4 shows in June

[BrockMButler]

Posted: 5/1/16 at 1:03am

I'll be in the city June 16-19 (Weekend after Tonys) and we'll be seeing 5 shows over the long weekend. It's always tough to choose. We're getting tickets for BOM and hoping to use TKTS for the others. Right now my list looks like this and I need to whittle it down to 4 with a backup plan or two

•Bright Star

•The Color Purple

•Disaster!

•Fun Home

•School of Rock

•She Loves Me

•Waitress

Which 4 of those should I try to see and why? Am I neglecting any? All of these have been appearing pretty steadily on the TKTS board but depending on Tony wins, availability will inevitably be a factor. I especially feel like Waitress is going to take off even more over the Summer.

Sidenote- Is Disaster! REALLY the disaster everyone seems to think it is? It was one of my most anticipated shows going into the season as I tend love campy musicals like Zombie Prom & Rock of Ages. Saw Silence! on my last trip and while I was mildly amused most of the time, I wasn't as in love as I wanted to be. Thanks for any help or suggestions you can offer!

Updated On: 5/1/16 at 01:03 AM

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 5/1/16 at 1:06am

Do NOT miss She Loves Me and Color Purple. I'll let other people chime in on their picks for the other two, but I would consider those to be non-negotiables. 

[aaaaaa15]

Posted: 5/1/16 at 1:07am

From your list, I'd go with The Color Purple, Fun Home, She Loves Me and Waitress. Maybe swap Waitress with Shuffle Along.

Updated On: 5/1/16 at 01:07 AM

[BrockMButler]

Posted: 5/1/16 at 1:18am

I'd like to see SA but it seems to be another really hot ticket. The premise and docu-musical style don't seem like the kind of thing I would usually want to pay $150+ a ticket for but George C. Wolfe is one of my very favorite directors and "Caroline" is my all-time favorite musical so his name, even more so than the all star cast, makes it something that I've been paying attention to. I'll add it to my watch list!

[ChiTheaterFan]

Posted: 5/1/16 at 1:20am

My choices of these would be Bright Star, the Color Purple, Fun Home, and She Loves Me. One of my other favorites was American Psycho but it's definitely not for everyone. 

 

Bright Star really surprised me. It's not a very believable story and it's a little saccharine, but I adored it. I can see why some people wouldn't care for an unrealistic and overly romantic story in a musical doesn't bother me at all. The score is absolutely lovely and Carmen Cusack is giving an amazing performance.  

 

The Color Purple is an incredibly powerful show. It's way better in this stripped down version. The performances are incredibly stunning. I would not be surprised if Erivo wins the Tony. She is giving an incredibly moving performance. 

 

Fun Home is very moving and is a very original show. Circle in the Square is an amazing place to watch a show and this is one that I can't imagine will be the same in a big touring house. I have only seen it with the original cast so I can't speak as to how the cast is now, but it's a very moving show.

 

She Loves Me is just a great classic musical. The cast is phenomenal. Laura Benanti and Jane Krakowski are both giving beautiful performances. It's the kind of musical that makes your heart swell and is just joyous. 

 

American Psycho is totally different and it's pretty twisted. The music is 80s inspired and I think Duncan Sheik did a great job. Benjamin Walker is giving a fabulous performance and the supporting cast is all great as well. It's a very polarizing show and I'm sure some people will hate it, but it's probably my second favorite new show this season. 

 

I haven't seen Shuffle Along yet but that might be one to look into as well.  If you're looking to add a fun, light comedy, I love Something Rotten as well. I really enjoyed Waitress but there were just a lot of other shows I liked better. 

Updated On: 5/1/16 at 01:20 AM

[BwayinVan]

Posted: 5/1/16 at 1:21am

aaaaaa15 said: "From your list, I'd go with The Color Purple, Fun Home, She Loves Me and Waitress. Maybe swap Waitress with Shuffle Along.

