My 23-yr old son has asked my advice (!) for a play to see when the 19-year old sister of his roommate comes to town to check out the writing program at NYU. He'd like to see Dance of Death, but he thinks that might be too much for her. I was wondering about Urintown, The Women, or Proof. Or is there something else out there that would fit the bill?

When is she coming? Dance of Death and The Women both end this weekend.
In general, it's hard to recommend a show unless you know what the individual likes. Perhaps Rent, which is a show for her generation.

Howard, I'm so glad to get an answer from you--you always have such helpful information. I don't know much about New York theater since we are lucky if we get to make make an annual trip from California. These young people rarely go to plays (they can't afford them), but they consider themselves to be worldy-wise, with tastes running to the cynical. Well, perhaps this describes my son and his roommate more than the 19-year old sister. I know they've seen Rent here in California, and enjoyed it. I also know that my son saw Cabaret a few years ago and liked it very much.

Perhaps they might like to consider one of the off-Broadway shows. "Blue Man Group" is the famous performance art piece still going strong after several years. "Love Janis" is the story of Janis Joplin performed by two actresses that sing her songs and recreate her life. Both shows play in the NYU area of town and being off-Broadway shows are a little less expensive.

YOur response makes it tough to recommend anything! (No insult intended, but far be it from me to get into the mind of a college-age person today!)
I'll go out on a limb and suggest "Proof," which is a wonderful, cleverly crafted play...or perhaps John Leguizano's one-man show "Sexaholic." The latter recommendation is strictly on what I've heard and read about the show, not from having seen it.

We had a great time at "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)", a very funny spoof on the bard by a 3-man troop. Plays at a medium size off-Broadway theater at Union Square, with good seats were very easy to get. A fun night for anyone who has read Shakespeare.

Surprisingly, we weren't that impressed by Blue Man Group. It had a number of places that really dragged. Still fun, but Stomp was better for that sort of performance.

I would suggest going for "Proof" also. My husband and I (both in late 20s) loved it. We are into more serious plays, and do not really like musicals. It was a very clever play, well acted and witty...should appeal to the cynical mind. Tickets are fairly easy to obtain (I got mine the morning of the show).

We recently had the pleasure of seeing Dance of Death, and although we enjoyed it and the actors very much, it might be on the "heavy" side for young 20-somethings..I do recommend Proof,and Urinetown, and if you could at all manage it, Noises Off! Stomp and Blue Man are not actually plays that have dialogue.."writing program" may wish to see something with more substance...c