Which Broadway musical is worth seeing?

[Ale_88]

Hi everyone! In two weeks I'll be in New york City for the first time in my life (I'm from Italy), and I'm freaking out on choosing which Broadway show to see.

My first choise would be Hamilton, but it's really too expensive for my budget, so I'm thinking about Frozen because I would like that my first Broadway show has good singing, coreographies and scenes.

I was also interested in Pretty Woman but I read some very bad review on the internet.

My last choise is Dear Evan Hansen, because of the wonderfoul music and touching story, but I think it's too challenging for my first time on Broadway.

Do you have any suggestions? Which show is worth seeing to experience the whole spirit of American musical theater?

Thank you so much 

Alessandra 

 

[bwayphreak234]

I would highly recommend My Fair Lady. This is a stunning production of a classic musical that should not be missed.

[Danielle0314]

Anastasia was wonderful, Frozen was great, Phantom is a classic, Hamilton is amazing (try the cancellation line, might score a cheap ticket there).

[rosscoe(au)]

See something that you can’t see anywhere else : ie spongebob , any current play etc . Make the experience unique, make it something for you

[BroadwayConcierge]

bwayphreak234 said: "I would highly recommend My Fair Lady. This is a stunning production of a classic musical that should not be missed."

Agreed! This production really should be required viewing for all

[Mister Matt]

I'm not sure what you consider "worth seeing", but if you want to make your first Broadway show something unique, I'd suggest Once On This Island as you won't be able to see this award-winning production staged like this anywhere else.

[jbird5]

The only problem with Once on this Island is that it’s only 90 minutes long. It’s Broadway light. I would go for something more substantial like My Fair Lady or one of the others you mention. And don’t make the mistake of leaving at intermission.

[Ale_88]

Thank you everyone, your suggestions are amazing! With "cancellation line" you mean the "verified resale tickets" on Ticketmaster?

[Miles2Go2]

No, they mean showing up at the box office and standing in the actual line when people cancel their tickets (for that day’s performances). When those tickets become available, you can buy them at face value. Some people have reported getting tickets after less than an hour wait although of course the wait can be longer.

[Miles2Go2]

I recommend The Band’s Visit, Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, Wicked and Waitress. I personally was underwhelmed by My Fair Lady and OOTI but lots of people love them.

[Lot666]

Of the current crop of shows on Broadway, I'd say the must-sees for someone who has never been are:

Phantom of the Opera

The Lion King

Wicked

Come From Away

The Band's Visit

[Patty3]

jbird5 said: "The only problem with Once on this Island is that it’s only 90 minutes long. It’s Broadway light. I would go for something more substantial like My Fair Lady or one of the others you mention. And don’t make the mistake of leaving at intermission."

It's about quality not quantity. You can also say this about Come From Away - no one has mentioned that show yet. OOTI is definitely a unique experience. Other recommendations for a first time musical is My Fair Lady (classic musical), Wicked (modern classic).

And yes, by all means see Hamilton if you can invest the time to stand on the cancellation line.

[OnBroadway4]

You mentioned having a budget. My suggestion is that you try the online lotteries for the days you are in NYC, you may just get lucky. Also, if you don't mind getting up early, Rush tickets are also a great option. Lastly, you can find great tickets at a great price at the TKTS counter. 

Since this is your first Broadway experience, I think something that has been around for a while might be your best bet.

My suggestions:

Panthom of the Opera

Wicked

Kinky Boots

Aladdin (if you grew up with the movie, you'll also enjoy this.)

Anastasia (I really enjoyed it and the actors gave their all.)

I'm assuming English is not your first language. Understanding spoken word vs. lyrics can be quite tricky. My suggestion is that you read up on the story so that you are a bit more familiar going in. I will also say that you are at an advantage going in as a newbie to Broadway. It's quite hard to be disappointed on your first time, because you have no expectations or anything really to compare to - unless of course you pick something truly horrendous which to be fair, that isn't anything quite horrible on Broadway right now. Not even GTBBT (but I don't reccommend it :))

Here are some links to lottery and rush information and also the TKTS booth:

https://www.tdf.org/nyc/7/TKTS-ticket-booths

http://www.playbill.com/article/broadway-rush-lottery-and-standing-room-only-policies-com-116003

[BWAY Baby2]

Beautiful or Kinky Boots

[RaisedOnMusicals]

I agree with many others that My Fair Lady is stunning and as such a classic it would be a perfect choice for one of your first musicals. And I certainly DON’T feel that Evan Hansen would be too challenging for you. The story is not at all hard to follow, the music is wonderful and it has an incredible emotional impact. If you can get a ticket, see it. 

[natashalost]

Please listen to everyone and make MY FAIR LADY your first Broadway musical! 

Also you'd be better off seeing anything but Pretty Woman -- it's the first show I truly disliked in a reallyyy long time.

[wonkit]

I think The Band's Visit is a beautiful and unique musical and would provide you with something different from the large scale of things like Anastasia and Wicked and My Fair Lady, all of which I liked, too.

[Ale_88]

Thanks everyone! You made me discover a really interesting musical such as My Fair Lady. Can someone tell me something about Frozen?

[RaisedOnMusicals]

Ale_88 said: "Thanks everyone! You made me discover a really interesting musical such as My Fair Lady. Can someone tell me something about Frozen?"

You originally said that you want “to experience the whole spirit of American musical theater”. For that reason, I would not recommend Frozen, which is a typical Disney commercial adaptation of the film. I say this not because it’s good or bad ( though many think it rather bad) but because it’s r3ally not what American musical theater is all about.

That’s why My Fair Lady is perfect. And to see what the best (excluding Hamilton)  in current musical theater is (a completely original work), don’t miss Dear Evan Hansen if you can get a ticket. 

[(Insert Clever Name)]

Do come From Away. No doubt. It’s easy to follow and very good

[RaisedOnMusicals]

(Insert Clever Name) said: "Do come From Away. No doubt. It’s easy to follow and very good"

Another excellent suggestion.

 

[Elfuhbuh]

Yes, see My Fair Lady! For a second show, I’d recommend any of the other classics, like Wicked or Phantom of the Opera. These shows are classics that are perfect for easing you into the Broadway scene, and I’d suggest giving those a try first.

[Ale_88]

After reading all of your suggestions I've decided to see My fair lady! I bought the tickets yesterday! I'll try some lotteries for the other days. Thanks everyone, you've been so helpful!

[Lauren2]

It’s not a musical but Harry Potter! It’s pricy but the best theatrical experience I have ever witnessed.

[Kenglin24]

I say Wicked, Come From Away, Waitress, and Dear Evan Hansen.

They deliver all the feels you are supposed to get from broadway, smiles and tears and everything in between. Just stay away from the Disney shows if you want the broadway feel