> I still have no idea what most of the things were that mommy says

There'd be days like this?

Good one, Don!

Patrick, sorry you weren't that crazy about Matilda. We loved it....and thought it was a lot more than "watching a big production of something like How the Grinch Stole Christmas." Oh well, you can't please everyone. (Hey, I'm one of those in the minority who didn't like Wicked!) PS: Bertie Carvel was wonderful.

I've now seen Matilda, Pippin, and Kinky Boots. I know this will offend some and it is just MY OPINION....but I think the Tony for Kinky Boots was a gift. It was my least favorite of the three. I would rank them as (1) Pippin, (2) Matilda, (3) KB.

I really loved the lead in Pippin, the chemistry between characters and the humor. The songs were wonderful and the circus aspect just added to the fun. I found Matilda to be very polished with a lot of smart humor. KB felt small (like a road show) with stale one note jokes. I found the music forgettable.

But, TC, you do realize I hope that Pippin wasn't up for the same award. It was a revival, not a new musical. And it DID win best revival of a musical, while Kinky Boots won for best (new) musical.

Howard, but could you understand all the words to the songs -- particularly those sung by the children -- or at least half the words? I do not have a problem with accents, normally, so I really don't think it was that. I guess I was expecting a lot more "heart" to the show. I didn't shed a tear, and yet I thought I would. I loved the creativity and the special effects, but just couldn't get "moved" by it in the least.

Patrick, we could understand most of what the children said and sang. More important, we were very impressed witnh their enormous talents. We also quite impressed with the incredible sets, which won a well deserved Tony.

With the exception of understanding them, I agree with all of that.

Having just seen Kinky Boots, I too was surprised that it won over Matilda (which I say in previews). I had a good time and enjoyed the show and performers very much, but Matilda felt more "new", more creative.

So question to all the theatre nuts out there-I am in charge of a trip in January for 3 women besides myself (all 50's age if that makes a difference) who have designated me the tour director because I love NY so much. We will see one show at least, maybe two. I have no problem seeing something I've already seen so was considering Once or Matilda. I haven't seen Pippen (and haven't checked to see how long everything is running). I know a "big" musical would be appreciated by all. Is ther something else that I should consider? If you were to pick one show to have out of towners see, what would it be?

ArtTravelr, if you're in the mood for a non-musical, then definitely get tickets for the current revival of The Glass Menagerie. It's just been extended through February.
If you decide on Once, then there'll probably be discount tickets available, with offer being posted late this year. Since Pippin is selling out, it'll probably still be playing in January, though discount tickets are unlikely.

AirTraveler, Since you haven't seen Pippin, that would be my recommendation. Although it doesn't feel quite as "big" as Matilda, it is very good. It is smart, funny, with excellent performers. Have the ladies seen Wicked? That is certainly "big". I saw Big Fish in previews recently and really liked it, too. Although I felt it had some minor problems in previews, nothing that diminished my enjoyment. Hopefully the pacing will have improved by January. Playbill has a deal on tix for Pippin right now (not sure for how long)...not a discount, but a free CD with ticket purchase. I was able to get a center orchestra seat at "regular price" but it takes a little skill on the Telecharge web site to find them. Tip: you will find better seats if the ladies are willing to split up. 3-4 together are harder to come by. However January is a good time to go. We often go the day after New Years and its wonderful. All the holiday people have left the city.

Patrick, Thanks for setting me straight. I should have remembered that Pippin is a revival. Travel amnesia...or a "senior moment". My order of preference is still the same. Just feel that Cindy and Harvey got a gift from their NY peers.

TC, I agree that Pippin was the best of the three for me. And I think it's a great choice for ArtTravlr's group!. It's actually coming up on TKTS a lot now (as is Matilda), so I'm not so sure that in January it won't be on discount. But it's always tricky to wait as those usually aren't even announced until after Christmas!

By the way, have you heard the big rumor (apparently true) that Cindi Lauper actually did little of the actual writing and refining of the music for Kinky Boots. Apparently the bulk of it was done by Oremus, a well known musical ghost writer/composer/arranger who also did most of the work for 9 to 5, while Dolly Parton got the credit. It's not unusual in the world of Broadway musicals. But still Lauper did have her hand in the creativity, and her name certainly added to the buzz.

But while again I really DID ENJOY Matilda, I put Kinky Boots above it -- not because of more fantastic sets and effects, or even choreography or general creativity. But not one moment in Matilda grabbed me the same way that Billy Porter singing "Hold Me in your Heart" did -- or even Stark Sands doing "The Soul of a Man". And surprisingly neither is really "MY" kind of music.

Ooops, was I unclear above? I meant that Matilda had more fantastic sets, effects, and creativity than Kinky Boots. Somehow it seems like I was saying the opposite.

Patrick....maybe some of my disappointment with KB was the absence of Billy when I saw it. However, I really couldn't see where he could have bolstered the entire production that much. One person can't carry a whole show on his shoulders. It just didn't grab me and I loved the movie. Go figure!

The chemistry in Pippin the other night was wonderful. I don't know if this happens often, but they were all cracking each other up on stage. Several "Harvey Corman/Tim Conway" moments between all the central players that night.

Ooops, was I unclear above? I meant that Matilda had more fantastic sets, effects, and creativity than Kinky Boots. Somehow it seems like I was saying the opposite.

Wow. I leave my computer for an hour and when I sign back on my last message reposts?

TC-thanks for the tip on splitting our seats 2+2-I never would have thought about that.

And question for the Pippin crowd-is it an "easy to understand" story line? Or is there a straightforward storyline at all? I got the feeling that it was a little more avant garde or rather not a linear production. Just want to be sure everyone "gets" it, some had a little difficulty following Les Mis many years ago.

AT: I thought it was a very straight forward story... presented in a creative way. Its basically a coming of age story. King's son wants his life to have meaning. Tries several different routes to that end. Finally figures out what is important in life. The story is told with the backdrop of a circus. So all the players are circus performers. By that I mean that when the son thinks he should be a soldier, the battle is actually circus acrobats creating chaos. Its not too heavy. I don't think you need to worry overly about some great understanding. Its fun and entertaining even if you don't "get it".

Anyone else have a different view?

Thanks. I guess I couldn't figure out how the circus performers fit in. Loved the number I saw on the Tony's. Will definitely consider it!

The ART announced that All the Way with Bryan Cranston IS going to Broadway, I think opening in November.

I'm sorry I missed it here. it was a tough ticket and I waited too long to try and get one.

Has anyone seen Twelfth Night or Richard III in previews? I have tix to Richard III next week.