what are the best MUST-SEE-BRDWY shows in NY?!

Definitely check out CHICAGO. That's a must see.

You'll miss Light in the Piazza, which is a bummer... I guess it really depends on waht you have already seen and type of show you like the best.

What I saw when I went: Fiddler, Chicago, Spamalot, Avenue Q, Rent, and Phantom

What I wished I had seen: Wicked, Hairspray, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Light in Piazza (although I guess thats off the list, I really wish I had seen it), Altar Boyz

And plays (dont know when they end): The Pillowman, Doubt

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The problem is, the casts are probably all going to change by the time March rolls around... and a show could be completely changed from the cast members in the show, but I guess if I had to choose...

Wicked [you're already going to see it]
RENT [the cast right now is great]
Piazza [but you're too late for that]
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels [but the OBC might be gone, again read above]

You're safest best bets are probably Lion King, Chicago, Phantom of the Opera... actually, now that I think about it, who knows the new shows that might be out by the time you go on your trip. Is March considered springtime? Because you might be able to catch Tarzan... or other new musicals.

It's good of you to ask in advance, but it's really hard to tell 8 months in ahead what shows you should see
~kangaroo

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*Chicago
*Hairspray
*Avenue Q
*Sweet Charity

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The Light in the Piazza and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

I saw DRS and Spamalot - DRS is a much better show, loved Spamalot, but DRS goes more on my must-see list. Phantom's gorgeous spectacle, but I dont know if it's what you want and if you're seeing Wicked ti could be a bit too much poppy spectacle for one trip. Ive heard Spelling Bee is WONDERFUL too.

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I went to NYC for my first time this past January and saw Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, and The Producers.

I suggest:
Wicked
Producers
Spamalot
Piazza (very good chance they will move to a new theatre and have an open ended run if it continues doing this well)
Avenue Q

Shows like Phantom of the Opera, in my opinion, were not worth seeing on Broadway. Isaw it on tour and thought the touring cast rocked so much more than the Broadway cast. Also, eventhoughI am the BIGGEST Rent freak, you can catch that show on tour! I would also try to stay away from your Juke box musicals and stick to a true original Broadway experience and not see shows and every single person could sit down and write! I am so jealous of you hehe hope your trip is amazing!

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I saw POTO for the first time about 5-6 years ago. I agree with you I don't like the show that much either but I must say the tour I saw was AMAZING!

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Where do you live? What road city is that near? Bear in mind that the big hits especially the musicals, will tour and will play that road city in pretty much the same incarnation that is playing in New York. Maybe not this season or next, but they'll play there.

These include but are not limited to: Lion King, Beauty/Beast, Producers, Phantom, Wicked, Hairspray, Mamma Mia, and Chicago. All Shook up will eventually tour.

Go see something that will not tour at least in the form that is playing in NY. Think Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (with that star cast), ditto Spamalot with that cast--although both will tour, Light/Piazza if it is still running, Spelling Bee or Avenue Q.

There will also be a raft of new shows playing that we haven't even begun to think about.

In March for a limited number of performances will be a production of the 1956 classic musical The Most Happy Fella at the NY State Theatre at Lincoln Center. The lush score will be played by a full orchestra and the production ought to be good since it is based on the one I saw in 1995 or so. This will not tour and will be a New Yorky kind of thing.

Have fun and welcome to New York.

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I agree that by the time March rolls around, Broadway and Off Broadway could be looking quite differently than they do now.
Of course, what you are interested in seeing makes a lot of difference as well; that is, do you want to see just the blockbusters that the majority of critics and people like, or are you looking to experiment? Serious play or musical?

Going according to what I have personally seen and what is available right now, here are some ideas in addition to WICKED which I recommend highly...and some not...

ALL SHOOK UP (you come out feeling great; it's very entertaining, never lets up with lots of talent. a real fun musical I've seen multiple times, and anyone else that has come with me has also loved it! The audience is very enthusiastic.) Personally, I like this one better than HAIRSPRAY.

LENNON (very moving, strong show with outstanding cast; good music, still in previews and very underrated so far).

MOVIN OUT (the dancing and music take your breath away. almost no dialogue, but you don't need it as the Playbill gives a synopsis of the story and it's acted out through dance.)

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (not just for kids)

THE LION KING (great staging)

AVENUE Q (very funny and upbeat; but if you are offended easily by language or puppet nudity, then don't go).

SPAMALOT warning: if you don't like very silly, Monty Python humor, you won't like this at all. I endured it because I love Tim Curry; though I would see again on discount, but discounts for this won't happen for a very long time.

MAMA MIA (it's overrated, unless you love the music of ABBA; but worth seeing once on a discount.

CHITTY, CHITTY BANG BANG (some good moments with the Vulgarians and the child catcher; Raoul and the sets are great; but I wouldn't recommend it. Too many candy wrappers and garbage on the floor after crinkling during the performance. It's too expensive to go to the theatre to not be able to hear and enjoy the few good moments.)

FIDDLER (wasn't bad, but the second act put me to sleep.)

PHANTOM (saw it a long time ago; but hated it...so boring, it was pure torture. I believe that the early reputation has carried it this long)

CHICAGO (eh, depends upon the cast, I guess)

Of course, these are just my opinions, go and see whatever you like. It's vacation! Have fun!

The Light in the Piazza

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