I've never been to New York. I plan on going for my 50th birthday in March. I want to see either Phantom of the Opera or Chicago while I'm there. Which play is best? Also, how soon do I need to order tickets? Any chance of getting discount tickets later?

Both are entertaining shows. And, yes, if you wait, you can probably get discount tickets for both, especially for a midweek performance. Any discount offers for March will probably be available in January/February.

Depends on your taste, both are good, but I think Chicago is a bit better. Phanton is certainly a Broadway icon and a great experience for your first time in NY.
As to when to order, the earlier the better, just to make sure you get them if you're only going to be here for certain days. You can often get discount tickets at the half price line in Times Square, but you never know what shows they'll have on a given day, and you can only buy them there the day of the show. So if they don't have them, you'd be out of luck. Since it's a special occasion, I'd get them now just so you can make sure you have them.

Why not see both?? There are a bunch of websites where after registering ( for free) you get discount codes to order ahead of time. Not quite as cheap as TKTS booth but a lot more convenient. I don't think they sell this far in advcance for March though.

Some of the sites are
playbill.com
theatermania.com
hitshowclub.com

Right now Phantom is available on playbill.com (& maybe others)

If you do a text search here (try typing discount theater websites ny), you'll find other websites.

Happy birthday!

Another terrific resource is www.broadwaybox.com

Thanks for the tips. I'll check out the web sites.

We saw Phantom and basically there is one saving song. The good thing is that they sing it all the way through.

Chicago is very entertaining.

We were there last week and saw The Producers. Very Good. Now that the originals are coming back it may again be a hard buy.

I've seen Phantom and Chicago in NYC -- and I'd recommend Chicago. Upbeat, high energy, entertaining story. Have you seen the movie? If not, don't. Go to the musical first. Several of my friends saw the movie first, and then the musical later, and were somewhat disappointed. Have fun -- what a great way to spend your 50th!

I vote for Phantom- have worn out my soundtrack CD!

I realize Abba was not as popular in the US as in other countries, but if you were an Abba fan, you must see Mama Mia.

Essentially an Abba concert.

I too would recommend seeing both. Phantom is most always available at the TKTS booth and Chicago pretty often too. I would try for the Chicago tickets first then the Phantom. Verify that the Chicago tickets are not obstructed seating - on the outer rows.