fun4all4

Hi all,

We are looking to choose 2-3 shows to see in NYC over the next year. We travel to the area regularly to see family and have a hankering to see a few productions, but not sure what to choose. I've looked briefly at broadwaybox and at a few threads, but am not that up on things.

We have 2 sons - currently 14 and 17 (freshman and senior in high school). The older one doesn't care for theatre that much and will likely join us for maybe only one show at some point. The younger one LOVES shows of all kinds - in fact, it is his interest that sort of got me moving on this and we plan to give him some tickets as his big holiday gift this year. Will likely go to one show on Dec. 26th (I understand I will probably need to buy premium for that date), then one in June and one in Sept/Oct.

The kids are fairly sophisticated (in the sense that they are not that sheltered so except for some extremely mature shows, most themes, language are ok). Things we have seen.... Lion King, Les Mis, Phantom, Stomp, Spamalot, and Blue Man. Have also been to local productions of Grease, Guys and Dolls and South Pacific so would rather see something else. DH and I have been to Mama Mia.

Wicked is an absolute must so that will be one of the shows (should i use that as the one without DH or keep that for his first choice?). Others I am considering, but really need advice and help prioritizing.... Billy Elliott, All My Sons, 39 Steps, Jersey Boys, Altar Boyz, others??? Ave Q may be best for older? Spring Awakening looks interesting - is it closing?

Anyway, would love help choosing - probably between Billy Elliott OR Jersey Boys AND between 39 Steps, All My Sons and Altar Boyz?? OR others?

Thanks!!

mclaurie

Billy Eliot and Jersey Boys. Wicked is very popular but more for girls I think. Ave Q pretty adult but a lot of fun. If they've never been to the Radio City Xmas Spect., that's a must and a good option for Dec. 26.

fun4all4

Thanks! Yes, I know most would think it is more for girls (and is why I am only bringing the 15 yo as the the other guys in the family are not that interested), BUT he and a couple of friends (one other boy and several girls) have completely memorized the soundtrack to Wicked and he loves it. Two of his friends have been and rave about it so it is his very first choice for a show.

And, while we will likely take them at some point to Radio City MH as it is one of those "musts" which I remember loving from my childhood, we don't celebrate Christmas so would prefer a non-Christmas show.

So, how do we choose between Jersey Boys and Billy Elliott? OR, at the very least, which do we pick first?

Centralparkgirl

I've seen Jersey Boys and will see Billy Elliot next week, but if I had to decide today, I would choose Billy Elliot - the reviews are great. I have two sons and don't think they would really appreciate two hours of Four Seasons music. You know your kids best. From what you write about younger ds, he will love Wicked.

What about West Side Story for June or Sept? ds saw the film for the first time recently and loved it. The show promises to be a little darker with more tension between the two gangs - the music of Bernstein, lyrics of Sondheim and choreography of Robbins can't be beat. It hasn't opened yet, so no reviews. IMO, if your kids become familiar with the music, they will love it.

mclaurie

What about seat availability and ticket price for starters?

sf7307

We saw Wicked with a "mixed group" (3 women, ages 21, 23 and 57, and two men, ages 24 and 57) and everyone liked it (for what it's worth, we liked the story, the sets, the acting, the costumes and the direction more than we liked the music, which we found good but not memorable).

I'm dying to see Billy Elliot so can't comment on that, but Jersey Boys was so good I'm looking forward to seeing it again sometime.

maryanntex

I think your whole family would love "In the Heights." It was great! I loved it, and my adult kids loved it. It is #1 on my list of recommendations.

I loved "Jersey Boys," as did my kids. Also I liked Altar Boyz. Also "Avenue Q," and I didn't think it was all that "adult." I would have taken my kids as teenagers to see it.

The current production of "South Pacific" amazing, and I would recommend it, too.

mp

If your guys like Spamalot, they most probably will like Avenue Q. Also, you might want to check out tickets for the limited run, one man show Will Ferrell is doing (as George Bush) called "You're Welcome, America". My 14 year old loves Will Ferrell, and tix for that are his big holiday present.

fun4all4

Thanks for all the great input! There are so many awesome choices, it is hard to settle on just a couple.

cpg - Westside Story is about to open at National Theatre in DC for a pre-run. Hoping to get to it, but if not, then I will add to the list for NY.

maryann - thanks for the In The Heights tip as it looks like a great option that I have added to our choices.

Yesterday I did take the plunge on Wicked tickets for December 26th. Yikes, it was a splurge, but I know he will be thrilled. I am really looking forward to a special mother-son day. I probably won't make any other ticket purchases or final choices on the others till after the New Year. Thanks again!

skatedancer

Maybe Shrek. Just saw it with a group of high school kids and they all really enjoyed it. Might be fun for your older one to see the movie translated onto the stage, and it contains enough adult humor to keep him happy!

Agree you should reconsider South Pacific for you and younger DS. Such a beautiful production!! Not sure if getting tickets is even possible, though.

wouldn't put Altar Boyz high on your list.

I, too, am dying to see Billy Elliott!!

In the Heights a good choice, and yes, Spring Awakening is closing, but it is going on tour (or maybe already on tour).

TarheelsInNj

Jersey Boys is one of my favorites, but it is currently on tour- are you near a larger city? If so, you might want to choose something (like Billy Elliot or Shrek) that's not touring quite yet. The touring production is excellent!

fun4all4

Thanks again. Shrek looks fun.

We live about 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 hours from DC so do go in for shows at places like Kennedy Center and National Theatre.

Happy Holidays.

panecott

I can't imagine any local production of South Pacific comparing with the one that's currently at Lincoln Center.
It's superb.

I'd also recommend Jersey Boys over the competition.

janiekins

Saw Jersey Boys in NYC last month with hubby and we LOVED it!

Took my teenage son last year (he was 17) to see Avenue Q. We had a great time!

Citylghts

You may also want to keep tabs on www.playbill.com. It has up-to-date info on shows and if you register for their (free) club, you can receive show and restaurant discount info.

Centralparkgirl

We saw Billy Elliot last night - can't imagine teenagers not loving it.

sf7307

CP, I'm so jealous - was it fantastic? Did you DH go with you (I'm hoping that means he's feeling well?)

sf7307

Ooops....feeling good (not well)?

djkbooks

Spring Awakening is closing January 18th. Tickets through January 11th are nearly 50% off (except Saturday nights). See www.playbill.com or www.broadwayoffers.com with code SAPBX88

tambennett

djkbooks- Is that discount good through Jan 11th on all shows except Saturday? My daughter is dying to see this play! We will be in NYC Dec26-31! Thanks!