don't want to see one just because it's well-known, even though I'd love to see Phantom of the Opera. I'm stuck between three choices - The Phantom of the Opera, Spamalot, or The Pillowman- what are your opinions?
PS - Before you say anything about Spamalot, I should tell you that I LOVE Monty Python.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I remember days
Or at least I try
But as years go by
They're sort of haze
And the bluest ink
Isn't really sky
And at times I think
I would gladly die
For a day of sky
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
And Starbucks will use the words 'large' and 'small', not pretentious crap like grande and tall.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"You could get away with anything if you call it art and tell people who don't like it that it's cutting edge culture." --vmlinnie
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Updated On: 4/13/05 at 06:51 PM
I remember days
Or at least I try
But as years go by
They're sort of haze
And the bluest ink
Isn't really sky
And at times I think
I would gladly die
For a day of sky
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
And Starbucks will use the words 'large' and 'small', not pretentious crap like grande and tall.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"You could get away with anything if you call it art and tell people who don't like it that it's cutting edge culture." --vmlinnie
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Joshua488
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/29/04
#1re: What to see? First time in NY
Posted: 4/13/05 at 7:00pmTHE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. An absolute classic... and who knows? It might close before the next time you ever get to NYC, so see it now before you regret not seeing it.
#2re: What to see? First time in NY
Posted: 4/13/05 at 7:01pm
The Pillowman.
PHANTOM and SPAMALOT will be around for a while...take advantage of what might not last as long.
"If you are going to do something, do it well. And leave something witchy."
-Charlie Manson
Joshua488
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/29/04
#3re: What to see? First time in NY
Posted: 4/13/05 at 7:04pmI still think PHANTOM. It'll be around for a few more years, thanks to the film, but if you're 17 and this is your first trip, who's to say your next trip back might not be for another 17 years? In that case, you'd probably have missed seeing such a fantastic show. SPAMALOT is supposed to be great, but I think, in the long run, you'll be glad that you witnessed such a classic with your own eyes.
La Vie Boheme
Leading Actor Joined: 1/7/05
#4re: What to see? First time in NY
Posted: 4/13/05 at 7:22pmThe Producers
Dirty Rotten Scoundrals Program: $10
Dirty Rotten Scoundrals Window Poster: $15
Winning the lottery with your friend: Priceless (+ $25)
I<3NY
#5re: What to see? First time in NY
Posted: 4/13/05 at 10:47pmWell, I really had basically settled on Phantom, but then I heard about Spamalot...I don't want to go see something that could end up being disappointing (thought I doubt Eric Idle will). On the other hand, I'm sure Phantom will be around several more years, as you said, and I'm not sure that Spamalot or Pillowman will be. Anyway, thanks for the input. :)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I remember days
Or at least I try
But as years go by
They're sort of haze
And the bluest ink
Isn't really sky
And at times I think
I would gladly die
For a day of sky
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
And Starbucks will use the words 'large' and 'small', not pretentious crap like grande and tall.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"You could get away with anything if you call it art and tell people who don't like it that it's cutting edge culture." --vmlinnie
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I remember days
Or at least I try
But as years go by
They're sort of haze
And the bluest ink
Isn't really sky
And at times I think
I would gladly die
For a day of sky
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
And Starbucks will use the words 'large' and 'small', not pretentious crap like grande and tall.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"You could get away with anything if you call it art and tell people who don't like it that it's cutting edge culture." --vmlinnie
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
#6re: What to see? First time in NY
Posted: 4/13/05 at 10:57pmi havent seen pillowman but ive seen the other two. i thought phantom was a little dated- of course im sure you know the story and the music is good, but just the production seemed dated-- i guess after youve seen a whole stage flip (like in rocky horror) the special effects in phantom just dont compare. but i do understand why someone would pick a classic show as their first-- and you probably wont be as critical as me since its your first time too. Spamalot was a lot of fun, and I think any Python fan would love it- especially if you like theater as well- but its a totally different type of show. Do you want to see humor or a drama? You could consider that theres the phantom movie and the monty python movies so why not see something you cant see on film...
marlomanners
Featured Actor Joined: 7/13/04
#7re: What to see? First time in NY
Posted: 4/13/05 at 11:07pm
Um...Phantom should be LAST on your list. It is not going anywhere (currently playing at 97.8% - higher than The Producers, Avenue Q, and Hairspray). Please! Unless you don't make it back to NYC in the next 30 years, it will still be running. And you would be wasting your time seeing the upteenth replacement cast, when you can catch the national tour at least once every other year in any major city in the country.
If you're a Python fan, see Spamalot. No-brainer.
www.isawearthlings.com
iheartmark
Featured Actor Joined: 11/27/04
#8re: What to see? First time in NY
Posted: 4/13/05 at 11:07pmThe first time I went to NY I saw Wicked, Avenue Q (you can wait in the lottery and/or cancellation lines for those ^^), the Producers, and, of course, RENT.... well I'm a RENT fanatic but if there's a show you absolutely LOVE it is fun to see it! If there's something that just randomly sounds good then go to it. We went to a few of those (We weren't planning on going to Wonderful Town, The Producers, or Bombay Dreams) and they were very good. Just listen and make sure to go to the TKTS booth for discount tickets ^^ Have fun in NY!!
"Kali, why is Roger on a cliff?"
"Because the cliff is love, Rachel."
"Oh."
Lome2
Stand-by Joined: 1/23/05
#9re: What to see? First time in NY
Posted: 4/14/05 at 9:51amMy first show on Broadway was Phantom. I have seen Phantom in other cities/countries and even if it's the same show I'll never forget the Broadway experience, it made my first night on Broadway magical. It's a classic, so, I'd say, go with Phantom.
#10re: What to see? First time in NY
Posted: 4/14/05 at 9:56amI would say go see RENT. It is an amazing show
"All the while making faces like a baby platypus who forget to take some Beano before eating a chimichanga." FindingNamo in reference to Jessica Simpson's singing.
wickedrentq
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/6/04
#11re: What to see? First time in NY
Posted: 4/14/05 at 10:03am
Well the thing with Spamalot is it's very difficult to get tickets to, soldout for awhile. I'd first see if it's even possible to get tickets when you want, otherwise you can rule it out.
Of your choices, I would definitely go with Phantom. Yes, it's gonna be around awhile, may be dated, but it is a classic and I think a great example of a broadway experience. I actually have a friend coming to stay with me over the summer and she's a Broadway virgin so I'm taking her to Phantom and Rent. Right now, Hugh Panero who plays the Phantom is amazing, and I still thoroughly enjoy the show.
"If there was a Mount Rushmore for Broadway scores, "West Side Story" would be front and center. It snaps, it crackles it pops! It surges with a roar, its energy and sheer life undiminished by the years" - NYPost reviewer Elisabeth Vincentelli
iluvtheatertrash
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/9/04
#12re: What to see? First time in NY
Posted: 4/14/05 at 10:16amPhantom. ABOVE ALL, pick Phantom.
"I know now that theatre saved my life." - Susan Stroman
WOSQ
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/18/03
#13re: What to see? First time in NY
Posted: 4/14/05 at 10:53am
Where are you from? Which is near what road city?
Big musicals tour (and tour and tour) so if you are near a road city, keep that in mind. Phantom, Mamma Mia, Wicked, Hairspray, Rent, Chicago, Lion King, Producers are all on tour someplace.
Look at what is playing and try to figure what won't play nearby. Or at least in its NY form. "Spelling Bee" comes to mind. Avenue Q is signed to play an exclusive out-of-NY run in Vegas and will not tour in the forseeable future.
Or if there are stars/actors that you want to see, go to that one. "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" for instance.
The previous posters are right about Spamalot. It is very difficult to get tickets. There aren't even unconnected singles until weeknights in June. Shows, particularly musicals, do very well on Fri-Sun and not as strongly during the week.
Buy your tickets now.
Have fun and welcome to New York.
"If my life weren't funny, it would just be true. And that would be unacceptable."
--Carrie Fisher
#14re: What to see? First time in NY
Posted: 4/14/05 at 1:30pmSpamalot if you can get tickets. Pillowman if you can take a really dark disturbing play. Phantom tours all the time and will not be going anywhere anytime soon. There will be plenty of opportunity to see it in the future.
