Off Broadway options for Labor Day weekend?

[Wee Thomas2]

Posted: 8/11/18 at 8:40am

Heading back to NYC for the holiday weekend, we already have tix for Fiddler.  Not much on B'way we haven't already seen that we are interested in other than Straight White Men, which we will probably get tix for.

We have seen Blue Man Group and Stomp.  Not interested in Magic Shows or kid shows.

We have seen Sweeney Todd.  What else is interesting/good Off Broadway for that weekend?

 

Thanks!

[dramamama611]

Posted: 8/11/18 at 8:45am

Desperate Measures at New World is a hoot.

[Wee Thomas2]

Posted: 8/11/18 at 9:17am

I was afraid that was going to come up.  It sounds like a farce, and I hate farce (wife loves farce, though).

 

All the reviews I saw mentioned farce.

 

Having said that, I loved La Bete and liked Gentleman's Guide.  I know we're not getting Rylance here, but most farce doesn't pass my test.  Mistaken Identity and Slamming Doors are generally my least favorite things to see.  Noises Off is my least favorite show ever.

 

Tell me this is closer to Gentleman's Guide and we will consider it as the word of mouth really is good.

 

I appreciate the suggestions!

[Wee Thomas2]

Posted: 8/12/18 at 7:26pm

Any other suggestions?

[yfs]

Posted: 8/12/18 at 10:51pm

Smokey Joe's Cafe. Crazily more fun than I thought it would be. 

 

 

[JBroadway]

Posted: 8/12/18 at 11:01pm

Smokey Joe's Café is not the kind of show I usually like, but I have to admit I really enjoyed it. 

I haven't seen Be More Chill yet, but it seems to be one of the hottest tickets in town despite mixed reviews. 

Collective Rage at MCC has yet to begin performances, but it seem promising to me. 

[Wee Thomas2]

Posted: 8/13/18 at 6:45am

Thanks for these.  We saw SJC when it was on B'way and liked it.

 

Be More Chill sounds interesting and I'll look at Collective Rage.

 

Considering "On a Clear Day".  Saw the B'way one a few years back and wasn't impressed, but we've always liked the music

[dramamama611]

Posted: 8/13/18 at 7:07am

Be More Chill is sold out for the run (well, I dont know about the one week extention... but that's weeks after your weekend)

[Bwayornoway]

Posted: 8/13/18 at 8:18pm

I saw Smokey Joes about 2 weeks ago and was so entertained and would totally recommend it - the performers are electric and 2 standing ovations during the show - a really great night out!  I also saw Trainspotting in London - enjoyed it but you would have to like the movie to enjoy this show.  

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 8/18/18 at 1:48am

Just watched this and thought of you OP as I know you were on the fence about Desperate Measures. I had my thoughts after watching, but I will hold off on sharing until you watch:

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/VIDEO-Watch-the-Cast-of-DESPERATE-MEASURES-Perform-on-THE-TODAY-SHOW-20180816

[Wee Thomas2]

Posted: 8/18/18 at 5:37am

That was pretty good.  Doesn't make my choice any easier, considering I had already moved on from this.

 

Definitely going to have to reconsider.  Down to this vs. Clear Day, I think

[dramamama611]

Posted: 8/18/18 at 7:41am

I would call this more of a broad comedy rather than a farce, although some farcical elements are there.
No doors slamming, no mistaken id (except for a trick played). It pretty clever the adaptation from Shakespeare.

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 8/18/18 at 11:47pm

I was not that impressed with that Today Show clip although that guy in jail is HOT. I will say that the last duet was my favorite of the three, perhaps because they both really sold it (and again he’s really hot). It would probably also help if I’m familiar with Measure For Measure, which I am not. I’m a fan of the movie On a Clear Day... I know there have been reports that the re-writes to the book don’t really work, but it is supposed to be better than the last reportedly atrocious Broadway revival. Plus, those songs. 

Updated On: 8/18/18 at 11:47 PM

[uncageg]

Posted: 8/19/18 at 12:49am

Desperate Measures really surprised me. I was interested in hearing the show but was not familiar with Measure For Measure. Turned out not to be a problem. You get filled in at the beginning. Some amazing voices and just a fun evening. I love the show and own it now. I found myself humming a few of the times between seeing it and owning the music.
And "that guy in jail", Johnny, is hystetical in the show!

On A Clear Day is om my list. Have always wanted to see it.

[Nanxuan]

Posted: 8/19/18 at 2:18pm

Jersey Boys and avenue q at new world stages.

Or if you want to try something different, maybe   "sleep no more"?

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 8/19/18 at 2:22pm

Wee Thomas2 said: "Definitely going to have to reconsider. Down to this vs. Clear Day, I think"

Desperate Measures was leagues better than this Irish Rep production of Clear Day. No contest between the two.