I have tickets to Chicago on the 25th, I am really excited, it is my first show too. Hope it works out well for you!! By the way did others like Chicago, love the movie, looking forward to it.

42nd Street at the top of the list. Then you can consider Gypsy, Hairspray or Phantom for the second musical. Personally, I would take whatever I could get the best seats for. It makes a huge difference if you are 'at one' with the performance and not up in the rafters. The Play What I Wrote is a slapstick British Comedy. You either love it or hate it. The George Burns thing is a one man show. Haven't seen it. But, if your husband wants comedy, don't rule out Avenue Q. It is an adult puppet show that is so hysterically funny and terrific, that they are moving it from off-broadway to broadway.

This is your definitive answer!

1) If you want the biggest musical on Broadway, see 42nd Street. I, personally, did not enjoy it all that much; BUT, I was tired and up in the rafters. So, word of caution - do NOT sit in the rafters. The theatre is fairly large. I felt as though I wasn't in on the action. The $30 ticket price for the balcony is tempting (it is why we opted for it), but not worth it! Buy the $100 tickets and sit in the orchestra. However, I wouldn't sit too close. It is a "big" musical and best viewed from about 7 to 10 rows back.

2) Forget TMM. Go see HAIRSPRAY! I have been to NYC quite a few times now (I LOVE it there) and have been to many of the current shows playing. Hairspray has more energy and heart than any show out there. It is BY FAR the best muscial I've been to (yes, better than The Producers - why has no one recommended this one?). AND, since you will bet there in July, you'll catch the current (and original) cast. Harvey Firestein is AMAZING along with the rest of the cast. There is not one weak member. They all give stand-out performances. It will be your last chance to see them - the contrats expire in August and, as I understand it, many might be leaving. TMM does not compare to Hairspray as far as music and dancing go. Also, TMM and 42nd Street are fairly similar - they are both old-timey musicals; they are both about a girl heading to NYC; they both have very similar music; and they both have similar comedy. Since you're already going to see 42nd Street (or at least it is what you are leaning towards), you should, I think, see something a little different (that would be HAIRSPRAY).

However, when it comes right down to it, you should see the shows YOU want to see. I just think you would be making a mistake missing Hairspray.

PS - My brother (an Eminem loving, bling bling wearing wanna-be rapper) absolutely hates musicals; but, at intermission, he turned to me with a huge grin on his face and said: "Man! This is f****ng awesome!". on top of that, on the way back to our hotel, he was singing and dancing to "You Can't Stop the Beat"! Just thought I'd share.

IMO, Phantom of the Opera is synonymous with Broadway. Phantom IS Broadway.

Second choice: 42nd St.

Hairspray and Producers are clever and excellent but only after the others.

We loved 42nd Street, especially the way it bursts off the stage with powerful songs and tap. 42nd Street is a show about Broadway on Broadway and you will coming out of it loving Broadway like me.

Okay a rapper enjoying a Broadway musical has totally convinced me to see Hairspray over TMM. I appreciate your comments jan80 and the other posters that have piped in. I'm going to purchase Hairspray and 42nd Street right away. This is such a good forum!