I'm back for more abuse. I've received so many emails at [email protected] that I decided to respond here. For those of you who are looking for one or two shows to attend this holiday season, my choices are such. You've probably already seen some of these.

Lion King - If you have kids its a must. Very hard to get tickets. For adults though, I would say you could be a little bored. I was yawning at times.

Dame Edna - The most popular show in town nowadays. Cute, but not mind blowing by any stretch of the imagination. The audience was howling but I laughed out loud only 6 times.

Chicago - If you like middling choreography and a decent score, this could be your ticket. I found it very boring and inconsequential. Im not necessarily of the opinion that a stupid Bway show is supposed to change your life, but this one didn't even change my mind.....while I was there. I know about 20 people who went and they all had the same reaction, "Yeah we liked it ...but there's a lot better"

Beauty and the Beast - Believe it or not, even as an adult its more interesting to see than Chicago. I actually think its slightly more entertaining at the Lion King, but when I saw Lion, I had just drunk 7 fingers of the meanest hooch in town so I was a little loopy.

Ragtime - Very underrated show. Reviews were mixed but I found it to be quite good and moving. I saw it 3 times with Audra McDonald (3 time Tony winner) but I assume it still provides a good yarn

Miss Saigon - It's like Watching Regis and Kathie Lee. You don't tune in to see it (at least I don't) but if you find it on the dial, you may stick around a while. If you get free tickets (or easy tix) go. Otherwise, pick another. Remember it's not about if its better than staying in your hotel room picking your nose. It's about enjoying the most out of a show with the same amount of damage to your wallet.

Rent - Awesome. I would assume some of the more geriatric set MAY find this a little inaccessible. Even I (30 yrs old) was not very impressed about 40 minutes into the show but it gets so much better. Here's a BIG HINT. If you have the dough, buy the CD before you attend. Don't necessarily pay attention to the lyrics, but just pop it in and listen to the tunes and familiarize yourself with them. I promise you'll enjoy the show twice as much.

Les Miserables - Same advice about buying the CD early. This show is my favorite. Ive seen it 9 times in 4 countries. First, you start out with one of the best novels of all time and add an unbelievably lyrical (esp for Bway) score and you have magic. Must see, but buy the CD first!

Footloose, Jekyll and Hyde, Saturday Night Fever - All like public access television. Hey, we know you're trying but I don't have to watch this. At least public access is free.

Off-Broadway Show Pick - Stomp. If you don't like a lot of noise, this show will come close to killing you. If you don't mind, you will be shocked at how contagious the show is and how much fun you'll have.

Good luck all. Any questions. Email me at [email protected] and Ill help

Welcome back from your brief departure, Sam. While I'm not really a fan of musicals, I sure am a fan of your hold-no-punches posts.

If your intent is to provoke, rile and irritate (and I think it is, at least partially), then you've probably succeeded.
That said, onto your mini-critiques.
While agreeing with you on some (you're right on the mark with Ragtime and Les Miz), I strongly disagree with your comments on Chicago, which we found to be oustanding--and just as entertaining the third time as it was the first.
You've also neglected to mention four of Broadway's best (in alphabetical order): Cabaret, Fosse, It Ain't Nothin' But the Blues and Kiss Me Kate.
I also must mention Contact, the new concept dance musical that's on a sold-out engagement at the small Mitzi Newhouse Theater in Lincoln Center, but will reopen mid-March at the larger Vivian Beaumont. It's a must-see for any lover of the musical theater.
And, finally, for the sake of accuracy: While growing in popularity, Dame Edna is not "the most popular show in town." That honor still goes to The Lion King, with other shows also more popular.
Now, Sam, if you respond, be polite!

As a former dancer who spent years trying to master a Fosse "walk", I, too, disagree with Sam's comments regarding Chicago. Middling choreography, indeed! Bob Fosse was nothing short of a genius when it came to dance, and Chicago is certainly proof of that. My husband and I thought it was one of the sexiest, outstanding shows that we have seen in a long time, and we have seen many.

