Broadway Play Advice (Now the dinner advice thread)

[panerd]

I am planning a trip to NYC in March and since we are staying in midtown we had to hit at least one Broadway play. Neither of us are huge theater aficionados so we probably would want more of a huge production than fretting over the more technical stuff (i.e. With movies we enjoy blockbuster movies over the Cannes film festival winners). So with that in mind...

1) Which play would you most recommend? (We saw Mamma Mia in Vegas and she loved it and even I really enjoyed it. Also have seen Wicked, not so much the same story :( )

2) Is a Tuesday night (or even day) performance exactly the same as a weekend one? (this may seem like a really dumb question, and maybe it is, but had to be asked)

3) Is there a website that has deals on tickets? I don't mind the $100+ a head, but if I can go for half that I am game! (As long as I don't have to look at timeshares or something stupid)

[ISiddiqui]

Which plays are you looking at?

I'd GREATLY recommend "Spamalot". Funniest damned thing I've ever seen on stage.

[Logan]

I don't know of any websites that have deals on tickets. But there are the "tkts" windows around the city where you can go and get tickets to shows later on that night or the next day. You'll pay much less per ticket, but I don't think the seats are the greatest. They usually have pretty much every show available.

Oh, and all the shows are the same. Wednesday is the only weekday with matinee showings. I know because that's when I have to avoid walking around that area :).

Where are you staying in midtown?

[Joe]

if you don't care what show you're seeing, go to the 1/2 price ticket booth and pick something up the day of when you're in new york

[panerd]

Which plays are you looking at?

I'd GREATLY recommend "Spamalot". Funniest damned thing I've ever seen on stage.

I kind of put this one in her ballpark, but figured I would like some advice from people in the know. She wants to see Chicago, Rent, or Hairspray but would be open to anything. I didn't have much input on Mamma Mia or Wicked, but after seeing how hugely different plays can be I would rather see something fun and fast paced like Mamma Mia.

[panerd]

if you don't care what show you're seeing, go to the 1/2 price ticket booth and pick something up the day of when you're in new york

So if we are going on a weekday (we are teachers, so during spring break) there is no need to purchase ahead for even the big-name shows? I am familair with Vegas enough to know what to do ahead of time and what can wait for those booths, but not enough with NYC.

[panerd]

I don't know of any websites that have deals on tickets. But there are the "tkts" windows around the city where you can go and get tickets to shows later on that night or the next day. You'll pay much less per ticket, but I don't think the seats are the greatest. They usually have pretty much every show available.

Oh, and all the shows are the same. Wednesday is the only weekday with matinee showings. I know because that's when I have to avoid walking around that area :).

Where are you staying in midtown?

Haven't booked yet but looking at Broadway Plaza Hotel. Seems to be right in the middle on prices and fits our budget quite nicely. The reviews all say the neighborhood doesn't seem very great but isn't bad. You know anything about it? I was planning on doing quite a bit more research before booking this one.

[bosshogg23]

I was just in Manhattan for 2 nights in early November. I saw Phantom, it was awesome. Not quite as good as Wicked.

Go to theatermania.com . They will email you twice a week for the rest of your life. However they send offers that are about 40% off of every show IF you go during the offer period.

If you want good Italian go to Trattoria Trecolori, its on 47th street, block away from the Theater District.

If you want good breakfast go to Red Flame. It is on 44th street, north of the Theater District. They do great business but are not terribly friendly. VERY tasty food and good prices.

[Logan]

Haven't booked yet but looking at Broadway Plaza Hotel. Seems to be right in the middle on prices and fits our budget quite nicely. The reviews all say the neighborhood doesn't seem very great but isn't bad. You know anything about it? I was planning on doing quite a bit more research before booking this one.

Not familiar with the actual hotel, but having looked at the location I'd say your description is solid. It's not unsafe at all...you're just in the middle of the wholesale district so it's kinda rundown in spots but overall fine. I worked on an assignment on 28th and 5th for a month and walked around plenty and was never worried.

Overall most NYC hotel rooms are on the small side. One that I think is actually nicely sized for a basic room is the Grand Hyatt on 42nd St. Take a look into it, as you can find some good deals especially if you're going to be there mid-week. I can get the government rate at these places but you might be able to find a room there for $175-200 a night (not sure what your range is) if your dates are lucky.

