Recommendations for a Londoner coming to NY?

[joshy]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 3:47pm

Hi everyone, I'm coming to New York for a week in the middle of September, and I'm sooo excited. I've only been once before as a kid with my parents, when I wasn't really into theatre.

Anyway I see lots and lots of theatre in London, and I'm into absolutely everything - last year I saw over 60 shows, about 40 plays and 20 musicals. It would be great if you guys could recommend some things for me to see when I'm in New York.

I've already booked for South Pacific, Gypsy, and Spring Awakening, I'm not sure what else to see. Should I see Xanadu? I kind of want to see Thirteen because I am obsessed with JRB's other shows but I'm not sure about it from the songs I've heard.

I'd love to see a great play if there are any on while I'm there - maybe fringe/off-broadway or site-specific? Also, if there's any good contemporary dance on I'd like to know about that too!

So yes any recommendations at all would be greatly appreciated!

[Broadwayboy2631]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 4:18pm

If you want to have a blast, if you want to laugh your ass off, then see Xanadu. If you're looking for an amazing play, then see August Osage County. It's one of the best things on broadway right now.

[joshy]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 5:22pm

I think I will see Xanadu then! I don't need to see Osage in NY because it's coming to London in November...

[broadwayfan7]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 5:24pm

Definitely Xanadu, and also [title of show]. Have a great trip!

[keen on kean]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 5:25pm

I second August: Osage County. I saw it for the second time yesterday and was just as bowled over as the first time. Estelle Parsons at 81 is amazing as the matriarch Violet.

[Heybeenfood]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 5:27pm

I'd go with [title of show], and if you haven't seen the imported productions of Equus and The Seagull, then I would see one of those two as well.

Also, A Man For All Seasons and To Be Or Not To Be should be running as well.

[winston89]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 6:14pm

I wouldn't suggest going to August: Osage County despite how good it is because it is going to London in the fall. I am sure that you had the chance to see Equus and The Seagull. I would go with A Tale Of Two Cities. It is a very good show and very well done.

[jordangirl]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 7:17pm

In the Heights!! :)

[broadwayfan310]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 8:19pm

Tale of of Two Cities.. I saw it last week in previews and it was wonderful! You wont be dissapointed!!! Have fun!!!

[jordangirl]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 8:20pm

^ That too. I really did enjoy it.

[alfgiotir]

Posted: 8/29/08 at 2:53am

In the Heights! It's fresh, new, young, hip, and it won the Tony for best musical.

[mormonophobic]

Posted: 8/29/08 at 4:55am

If you like contemporary dance of any kind, you really cannot miss In The Heights. It has a fire-hot cast with specially-tailored numbers that lets their talent (esp. in the belting department, like with Miss Olivio) shine. Luckily one of these talents is dance, as some of these numbers ("96,000" especially) are so well choreographed it's truly mesmerizing. Add all to this some well-explored universal themes, characters you will love, and a truly original musical and you have the awesomeness of ITH.

However, I would also suggest (as others have) Xanadu and [title of show]. Both are much shorter than In The Heights or any of the other shows you are seeing (90 mins. each with no intermission), but leave you with such an infectious bubble of happy that is worth the ticket price alone. [title of show] is quickly becoming one of my favorites because it's just so unlike anything else on Broadway and because of its lack of focus on set, orchestra, or props, it is ninety minutes of great music, 5 amazing people, and (in my opinion) one of the best books out there (not in the realm of Gypsy best, but hilarious nonetheless).

All this being said, if you only have one extra show to go to I really would pick Xanadu. Though short, it will blow you away. I didn't even see the film until I got back home from my trip, so that's not that important. It is, for lack of a better word, fun. You can tell everyone is having a great time and by the end you really do want to (and should) get up and dance. The two times I saw it had me smiling all day long afterwards (mind you I has also just met Whoopi, Kerry Butler, and Cheyenne Jackson). The set, the costumes, the over-the-top performances (Kerry Butler's accent is particularly noteworthy), the songs, and most of all just the very idea that they saw this horrible movie and somehow were inspired to create a really good musical.

Regardless of what you choose I'm sure you will have a great time. Though I can't speak for South Pacific, Spring Awakening is still fantastic. Even though the remaining originals recently left, it still remains such an amazing piece of theater. I will admit it is not for everyone (none of the shows I've listed are), but it still had me deeply connected with the characters and totally lost in the story and music.

And it is my personal belief that everyone should get to see Patti LuPone in Gypsy (not to mention the spell-binding performances by Benanti, Gaines, Larkin, ...the list goes on) so you are already set for some wonderful shows. Have fun!

[Mealz1042]

Posted: 8/29/08 at 10:08am

When I read the title of this thread I was going to respond: GYPSY, GYPSY, and GYPSY but luckily you've already got that covered.

I personally love Xanadu, but it really depends on your sense of humor and what kind of show you were looking for. Xanadu has a sort of aloof silly sparkly theme going through it (vaguely monty-python-esque but less british) its also short. If that's what you're in the mood for, then go, because it is definitely a good time.

I'm not sure if you would like In the Heights or not. It's personally a favorite of mine, and most people i know love it but it's not for everyone. I would look up some like snippets and videos about it so you can get a feel for the show and if it seems appealing by all means, go see it.

If you're a big theatre fan, which it seems that you are, [title of show] should be a lot of fun. I havent seen it yet but I have the off broadway cast recording, watch the title of show show and love the concept.