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Old Jun 25th, 2010, 07:03 AM
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Need help with Broadway show

Going to NYC in the Fall. We want to see a Broadway show. We loved Billy Elliot last Fall. We are thinking of seeing Memphis. However when I read past reviews, the NYTimes one wasn't enthusiastic didn't seem great. Has anyone seen it? Any other recommendations?..

Last year we saw Augustsage County and loved it too so our taste varies.

Have not seen Jersey Boys but my husband is 82 and although he is into classical music and opera, I am not sure he would like it.

Would appreciate suggestions..

thanks
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Old Jun 25th, 2010, 07:14 AM
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We saw Memphis a few weeks ago and really enjoyed it. It just won Best Musical at the Tonys. The lead actress is great.
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Old Jun 25th, 2010, 09:42 AM
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Jersey Boys is entertaining, and at 82 your husband will remember most of the music. (I didn't like the "play" part of the show. The tawdry story of the Jersey Boys' lives is mostly "told" rather than enacted.)

My choice would be La Cage Aux Folles which won some Tonys, too. The cast is fantastic, the music is tuneful, and the story is hilarious.
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Old Jun 25th, 2010, 10:42 AM
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I loved Jersey Boys and bet he would to. I also loved Million Dollar Quartet.
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Old Jun 25th, 2010, 11:33 AM
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Memphis is just so so. Don't know your taste, but the music is a watered down version of the Memphis sound. The lead male, however, is very different and interesting. It's Broadway lite.
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Old Jun 25th, 2010, 11:46 AM
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I saw Memphis in previews so went in with low expectations and really enjoyed it. I don't think it's the caliber of the others you've seen nor would it be my reco if you're only seeing one show. If you like drama, Laura Linney in "Time Stands Still" was so successful, it will be coming back to Broadway on Sept. 23. She was nominated for an Emmy. (Viola Davis in Fences won and that closes next month).

If you want a musical and you both like the Four Season music, I think Jersey Boys is a good idea.
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Old Jun 25th, 2010, 12:49 PM
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Ha! what is Four Season music?...I have no idea if I would like it. Will check into Laura Linney show. Maybe I should play the Jersey Boy music for my husband...I would assume I can find it on itunes... actually I could see Billy Eliot again...
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Old Jun 25th, 2010, 01:54 PM
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"Jersey Boys" is based on the music careers Frank Valli and the Four Seasons. Whether or not anyone is familiar with the music, the show is awesome!
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Old Jun 25th, 2010, 02:01 PM
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The Four Seasons is a famous singing group from the 60s. So famous that there is a hit Broadway show about them.

Even if you've never heard of the Four Seasons, you've probably heard their music. They are well before my time but their hits are well known -- Sherry, Big Girls Don't Cry, Can't Take My Eyes Off of You, etc.
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Old Jun 25th, 2010, 03:39 PM
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Jersey Boys (have seen 4X - once on Bway and 3x traveling) is awesom. Saw Memphis last December and I enjoyed it very much. Another show I would recommend is In the Heights. Great musical. If you really want safety in a Broadway show, see Phantom. Seen that 4x also and it never gets old.
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Old Jun 25th, 2010, 05:09 PM
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Agree...Jersey Boys is very entertaining!!! I don't think you can go wrong with that choice.
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Old Jun 25th, 2010, 05:21 PM
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Please tell more about in the heights.
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Old Jun 25th, 2010, 06:21 PM
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In the Heights is a musical set in Upper West Side of NYC. About the struggles to find a better life and the importance of heritage - family and home. Tony Award winner. Great musical in my opinion.
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Old Jun 25th, 2010, 07:07 PM
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I agree with nygvic. A great show with lively music and dancing. I saw three shows in New York and "In the Heights" was a standout.
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Old Jun 26th, 2010, 08:18 AM
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Things I've seen and liked a lot were South Pacific (amazing staging with wonderful, hum-able music and great dancing), The Lion King (if you've never seen it, the costuming and dance are worth the ticket), West Side Story (familiar score and excellent dance), La Cage Aux Folles (Douglas Hodge is wonderful in this UK production -- over the top funny and touching as the role demands), In The Heights (very lively dance and Hispanic music, funny, this one is great), A Little Night Music (the cast is changing, but should still be great with Bernadette Peters). Not sure how many of these will still be running "in the fall" when you visit.
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Old Jun 26th, 2010, 09:54 AM
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In the Heights is my favorite "new" musical but for the OP of this thread whose husband is 82 and a clasical music person, I think there are better options.
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Old Jun 26th, 2010, 01:19 PM
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My significant other also goes to opera...doubt he would like Jersey Boys...I played the music for him..I would love it. I will check out in the Heights too and A little Night Music. Don't have to decide till next week. I keep thinking I would like to see Billy Eliot again...
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Old Jun 26th, 2010, 01:21 PM
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We have seen Phantom but never saw Wicked...
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Old Jun 26th, 2010, 02:14 PM
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Loisco, If your partner likes opera, do consider South Pacific if it is still running during your visit. I think you and he would really like it.

Video montage:
http://www.lct.org/mediaPlayer.htm?id=19
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Old Jun 26th, 2010, 02:50 PM
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I second the reco of "South Pacific". Not sure if it will still be running in the fall but if it is, I think it's a great choice.
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