[BrianD]

You might be interested in Avenue Q. It is sort of like Sesame Street for adults with songs like "What do you do with an English degree", and "The Internet is for Porn". Posters for the show also advertise full puppet nudity...which there is.

I'll probably take crap for this one, but I also liked Xanadu. It is based on the 70's movie with Olivia Newton-John (which I never saw). It is a pretty silly show, but filled with roller skating and outrageous impersonations of Olivia, and some excellent singers.

[RedKingGold]

You might be interested in Avenue Q. It is sort of like Sesame Street for adults with songs like "What do you do with an English degree", and "The Internet is for Porn". Posters for the show also advertise full puppet nudity...which there is.

+1

I love Avenue Q (especially as a mid-20's guy)

[Celeval]

For her interests: Chicago++, Rent++, haven't seen Hairspray.

[MalcPow]

Avenue Q is great. Of the shows she's interested in, Chicago is a good time as well. For something a little more recent, you could check out The Drowsy Chaperone (Bob Saget ftw!) which my roommate and his girlfriend thoroughly enjoyed this past weekend.

Getting your tickets through TKTS can be great, but it can also be a big letdown when your significant other has their heart set (probably secretly) on a particular show and there simply aren't tickets available after you've wasted a lot of time in a crappy line. This has happened to a few of the couples I know who have visited. They wait in the long TKTS line (and you'll probably be freezing in March) and end up less than happy with how things turn out. Depends on what you're looking for I guess. If you are hoping to make your theatre night your "date night" in the city, buy the tickets in advance, make a dinner reservation at an interesting place (have plenty of suggestions), and have things handled so you can relax and look forward to it. If this is just a "hey let's see a show" thing, do TKTS and save yourself the cost of one of your tickets. Trying to combine the two approaches has spelled disaster for two consecutive buddies and their respective disappointed ladies.

[Logan]

^ Excellent advice all around.

[Joe]

I would agree with seeing Avenue Q, or Rent or Spamalot. Three of my favorite shows along with the one you listed and said you didn't like.

[14ers]

When does Young Frankenstein open on Broadway?

[Neon_Chaos]

Into The Woods

[Lathum]

if you don't care what show you're seeing, go to the 1/2 price ticket booth and pick something up the day of when you're in new york

it's in time sqare

[JPhillips]

Honestly I don't think you can go wrong with any of the shows she wants to see. Hairspray will be the toughest ticket, but it shouldn't be that difficult. I'd expect Rent and Chicago would be pretty easy to get. If you've seen the movie of Chicago that gives a pretty good impression of what the stage show will be. The Rent movie is a disaster, so don't judge the stage show by it. Hairspray is fine, but IMO the original movie is much better than the musical.

For fast comedy go with Avenue Q or Spamalot. I don't know about Young Frankenstein, but I'd be wary. It's gotten very mixed reviews.

[panerd]

I think I might push for Avenue Q, but don't want to be selfish. I am thinking I will let her choose and if she wants to see one of her original picks than maybe we can hit the booth and try and see both shows. As long as none of her picks are horrible (in comparison to the others) I am not all that concerned but I do like hearing about what you guys like and will try and talk her into Avenue Q.

(We have never been big on Monte Python, so I am not sure that spamalot would be up our alley.)

[revrew]

Ditto the advice on TKTS.

That said, we were in NYC just a few weeks ago (during the stagehands strike, dangit! ) , but Les Miserables was making a tour back through again -- even though it had supposedly "closed" a long time ago.

IMO, Les Mis is:
a. The greatest musical ever
b. One of the most magnificent spectacles ever staged on a stage

If the Les Miz that's there is the full production, man, you can't go wrong there.

[BrianD]

Ditto the advice on TKTS.

That said, we were in NYC just a few weeks ago (during the stagehands strike, dangit! ) , but Les Miserables was making a tour back through again -- even though it had supposedly "closed" a long time ago.

IMO, Les Mis is:
a. The greatest musical ever
b. One of the most magnificent spectacles ever staged on a stage

If the Les Miz that's there is the full production, man, you can't go wrong there.

