The Broadway show thread where we discuss all things Broadway

[elgerber]

We saw Kinky Boots last night on tour, loved it!!!!!!!!!!!! The audience at it up!! It's been a very long time since I have seen an instant standing ovation, in the balcony. And the line for merchandise after the show went all the way through the lobby. I did see one couple get up and leave about 25 minutes in. Not sure what they thought they were seeing, when the title is "Kinky", but whatever, their loss.

 

[JenM]

We saw Kinky Boots last night on tour, loved it!!!!!!!!!!!! The audience at it up!! It's been a very long time since I have seen an instant standing ovation, in the balcony. And the line for merchandise after the show went all the way through the lobby. I did see one couple get up and leave about 25 minutes in. Not sure what they thought they were seeing, when the title is "Kinky", but whatever, their loss.

I loved Kinky Boots!! I won the lottery to see it, so they gave me a "I Won The Kinky Boots Lottery!" button, which I put up with the poster I got after the show. Such an awesome show.

There was a couple that had to be in their 70s sitting next to me, and they were having the best time. At intermission, the wife turned to me and said, "Isn't it wonderful??"

I remember when they performed "Raise You Up/Just Be" at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, there was a ruckus from some loons on Twitter about it ("ZOMG, DRAG QUEENS! THINK OF THE CHILDREN!!!"), but those people were nuts. That show is great!

 

[Meeko5]

I live in west MI and bought season passes for this year's tour line up: Newsies, Pippin, Phantom, and Book of Mormon. Newsies is my FAVORITE movie, I cannot wait to finally see the show! I've seen Phantom several times bu the rest are all new for me. Getting to NYC to see a show on Broadway is on my bucket list, maybe when the kids are grown

I wanted so badly to see Hedwig and the angry inch when Darren Criss was hedwig. I adore him!

 

[Procrastinate]

Someone mentioned Broadway week with 2 for 1 prices going on sale August 19. We will be in NY towards the end of that promotion, and I am trying to decide if we should try to get tickets and for which show. We will be four adults in their 50's. I am leaning towards Kinky Boots or Wicked, but definitely willing to hear other suggestions. Does anyone know if this promotion sells out pretty quickly?

 

[Kimberle]

We saw "Amazing Grace" on Broadway this past weekend. Excellent show! We were in the front row and were totally caught up in the beauty and raw emotion. Josh Young has an angel's voice. I just love it! The entire cast was wonderful and the staging was tremendous. There was only one character that I disliked - I think he was portrayed a little too much like a baffoon , so it came off too comical instead of sinister. But the rest was really "amazing"!

Had a great time conversing with the cast at the stage door. They were all very pleased to hear our reactions - one shook my husband's hand and my favorite was the actress playing "Nana" , gabpve him a kiss on the cheek! Lol

If you have a chance, go see it. Very emotional and touching! Next week we see " Something Rotten" and the following week the Broadway Princesses at 54 Below! Then DD goes off to WDW for her internship! She says she needs her NYC fix before she heads south!!

That's nice to hear. I've been watching their sales since they started. They've hung around the 26% range (out of 100%). I'm afraid with sales so low the show will close early. I wonder why people are staying away...

 

[JenM]

I live in west MI and bought season passes for this year's tour line up: Newsies, Pippin, Phantom, and Book of Mormon. Newsies is my FAVORITE movie, I cannot wait to finally see the show! I've seen Phantom several times bu the rest are all new for me. Getting to NYC to see a show on Broadway is on my bucket list, maybe when the kids are grown

I wanted so badly to see Hedwig and the angry inch when Darren Criss was hedwig. I adore him!

Darren was terrific as Hedwig! I was really impressed - I thought he was way too young for it (and he was, I felt like I was watching a kid playing Hedwig), but he’s crazy talented and he did a great job in the role.

I saw Taye Diggs as Hedwig last week. It was only his second show, and he seems to still be settling into the role. He flubbed a few lines and didn’t look too steady on the heels just yet. But otherwise he was really good. His banter with the audience was hilarious. I think he’s going to be great the more he grows into the role.

 

[JenM]

Someone mentioned Broadway week with 2 for 1 prices going on sale August 19. We will be in NY towards the end of that promotion, and I am trying to decide if we should try to get tickets and for which show. We will be four adults in their 50's. I am leaning towards Kinky Boots or Wicked, but definitely willing to hear other suggestions. Does anyone know if this promotion sells out pretty quickly?

I’ve never done the 2-for-1 sale, but looking at the list of shows, I would imagine it sells out pretty quickly. Wicked doesn’t have discount codes and is never on TKTS, since that still sells out all the time, so if you’re going to try your luck, I’d recommend trying for that one since tickets to Kinky Boots are more easily available.

Something Rotten is HILARIOUS (it’s sort of a combination of Spamalot and a more PG-13 Book of Mormon). I loved Curious Incident and Fun Home as well.

 

[elphaba91]

We saw Kinky Boots last night on tour, loved it!!!!!!!!!!!! The audience at it up!! It's been a very long time since I have seen an instant standing ovation, in the balcony. And the line for merchandise after the show went all the way through the lobby. I did see one couple get up and leave about 25 minutes in. Not sure what they thought they were seeing, when the title is "Kinky", but whatever, their loss.

