Hi --
DH and I will be in NYC for 2 nights (Dec. 27 and 28) and would like to see one show. Shows I have already seen recently (and loved) are: Mamma Mia, The Producers, The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera. My husband did not like Phanton that much, but LOVED the Producers, and liked Mamma Mia, too. I am dying to see Wicked, but that is coming to Boston in the spring, so I can see it at the Opera House here.

The ones I am thinking of include:
Chicago
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Rent
Hairspray

We definitely want a musical, and DH really likes the Chicago movie, so that might be my first choice. I really want to pick something he'll like, as the musical thing is more my idea of fun than his! Is DRS really funny? My hubby is a huge sports fanatic, but has an open mind about musicals, and these are also the ones I think he could enjoy the most.

Any opinions?? I would like to pick something we can't see in Boston this year.

Male sports fan who's OK with musicals? He'll LOVE Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Trust me on this.

Incidentally while I love the stage version AND the movie version of Chicago both -- there are those who after seeing the movie first, didn't like the "bare stage" version nearly so much.

Thanks for the tips, Patrick -- I was hoping you'd weigh in Yeah, hubby is a sports editor who had NEVER seen a musical or anything like one before me. He doesn't like them all, but he's willing to go with me, as long as I go to the Bruins or Red Sox once in awhile!

I think Chicago and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels are my 2 top picks at this point.

We've seen Chicago many times and have tickets for November to see it again. Enjoyed all the others as well.

I heard that Dirty Rotten Scoundrels was terrific. A frequent theatre goer said that it was better than Spamalot.

Agree with you on DRS or Chicago. Have you seen the movie Chicago? Did he like it?

The movie version of Chicago throws in a bit more plot than the play, which is truly a vaudeville. Having just seen the NY production (last Sunday), I can say they are maintaining its sharpness very well through all the cast changes. Brooke Shields, Luba Mason and Christopher McDonale currently head it, and it was great. I also notice that Charlotte D'Amboise has been playing Roxie Hart between the "stars"; I saw her do it in Vegas, and she's stupendous.

Still, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is getting terrific notices, so you might go with that. It sounds more conventional than Chicago-- plot-driven-- but what the hey?

All I know is: I'm still on a high after seeing Elaine Stritch live at the Carlyle. I can go on that thrill for months!!

DRS is a great show with great lead actors John Lithgow and Normal Lee Buttz, Hysterically funny and great music

Patrick, don't discourage beachgirl86 about Chicago. It's a wonderful show. We've seen it three times and will probably do it again!
I'd strongly recommend Chicago and Dirty Rotten Socoundrels. Both of you will enjoy both!

HowardR: Thanks a lot! You are the other Broadway Fodorite I was hoping to hear from Glad to hear you give Chicago a great recommendation!

Chicago and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels are our top two picks...I will wait a little while and then decide. Too bad we don't have time for bother!

Whoops -- I meant to say "Too bad we don't have time for both"!

beachgirl, Chicago may not have the razzle-dazzle spectacle of some Broadway shows, but it's clever concept and staging more than make up for the lack of big spectacle.

Whoa, I didn't realize I was discouraging her from Chicago -- it's a wonderful show. But between that and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, considering the things her husband likes -- I'd say DRS is the show for them!

Your're right, Patrick. I was thinking they would see two shows. I agree that based on the OP's comments, her husband would probably enjoy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels more........even though Chicago is indeed a classic!