Finian's Rainbow is one of the shows I'll be seeing this week. I'll try to post a trip report when I get back.

Howard - I understand; despite recommendations, I don't have a desire to see Memphis or Fela.

clanwilson - hope you enjoy it.

I have a different question. Those of you who follow the discount codes -- in the past I've found varying discounts from Playbill.com, theatremania, and Broadway Box and used to check all of them to see who had the best discount for any given show on any given night. But every show I've checked for my upcoming trip all those sites have exactly the same discounts for exactly the same nights. Has anyone found that NOT to be true -- a better discount from one source as opposed to another?

(Yes, I do know that TKTS for last minute can be even better, but I'm talking about the regular advance purchase codes.)

A friend of mine uses Plum Benefits, but I've never used them. It's worth a check. There's also theateroffers.com (not sure if I've spelled theater correctly - check both ways - er and re.)

While I've found that the three websites usually have the same offers, though on occasion there has been a variance. I think it's interesting, Patrick, that your research shows absolutely no variances.

'Sondheim on Sondheim' with Barbara Cook, et al.
Presale tix available today at the Roundabout.

Wishful Drinking is closing on Jan. 17...

I haven't gone yet, but I'm told that Liv Schreiber's performance in 'A View from the Bridge' is amazing. Has anyone seen a preview?

I certainly plan to see that, but it should be noted that most people are also saying Scarlett Johansson's performance in that same play is dismal.

I must honestly say that neither of the above 2 reports should come as much of a surprise!

My friend who saw it said, 'Scarlett was very natural and believable....especially as someone's fantasy.' One person's view. Since it doesn't open until 1/24, who are 'most people?' Do you know a lot of people who've seen the preview? I'm seeing it next month. I've seen Liv Schreiber a couple of times and have liked his performances a lot.

I should also add that she's not one of my favorites in film.

About Scarlett:

In today's WSJ, there's an article that says, "It's in previews now; chatter about her performance on theater message boards has been largely positive so far, identifying Ms. Johansson as a solid member of the cast."

Ooh, I want to go see Barbara Cook!

We saw The Addams Family in Chicago, and all five of us enjoyed it.

Now I want to go to NYC to see Tommy Tune in "Steps in Time", his biographical show--he's my favorite perfomer--and Barbara Cook in "Sondheim on Sondheim". Plus a couple of dramas. I checked the flights, and they're cheap--the tempation may be too much for me.

Hey abram, come go see Barbara Cook with me! :-D

starrs - I figured you would have done the presale the first day like 'Promises, Promises.'

I didn't SEE it until today :-(

You asked "who are most people" since the show hasn't opened yet. The "most people" I was talking about are primarily theatre professionals and regulars who post on BroadwayWorld.com and who see everything. Not that their opinions are any more important, but they tend to be less swayed by who a person is and more by actual performance.

Here's a link to the WSJ article that CPG mentioned - it's the 2010 Broadway Preview: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000...105283426.html

It lists new shows and the *star* powers include:
Scarlett Johansson (A view from the bridge)
Laura Linney (Time Stands Still)
Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth (Addams Family)
Kelsey Grammer (LA CAGE AUX FOLLES)
Christopher Walken (A behanding in Spokane)
Denzel Washington (Fences)