What show should I bring my friend to?

[greenifyme2]

Posted: 8/16/17 at 10:20pm

I almost always go to shows alone, I don't really have any friends in the city- it's usually pretty great because I have the opportunity to get a great price, last minute ticket and don't have to worry about getting 2 seats together. So, when I do have the rare opportunity to bring someone to a show, I really want it to be a great experience for them. I am the kind of person who always worries/wonders/hopes the other person is having a really great time.

I have a friend who is coming to visit me at the end of September, and we are going to a concert Saturday night. I thought it would be great to take her to a Broadway musical matinee on Saturday beforehand. I haven't seen her in years, but she is the kind of person who will have fun and enjoy whatever I bring her to. She's not really picky, but it's kind of because of that I want to blow her mind a little.

What should I bring her to? The problem is, the end of Sept seems to be pretty lackluster. A bunch of stuff closing and new shows not starting until Oct/Nov.

She said she was interested in:

-DEH (more specifically, Ben in DEH, which we already decided is pretty much not happening since it is likely he'd be out for Yom Kippur and if he's not, getting tickets will be tough. Plus I already have a ticket that I bought for my birthday like 6 months ago....)
-Wicked (she has seen this but would see it again. I'd see it again but I'd rather not)
-Kinky Boots (I have not seen this)
-Miss Saigon (I thought it was 'eh', but my mom loved it)
-Avenue Q (saw this a few years ago and it was great but so sad how empty the theater was)
-Phantom (I haven't seen this in years, she never has and feels like she should- kind of a 'bucket list' type thing) 

Her budget is around $150 but that 'a case can be made for something spectacular.' 

I'm starting to think Kinky Boots is the way to go, although we'd miss Brendon Urie. (I looked up a discount code which leads me to another side question -- When I popped in the code, 4 seats came up in the 3rd row center Orch with a little handicapped symbol for Deaf/Low Vision - I assume these tickets are off-limits unless you require them due to a disability)

Phantom is a decent option, but I am afraid that it will be the epitome of 'bad theater behavior.' How has the show held up? Will it seem worn after everything this theater season was so spectacular? 

I so desperately wish GHD or Sunset Blvd would have been around. Those would have been perfect!

Yes I do realize this situation is a 'me' problem and not a problem with my friend. She will be happy no matter what we pick. But I'd love anyone's insight or perhaps something I'm not thinking of. 

Thanks, all!

Updated On: 8/16/17 at 10:20 PM

[Itonlytakesajourney]

Posted: 8/16/17 at 10:45pm

This is my default answer on all of these threads, but go see Anastasia and Hello Dolly. Both solid shows with beautiful sets, costumes, and casts. The music for both of these is pretty great as well. If you're only sticking to the narrow list though, I'd say aim for Kinky Boots or Avenue Q. You haven't seen one and enjoyed the other, so why not take a chance? POTO will always be there, and you don't seem to be a fan of Saigon or Wicked. 

[haterobics]

Posted: 8/16/17 at 10:50pm

greenifyme2 said: "I'm starting to think Kinky Boots is the way to go, although we'd miss Brendon Urie."

The original leads, Billy Porter and Stark Sands, return on 9/26, though.

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 8/16/17 at 10:59pm

"Something spectacular" = Hello, Dolly!, for sure. It's theatrical bliss.

[VintageSnarker]

Posted: 8/16/17 at 11:01pm

I wish I could say Great Comet. That might have "blown her mind a little." But yeah, Kinky Boots seems like the best option with those choices. I'd skip Phantom and Avenue Q. Not exciting choices, plus, they'll probably still be there if she comes back to visit next year. 

I'd ask her about Waitress and Anastasia too. 

[10086Sundays]

Posted: 8/16/17 at 11:11pm

Are you going to try for the DEH lotto?  You never know. And at least you'd get to see the show cheaply, which would make up for the lack of Ben. If he is in, would the cancellation line be worth the wait?

My suggestion, if you don't mind leaving Bway, is "Sweeney Todd" if Hugh Panaro gets good reviews. It's an incredible experience to be immersed and hear the performers without amps. Tickets are in your range. It's been two months and I'm still thinking about getting yelled at by Norm Lewis. 

[#1Elphie]

Posted: 8/16/17 at 11:20pm

Out of your choices, Kinky Boots sounds like a good option, though I'd consider Come From Away. 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 8/16/17 at 11:21pm

Of what you mentioned, is say Kinky Boots. You won't be able to get tix for Dolly unless you can go on a Tuesday night. 

 

The off best suggested of Sweeney Todd is an excellent one. Also, IF you can get tix for Come From Away, do it.

[greenifyme2]

Posted: 8/16/17 at 11:24pm

Thank you all for your thoughtful responses! Some more info:

Wicked - I do love it, but I have seen it 5 times over the years, so I'm good on it for awhile.
DEH - I enter the lottery every day, so definitely! Only won once since it started (but I do consider it one of the luckiest moments I've ever had! Not even sure if they'd ever let me win a 2nd time).
Sweeney Todd - I randomly saw this a few weeks ago when someone reached out of the blue with an extra ticket. While it was an incredible experience with an incredible cast, I don't love the music so I am not too interested in returning. But you're right, it would blow her mind!
Great Comet - I wish, too.
Waitress - Good suggestion, I'll ask her if she even knows about it (I haven't seen it and would like to).
Hello Dolly - I am going this weekend
Come From Away - Saw it, didn't love it. The only show I thought I should have done SRO for.
Anastasia - Loved the costumes and the projections but didn't love the cast or the actual show (am a huge fan of the movie. Can't stand Christy Altomare)

Thanks for confirming my suspicions to steer clear of Avenue Q or Phantom. Done.

