We'll be in NY in October and will have time for one show. I'm trying to decide between "The Weir" or "Art" Anybody have comments on either of these shows. Is there something better to see??

Art will be closed. Check Playbill On-Line www.playbill.com for a list of shows. May I suggest Chicago, Cabaret, and Les Miserables. Also, once in NY go to the TKTS booth at 47th and Broadway for day of show discount tickets to shows. That day's shows will be posted on the board.

First, the bad news: Art is closed and The Weir might be closed by then, since it's not doing great business.
As for recommending others, I assume you want to see a straight play rather than a musical, based on your original choices. My first choice, by far, would be the revival of "Death of a Salesman" with Brian Dennehy. The production is brilliant and he is brilliant. He'll be in the show through the end of November. You'll have to order tickets in advance, as it is selling out.
My next choice would be "Side Man," an excellent new play that won this year's Tony Award. Tickets for this one are available at TKTS (the half-price booth in Times Square).
If you want additional info on these or details on musicals, fire away or email me.

I have seen both "Art" (last summer, with the Alan Alda cast rather than the new cast) and "The Weir" (this summer) and thought "Art" was marginally better than "The Weir" but frankly I thought both were overrated, and I am a theatre lover. I know both have won awards and received rave reviews, but I just didn't think either one was that great. They are very different from each other. "Art" is a comedy, "The Weir" is a drama. "The Weir" was VERY slow, in my opinion (I went with three other people -- one of whom is from Ireland (which I mention because the play is Irish) -- and all three of us agreed that it was slow). It didn't pick up until about two-thirds of the way through, and then it got better. But the performances were very good. "Art" is clever but I kind of felt like it was a one-joke play and the joke got old by the end. I know it is supposed to have a lot to say about friendship but I really didn't think there was that much to it aside from the fact that the one guy bought a white painting -- HA! I am not easily disappointed by theatre and didn't feel either of these was worth paying full price to see, but that's just my opinion. We wanted to see "Death of a Salesman" but couldn't get tickets -- I'd do that if you can get them because I've heard only good things from those who've seen it. Also, "Lion King" and "Les Mis" are both fab if you haven't seen either of those. One place you might want to look for reviews is newyork.sidewalk.com -- they also have a link to which shows the TKTS booth has had half-price tickets recently if you are interested in that.

As far as straight plays are concerned, try for Eugene O'Neil's "The Iceman Cometh". In regards to musicals, skip Les Miserables, it's been running much too long and is downright stale after 10 years of performances. Try instead to get tickets for Ragtime, a spectacular and moving production. Have a good trip


Edward

Death of a Salesman is a must see! Lion King, also, if you can get the tickets. Cabaret is fab too. I saw Les Mis 11 years ago, and agree with the earlier comment about it getting stale. All Broadway shows are bound to get stale after 2 or 3 years, unfortunately.

Barbara,
Lori and Howard are correct re: closings of 'Art' [such a shame...what a fab play!...and more 'black comedy'] and 'The Weir'. 'Death of a Salesman' is really selling out..however, if you are flexible w/your dates, perhaps you may just 'wing it' and end up w/tickets. Occasionally someone may appear at the theater entrance w/tickets to sell...but be certain they are legit before exchanging money. It's a fabulous play. But we also enjoyed 'Sideman'.

The Iceman Cometh is also closed.

I agree with the earlier comment that you should check out "Chicago" if you haven't already seen it. That show is hot! Could see it over and over. Also, if you haven't seen it yet, I'd suggest "Rent." I just love the energy and spirit of the show. Have fun.

We really enjoyed Ragtime...three true stories in one...beautiful music, settings and costumes...a major production with huge cast. Sorry you'll miss Art, we loved it, sat in the very front row, so got to see all the facial expressions which were priceless.

Thanks one and all for your great suggestions. I had my dates wrong - we are going in Sept. (still will miss Art). We got orchestra tickets for Death of a Salesman. That seemed like a safe bet. Took my little granddaughters to see Le Mis last year and they LOVED it and I loved watching them love it. Does anyone know how long Peter Pan will be in town - I'd like to take them to see that. Also - need a suggestion for decent restaurant near the theater for pre-show dinner?? Thanks again!

You've made a wise choice in Death of a Salesman.
Bad news on Peter Pan. It closes August 29. You might try "Annie Get Your Gun."
They'd probably like it. There were a lot kids at the performance I saw, and they seemed to enjoy it.
As for dinner, I'll recommend Becco on West 46th, between 8th & 9th Avenues, a short 3 blocks from the theater. Excellent food and not too expensive, by NYC standards. Very popular. Reservations recommended: 212-397-7597.
Also, Orso on the same street. More expensive, but also good. Also very popular and reservations recommended: 212-489-7212.

My favorite restaurants in the neighborhood for pre-theatre meals: Le Madeleine (403 W. 43d St., 202-246-2993) & Joe Allen (326 W. 46th St., 202-581-6464). I also like Cafe Un Deux Trois (123 W. 44th St., betw. 6th & Broadway, 202-354-4148), and for a more casual bite, John's Pizzeria (260 W. 44th St.). I have been to Orso too and had a good meal but thought it was a bit overpriced and the service was somewhat haughty.

We did not enjoy "Art," but thought that "Cabaret" was great. I've heard that "Les Miserables" is very good, too, but I haven't seen it myself. Have a great trip.

Anyone heard anything about or seen "Thwack"?

Rent was the WORST musical I have ever seen. The music is horrible.