May I please have some inside information on the very best shows on Broadway during the second week of August. Your advice is greatly appreciated. Thank You

Hi! There are some very knowledgeable theater people on this forum who I am sure will be able to make some great suggestions; what type of theater are you interested in? Musicals? Dramas? Comedy? Tell us a little bit about what you like and I am sure you'll get some tips!

Oh that is very difficult - we like all things theatre - musicals, drama and comedy. I visit NYC from the other side of the Earth on business 2-3 times a year, but this visit is a more special occasion - a real holiday shared with my wife with a 7 week itinerary from Grand Canyon to South America to Europe and back to Australia to celebrate our 25th anniversary. So we are really looking for something rising to the top - something American. We will see the spectacular "O" at Bellagio in Las Vegas a week before and we have 4 nights in NYC. Thank you for your help.

You'll get a wide range of responses here. To me, the best of Broadway include (listed alphabetically) Avenue Q, Chicago, Hairspray, I Am My Own Wife, Movin' Out, The Boy from Oz (for Hugh Jackman's performance) and The Producers. Likely to included is The Frogs, which is now in previews. It's Sondheim's latest and stars Nathan Lane.

Thanks Howard. The Boy from Oz is a little bit too close to home for us. So far Avenue Q is appearing as the potential winner.

I really enjoyed The Producers the last time I was in NYC. The second half was funnier than the first.

Avenue Q would indeed be a wise choice. It's funny, clever and raunchy (in a fun way!). My wife calls it a cross between Sesame Street and Sex & the City!

Thanks Howard - I hope your wife is right because our Family can relate to both Sesame Street and Sex and the City !

We're also going in early August and have found some of the top shows are either sold out or have limited seating. Book now!

As for Avenue Q tickets, I would recommend getting them in advance. It's a show that is best enjoyed reasonable close to the stage (i.e., as opposed to the back of the theater, not necessarily only in the first few rows).

How about Wicked? After all, it is the prequel to the Wizard of **OZ**. (Sorry, just couldn't resist.) Seriously though, it's a great show.

I would just add Wicked to the list of shows, the story line is fresh and original. As mentioned, "I am my Own Wife" is an outstanding drama. Mama Mia (I am not an Abba fan) but the play was full of energy, fun and provides a "very American" theme...as does RENT, great music, energy...

You mention traveling to the Grand Canyon, (if you are renting a car) for a real slice of America, about 40 minutes on Route 66 in the town of Williams is, The Pine Country Restaurant. Pie options that you find in 1950 cook books, traditional "Sunday dinners" 7 days a week. If you are really seeking an "Americana" experience, Judy Garland made a movie, "Harvey's Girls" which is a story of the women who came to the Grand Canyon to work in the Harvey Restaurants. The train station in Williams still exist, you'll see it on route to the Pine Country --
Happy Anniversary! Have a great trip.

See Wicked while Kristen Chenoweth is still in the cast! She really makes that show.

Both Av Q ands Wicked are very popular so advance sale tickets are necessary. For a list of what's available on the TKTS line check: www.entertainment-link.com/tkts.asp?show=all. For advance sales discounts (although unlikes to find any for the very popular shows) see: www.broadwaybox.com, www.playbil.com, www.hitshowclub.com, www.theatermania.com.

We saw Wicked earlier this year and it was one of the best shows we've ever seen. Totally awesome--acting, music, special effects are all unbelievable. We were able to get tickets at 25% discount through Playbill.com. We also enjoyed Movin' Out which we got at the Half Price TKTS booth.

Hello,
I would recommend going to see AIDA - Tim Rice/Elton John. This show is sadly closing at the end of August - too soon in my opinion! The original cast member Adam Pascal is back in it for it's final run and he is simply amazing.