BroadwayGirlNYC: What to See on Broadway

The most common question I'm asked on Twitter is, "I'm coming to New York for one day only.  Which show should I see?" Despite my knowledge of all of the currently running Broadway productions, I never know what to say.  True, I have my favorite shows, but without knowing anything about the person asking the question or their taste in theatre, it's an impossible question to answer in 140 characters.

The biggest factor to consider is what you - or your aunt, grandmother, nephew, college roommate or other friend coming to town - has liked in the past.  Previous enjoyment of a certain type of show is the best indicator of what any theatergoer is most likely to love.

So, with that in mind, I've compiled this list of suggestions.  Hopefully, one of the descriptions below will resonate with you, and will help you decide what to see.

For theatrical newbies, or those who like their musicals "traditional," look to Jersey Boys, South Pacific, A Little Night Music, or The Phantom of the Opera.  Night Music and Phantom lean a little more toward the classical; Jersey Boys is perfect for anyone who loves the music of the 1960s; and South Pacific is the quintessential classic Broadway show.  I like these for traditionalists who want to see Broadway the way it was in the "golden age."  They are also great go-tos for visiting grandparents, or tourists who don't have a lot of experience with musicals, who want to see what Broadway is all about.  They're all terrific examples of Broadway in its purest, most long-established form.

If you prefer the classic style but want to see something new, Memphis - the 2010 Tony Award winner - is the way to go.  In the Heights, too, is a great example of a new take on a conventional Broadway format - in this case, using Latin and hip-hop music to bring a fresh feel to what underneath is a perfectly traditional Broadway story.

Bringing a child to Broadway?  First, be aware that most shows don't allow kids under four (although each production has its own specific rules).  There are two perfect family shows running right now: The Lion King and Mary Poppins, both produced by Disney on Broadway.  These are ideal because parents have their own elements to enjoy that aren't "dumbed down" just because there are kids in the audience. (The costumes alone are worth the price of a ticket to Lion King.)

Tweens (and their families) will enjoy The Addams Family, which features a plot about a teenage daughter who rebels against her parents; and Billy Elliot, a true tour-de-force musical that actually stars teenaged actor/dancers in the leading role. Teenaged girls will love Wicked, the "true story of the Witches of Oz;" chances are they may have already heard and memorized Stephen Schwartz' brilliant songs.  In fact, anyone - certainly not just teens - who loves "The Wizard of Oz" should consider Wicked a must-see.

For theatregoers who like modern, edgy musicals, my current favorite is Green Day's American Idiot - recommended for anyone who is either already a fan of the band (who, I should mention, is not featured onstage), or has a penchant for punk-rock music and a gritty, in your face theatrical style.  Meanwhile Fela! is a vibrant, dance-fueled African party that teaches as much as it entertains, and will more than likely leave you wanting to dance in the aisles yourself.  Next to Normal, too, deserves a mention here; it's a striking, important, dysfunctional-family musical drama that I, for one, have been drawn back to see six times.

There are celebrities on Broadway!  If you want to visit a show that stars someone you've seen on TV, try the Tony-Winning La Cage aux Folles, starring Kelsey Grammer of "Frasier" and "Cheers".  (La Cage is brilliant, I should mention, and is worth seeing for far more than its Hollywood marquee name).  Meanwhile Promises, Promises boasts TV stars Sean Hayes ("Will & Grace") and Kristin Chenoweth, currently a hot commodity because of her many appearances on "Glee".  And depending when you come to New York, Chicago features a rotating case of leads, many of whom are well known to TV audiences; currently John O'Hurley stars as Billy Flynn (you know John as J. Peterman on Seinfeld, and as the host of the American Kennel Club's Westminster Dog Show).

In addition to this list, be aware that there are countless face-to-face resources to help you decide what to see, once you arrive in New York City.  Whether you intend tickets there or not, be sure to visit TDF's half-price TKTS booth at 47^th & Broadway, where you'll find experts waiting every day to answer any question you may have.  The Times Square info booth - just across the street from TKTS - is also an incredible free resource, offering fliers and pamphlets about every show on Broadway (and countess other features of New York City that you won't want to miss while you're in town).

I hope my advice has helped you decide what to see on Broadway, or at least to narrow down your list. The vast variety of current offerings makes it nearly impossible to call any one show "the one you can't miss," but the great news is that there's really something perfect for every kind of theatregoer.  The categories I've listed will help you figure out who you are, and which is YOUR go-to production. 

And if you still can't decide... see two!