The Broadway show thread where we discuss all things Broadway

[RyMickey]

Just wanted to post that I recently saw two shows -- Peter and the Starcatcher (a Disney production) and Nice Work If You Can Get It -- one of which I thought was pretty great and one of which left quite a bit to be desired.

I'd be happy to discuss if anyone has any questions about either, but please check out my blog for full reviews of both -- RyMickey's Ramblings

[snapppyd]

I just got tickets to see Scandalous in November. Carolee Carmello (Mamma Mia, LeStat, Sister Act) is my husband's favorite broadway actress (along with Sutton Foster). I got him the tickets for our anniversary, we are 6th row, center orchestra. I can't wait!!! (I got an email for 30% on a pre-sale!)

[cabanafrau]

Originally Posted by RyMickey

Just wanted to post that I recently saw two shows -- Peter and the Starcatcher (a Disney production) and Nice Work If You Can Get It -- one of which I thought was pretty great and one of which left quite a bit to be desired.

I'd be happy to discuss if anyone has any questions about either, but please check out my blog for full reviews of both -- RyMickey's Ramblings

Your reviews are a fabulous read, thank you for sharing.

[Kitzka]

Originally Posted by 4my2girlz

We are debating between Annie & Mary Poppins for our spring break trip next year. I was excited to see Annie dates have already been released and Mary Poppins dates are now showing thru the middle of March.

I would like guidance on seating since we have never been to a broadway show. We will be taking our 7 & 8 year old daughters and are leaning towards a Saturday afternoon performance.

Any tips for Palace & New Amsterdam?

Many thanks!

I can't comment on Annie since it's not out yet but I can comment on seating.

The Palace is HUGE it's one of the largest theaters on Broadway. It can hold a lot of people. I think the best seats are on the mezzanine in the first 5 or 6 rows and int he front half of the orchestra. If you are up in the rear mezz or balcony you are pretty far away.

I haven't been to the New Amsterdam in about 5-6 years so I can't comment on where is best to sit there.

I guess the question is have your girls been to any other broadway shows? mary Poppins is pretty magical.

Lara

[minijeanie]

Just got an invite to get tickets for new play CINDERELLA at Broadway Theatre. Previews start January 2013.

One thing very odd though. It stated no child under 4 years of age will be allowed in theatre. I am sure I brought my kids to Lion King and Beauty and Beast before they were 4 years old.

is this new rule?
I guess I can understand with the price of tickets now. The last thing you want to to is pay $100 plus for a ticket with a small child crying in your ear the entire time

[Kimberle]

Originally Posted by minijeanie

Just got an invite to get tickets for new play CINDERELLA at Broadway Theatre. Previews start January 2013.

One thing very odd though. It stated no child under 4 years of age will be allowed in theatre. I am sure I brought my kids to Lion King and Beauty and Beast before they were 4 years old.

is this new rule?
I guess I can understand with the price of tickets now. The last thing you want to to is pay $100 plus for a ticket with a small child crying in your ear the entire time

Nearly all shows don't allow children under 4 in the building. I think Disney is the only exception.

[JenM]

Originally Posted by Kimberle

Nearly all shows don't allow children under 4 in the building. I think Disney is the only exception.

Yep. And Disney on Broadway's website lists the recommended age for all 3 of their shows as 6 and up. But it's just a recommendation, it's nothing that's enforced. I've seen plenty of kids younger than that at all of their shows.

When I saw Seussical on Broadway, someone brought an infant, and the kid screeched through the last 20 minutes of Act 1. It was not fun.

I saw my first Broadway show when I was 5. It was Peter Pan, starring Sandy Duncan. I still have the Playbill.

One show I missed as a kid, but loved anyway thanks to the movie was Annie. I'm totally excited that it's coming back this fall, I can't wait to finally see it!

[JenM]

Originally Posted by Kitzka

I can't comment on Annie since it's not out yet but I can comment on seating.

The Palace is HUGE it's one of the largest theaters on Broadway. It can hold a lot of people. I think the best seats are on the mezzanine in the first 5 or 6 rows and int he front half of the orchestra. If you are up in the rear mezz or balcony you are pretty far away.

I haven't been to the New Amsterdam in about 5-6 years so I can't comment on where is best to sit there.

I guess the question is have your girls been to any other broadway shows? mary Poppins is pretty magical.

Lara

Agreed about the Palace, that place is huge. I'd say anywhere in the front half of the orchestra (although the seats further back aren't terrible), or towards the front of the mezzanine. I sat front row mezz when I saw Beauty and the Beast there and the seats were amazing.

As far as the New Amsterdam, the only section I'd avoid is the rear balcony. I saw Mary Poppins there, and the view wasn't great. I'd imagine the mezzanine would be perfect seating, especially for the last scene.

