I am trying to decide between a handful of plays for an upcoming trip to NY. I've been keeping up with the recent postings, and see that some stand out more than others. In particular, I am trying to choose between The Music Man, Anne Get Your Gun, Contact, and Kiss Me Kate. Can anyone help me in selecting the best play to see? I just want a fun, enjoyable performance that is preferably not all dancing, and would also like to see the best cast out there. Can anyone with knowledge of these help me out with their opinion and comments?

I've seen all 4 on a recent trip to NYC with my wife. Contact was our favorite and I would see it again. The other 3 are also great entertainment. Why not just wait until you get there and see which one pops up on the 1/2 price ticket booth that afternoon.

Since you don't want all dancing, that eliminates Contact. Not knowing your taste, I'll obviously,go by mine (!) and recommend Kiss Me Kate of the other three choices.

Agree with Howard. Contact is great, but it is all dance, little dialogue, no singing. Kiss me Kate has had cast changes since it began, but the current cast is said to be solid. It's a classic, very well put together and staged, fun, funny, plus you can't beat all those clasic Cole Porter numbers. I haven't seen the pther two and don't plan to, personally.

I've seen AGYG and KMK (orig cast on each) and both fit your requirements. I came out of each with that warm, happy feeling.

Hard choice. It's like asking do you want $100 bill or 5 $20's.

If it means anything, KMK seats were better. Maybe your decision should be based on the best seats... although Contact still seems to get the highest nod from this group.

I'll cast my vote for The Music Man, we thought it was outstanding. Next in order of preference Annie Get Your Gun and then Kiss Me Kate. All three have gone through cast changes but the replacements are generally good, although I doubt anyone can play Annie better than Reba McEntire did. I haven't seen Contact yet. All four are generally on the half price TKTS line.

how about cabaret? what are your thoughts, were coming to ny and planning to see this show

Cabaret is an excellent choice!

Saw 42nd Street a few months ago and it was fabulous. Have seen Cabaret and its very good too.

Go see Cabaret, 42nd Street or Kiss Me, Kate. They are all fabulous. Since you don't want a dance show, don't choose Contact. It's wonderful, but doesn't sound like something you're looking for. Have fun!

I would pick AGYG over KMK, eliminate Contact for reasons stated above. My most recent favorite is The Full Monty. Great songs, lots of fun, wonderful cast and VERY creative dance. 42nd Street is big entertainment, but may be too much taping for your taste.

I am tagging on to this post. I will be In NYC in early Fall and wanted to know of all the shows you are talking about, which one would you suggest for being an outstanding play from a technical aspect - awesome lighting, special technical effects, costuming...Thanks a lot.

Good question, Judy!
If you're looking for the best technical effects, costumes, etc., your best choice is probably Phantom of the Opera!
However, if you're looking for the best in musical theater (where you could get tickets) I'll choose from Cabaret, Chicago or Contact.

Oh for christ sakes Howard! How many times a day and on how many threads can you possibly plug Contact! Are you a backer of the show or what? We get the point, Contact and Proof are the bestest ever! The question was referring to costuming & technical achievment, none of which you will find in Cabaret, Contact, or Chicago. Chicago has no set and no costumes to speak of. Contact has basic costumes and no technical aspect. Cabaret, same deal. Why not recommend 42nd St? Fabulous costumes & sets. Lighting is tremendous. Aida? Les Miserables? Both of those are usually available and fit the bill over Contact, Cabaret or Chicago.

Off your medicine again, eh, xxx?
I wish I was a backer of Contact!
As far as rest of your obnoxious posting, if you would reread my last comment, you will note that I

Sorry for ending the last posting in mid-sentence. I decided that xxx's comment wasn't worthy of further response and push the wrong key!

Gee Howard, I must have pushed some buttons. Sorry if you thought the REST of my message was obnoxious. I re-read and found nothing obnoxious other than my admittedly intended obnoxious opening lines. In fact, if you could perhaps put a pin in that swelled head of yours and admit that there are others out there with legitimate opinions of Broadway shows other than your favorites - Contact, Proof, or the Producers, you would see that. Because all the rest of my post was suggestions relating to the question regarding costumes, technical, etc. After reviewing several NY Theater threads I have found that even afer posting your usual plug for the above mentioned shows, you must come back repeatedly to re-enforce your opinion. Or just reply for the sake of agreeing with someone who has already agreed with you. Get over yourself.

Back off, xxx. Howard has been quite patient in providing helpful advice to those looking for a show. He has been nothing but sincere and helpful, and as far as I'm concerned, he can post all the time. You're the one who has been rude and pompous.

And no, I'm not Howard. I'm a regular who doesn't like to see others attacked for no good reason.

Howard (and all the other kind posters who answer NY requests re: plays, restaurants, etc) offer their subject opinions. Readers of this forum who may disagree (with their suggestions) could suggest their favorites without bashing.

Gotta vote for Kiss Me Kate. Just saw it 3 weeks ago when we were on a long weekend in NYC. Fabulous! One thought about the TKTS 1/2 price booth. Long, long lines. I went to the one in the World Trade Center and arrived at 9:00. The booth opened at 11:00 and there were already easily over 500 people in line. If you can afford to spend 1/2 a day in line go because we got great seats at a great price. Also take cash! They don't take credit cards!!