So I'm Planning On Attending A Broadway Show...

Chief Rum · 07-27-2008, 11:59 PM

I have taken a look at the shows on Broadway for when I am out there, and I would like to go to one. The ones that stand out to me as being ones I may have interest in are Phantom of the Opera, Wicked and Spamalot.

Phantom, as long as it has been around, I have yet to see live. I even know the music from CDs, but I stil have never seen it.

Wicked, I have read the book and enjoyed it. And it has gotten a ton of pub.

Spamalot is based on Monty Python's Holy Grail, so of course, I am interested.

Now, I may be ignoring others, so you guys might clue me in if I am dismissing a terrific show out of hand (Lion King? Not really up on Mamma Mia), but the above three are probably my focus.

Which one would you recommend?

Also, this whole walk up to the place the morning of and get tickets for cheap--how realistic is that? Should I count on doing that or try to get my tickets ahead of time?

Thanks!

ISiddiqui · 07-28-2008, 12:03 AM

SPAMALOT!!!!

edit: To add... it was absolutely gut bustingly funny. If you like Monty Python, you owe yourself to see it. And if you pass it up and see it later, you will ask yourself "Why in the Hell didn't I see this before!".

Lathum · 07-28-2008, 01:21 AM

Rent is awesome

JeeberD · 07-28-2008, 04:30 AM

I enjoyed Spamalot...a lot. There's enough material from the movie to be familiar, and enough new material for it not to be considered a retread.

I also loved Phantom when I saw it...geez, probably 15 years ago now.

KWhit · 07-28-2008, 09:11 AM

I love Rent, much better than Phantom, IMO. Have never seen Wicked or Spamalot, though, but I've heard great things about Wicked.

By the way, my college roommate Hunter Bell is starring and wrote a musical that just opened on BWay. It's called Title of Show. This is not really a recommendation to you, as I think his show is better suited to someone who has a lot of prior theatre knowledge (lots of Broadway in-jokes, etc). But I'm really excited for him and wanted to give him a shout-out.

[title of show] - Official Site - Get Tickets

They just got a kick-ass review in the New York Times too.

Theater Review - '[title of show]' - Puttin’ on the Put-On, With Tunes - Review - NYTimes.com#

Barkeep49 · 07-28-2008, 09:14 AM

I am a HUGE HUGE Monty Python fan and would still encourage you to see Wicked.

SnDvls · 07-28-2008, 09:34 AM

never seen Spamalot, but heard good things about it.

Have seen Phanton, Wicked & previously mentioned Lion King & Rent.

All are very good if you like the music on the CD of one more than the other I'd go to that one.

I personally would choose Wicked again as it's a comedy and makes you laugh at the things from The Wizard of OZ and loosely ties into it.

Lathum · 07-28-2008, 09:37 AM

Are you planning on getting tickets in advance or going to the half price ticket booth?

AZSpeechCoach · 07-28-2008, 09:47 AM

Saw Spamalot in Vegas in May, and loved it. It doesn't seem to stop. Mrs SC would recommend Wicked, as she has been trying to see it for years (it seems like). Phantom is always a great show...the epitome of Broadway spectacle.

Passacaglia · 07-28-2008, 11:34 AM

I'd vote against Wicked. I haven't read the book yet, but I get the impression that it's much better than the show was. From what I understand, the book was pretty dark, while the show was IMO just kind of hokey.

tyketime · 07-28-2008, 12:31 PM

I've been fortunate enough to have seen most of the shows you are interested in. Here is how I would rate them:

1. Lion King - this is a musical unlike any I have ever seen! I am even man enough to say the opening number left me in tears with how they were able to bring this to life in such a clever and fascinating way. If I had to pick one show to see, this is it! NOT just for kids. Tickets very hard to get.

2. Wicked - I VERY much enjoyed this show. I also read the book, and while it is not as dark as the novel, it is compelling, intellectual, and entertaining. And if you are familiar with the Wizard of Oz, you will find it that much more appealing. Tickets very hard to get

3. Rent - This show is ending soon... so I don't know if there will be a rush on tickets to make sure and catch it before it closes. Broadway show was MUCH better than the movie (although the movie had most of the original cast).

4. Phantom - I've seen this a couple of times over the years. Again, another big musical with lots of scene changes. If you've never seen it... it should rightfully be on your list.

5. Spamalot - I laughed a lot during this show, and I am not a very big Monty Python fan.

6. Mamma Mia - This is just silly fun. If you can suspend belief and just go for a fun evening, and oh by the way... you do need to like some of the ABBA songs, then if the other tickets are not available, then this is good.

Just to throw out another show in the mix... "Avenue Q" is also a very funny entertaining show which won a lot of awards. The music has absolutely grown on me. I do question whether it is "big" enough to warrant the outrageous Broadway ticket prices these days. It's hard to compare an event like Avenue Q with The Lion King and all of the set changes and costumes, but to each his/her own.

