My girlfriend and I love musicals so we will want to see at least 2 of them while we are there. It seems like there is a new one called Sideshow, any comments on that show? We are also thinking that even though we prefer musicals, it would be fun to go to a play. We don't want to see anything too deep or too dark, so probably a light comedy? Any ideas for us? We will be staying at the edison hotel so would love to know the best transportation from Newark airport? Also, nice restaurants close to hotel? This is such a great way to get information and thanks for any responses! We are two 64'year old babes that need all the help we can get! Thank you!

I thoroughly enjoyed You Can't Take It With You (starring among others James Earl Jones. So that's a good light play.

There's also It's Only a Play with Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick, among many others. It's a comedy revival by Terrence McNally.

Lips Together, Teeth Apart (off-Broadway) is also a Terrence McNally comedy-drama, but it is also a little deep. It opens on October 29 but is in previews starting week after next.

Sideshow is a revival of a well-received musical about conjoined twins that closed very quickly a dozen years ago. If you want to go, there are discount tickets available now if you book them online.

Beautiful, the musical about Carol King, is very popular, though sometimes discounted at TKTS.

A Gentlemen's Guide to Love and Murder is based on Kind Hearts and Coronets; it's a light-hearted musical in the style of English music hall.

Pippin is also a lot of fun, though you'll be here after Andrea Martin departs (she returned briefly in September to reprise her Tony-winning role).

And the classic On the Town opens soon. It's going to be a tough ticket to get once it opens, but you might still be able to get something now.

Sorry, I can also give you some advice on transportation. Depending on when you arrive some options are better. For example, taxi and bus are worst during rush-hour because there can be huge delays at the tunnel. Late-night, both bus and train are bad because they don't run often.

You can take a car service (arranged in advance, called for after you pick up your bags) for about $80 for 2. But whatever you do, don't take a regular taxi, which can be hugely expensive. The convenience is great because you'll be dropped off right at your hotel. If you have heavy bags, take a car service, and you'll be happier. But if you can't afford it, there are two cheaper options that work just as well.

You can take an airport bus and get off right near the Port Authority, which is a few blocks from your hotel at 41st/9th Ave. If you want door to door, then you have to get a taxi from there, but it is definitely walkable (up 9th Ave. then turn left at 47th). This costs $16 each. The airport buses are usually at the end of the terminal after baggage claim. There's a booth that sells tickets and gives info, or you can buy tickets online. Sometimes they sell tickets at the bus stop, but I'd check at the info desk first. This can be particularly slow because it stops at every terminal, and the buses can be crowded (at really busy times people have to stand or wait for the next bus).

You can also take a train into Penn Station (AirTrain from terminal to the airport train station, then NJ Transit into Penn Station). This costs less than $20 and is your best bet when there's a lot of traffic; it's also my preferred way to and from EWR. But you still have to get yourself to your hotel from Penn Station (34th/7th Ave. to 47th/8th Ave). It's a short taxi ride (less than $10), or you could take the subway, but that can be hard with luggage. It's a bit too far to walk with luggage, especially if you aren't familiar with the city. Don't let anyone tell you this is hard. It's not, but there is some walking to get to the train and up from the Penn Station Platform, and you might have to bring your suitcase up stairs, but there are escalators on every platform if you can find them.

We (ages 40-66) LOVED Beautiful. That and Jersey Boys are perfect for people our age.
Enjoyed Kinky Boots, but didn't love it.
Liked The Country House; it has funny moments, but it's more of a drama than a comedy

My parents, teenaged daughter and I all loved Jersey Boys. My Dad grumbled about Kinky Boots, Mom and I enjoyed it, DD loved it.

If you don't mind plays for the younger set and want something G-rated, my sister recently took her kids to see Newsies and Matilda~she loved Matilda.

I am also a 60ish "babe". I loved Matilda for a big, all out musical. Also adored Gentlemen's Guide...so much so, that I'm seeing it again in January. Pippin was excellent, but many of the principals have left the show. I hated Kinky Boots and Jersey Boys. IMHO; both felt like road shows instead of big Broadway. I agree with Doug, "You Can't Take It With You" would be a great play choice. If you can squeeze in three, see Matilda, Gentlemen.., and Can't... If only two, go for Gentlemen and Can't.. I think you'll love them both.

Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder-Excellent
Blue Fin Rest.-Brdwy and 47th-Excellent

You say, "restaurants close to hotel", but neglected to mention which hotel. If you are in the Theater District, some of my favorites are:

- Joe Allen for after theater meals.(amazing meatloaf, great drinks and an occiasional celebrity) 46th St. between 8th and 9th Ave.)

- Toloache (Mexican) on West 50th.

- Pigalle (French bistro) on 8th Ave. & 48th St.

- La Masseria - (Italian) 48th, between Broadway and 8th Ave.

- Molyvos (Greek) on 7th Ave. between 55-56th Sts.

- Victor's Cafe (Cuban) 236 West 52nd.

"We will be staying at the edison hotel"

She did but without proper capitalization which made it easy to miss. Maybe that is why capitalization was invented.

Another vote for Toloache and Victor's Café.

You Can't Take it With you is quite funny. Opening is tonight, so official reviews will be out by morning.

THIS IS OUR YOUTH at the Cort. Tremendous. This is a recommendation from someone who is not a Broadway fanatic, even though I live within walking distance.


http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/20.../youth-culture

On the Town is delightful - great cast and dancing!