I thought this would be a fun discussion. What was your first Broadway show? and what was the most memorable moment? My first was Newsies with Corey Cott. I remember tearing up and had goosebumps during Carrying the Banner.
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Mine was Rent, though I'd already seen the touring show and thought it was better than the Broadway show, so my best memories are from the tour.
My first touring show was Les Miserables, back in the early '90s, but I mostly just remember being bored and, ultimately, depressed, because I hadn't learned how to appreciate it yet (it's now one of my favorite musicals).
Mine was Spamalot. I saw the matinee on Tony Sunday. Memorable moments would be David Hyde Pierce's You Won't Succeed... and Tim Curry/Michael McGrath's I'm All Alone. Sara Ramirez's understudy was on, and she was not good. Best moment of the day was meeting Eric Idle beforehand. I look back at that Playbill now and see some shows in the back that were playing at the time and kick myself for missing them (oh, what I would give now to have seen The Pillowman on Broadway).
The original run of Grease. I really didn't like it. Part of it was having unrealistic expectations. Luckily, I was already a performer, so (obviously) it didn't hamper my feelings of musicals.
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My first happened just this month, I saw the ravishing revival of my favorite show SHE LOVES ME.
Most memorable moment: Ilona Ilona Ilona Ilona. I've adored Jane and Gavin for years and years and not only to see them, but also together on one of my favorite songs ever was so good. Not to say the rest wasn't amazing as well but that was the tippy top.
The entire show I was just paralyzed with joy and disbelief at how amazing an experience it was.
My first was Fun Home, most memorable moment was when Beth Malone stepped on stage and I audibly gasped. Also seeing the grown man near me just break down during "Telephone Wire"
Mine was The Secret Garden. I was seven or eight and went with my aunts, mom, and female cousins. I don't remember very specific details about the show, but I remember how magical it was (and I also still have the Playbill!).
Titanic in 1998 I believe. I was 7. We also saw Beauty and the Beast on that trip, but I don't remember any of it. I remember bits and pieces of Titanic, like the set moving up at an angle and everyone sliding down. Did that happen? I feel like I might have made it up in my head lol. What's weird is that I'm seeing the production of Titanic in the West End on Tuesday. So excited!!
Cats in 1986 (I was 17). The only thing I really remember aside from a general "this is cool!" feeling is when a cat ran behind me and played with my hair.
I am obviously as old as dirt compared to others....but here goes:
Godspell (off-Broadway I know) in 1972 or 1973. I was blown away. I remember being invited on stage during intermission to "Drink some Wine".....although since I was 12, it was probably grape juice.
"Over Here" with The Andrew Sisters, Ann Reinking, and a very young John Travolta. Maybe 1973/1974? I so wish I had the Playbill for this. Tried to look for one at the yearly Broadway Cares flea market...but it's like searching for a needle in a haystack.
I saw many tours and regional productions growing up, but my first show on Broadway was Art. Was 22 and sat in the last row of balcony. It was fun to stand on the stage before Once began and look all the way up at that far away row.
My first touring production was The Wiz in Atlanta with Stephanie Mills. I was about five and I remember being really excited. So excited that I fell asleep during the show. If only I could go back and redo that one.
sydney16 said: "Mine was Mary Poppins when I was 7 or 8 (such a basic first show haha). I still have the Playbill from it!
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That was my first show too and I was around the same age as well. I saw it in 2008 with the original cast still intact. Years later I finally realized how amazing it is to see the obc, especially Rebecca Luker. It's still one of my top 10 favorite shows to this date. I loved it and I never understood the negativity towards it. Everyone says how they hate Disney is has disneyfied New York and mary poppins was the complete opposite of that. It was evidence Disney was actually trying to make a commitment to New York theatre and not making it a children's playground. It was dark yet it still had the humor of the film. Also the new songs were extremely well written and fell right into place in a seamless sort of way and the staging was superb, anything can happen was gorgeous.
That at trip to New York was unforgettable. I remember my mom and I went just so she could audition for who wants to be a millionaire, she didn't make it sadly.
In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound.
Signed,
Theater Workers for a Ceasefire
https://theaterworkersforaceasefire.com/statement
The Music Man and I was 9 but I have no idea who the actors were or anything else about it. It was before I saved all my playbills. I just remember I wanted to see more shows after that.
In 1979-80, my future wife and I took a business (for her) and theater (for both of us) trip to New York. We saw Sweeney Todd, Deathtrap, Peter Pan, and Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. I remember Sweeney Todd with the most fondness, though I liked the theaters of the other productions better than the modern Uris Theater.
We saw The Fantasticks, too, now that I think about it. It was a busy trip!
Actually, I haven't been back since. Someday....I shall return.
#1Elphie said: "Mine was The Secret Garden. I was seven or eight and went with my aunts, mom, and female cousins. I don't remember very specific details about the show, but I remember how magical it was (and I also still have the Playbill!). "
Mine was secret garden too! I absolutely loved the song "Wick" back then when I was a kid. I went with my family during our visit to nyc back in 1991. It was the only musical we saw on that trip and I still have the playbill and ticket stub (orchestra cost $65.)
From Thursday, June 10th, to Sunday the 13th in 1999, less than a month before my 22nd birthday, I took my first trip to New York with a group out of University of Wisconsin in Madison. I remember the group stayed at the Mayflower Hotel at Central Park (which is now gone and torn down). During the trip, we saw The Lion King (officially my first Broadway show), the Death of a Salesman revival with Brian Dennehy and Amy's View starring Judi Dench. Had a great time, met up with some friends who were in the local area, and fell in love with the city.
I took the same group trip a few years later in February 2002 (mainly to see the original cast of The Producers), but I spent most of my time by myself on that trip. That's what started my personal theater trips, where I came out by myself and saw as many shows as possible. Became an annual event, and eventually a twice a year event that lives on today.
My Grama took me to see Beauty and the Beast on Broadway when I was 10. It was my first show and my first time in NYC. Everything about it was absolutely magical! It certainly was the spark that began my love for theater and NY! I remember it like it was yesterday.