My husband is taking me to NYC for my 40th B-day. What 2 shows would you recommend that we see? Where can we have dinner without it costing a fortune?

Hi! I get to NYC about two times a year and just love it! There are so many good Broadway shows now - but I highly recommend Aida, Cabaret and Rent. Of course there is my all-time favorite Phantom of the Opera - if you have not seen it, it is a must! As for dinner - there are a million places. We always refer to the Zagat guide, or ask the hotel desk for recommendations. But - for the best places you will need reservations.

What do like in a show? Do you like straight plays, musicals, or both? Do you like a lot of dance in a show? Do you like "classic" musicals or ones like them? Do you like more adult themes?

There are many excellent plays going right now. If you're talking musicals: If you like dance (or even don't mind it), don't miss "Contact," the best show I've seen in years, but almost all dance (but yes, it has plot and you don't have to be a dance aficionado to love it). "Kiss Me Kate" and "The Music Man" are excellent revivals in the classic mold, but personally I'd go for "Chicago" or "Cabaret," which are more sophistiated. It it were me, I'd choose "Contact" and "Chicago."

There are literally hundreds of restaurant choices, if not thousands, for you. What kinds of cuisine do you like and what is your budget? Are you just looking for pre-theater dinners or also for something else (so not necessarily in the theater district). Let us know and you'll get many recommendations.

I'm with Caitlin 100% on her show recommendations--Contact, Chicago, Kiss Me Kate and Cabaret. And, as Caitland said, why not tell us what your tastes and interests are and what your theater experience has been.
As for restaurants: Some clues as to price range and your food preferences.

Thanks guys, so far you are a great help! I was leaning towards Phantom and Contact. Because I want to see musicals. Sounds like they were good choices. Do you think we should buy the tickets now or wait and go to the ticket booth when we get there? We are staying in the Theatre district at the Quality Inn so would like resturants around that area but don't want fancy, like all kinds of foods, except raw!!

Laurie -- You may already know this, but while Contact was classified as a musical for purposes of the Tony awards, it is not a musical in the traditional sense, as there is no actual singing or music being performed in it. The music is just recorded music to which the players dance. It is getting great reviews and I know a lot of people who enjoyed it, but just don't go expecting people to burst into song! It's really more like stories set to recorded music, told through dance.

Forgot to answer your question about restaurants: A couple of very good places in the theatre district that do not cost a fortune are Joe Allen's (American fare -- everything from great burgers to salads, fish, steak, etc.) and Le Madeleine (French, delicious, not cheap but not terribly expensive either). If you want to go even more casual, try John's Pizzeria which is also in the theatre district. Lots more recommendations on restaurants if you search old threads.

Laurie,

Lisa is correct that "Contact" is not a traditional song-and-dance musical; the music is recorded and while there is some dialogue, the stories are told mostly (and extremely well) through dance. As I said, it's the best I've seen in years, and it's unlike anything else. My boyfriend, who is not a big dance person, liked it as much as or more than me. So go for it. Unfortunatel, I don't think "Contact" is discounted ever. It's a pricy show, but the theater is such that the higher (cheaper) seats also give a good view of the stage and are not too far away. Info at telecharge.com. If you have your heart set on "Phantom," I'd get tickets in advance; if you're willing to go with a slightly wider range, you should be able to find "Phantom," "Chicago," or "Cabaret" at TKTS. The World Trade Ctr. bboth will have shorter lines and maybe a different selection than Times Square. Also try playbill.com for discounted tickets you can order in advance.

For food...here are a few I like: Ya Bowl is a pretty Japanese place (not sushi bar) with nicely done contemporary food and great European-style cakes for dessert, at 125 W. 45th St. La Bonne Soupe is a French place with god prix fixe deals at 48 W. 55th St. (also perfect if you visit MoMA). These two would be around $20 per person. For a fancier dinner, Garrick Bistro at 242 W. 49th St. has a pre-theater dinner for about $25. www.zagat.com can give you an idea of the range in the neighborhood; beware that the cost estimates are sometimes low. If you end up seeing "Contact," which is at Lincoln Center, you could try the John's pizzeria near there at 43 w. 65th or Shun Lee Cafe for upscale Chinese at 48 W. 65th, or Josephina for American at 1900 broadway across from Lincoln Ctr. This last is a bit more expensive. Reservations necessary for Garrick, Shun Lee, and Josephina, not for the others.

Thanks for the great recommendations guys, I thought that because Phantom had been playing for so long that I would be able to get good tickets even on the day of the show. The resturants sound great will be sure to take your advice. My husband wants to see Annie get your gun, has anybody seen this one?

Laurie, you might want to checkout playbill.com. You join (for free) and then you can buy discounted tickets in advance, rather than taking your chances on same-day tix; the site shows what's currently available. all of the shows mentioned in these posts except "Contact" will often or usually have discount tix available. Plus, you don't really want to spend the aftrenoon in line, do you?