Which big show should I see?

[karen24]

Posted: 2/18/08 at 10:57am

I'm coming to NYC the first weekend in April and will probably have time to see just one show. I've already seen many of the shows currently running--I've seen Spamalot, Chicago, Hairspray, Curtains, Rent; I saw the original Chorus Line so I'm not that anxious to see the revival. I was thinking about seeing one of the "big" shows I haven't gotten to yet--Mamma Mia, Phantom, Wicked (I was thinking I might be able to get a ticket if I only need one), Lion King, Jersey Boys. Out of these shows, which would you pick? Are there any with actors giving really good performances that shouldn't be missed?
There's a good chance I may also be coming back to the city (I live upstate) in mid-April with my teenage son, who will be on school break then--he wants to see "Catered Affair" and "Gypsy," so I probably wouldn't try to see them while I was in the city on my own.
I know it's hard to suggest a show for someone else, but I would appreciate any advice, particularly about actors currently starring in any of these shows who are really worth seeing. Thanks!

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 2/18/08 at 11:07am

See Wicked. Stephanie Block is stunning as Elphaba.

[BroadwayEnthusiast2]

Posted: 2/18/08 at 11:07am

You'll be able to get discount for Mamma Mia! and Phantom very soon. Out of your listed options, I would see The Lion King.

[musicalmaster703]

Posted: 2/18/08 at 11:08am

Wicked

[george95]

Posted: 2/18/08 at 11:09am

Phantom is the quintessential Broadway experience. Phantom has seen big blockbusters come and go (Miss Saigon, Producers) but it is still there in the top 10 grossing shows every week. Don't miss it.

[Greekmusicalfan]

Posted: 2/18/08 at 11:57am

I love big shows and I like all your choices, but you can't get bigger than The Lion King !

[Cartwheel]

Posted: 2/18/08 at 1:19pm

From your list, I would go to The Lion King. It is great.

[defyingravity11]

Posted: 2/18/08 at 1:23pm

Wicked or Phantom. I was Lion King last week and it's in awful shape.

[george95]

Posted: 2/18/08 at 1:26pm

awful shape? wow. I am concerned about seeing it March at the Minskoff---something tells me that not all the magic was transferred over from the New Amsterdam.

[lakezurich]

Posted: 2/18/08 at 1:34pm

I would have to say Wicked ( I would KILL to see Stephanie as Elphaba) or The Lion King

[HBBrock]

Posted: 2/18/08 at 1:36pm

Mamma Mia is as far away from a "big" show as you can see.

[BroadwayEnthusiast2]

Posted: 2/18/08 at 1:37pm

AI saw The Lion King last week and it was in great shape.

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 2/18/08 at 1:47pm

I caught THE LION KING this past January, front row center, and let me tell you ... The opening number alone brought tears to my eyes. It is visually stunning, and the score (thanks to Elton and Tim Rice) still holds up all these years later. I would definitely go with TLK or Phantom of the Opera, for sure - To experience THE BROADWAY EXPERIENCE.

[broadwayfan7]

Posted: 2/18/08 at 2:04pm

Jersey Boys

[suicidalmickeymouse]

Posted: 2/18/08 at 2:56pm

Wicked, wicked, wicked! By far, you should see this big show. Stephanie J Block is AMAZING. Not to mention the new Fiyero (see my avatar) David Burnham has a beautiful voice. Go see this show. NOW!

[EponineAmneris]

Posted: 2/18/08 at 3:07pm

PHANTOM or WICKED. PHANTOM will be easier to get a ticket to, though.

[DefyGravity777]

Posted: 2/18/08 at 3:13pm

Go see Wicked. Right now this is the best cast on Broadway IMO. Getting just one ticket isn't hard. I saw it 4 times now and I only get my ticket like 1 or 2 days in advance. I also seen it from front row and 2nd row also.

[BroadwayEnthusiast2]

Posted: 2/18/08 at 3:41pm

Wicked's cast is far from the best cast currently on Broadway.

[george95]

Posted: 2/18/08 at 3:43pm

wow that's a pretty big statement to make! the best cast out of every single show?

[FuturePenny2]

Posted: 2/18/08 at 4:25pm

The Wicked cast may be good but its certainly not the best currently on Broadway right now.

I'd see Lion King..its simply amazing.

[Toddlin2]

Posted: 2/18/08 at 4:46pm

See SOUTH PACIFIC at Lincoln Center. It'll be about as close to the original production as can be--with 29 musicians in an open pit!!!

[DefyGravity777]

Posted: 2/18/08 at 6:00pm

Nevermind...Don't want to start an argument on here.

Updated On: 2/18/08 at 06:00 PM

[george95]

Posted: 2/18/08 at 6:05pm

I dont recall saying or even suggesting that you can't have opinions (and even if I did, that would be me giving my opinion, which would be refuting my own statement)

My point was, unless you have seen every single show currently playing on broadway, how can you say that the Wicked cast is the best?

[musicaltheatrefan3]

Posted: 2/18/08 at 6:14pm

WICKED! Especially while Annaleigh is still in it! (she's leaving on April 20th)

[karen24]

Posted: 2/18/08 at 6:52pm

Thanks, everyone! I knew I would get a variety of opinions I'm glad to be reminded of Annaleigh and Stephanie as I had read on this board before about how great they are in "Wicked." I think I may try for that--if not that, then I think "Lion King."

I know about the "South Pacific" revival but (ducking here) I have to admit that it has never been one of my favorite shows. Still, you're right, to hear that full orchestra would be amazing. Also, I saw a really bad community theater production of it a couple of summers ago and I would like that not to be my last memory of that show! Maybe I'll see if I can fit that in on a future visit.