I would echo this statement. I had wanted to see the show for years and finally got a chance to see it on a National tour. Even with all my high expectations, I loved it. The only problem is that it doesn't necessarily fit your humor requirements. It is like a blockbuster movie, but it is very emotional and powerful.

[miked]

During the holiday season, prepare to stand in line for a while at TKTS. During the week, not so much of a problem though. If it hasn't been said, bring cash as I don't think they take cards.

Rent is awesome, as was Chicago, don't know aboot Hairspray. I saw Spamalot here in the A and it was very good. Obviously the classics (Les Mis, Phantom, etc) are good, but I got cheap tix at TKTS for Chicago and thought the seats were great and the show was awesome.

[JPhillips]

Les Mis is great, but with the B level cast it has now it's really a lot less powerful.

[Lathum]

Why we are on the subject has anyone seen The Grinch?

We are taking our 8 year old niece to see it for her christmas present.

[st.cronin]

When does Young Frankenstein open on Broadway?

I believe it already has. The early reviews have been mixed, according to my sources.

[panerd]

Follow up. So I have tickets for both Chicago and Rent. (Avenue Q is actually coming to St. Louis so we are seeing that in a few weeks.) I used bosshog23's theatermania suggestions for the Rent tickets and saved about $100 so if we are ever in the same town I owe you a drink! I decided to spring for Saturday night front row Mezz tickets to Chicago so I definitely want to make this the special night in New York. So where do I take her before the Saturday show? The website that I bought the Chicago tickets from suggested (and I guess also offered) reservations at Sardi's. Those looked to run about $100 total + drinks. ($200+ total :) ) Any other suggestions for super romantic, time of her life restaurants?

We will also be in town for St. Patrick's Day. I am sure there are plenty of hoping bars that night but any is there any place that is a must hit or a stay far away? She is a spontaneous fly by the seat of her pants while I am very meticulous. (Can't you tell?) So I will let her have 4 of the nights, but I want 2 of the nights to be pretty thought out. Any help is always appreciated!

[Lathum]

I saw Rent last time we were visiting my Sister in Law who lives in NYC and it was absolutly amazing. I don't want to spoil anything but try to be back in your seat when the second act starts ( going to the bathroom during the intermission is a nightmare). The first song in the second act is chilling.

My sister in law is very well versed in the city, I will ask her some places where you guys can go.

[Lathum]

dola- The Grinch was excellent btw. Anyone who has kids over the age of 6 who has a chance should take them to see it.

[Lathum]

double dola- I sent my SIL an email, probably won't hear back before morning but I'll keep you posted.

[panerd]

Also, earlier I thought we were going to stay at the Broadway plaza hotel. We ended up staying at the Beekman Tower hotel. Anyone familiar? The rooms look to be quite large for NYC (have kitchens, living rooms, and seperate bedroom) It doesn't seem to be the Bellagio inside (A good Vegas analogy would be that it is the Imperial Palace) but as I mentioned we are both teachers and figured we would live like Kings when we went out and maybe take it a few steps down at our hotel. I hope this isn't a dump though!

[panerd]

I saw Rent last time we were visiting my Sister in Law who lives in NYC and it was absolutly amazing. I don't want to spoil anything but try to be back in your seat when the second act starts ( going to the bathroom during the intermission is a nightmare). The first song in the second act is chilling.

My sister in law is very well versed in the city, I will ask her some places where you guys can go.

Thanks, really appreciate any help I can get. Most of the time will be spent in reasonably priced places but I wouldn't mind spending a few extra bucks for this dinner.

[Izulde]

The Imperial Palace had a great buffet when I was a kid. Don't know about now, though.

[Flasch186]

Jewtopi, if its still there.

[Logan]

Follow up. So I have tickets for both Chicago and Rent. (Avenue Q is actually coming to St. Louis so we are seeing that in a few weeks.) I used bosshog23's theatermania suggestions for the Rent tickets and saved about $100 so if we are ever in the same town I owe you a drink! I decided to spring for Saturday night front row Mezz tickets to Chicago so I definitely want to make this the special night in New York. So where do I take her before the Saturday show? The website that I bought the Chicago tickets from suggested (and I guess also offered) reservations at Sardi's. Those looked to run about $100 total + drinks. ($200+ total :) ) Any other suggestions for super romantic, time of her life restaurants?

