Amazing Grace or Finding Neverland

[minicko88]

I am coming to New York this September, and I am beyond excited. I am debating on my last show, and I am not sure what I want to see. I don't know much about Amazing Grace or Finding Neverland, except that I love "All that Matters" from Finding Neverland. These are currently the two shows I am debating, because they seem intriguing. I am wanting to see one more show on Friday night. What would you recommend? It could be a play or musical, but I prefer musicals.  

I already have tickets to: Something Rotten, Phantom, Hand to God, Fun Home, and Hamilton. 

I have already seen: Lion King, Book of Mormon, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, Aladdin, Les Mis, Wicked

Don't Really Want to See: An American in Paris, Beautiful, Chicago, Hedwig, Mamma Mia, On the Town, On the 20th Century, or Wolf Hall

[Vespertine1228]

It's hard to say because Amazing Grace hasn't opened yet so no one here has seen it to compare.

Frankly I think you're better off waiting until September and seeing something Off-Broadway with good buzz.

[Phillypinto]

Amazing Grace. It got an amazing reception from its Chicago out of town, and I'm really looking forward to it!! 

[dramamama611]

Which sounds better to you?  Personally, there is nothing (from the description) that could possibly get me to AG.

[bwayphreak234]

Wow! Looks like you have a great round of shows lined up! I would highly recommend Finding Neverland. I loved it.

[tazber]

Is anyone even interested in AG?

I'm not trying to be bitchy, but who are they hoping will come see a show about the origin of a hymn?

I keep hearing it's about more than that, but the marketing hasn't done anything to support that.

 

[minicko88]

I just listened to some of the music from their website, and I kind of got interested. I know absolutely nothing about it though. 

[tazber]

Yea, the music sounds good. And I love Josh Young.

I mean, some of us may see it because we're theater lovers, but I don't see tourists dropping a chunk of change for it.

Maybe they can get church groups like The Color Purple did.

[ErinDillyFan]

I saw Amazing Grace in Chicago.  Some great songs, great performances, nice set and some interesting staging, but I would not put it on my must see.  Although, I would be interested to see what plot changes they make as it is rather convoluted (they don't follow his true life story).

Have not seen Finding Neverland, but the buzz and ticket sales are good, so it is likely to still be around.

Not interested in "On the Twentieth Century"?

[gleek4114]

It looks like you are open to anything (not just new shows), so I would recommend Kinky Boots. It's very fun and the performances are wonderful.

[minicko88]

Yes, open to anything. These two shows just peaked my interest. I live near Houston, Texas, so I am not concerned with the big shows like Kinky Boots or Matilda that have tours, because I know I will be able to see them on the road. I absolutely love Kelli Ohara, but she will not be performing in the King and I when I am there, per broadway.com. On the 20th Century just doesn't seem like something I would like, but I have been wrong before. 

[neonlightsxo]

"It got an amazing reception from its Chicago out of town" That is actually not true

http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/theater/reviews/ct-amazing-grace-review-column.html#page=1

 

I'd go with Neverland, of the two.

[acekatherineplumber2]

I'm not really interested in Amazing Grace's story, but Chris Gattelli's choreography is likely enough to get me to see it eventually.

[DrowsyKaye]

Neither. I'd go with neither.

[JMPlayer6]

I saw Amazing Grace at Goodspeed, a few years ago. Frankly, it was not very good. Of course, on its road to Chicago and then Broadway, it could have improved considerably. But I would say that of the two, see Neverland.

[BroadwayMouth]

Personally, I'd see almost any show instead of "Finding Neverland."  I think "Amazing Grace" sounds really interesting (I love historical stuff), so that sounds far more appealing to me.

[Mister Matt]

If you haven't seen Matilda, I'd recommend that over the other two, especially as the Broadway set will have to be altered considerably for the tour.  Or Curious Incident.

[oncemorewithfeeling2]

I found Amazing Grace to be dull. Decent staging, but I didn't like the story (probably because they changed it so much to be more entertaining) and I really don't remember much of music.

If you feel limited to it or Finding Neverland, I'd choose Finding Neverland. I enjoyed it much more at ART then on Broadway, but it's acceptable.

There's many choices better then those two. I'll second the recommendation of Curious Incident and suggest you think about The king and I, even without O'Hara. Or wait until it's closer, see what's on TKTS and go with that.

[purplehibiscus]

I'd recommend King and I, as I've heard amazing reviews of Betsy Morgan and the show seems to be a great production to see even without Kelli.

However, if your main debate is between Amazing Grace and Finding Neverland, I personally choose Amazing Grace, because the plot really interest me. But there two shows are so different, it would really come down to what you like. Finding Neverland is a bit like Wicked in that it's based off of a popular tale and the music is written in a "pop-ish" style. Amazing Grace is a historical piece and the music is a bit more theatrical. Amazing Grace would be a bit of a risk, though, since it hasn't opened. Both seem to be great shows, so you'll have a good time whichever you see!

[Phillypinto]

LOL neon, did you look up the reviews just to prove me wrong? :)

I was talking about the audience reception anyway lol

[skies]

Just curious how much the AG delves into that the composer of it was in the slave trade in England.  Anyone who has seen the show?

[mar6411]

Just for info on an earlier comment, On The Twentieth Century is closing July 19 so wouldn't be open during the period you are looking at.

I haven't seen either so I can't add to that discussion.

[nanillo17]

I'd agree with several others here and suggest you check another show out. Both Matilda (my pick) and Curious Incident are great suggestions, King and I should also be a good option based on reviews on here about Betsy.

If you really want to choose between AG and FN, I'd recommend against AG. I've not seen FN but I have to hope it's better than AG which I saw here in Chicago. The "positive" audience reception likely came from church groups who were eating it up when I saw it but I couldn't handle the BS whitewashing of this truly spoiled brat of a lead character and his mistreatment of the black characters in the show (and likely real life). The performances were decent enough and the title song is sang beautifully but I was genuinely considering leaving early when I saw it. I couldn't, in good conscience, ever recommend that show to anyone.

[neonlightsxo]

I didn't need to look them up to prove you wrong. I remembered that they were terrible. Because I read them. Unlike you.

[matildathemiracle2]

I'd go with Amazing Grace. 

Neverland is going on tour so it'll probably be coming somewhere near you. I don't think that any of the performances in Neverland are "can't miss" so you should be good with a tour.

 

Your never know how Amazing Grace will do, so you could be part of a small group who gets to see it if it doesn't run long. Plus, the music and cast are great.