Opinions please!

[broadwayhereicome3]

Posted: 5/8/17 at 9:06pm

Hello all,

My husband and I are planning a Saturday trip sometime this month and are hoping to rush 2 shows. I've read up on some of our options and I'm having trouble narrowing my choices down because everything intrigues me. I'd love to hear some opinions of the following shows...What did you like? What didn't you like? What would you pick as your top 1 or 2 option(s)? Also any info on rushing these shows (ease of getting tickets, seat location, etc.)? Thank you in advance!

Bandstand 

A Bronx Tale

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Groundhog Day

Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812

Sunset Boulevard

War Paint

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 5/8/17 at 9:23pm

My top two options would be The Great Comet and War Paint. Groundhog Day is also great. I would avoid Bandstand, A Bronx Tale, and Charlie.

[JPeterman]

Posted: 5/8/17 at 9:29pm

1  Great Comet ..... not to be missed, unique, fun, can't be seen on tour as easily as some of these others

2  Ground Hog Day .... really liked it

3  Sunset Blvd ..... + awesome performance by Close ..... - bare bones set and semiconcert style not to my liking

4  War Paint .... + two awesome performances ...... - subpar book

5  Bandstand ... a distant 5th place

6  Bronx Tale ... a very distant 6th place

I would recommend you stay in the hotel and watch Charlie (the original) on the tv rather than see the musical

 

 

Updated On: 5/8/17 at 09:29 PM

[BroadwayBrat]

Posted: 5/8/17 at 9:32pm

Great Comet and Sunset Blvd!!

[SkylarElizabeth]

Posted: 5/8/17 at 9:40pm

I also think that Great Comet is an extremely unique show that isn't to be missed!  There is incredible talent in the cast, and the score is amazing.  Some find it to be slightly confusing, so maybe read up on the basic plot before you go!  There is also a thread on here dedicated to just the times that people are arriving for rush for this show.  Not sure how early you are willing to wake up and wait in line, as that will for sure affect what you are going to see!

 I also saw Sunset Boulevard (through the lottery, first time I entered) and thought it was absolutely amazing.  I'm personally not an Andrew Lloyd Webber fan, but I loved the show, and again, the acting and talent in the cast is great.  

I know this isn't on your list, but Come From Away I hear is not too difficult to get rush or standing room tickets for and is also incredible!  Don't be scared off from the premise (9/11), because its not bleak or dark at all.  It really shows how people were affected that weren't even in NYC, and how a small town opened their hearts to many strangers.  All of these shows are great and I'm sure you'll have a great time no matter what!  

Just seconding the opinion of other posters, I would also say stay away from Charlie and Bandstand.  I haven't heard really anything about Bronx Tale, so take that as you wish.  Charlie and Bandstand both haven't gotten great reviews and unless you are a huge fan of an actor/actress in it, I would not choose those.  War Paint I have heard mixed reviews, but LuPone and Ebersole are probably incredible in it.  My friend saw Groundhog Day and loved it!  I really think that show also depends on your personal style and preferences, but for sure Great Comet and Sunset Boulevard as far as top two choices.  

[bear88]

Posted: 5/8/17 at 9:44pm

Just a warning on Great Comet from someone who loved it: It's not for everyone. The immersive nature of the production, with the cast all over the place, is jarring for some people. The score is complex, fascinating, and often beautiful, but plenty of people just find a lot of it jarring and annoying. Others find the story either confusing or distancing. (Suggestion: You will enjoy it more if you read the short excerpt of War and Peace on which it's based, or even a summary of the plot. That way, you know the characters and the basic story, which isn't terribly complicated. I read it, summarized the story for my wife and daughter, and that made a big difference.)

It basically depends on what sorts of shows you enjoy. I think it's fantastic, unique, and unexpectedly moving. Your mileage may vary.

[brdwybuff]

Posted: 5/8/17 at 10:59pm

Run, don't walk to see the Great Comet! It is such a unique theater experience you may ever see. I can't even put into words the description, but it was amazing!

