Which closing show would you choose to attend - Groundhog Day or Bandstand?

[yaoqian]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 8:14pm

I love these two shows equally as much and although I saw it coming with the low box office sales, I didn't expect them to close on the same day! Now I'm torn between which closing show I should attend on 9/17..... if you were to choose which one will you attend?

The thing is, I've watched both shows two times already, so I wouldn't be missing out on the other show if I chose one of them. I'm now leaning towards GHD since I feel like it's going to give me more surprises and unforgettable memories on a closing day, and I am such a fan of Andy Karl's acting. Yet on the other hand, I'm a huge huge fan of Laura Osnes and Corey Cott and would also love to see them in Bandstand for the last time. Ah, choices, choices. 

Updated On: 8/30/17 at 08:14 PM

[10086Sundays]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 8:15pm

I will be at Groundhog Day.

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 8:16pm

I will also be at Groundhog Day's closing. Wouldn't miss it for the world.

[Itonlytakesajourney]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 8:17pm

As much as I love GHD, Bandstand looks and sounds fantastic. Corey Cott and Laura Osnes are two of my favorite Broadway actors, and if I could go see it now, I would. 

[poisonivy2]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 8:27pm

I already have tickets for GHD.

[Blockhead24]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 8:37pm

Bandstand

[ChildofEarth]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 9:13pm

Groundhog Day by a mile. In fact, was offered a free ticket Bandstand and said I already had Groundhog Day tickets, which I promptly bought the next payday...

[teresa2]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 9:38pm

Groundhog Day. I bought a ticket the night it was announced it was closing. Andy Karl is absolutely phenomenal in this show and not to be missed. I have seen it 10 times so far. Am planning to go a few more times before the end. Have seen Bandstand only once, but did want to see it again before it closes so I am going tomorrow night.

[yaoqian]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 9:39pm

Deleted message

Updated On: 8/30/17 at 09:39 PM

[Crazy NooNooHead]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 9:41pm

I attended the first preview for Groundhog Day, and I'm attending the final performance. Now please excuse me while I go cry about what I just wrote.

[ren598]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 9:47pm

Seeing both for the first time closing weekend.  I'll be seeing Bandstand on Sunday for their closing performance and Groundhog Day the day before on Saturday. 

[poisonivy2]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 9:49pm

All these shows closing have wrecked my credit card. Of course I had to get tickets to GHD's final performance and while I wasn't able to get tickets to TGC's last performance I was able to see the show three more times in three weeks. I just won't look at this credit card.

[Valyitz]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 9:56pm

Slightly off tangent question, but does anyone know how GHD's running time is lately, is 2h30 accurate? I want to try and see it this Sunday but my timing's quite tight...

[mtcond]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 9:58pm

I seem to be in the minority here, but I would say "Bandstand". The staging for both shows is remarkable, and both have some great performances. But the onstage musicians combined with the pit orchestra, plus the wonderful vocals and dancing of "Bandstand" are something that won't ever be replicated. I also found myself caring about the characters and quite moved by the end of the night. Andy Karl's performance is one-of-a-kind, but I have a feeling "Groundhog Day" will be done often and successfully in many places. Personally, I found Act One of GHD to be grating and cold (yes, I know the leading character also views the proceedings that way, and we view the world through his eyes). But it made for a long evening watching everyone work so hard for so little payoff.

[yaoqian]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 10:03pm

Valyitz said: "Slightly off tangent question, but does anyone know how GHD's running time is lately, is 2h30 accurate? I want to try and see it thisSunday but my timing's quite tight..."

You have to count in the fact that broadway shows usually start a few minutes late, and I don't know if the 2h30 includes intermission? I saw GHD this past Saturday at the 8:00 show and I think we ended around 10:40-45 ish.

[Valyitz]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 10:19pm

yaoqian said: "You have to count in the fact that broadway shows usually start a few minutes late, and I don't know if the 2h30 includes intermission? I saw GHD this past Saturday at the 8:00 show and I think we ended around 10:40-45 ish."

Good points - thanks for the info!

[Willie4316]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 10:50pm

Bandstand

[BroadwayMan5]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 10:54pm

I'll go with Groundhog Day because I liked that show much more but I do think it will be an emotional closing at Bandstand given the "Welcome Home" number

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 10:58pm

Similarly, I think the August Wilson will be filled to the brim with emotion during "Seeing You" at Groundhog Day's final performance (I'm already welling up thinking about it!).

[springwillcome]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 11:00pm

Both shows are great and go with your gut. But I will say I've seen groundhog day 8 times and noticed something new each time. Bandstand is amazing and I loved it a lot, but I don't feel seeing it again would be different - just seeing it again - which is fine, of course. But Groundhog day is the kinda show that has so many intricate details and small things to notice and each experience has been wildly different and equally amazing. Have fun wherever you end up!

[mufish]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 11:12pm

Valyitz said: "yaoqian said: "You have to count in the fact that broadway shows usually start a few minutes late, and I don't know if the 2h30 includes intermission? I saw GHD this past Saturday at the 8:00 show and I think we ended around 10:40-45 ish."

Good points - thanks for the info!"

It does include the intermission - noticed that they have a sign posted in the lobby that act one is 1:15, intermission is 18 minutes, and act two is 1:00.  Was there last night and I was on the sidewalk by about 9:45, so I second the feedback above (7 pm curtain).

[JustAnotherNewYorker]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 11:19pm

poisonivy2 said: "All these shows closing have wrecked my credit card. Of course I had to get tickets to GHD's final performance and while I wasn't able to get tickets to TGC's last performance I was able to see the show three more times in three weeks. I just won't look at this credit card."

FYI, There were some comet tickets popping up today for the final performance (not cheap, though) at various times

 

I'm at ghd the 17th  Although I liked bandstand, love ghd

Updated On: 8/30/17 at 11:19 PM

[kellyhallo]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 11:24pm

I will also be at Groundhog Day. So sad that's closing. Love this show.

[haterobics]

Posted: 8/31/17 at 2:15am

GHD, not even close...

[lotsanew]

Posted: 8/31/17 at 6:58am

Bandstand, and by very far. The last will be more than emotional, probably a performance to remember, given the impact and message of the show. While closings always are - I do think it'll change more in terms of giving something to the show, to the audience, than at GHD.