What Broadway show should we see?

[MelanieC]

DH and I are going to go to NYC for our 16th anniversary. We have not been alone on a vacation since we had children 11 years ago. DH has been in Kuwait (will hopefully be home within a week) for several months now.

This is going to be a very special trip. I know nothing about broadway shows, but have always wanted to go. I would love to see something romantic and really good. My second choice would be something lively and a comedy.

Any suggestions? Reviews?

What do people usually wear. Is it really dressy?

Any other ideas for romantic and fun things to do in NY.

We are staying at the Waldorf Astoria.

Thanks in advance,

Melanie

 

[CourtasanSatine]

Phantom of the Opera is really good as well as Chicago,Momma Mia and Les Mis

 

[Amzey]

I'm a huge theatre nut - usually go to a few shows per week. My favorites are Hairspray, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Urinetown. I usually recommend Millie to out of towners - it's good, clean, cheesy fun. Hairspray is incredible, but really a pain in the rear to get tickets for. If you're going far enough in advance that good seats are still available, go for that. I love Urinetown but wouldn't really recommend it to tourists, it's satirical and a little dark. Les Miz will probably be closed by the time you get here, if you're coming after May 18th. Mamma Mia is supposed to be cheesy and fun - I have yet to go to that though.

In terms of dress, really whatever you want besides shorts and tank tops - I see all kinds of different outfits.

Hope you have a great time, whatever show you choose!

 

[MelanieC]

We are going June 20-22. So I would imagine we would want tickets for 8pm on Saturday 6/21.

 

[Briar Rose 7457]

you can read reviews at Broadway.com and get information at NYCTourist.com.

The Waldorf is a classic hotel. enjoy it.


for the theater the general rule is casual to dressy casual. my favorite shows currently playing include Hairspray!, Thoroughly Modern Millie, 42nd Street and The Lion King if you want traditional musical comedy, Mama Mia if you like Abba, Movin' Out if you like Billy Joel (but the story is told through dance, so it may not be everyone's cup of tea). Chicago is hot now because of the movie. Beauty and the Beast is always fun. if you want something more "serious" in tone, try Phantom of the Opera (melodramatic), Les Miz (but it closes May 16) or Aida.

romantic? try a carriage ride through Cnetral Park.

fun? Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. or a trip to the huge Toys R Us in Times Square, or the lcassic FAO Swartz on 5th Avenue acorss the street from the Plaza Hotel. of course, there's also a huge Disney Store on 5th.

try the observaiton deck at the Empire State building, especially at sunset.

a boat ride around the city is always fun. sometimes in the spring and summer you can even find a dinner cruise --- but they do tend to be $$$$.

enjoy.

 

[RUDisney]

The first time I ever went to Broadway was to see Phantom. I'd recommend that for your first time. My DH's favorite has been Aida. He talks about it all the time. Be prepared to buy the CD after you've seen whatever you wind up at because it gives more meaning to the music once you've seen the show.

As for dinner... the Waldorf has my favorite steakhouse... the Bull and the Bear. I highly recommend it.

 

[luvflorida]

For a really fun, upbeat show, my vote goes to 42nd Street. Lots of singing and tapping! I also vote for the wax museum. It has several floors of the most amazing and life-like figures of famous people, both past and present. And the really amazing thing is that the figures are right out where you can actually touch them and stand right next to them. You can have someone take your picture sitting in a chair chatting with Woody Allen or greeting Oprah Winfrey at a party, or holding hands with John Travolta! The NBC Studios tour is fun also. I thought it was neat to sit in the chairs in the balcony of the Saturday Night Live set, and to see the set where Tom Brokaw does the nightly news. It's much smaller looking than on TV!

 

[Evil Princess]

I LOVE Broadway, since I live on Long Island, I've seen a bunch of shows over the years.

I saw Phantom for the first time last week and HATED it

It really depends what you're in the mood for. I loved Aida, Les Miz, Rent, Chicago...if you gave your tastes in movies that would help us find you a good show.

 

[GeorgeG]

There are a lot of good shows, but there is one I wouldn't hesitate to go see again and it's Beauty And The Beast! I was ready to see it again before we were out of the theater.

Nice casual will be just fine.

Whatever you choose, I hope you have a great time

 

[Mouseteacher]

Being a Disney fanatic - I vote for Beauty and the Beast and/or Lion King. Both are terrific!