 

"

I agree with this list. Color Purple blew me away. Waitress is great. Jessie Mueller is a beast and completely wrecked me as Jenna. You have to see it just for her alone. 

[¿Macavity?]

Posted: 5/1/16 at 1:28am

Another vote for She Loves Me.

[BrockMButler]

Posted: 5/1/16 at 1:29am

I don't know if this makes much of a difference but I live near Chicago so most things will tour within a couple of years. Fun Home will be there in November I believe but I feel like if I have the chance to see Michael & Judy do it I should take it. Am I correct in this assumption? Everything I hear about CP makes me feel more and more like I need to just buy tickets. Hoping when Jennifer leaves some of the star f*cker tourist types will disperse and make it an easier ticket to snag. I love her but she's not the reason I feel like I need to see the show.

[ChiTheaterFan]

Posted: 5/1/16 at 1:34am

If you're torn, one thing I sometimes do when relying on TKTS is to ask how the seats are. If I can't decide between two shows and I can get premium seats to one of them for $80, I'll usually pick that one. 

 

If you want to know where you're sitting ahead of time, you could also Google discount codes. (Theatremania and Broadway box are 2 I use.). For something Rotten I got tickets in the front row mezzanine right next to the premium seats for like $95. Even the usher commented when he saw the price on the ticket that I "did good"!

[ChiTheaterFan]

Posted: 5/1/16 at 1:38am

BrockMButler said: "I don't know if this makes much of a difference but I live near Chicago so most things will tour within a couple of years. Fun Home will be there in November I believe but I feel like if I have the chance to see Michael & Judy do it I should take it. Am I correct in this assumption? Everything I hear about CP makes me feel more and more like I need to just buy tickets. Hoping when Jennifer leaves some of the star f*cker tourist types will disperse and make it an easier ticket to snag. I love her but she's not the reason I feel like I need to see the show.

 

"

Judy is no longer in Fun Home. But the oriental, while perhaps the least barn-like of the big 3 Chicago theaters, is still a barn. I'd see it at circle in the square. 

[ChiTheaterFan]

Posted: 5/1/16 at 1:39am

Also for the Color Purple, if you'll be there right after the Tonys, you might look for discount codes after Jennifer leaves but before the Tonys. If it wins best revival and Cynthia wins best actress, it may become tougher to get on TKTS even with JHud out. 

[BrockMButler]

Posted: 5/1/16 at 1:42am

I read somewhere (playbill?) that Rebecca is in while Judy recovers from hip surgery but that she's expected to return at the end of May. I could be mistaken though. Love the Oriental but not sure I want to see this show there.

[BrockMButler]

Posted: 5/1/16 at 1:44am

Thanks for all the helpful tips ChiTheaterFan!

[ChiTheaterFan]

Posted: 5/1/16 at 1:57am

No problem. The Oriental is great for some shows (e.g. wicked). Not this one. 

[ClumsyDude15]

Posted: 5/1/16 at 1:58am

Bright Star, She Loves Me, Waitress, and The Color Purple. 

Alternate: School of Rock. 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/1/16 at 3:09am

I'm not sore if they 've ed ever seen so much consensus on a thread before....But I concur with the 4 shows being bandied about:

Purple

Fun Home

She Loves Me

Waitress

 

Very female centric, but you need to balance all the boys of BOM SOMEHOW!

[_IrisTInkerbell]

Posted: 5/1/16 at 9:32am

My list out of these would be:

Bright Star

She Loves Me

Waitress

Fun Home.

 

I also adored Bright Star, and it even made me cry the second time I saw it. I wouldn't say it's an "unbelievable" story, but it's definitely romantic and not for terribly jaded audiences. You have to allow the show and the actors to sweep you off your feet.

 

She Loves Me is a beautiful classic with amazing performances by a stellar cast. It's funny and heartwarming. Don't miss it! Also, Roundabout Shows tend to not go out on tour, so you really can't see this anywhere else, aside from the great cast.

