Broadway choices
 

Planning a "girls" getaway to NYC in late April with my mom and sister. We're going to pre-purchase show tickets just to be sure. So far we've decided on Rent and Cabaret. We'd like to do one more and it looks like we can either get crummy seats for The Producers (Balcony/right-$40) or great seats for The Full Monty (Orchestra/left-$85). <BR> <BR>Any thoughts about these or other show choices? I'd sort of like something funny and/or light-hearted, but other than that am open to suggestions! <BR> <BR>Also, any great options for pre-theater meals near these particular theaters? THANKS in advance!

Cabaret has been availablel at the discount TKTS booth so you might consider waiting on the purchase of a ticket for that show. Even if not available at TKtS booth you can always go to the box office. No one is going to be able to tell you anything about The Producers since previews don't begin until Mar. 21.

Haven't seen "The Full Monty" yet myself, but know others who have and all have found it to be a delightful show. "The Producers" got raves in its pre-Broadway previews in Chicago, and will definitely be the hot show - advance sales have been brisk, as you probably have learned.

Forgot to add that "Kiss Me Kate", "Contact", and "The Music Man" are also excellent productions. As for pre-theatre meals, a couple of good choices are Becco (Italian) and Lotfi's (Moroccan), both on 46th St. and both very good and reasonable.

Check out the Playbill website (playbill. com). Tickets at discounted prices (usually 1/4 to 1/3) have been available for "Cabaret," "Rent" and other shows. It's simple: Just join its club (no charge and it is NOT a gimmick) and then check out the offers. <BR>As for the other show to see, "The Full Monty" is a fun show. As a previous poster has said, "The Producers" has gotten raves in its Chicago tryout. You probably can't go wrong with either. <BR>Incidentally, the month of April, especially around Easter vacation time, can be a busy time for the theater. So, you'd be advised to get tickets in advance (which you can do with the Playbill offers). <BR>As for dinner, I'll also recommend Becco. Definitely make reservations (at least two weeks in advance)--212-397-7597. Other recommendations? What price range?

Have you thought at all about off-Broadway? Tickets are more reasonable and there are some really good productions. Saw "Pete and Keely" at the John Houseman Theater which is playing thru April, I believe. It is very funny.

Thanks to everyone for the great info. We've decided to try for The Producers (the "in" show) on Saturday afternoon. Keep the restaurant ideas coming.

Ditto on the Becco recommendation. They have a special of 3 pastas (all you can eat) for a very reasonable price. A "girls" getaway should consider seeing The Vagina Monologues. It's at the Westside Theater and is on sale through 5/13. Check out telecharge.com for more info. Here's a little info from the web page. <BR> <BR> "A hilarious, groundbreaking and eye-opening play that has rocked audiences around the world. Author Eve Ensler and a rotating cast of three stars give voice to a chorus of lusty, outrageous, poignant, brave, highly original and thoroughly human stories. Based on the interviews with a diverse group of women- from a Long Island antique dealer to a Bosnian refugee-the play brazenly explores the humor, power, pain, wisdom, outrage, mystery and excitement hidden deep in women's bodies." <BR> <BR>Ten dollars of every ticket will be donated to the V-DAY FOUNDATION to fund charities working to end violence against women. <BR> <BR>You should also check out nytheatre.com and New York Post online for reviews of all shows now playing. <BR> <BR>For mid-town dining, if you like Greek food, I would highly recommend Molyvos. <BR> <BR>