Out of the Loop - Advice Needed
Out of the Loop - Advice Needed
ChiTheaterFan
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/9/15
#1Out of the Loop - Advice Needed
Posted: 12/4/17 at 4:03am
Sorry for another one of these threads that pop up all the time... But I've been out of the loop (and the country for that matter) for awhile, but I'm coming to NYC this week and have 2 or 3 spots open. This is one of the few times I've gone where not a lot is really calling me, despite the fact that I haven't been to NY in many months and won't be back for awhile. (The exceptions to that are Meteor Shower and Once on this Island.... I already have tickets to those and am very excited about both of them.) Even after scanning these threads I'm not seeing much discussion of anything else that sounds particularly compelling.
Right now I'm thinking I may see the Play that Goes Wrong, and make a return visit to Miss Saigon. (I saw this revival awhile back and it was wonderful.) I'm at a loss for the third show if I end up having a spot for one. Maybe Bronx Tale or The Band's Visit?
I'm in an escapist mood so I'm really wanting some escapism from anything business related or political, so it sounds like Junk and The Parisian Woman are both out. Home for the Holidays seems very tempting with its less than 4% of gross, but I think I'll pass (lol). I'd love to see Hello Dolly but not at $600+. Other than that, I've seen Anastasia, Come From Away (which I'd see again but DAMN! Only one ticket left for $350... good for them), Dear Evan Hansen, Hamilton (not like I could get tickets to those last two anyway), School of Rock, Waitress, and all the usual longrunning fare.
So is there anything that's a must-see? I'd be perfectly happy to see the Play that Goes Wrong and make a repeat visit to Miss Saigon, but with this likely being my only trip to NY this season, it feels odd to pick two shows from last season including one I've already seen... (Of course Bronx Tale would be from last season as well...) But if those are the best choices, so be it! I'd rather do that just than see a show I don't enjoy just because I will know a little more come Tony time...
#2Out of the Loop - Advice Needed
Posted: 12/4/17 at 5:44am
Farinelli and the King starts previews soon. I have tickets for Dec. 16 and I'm very excited. The Band's Visit is quite wonderful, and I'm sure the folks here will be recommending it.
If you're here on a Tuesday you can see Donna Murphy in Hello, Dolly.
dramamama611
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
#3Out of the Loop - Advice Needed
Posted: 12/4/17 at 6:19am
macnyc said: "Farinelli and the King starts previews soon. I have tickets for Dec. 16 and I'm very excited. The Band's Visit is quite wonderful, and I'm sure the folks here will be recommending it.
If you're here on a Tuesday you can see Donna Murphy in Hello, Dolly."
Took the words right out of my mouth.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
ChiTheaterFan
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/9/15
#4Out of the Loop - Advice Needed
Posted: 12/4/17 at 12:34pm
Thanks! I'll check out Farinelli and the King. I'd been looking at grosses so I didn't see shows that start this week. Good to hear about the Band's Visit. I'll check that out too.
Sadly no Tuesday night for me, so Hello Dolly is out. Tickets are available. One for just over $600 and one for just over $1000. Yikes! Too rich for my blood. I thought about standing room but I really don't want to get up at 2 AM to get in line, especially since they only do SRO if all those crazy premium tickets sell.
#5Out of the Loop - Advice Needed
Posted: 12/4/17 at 12:40pm
Thanks, dramamama!
Regarding Hello, Dolly with Bette, I read on this board that Telecharge might get some last-minute tickets, so check the website the day before or even the same day if you have an opening. Doesn't hurt to try!
ChiTheaterFan
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/9/15
#6Out of the Loop - Advice Needed
Posted: 12/4/17 at 12:41pm
macnyc said: "Regarding Hello, Dolly with Bette, I read on this board that Telecharge might get some last-minute tickets, so check the website the day before or even the same day if you have an opening. Doesn't hurt to try!
"
Thanks, I will!
ChiTheaterFan
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/9/15
#7Out of the Loop - Advice Needed
Posted: 12/4/17 at 12:53pm
Just looked up The Band's Visit and for some reason I thought it was something totally different. Maybe I was thinking of Bandstand from last season or something, but this looks really interesting and different. I think I'll have to catch that!
ETA: Glad I asked when I did! I checked and the only day with non-premium seats left is Thursday night. I snapped one up so I will definitely be going. Now I just need to decide whether to see Miss Saigon and the Play that Goes Wrong or slip in something else. Will stay tuned to see how Farinelli and the King sounds when it starts this week.
I'll report back on the shows! Looking forward to finally getting back to the city.
ChiTheaterFan
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/9/15
#8Out of the Loop - Advice Needed
Posted: 12/8/17 at 2:08am
A big thanks for the recommendation for The Band’s Visit. I saw it tonight and it was simply beautiful. With everything going on in the world, it was so nice to see a warm tale of people with different backgrounds coming together. And that score was unbelievably gorgeous,combined with exquisite performances. I am very glad I didn’t miss this one! I think it will stick with me for awhile.
I loved really watching the band in particular during their solos. So many Broadway musicians are eminently talented, but I have to say the passion and emotion I felt from the band is unparalleled.
#9Out of the Loop - Advice Needed
Posted: 12/8/17 at 7:59amIf you are still deciding, go off-Broadway and see WHO'S HOLIDAY. Lots of fun.
Just give the world Love.
dramamama611
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
#10Out of the Loop - Advice Needed
Posted: 12/8/17 at 10:53am
So glad you loved The Band's Visit! I don't go until April (I promised my students to NOT see it before I see it with them) and the wait is killing me! From everything I know, this is the kind of show I will fall in love with.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
#11Out of the Loop - Advice Needed
Posted: 12/8/17 at 1:06pmThe word that kept rolling through my mind after seeing THE BAND'S VISIT was sublime.
Just give the world Love.
ChiTheaterFan
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/9/15
#12Out of the Loop - Advice Needed
Posted: 12/11/17 at 12:46am
Well, I leave in the morning and am very happy with my decisions! Not a bad one in the bunch.
Thursday night: The Band's Visit. I told my friends that although it's a word I never use, my best description for the score is "enchanting." What a lovely musical. I am so happy I got the chance to see it.
Friday night: The Show that Goes Wrong. So hilarious! I laughed so hard my stomach hurt the whole time. I'm not sure the last time I laughed that much.
Saturday matinee: Meteor Shower. I can see why it's gotten mixed reviews, but I was in the camp that thought it was hilarious. I love Steve Martin's writing, and I really enjoyed myself. I thought all the performances were fantastic.
Sunday matinee: Miss Saigon. I decided to go for a repeat visit, and I'm glad. I thought about Who's Holiday instead, but the 4 PM showtime for Miss Saigon meant more time with my friends, who were flying out this evening. Anyway, Eva Noblezada is worth seeing this one twice, and it's a show that never gets old for me.
Sunday evening: Once on this Island. I loved it. Michael Arden is really a genius, and the performances were spectacular. I loved the score. I have not seen the show before and don't know that I would've been such a fan of the show itself were it not for the inventive staging, set, etc. So I am glad I saw this particular production!
That's it for this trip (and probably this season, sadly). Now I head to San Francisco where I get to see Bright Star!
Thanks to everyone who chimed in with feedback!
