My mom and I are heading to New York for my dream trip at the end of July. We have tickets to Spring Awakening and Jersey Boys for Friday and Saturday night (so excited for these!!!)

We would like to add another show on Sunday afternoon or evening. However, we are having trouble deciding what to see.

Here are the shows we have in mind:

Avenue Q
Drowsy Chaperone
Radio Golf
Grey Gardens
Stomp
Mary Poppins
Legally Blonde

We’ve both seen professional productions of the following shows currently on Broadway: Wicked (we both loved it and have seen it twice with plans to see it a third time), Rent (I love it, my mom’s not a big fan), Lion King, Chicago (not my favorite), and Les Mis.

We are open to anything, musicals or plays, on or off Broadway. Does anyone have strong recommendations on what to see from this list, or suggestions of something else? My mom took me to see Rent when I was 13 – I’m 24 now – so I’m not concerned about being uncomfortable with any subjects.

Thanks!

I'd go for the Drowsy Chaperone, haven't seen it yet, but everyone I know that has recommends it....

I just heard Rosie and her gues on the View today (some actress from grey's anatomy who was also in the original Spamalot) rave about Spring Awakening, so I went to the website and it looks awesome! So now, although I already have tickets to see Pirate Queen, I'm thinking I need to also see Spring Awakening. Sorry, I haven't seen any yet so I really can't help you with your question until I come back next week.

They also mentioned Grey Gardens and said that was wonderful also, and I just noticed it's on your list. So, Rosie and the girl from Grey's Anatomy (Sarah Ramirez I think) recommends it! But I've also heard that Avenue Q is really good too. Good luck and come back here to let us know which one you choose!

Thanks for the thoughts, it's so hard to decide - that's why I'm looking for input! So many great choices, and not enough time!

It sounds like you would love Drowsy Chaperone. It's a very fun show, and pokes fun at theatre, so if you have seen a lot of shows you'll especially enjoy it.

Avenue Q is great - it is kind of like seasame street with adult (very adult) themes. So, the juxtaposition of those two things is great. I would take out stomp - it's not as good as the others you have listed (in my humble opinion).
Have fun!
Casey

Thanks so much! Drowsy Chaperone and Avenue Q are at the top of the list - The Avenue Q soundtrack is so fun! Grey Gardens sounds good too. I know the Tony nominations are out - will this make tickets harder to get or less likely to be discounted for shows up for a lot of awards?

We were thinking of Stomp because it's so inexpensive with the discount on Broadwaybox.com, but given this vacation is such a special trip, we might splurge and pay a bit more to see something fantastic.

I would go for Avenue Q. That way you'll have a nice mix of three shows. The tickets will be easier as well vs. GG.

My daughter and I liked Avenue Q lots better than Drowsy Chaperone. I thought Avenue Q was great and recommend it.

What about Curtains? David Hyde Pierce is terrific, as are Karen Ziemba, Debra Monk, Ernie Sabella.
Fun, funny, and not too long.

Just when I thought I had my mind made up...Curtains sounds great too. I have a lot to think about, but I love hearing people's suggestions!

Drowsy Chaperone .. it's the ideal addition to your Broadway itinerary.

Hi!

I've seen the Drowsy Chaperone and although it was really enjoyable, my favorite show that I've seen in the past 5 yrs (and I've seen quite a few, but not Avenue Q yet) is I love you, you're perfect, now change! It was probably the most enjoyable broadway night I've had. It is at the Westside Theatre (off-broadway). The music is fabulous, the acting is awesome and it touches on just about every scenario through about 15 skits from dating, to weddings, to marriage, to sex, to babies and finally to death. I enjoyed it so much, that I not only went to see it again locally at a community theatre, but I went back and bought not only the DVD but also the piano sheet music book. I think both you and your mom would love it. I can't remember ever laughing so much at any other broadway show as I did this one.

Watch the Tony awards next month. That may give you an idea as everyone has their own personal taste. That being said, Christine Ebersole will perform a song from Grey Gardens and if you don't want to go and see her after seeing that, then I can't recommend anything else. Just kidding, I also liked Curtains.

My high school musical director loved "I love you, you're perfect, now change." I hadn't realized it was in New York! Thanks for the suggestion!

Watching the Tony's is a given - I looove seeing the performances. But I'm afraid watching it will make me want to see everything. I'm a sucker for a big musical number, and I adore seeing the original casts - I love putting faces with the voices I hear on the soundtracks.

Thanks for all the suggestions - it makes me want to be in New York right now!

If you wait for the Tony's, you won't get tickets if they win. Get them now. If you don't believe me, look what happened with Jersey Boys and Lion King!

HAIRSPRAY!

also - join playbill.com for free. it has discounts to many shows.

If you want to see a musical, out of your list I think Ave Q (fun, a bit bawdy-will Mom be embarrassed?), Mary Poppins or Legally Blonde are your best options. If you want to see a drama for a change, Journey's End is just fantastic. YOu may be able to find discounts for all of these on broadwaybox.com'
Otherwise, most have been available at the TKTS booth and you can decide once you arrive. Info on the TKTS booths at tdf.org/tkts