 

[*Flower*]

We'll be going to New York City for our 30th in July, and currently I've got tickets for The Producers (comedy), Mamma Mia (musical) and The Lion King. I'm thinking about adding one more event, but I also know that we're going to want to go to the World Trade Center, which was glorious when we were there last.

Cirque du Soliel has a different show in the area when we'll be there, and DH has a hankering to see Chicago (he loved the movie), so I'm waffling back and forth right now.

On our last trip we saw Beauty and the Beast, Cats and The Scarlet Pimpernel (which I added to our itinerary at the last minute) and they were all fantastic!! I loved Phantom, but I like dark themed shows too.

Good luck with your plans........

 

[AspiringCindy]

Phantom is definitely my favorite. We have seen it a number of times in different locations of the theater. We even took our 8 & 9 year olds to see it and they loved it. We also liked Les Mis(but not as much)!

 

[Cinderellafifi]

I'm so glad you asked this question because my DH and I are going for our anniversary May 16-18. We are also staying at the Waldorf. We are so excited!

Does anyone know much about the tours of the city given on the double decker buses? We can get a 48 hour ticket that takes us everywhere and includes one night tour. Worth it or should we wing it on our own?

TIA!

 

[mbw12]

Our two favorite places in the world are NYC and Disney! I wish there was a message board/forum like this one pertaining to NYC, and than I would be in my glory!!! (if anyone knows of one pertaining to NYC, please send it to me!!!! I would love to join it!)


Any suggestions? Reviews? We have seen Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, Beauty and the Beast, Lion King, AIDA, Mamma Mia, Rent, Cabaret and they were all great.

We have also seen Chicago, Grease, Cats, and How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying and were not as thrilled with them, as the others,...however we still enjoyed them. Just being at the theater on Broadway is a wonderful experience!!

What do people usually wear. Is it really dressy? You will see from one extreme to another. I personally do not think it is nice to wear shorts or tanks, but unfortunately have seen it. Most people dress upscale-casual. but there are also plenty that dress up fancy. We have done both....and have felt comfortable both ways.

Any other ideas for romantic and fun things to do in NY. How about a horse drawn carriage ride through Central park?

We are staying at the Waldorf Astoria. that is a lovely hotel, you will feel very specail there!!

have a great trip! My next trip there is the end of May....DH and 5 yr. old son will be going to a Yankees game that weekend. DD (3 yrs. old) will be going to the Central park Zoo and shopping!!!
My next Broadway show trip will be in August to see 42nd Street! I cannot wait.....love those DH and I weekends away without the kids!!!

 

[adamak]

If you can get tix to Lion King or Producer, definitely go for it. It's really really good. 42nd Street, Chicago, Phantom, Les Mis (are they close yet?) are also pretty good. If you want off-broadway, Blue's Man Group and Stomp are cheaper (and unique). Plus, their location are much more non-touristy than Time Square.

You will LOVE NYC. It's the best !! PM me if you want any more info.

 

[TDC Nala]

If you want funny, The Producers is a riot. I saw it with the original cast and don't know how it's faring without them. It's probably easier to get tickets now, though.

To see current Broadway, off-Broadway, and other theater schedules, check www.playbill.com

 

[TLinden16]

I'll throw another vote for "42nd Street." The cast is wonderful. Tom Wopat from the Dukes of Hazard is in it. And a dear friend of mine, David Elder, is one of the leads, and absolutely incredible in it. It's a real fun show, and you'll probably recognize a lot of the songs from it.

"Aida" is another wonderful show, great music, great story, a couple of good comic moments.

I'm partial to "Rent." I love the story, can really identify with the characters. The music is awesome (more rockish than musical theatreish). The show is sad, but uplifting, in my opinion.

If you go to www.playbill.com, you can sign up for free membership in the playbill club, and get discounted tickets for many shows.

Karen

 

[Claudia1]

Mama Mia! Lots of fun & gret music. You don't want a downer for such a special occasion.

 

[Claire L]

MAMMA MIA! gets my vote any day. Saw it on Valentine's night this year with DH and it was excellent, the atmosphere was so good, much better than at a Lonon West End show.

As for the 48 hour ticket on the double decker buses for the novelty its good and the guide is usually very informative, but it is also very restrictive and we found yellow cabs much easier to get around in. That said in the summer the double deckers must be really fun as you sit outside on the top deck, very very cold in February as we found out! We ddn't have time to do the night tour but apparently its very good with the lights of the NY skyline seen from different locations.
Have a fun trip what ever you decide to do.
Claire