Need recommendation for senior travelers

[WisconsinTravel]

Posted: 9/28/15 at 12:01pm

This site has been very helpful in the past, and hoping you can help again.

I own a small travel company in Wisconsin.  We will be bringing a group (20-30 people) of senior travelers to NYC in October.  Included in the program will be two Broadway shows.  Would like the shows to be fairly clean given our clientele.  Last year, they really liked Beautiful: The Carole King Musical--which was recommended by this site.  Previous year, Newsies (again recommended here) went over very nicely.

Would appreciate your suggestions.  THANK YOU in advance.

PS:  Clientele will be different this year than last, so Beautiful could be done again this year.

 

[OKBroadwayFan]

Posted: 9/28/15 at 12:06pm

From shows that I have seen:

A Gentleman's Guide..

The King & I

Finding Neverland

Haven't seen these, but from reviews and word of mouth, so not sure they fit your criteria

An American in Paris

Dames at Sea

 

I thought of the  shows that I would take my parents to see

[ChildofEarth]

Posted: 9/28/15 at 12:09pm

I would do Finding Neverland, An American in Paris, or Dames at Sea. Something Rotten may be a riskier choice, but could work.

[ChiTheaterFan]

Posted: 9/28/15 at 12:12pm

The King and I would be a great choice. If I were making a recommendation to more conservative crowd it's what I'd choose. (I haven't seen a lot of the cleaner shows that are out now though.)

Updated On: 9/28/15 at 12:12 PM

[MOUSTACHA]

Posted: 9/28/15 at 12:44pm

For the die-hard conservative (thinks the lion king is too modern): King and I.  It's long (so worth the money?!) and these sorts of audience members fawn over R&H.

 

For the adventurer (age won't stop them from seeing what is new and hip!): Something Rotten.  Especially if they're familiar with musicals in general, it's a lot of fun and has some great production numbers.

 

For the classy (doesn't mind something new, but prefers to keep things sophisticated):  An American In Paris.  Gershwin + Ballet + Great modern sets/designs + Palace Theatre.  Can't really go wrong.

 

For the super religious: Amazing Grace.  Not great reviews, sure, but I found that it resonated with an older audience.  Sure, it has its issues, but it is FAR from the worst show to be on broadway.  You'll be able to get a great price, great locations, and Chuck Cooper is AMAZING in it.  In addition, it has some very neat effects, decent sets/costumes, and the music is enjoyable.  Again, not the greatest show you'll ever see, but if you have some church-goers, it'll be a home run. (Warning: closes 10/25)

 

Other safe bets: Wicked, Gentleman's Guide, Beautiful, Matilda, Phantom
 

 

Updated On: 9/28/15 at 12:44 PM

[karen24]

Posted: 9/28/15 at 1:08pm

For what it's worth, my Mom (age 83) is very eager to see The King and I and American in Paris. Of course, she's also very eager to see Hamilton, but obviously that's probably not an option for your group. Beautiful could of course work again too. 

 

[KathyNYC2]

Posted: 9/28/15 at 1:41pm

I would select Finding Neverland and The King and I - or Beautiful again. These seem perfect for who is coming to see the shows.

I liked American in Paris but I have heard from some others that it's too much dance/ballet for their taste. It's certainly not too much for me but you know who you are bringing. Of course, if they remember the movie, it might make it more appealing.  Something Rotten - too many in jokes and maybe some off color elements.

Good luck..

[Someone in a Tree2]

Posted: 9/28/15 at 3:43pm

Brought my 85-year-old folks to the city to see AN AMERICAN IN PARIS back in June, probably their first time seeing a Broadway show in at least 30 years. They were in heaven from start to finish (as was I). This show boasts the orchestra, cast-size, and lavishness of sets and costumes that feels like one of the great shows of old (a rare thing on Broadway today). And I think most of all, my folks responded to a story of the dark years of WWII giving way to a new post-war age of hope and color. If your clients have any memories of that period, I expect they will respond in kind. 

 

 

Posted: 9/28/15 at 3:51pm

I'd absolutely recommend The King And I! It should be perfect for an older crowd.

[JPeterman]

Posted: 9/28/15 at 3:59pm

You have received some great suggestions. My first choice for your group would most definitely be The King and I. Second choice An American In Paris. Third choice Allegiance (previews begin October 6th I think). Fourth choice Finding Neverland.  And I agree, Something Rotten is very funny, but a few too many off color jokes to please a large group, whether it is seniors or anyone else ... somebody will have a problem with something.

 

As Someone In A Tree stated, I have also found that my parents, especially my dad, respond really well to stories from their own past. I took my parents to Stratford this summer and we saw 12 great shows ..... I asked my 82 year old dad which was his favorite and he said the Diary of Anne Frank, because the historical context was so familiar to him. We saw some other really great productions, and honestly Anne Frank was good but there were a couple others that were really superb.

 

I think An American In Paris or Allegiance would be a fantastic compliment to King And I for your two shows. The King and I is just too well done to miss .... it is one of the few shows fron this past year I would like to see again.

Updated On: 9/28/15 at 03:59 PM

[KathyNYC2]

Posted: 9/28/15 at 4:02pm

Sounds great. I wish you luck with group tickets for your bunch. Let us know how you do...

Updated On: 9/28/15 at 04:02 PM

[WisconsinTravel]

Posted: 9/28/15 at 4:03pm

To everyone--thank you for the tremendous input and swift response.  Will sort through all of these with our Operations Manager, and decide on our two 2015 shows.   

I have always been impressed with this discussion board community, and your willingness to help.  

THANK YOU! 

[SmoothLover]

Posted: 9/29/15 at 12:55am

I would say The King and I for sure and American In Paris. I imagine you have done the bus tours but I live here and went on a few thinking it would be dull but it was actually very interesting. I would take the bus that goes down to the 9/11 memorial.

They might also enjoy getting up early for one of the morning news shows either at ABC or 30 Rock. Seniors tend to watch those programs and would enjoy seeing some of the hosts live.

Tavern On The Green has reopened so take them there while you are seeing Central Park. In October the park magical.

Finding Neverland and Allegiance I think are poor choices.

[Comden Green]

Posted: 9/29/15 at 10:07am

I submit that gentleman's guide is too tedious.  It demanded more of my little brain than was available.  More concentration than I could provide following those lyrics. 

Also matilda. No.   Uninitiated seniors will be befuddled at the story and the lyrics.  

 

I'm thinking dames at sea might be a good one.  

[mailhandler777]

Posted: 9/29/15 at 10:50am

Trip of Love. The off broadway show set in the 60s. 

[cc5916]

Posted: 9/30/15 at 4:18pm

Dames at Sea...such a fun show full of unbelievable singing and dancing. I think your group would really adore this energetic and enjoyable two hours of musical theatre. The night we saw it the crowd laughed and clapped throughout the entire performance. 

[Wilmingtom]

Posted: 10/1/15 at 1:15am

I'll chime in with The King and I and add The Gin Game, a play that speaks to the elder experience.

 

[Robbie2]

Posted: 10/1/15 at 2:10am

An American In Paris

The King and I 

Jersey Boys

[Robbie2]

Posted: 10/1/15 at 2:10am

An American In Paris

The King and I 

Jersey Boys

[SonofMammaMiaSam]

Posted: 10/1/15 at 9:48am

Group tickets for 20-30 for hit shows; this month? HOW?