New York theater
 

I'm planning my annual weekend with friends in New York at the end of January, and I'm looking for theater suggestions. What has anyone seen recently that they loved? I'm less interested in musicals than in legitimate theater, although I'll consider a musical.

Musicals are not legitimate theatre?

No, they aren't. Susan, you learned a new word today as it relates to theatre. Legitimate theatre refers to plays that only have words and believeable movement. When music and dance are added, they are no longer considered legitimate theatre.

But I don't think that means you'd call them illegitimate theatre either! :D

Two dramas that I enjoyed this season are 'Equus' and 'A Man For All Seasons.' I enjoyed 'Equus' more - great script, creative staging and cast - Richard Griffiths is wonderful. I saw the original 35 years ago and this production is every bit as fresh.

A Man For All Seasons has already closed.

My top choices would be Equus, Hedda Gabler, Speed the Plow, and August/Osage County.

Your list should start with August: Osage County, one of best in a long, long time!
Other options (in alphabetical order):
*Dividing the Estate, a new play by Horton Foote starting Elizabeth Ashley
*A revival of Equus, starring Richard Griffiths and Daniel Radcliffe
*A revival of Hedda Gabler, starring Mary Louise Parker
*A revival of David Mamet's Speed the Plow, starring William H. Macy (in late January), Raul Esparza and Elizabeth Moss
*The 39 Steps, a fun adaptation of the old Hitchcock movie classic

'August: Osage County' is wonderful as HowardR states.
'Dividing the Estate' is listed as a comedy. It's a bit uneven, not great; Horton Foote's daughter is the strongest member of the cast, imo.

I left off Dividing the Estate since it closes January 4 (like a ton of other shows).

39 Steps is moving theatres (from the Cort to the Helen Hayes) and will be closed from January 4 to January 20, so I guess it will have reopened when you go, Nikki?

Also offBroadway, I'd love to see Ruined, a new play at The Manhattan Theatre Club about present day Republic of Congo.

Thanks for all the ideas.

We saw August: Osage County on last year's friends' weekend. Liked it a lot.

I'll be reading reviews of these others now.

Mercedes Ruehl opens in a new play called "The Amercan Plan"
http://www.playbill.com/events/event_detail/14573.html

A Final Night with GW Bush is another I'd consider.
http://www.playbill.com/events/event_detail/16596.html

If you're coming at the end of January, there should be good discounts at that time. Be sure to check SeasonofSavings.com and BroadwayBox.com.

Equus closes in February, so if you have any interest in that you should definitely see it this time around.