One show, just one show
 

Mr Toast and I will be taking a quick trip to NYC in July, and I've budgeted for one show. I absolutely love musicals, but would also be open to a good comedy. Mr. Toast's favorite show is AVENUE Q. He has not been as interested in more slapstick-y, like NOISES OFF. Bring on the snark. For that reason, I'm leaning towards BOOK OF MORMON, but I'd appreciate any other suggestions.

Personally, and I know I'm in the minority, I hated Book of Mormon. I did not find it funny, I thought the attempts at humor were offensive, and I wanted to walk out. I kept thinking it has to get better because so many people raved about it. I'm sorry I did not follow my instincts and bail. I'm no prude, I listen to Howard Stern (though I do turn him off when he reverts to junior high school bathroom humor), but I did not find ANY redeeming qualities in this play.

I saw a fabulous show recently, a musical, that was both funny and touching, called Come From Away. I HIGHLY recommend that one if you can get tickets. I have not seen Avenue Q or Noises Off.

If you like South Park you know what Book of Mormon is like. We love,it,but for one show,only,Come From Away. I've seen it twice and would go,back again if I,could. Google it .....

So Come from Away is the absolute opposite of what you are looking for, regardless of how good it is. I think Book of Mormon fits your interests well. If you are interested in something newer, then Groundhog Day. But any of the three is a very worthy night at the theater, so from my point of view you can't go wrong regardless.

I'm with dek about BOM.
Watching the Tonys this week made me want to see Come From Away and Comet.

Thank you, Doug! Yes, I've read reviews and Come from Away seems wonderful for me, but may be a hard sell for Mr. Toast. He LOVES South Park, so I'm thinking BOM is our best bet. GROUNDHOG DAY is definitely a possibility.

If anyone else has suggestions for shows that are FUNNY, let me know.

I'm IN New York as I write this. Saw one show last night with two to go including "Comet." I'm hesitant to rec anything since your definition of "comedy" might be different than my own.

I've seen "Mormon" and yes, it is funny in many ways. Saw WarPaint last night which is also "funny" in a way, too (but with different voices than Mormon, obviously).

Have you BOUGHT tickets yet or are you planning to wait?

I hope you have a great time and the show you pick is wonderful.

I also agree that Book of Mormon is the show for your husband. If that's what you decide on, get tickets NOW, as the show is still selling out.

If your husband loves South Park, he will adore BOM. We did. I think all the people who walked out missed the uplifting and spiritually positive ending. Plus, the music is great.

Ditto what NewbE said. And butteredtoast, if you like musical theater, you will particularly appreciate how often BOM references classic musicals.

<i>Personally, and I know I'm in the minority, I hated Book of Mormon.</i>

I see a lot of theater, and I have never been more disappointed in any theatrical event than in Book of Mormon. It's popularity is worrisome. I agree with dec315 for al the reasons stated.

HTtY

Not to demean the anti-Book of Mormon folks, but if Avenue Q is the OP husband's favorite show, then he will love Book of Mormon! (For the record, I loved both Book of Mormon and Avenue Q!)

Well, the vast majority of theater critics--professional ones, that is--found BOM to be outstanding, so the question is not "popularity", which is basically a snob's way of saying only hoi polloi liked it. Ben Brantley called it the best musical of the century so far when it opened.

So I wouldn't place too much stock in the negative opinions expressed here.

(Making popcorn and preparing for the "I don't look to critics to form my (superior) opinions, lol.)

Brantley's rapturous review:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/25/th...er-review.html