Don't miss it. Really!

[Cfried]

Posted: 5/8/17 at 11:03pm

I would go with Bandstand and Groundhog Day. Both are fabulous. 

 

Bronx Tale is a fun show too, but it's nothing special and will most likely tour. 

Updated On: 5/8/17 at 11:03 PM

[Lot666]

Posted: 5/9/17 at 11:22am

broadwayhereicome3 said: "Hello all,What did you like? What didn't you like? What would you pick as your top 1 or 2 option(s)? Also any info on rushing these shows (ease of getting tickets, seat location, etc.)? Thank you in advance!

Bandstand 

A Bronx Tale

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Groundhog Day

Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812

Sunset Boulevard

War Paint"

I've seen Groundhog Day, Great Comet, Sunset Boulevard, and War Paint.

I'd skip War Paint unless you're a big fan of the two leads. Their vocals are amazing, but I thought the story and score to be disappointingly weak.

Great Comet is a quirky show with uniquely immersive staging, an eclectic score, and a huge cast that seems to be constantly running around the entire house to rearrange themselves in various tableaux. There's a lot of energy and a couple of standout performers (Lucas Steele and Amber Gray), but some have found it confusing (myself included) and overall it didn't quite merit the high ticket prices for me. Based on the often loud and frenetic score throughout most of the show, I expected the end to come with a bang (it didn't) rather than a whimper. If you see this, don't worry too much about seating; the staging works hard to keep everyone involved.

Groundhog Day is a tour de force for Andy Karl. The first act is largely comedic and the second act takes a decided turn toward the serious and thought-provoking. The score and the set are often whimsical (if you saw Matilda, you know this is something Tim Minchin does well) and the lyrics run the gamut from witty to gut-wrenching. I loved it. If you see this, avoid the mezzanine at all costs unless you're very short; there is virtually no leg room (it was downright torturous), there's not enough rake to see over the rows in front of you, and the only restrooms are downstairs.

Sunset Boulevard is a tour de force for Glenn Close. This production foregoes the detailed mansion set of the original and instead utilizes a movie studio sound stage concept consisting of winding, industrial staircases and catwalks that remain fixed throughout the entire show, while smaller set pieces are rolled on and off by the performers as needed. The huge orchestra is situated onstage, beneath the catwalks, and produces a glorious rendition of Andrew Lloyd Webber's sumptuous score. The entire company is strong, with Fred Johanson being a standout as Norma's major domo, Max. The finale is legendary. If you see this, try to avoid upstairs seating, as the Palace Theatre is quite large and the mezzanine and balcony seem like they're in another zip code. In the orchestra, I'd also avoid the first few rows because the stage is wide and you'll feel as though you're sitting in the first row of a movie theater.

Updated On: 5/12/17 at 11:22 AM

[pupscotch]

Posted: 5/9/17 at 11:25am

Great Comet and Groundhog Day are my two favorite new musicals of the season. I absolutely would recommend them.

[haterobics]

Posted: 5/9/17 at 11:28am

I'd say Groundhog Day, Great Comet, Sunset Boulevard, and War Paint are all solid choices.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 5/9/17 at 11:29am

Bandstand ---I haven't seen it yet, not a big Laura Osnes fan, the show seems bland based on the commercials.

A Bronx Tale----Noooooo, don't see it, I saw it and wouldn't recommend it. Not a good show.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory----No interest, and then the reviews both from BWW users and critics were terrible.

Groundhog Day---Terrible show, more like a Universal Studio attraction than a B'way show. Terrible theater. Don't see this.

Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812----The absolute worst show on B'way now. It's a mess, has no plot, very hard to follow. Painfully bad. Don't see it.

Sunset Boulevard----GO! Don't miss this gem, Glenn, the 40 piece orchestra, a production that won't happen again. Legendary.

