shrek, wicked or phantom for best broad experience

[katygrey]

Posted: 6/29/09 at 11:04am

help. I've been to many broadway shows but i'm taking my kids in a month who have not been yet. We see lots of the on-the-road broadway shows where the actors/talent is the same, so while in nyc i want to show them one that shows why broadway is better...ie.the set or the flying over the stage or whatever it is that makes the broadway version so much better.
dont know if i'm explaining myself. but i narrowed to wicked and shrek since i hadnt seen them...and then i remembered the chandaleier scene from phantom was a perfect fit so threw that in too.. does anhyone have a suggestion for me or even understand what i'm asking?
thanks,
kg

[madbrian]

Posted: 6/29/09 at 11:06am

How old are the kids?

[Pippin]

Posted: 6/29/09 at 11:12am

Take them to Wicked, out of the three, it has the best overall score, and special effects. I mean, Phantom started the high tech craze, but that chandelier takes five minutes to fall. It's really boring.

Wicked will ultimately be the best choice.

[yankees1253]

Posted: 6/29/09 at 11:13am

almost every age loves wicked. shrek and phantom are both on tkts. if you want more dance go with a show like billy elliot.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 6/29/09 at 11:21am

Yes, I think know their age matters...but out of the three, Wicked is the one I would choose. I just took my kids 8 (boy) & 12 (girl) in April and we saw both Shrek and Wicked. They much preferred Wicked to Shrek. They even preferred STOMP (off b'way) to Shrek.

I am taking them to BE later this week and, I have to admit, a little wary of my 8 year old staying connected...but after seeing the Tony's they both had high interest. If you can wait until the weekend....I'll let you know how it worked for them.

[katygrey]

Posted: 6/29/09 at 11:28am

7 and 8

[katygrey]

Posted: 6/29/09 at 11:33am

Thanks so much. this definitely helps and i can let them read these responses- since their kneejerk was shrek, only because it was familiar. Y'all have really been a help and i appreciate it. I usually go through playbill for discounts or this site...any suggestions on where is the best place to purchase the tickets?
thanks

[yankees1253]

Posted: 6/29/09 at 11:35am

if they know the wizard of oz they are fine with wicked, but ali and nicole are quick with their jokes and have great chemistry together.

Billy Elliot the kids curse once in awhile, just explain to them its their job and those words are in the script. a little bit of violence especially between billy's dad and tony. the show is excellent and breathtaking, wonderful dance numbers.

[yankees1253]

Posted: 6/29/09 at 11:38am

wicked go to the box office and the same with billy elliot. both show do not have discounts.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 6/29/09 at 11:40am

I DEF would not bring kids that young to Phantom...at all. You will teach them that B'way is overblown and boring.

Depending on when you want to go will dictate IF there will be discount tix.

Wicked: there are none. It sells out without the need for discounts.

Shrek currently has a buy one get one 50% through Labor Day at BroadwayBox.com

[katygrey]

Posted: 6/29/09 at 11:41am

is there a website so i can buy them before we fly up there? I'm thinking wicked...

[yankees1253]

Posted: 6/29/09 at 11:55am

ticketmaster. go to theatre and click on broadway on the left hand side.

i am in the early 20's and was bored at phantom.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 6/29/09 at 12:01pm

Best "broad"? Really?

[dramamama611]

Posted: 6/29/09 at 12:20pm

And you should buy them in advance or risk not getting in.

http://www.ticketmaster.com/Wicked-NY-tickets/artist/965961

[Jenna Maroney]

Posted: 6/29/09 at 12:23pm

I first saw Phantom in the eighth grade and it flew over my head (and I'm not talking about the chandelier). It's actually come to be one of my favorite shows, but I wouldn't recommend it to youngsters because it's so overwhelming. Wait a few years ... it'll still be around.

I've never seen Wicked (nor do I care to), but that would probably be my pick. Are you not interested in The Lion King? Most kids are already familiar with the story, and the visuals are eye-popping and engaging.
Updated On: 6/29/09 at 12:23 PM

[katygrey]

Posted: 6/29/09 at 12:25pm

we saw the lion king in raleigh...i know not the same but i was trying to find something that would be new.

[snowskittle]

Posted: 6/29/09 at 12:37pm

Definitely Wicked. Much more child appeal and they're probably already familiar with the Wizard of Oz.

[minicko88]

Posted: 6/29/09 at 1:21pm

I have seen Wicked twice and Shrek once, and Shrek (to me) is better. Brian D'arcy James is AMAZING... The Wicked cast doesn't even compare to the cast Shrek is offering. And with such great deals on tickets, it would be silly to miss. Best costumes and set I have ever seen. Wicked may be loved by everyone on here, but when it comes to it vs. Shrek, Shrek wins!

[legally_popular]

Posted: 6/29/09 at 5:03pm

Definitely Wicked.

I went to see Shrek with a bunch of other people and the kids were ages 6, 9, 9, and another one I don't know. They didn't really like Shrek and seemed bored at times.

The two of them who saw Wicked were blown away. They were fascinated by the story and amazed by all the effects and surprises.

I wouldn't take them to Phantom - too boring and complicated for kids that young.


WICKED!

[Hest882]

Posted: 6/29/09 at 5:18pm

Phantom is very much an adult musical. I think one has to be well past puberty to get into it.

Thus, my vote goes to Wicked as well.

[TimesSquareRegular]

Posted: 6/29/09 at 6:04pm

Definitely agree that the kids need to be a little older before PHANTOM will be enjoyable for them.

I'd definitely go with WICKED - the visuals alone will wow 'em.

[blaxx]

Posted: 6/29/09 at 7:57pm

Best "broad"? Really?

Yup, out of those three shows, you can get the best "broad" experience!

[fgreene1938]

Posted: 6/29/09 at 8:10pm

Honestly, I think Wicked is by far the best of the three but, to be truthful, your kids might really enjoy Shrek better and so might you. Right now, Shrek has Brian D'Arcy James, Sutton Foster, Damiel Breaker, Christopher Sieber and John Tartaglia in the cast - all BW stars. That's a plus for the adults who might find Shrek a generally sub-par show (but the kids will likely love it). Phantoms a creaking relic by this point.

[bwayfan7000]

Posted: 6/29/09 at 11:22pm

My sister saw Wicked at age 6, and loved it (though I wish I could still recommend Hairspray, which she liked more). I would say Wicked as well. It's not the best show, sure, but it's a great experience for 7 and 8 year olds for a first Broadway show type thing.

[DefyGravity777]

Posted: 6/30/09 at 1:57am

I would say Wicked also. If you can, take them to the SD to meet the actors. They are some of the sweetest people in the world.

When exactly are you going? Tickets to Wicked are getting harder to get since Nicole's last week is fron the 13th-19th. Plus vacations are going on and shows generally do better during the summer.

Updated On: 6/30/09 at 01:57 AM