So, I'm going to NYC for the first time in May and I wanted to know what people's opinions/thoughts were about the shows I am interested in possibly seeing. I am on a budget and (unfortunately) can't see every single one I would like to see, so I'm asking also so I can narrow it down. Some of these haven't opened or started previews yet, but I'll be on the lookout for those threads to help me decide...
If I could see between 5-7 of these, what would they be?
MUSICALS Avenue Q (Off-Broadway) The Last 5 Years (Off-Broadway) The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Yes, I know it's closing in March, but if by some miracle it extends... this would be at the top... lol.) Once Cinderella Wicked Phantom of the Opera (Love the show; saw the concert DVD and saw Lion King over this in Vegas and I would like to see it live eventually) Pippin Newsies Matilda
PLAYS Peter & the Starcatcher (Off-Broadway) Lucky Guy Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (I've heard nothing about this show, but it's Durang, correct?) The Big Knife
I've seen Chicago and Lion King already; would prefer to see some of these on my list since I've never seen them before. And since new shows are being announced left and right, I'm waiting a bit to buy tickets just in case something interesting decides to open last minute.
I really don't think Drood will extend, but if so, definitely see it. It's one of the most fun shows I've ever attended. I would HIGHLY recommend Once. In my opinion, it's the best musical on Broadway at the moment. Peter and the Starcatcher is another not to be missed.
Many shows on your list have either student or general rush. I would begin with those and trim the ones that either have a difficult lottery (Wicked) or out of your budget. Unless Lucky Guy has some sort of rush, those tickets are expensive. Phantom has $26.50 standing or the last rows of the mezz for same price. Matilda has nose bleed tickets during the week for $36. You have 14 or so shows on your list. Trim the ones that may close (Drood) and the expensive seats. If you are on a budget, that is the route I would go.
I'm going to NYC for the first time in March, and I'm seeing Newsies (for the score, and the dancing), Spider-Man (because I'm a comic book nerd and the idea of seeing the most expensive Broadway show ever appeals), Wicked (for the lush score and because it has become a world wide phenomenon), and Avene Q (as it is my favourite show). I'd see Matilda if i hadnt already seen it done so well in the UK.
I think you just need to listen to a few scores, and watch a few youtube vids, and decide from that.
Out of the musicals, I've never heard e scores to The Last 5 Years or Pippin. Interested in listening to Pippin, especially. Until the plays begin previews, it'll be hard to decide on which to see, obviously. But Vanya is transferring, and some have seen that.
Of your choices, these would be my picks, in order of preference. If you are 30 or under, I'd STRONGLY suggest that you look at the programs these not for profit theaters (indicated by ***) have. You can almost always get tickets for under $30.
The Last 5 Years*** Pippin Once Matilda Peter & the Starcatcher (Off-Broadway) The Big Knife*** Newsies
Here are my opinions: Last Five Years Pippin Matilda Peter & the Starcatcher Drood And I know it wasn't on your list but last night I saw the first preview of Hands on a Hardbody & it was really one of the best shows I've ever seen. Here is a thread about it:
AVENUE Q Always thought the score/book was hilarious, I'm a big Muppets fan and some of my friends may wanna see this. A friends saw the tour and recommends show.
THE LAST FIVE YEARS I know nothing about the show besides its premise. A friend let me borrow the cast recording in case I want to take a listen. I've heard great things about Betsy Wolfe and would want to see her in this. My friends love the show and say great things and they're interested since JRB is directing. I'd see it for them, but again, I know nothing about the show. Looks interesting.
CINDERELLA I love Laura Osnes and from the reviews, she's great in this, too. I love the score and the cast line-up is great! I remember seeing the film with Brandy back when it first aired on TV and hadn't really experienced the show in some capacity other than that.
PHANTOM I really want to see this live some day, and now with the tour being announced I think I might wait to see it in NY. This was the same thing with WICKED. I can always watch the 25th anniversary production which I am a huge fan of. But nothing would beat seeing this live. Again, if the tour comes my way, I'd wait to see this.
PIPPIN I know nothing about this show either, but my high school director really loved talking about the show and wanted us to do it one year. I am really into the concept of "cirque" and "circus" and the reviews from Boston sounded mostly positive. I'd love to listen to the score, especially because Schwartz wrote it and (yes) I am a fan.
NEWSIES I don't know if I'd be able to get a ticket to this. But I love the score, loved the movie, love what I've seen from numerous performances on TV. But I don't know if I want to see this anymore. At first I really really did, but all of these other shows are opening and I don't know if I lost the hype for this or what. But I'd like to see this, too.
MATILDA Depending on how previews go (which should be good) I wanna see this. AMAZING reviews from London and I love the cast recording. And hopefully if I do see it, the entire cast is on because I really want to see Lauren Ward and Bertie Carvel. This will probably be on my definite list to see, unless reviews are bad.
PETER & THE STARCATCHER I love the premise of the show and am very interested in seeing the theatrics involved with staging and choreography. Depending on how the NWS cast is, I'll see this. But I won't be too disappointed if I don't get to see it.
THE BIG KNIFE Bobby Cannavale is a great actor, but not much can be say about the production since it hasn't started previews. Cannavale is the main reason I'd wanna see this, as well as the idea of this showbiz play... I love shows like that (hence my love for DROOD which should've extended for me! haha)
I never considered HANDS ON A HARDBODY, because nothing really interests me about it... I'm sure the show is great, but for right now it's not enough for me to really want to see like the stuff I've already narrowed down.
I've narrowed it down more... I can live without seeing ONCE and NICE WORK despite my love for both shows' music. I don't know about VANYA now... maybe, maybe not... but I love me some Durang!
If anyone else can help me out or have more suggestions, let me know. :)
I guess I can disregard LAST FIVE YEARS because I didn't know it was only playing through April. I am going on my trip in May. Oh, well. I guess it knocked one show out for me though! LOL.
Not sure what kind of shows you like, but one of my favourite is Wicked. The story, music, costumes, set, etc are all amazing. That would be my first choice and in fact, I'm seeing it again for the 5th time when we come to NY in April.
Phantom is also a classic.
Avenue Q is funny and different with good songs (a bit dirty).
Matilda also looks like it will be a good one.
I also ahve tickets to see Newsies which I've heard has amazing energy with awesome dancing. The score is pretty good.
I know it's a long shot/impossible for Drood to extend, but one can only wish! Haha.
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Posted: 2/9/13 at 09:16am