As far as walk-up half-price tickets... you may be referring to TKTS. You can get tickets from between 25-50% off of regular price. But I've always found it to be hit or miss... and directly related to how popular a current show is. To gauge that, I ofter check out this link, Playbill Features: Broadway Grosses: July 14-20. The main numbers to look at are Attendance Percentage (the closer to 100%, the harder the ticket will be) and Average Ticket Price (the lower the average, the more likely you are able to get a discount ticket for it - also remember musicals are more expensive than dramas).

Hope some of this info helps...

rkmsuf · 07-28-2008, 12:33 PM

Go see Les Miserables like a real man.

Dr. Sak · 07-28-2008, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkmsuf

Go see Les Miserables like a real man.

Master of the house, keeper of the zoo

rkmsuf · 07-28-2008, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

Master of the house, keeper of the zoo

Do you like ice?

Galaxy · 07-28-2008, 12:44 PM

I'm waiting for the parody attempt of your two "So I'm Planning" threads.

KWhit · 07-28-2008, 01:03 PM

A lot of people like Lion King, but I HATED IT on BWay. I actually really like the movie and the music, but it felt silly to me. I felt the same way about Beauty and the Beast on Broadway. I just don't think that the animated Disney musicals translate at all to the stage, but YMMV.

SnDvls · 07-28-2008, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZSpeechCoach

Saw Spamalot in Vegas in May, and loved it. It doesn't seem to stop. Mrs SC would recommend Wicked, as she has been trying to see it for years (it seems like). Phantom is always a great show...the epitome of Broadway spectacle.

you're in luck as Wicked is touring to ASU's Gammage this year along with Rent, The Lion King, Stomp & Cats

path12 · 07-28-2008, 02:37 PM

Spamalot was a lot of fun. That would be my choice.

korme · 07-28-2008, 04:46 PM

I saw Mel Brooks' The Producers and had a blast.

AZSpeechCoach · 07-28-2008, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SnDvls

you're in luck as Wicked is touring to ASU's Gammage this year along with Rent, The Lion King, Stomp & Cats

We missed the last tour of Wicked, so I think I owe Mrs. SC tickets to that. I don't have a great desire to watch The Lion King, we've seen Rent, and Stomp. I'm waiting for Mary Poppins to tour.

revrew · 07-29-2008, 04:31 PM

Les Miz - Greatest. Show. Ever.

Still performing in New York? Dunno. I live in Iowa.

KWhit · 07-29-2008, 10:06 PM

Yeah, Les Mis is an incredible piece of work, but I think it closed.

07-28-2008, 12:03 AM	#2
ISiddiqui Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Decatur, GA	SPAMALOT!!!! edit: To add... it was absolutely gut bustingly funny. If you like Monty Python, you owe yourself to see it. And if you pass it up and see it later, you will ask yourself "Why in the Hell didn't I see this before!". __________________ "A prayer for the wild at heart, kept in cages" -Tennessee Williams Last edited by ISiddiqui : 07-28-2008 at 12:04 AM.

07-28-2008, 04:30 AM	#4
JeeberD General Manager Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Town of Flower Mound	I enjoyed Spamalot...a lot. There's enough material from the movie to be familiar, and enough new material for it not to be considered a retread. I also loved Phantom when I saw it...geez, probably 15 years ago now. __________________ UTEP Miners!!! I solemnly swear to never cheer for TO

07-28-2008, 09:11 AM	#5
KWhit Coordinator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Conyers GA	I love Rent, much better than Phantom, IMO. Have never seen Wicked or Spamalot, though, but I've heard great things about Wicked. By the way, my college roommate Hunter Bell is starring and wrote a musical that just opened on BWay. It's called Title of Show. This is not really a recommendation to you, as I think his show is better suited to someone who has a lot of prior theatre knowledge (lots of Broadway in-jokes, etc). But I'm really excited for him and wanted to give him a shout-out. [title of show] - Official Site - Get Tickets They just got a kick-ass review in the New York Times too. Theater Review - '[title of show]' - Puttin’ on the Put-On, With Tunes - Review - NYTimes.com# Last edited by KWhit : 07-28-2008 at 09:12 AM.

