Patrick, my compliments on a very well written and thoughtful posting. I'll be curious to read your comments after you see the American version.
As for the supposedly added "weight" to the story of the father and son, it really didn't add any "heart" (or whatever you want to call it) to the show. (PS: Though your comment probably wasn't aimed at me, I'll add that I didn't compare this show to La Cage.)
I've written enough about my experience and will leave it at that.

Howard, you're right. The LaCage comment was NOT aimed at you. Like some of the other comments it was based more on other Broadway websites. You are not alone in saying that the father/son thing which has been "developed" more for the American version isn't really adding anything worthwhile.

Howard, you said, "We have seen the movie several times and love it."

Sometimes a person may have loved a work of art in one form (like a film) and then been disappointed when the story is translated to another medium (i.e. theater). I thought that could apply to your situation. It gives you certain expectations of the play. That's what I meant.

I know that whenever I have high expectations of a film-- one that everyone else loves, for example-- I am usually disappointed. It's the unknown films that take me pleasantly by surprise. I may just be a contrary person!

We saw That Championship Season a few weeks ago, agree w/you CPG, enjoyed it but did feel a bit overacted at time. Also thought the coach was great.

Have tickets to War Horse in a couple of weeks, am really looking forward to that one!

Bookmarking.

I saw a preview of 'Baby It's You' last night and although the music is so wonderfully nostalgic and the voices good, I think musicals about real groups (Jersey Boys, Million Dollar Quartet (although not really a group)) are not my thing for some reason.

owlwoman - please post about 'War Horse.' I can't wait to see it.

I am wondering how dressed up I should be for seeing Priscilla in early June. Can you regular theater goers give me some direction?

I will be flying to NYC, and am most comfortable in dressy pants. I would like to wear a nice pair of dressy slacks and a silk blouse/jacket. I assume that will be fine?

People will be there in all kinds of outfits, including jeans and Tshirts. That may be good and that may be bad, but you'll find a wide cross section of clothing at the show. Dressy slacks and silk blouse/jacket will be just fine.

When shows move to off Broadway - do they still use the same cast and sets, or are the shows simplified somehow? Has anyone seen Avenue Q lately? If so, I'd love to hear what you thought.

Thank you, starrs!

volcanogirl, there is no simple answer to your question. Shows moving from Broadway to off Broadway is not a very common event. More often you'll see the opposite -- a show starting off Broadway and then moving to Broadway when it has the potential of being a "big hit". Rent and In the Heights immediately come to mind -- and many would say that often shows like that were 'better' in their smaller off Broadway venue.

Regarding Avenue Q, some modifications were done in terms of set to fit the smaller theatre, but the show was a little unusual as a musical to begin with in that it was a single set.
Regarding the same cast -- that's also hard to say. Any Broadway show goes through numerous cast changes when it runs a long time, and while a few of the actors moved with Avenue Q off Broadway from the Broadway cast, I'm pretty sure none of them were from the "original" Broadway cast.

While I haven't seen Avenue Q at World Stages, I honestly think I might like the show better in that nice venue as opposed to my seats way back in the orchestra when I saw the original production on Broadway. Often I much prefer a small theatre.

For those of you who haven't seen the wonderful current revival of La Cage Aux Folles, you only have until May 1 to catch the show, as it closes that day. The NY Times recently gave a most favorable writeup of current leads--Harvey Fierstein and Christopher Sieber.

Thanks, Patrick; I appreciate your input. I hadn't thought about the venue being smaller, and that does sound appealing and more intimate. Avenue Q looks witty and funny to me.

Avenue Q is a delightful show. The Off-Broadway version has gotten high marks from the critics.

emd3 said it first!.........Today's NY Times gave an unqualified rave to Anything Goes!

" For those of you who haven't seen the wonderful current revival of La Cage Aux Folles, you only have until May 1 to catch the show "

I really wanted to see this show and already had a ticket for my June visit. Too bad. Still, it now frees up a night to choose something else.

Right on, emd3:

http://theater.nytimes.com/2011/04/0...ml?ref=theater

Forgive me if I missed this in the thread as it is long. Has anyone here actually seen Mormon? I had been very excited to see it but the review posted gave me pause although others have been so positive.
thanks in advance.

Wondering if anyone has seen or has thoughts on The House of Blue Leaves?
We would be seeing it next week during previews.
Thanks,
2sweets

I'm glad to see a rave for Anything Goes. I have tickets the first week of May, but have been a little surprised by MANY comments elsewhere about Joel Gray who in previews has apparently been totally lackluster and often forgetting his lines. His role, though a small one is given star billing with Ms. Foster based on his background, but when theatregoers started saying "he's just all right" or even "he's just awful and brings the show down" I was stunned. Perhaps he's gotten better in this little role that often steals the show? Although for a "co star" billing, the NYTimes review seems to pass pretty lightly over him.

Anyway, everything else I've seen about this production (including some YouTube clips) tells me it's got to be great. I'm especially anxious to see Laura Osnes in the normally thankless role of Hope who has been getting a lot of great nods from those seeing the show. I saw her do South Pacific and was totally wowed, and then I recently saw her as Bonnie in Bonnie and Clyde the musical which is headed (hopefully) for Broadway next year and she was just stunning in the role. And of course there's the great Sutton Foster.
In my book, musicals just don't get any better than a great production of Anything Goes.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.
jubilada, if you meant you paused due to the mention of "the foul mouthed Book of Mormon" well, there's no denying that. It's pretty wild in that department. But realize that Ben Brantley also RAVED about that show. His foul mouth comment was meant just as a matter of fact, and not to be construed as a negative -- unless naughty themes and words bother you. If they do, then yes, probably stay away from Book of Mormon.