We will also be in town for St. Patrick's Day. I am sure there are plenty of hoping bars that night but any is there any place that is a must hit or a stay far away? She is a spontaneous fly by the seat of her pants while I am very meticulous. (Can't you tell?) So I will let her have 4 of the nights, but I want 2 of the nights to be pretty thought out. Any help is always appreciated!

What sort of food are you looking for? Anything you can do to narrow it down will help. Someone will probably recommend Tavern on the Green. Pass on that.

The good thing about the city for St. Patty's is you can probably go anywhere and have a great time with all the Irish places around. Actually the best area St. Patty's party is in Hoboken two weeks before the actual holiday.

[Lathum]

You gonna go to the St/ Paddys day parade?

[panerd]

What sort of food are you looking for? Anything you can do to narrow it down will help. Someone will probably recommend Tavern on the Green. Pass on that.

The good thing about the city for St. Patty's is you can probably go anywhere and have a great time with all the Irish places around. Actually the best area St. Patty's party is in Hoboken two weeks before the actual holiday.

Just someplace nice (maybe a steakhouse or seafood place) with a romantic atmoshpere. I usually get some sort of steak and she will get fish or chicken.

Why not Tavern on the Green? Is it the food or something else? To put things in a little perspective I have taken her to a couple of places in St. Louis where the food just blew me away but her fondest memory is a restaurant that revolves in downtown St Louis where the food tasted like it had been dropped in dirt. But she remembers the view and the waiters and the wine and so it is one of her fondest memories. So if Tavern on the Green or any place else has a fantastic skyline view it would probably be right up her alley. The hotel we are staying at (Beekman Tower) has a restaurant on the roof that might fit that perfectly. Know anything about it?

[panerd]

You gonna go to the St/ Paddys day parade?


Definitely. I may have to check out the map of the route and see if there is someplace close to the hotel. We are right off the East River in Manhatten.

[Logan]

Just someplace nice (maybe a steakhouse or seafood place) with a romantic atmoshpere. I usually get some sort of steak and she will get fish or chicken.

Why not Tavern on the Green? Is it the food or something else? To put things in a little perspective I have taken her to a couple of places in St. Louis where the food just blew me away but her fondest memory is a restaurant that revolves in downtown St Louis where the food tasted like it had been dropped in dirt. But she remembers the view and the waiters and the wine and so it is one of her fondest memories. So if Tavern on the Green or any place else has a fantastic skyline view it would probably be right up her alley. The hotel we are staying at (Beekman Tower) has a restaurant on the roof that might fit that perfectly. Know anything about it?

Tavern on the Green is expensive and the food isn't the best. You're paying for the location, as it's in Central Park (so no skyline view, but yes it's very nice).

The restaurant you're talking about seems to be Top of the Tower Bar. Never been, haven't even heard of it, but it has good ratings on Citysearch (http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7129090/new_york_ny/top_of_the_tower.html) with some hit or miss reviews.

The steakhouses in the city tend to not be very romantic, and on a Saturday night, you'll probably run into a lot of loud parties of guys (I was part of one last weekend at Angelo & Maxie's, awesome meal but definitely not what I'd call a romantic spot). Frankie & Johnnie's might be a more quieter steakhouse though from what I've heard.

Not a big seafood guy so I can't help you there, sorry.

Here's a Citysearch list of "romantic dining" spots in the area of your hotel: http://newyork.citysearch.com/yellowpages/results/New_York_NY/page1.html?cw3=54&flavor_id=2&sorted=dist

[panerd]

Tavern on the Green is expensive and the food isn't the best. You're paying for the location, as it's in Central Park (so no skyline view, but yes it's very nice).

The restaurant you're talking about seems to be Top of the Tower Bar. Never been, haven't even heard of it, but it has good ratings on Citysearch (http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7129090/new_york_ny/top_of_the_tower.html) with some hit or miss reviews.

The steakhouses in the city tend to not be very romantic, and on a Saturday night, you'll probably run into a lot of loud parties of guys (I was part of one last weekend at Angelo & Maxie's, awesome meal but definitely not what I'd call a romantic spot). Frankie & Johnnie's might be a more quieter steakhouse though from what I've heard.