I love Kinky Boots! It was my second favourite show (out of 6) from our Broadway trip (and as If/Then starred Idina, nothing else really stood a chance at the top spot). It is coming to Melbourne next year and while I'm sure whoever they cast as Lola won't be as amazing as Billy Porter, I'm still really excited. Mum and I plan to go to the first preview, so we can wear our t-shirts and show that we've seen it before!

 

[Rhombus]

I was able to make it out to see How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying yesterday, after being diagnosed with Shingles 2 weeks ago, I didn't think I would get out for it. We had to change our plans from the weekend before to 7/5, luckily the theater was very understanding and upgraded our seats free of charge, just charged us $4 to transfer the tickets to a new date. This was at a regional theater in the NC mountains, up in Flat Rock. I have been wanting to see this one since 2011, Daniel Radcliffe was in the Broadway cast and so it was impossible to get tickets, but this cast most of them had Broadway credits. The guy who played Finche was in Newsies even and he truly was amazing! Really enjoyed the show and glad I checked it off my bucket list finally. I knew the girl who played Rosemary, so it was great to see her back onstage. I am seeing Gypsy at the same theater next month, excited for that one too. Also have made plans to see Matilda in February....new show trips are coming together for the next season.

I was able to get seats from TKTS for half price for that show. Granted, I think it was a Tuesday or Wednesday night in January 2012, but they were available. We got front row seats on the aisle of the center section, which IMO are probably some of the worst seats in the house to see the entire stage. I prefer the first few rows of the mezzanine for the best overall view.

Anyway, yes, we could see the sweat on Harry Potter's forehead and see the spit flying out of his mouth a few times when he sang. In one scene, he was elevated on a swing or trapeeze directly over us and we got a good view of his (clothed) butt. We were hoping he wouldn't let one rip.

 

[SingingMom]

I was able to get seats from TKTS for half price for that show. Granted, I think it was a Tuesday or Wednesday night in January 2012, but they were available. We got front row seats on the aisle of the center section, which IMO are probably some of the worst seats in the house to see the entire stage. I prefer the first few rows of the mezzanine for the best overall view.

Anyway, yes, we could see the sweat on Harry Potter's forehead and see the spit flying out of his mouth a few times when he sang. In one scene, he was elevated on a swing or trapeeze directly over us and we got a good view of his (clothed) butt. We were hoping he wouldn't let one rip.

Different strokes for different folks! We ADORE front row seats!! lol We've seen quite a few shows from the front row, and it's always been an awesome experience! Just last week at Amazing Grace, I had a few great eye contact moments with Josh Young. During a curtain call of Hunchback at Paper Mill, we called out cheers for an ensemblest that we knew, and he got such a kick out of it, as did his fellow actors around him. We just really enjoy sitting so close - we feel IN the moment, especially since in recent years, many theatre audiences are devoid of etiquette!

 

[crazymama]

Different strokes for different folks! We ADORE front row seats!! lol We've seen quite a few shows from the front row, and it's always been an awesome experience! Just last week at Amazing Grace, I had a few great eye contact moments with Josh Young. During a curtain call of Hunchback at Paper Mill, we called out cheers for an ensemblest that we knew, and he got such a kick out of it, as did his fellow actors around him. We just really enjoy sitting so close - we feel IN the moment, especially since in recent years, many theatre audiences are devoid of etiquette!

The only front row seats we have sat in on Broadway were for Matilda and it was AMAZING!!!! Loved being so close!! Felt a real connection with the actors as they made tons of eye contact! At the backstage door my daughter was thrilled when a cast member said "I remember you... you were right in front and looked like you were having a wonderful time!" It was fun!

 

[SingingMom]

The only front row seats we have sat in on Broadway were for Matilda and it was AMAZING!!!! Loved being so close!! Felt a real connection with the actors as they made tons of eye contact! At the backstage door my daughter was thrilled when a cast member said "I remember you... you were right in front and looked like
you were having a wonderful time!" It was fun!

Yep!! . Many a time we've had a good laugh with an actor, mentioning they were watching US in the front row! One said that it gives them a real rush to see an audience member thoroughly enjoying the experience!

My daughter & a friend went to see Finding Neverland in Cambridge because Jeremy Jordan was starring. Her friend got very emotional during the show and a few of the actors told them, "are you ok? We were worried about you crying!! We were talking about it backstage!" Lol

 

[Simba's Mom]

Well I have been absent from this thread for a bit.... but just wanted to check in to say that we opened our production of "Catch Me If You Can" this week! So exciting and I am thrilled to report that the audiences are eating it up!

Where did you perform "Catch Me If You Can"? If it was on Broadway, never mind, but it was recently performed at the NYU Skirball Center. If you were there, you would have worked with DS-he was in the orchestra there. He hasn't been lucky enough to perform in the musicals on Broadway-yet-but that's what he hopes for.

 

[SingingMom]

Not sure what they thought they were seeing, when the title is "Kinky", but whatever, their loss.