 

Waitress was amazing, and I think it would have a had a great shot at a Tony for Best Musical in any other year. Jessie Mueller is fantastic in it. I do think there is a good chance it will disappear from TKTS soon though, even more so after the Tonys. Perhaps by a discounted ticket online? Or wait for it on tour. You won't see Jessie, but I think show will be great either way, just like Beautiful is as well.

 

I agree with what other said about Fun Home. This show will be more powerful in a smaller theater. If you want to see it, see it at CitS instead of a big touring house.

 

About Disaster! I think it was a TON of fun, very campy and not to be taken seriously in the slightest. The actors are all fantastic. So if you like that type show, I think you will enjoy this! Perhaps keep it as a backup if you can't get Waitress?

[wish i were here2]

Posted: 5/1/16 at 9:41am

I say see: She Loves Me, Waitress, Fun Home for sure.

The last one is up to you! 

[Someone in a Tree2]

Posted: 5/1/16 at 1:40pm

If you haven't seen AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, I'd replace WAITRESS with that show. Nearly the entire original cast is still in the show, yet it's on TKTS every day. It's the only full-out giant-scale grand old classic/new musical experience on Broadway right now, with thrilling design and gorgeous ensemble dancing throughout. I'd also encourage you to consider SHUFFLE ALONG, which is not perfect, but also has some brilliant performances and stunning ensemble dancing. Otherwise, except for BOM, you'll be getting a very chamber-scaled Broadway experience with your current picks.

[KathyNYC2]

Posted: 5/1/16 at 5:07pm

BwayinVan said: "aaaaaa15 said: "From your list, I'd go with The Color Purple, Fun Home, She Loves Me and Waitress. Maybe swap Waitress with Shuffle Along.

 

"

I agree with this list. Color Purple blew me away. Waitress is great. Jessie Mueller is a beast and completely wrecked me as Jenna. You have to see it just for her alone. 

 

"

This would totally be my choice as well. 

[KathyNYC2]

Posted: 5/1/16 at 5:11pm

BrockMButler said: "I read somewhere (playbill?) that Rebecca is in while Judy recovers from hip surgery but that she's expected to return at the end of May. I could be mistaken though. Love the Oriental but not sure I want to see this show there.

 

"

Yes to this. She is scheduled to be back by mid June but of course you never know with surgery. But with seeing Rebecca or Judy and then possibly  Michael, I would try and see it here. 

[pupscotch]

Posted: 5/1/16 at 5:14pm

I would go with She Loves Me, Waitress, and the Color Purple. The last spot is a tossup between Bright Star and Fun Home, but I'd personally go with Fun Home.

[VintageSnarker]

Posted: 5/1/16 at 5:15pm

You cannot miss this revival of The Color Purple. You just can't. It is one of the most incredible experiences I have had in a theatre this year. If you haven't seen Fun Home it is definitely worth seeing. I haven't seen Disaster! yet to be able to weigh in, but if you think you'd like it, don't let other people dissuade you from what could be a fun time. And reports are that rush tickets are not difficult to come by.

I would rush Bright Star as a back up though you might want to see it sooner than later unless the box office numbers pick up. It is a very charming show with great music and talent but I can't call it a good show.

I'm not ruling out School of Rock or Waitress. I just haven't seen them yet. 

[Robbie2]

Posted: 5/1/16 at 5:18pm

BrockMButler 1st off, Don't miss SHUFFLE ALONG...it is one of the most exciting musicals this season and once again, Audra is beyond sensational in what she does in it and the choreography is breathtaking!

Here's a discount but not sure when it expires ~  telechargeoffers.com  code: sadmx1016

Front mezzanine: $99

Mid Mezzanine-Rear Mezzanine seats: $75-$55

 

As for the other must see: COLOR PURPLE, SHE LOVES ME & FUN HOME.

 

Updated On: 5/3/16 at 05:18 PM

[Wick3]

Posted: 5/1/16 at 5:57pm

Shuffle Along and She Loves Me. Still try the Hamilton digital lottery every day you're here.