how to fill 2 slots

[theaterdude2]

Taking a last minute business trip to NYC and it looks like I'll only have 2 slots available to see shows. As we've discussed on this board, there are so many shows running, but so few to really see or get excited about. I can't remember the last time I was in a situation like this, where I'm choosing from a long list of shows, but none that I'm dying to see. 

So I thought I'd put it out there and see what you all think. I wonder, are there any "must sees" this season? Here's my short list. Please keep in mind that I've taken Carousel and MFL off the list because I don't want to ruin my Carousel memories having seen the great Lincoln Center version. And My Fair Lady - not really interested in this production. I've also taken Spongebob off the list because I never ever watched the show and it doesn't interest me. 

So here goes, not in any order:

Mean Girls, The Band's Visit, The Boys in the Band, Frozen, Three Tall Women, Once on this Island (saw the original, do I need to see this?)

(if it's not on here, I've either seen it or I have no interest)

All suggestions will be greatly appreciated. 

 

 

[haterobics]

I'd knock Frozen off the list, and probably Mean Girls, and then anything else you see should be great.

[taylortrensch]

Yes, you need to see Once on This Island. The 360 seating is stunning and the cast is spectacular. You won't regret it!

[Miles2Go2]

Definitely, The Band’s Visit. As for your other slot, I haven’t seen them yet but I’m seeing both Once on This Island and Three Tall Women in June.

Based on the mixed buzz and the fact that they’ll likely be around for your next trip, I’d skip Mean Girls and Frozen this trip.

[theaterdude2]

Thank you everyone so far for your suggestions. Interesting that all of the comments were similar.

So, Is Mean Girls that bad? Is it not even fun? How would you compare it with Legally Blonde, which I did NOT enjoy? I could be totally wrong, but it seems like a similar type of show. 

[haterobics]

I didn't knock Mean Girls off the list because it was that bad (I didn't actually even see it yet), but mainly because the other choices were seemingly so much stronger.

[BroadwayConcierge]

I can attest to Mean Girls being bad. So is Frozen. Not worth the money.

I'd easily go with The Band's Visit and Three Tall Women, hands-down. Once on This Island would be my third choice.

[greenifyme2]

Mean Girls is not bad at all- it’s definitely fun, but the music falls short imo.

Would you consider Angels or Harry Potter? Those are both 2 of my top theater/nyc/life exerpeinces.

[theaterdude2]

I know that its terrible to say, but I saw both parts of  Angels in America in the cinema so I don't feel like that's the best option for me. Plus I don't have the time to see both parts. (Yes, I realize there's no replacing live performance!!)

[greenifyme2]

theaterdude2 said: "I know that its terrible to say, but I saw both parts ofAngels in America in the cinema so I don't feel like that's the best option for me. Plus I don't have the time to see both parts. (Yes, I realize there's no replacing live performance!!)"

Gotcha.

In that case, I agree the staging of Once on this Island is really cool.

[brdway411]

If you can get down to Union Square, I HIGHLY recommend In And Of Itself. It's an amazing story telling magic (I know) show that left me speechless. 75 minutes that really made me think. I saw it about 24 hours ago and I am still flipped out.

 

I second The Bands Visit. Small, touching, amazing piece of theater. Pulling for a Tony award for best musical. If you can get a ticket for the mezz off to the right. 

[dramamama611]

The Band's Visit
OOTI

[MoJoyInLights]

haterobics said: "I'd knock Frozen off the list, and probably Mean Girls, and then anything else you see should be great."

I too would opt out of Frozen. Just pop in the Disney DVD and you're in for a better ride (imho). However, any chances of reconsidering on the Spongebob front? I've never seen a single SBSP episode, knew almost nothing about the characters or the content of the cartoon and LOVED the musical. It was what Broadway should always be: Fun, Colorful, Entertaining, and Ingenious. 

Otherwise, I'd vote Once on this Island. 

[everythingtaboo]

So...is it wrong when I saw the question how to fill 2 slots, my first thought was to look up Eiffel Tower in Urban Dictionary?

[JudyDenmark]

everythingtaboo said: "So...is it wrong when Isaw the question how to fill 2 slots, my first thought was to look up Eiffel Tower in Urban Dictionary?"

Haha I had the same reaction and then remembered what site I was on...

OP, definitely don't miss Once On This Island - it's a totally different production than the original! For your other, I'd say Band's Visit (it's polarizing here, but clearly critically loved... really your call if it's your cup of tea) or Three Tall Women.

(FWIW, I saw Mean Girls last night and had a blast! Shouldn't win the Pulitzer, but a very entertaining night of theater.)

[theaterdude2]

Thank you so much everyone. What I find interesting is that nearly everyone suggested the same shows. After reading all of the opinions on here about each show, I somehow thought there would be a wider selection of shows suggested. If I learned anything from this post, it's that most of you recommend Band's Visit (which I really didn't expect) and Once On This Island, don't think Frozen is even an option and are mixed but mostly negative on Mean Girls. 

From the outside Mean Girls seems like a shiny new toy, but I feel like if I were to take a risk and see it, I'd be kicking myself at 10 mins in for buying the ticket. (ironically it also happens to be the only difficult ticket to get of all the suggestions)!

[JPeterman]

Pick 2 of these 3:

Three Tall Women, Bands Visit and Once On This Island.

I thought Bands Visit was good, not great. Maybe I expected too much since everyone has been praising it so much. I saw it with the guy from Oslo in the lead, maybe it comes off better with Tony Shalhoub.  OOTI and Three Tall Women are both great.

The other shows you are interested in are not in the same league as these three.

[Impossible2]

Band's Visit is a masterpiece. OOTI is very good.

[Mister Matt]

So...is it wrong when I saw the question how to fill 2 slots, my first thought was to look up Eiffel Tower in Urban Dictionary?

Is it wronger that I immediately thought of RobbieJ?

Anyway, The Band's Visit and Once on This Island.

[JBC3]

Do not miss Three Tall Women.

[theaterdarling]

I also strongly suggest you do not miss Three Tall Women. 

[josiahjosiah]

THREE TALL WOMEN is the "must-see." The older you are, the more you will appreciate it. A really accessible Albee play. Brilliant direction and brilliant acting all-around...of all the shows I've seen so far in 2018, this sticks with me the most.

[theaterdude2]

thanks again for the suggestions. 

the two times I went to buy tickets for 3 Tall Women, all of the main orchestra seats were being sold as Premium for $299. There were just a couple of very bad orchestra seats at $169. 

It looked that way for several dates. Its great that so many people are recommending the show, but I don't want to see it badly enough to spend $310 (total with fees, etc).

[JBC3]

theaterdude2 said: "thanks again for the suggestions.

the two times I went to buy tickets for 3 Tall Women, all of the main orchestra seats were being sold as Premium for $299. There were just a couple of very bad orchestra seats at $169.

It looked that way for several dates. Its great that so many people are recommending the show, but I don't want to see it badly enough to spend $310 (total with fees, etc)."

mezzanine is fine for this show and discount codes are active