For shows, agree that Avenue Q is (relatively) light and very, very funny and naughty. You can also often get discounts at TKTS.

Rent is terrific, as is Spring Awakening. They are both definitely on the heavy (and adult) side.

Wicked and Jersey Boys are both great, but it might be too late to get tickets. If you can get them, though, these two are my favorites (I'm in my 20's.)

Also, check broadwaybox.com for discounts as your trip nears if you don't want to pay full price for tickets.

Regarding Hotels: have you checked into the Affinia properties? I've heard great things about most of them. I loved the Affinia Dumont when I was there in July. Also, I know that the Millennium Hilton and Marriott Financial Center often have good rates. These are both in lower Manhattan, but are nice hotels for the price, so it's a trade-off (location v. cost.)

Anyways, have a fantastic time!!

bethke14-thanks for the rundown on shows, it's much apprecaited! affinia is a little out of our price range for the dates we're looking at, but they do look intriguing...

jakesgirl, look at my other post, regarding a Travelzoo promo on the Hotel Mela. I don't know anything about the hotel, but the deal seems great.

For shows, I generally go to TKTS in Times Square, which sells same day reduced price tickets for shows. You won't get sell out shows, but you generally can get something good. The price is right!

dmlove, will do. and faux, i like the way you think

You can always get something good at TKTS. I remember getting tickets to "Miss Saigon" there once. Of course, it had been playing for awhile.

No sense wasting money. After a time every show has been around awhile and shows up at TKTS.

good deal. can't wait to see what we end up with