We already have tickets for Chicago and have time to go to one more. I've seen a lot of positive comments about Proof and Contact. If you had to choose between the two, which would you pick? Also, does anybody know if there are any grocery/convenience type stores in the Times Square area? We usually like to get snacks, soft drinks,etc. to keep in our hotel room.

That's not an easy decision or recommendation. Both are excellent show, but they are totally different. Contact is a wonderful concept dance show with some wonderully talented dancers, recommended only if you like dancing. Proof is an outstanding, well crafted drama with some excellent performances. It all depends on what you are in the mood for. It's a win/win (or can't lose) situation!
There might be some small grocery/convenience stores right in Times Square that I just don't recall, but if you walk over to 8th or 9th Avenue you'll find them. Exactly where are you staying?

I too loved both shows and agree they are of different species. I disagree that you have to really love dance to love Contact. My companion was blown away by Contact, and he's not a big dance person. It is stories told very effectively through dance. In your situation, unless you reallyy prefer musicals to straight plays, I'd choose Proof. It'll be a bigger contrast with Chicago (which naturally has some great dancing), and while the musicals can tour and replace actors on Broadway without losing much, I'd go for the opportunity to see Mary Louise Parker blow Proof right out of the stadium, so to speak--and the other performances are top-notch as well. As Howard says, you can't go wrong either way, though. These are my two favorite shows from the past few years, hands down (and yes, I've seen the Producers).

For groceries, walk to 9th Ave; there are many food stores there.

Caitlin, hold on to your companion. He sounds like a good catch! I make my comment about Contact and those who like dancing only because of reactions from acquaitances of ours who didn't like the show because they weren't fans of dancing. I'll stick with my caveat, But, hey, Caitlin, you're still okay in my book!

I agree with the previous posters that they are both great shows, but vastly different. Proof is extremely well written and Mary Louise Parker's performance is one of the finest I've seen in years. Contact is a big favorite of mine--I would have stayed for an encore performance if they'd had one. So...you really can't go wrong! There are plenty of deli/convenience stores on all the side streets near Times Square and, as mentioned, tons of food stores on 9th.

Howard, my companion (to almost all the shows I see) is indeed a great catch, whom I've held onto for ten years now, and plan to for many more. He and I also agreed that the Producers was overrated and underwhelming (which is not to say we didn't enjoy the show--it just didn't live up to the hype). Hving heard that, am I still okay in your book?

Caitlin, you're still okay in my book, even though we disagree on The Producers! Hey, we agree on just about all the other shows! (However, I wouldn't call The Full Monty "risque"!)

Well, maybe not risque, but R-ratee just because there's a lot of "language" or the four-letter variety and plenty of innuendo. A rather staid relative wasn't actually offended, but I think shocked is the right word. If you've seen the film, you know what to expect, but he had not.