I'm coming to NYC in May, and I would like to go to some Broadway show for the first time in my life. therefore, I would like to see something really good.
What would your recommendations be?
Should I start with some "classicals" as Phantom of the opera, West Side Story, Chicago, etc.
I'm 38 yrs old.

The three you list are excellent choices. I would also consider Lion King, Mama Mia and Wicked.

You can easily access synopsis and reviews on line to determine which subject matter most appeals to you.

Every play listed is popular and durable.

Have fun!

South Pacific is playing at Lincoln Center. This production is great with a large orchestra and has gotten better reviews than West Side Story. The current production of Chicago is not that good. It's almost like a staged revue with no real sets. Phantom is a classic. I'd also recommend "In the Heights" as something more modern. You can find discounts for most of these on the left column of broadwaybox.com If the currently posted discounts don't cover your travel dates, they are usually extended.

Either one of your three or 'South Pacific.'

We recently saw "In The Heights" and would highly recommend. The show is very current and vibrant....especially if you're looking for a musical

Thank you all!! Very very much!!!!

This was really helpful!

"American Idiot" just got a great review in the Times.

http://theater.nytimes.com/2010/04/2...20idiot&st=cse

We just saw Million Dollar Quartet and thoroughly enjoued it!

I agree. It's not a "classic" but it was my favorite show during my last trip to NYC -

http://www.milliondollarquartetlive.com/

My favorites from the above list -
Wicked
South Pacific
West Side Story
In the Heights
Lion King
Mamma Mia/Chicago/Phantom

I August Osage County still playing? That's my all time favorite.

I think I would see Wicked and South Pacific. Skip Lion King. I know people love it but I found the story dreadful and the show slow, though the costuming which makes the show is fantastic. But don't go just to see the costuming. I would skip Phantom of the Opera as well.

You might consider Avenue Q which has moved off-Broadway. It's contemporary and still a great story. I haven't seen In the Heights to make any comments about it.

If you are into 60s/hippie nostalgia, Hair would be a fun choice. For the big extravaganza production, Phantom of the Opera would fill that bill. Based on reviews, South Pacific would be a good classic revival option. For a more unique musical experience, Lion King is one of a kind, and a great show. For 'popular' with the crowds, Wicked has been selling out for years now.

I've seen all but South Pacific, of those I mentioned and they were all great. I've seen Chicago also, but don't think it's in the same category as the others. As far as the newer musicals, I have heard good things about In the Heights, Fela, Billy Elliot and Jersey Boys. I'm not a big Abba fan so Mamma Mia never really appealed to me but is very popular with many.

My recommendations are South Pacific and In the Heights. I really liked Hair and Jersey Boys, too, as did family members who are about your age (These same family members greatly disliked Wicked, so I've never been interested in seeing it). Also, Avenue Q is really cute and has a special appeal for the Sesame Street generation.

I am in complete agreement with williamscb13 regarding Lion King. The first 10 minutes were great, but it was all downhill--waaaaay downhill after that.

If you've never seen Broadway, see 'South Pacific.' It's perfect in every way and very few productions these days have the fantastic full orchestra that it has.

I agree with cpg. The production at Lincoln Center was so perfect, I gave away my tickets "at home" because I was afraid I would disappointed by anything less. I agree it is "perfect in every way".

For a first Broadway show, I think I'd recommend something with the most flash and splash.....and to me, that means Phantom of the Opera. No, it's not my favorite show, but considering it would be the OP's first Broadway show, I would recommend something that is sure to dazzle. And, Phantom fills that bill.
Otherwise, as the responses have shown, there are a lot of good shows currently playing on Broadway. And, as this thread has illustrated, if you ask 10 Fodorites for their recommendations, you'll get 10 different recommendations.

We also found Lion King boring. Would recommend Wicked, Mama Mia, Phantom, South Pacific, Jersey boys.

Saw 'South Pacific' recently with dh for the second time (mine) and I was redazzled.

I loved In the Heights (hubby did not), Wicked, Jersey Boys, Mama Mia, Avenue Q. My favorite was Wicked. I laughed and I cried.

Folks, I'm here to tell you so hear me now and listen to me later. GO SEE MEMPHIS!!!!!! For some reason this snuck in under the radar behind all those others you listed, which are certainly good. However, trust me when I say if you like musicals and a good story you won't be disappointed. For a taste download the Huey & Company version of Memphis lives in me to your iPod. For that matter, just download the entire musical for $11.99 where the cast cut it in the studio.