I have a trip planned for the beginning of August. I’m already seeing Cursed Child and My Fair Lady. I’m also seeing the offf broadway run of Be More Chill. I have a third slot open and I’m split between Carousel and OOTI. I’d say Carousel cuz of Lindsey Mendez and Joshua Henry butve been mixed things about the production as a whole. OOTI looks good and it isn’t probably gonna tour. Any other suggestions? (have already seen Bands Visit and Spongebob).
Both are not selling out despite the Tony nominations. If OOTI doesn't do well on the Tony's, I have a feeling it will close sometime in July. I loved both productions. For OOTI, any seat is a good seat but I hope to score a front row seat sometime now that it's warm outside. For Carousel, if you like dance choreography, try to get a seat in the front mezz.
Once on this Island is the second best production of a musical on Broadway this year (right behind The Band's Visit). Do not miss it. Carousel is one of the most disappointing experiences ever. It's just a mess. Do not go see it.
I have seen OOTI twice and I plan on seeing it again. I saw CAROUSEL once and will never see that production of it again. It was not well done at all. While the singing is terrific, there is no nuance to the performances. They are all acting so big and over the top. It reminded me of one of those old black and white movies where everyone over acts, back of the hand to the forehead, swooning, eyes bulging; it is THAT kind of acting. Maybe I am spoiled because I still remember the Hytner production (PLEASE bring that one back!) , but this CAROUSEL is a hot mess.
OOTI was simply ravishing in every sense of the word. It is a perfect assembly of story, music, setting, design, lights, performance. It is simply as close to perfection as anything I have seen. And the cast is the utter embodiment of ENSEMBLE. It should not be missed.
I haven't seen Carousel, and may wind up avoiding it due to the mainly negative word of mouth on this board. I saw Once On This Island back in February and just loved it! Chances are you will never come across a production of the show like this ever again, having it in the round in such a small theatre and incorporating the sand, live animals, rain, wind, etc. makes it such a unique and interactive experience. I even enjoyed the (very few) songs that I've always found to be throwaway or boring. There are so many beautiful moments in this particular production, and it is more of a reinvention of the show than a revival. I'm sure we will see Carousel on Broadway again in another 20 years or so, but even if Once On This Island is ever revived, it probably won't be anywhere near what this current production is. This version of Island is like this year's '94 Carousel, probably the definitive revival that will be talked about years from now.
If you want to go to see certain actors no matter what they're in, go see carousel. If you want a unique experience that you'll never get to experience again unless you decide to go back, see Once on This Island. Even if they tour, this setup will not be possible. I was not a huge fan of Once on This Island, some of the music is fun enough but there were other things I wanted to see more. But I wanted to see the inventive staging and I got sucked in. And even more than that, this particular Ensemble just work so well together. I don't think you'll be disappointed if you see it. That said, I'm not sure if either one will be around still but I hope so. But if there are actors in Carousel that you've always wanted to see and don't think you'll get a chance to see again, decide which is more important for you. It's different for everyone
Hands down OOTI but be prepared to have to make a second choice. The show is spectacular but even with great word of mouth it needs a big post Tony boost to survive. Sad really that such a fantastic show is likely going to close before some of the other stuff this season that can't hold a candle to it. Looking at you Margaritaville. But I digress. Get tickets for OOTI but be prepared to have to get a refund and get tickets for something to replace it should it close.