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
#15re: What to see? First time in NY
Posted: 4/14/05 at 2:44pm
Here is a link to the BroadwayBox discounts:
http://www.broadwaybox.com/
And here's one to the SRO / Lottery policies:
http://www.playbill.com/celebritybuzz/article/82428.html
I say, economize and see as MANY of them as possible. . . . and ENJOY!!!
". . . POP . . ."
Corine2
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/14/03
#16re: What to see? First time in NY
Posted: 4/14/05 at 5:54pm
I can't rec Spamalot as I have not seen it.
I would say none on your list.
Avenue Q if everyone in your family are above 12. 
When you see a few more shows check out FB.
#17re: What to see? First time in NY
Posted: 4/14/05 at 5:59pm
Pillowman. 100%.
To those who have recommended other shows- have you seen Pillowman?
[title of show] on Broadway. it's time. believe.
#18re: What to see? First time in NY
Posted: 4/14/05 at 6:04pmDO NOT SEE PHANTOM. IT WILL BE AROUND FOR 45,000 YEARS.
"If you are going to do something, do it well. And leave something witchy."
-Charlie Manson
#19re: What to see? First time in NY
Posted: 4/14/05 at 6:32pmWOSQ ~ My family is stationed in Germany right now, so it's safe to say that none of those shows will likely be coming to Frankfurt anytime soon!!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I remember days
Or at least I try
But as years go by
They're sort of haze
And the bluest ink
Isn't really sky
And at times I think
I would gladly die
For a day of sky
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
And Starbucks will use the words 'large' and 'small', not pretentious crap like grande and tall.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"You could get away with anything if you call it art and tell people who don't like it that it's cutting edge culture." --vmlinnie
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I remember days
Or at least I try
But as years go by
They're sort of haze
And the bluest ink
Isn't really sky
And at times I think
I would gladly die
For a day of sky
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
And Starbucks will use the words 'large' and 'small', not pretentious crap like grande and tall.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"You could get away with anything if you call it art and tell people who don't like it that it's cutting edge culture." --vmlinnie
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
#20re: What to see? First time in NY
Posted: 4/14/05 at 7:35pm
Don't see Phantom - especially if you don't want to be disappointed...
I used to listen to POTO all the time, till I finally saw it. It was boring, and nothing like you think. If you've seen the movie, you've suffered enough.
"Do you know what pledge time is, Andrew"? said the PBS Executive.
"Yes", Lloyd Webber replied. "My 50th birthday special must be one program that gets done a lot."
"No", mused the man from PBS heedlessy. "Not so much. Our Stephen Sondheim Carnegie Hall concert. That's a big one."
Spoons, forks and knives seemed suddenly to suspend their motion in horror, all around the table.
#21re: What to see? First time in NY
Posted: 4/14/05 at 10:00pmspamalot definitely.
"It is a curious thought, but it's only when you see people looking ridiculous that you realize just how much you love them."
#22re: What to see? First time in NY
Posted: 4/14/05 at 10:06pmTHE PILLOWMAN is absolutely incredible.
DefyGravity23
Stand-by Joined: 3/28/05
#23re: What to see? First time in NY
Posted: 4/14/05 at 10:54pm
I'd pick Phantom. But I guess thats because I absolutely love both the music and the movie, and I'd just love to be able to see it on Broadway. Something about the music and everything is just...ahhh I don't know. I love it.
But if you think you'll be able to get back to NYC within a few years then I'd pick one of the other two. Then again if you're like me and live out in the middle of nowhere and don't think you'll be able to get back out there til after college when you're out on your own, then I'd go! My second pick would be Spamalot. But I guess I don't know much about Pillowman. But anyway, have fun on your trip!!
Mamie
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/26/04
#24re: What to see? First time in NY
Posted: 4/14/05 at 11:12pmPhantom is gorgeous. It's a classic and you have a wonderful chance to see it on Broadway. Don't miss it. I've seen it both there and in Washington DC and Los Angeles. The road shows can't touch the Broadway production.
www.thebreastcancersite.com
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mamie4 5/14/03
A click for life.
mamie4 5/14/03
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