Sometimes I wonder if some people put any pre-thought into theatre ticket purchases! The woman next to me at Jersey Boys was tremendously offended by the language. Ummm... 1950's on the streets of Newark with tough guys?!

The absolute worst was two moms with their young daughters dressed as Elsa, at a performance of If/Then, because Idina was in it! Geesh people!! One of the song titles is F&$; You! Sometimes you just have to shake your head....

 

[crazymama]

Where did you perform "Catch Me If You Can"? If it was on Broadway, never mind, but it was recently performed at the NYU Skirball Center. If you were there, you would have worked with DS-he was in the orchestra there. He hasn't been lucky enough to perform in the musicals on Broadway-yet-but that's what he hopes for.

No not the same production. l live in British Columbia, Canada. It has been a blast though! The music is so great... playing it would be just as fun as singing it!! We close on August 8 and I think I will miss this one...

 

[Meeko5]

Darren was terrific as Hedwig! I was really impressed - I thought he was way too young for it (and he was, I felt like I was watching a kid playing Hedwig), but he’s crazy talented and he did a great job in the role.

I saw Taye Diggs as Hedwig last week. It was only his second show, and he seems to still be settling into the role. He flubbed a few lines and didn’t look too steady on the heels just yet. But otherwise he was really good. His banter with the audience was hilarious. I think he’s going to be great the more he grows into the role.

Insanely jealous of you getting to see all these shows, much less my man Darren AND Taye in those shortie shorts

my DH does not share my love for the theater - I managed to get him to see Lion King, but that was it. He tolerates my showtunes in the car, but just barely lol.

 

[scrapquitler]

Do you mean Fun Home? I saw it a few weeks ago, and it was amazing. It’s not a big spectacle show like Wicked or something, it’s about a woman who’s trying to draw her late father, and reliving old memories that play out on stage with her as a child, and when she was in college. It’s a true story - it’s based on Alison Bechdel’s graphic novel about her own family.

It’s sad (“Fun Home” is actually short for “Funeral Home”, which was the family business and what they called it for short), but it’s really beautifully done and the performances are outstanding.

My daughter and her best friend went to see Fun Home the other night and said that it was fantastic. They were really impressed with the theater in the round aspect, and my daughter is always most interested in the lighting, since that's her thing..and she said it was really well done. They went to the stage door afterward and met the entire cast, got their autographs, pictures and chatted with all of them.

 

[crazymama]

New shameless theatre plug! Started rehearsal for Jesus Christ Superstar last night! Oh my gosh... what a thrill to be singing those songs!! JC has ALWAYS been on my bucket list of show and I can't believe I am doing it. It's going to be staged in modern times.. in a construction/demolition zone. Lots of anarchy and a rave like temple scene etc. It will be interesting to see the public's response. I am STOKED! Any other Superstar fans out there?

 

[leebee]

I saw "American in Paris" last week on Broadway. The dancing was magnificent! They obviously hired dancers who could act/sing, not actors who could dance, which is how it should be for this production. However... not my favorite show. I found the story line a bit confusing and hard to follow, although the acting was fine. I thought the first act dragged, and although the second act was better and I am a huge ballet fan, it, too, seemed to get long. I guess I was a little... bored? Regardless of my personal experience, it's worthwhile seeing this show for the dancing, if you are a dance fan.

NOW my dilemma is, what to see next? DD21 and I will be in NYC for 3 nights in mid-November; we are going down to see a friend perform in the Sylvie Guillem farewell tour on Friday night. We will have Thursday and Saturday free; we've decided this is the trip to eat good food and see shows. Hopefully, we'll be able to squeeze in both a matinee AND an evening performance on Saturday! We'll see... but WHAT to see?

 

[JenM]

My daughter and her best friend went to see Fun Home the other night and said that it was fantastic. They were really impressed with the theater in the round aspect, and my daughter is always most interested in the lighting, since that's her thing..and she said it was really well done. They went to the stage door afterward and met the entire cast, got their autographs, pictures and chatted with all of them.

Nice! I just finished reading the book, and now I want to see the show again. SO amazing.

My mom and I saw two shows on Saturday. We saw the matinee of Something Rotten, which I’ve already seen, but my mom was seeing it for the first time and she thought it was hilarious (I did too!).

Then we saw the evening show of Hamilton. Wow...that show really it worth all of the hype surrounding it right now. It was totally incredible. My mom said it reminded her of the first time she ever saw Les Miserables, which is probably the best way to sum up my reaction. The whole cast is just amazing, and I’m dying having to wait another month for the cast album to be released.

We also checked out the Ham4Ham show - Lin-Manuel Miranda does a little pre-show with either someone from their cast or from another show. Last week he did “Confrontation” from Les Miz with the Valjean understudy, and they did “Totally F’d” from Spring Awakening with Jonathan Groff and some of the SA revival cast. It’s really cool!

When we went on Saturday, they had the cast from Fun Home performing “Alexander Hamilton” with Lin. It was AWESOME (he did a little “at the light, at the light...” from Fun Home too):

But definitely see Hamilton. It’s SO great.