Which Broadway musical would we like?
 

Celebrating our 60th birthdays the week after Thanksgiving. Have seen Mamma Mia 3 times (Minneapolis, Atlanta, Jacksonville) so would like to see something different while in NYC. Would you recommend Wicked, Spamalot, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Movin' Out, or Light in the Piazza for us??

Yes.



All are good ideas. I'm not sure how you expect us to decide which you might like best. Light in the Piazza is more "pretty" and "serious", almost opera like in visual quality. Movin' Out is basically a dance show -- not much plot but great if you like Billy Joel music.
Spamalot, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and Wicked are all just plain fun.

I would recommend you look into the new musical "Jersey Boys," which is in previews now and opens next week. It is the story of Franki Valli and the Four Seasons, and is great fun! It is different from Mamma Mia, because it's actually a true story, but you'll still enjoy all of the great Four Seasons music.

Though the so-called "jukebox musical" gets a lot of criticism these days, I would not hesitate to recommend Jersey Boys. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Movin' Out is closing on Broadway December 11, so if you're really interested in seeing it this is the perfect time to do it.

Are you ready to pay the big bucks for Spamalot? It's late to get tickets for that one. I think you will be going through a broker for those tickets...

If you liked Mamma Mia that much, you will love Wicked, IMHO. Much better story and music, special effects are great.

That doesn't sound like I meant it to. Nothing against ABBA music at all, I liked it. But Wicked, is better and well, WICKED.

Light in the Piazza for certain!! We just saw it in early October. It's a wonderful"old fashioned", romantic and well crafted play. It's always a pleasure to be in a house when the audience jumps to its feet with applause. So it was at Lincoln Center.
I think it's a very good anniversary play.

I don't want to put a damper on your enthusiasm PamSF, but unfortunately standing ovations are the norm rather than the exception these days. So, they are no longer a barometer for the truly outstanding performance.

PS: I would recommend Dirty Rotten Scoundrels for a fun birthday celebration.

I recommend Wicked. I haven't met anyone who didn't love it.

Check out Avenue Q...we are in our 60's and LOVED it...

dina4, I guess you've not met my family. We didn't like Wicked!

I have never heard one person say that they didn't love, not like, Wicked before you HowardR- and I speak with hundreds (literally) that have made the trek from my school. It almost has a cult following here.

You sound hard to please, IMHO.

Well,standing ovations are not the norm in SF so one in NY was indeed a treat. Besides, the performance was stellar and I continue to recommend "Light in the Piazza".

JJ5, does not loving nor liking Wicked make us bad people? I don't think less of you like loving the show....don't think less of me for not loving it!

Have you looked into availability for Wicked? Like Spamalot, it sells out on a regular basis.

Piazza is truly wonderful, and it's definitely a different style than Mamma Mia. I would agree with the descriptions above.

I didn't say anything about not liking you- YOU read that into it. But IMHO you are very, very hard to please. Maybe you are jaded beyond the average person on Fodors in the number of plays and/or types you have seen. If they have seen Mamma Mia 3 times, HowardR, they are not jaded whatsoever. And that's my opinion as well. And there's no reason you had to be negative with PamSF either. That WAS condescending.

Close to selling out now (Wicked) until APRIL, I think there are quite a few people that would disagree with you, HowardR.

JJR, you are carrying my comments way beyond my intent. I was merely reacting to your comment that you've never come across a person who didn't love Wicked. And, all I said was that we didn't. I don't question the fact that I am in the minority in respect and that your opinion reflects the overwhelming majority of those who've seen the show that is still selling out.
And, please don't accuse me of being condescending. I was merely pointing out that a standing ovation is not a reflection a greatness any more, but,unfortunately, rather commonplace at Broadway theaters these days.
PS: Dare I mention that I didn't like A Light in the Piazza either? (But, my wife did!)
PPS: If you care, I enjoyed (even loved some of them) the following shows currently on Broadway: Avenue Q, Chicago, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Doubt, Hairspray, Movin' Out, Phantom of the Opera and The Producers.

HowardR~what a softie:)

JJ5-I can't believe you are being so nasty to HowardR. He is one of the nicest people on this board and is always very helpful about Broadway shows.

My daughter works in musical theatre so she reads and/or posts on several musical theatre forums. People on these forums are either in the business or totally obsessed with musical theatre (and I mean totally obsessed!!). There are actually quite a few of them that don't like Wicked. So everyone is entitled to their own opinion. As Howard said, there are many shows that he recommends. By the way, Howard, Light in the Piazza seems to get two reactions, either you really like it or didn't like it at all. Not too much middle ground with that shows.

Paula, thank you for the kind words.
As for A Light in the Piazza, we (family and friends who've seen it) feel that it's a "chick thing," as it seems women enjoy it far more than the men.
Please, no sexist accusations....please!

No need to defend your preferences. Theatre is a matter of taste, and thank goodness for that- otherwise, everything on Broadway would be exactly the same. It is perfectly okay to dislike a show, as long as you respect that others may enjoy it. We are lucky that there is a true variety of theatrical offerings out there right now.

In terms of recommending shows, I think we all try to get a sense of the personal taste and preferences of the poster, and recommend something appropriate (whether we personally enjoyed it or not). The more specific, the better, in my opinion!

With tickets costing as much as they do, you want to try to find the best possible fit so you can have an enjoyable evening (or afternoon!).

Just my two cents :)

Woman in White by Andrew Lloyd Webber.........

Nicely said TarheelsInNj. I just purchased our tickets to the Producers based on some helpful information from Broadway savy Fodorites including HowardR. Looking forward to an entertaining evening at the theater.

Me? Wicked.

You? Don't know.

Just read the above comments. I HATED Titanic on Broadway. In my opinion, it tanked.

My friend, who lives on the UWS, said someone told her how it ended and ruined it for her.

Seriously, it was so awful that all four of us fought sleep. But, some loved it.

Cherokee, if you think you are going to see Wicked, buy the soundtrack CD. I'm on my second one - I wore out the first one listening to my favorite two tracks. The music is great! The story is fun. Even read the book - and am looking forward to reading the sequel...AND to seeing the touring company when it comes to my town.

My friend and I just saw "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" and Wicked in NYC in September. I would definitely recommend both. Wicked is in the Gershwin Theatre which is amazing and the quintessential NY theatre experience. The girl who played Glinda was truly talented. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels with John Lithgow and Nortbert Leo Butz was a scream! It was great fun, and what made it amazing was the obvious joy these two had in being in this production together. By the way, Norbert Leo Butz was in the original cast of "Wicked" as Fiyero and is featured in the soundtrack. It depends on what you are in the mood for. "Wicked" is a grand production that will leave you with your mouth hanging open. "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" will make you laugh - alot. You'll leave the theatre in a great mood. May I recommend Patsy's on 51st for a post-theatre dinner? It's an incredible Italian restaurant - walking distance from the Gershwin, and a very short cab ride away from the other theatre.