I went in a skeptic, and came out a believer

[I<3bway]

What broadway shows have you gone to go see not knowing anything about or thinking that it was going to be the worst show ever, and came back out loving it?

Last year I went to see Hairspray. I got the tickets as a b-day present from my parents and I thought the musical was going to be crappy (I was being unfair really.) But I didn't tell my parents this. But the day I went to go see the musical, I loved it.

[Thesbijean]

Why, may I ask, with 8 Tony Awards and being one of the biggest hits in recent years did you think it would be a "crappy" show?

[lovinlife]

I dont know that everyone goes by statistic. Most people didn't speak very highly of Cats when it ran, it's like asking those people why.

[I<3bway]

Sorry!! You don't have to be rude!! Like I said, I was being unfair by saying that it was crappy and not giving the show a chance!! ALSO, I have not even heard of Hairspray, until after I saw the show and loved it !! Sheesh! Learn how to read in order!!

[Mother's Younger Brother]

I went to the revival of Rocky Horror hating the movie. I simply never "got it," and never found it funny. I was convinded to go see the show on Broadway. Well, from the second it started, I was totally into it, and loved every minute of it. I even love listening to the cast recording.

Of course, it hasn't at all changed my opinion of the movie.

[munkustrap178]

HAIRSPRAY when it was in previews.

[lovinlife]

Same kind of story: I went into Spelling Bee in Previews not knowing what the heck I was going to see. Now, I've gone back three times.

[munkustrap178]

Also, TABOO.

[Joshua488]

Thesbijean, it's definitely possible. The Phantom of the Opera won seven Tony Awards and is the most successful entertainment venture of all time, yet many people hate the show.

Personally, I adore it.

[doodlenyc]

Side Show

[munkustrap178]

SWEET CHARITY

[pab]

I just knew I would not like "Once On This Island". Being from the Caribbean and watching how, in almost every movie or television show about the caribbean, non-caribbean people simply butchered the accent or had no clue about the culture they were portraying. I read the synopsis which started like this, "There is a violent storm raging around the small Caribbean Island." At that point I said, "Oh Boy, here we go again." I sat in the theatre expecting to hate the show, almost wanting to hate the show but I came away with love and respect for a piece of theatre that I've since worked on and directed a production of.

[kate2]

The first time I went to see ASU, I wasn't too thrilled, but once it started I loved it... then I went back and saw it 2 more times!

[Horton]

Sweet Charity, I got free tickets, I went in wanting to hate it, didnt love it, but I thought Dennis O was GREAT!

[BrianWilsonFan]

I never liked the film Guys and Dolls but jumped at the chance to see a National Theatre production (80's) that was on tour after a very successful London run.

Starring Stubby Kaye, Julia McKenzie and Paul Jones it was a tour de force. Stubby Kaye stopped the show with Sit Down You're Rocking The Boat and both Paul Jones and Julia McKenzie were revelations in their roles too.

A truly memorable and exceptional theatre experience.

[little_sally]

DRS...I only liked a few songs on the cast recording and I went just to see Sherie Rene Scott and ended up loving it.

[GYPSY1527]

Hairspray also. I was weary about all the hype. I mainly went for Julie Halston but ended up enjoying the show very much and teh rest of the cast, especially Tracy Miller.

[Billboard Girl]

Jersey Boys. I went in not expecting much, but I liked it so much that I want to see it again.

[thejcm]

I got tickets to the touring production of The Producers a couple years ago and thought I would hate, hate, hate the show. I definitely left as a fan.

I also thought I'd hate Taboo the first time I listened to it but I loooooooove it more than many other shows now.

[dancingthrulife04]

LENNON. I had heard nothing but bad things, and only went because I couldn't get a ticket for fiddler. Ended up loving it and going back twice more.

[C is for Company]

I remember when Hairspray first came out, I saw the poster and was younger and un-theater informed and remember thinking "I'll never see that show". Since then I have seen it twice, and would like to but won't, go back a third time for Leah

[RentBoy86]

Mamma Mia - though I wouldn't say i'm a huge fan of the show, but I'd recommend it. Its very cool and fun.

[Katurian2]

Putnam County Spelling Bee- I wasn't expecting much, but it was hilarious

[best12bars]

I would have to say "Miss Saigon." I avoided it for years, because almost as soon as the British invasion of the "popera" began, I was allergic to it. It took me years to warm up to "Les Mis" and its overwrought self-importance, even having seen one of the early performances after it opened in NY. Even having a friend in the OBC. I was bored with it and underwhelmed.

So... When I finally got around to seeing "Miss Saigon" LONG after it opened, I wasn't expecting much. ...A "poor man's" Les Mis, in fact, which was scraping the bottom of the barrel. I was very surprised that I actually liked the show quite a lot. NOT my favorite at all, but not terrible or a waste of time either. I was drawn into it, and ultimately impressed.