Not a big seafood guy so I can't help you there, sorry.

Here's a Citysearch list of "romantic dining" spots in the area of your hotel: http://newyork.citysearch.com/yellowpages/results/New_York_NY/page1.html?cw3=54&flavor_id=2&sorted=dist

Central Park isn't all that close to Broadway though, is it? The one in our hotel does look promising, but that may be better served for drinks a couple of nights and maybe some nightcaps if shes decides to crap out really early.

This seems like it is going to be one of those trips where there are a million great options and she will love that. Unfortunatly a million options is one of the things that drives me nuts. I want only a couple of places to go eat so I don't feel like I am missing out on something! :(

[Lathum]

my sister in law recomends this place

http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7186337/

In case the link doesn't work it is called Puleo's Too.

She also said Chicago is amazing

[Logan]

Central Park isn't all that close to Broadway though, is it? The one in our hotel does look promising, but that may be better served for drinks a couple of nights and maybe some nightcaps if shes decides to crap out really early.

This seems like it is going to be one of those trips where there are a million great options and she will love that. Unfortunatly a million options is one of the things that drives me nuts. I want only a couple of places to go eat so I don't feel like I am missing out on something! :(

Well those two spots are closer than if you were to go from, say, Broadway to Little Italy. Figure it's about 20 blocks (1 mile) and a few avenues (half a mile). Not far at all by cab, and walkable if it's not too cold and you don't mind.

If you want limited options, unfortunately you're coming to the wrong city :).

[panerd]

Follow up II. Kudos to the FOFC crowd again for the Avenue Q recommendation. The touring show was at the Fox in St. Louis last weekend and that has to be one of the funniest shows, movies, performances I have ever seen in my life. A great time all around and my girlfriend absolutely loved it.

So many great moments but the "Internet is great for porn" and the gay puppet talking about going to "eat some pussy" had tears in both of our eyes. I think it was a combination of it being really funny, but also the puppets, and the fact that we were just in this theatre recently for a real serious orchestra performance that made the whole experience that much more enjoyable. Avenue Q tops my admittedly short list of favorite plays!

[lordscarlet]

I saw Avenue Q on Broadway a few months ago. I missed this original thread, but it was very good.

[Lathum]

update?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

update?

They're exhausted from all the 'whoopee' over the weekend.

***cue Newlywed Game theme music***

[Lathum]

did they ever come back?

[panerd]

Didn't catch the bump the first time around. It's very cool that you asked. We ended up going to three shows (the original point of the thread): Chicago, Rent, and Legally Blonde.

Chicago was amazing. It was right up both of our alleys. Incredible singing and dancing, hilarious dialogue, and the perfect Saturday night crowd that was really into it. We ate at the 21 club and while we were definitely out of our element it seemed like we might be the only two having fun. I can understand rich people that go to these type of places regularly but there was a couple near us that was exactly like us. Out on a super romantic dinner that they will probably only have a few times a year tops and they were trying to play the part of the people that go there 52 times a year. Loosen up!

Wasn't as impressed with Rent. I think 10 years ago it might have been a really powerful play about AIDS and the homeless but I guess I feel like AIDS awareness is pretty high in this country and that the play is kind of out of touch. There were some really good songs but overall I didn't care much for the play.

The last night I decided I would fork out for one more round of tickets (using the hotel's wifi and theatermania) and she decided to go to Legally Blonde. Luckily I have never seen the movie so I really enjoyed the story. She loved it also but said that it pretty much followed the movie. I can't say I would have enjoyed it that much (the acting wasn't that great) if I knew all of the plot points. But the chick was played Elle was really hot, especially in the bend and snap scene for those who are familiar with the movie.

Overall a trip where every day was as fun as some of the trips I have taken in the past. (Ever went to Metropolis, IL for a weekend. I don't advise it!) We pulled out all of the tourist traps and loved every minute of it. From buying a Couch purse in the back room of Chinatown to Ice Skating in Central Park to getting sloppy on St. Patrick's day it couldn't have been a more perfect trip.

[Lathum]

glad to hear!!

did you go to puleos 2?

[MrBug708]

My parents and brother got back from seeing Little Mermaid on Boradway and said it was amazing