We've seen Phantom, Stomp, 42nd Str. , Cabaret and Fossee. Anyone know a way (besides scalpers-I refuse!)to see Lion King ,Producers or Mama Mia? Other recommendations welcome. Thank you.

All shows have cancellation lines that form around 6:00pm at the box office. You may also be able to buy extra tickets that someone has. Another couple was afraid to travel with us to New York last weekend, so we sold their 2 tickets to Mamma Mia in front of the theater for face value. Sometimes single tickets are available at the box office. Don't be reluctant to split up and buy 2 single tickets. If it's a choice to see the Producers that way or not see it... go for single tickets.

We saw Urinetown last weekend, too. It is hilarious. It will certainly be nominated for best musical this spring and probably win it. Don't let the title put you off. It's all part of the spoof.

I HIGHLY recommend "Contact" although it's not a traditional musical (it's really dance). Also, if you have any interest in non-musicals, "Proof" is great. "Lion King," "Producers," and "Mamma Mia" are all terrific; standing in line for cancellations are your best bet.

I'd add Chicago and The Full Monty to the recommended listing, along with Proof and Contact.
One correction to an above comment. If you want a chance at getting tickets for The Producers, you better get in line well before 6 p.m. for a cancellation! That line starts forming in the morning!

If you want to see a very funny show, try Noises Off, which is in previews now and opens next week. It is fall- off-your-chair funny and has a great cast, including Patti LuPone, Faith Prince and Peter Gallagher.

What would be a good matinee ll/24 show
to see with two 16 year-olds. We would
like to see a funny musical.
Thanks!

Consider Urinetown. It's hillarious and it's a musical. Very original. Despite the title, I don't think you would find it offensive for 16 year olds. You won't be able to get tickets for the Producers or Mamma Mia, so this would be my third choice after those two.

Blue Man Group at the Astor Theater... especially with 16 year olds!!

Yes see Urinetown,don't see Thou shalt Not or the play with Hellen Mirren,can't recall it's name, since it's surpressed from my memory.

The play with Helen Mirren is called Strindberg's Dance of Death, which also stars Ian McKellan. And, I'll offer an opposing view and say, if you're a lover of the theater, then don't miss this chance to see great acting by two pros. I will admit, however, that it won't be to everyone's liking (which is already obvious from this thread!).

I know this is crazy but have you tried Ticketmaster or Telecharge? You wont get to see the Producers/Mama Mia without paying a scalper.
The best way to see Lion King or Aida on short notice is to call ticketmaster/telecharge and get single tickets. You dont sit together but sometimes get great seat.
I loved Rent but its not for everyone. I also like Blue Man group, it was very different. Both have tickets available for this weekend on Ticketmaster (I checked)I have never seen Beauty and the Beast but heard it was great.
Some other greats are Full Monty, Les Mis (I loved it) Chicago and Annie Get your Gun.

I suggest calling the ticket outlets with a list and find out whats available.

ticketmaster page to find your local numbers http://www.ticketmaster.com/h/customer_serve.html
and I couldnt find telecharge off-line number.

Good Luck
JK

I also liked Contact and you can probably get discount tickets to it. The TKTS booth usually has it but you may be able to get twofer coupons (available at The visitor and convention bureau on Columbus circle). They generally offer discounts from 25-50%. they can be used at the theater box office (no long lines involved like the TKTS booth). also check playbill.com.

has anyone seen (or have comments on) 'The Tale of the Allergist's Wife' with Valerie Harper? Thanks . . .

Saw Tale of the Allergist's Wife with Linda Lavin, in a brilliant performance. It is a very funny and clever play and I suppose Valerie Harper would be very good, hopefully trying to nearly copy Miss Lavin's performance. Perhaps she is the one to come fairly close to it.

marj and others--the tourism office that used to be at Columbus circle(now called
" NYC & Co.") long ago moved to 53rd and 7th avenue--see detailed info at their website www.nycvisit.com. Lots of info online, and lots of great info at their storefront office (including the theatre discount tickets you mentioned)

I also saw Tale of the Allergists' Wife -- with Valerie Harper. I liked it, but my husband did not. He thought it was too NY-centric.

Whatever you do, don't buy the partial view tickets for this show from TKTS. We got them on the description that we wouldn't be able to see the actors entering and leaving the scene, but would see everything else. The view was very obstructed -- we saw very little of the action. It definitely wasn't worth the effort.