Late September trip

nanillo17
#1Late September trip
Posted: 8/26/14 at 10:08pm

Hi all, I've been getting into quite a broadway/live theater kick over the summer here in Chicago and am looking to go to NYC the last week in September. As of now likely 9/28-10/2, maybe through the weekend, TBD. I've been reading a lot of the forums here recently and doing some "research" and there's many more options than I'll have time to see so wanted to get some opinions/thoughts.

I have 2 must see shows, Hedwig and If/Then, and I'm hoping to catch 5-6 shows total if I can. I've taken out shows that I know are coming to Chicago next year since I'll definitely catch them here. Here are the other shows on my list, any thoughts on which ones I should prioritize if I get the chance? Or should I add one not below?

Cabaret, Gentleman's Guide..., Lady Day..., Beautiful
Not open yet - You Can't Take it With You, It's Only a Play, Found (casting of Barett Weed and Danny Pudi intrigues me)

Since I'll be there on a Monday, should I catch Chicago, Phantom or go off Broadway for Pageant?

Thanks for your thoughts!

Broadwaygirl202
#2Late September trip
Posted: 8/26/14 at 10:31pm

I think Beautiful is a must-see! I saw it in July and it was incredible! I don't know if it will tour and it has been running since last November I think so that means that Jessie's contract will be ending soon, unless she stays with the show a little bit longer. Her performance is breathtaking. I haven't seen any of the other shows, but I would also recommend, unless you have seen it already, Matilda because it is an incredible production.

KathyNYC2
#2Late September trip
Posted: 8/26/14 at 10:40pm

^^If you are there for a weekend and you are thinking of Matilda as suggested above, just note they will be changing their Sunday schedule for September and I think the first week in October. There will be two Sunday shows... 1:30 and a 6:30 (they have omitted the Wed matinee for a short time)...so you could maybe squeak in an extra show.

But Definitely Beautiful and Gentleman's Guide if you can manage. They are so worth it.

Updated On: 8/26/14 at 10:40 PM

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broadwayboy972
#3Late September trip
Posted: 8/26/14 at 10:42pm

I recently saw Gentleman's Guide, and let me tell you... that is one fun night of theatre. It has a great score, great direction, and great tech elements. And also Jefferson Mays is hilarious as the D'Ysquith family... such a brilliant show!

brdway411
#4Late September trip
Posted: 8/27/14 at 1:39am

Unless you are a die hard Idina fan I would skip If/Then and see something else. It's pretty bad. They cancel the show when they know she is not available or able to do the show. The only reason the show is still playing is because of her. If you are a TDF member get tickets that way, they are only $45.

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haterobics
#5Late September trip
Posted: 8/27/14 at 10:26am

If/Then has never canceled a show, only rescheduled them within the same week.

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JPeterman
#6Late September trip
Posted: 8/27/14 at 2:29pm

I have seen all of the shows on your list that are already playing, and most definitely Geentleman's Guide is not to be missed. Beautiful is also very good. I would second the suggestion of Matilda, it was much, much better than I expected.

I also would see Phantom on the "Dark" Monday you are in town. Les Mis' schedule is also more unique than the standard show schedules so you may find a Les Mis performance at an unusual time that fits your schedule. I have seen this new Les Mis twice and it is excellent.

Like you, I definitely want to see You Can't Take It With You and It's Only A Play. I also am excited to see Side Show and Curious Incident. Have fun on your trip!

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LYLS3637
#7Late September trip
Posted: 8/27/14 at 2:39pm

Well since brdway411 takes every opportunity to bash on If/Then, I'll gladly tell you to stick your guns and see If/Then. If you're planning on seeing 5-6 shows, If/Then should definitely be one of them.

I wasn't blown away by Beautiful. Jessie Mueller is stellar in every single way but, to me, the show itself wasn't that interesting, which is such a shame because Carole King has had an incredibly fascinating life and career.


"I shall stay until the wind changes."

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dreaming
#8Late September trip
Posted: 8/27/14 at 4:18pm

I HATED If/Then as well, so brdwy411 isn't alone in that sentiment.

I do agree with you LYLS3637 that aside from the cast (I liked the cast), the material for Beautiful was bland.

Go see "A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder"-it's a lot of fun
I highly recommend "Lady Day"
and there's "Hedwig" as your third musical-excellent choice

I think you should catch a couple of plays (seeing "You Can't Take it With You" this evening so I'll report back (I'll edit here)). I like the idea of "Found" and do have tickets but I can't report on that.

Those are my thoughts. (I think Phantom is a good bet for the Monday you'll be here.)

brdway411
#9Late September trip
Posted: 8/27/14 at 4:23pm

Well, since I am "bashing" shows skip Matilda too. It's a horrible mess. They took all the heart out of the show. Saw it in London and NYC.
Thought Gents guide was just okay
Loved Beautiful
loved Les Misérables
loved Phantom
go see Pippin


Updated On: 8/27/14 at 04:23 PM

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haterobics
#10Late September trip
Posted: 8/27/14 at 4:55pm

It does seem superfluous to bash If/Then once someone says they already have it listed as one of their must-see shows for their trip...

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Sutton Ross
#11Late September trip
Posted: 8/27/14 at 5:04pm

"Since I'll be there on a Monday, should I catch Chicago, Phantom or go off Broadway for Pageant? "

I would recommend Phantom because Norm Lewis is absolutely phenomenal in the part. All these years later, it's a must see.

nanillo17
#12Late September trip
Posted: 8/28/14 at 12:51pm

Thanks all for the recommendations/comments.

Gentleman's is now a must and Beautiful hot on its tail. Beautiful is coming to Chicago next year and there are rumors/hopes that Jessie might come with it as a "homecoming" but I don't want to risk not seeing her so will likely catch it in NYC.

I'm watching If/Then mainly because of Idina so I know what I'm walking into with the show not being too good.

So unless things change or I end up staying longer I might already have my "priority" list. - Hedwig, If/Then, Gentleman's..., You Can't Take It With You, Phantom, Beautiful. I'm going to have a Broadway overload!

sharona39
#13Late September trip
Posted: 8/28/14 at 2:08pm

Keep an open mind with regards to If/Then, Idina was my pull, but the show sold me...I found the show to be extremely thought provoking with an incredible score. I listen to it constantly. Excellent cast! Let us know your take! Have fun!

nanillo17
#14Late September trip
Posted: 10/1/14 at 9:12pm

So my plans ended up shifting and I will now be in NYC for a longer time in mid November when I'm planning to see 5 shows. I'll probably get into the city for a quick day trip in Oct too so hopefully will catch 1-2 shows then too.

I did end up being in town this past weekend and got tickets to Gentleman's Guide, 7th row Orchestra. Seats were great and the show was so much better than I ever expected. I figured it would be funny but I literally LOL'd several times and was loving it throughout. Jefferson Mays is amazing, no doubt about it, but I was so impressed with Bryce Pinkham! He was on stage basically the entire time, poor guy was sweating from the get go but his performance was spot on. Great cast, great comedy and a few great songs along the way. I will definitely be recommending it across the board. Excited to see what Oct/Nov brings.

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RippedMan
#15Late September trip
Posted: 10/2/14 at 12:28am

BOOTYCANDY!!!!!! So good.