Need help on Broadway show decision.
 

I saw Hairspray and 42nd Street three years ago. I was never so thoroughly entertained in my life and just LOVED those performances. I would like to see something as thrilling as those two but, I don't know which to chose. I considered Ave. Q but, for some reason Sesame Street puppets don't appeal to me. I'm sure it's better than I think it is. When I was choosing three years ago, I didn't think Hairspray was appealing but, I was very wrong , which is why I need your help.I would also, consider a serious play , if it's moving and well written. I know Odd couple and Spamalot are out of the question. I have considered The Producers and Doubt. Would those be the best to see? I'm going over Christmas so, I need to make a decision soon.You guys helped three years ago and you were right on the mark. Please, help me again! Thank you so much!

You cannot compare The Producers and Doubt. The former is an outrageously funny musical comedy. The latter is a outstanding drama.
All we know about your taste in shows is that you liked Hairspray and 42nd Street. With only that to go on, I'd recommend either The Producers or Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.
Avenue Q is also wonderful, but who knows whether it'll satisfy your tastes?

Howard, maybe I'm reading Trisha's post differently from you, but I understand her to be asking if she should see The Producers AND Doubt, to which I say YES! As Howard says you cannot compare them -- but if you're seeing two different shows, you couldn't do better than the contrast with these two GREAT shows.

We went to see Ave Q and Spamalot this summer. Let me tell you my husband was less than thrilled when we told him about Avenue Q. Well, he is the first to admit he was wrong. We laughed for the whole show. It was GREAT! He even suggested that our daughter buy the CD on the way out the door! Spamalot is also very good if you can get tickets. Enjoy, there's nothing like a Broadway show...

I just saw Dirty Rotten Scoundrels last month and loved it! It was a hoot! I haven't laughed so hard in years and the audience was very involved. Happy deciding!

Well first of all I am jealous of you to have such hard choices to make. Second I was less then impressed with Avenue Q, it was funny but not my cup of tea. My hubby and I wished we had our time somewhere else. No one has mentioned Wicked which in my opinion was robbed from bvest musical. This show is fantastic! I loved it. Also a friend of mine saw that Putnam county spelling bee and said it was great. Good Luck!

I SO appreciate your replies! I failed to put this on the New York link and I thought it would get lost. Patrick is right , I wasn't trying to decide between Doubt and The Producers, I was considering both. It looks like I'm on the right path with them. I realize deciding on them is a matter of opinion but, they are so expensive, that if you are getting the best thing out there, then it's worth the money. Does that make sense? Anyway, I didn't consider Wicked just from reading some posts of people that didn't care for it and that it got some mixed reviews. It seems that most people like Doubt and The Producers. I'm hoping there will be discounts for these two show Dec. 21st - 28th on Broadwaybox or playbill but, none so far. Thank you again for posting!

Just got back from New York City and saw Dirty Rotten Scoundrels this past Wednesday. It was great, kept you laughing, between the Producers and DRS, my husband said that he enjoyed DRS more, and I would have to agree with him. Everyone in our group loved it too. Have fun.

Sorry for misinterpreting your original most.
Being realistic, the changes of getting discount tickets during the holiday season for Doubt or The Producers (or for most shows, for that matter) are slim to nonexistent. That's the busiest time of the season.....EXCEPT MAYBE for Christmas Eve. But, if there are any discount tickets for that performance, you'd probably have to wait in line at Duffy Square on the same day to get them.
You're just not going to see many, if any, discount offers after the 18th in December.
So,the best advice is: If you want to see those shows, get your tickets in advance.

Wow! Now I'm considering Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. I didn't realize John Lithgow was in it. He's great! Any more comments would be helpful about that show. Y'all are so helpful!

I'd pick DRS and Doubt and I think you may be able to get Doubt with a discount.

I am so surprised about the things you heard and read about Wicked. I actually went because other Fodorites told me it was not to be missed. I hope you reconsider. I would love to see DRS but when I get back to NYC in June I have a feeling Lithgow will be long gone.

Well, I went ahead and purchased DRS because I COULD get a discount. I got orchestra Row P seats 103-104 on Dec. 22. I do hope those are good seats. I got it for $76.00 a piece, not bad. I'm looking forward to that. I am reconsidering Wicked just because I think I should. I have one more to chose. Doubt still is in my mind as well. Mclaurie, do you know where I can get a discount?

I found Avenue Q to be perfectly delightful...it was our reason for going to NY after seeing a preview on tv...I would go again in a heartbeat. Good Luck...and have a great time!

Trisha, check these for discounts for Doubt -- I know there was one a couple weeks ago -- not sure how long it runs for or if they will be offering them at Christmas:
www.playbill.com
www.broadwaybox.com
www.theatermania.com

The current discount offers for Doubt expire in early December.
As for Wicked, I'm one of the naysayers!
You are indeed fortunate to get discount tickets for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Row P isn't bad and you are in the center. It's around 18-20 rows from the stage.

I you want to be entertained The Producers and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels should be your e choices. As for discount codes go, since your only coming at Xmas, I think that a good thing to do will be signup for www.broadwaybox.com free newsletter so you'll know well in advanced about future discounts for your travel dates.

Big vote for Dirty Rotten scoundrels, Hilariously entertaining, John Lithgow and Norman Lee Buttz

Well, I've been listening to the Wicked soundtrack so much I wore out my two favorite tracks. Obviously, I would choose Wicked in a heartbeat. If you are considering it, buy the CD before you go so you'll know the songss a bit better. Can't wait!

The Producers movie is coming out in a month or so. Can't wait to see Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick (with Uma Thurman). Based on that, I'd do DRS on Broadway.

By the way, my favorite in Wicked, Elfaba, is played by the same actress that originated Maureen in Rent - and that movie is coming out 11/11 with pretty much the original Broadway cast.

So, I'd do DRS and Wicked on Broadway and catch Rent and The Producers on the big screen in November. JMO

Thanks everyone for your replies. Starsville , you gave good advice. I didn't realize that those shows will be movies soon. I tried to purchase Wicked but, they are gone with the wind, all sold out. No one seems to be endorsing Doubt too much. Any other suggestions? You have been terrific! I did get DRS from this post and I wouldn't have , had it not been for you. Thanks for your help.