New York-Phantom of the Opera
 

I need to find out if Phantom of the Opera will still be playing in New York in November.
Does anyone have any ideas on that?
Thanks,
Shadow

While no one can definitely guarantee it, you can be pretty sure that it will be around in November.

Do you think a 14 yr.old boy would enjoy this play?

Would he (the 14 year old) enjoy an operatic love story with a macabre feel to it? Some will, some will hate it... All depends on the kid.

I saw Phantom's first run with Michael Crawford at about age 14 (or younger??). I enjoyed it and have seen it twice more since then. I think it would help if he's familiar with the storyline before seeing it. Enjoy!

He will start the 8th grade this school year, not into sports but into Asian card games, books, movies, X-box, gameboy, science- has seen several plays and been in 3-4 plays at school. Has great sense of humor. Suggestions other than Phantom?

There was just a recent thread on a similar subject, I have topped it for you. (See "LaGuardia to Columbia"). IMO, a 14 year old boy may not enjoy Phantom as much as you would. Other suggestions are

Blue Man Group
Stomp
Cirque de Soleil (may not be in NYC in Nov)

I'd second Blue Man Group for sure.

I'd say take him to Phantom AND Blue Man Group. Sure it's expensive but what an experience. Our then 13 year old son griped and groaned all the way to the theatre when we 'made' him see Phantom--then he was completely blown away by the production. It definitely made an impression and now he can't wait to go to Broadway shows when they travel to Denver (near our home). We also went to Blue Man Group on that trip--pure fun and the kids loved it. So did we! I guess my thought is that kids won't know what they like or don't like until we expose them to it--who'd have guessed my sports-loving, ESPN-addicted son would LOVE Broadway productions--not me!

We want to take our 14 yr. old to both also- what is the Blue Man Group about? I don't really like participation and I heard the audience participates.

My brother has been going since about 10yrs and always seems to enjoy them.

Personally, I find it much easier to figure out the story if I have heard the music before I go. There are lots of used CDs out there - buy one and listen and talk about the words just a bit so you can follow the story better when you are watching.

Haven't seen BMG but people seem to enjoy them. I loved STOMP and Phantom.

Hi
Phantom has been playing for 15 years so November should be fine!
I went 2 weeks ago with 3 teenagers in tow. Must admit to being a little unsure about their reaction but I shouldn't have worried - they were transfixed! In fact my teenage son turned to me after the first 10 minutes and said 'I love this'. Having said that, I think it would help your son's enjoyment if he had a rough idea of the story before he went. Some might not agree with this but it would help him to sort out the characters and follow the plot. I see someone else suggests this as well and I would really go for this. The special effects and scenery is terrific and I bet he will be humming the tunes for days after.......

I also strongly suggest Blue Man Group- you can save the "handling charges" booking direct thru the theater- they also usually have better tickets than at Tickmaster- (Blue Man Group). They have a web site that would give you an idea- it is "off the wall" totally mute- blue painted men- supurb percussion. I also greatly like Stomp with is a lot cheaper- Blue Man Group never discounts nor ever at the 1/2 price TKTS booth, both Phantom and Stomp are there regularily.

What is available at the TKTS booth in the summer is not necessarily what could be expected in Novemeber, especially if around Thanksgiving. Summer is the slow season and more shows are generally available than the winter/spring holiday seasons. Jan/Feb also tend to be slow.

I love Phantom, having seen it 8 times over the years, but a 14yr old might not really enjoy it.

I would suggest Lion King or Aida. Both are more upbeat music and the productions are fantastic.

You might try www.playbill.com for info on what is playing, storylines and also what might be new in the fall.

Have a great trip.