Sounds like we've narrowed it down to Kinky Boots (esp now if you say that some of the original cast is returning) or Waitress! Votes between those 2? And if anyone has any discount codes handy or tips on where to sit, I'd really appreciate it!
 

 

Updated On: 8/16/17 at 11:24 PM

[LxGstv]

Posted: 8/16/17 at 11:29pm

I'd pick Waitress over Kinky Boots.

I believe it's constantly on TKTS, also read that they sell the box seats at the box office for around $79?

Updated On: 8/16/17 at 11:29 PM

[10086Sundays]

Posted: 8/16/17 at 11:33pm

I enjoyed Waitress much more than Kinky Boots, but I don't think you can go wrong with either. 

Looks like BroadwayBox has a code for Kinky Boots that expires 10/1, so that should work for you. The Waitress code expires 9/1, but hopefully there will be a new one. 

[greenifyme2]

Posted: 8/16/17 at 11:38pm

LxGstv said: "I'd pick Waitress over Kinky Boots.

I believe it's constantly on TKTS, also read that they sell the box seats at the box office for around $79?

 

That would be perfect! I'd love to sit in the box if we won't really miss anything important on that side of the stage. (I sat in a box at DEH and it was totally fine. I sat in a partial view seat behind the box at Dolly last night and missed 1/4 of the show!). Really seems to depend on the show.

 

[KathyNYC2]

Posted: 8/16/17 at 11:41pm

LxGstv said: "I'd pick Waitress over Kinky Boots.

I believe it's constantly on TKTS, also read that they sell the box seats at the box office for around $79?

 

"

You do NOT want box seats for Waitress. Especially if you are on the left side, you miss half the show. You can get a TKTS half price ticket or even ask the box office about mezz seats. Both shows are in smallish theaters and there really are very few bad seats. 

Both shows should be on TKTS for September so it's totally a matter of preference. They are both two of  my favorite shows. The current cast of both shows are excellent. 

If it's at all possible, go see a Sunday matinee as well and see both. KB has a 3 pm matinee and Waitress willl have a 2pm and 7pm show on Sunday starting in September. 

Updated On: 8/16/17 at 11:41 PM

[haterobics]

Posted: 8/16/17 at 11:41pm

Both are good choices, but between the two, I think I enjoy Waitress more?!

[LxGstv]

Posted: 8/16/17 at 11:43pm

greenifyme2 said: "LxGstv said: "I'd pick Waitress over Kinky Boots.

I believe it's constantly on TKTS, also read that they sell the box seats at the box office for around $79?

 

That would be perfect! I'd love to sit in the box if we won't really miss anything important on that side of the stage. (I sat in a box at DEH and it was totally fine. I sat in a partial view seat behind the box at Dolly last night and missed 1/4 of the show!). Really seems to depend on the show.

 

 

"

If I remember correctly they sell them in advance as well. I would recommend the boxes on the right side if you can pick as the band is on stage left, while the counter/kitchen is on stage right.

[Lot666]

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

greenifyme2 said: "Phantom is a decent option, but I am afraid that it will be the epitome of 'bad theater behavior.' How has the show held up? Will it seem worn after everything this theater season was so spectacular?"

The "bad theatre behavior" problem at Phantom is primarily at Thursday matinees; I believe you'll have a better crowd on a Saturday. This show is in fine shape, and the current Carlotta (the amazing Michele McConnell) is ending her 6+ year run in October, and seeing her is a real treat.

If you'd prefer something from the new crop, my first pick would be Come From Away.

[greenifyme2]

Posted: 8/17/17 at 9:42am

She's in for Waitress! Last question - she's kind of tall. Would an aisle seat in the front mezz or the first row of the rear mezz be better? I don't see anything from row E on A View From My Seat.

[Babe_Williams]

Posted: 8/17/17 at 10:00am

this won't be popular, but I would take her to Phantom, especially if she has never seen it and has interest. 

[KathyNYC2]

Posted: 8/17/17 at 10:45am

They've already decided on Waitress. I don't think they need other suggestions. 

If you are tall, an aisle seat is always better in any theater in any section. The first row of the rear mezz (row E) has a bar across it which may or may not be to your liking. But it also has a curtain under the bar, not a wall so technically you can stretch your legs out from it a bit. 

[hak5]

Posted: 8/17/17 at 11:45am

have you considered:   COME FROM AWAY

[greenifyme2]

Posted: 8/17/17 at 12:45pm

Thanks Kathy. I'll be sure to grab an aisle seat for her.

Sorry all, I did not like Come From Away. If I hear 'Welcome to the Rock' one more time I'll scream. (Please don't throw stuff at me :-P)

[chuckydisc]

Posted: 8/17/17 at 2:18pm

IF a pair for Kinky Boots WITH Billy Porter is available, and in your budget, GET IT ASAP!!!

[greenifyme2]

Posted: 8/19/17 at 9:28pm

Hey guys, wanted to say I went to the box office today to buy tickets for Saturday matinee end of september... not only did they let me use the Theatermania code, but they sold me 2 tickets row J of the orchestra on the aisle for only $89 each. WOW!