Sam, I have to disagree on your comments regarding Chicago. I thought is was fantastic, however, I saw it with Bebe Neuwirth, Ann Reinking, Joel Grey, and the rest of the original revival cast. The dancing was amazing, and I loved the story. But I have to say, my husband hated it, and my parents thought it was OK. I think that Cabaret was a more powerful show and a must see. Agree with you on Les Miserables, I love this show, even though some people think it has run its course. I always see some type of symbolism in this show that I have never seen before, and the music is an experience amongst itself.

Add me to the list of those who strongly disagree about Chicago. I think it's a great, conceptual, lean brilliant American musical--less is so much more here. I found Ragtime too ponderous. In fact, similar to your comments on restaurants, I agree with about half of your comments and disagree with the other half. You spend lots of time giving opinions, but you make them sound as if they are facts. "Real truth"? I hope readers enjoy your subjectivity but don't regard it as any more than that. Calling opinion "real truth" is misleading to those who seek advice. But you do like to write! Is your website for profit or ego, altruism or a bit of all the above?

First off (since everyone else has an opinion) let me say that I have know problem with Sam's opinions or how he presents them. I wish everyone would relax a little!

To the theater - I have to agree with several of the above posts, I absolutely loved Chicago. The music is so upbeat and catchy, I bought the CD the next day, which I don't usually do. Some shows you have to work to get into, but this is pure entertainment!

On the other hand, I loved Rent, but I did have to work at it. The music is so diverse, it wasn't something you left the theater humming. I think I appreciated it more after I had the CD for about a year and had the opportunity to see the play again.

I also loved Cabaret, but I truly believed that Alan Cummings (the emcee) made the show. I just can't imagine it without him, so I have been hesitant to recommend it to anyone. Has anyone seen it since he left?

Saw a roadshow of Ragtime and couldn't get what the fuss was about. Had many non-theater fans tell me how much they loved it, but my husband and I were pretty bored!

Hello fair friends. I knew I'd get a lot of guff for my review of Chicago but I think it's a glorified Rockettes routine. The story line is not interesting and the music is not memorable. When was the last time you hummed something from Chicago? I would imagine about 5 minutes after you left and that was it. Most people from Iowa are going to love Chicago because you don't have 300 pound cretins on stage. For those who have a little more taste and sophistication, I say go somewhere else. The New York Times liked it, but I wanted more.

As for why I write, I would say its 80% to help people, 10% for ego, 5% to irritate people with below 80 IQ's (if you are confused who these people are just scroll up), 3% because I'm bored, and 2% because CHICAGO STINKS!!!

I chuckle when I read you fuddy-duddy farts cry out in shocked horror "How dare you say it's the truth like it's a fact or something!! It's just one man's opinion!!" Do you ijuts understand that's the point of the chatroom - people give their opinions. I will retype my diatribe against you nitwits who fail to understand this complicated theory.

As to other shows I've left out, my fingers were getting tired of clicking into the outer reaches of moronville. Against popular perception, I am not getting paid for this so I didn't feel in incumbent upon me to provide a review of every show.

When I said Dame Edna was the hottest ticket in town, it wasn't to imply that it was the hardest ticket but the show with the most buzz. Lion King is sold out until Lola turns 12, but there is no more buzz about it.

So all you nitwits getting your panties in a knot (some of you are guys I know but my suspicion is that you also like the cool undergarments of ladies) because my post starts with "The Real Truth", please, please...go down to your local bank, talk to the branch manager, secure yourself a small loan, and BUY YOURSELF A CLUE!!

I hope there are people who enjoy reading my posts and hope they are informative. I wish I could read such a thing about every city I'm about to visit. It would be a God-send (I'm sure you religious freaks will bash me on that one). Iowans, are you getting their knives sharpened?

Would anybody else like me to review anything else for them (my critics, an a reply of "your enormous ego" or "the new testament on humility" is not funny. If you want to be sarcastic, make it bite. I like it when it hurts)?

Shame on anyone who takes offense from Sam's verbal diarrhea.

Here's a tissue, Sam. You've got some on your cheek.

Hey Lori, can you still say you have no problems with Sam's opinions and how he presents them?
Folks, from now on let's just ignore Sam. That'd be the worst thing for Sam to experience--to be ignored!