As far as the shows, I enjoyed Mary Poppins, but I liked the movie much better. It's very different - the story is told differently with some stuff from the Mary Poppins books (and they finally cut that crazy 'Temper, Temper' song where the kids were attacked by their toys!), but it's still very well done. Just don't expect a copy of the movie.

I'm a sucker for Annie, so I'd always recommend that. Matilda is opening on Broadway next spring, too. It's based on the Roald Dahl book (it was a movie too), and I heard the London production was amazing. Looking forward to that show too.

[TifffanyD]

Originally Posted by JenM

Agreed about the Palace, that place is huge. I'd say anywhere in the front half of the orchestra (although the seats further back aren't terrible), or towards the front of the mezzanine. I sat front row mezz when I saw Beauty and the Beast there and the seats were amazing.

As far as the New Amsterdam, the only section I'd avoid is the rear balcony. I saw Mary Poppins there, and the view wasn't great. I'd imagine the mezzanine would be perfect seating, especially for the last scene.

As far as the shows, I enjoyed Mary Poppins, but I liked the movie much better. It's very different - the story is told differently with some stuff from the Mary Poppins books (and they finally cut that crazy 'Temper, Temper' song where the kids were attacked by their toys!), but it's still very well done. Just don't expect a copy of the movie.

I'm a sucker for Annie, so I'd always recommend that. Matilda is opening on Broadway next spring, too. It's based on the Roald Dahl book (it was a movie too), and I heard the London production was amazing. Looking forward to that show too.

Matilda??? Ooooh I loved that book and the movie wasn't bad either!!

I don't make it out to NY but I see all the shows at our local theatre, which gets some really good ones (Sister Act, American Idiot, Elf, Wicked, War Horse all coming this season). Next season we have Book of Mormon coming. I hope we get Matilda at some point!

[4my2girlz]

Originally Posted by JenM

Agreed about the Palace, that place is huge. I'd say anywhere in the front half of the orchestra (although the seats further back aren't terrible), or towards the front of the mezzanine. I sat front row mezz when I saw Beauty and the Beast there and the seats were amazing.

As far as the New Amsterdam, the only section I'd avoid is the rear balcony. I saw Mary Poppins there, and the view wasn't great. I'd imagine the mezzanine would be perfect seating, especially for the last scene.

As far as the shows, I enjoyed Mary Poppins, but I liked the movie much better. It's very different - the story is told differently with some stuff from the Mary Poppins books (and they finally cut that crazy 'Temper, Temper' song where the kids were attacked by their toys!), but it's still very well done. Just don't expect a copy of the movie.

I'm a sucker for Annie, so I'd always recommend that. Matilda is opening on Broadway next spring, too. It's based on the Roald Dahl book (it was a movie too), and I heard the London production was amazing. Looking forward to that show too.

Yes, this will be their first Broadway Show...first trip to NYC - we are SO excited! My kids loved the movie Annie so I'm leaning towards that but I wish we had time (and $$) to see them all! (Lion King, Mary Poppins, Annie & now adding Matilda to the wish list)

Thanks for the advice!

[elgerber]

Originally Posted by 4my2girlz

Yes, this will be their first Broadway Show...first trip to NYC - we are SO excited! My kids loved the movie Annie so I'm leaning towards that but I wish we had time (and $$) to see them all! (Lion King, Mary Poppins, Annie & now adding Matilda to the wish list)

Thanks for the advice!

The Lion King and Mary Poppins are both amazing, but you can never go wrong with Annie!! I have seen numerous productions of Annie, and I have loved them all!

[RyMickey]

Originally Posted by cabanafrau

Your reviews are a fabulous read, thank you for sharing.

And thank you for reading them!

[minijeanie]

If you have a choice pick LION KING over ANNIE.. There is no comparison at all.

I have seen Annie 2x on Broadway. Yes it is cute and typical but it cannot ever compare to the magic of Lion King.

[JenM]

Originally Posted by TifffanyD

Matilda??? Ooooh I loved that book and the movie wasn't bad either!!

I don't make it out to NY but I see all the shows at our local theatre, which gets some really good ones (Sister Act, American Idiot, Elf, Wicked, War Horse all coming this season). Next season we have Book of Mormon coming. I hope we get Matilda at some point!

Matilda looks amazing! I was watching clips on YouTube, and I can't wait until it gets here. They have 4 girls splitting the role of Matilda (they're going to do the same thing in NY), and all 4 performed at the Olivier Awards, they are adorable!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9yyiy7aqiE

There are more clips here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjj56XZcCAc

It looks awesome! So psyched for this show now.

[Art 1]

Originally Posted by minijeanie

If you have a choice pick LION KING over ANNIE.. There is no comparison at all.

I have seen Annie 2x on Broadway. Yes it is cute and typical but it cannot ever compare to the magic of Lion King.

I agree.