Which big show should I see?
Which big show should I see?
karen24
Broadway Star Joined: 2/27/06
#1Which big show should I see?
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!
Maggie-the-schnoodle
#2re: Which big show should I see?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 11:07amSee Wicked. Stephanie Block is stunning as Elphaba.
#2re: Which big show should I see?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 11:07amYou'll be able to get discount for Mamma Mia! and Phantom very soon. Out of your listed options, I would see The Lion King.
"I mean, sitting side by side with another man watching Patti LuPone play Rose in GYPSY on Broadway is essentially the equivalent of having hardcore sex." -Wanna Be A Foster.
"Say 'Goody.' Say 'Bubbi.'" ... "That's it. Exactly as if it were 'Goody.' Now I know you're gonna sing 'Goody' this time, but nevertheless..."
george95
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/1/08
#4re: Which big show should I see?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 11:09amPhantom 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.
#5re: Which big show should I see?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 11:57amI love big shows and I like all your choices, but you can't get bigger than The Lion King !
Cartwheel
Broadway Star Joined: 6/24/07
#6re: Which big show should I see?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 1:19pmFrom your list, I would go to The Lion King. It is great.
#7re: Which big show should I see?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 1:23pmWicked or Phantom. I was Lion King last week and it's in awful shape.
george95
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/1/08
#8re: Which big show should I see?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 1:26pmawful 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.
#9re: Which big show should I see?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 1:34pmI would have to say Wicked ( I would KILL to see Stephanie as Elphaba) or The Lion King
Rant, Wickud, Rant, Wickud, Rant! We're not gonna pay Rant! 'Cause everythink is Wickud!
"Leave Walt Disney Theatricals new sparkling production of The Little Mermaid on Broadway alone!!!"
lakezurich will be played by Paul Groves in the BWW musical
"Leave Walt Disney Theatricals new sparkling production of The Little Mermaid on Broadway alone!!!"
lakezurich will be played by Paul Groves in the BWW musical
HBBrock
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/11/07
#10re: Which big show should I see?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 1:36pmMamma Mia is as far away from a "big" show as you can see.
#11re: Which big show should I see?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 1:37pmAI saw The Lion King last week and it was in great shape.
"I mean, sitting side by side with another man watching Patti LuPone play Rose in GYPSY on Broadway is essentially the equivalent of having hardcore sex." -Wanna Be A Foster.
"Say 'Goody.' Say 'Bubbi.'" ... "That's it. Exactly as if it were 'Goody.' Now I know you're gonna sing 'Goody' this time, but nevertheless..."
#12re: Which big show should I see?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 1:47pmI 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.
#13re: Which big show should I see?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 2:04pmJersey Boys
"Everytime you step on that stage it is somebody's first Broadway show and somebody's last Broadway show. Make it count."
#14re: Which big show should I see?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 2:56pmWicked, 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!
Hunter: Your teeth need whitening./ Heidi: You sound weird./ Jeff: You taste funny.
-Jeff Bowen's worst onstage line flub.
-Jeff Bowen's worst onstage line flub.
#15re: Which big show should I see?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 3:07pmPHANTOM or WICKED. PHANTOM will be easier to get a ticket to, though.
"TO LOVE ANOTHER PERSON IS TO SEE THE FACE OF GOD"- LES MISERABLES---
"THERE'S A SPECIAL KIND OF PEOPLE KNOWN AS SHOW PEOPLE... WE'RE BORN EVERY NIGHT AT HALF HOUR CALL!"--- CURTAINS
DefyGravity777
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/28/08
#16re: Which big show should I see?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 3:13pmGo 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.
Don't believe everything that you hear! Only the peeps involved know the truth!
#17re: Which big show should I see?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 3:41pmWicked's cast is far from the best cast currently on Broadway.
"I mean, sitting side by side with another man watching Patti LuPone play Rose in GYPSY on Broadway is essentially the equivalent of having hardcore sex." -Wanna Be A Foster.
"Say 'Goody.' Say 'Bubbi.'" ... "That's it. Exactly as if it were 'Goody.' Now I know you're gonna sing 'Goody' this time, but nevertheless..."
george95
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/1/08
#18re: Which big show should I see?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 3:43pmwow that's a pretty big statement to make! the best cast out of every single show?
FuturePenny2
Stand-by Joined: 12/13/07
#19re: Which big show should I see?
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.
He's so nurturing! - Penny Pingleton, Hairspray
Toddlin2
Swing Joined: 7/5/07
#20re: Which big show should I see?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 4:46pmSee 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
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/28/08
#21re: Which big show should I see?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 6:00pm
Nevermind...Don't want to start an argument on here.
Don't believe everything that you hear! Only the peeps involved know the truth!
Updated On: 2/18/08 at 06:00 PM
george95
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/1/08
#22re: Which big show should I see?
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?
#23re: Which big show should I see?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 6:14pmWICKED! Especially while Annaleigh is still in it! (she's leaving on April 20th)
karen24
Broadway Star Joined: 2/27/06
#24re: Which big show should I see?
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.
Maggie-the-schnoodle
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