Which show should I see with my parents?

I'm travelling to New York for the first time with my family and my girlfriend from June the 5th and leaving on Sunday the 8th. My parents are looking at getting discount tickets from Travelzoo and they want my opinion of what we should see. Not thinking I'd be going to NY any time soon, I hadn't really been following any of the shows this year, so I don't really know what's any good. My first choice would have been South Pacific, but it's hella sold out.

The shows that are available (according to this list which is hopefully up to date) are:

Hairspray
Passing Strange
August: Osage County
Sunday in the Park with George
Cry-Baby
A Catered Affair
Chicago
Curtains
A Chorus Line
Spring Awakening
Mamma Mia
Avenue Q
Spamalot
Legally Blonde

My parents have already seen Curtains on Broadway, which they loved and expressed some interest in seeing again. They also saw Spamalot in Vegas and mentioned they don't really want to see it again. My mom also mentioned off-handedly that Avenue Q didn't interest her. My dad has expressed some fondness for campy musicals, and they've both said they'd rather see a musical than a play.

I mentioned I was interested in seeing SITPWG but after describing the premise to them, they didn't sound too thrilled. Even my sister, who's an art school student, said a musical about creating art sounded 'pretty boring'. I played the bit about the original production in the BWAY documentary DVD for them but they didn't have a lot to say about it.

I've explained to them that I'd rather not see a show that's been running for 10 or more years (my mom seemed interested in Chicago).

Does anyone have any recommendations for me? They liked the tour of the Sweeney Todd revival that we caught back in November in Toronto, so they're not generally opposed to esoteric Sondheim shows... but I'd prefer to not take them to something they'll hate. HELP?

I think you guys would enjoy A Chorus Line and Avenue Q, Spring Awakening would be pretty awkward with parents, Passing Strange is also good if they're into rock music. and Sunday in the Park with George is so beautiful...

Where's Xanadu on your list?

That certainly nails the camp factor if they're in the right mood for it. Discounts are available through broadwaybox.com, playbill.com, TKTS, etc etc.

Hairspray is also a great choice and I'd also think about "Mamma Mia," but my good memories of that show go to 2001 and then-star Louise Pitre and not a 2003 revisit with Dee Hoty.

If you can ditch the folks, you'd probably like Avenue Q and Spring Awakening.

Hairspray or A Chorus Line would probably be good for the whole family.

If you have the opportunity to see a second show without the 'rents go for it. Tell them to go have a nice dinner or something. I've done that a few times with my parents and siblings, and sometimes it's nice to be able to enjoy a show without worrying how others are liking it.

My mom has just expressed an interest in Gypsy after I told her what it was and mentioned 'Everything's Coming Up Roses'.

In The Heights

I would say Hairspray from your list, but why In the Heights is not on the list I can't figure out. It's a perfect show to see with parents.

Gypsy would be really great too. I just saw that with my mom and grandma.

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Updated On: 5/22/08 at 04:55 PM

My family and I are seeing Gypsy on my sister and my birthday weekend. Enjoy it! :)

I'm pretty suer Macbeth closes this weekend. I'd say definitely try and see Sunday. I loved it.

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"Hairspray or A Chorus Line would probably be good for the whole family."

Couldn't agree more. Avenue Q, In the Heights, Spring Awakening etc. are incredable shows, but ACL and Hairspray are more appropriate for the family.

Yeah, ACL is great for families!










Not.

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A Chorus Line sounds good for your situation.

Its a great show =)

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Hairspray, A Catered Affair (any comments on this one, anyone?), and if all else fails, try A Chorus Line. :)
However, I would still try for South Pacific, if at all possible, and is Wicked still playing then...?

Oh, yeah, YF!

Updated On: 5/24/08 at 02:19 AM

Spring Awakening

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