War Paint---I didn't think it was great, but it wasn't dreadful like "Natasha", "Groundhog" or "Bronx Tale"

[Kad]

Posted: 5/9/17 at 11:31am

Great Comet has a plot. Whether or not you followed it doesn't mean it didn't have one.

[haterobics]

Posted: 5/9/17 at 11:35am

Kad said: "Great Comet has a plot. Whether or not you followed it doesn't mean it didn't have one."

It is interesting how people are so willing to assume if they can't follow something, it is the art that is in the wrong.

[haterobics]

Posted: 5/9/17 at 11:40am

muscle23ftl said: "Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812----The absolute worst show on B'way now. It's a mess, has no plot, very hard to follow. Painfully bad. Don't see it."

12 Tony Nominations:

Best Musical 
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical - Josh Groban
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical - Denée Benton
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical - Lucas Steele
Best Book of a Musical - Dave Malloy
Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre - Music & Lyrics: Dave Malloy
Best Scenic Design of a Musical - Mimi Lien
Best Costume Design of a Musical - Paloma Young
Best Lighting Design of a Musical - Bradley King
Best Direction of a Musical - Rachel Chavkin
Best Choreography - Sam Pinkleton
Best Orchestrations - Dave Malloy

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 5/9/17 at 11:53am

So? Who cares? They are asking for opinions and I gave mine. Haven't ever seen a movie or a show that won an Oscar or a Tony and you weren't a fan of? This is not even a win, those are only nominations by the way.

[Lot666]

Posted: 5/11/17 at 8:47am

muscle23ftl said: "So? Who cares? They are asking for opinions and I gave mine. Haven't ever seen a movie or a show that won an Oscar or a Tony and you weren't a fan of? This is not even a win, those are only nominations by the way."

muscle23ftl, others might give greater credence to your posts if you didn't write things like "Noooooo, don't see it, I saw it and wouldn't recommend it. Not a good show." This is the theatrical review equivalent of a Donald Trump speech; it provides no insight whatsoever. Just trying to be helpful here. 

[mpkie]

Posted: 5/11/17 at 10:48pm

^ haha I went back to look at his post after reading your comment and then I couldn't re-read it in any other voice than Trump's.

I would recommend Comet, but for those willing to have an open mind because it is very different and has a very experimental feel. There were some duller parts and some questionable parts, but overall I left the show feeling buzzed. The fact that people found the plot confusing still confuses me. Hah!

I didn't like Sunset because I didn't think it was very interesting, and the talk-singing dialogue was a little annoying considering there was actual dialogue and not a sung-through show. I never felt captivated by the story or wanting to know what was going to happen next. I think if you like Glenn Close you will love it. If you don't care either way, well there you have it. I did enjoy learning where some theater pop culture  references came from though!

Haven't seen the others so can't comment, but the recs here make me want to see Groundhog lol.

[lczvera]

Posted: 5/11/17 at 11:24pm

Great Comet and Sunset Boulevard would be my picks. They are both relatively easy rush- you don't have to be up super early, and two fabulous producion with amazing cast!

[Emmaloucbway]

Posted: 5/11/17 at 11:25pm

I would go with The Great Comet and Groundhog Day! 

[Steve C.]

Posted: 5/11/17 at 11:35pm

Definitely Great Comet.

Then depending on your prefs...War Paint or Sunset Boulevard; 

(Sorry, but No Charlie...unless it's free! another waste of everything but Jackie Hoffman!) 

[10086Sundays]

Posted: 5/11/17 at 11:59pm

1. Groundhog Day - My favorite new show of the season. Enter the lotto for the weekend and if you don't win they give you a discount code.(At least they were as of a week ago.)

2. Sunset Blvd would be my other pick.  I have loved the show since it first opened on Broadway.

3. Great Comet - I enjoyed this as an experience, can't say I was really moved by it or have any interest in purchasing the cast recording, but it was a fun evening.

4. Bandstand - If you need a Sunday night show and nothing else interests you, go for it.  Not the worst show, not the best.

I haven't seen the others.