Sam, it seems obvious that some percentage of why you critique, and why you critique the way you do, is anger.
You don't seem to do well when people disagree with your "real truth," which-- in real truth-- is just one opinion. Your last post showed what I suspected as I have been reading your comments: you are rather arrogant, and you don't like some of us (with high I.Q.s, thank you very much, despite your insults), making valid points, and debating you. This is not a one-man show, it's a wonderful forum, filled with interesting posters and individual, varied "opinions." Name calling and shouting on-line is juvenile: Can you bring it back to some civil discourse please? Oh, and musicals aren't all about hummable tunes--choreography, direction, the book, staging, scenery, costuming, lighting, acting are a big part of what make Chicago great. I'm going to see Kiss Me Kate, next. Variety: revivals, avant garde, old-fashioned, serious, hilarious, it's all a part of the New York mix, with something for everyone, and opinions from everyone, not just one....

Tony is nothing compared to this guy (those who frequent the Europe forum, such as Dave, will know what I mean). Maybe it wasn't the most friendly post I have ever read, but it was slightly entertaining. Sam, I am leaving for D.C. tomorrow. I haven't been in a while, so if your fingers are not still tired... Just kidding, of course.

Yes I am angry. Im angry at people who can't understand that 1 + 1 = 2 and that Tuesday follows Monday. I'm not on this board to make friends and share in goober talk. I want to help people who want to know the truth. That's it. Washington DC? You must, must go to the Vietnam Memorial and the Holocaust Museum. Let me know if you liked them

Everybody listen up here. You may not agree with Sam's opinion but I for one have found them to be extremely informative and helpful. Yes, he's probably a nut job but he is helping people. And his posts are the funniest things I've ever read on these forums. Please don't drive him away or else this site will revert back to attracting cobwebs. Message to Sam: Take it easy, dude. Some of these people are sensitive, but kudos to your reviews and sense of humor and thanks for all the great info.

After reading your posting about eight up, I see insults, not insight; humus, not humor, and yes, plenty of anger. The truth is you are the one who sounds moronic. Time for your nap, take a Prozac--and please go away. Your "fans" who find you funny can email you.

Dear Jon (No H?)

There is nothing in my reviews that are not heartfelt. I'm sorry I referred to you as a moron even before I read your moronic reply. I am trying to help people. But the content of my dinner, broadway and sightseeing reviews are like a sharp shooting dildo (they are bang-on accurate, my friend). If you want me to go away send me an email at [email protected] and I will talk to you there about it. Jon......I think I'm in love with you.

Sam,

Ignore that moron Jon. I've been reading this site off and on for about two years now and usually the posts are somewhat helpful but very boring. I just came back on today after not reading for a couple months and man you do like to write!! I like a man (are you a woman?) with a strong opinion who can state it boldly and with great humor. Don't let your detractors stop you from leaving this site. If you go to another site, let me know and I will follow you. You are a modern day Pied Piper of reviewers.

Unrequited, my friend.

Getting back to the theater...

Sam, you brought it up so, I happened to have listened to my Chicago CD this past weekend (and I hummed). It is ususally in my car CD changer and gets played about once a month. And this, a year and a half after I saw it in London. Plus, I just bought tickets to see the road company in Feb. I reiterate, it had great music, very catchy and I am still humming it a year and a half later, it made me laugh, was upbeat, and as a Fosse fan, I loved the choreography. Pure entertainment! It also inspired me to see more Fosse stuff, including renting "All that Jazz" which I hadn't seen in a long time. And I don't even live in Iowa (must be why I don't quite get Sam's barb about the 300 lb cretins).

I have always loved Les Mis, but didn't know if it was really that good or if I just have an emotional bond with it. It was the first real theater experience I have had as an adult, and I saw it in London on my honeymoon. It blew me away! I was watching the 10th Anniv. special on PBS the other night, and still get goosebumps hearing some of the songs. What incredibly powerful music!

Still wondering if anyone has an opinion on Cabaret, post-Alan Cummings.

By the way Sam, I would be happy to provide my IQ scores (since, as I am sure you know, different tests will give different results, leading generally to an IQ range), but I have always been so bored with people who are impressed by that, and don't see me for what I really am, a wanna-be broadway dancer, maybe even a rockette.