One of the biggest problems with NOT living close to New York City is that when it's time to go visit, you have to make tough decisions. Decisions like how long to stay (a.k.a. how long can I AFFORD to stay), which people you need to visit when you're in town (if you're like me, there are a lot of people you know there & it's a difficult decision), and most importantly....
Which musicals and plays to see while you're there.
I'm planning a trip right now and currently, there are is only time to see 5, maybe 6 shows, if the timing works out correctly. That's a lot, right??? But if you're me, there are about 12 shows I want to see. And making a decision about which ones to see is difficult.
I'm going to ask for some honest to goodness input from my four readers (I hope there are more of you, but I'll take what I can get).
Note: Each of the following descriptions was either taken from the website of the mentioned show, or from Broadway.com's website.
Snow Geese
With war raging abroad, newly widowed Elizabeth Gaesling gathers her family for their annual shooting party to mark the opening of hunting season in rural, upstate New York. But Elizabeth is forced to confront a new reality as her carefree eldest son comes to terms with his impending deployment overseas and her younger son discovers that the father they all revered left them deeply in debt. Together, the family must let go of the life they’ve always known.
Cast I love: Mary-Louise Parker, Danny Burstein, Victoria Clark
Reasons I'd like to see it: See above cast
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Beautiful tells the story of Carole King from her early days as a Brooklyn teenager (named Carol Klein) struggling to enter the record business to her years spent as a chart-topping music legend.
- Cast I love: Jessie Mueller, Jake Epstein
Reasons I'd like to see it: I love Carole King. Also, Jake Epstein (can't pass up the chance to support an Idiot).
Matilda: The Musical
Based on Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book of the same name, Matilda follows Matilda Wormwood, a bright little girl who immerses herself in books. Matilda is discarded and belittled by her dimwitted parents—her father insists on calling her a boy and harps on her “stupidity” for preferring reading to watching the telly—and her hostile headmistress, the outrageous and wicked Miss Trunchbull. Reclusive, but with an ever-growing imagination and sharp mind, and with a caring protector in her teacher Miss Honey, Matilda dreams of a better life, daring to take a stand against unjust forces and to grasp her destiny in her own, tiny hands.
Reasons I'd like to see it: Um, Matilda is a classic book. And movie. And I LOVE seeing kids on stage.
Romeo & Juliet
One of Shakespeare's most well-known and performed plays, Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy about two young star-crossed lovers whose deaths ultimately reconcile their feuding families.
Cast I love: Orlando Bloom, Condola Rashad, Jayne Houdyshell, Justin Guarini
Reasons I'd like to see it: Justin Guarini. And I've never seen Shakespeare on Broadway.First Date
Aaron is a "blind date virgin," while Casey has been on more than her fair share. When the two are set up by a mutual friend, sparks fly—or do they? The night unfolds over the course of this couple’s hilarious first date, and it’s not without its share of surprises in the form of imaginary visits from Aaron’s ex-girlfriend, Casey’s uptight sister, the pair’s protective parents and even their future son! Google background checks, awkward pauses and bailouts are all there during this unforgettable first encounter between two romantics, who just might be perfect for each other. Or not.- Cast I love: Zachary Levi, Krysta Rodriguez
Reasons I'd like to see it: Krysta Rodriguez. And it's new. A new concept. A new musical. I like new.
Big Fish
Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish centers on Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest… and then some! Edward's incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him—most of all, his devoted wife Sandra. But their son Will, about to have a child of his own, is determined to find the truth behind his father’s epic tales. Overflowing with heart, humor and spectacular stagecraft, Big Fish is an extraordinary new Broadway musical that reminds us why we love going to the theatre—for an experience that's richer, funnier and bigger than life itself.
- Cast I love: Norbert Leo Butz, Bobby Steggert, Kate Baldwin
Reason's I'd like to see it: Honestly, it isn't really on my radar, but a friend I know wants to see it. So I may go see it anyway. I've been pleasantly surprised in the past (example: American Idiot).
Twelfth Night
In the household of Olivia, two campaigns are being quietly waged – one by the lovesick lord Orsino against the heart of the indifferent Olivia; the other by an alliance of servants and hangers-on against the high-handedness of her steward, the pompous Malvolio. When Orsino engages the cross-dressed Viola to plead with Olivia on his behalf, a bittersweet chain of events follows.
*Twelfth Night is playing in repertory with Richard III.
Cast I love: Mark Rylance, Stephen Fry
Reasons I'd like to see it: See above cast members. Also, it's an all-male cast. And because I've never seen Shakespeare on Broadway.
Richard III
Richard, Duke of Gloucester, is determined that he should wear the crown of England. He has already despatched one king and that king's son; now all that stand in his way are two credulous brothers and two helpless nephews - the Princes in the Tower. And woe betide those - the women he wrongs, the henchmen he betrays - who dare to raise a voice against him.*Richard III is playing in repertory with Twelfth Night.
Cast I love:- Mark Rylance
Reasons I'd like to see it: See above cast members. Also, it's an all-male cast. And because I've never seen Shakespeare on Broadway.
Set in New York City at the turn of the century, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a ragged band of "newsies," who dreams only of a better life far from the hardship of the streets. But when publishing titans Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack finds a cause to fight for and rallies newsies from across the city to strike for what’s right.
Reasons I'd like to see it: I've not seen it yet, but I love the cast recording. But it is one that I'm SURE will go on tour, so I may just want to wait until I can see it on tour closer to home.
Once
On the streets of Dublin, an Irish musician and Czech immigrant are drawn together by their shared love of music. Over the course of one fateful week, an unexpected friendship and collaboration quickly evolves into a powerful but complicated love story, underscored by emotionally charged music.
Reasons I'd like to see it: I've already seen it, but it was so beautiful, that I would love to see it again. And the cast has changed some, so it would be interesting to see a different take on it.
Cinderella
The smart and beautiful young Ella lives in the care of her wicked, self-absorbed stepmother Madame and Madame’s two daughters, Charlotte and Gabrielle. Ella’s only friends in the world are the animals in the woods, “crazy Marie” and the revolutionary student Jean-Michel. Meanwhile in another part of the kingdom, Prince Topher is trying to find himself and learn his place in the kingdom. When his scheming advisor Sebastian suggests throwing a ball so the Prince could meet potential brides, Ella and Topher’s different worlds come together. Expect the unexpected in this clever retelling of the beloved fairytale.- Cast I love:
- Laura Osnes,
- Santino Fontana
Reasons I'd like to see it: See above cast.Kinky Boots
Based on a true story and the indie film of the same name, Kinky Boots follows young Brit Charlie Price, who abandons his family’s shoe factory to live with his demanding girlfriend in London. After the unexpected death of his father, Charlie returns to the struggling factory and finds it’s up to him to figure out a way to keep the business alive. Enter Lola, a fabulous drag queen, who gives Charlie the idea to create ladies’ shoes for men. Soon, the factory is turning out “kinky boots” under the supervision of Charlie and Lola, but can this harebrained scheme actually work? And can these two extremely different men find a common ground and become real friends?Reasons I'd love to see it: I saw it in previews, so I would love to see it again. Plus, any chance to see Billy Porter AND Stark Sands (back to my Idiot obsession) is a good day.So now it's your turn: Help me pick which show to see! Help a girl out please!
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