Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > United States
Reload this Page >

What is your favorite New Broadway Show ? Hmmm?

Search

What is your favorite New Broadway Show ? Hmmm?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 22nd, 2006 | 10:54 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 359
Likes: 0
What is your favorite New Broadway Show ? Hmmm?

Hi
Just curious, what was your favorite Broadway Show that has opened in 2005-2006 only and is still running. I always read the same good ones, thought it would be nice to see what the last year has brought us.

Thanks!!
Momof5 is offline  
Old Feb 22nd, 2006 | 12:20 PM
  #2  
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 0
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
enjoylife is offline  
Old Feb 22nd, 2006 | 12:49 PM
  #3  
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,305
Likes: 0
The revival of Sweeney Todd.
(PS: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels opened last season.)
HowardR is offline  
Old Feb 22nd, 2006 | 12:51 PM
  #4  
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 17,226
Likes: 0
Wicked. I know, HowardR, you didn't like it.

It is still the busiest and highest grossing show on Broadway.
starrsville is offline  
Old Feb 22nd, 2006 | 12:53 PM
  #5  
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,305
Likes: 0
You're correct on both counts, Starrsville, but the OP asked for shows that opened this season....and Wicked is currently in its third season.
HowardR is offline  
Old Feb 22nd, 2006 | 12:54 PM
  #6  
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 460
Likes: 0
I loved Color Purple.
hellokittie is offline  
Old Feb 22nd, 2006 | 03:24 PM
  #7  
Original Poster
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 359
Likes: 0
I love all the feedback and thank you HowardR when I read Wicked I was like ....huh? Keep the answers coming in.

Thanks for your time.
Momof5 is offline  
Old Feb 22nd, 2006 | 04:07 PM
  #8  
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,181
Likes: 0
Open and closed, unfortunately, but definitely the best . . . The Pillow Man.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels . . . very enjoyable.

"Old news" Wicked . . . no thanks.
Gekko is offline  
Old Feb 23rd, 2006 | 04:09 AM
  #9  
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,305
Likes: 0
"Favorite" obviously is a subjective term.
If you're looking for the "most popular," then it's Jersey Boys and The Color Purple for musicals and the The Odd Couple for non-musicals.
HowardR is offline  
Old Feb 23rd, 2006 | 05:17 AM
  #10  
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,485
Likes: 0
Gotta' agree with Howard -- I loved Sweeney Todd.
lisettemac is offline  
Old Feb 23rd, 2006 | 05:22 AM
  #11  
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 519
Likes: 0
I have to agree with Pillowman... it was amazing. Doubt is also really good, and Sweeney Todd is one of the most original things I've seen in a while.
Jean_Valjean is offline  
Old Feb 23rd, 2006 | 10:28 AM
  #12  
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 989
Likes: 0
I definitely have to say Jersey Boys. It truly was one of the most entertaining nights I've had at the theatre in a long time, and is very well done. I had my doubts going in, but it exceeded them all.

Though Sweeney Todd is not my personal favorite show, I definitely think the new revival is worth seeing, especially if you like Sondheim or Sweeney (or experimental theatre).
TarheelsInNj is offline  
Old Feb 23rd, 2006 | 10:55 AM
  #13  
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 989
Likes: 0
HowardR, I'm curious about your above post that considers Color Purple one of the most popular of the season. I'm wondering what makes you say that...though I've heard favorable buzz about it (and enjoyed it myself), I've been surprised to see it listed at the TKTS booth frequently.

Of course, it is in one of the largest theatres, and therefore has many more tickets to sell.
TarheelsInNj is offline  
Old Feb 23rd, 2006 | 03:01 PM
  #14  
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,305
Likes: 0
Actually, TarheelsInNJ, your query is a valid one. Keep in mind that Jersey Boys and The Color Purple almost win by default since there are not that many shows that opened during the current (2005-2006) season that are still around. According to the Playbill website, The Color Purple hit 90% capacity last week! So, it's doing okay, not great, by okay.
In the overall picture, The Color Purple is not doing as well as Jersey Boys and is a doubtful candidate for earning back its investment and making money.
(Keep in mind that several of the shows mentioned on this website--Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Pillowman and Doubt, for example--actually opened last season. And, the OP asked about this season's shows.)
HowardR is offline  
Old Feb 23rd, 2006 | 03:50 PM
  #15  
Original Poster
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 359
Likes: 0
Great information. I purchased tickets to Jersey Boys. But I thought my second (and final) show would be Spamalot but know I am rethinking my choice. I thought without John Lithgow it would not be as good, but maybe it is?? Love the feedback and HowardR's experience.
Momof5 is offline  
Old Feb 23rd, 2006 | 03:52 PM
  #16  
Original Poster
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 359
Likes: 0
Sorry i forgot DRS opened last season geez I sound like a hick from out west, oh yah I am. Sweeney Todd does sound interesting, what is it like? It looks kinda crazy on Broadway.com.
Momof5 is offline  
Old Feb 23rd, 2006 | 04:50 PM
  #17  
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,305
Likes: 0
Momof5, as for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Jonathan Pryce, Lithgow's replacement, is a very talented performer. I haven't heard anything about his performance in the show, but he certainly has an outstanding theatrical pedigree and richly deserved his Tony Award for Miss Saigon a few years ago. Also remember that the original co-star, Norbert Leo Butz,who won last year's Tony for his performance, is still in it and he is wonderful!
Now for Sweeney Todd. Admittedly, it's not a show for everyone. Simply put (perhaps too simply put!), it's the story of barber who achieves revenge by slashing the throats of a few individuals. Wait, don't react with horror and shock. It's not as bloody and grotesque as it sounds, since the killings are all symbolic with no bloodshed. The "dead people" don white coats with red blotches. I won't tell any more of the plot because it would sound far more gruesome than it actually is.
The minimalistic concept (I think that's the right phrase) is brilliant. The cast includes a mere 10 performers, all whom not only sing but play musical instruments.
Anyway, if you're an avid theatergoer, then Sweeney Todd is a must-see. However, if you usually see the splashy, dancing-in-the-aisles type of musical, this may not be the show for you.
HowardR is offline  
Old Feb 23rd, 2006 | 07:39 PM
  #18  
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 989
Likes: 0
HowardR, that's very good news about the upswing in capacity for Color Purple. I would love to see it stick around for awhile. I enjoyed it very much, and was thrilled to see a diverse audience in the theatre- many ages, races, and both genders in nearly equal numbers.

I agree that the "new musical" selection thus far has not been strong...I am interested to see how the upcoming crop of openings fare leading up to the Tony Awards. In particular, I think The Wedding Singer and Tarzan have the potential to be quite popular.

Momof5, you probably can't go wrong with Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. I did see it with John Lithgow, but it's such a fun and well-done show that I think you'd enjoy it regardless.

From what I recall, your trip is coming up rather soon, correct? If so, Spamalot tickets may be hard to find at a decent price.

Another to consider might be the revival of Pajama Game, with Harry Connick Jr. It actually had its official opening tonight, so you can check around the Internet tomorrow for reviews.

Enjoy, whatever you choose!
TarheelsInNj is offline  
Old Feb 23rd, 2006 | 07:54 PM
  #19  
Ike
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 636
Likes: 0
Woman in White and Jersey Boys...........
Ike is offline  
Old Feb 23rd, 2006 | 08:02 PM
  #20  
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,199
Likes: 0
I don't think Jonathan Pryce will disappoint you in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. I saw him in Miss Saigon and he has a fabulous personality.
seetheworld is offline  


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement -