Which musical would you Recommend?

Hello all, I’m a long time lurker, first time poster. I’ve gotten so much information from this board without ever having to post but now I’m in need of your expertise.

My boss knows that I love B’way and that I try to see a show as often as possible, so he thinks that makes me a theater expert. He’s asked me to pick a show that he, his wife, and his 88 year old mother-in-law would enjoy. His mother-in-law is visiting from Korea & doesn’t speak english very well, nor does his wife. The only thing he mentioned was that he would like to see a “big & bright musical.” As soon as possible, I’d like to give him a list of my top choices & let him pick one from that list. Just to give you a little more info about them, both my boss & his wife are in their 60’s and do not go to B’way often (is that helps at all).

Off the top of my head my choices would be: Hairspray, Mamma Mia or Phantom. Hopefully from what I’ve written, you can give me some advice. Any and all is appreciated!!!

Updated On: 4/27/06 at 03:04 PM

Phantom isn't exactly the 'Big Bright Musical" type...but Hairspray is a good one. The only reason I'd say Mammia Mia, is because their music is pretty well know world wide. Not speaking much english could turn into knowing the chorus to Dancing Queen.

Maybe Spamalot?

They probably would like a musical comedy like Hairspray or Mamma Mia!, and possibly even Drowsy Chaperone. Phantom would be a good choice, as would Beauty and the Beast, Wicked, or The Lion King.

I would stay away from shows like Avenue Q, Rent, Threepenney, Sweeney Todd, etc., unless they are aware of the nature and content of the shows. They might would love one of these shows, but you might not want to take that risk.

Since they are unfamiliar with Broadway and just want to see a "big & bright musical", I would stick with one of the safe choices that I mentioned above.

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Updated On: 4/27/06 at 03:11 PM

ahh Lion King is a good one. Except I think the actors are getting bored with it. Last time I was in NYC and saw Lion King, one of the the grass people in the beginning kept yawning and the performances were terrible.

Maybe someone who's not as picky wih theatre wouldn't notice though...

Hairspray
It's infectious, and as I learned last week, in great shape.

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Yeah my parents made me sit through Mamma Mia...the Vegas show. I should fire them. hahah

hairspray or WICKED.

I would second all the recommendations except Phantom, which I wouldn't classify as big and bright. As said:
Mamma Mia! - music is known world-wide
Lion King, Beauty & The Beast, Wicked - spectacle and special effects transcend the language barrier

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While I absolutely loved the Drowsy Chaperone because it was so clever and different, I am not sure it would be a good choice given since Isn't it Ironic's boss doesn't go to shows very often and many of the jokes are geared toward avid theater goers.

I suggest Hairspray, Wicked, Phantom, Lion King, Jersey Boys

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I would suggest:

Phantom (although quite 'dark' -- pun intended) it has world wide appeal. I'm sure EVERYONE has heard the overture.

Hairspray
Beauty & the Beast (VERY bright & the story is easy to follow)
Lion King

I'm not sure if "Wicked" would be a good show for someone who speaks little English, but that's me.

If they are in their 60's I think Jersey Boys is your best bet.

as virtually everyone has said, HAIRSPRAY, MAMMA-MIA!, PHANTOM, LION KING, and WICKED would all be great choices
i would personally say PHANTOM- very good for tourists, and an amazing night of theatre!
:)

I don't think Hairspray would be a good one for people who are not welloversed in the English language. The plot somehow relies on the dialogue.

For them, I recommend Mamma Mia! and The Lion King. Mamma Mia! for the music that appeals to both the age and popularity around the globe, The Lion King for the size and brightness of the show, and the dance.