I'm planning a weekend in February with some friends and trying to decide on a play or plays to see while we're there. What has anybody seen recently either on or off Broadway that they've loved? Less interested in musicals, but open to discussing the idea.

I haven't seen but a few of my friends (who are theater enthusiasts) couldn't say enough about 12 angry men. They highly recommend it. ALso Doubt which is currently off-b'way but moving to b'way got excellent reviews. CHeck theater reviews on NYtimes.com.

www,playbill.com
www.ibdb.com

www.playbill.com
www.ibdb.com

I'm dying to see Jewtopia. www.jewtopiaplay.com
My friend from NYC just saw it and she loved it.

The last show I saw in NYC was a musical, Movin' Out. It was really good. Especially if you like Billy Joel. I also liked Mamma Mia (if you like Abba); and The Producers. These are all musicals though...but really good ones.

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I'll put Twelve Angry Men, Doubt, and Jewtopia on the table for discussion. I don't think Abba or Billy Joel would go over too well, but the Producers is a possibility. Any other ideas?

12 Angry Men w/Philip Bisco is a
good Drama choice.
The Foreigner w/M. Broderick &
Frances Sternhagen is supposed to close 1-16. I hope the run is extended as it is quite good.
Am getting tickets to the English play,
The Rivals @ Lincoln Center which
appeals to those of us w/a Ms Malaprop moniker.

In general, I shun musicals so did not like Pacific Overtures. However
La Cage Aux Folles is getting good
response.

For non-musicals, you have these choices on Broadway:
*The aforementioned 12 Angry Men.
*Gem of the Ocean, the latest by August Wilson, starring Felicia Rashad.
*Democracy, starring James Naughton and Richard Thomas (only for the "serious" theatergoer).
*The aforementioned revival of The Rivals at Lincoln Center.
And, off-Broadway (but still in midtown at West 55th) is the aforementioned Doubt. However, a move to a Broadway theater has been announced, so I'm not sure if it'll be playing when you're here.
As for musicals, there are about 20 to choose. Where do your tastes lie?

It's not just my tastes that have to be considered, there's a group of us, all pretty contentious types. There is a general slight preference for newer plays over revivals. We enjoy chewing over the substance of a play after seeing it. For this group, most musicals are probably out, although I might consider La Cage or The Producers. I do like August Wilson, and I missed Gem of the Ocean when it was in Boston, but the reviews I've read don't necessarily grab me. For that matter, the Times review of Twelve Angry Men didn't grab me either.

I'll suggest The Rivals, although I suspect that will be popular with one of my friends and not with the other. The Foreigner might be an option. I've heard good things about Democracy, and I enjoyed Copenhagen (while my kids entertained themselves counting those in the audience who had fallen asleep). I'm just wondering if the subject matter is too inaccessible for those of us with limited knowledge of German history.

Last year this same group loved Anna in the Tropics and enjoyed I Am My Own Wife.

Happy to hear everybody's experiences and recommendations. Thanks to all.

Oops, just noticed my mistake in the original post. The weekend we are planning is in January, not February, so The Foreigner should still be around.

Nikki

IF you decide to go w/12 Angry...
or the Foreigner...
go to www.roundabouttheatre.org
for more info. (they have 3 venues)
I love the new small (downstairs)
theatre where the Foreigner is
staged.

Democracy, like Copenhagen, is an acquired taste. If you like the former, you'll probably like the latter.
I believe The Foreigner is all sold out.

You might like "Modern Orthodox". Although one of the main actors (Jason Bigg) could have been a little more believable, but I liked it.

"... for newer plays over revivals. We enjoy chewing over the substance of a play after seeing it...most musicals are probably out, although I might consider La Cage or The Producers."

Based on this input, I'd see Avenue Q or Wicked since neither is a revival and there's enough to chew over. No one has mentioned Billy Crystal's 700 Sundays.

http://www.theatermania.com/content/news.cfm/story/5414

Brooklyn Boy (not to be confused with Brooklyn the musical) opens Jan 13 for previews with Adam Arkin and Polly Draper (Flo). Finally, off Broadway, Kirsten Johnston recently opened in the Baltimore Waltz. Here's a review.

http://www.theatermania.com/content/news.cfm/story/5415

Billy Crystal is sold out for the entire run, except for 'premium seats' going for upwards over $200 per seat--if you can get one for the date of your choice.

Thanks for all the suggestions, we have plenty to argue about now!

I was there last week, saw Fiddler, La Cage, Hairspray and Cookin. All excellent and none at full price.