07-28-2008, 09:47 AM	#9
AZSpeechCoach College Prospect Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Phoenix	Saw Spamalot in Vegas in May, and loved it. It doesn't seem to stop. Mrs SC would recommend Wicked, as she has been trying to see it for years (it seems like). Phantom is always a great show...the epitome of Broadway spectacle. __________________ The dumber people think you are, the more surprised they'll be when you kill them! Visit Stewart the Wonderbear and his amazing travels http://wonderbeartravel.blogspot.com

07-28-2008, 12:31 PM	#11
tyketime College Benchwarmer Join Date: Nov 2003	I've been fortunate enough to have seen most of the shows you are interested in. Here is how I would rate them: 1. Lion King - this is a musical unlike any I have ever seen! I am even man enough to say the opening number left me in tears with how they were able to bring this to life in such a clever and fascinating way. If I had to pick one show to see, this is it! NOT just for kids. Tickets very hard to get. 2. Wicked - I VERY much enjoyed this show. I also read the book, and while it is not as dark as the novel, it is compelling, intellectual, and entertaining. And if you are familiar with the Wizard of Oz, you will find it that much more appealing. Tickets very hard to get 3. Rent - This show is ending soon... so I don't know if there will be a rush on tickets to make sure and catch it before it closes. Broadway show was MUCH better than the movie (although the movie had most of the original cast). 4. Phantom - I've seen this a couple of times over the years. Again, another big musical with lots of scene changes. If you've never seen it... it should rightfully be on your list. 5. Spamalot - I laughed a lot during this show, and I am not a very big Monty Python fan. 6. Mamma Mia - This is just silly fun. If you can suspend belief and just go for a fun evening, and oh by the way... you do need to like some of the ABBA songs, then if the other tickets are not available, then this is good. Just to throw out another show in the mix... "Avenue Q" is also a very funny entertaining show which won a lot of awards. The music has absolutely grown on me. I do question whether it is "big" enough to warrant the outrageous Broadway ticket prices these days. It's hard to compare an event like Avenue Q with The Lion King and all of the set changes and costumes, but to each his/her own. As far as walk-up half-price tickets... you may be referring to TKTS. You can get tickets from between 25-50% off of regular price. But I've always found it to be hit or miss... and directly related to how popular a current show is. To gauge that, I ofter check out this link, Playbill Features: Broadway Grosses: July 14-20. The main numbers to look at are Attendance Percentage (the closer to 100%, the harder the ticket will be) and Average Ticket Price (the lower the average, the more likely you are able to get a discount ticket for it - also remember musicals are more expensive than dramas). Hope some of this info helps... Last edited by tyketime : 07-28-2008 at 12:34 PM.

07-28-2008, 01:21 AM	#3
Lathum Favored Bitch #1 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: homeless in NJ	Rent is awesome

07-28-2008, 09:14 AM	#6
Barkeep49 Coordinator Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Not too far away	I am a HUGE HUGE Monty Python fan and would still encourage you to see Wicked.

07-28-2008, 09:34 AM	#7
SnDvls Pro Starter Join Date: Jul 2001	never seen Spamalot, but heard good things about it. Have seen Phanton, Wicked & previously mentioned Lion King & Rent. All are very good if you like the music on the CD of one more than the other I'd go to that one. I personally would choose Wicked again as it's a comedy and makes you laugh at the things from The Wizard of OZ and loosely ties into it.

07-28-2008, 09:37 AM	#8
Lathum Favored Bitch #1 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: homeless in NJ	Are you planning on getting tickets in advance or going to the half price ticket booth?

07-28-2008, 11:34 AM	#10
Passacaglia Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Big Ten Country	I'd vote against Wicked. I haven't read the book yet, but I get the impression that it's much better than the show was. From what I understand, the book was pretty dark, while the show was IMO just kind of hokey.

07-28-2008, 12:33 PM	#12
rkmsuf Head Coach Join Date: Dec 2001	Go see Les Miserables like a real man. __________________ "Don't you have homes?" -- Judge Smales

07-28-2008, 12:44 PM	#15
Galaxy Coordinator Join Date: Apr 2005	I'm waiting for the parody attempt of your two "So I'm Planning" threads.

07-28-2008, 01:03 PM	#16
KWhit Coordinator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Conyers GA	A lot of people like Lion King, but I HATED IT on BWay. I actually really like the movie and the music, but it felt silly to me. I felt the same way about Beauty and the Beast on Broadway. I just don't think that the animated Disney musicals translate at all to the stage, but YMMV.

07-28-2008, 02:37 PM	#18
path12 Coordinator Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Seattle, WA	Spamalot was a lot of fun. That would be my choice. __________________ We have always been at war with Eastasia.

07-28-2008, 04:46 PM	#19
korme Go Reds Join Date: May 2001 Location: Bloodbuzz Ohio	I saw Mel Brooks' The Producers and had a blast.

07-29-2008, 04:31 PM	#21
revrew Team Chaplain Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Just outside Des Moines, IA	Les Miz - Greatest. Show. Ever. Still performing in New York? Dunno. I live in Iowa. __________________ Winner of 6 FOFC Scribe Awards, including 3 Gold Scribes Founder of the ZFL, 2004 Golden Scribe Dynasty of the Year Now bringing The Des Moines Dragons back to life, and the joke's on YOU, NFL! I came to the Crossroad. I took it. And that has made all the difference.

07-29-2008, 10:06 PM	#22
KWhit Coordinator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Conyers GA	Yeah, Les Mis is an incredible piece of work, but I think it closed.

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