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Help us spend our money? :)

rowdylibrarian
#1Help us spend our money? :)
Posted: 7/28/15 at 8:11pm

Hi, all!  I was hoping that you could help us spend our money on our upcoming trip to NYC this weekend.  My husband, 19-year-old son, and I are coming from Chicagoland, and will be arriving Saturday morning (8/1) and leaving late Monday night (8/3).  We have tickets to see Something Rotten on Saturday night, mainly because my son and I LOVE Christian Borle, and have for years, and neither of us have stopped singing the soundtrack of SR since we discovered it around the time of the Tony Awards.  


My husband and I decided to splurge and not wait for the show to come here and miss out on the opportunity to see Christian Borle and Brian D'arcy James (who we also like) live and in person!  I've heard that we might get lucky enough to get autographs by the stage door.  Has anyone had any luck with that with Christian, especially?  My son would probably keel over out of sheer delight.  :)


It seems like a shame to see only one show while we are out there, but we are trying to be somewhat mindful of the budget, so we are hoping to get lucky and get some good tickets at the TKTS place.  Would you help us out with some recommendations of what to see if we can, and also what else to do on Sunday and Monday?  


Some of my son's favorite shows are: Legally Blonde, Shrek the Musical, Newsies, and The Book of Mormon.  My husband will be happy with whatever we are happy with.  Some of mine are: 1776, The Secret Garden, The Wiz, Wicked, West Side Story, Ragtime, and The King and I.  (I know that The King and I is playing, but I've been IN it three times in community theatre productions.  Would it be worth seeing it there, or should I take the opportunity to see something else?)  


In our non musical-pursuing times-any favorite museums?  Restaurants?  Favorite food-related things to do?  (We are all food-people, and my son is studying to be a food scientist.)  Favorite other things to do?  We don't have a lot of NYC experience!  Thank you so much for your help!


Elizabeth

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bwayphreak234
#2Help us spend our money? :)
Posted: 7/28/15 at 8:22pm

I would definitely recommend this production of The King and I. It is simply elegant and breathtaking.


"There’s nothing quite like the power and the passion of Broadway music. "

mufish
#3Help us spend our money? :)
Posted: 7/28/15 at 8:34pm

When I saw Something Rotten earlier this month, Christian Borle, Brian D'Arcy James, Brad Oscar, and Heidi Blickenstaff all came out and signed for everyone waiting.  One time does not a pattern make, but I'd imagine you've got a pretty good shot.  Helps that you're doing the evening show, not the matinee.


 


I realize you only mentioned musicals, but if you're open to plays and it fits your budget, highly recommend Curious Incident.  It has become pretty popular so I don't think there's discount codes out there, and TKTS availability is not a given.


 


If you're even a little bit into the music of ABBA, Mamma Mia! actually isn't a bad choice.  I went just to fill a spot in a binge trip, and came away pleasantly surprised.  Nothing earth-shattering or life-changing, but the music is so catchy.  As a bonus, it's basically always on TKTS.

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Crazy NooNooHead
#4Help us spend our money? :)
Posted: 7/28/15 at 9:29pm

I saw Something Rotten in previews and the actors were all very nice at the stage door, so I hope you have the same luck. Of the shows you listed for your son, the only one currently running is The Book Of Mormon, so I definitely recommend that! (I would have recommended it anyway because it's my favorite show, but if it's already one of his favorites, I think he'll have a great time.) This production of The King And I is great, but it's very, very difficult to get tickets. I had to get mine two months in advance, so you might need to save that one for your next trip. Fun Home is also a great choice, but again, very difficult to get tickets. But they offer standing room, so if you're willing to stand for an hour and forty minutes, go for it. I second mufish's recommendation of Curious Incident, and Penn & Teller is a lot of fun.


Also, if you're interested, this website lists all of the Broadway shows that are currently running and their discount policies. I find it really useful! http://www.broadwayforbrokepeople.com/


Have an amazing trip!


"I have maggots in my scrotum!"

rowdylibrarian
#5Help us spend our money? :)
Posted: 7/28/15 at 9:31pm

Thank you, bwayphreak234!  I've always loved The King and I, so we will certainly keep it near the top of the list!  (And what a beautiful and talented Anna!)


E.

LightsOut90
#6Help us spend our money? :)
Posted: 7/28/15 at 9:33pm

 I can't recommend Hand To God more highly. 

rowdylibrarian
#7Help us spend our money? :)
Posted: 7/28/15 at 9:38pm

Thank you, mufish!  We hadn't thought too much about straight plays, but that's something to consider, too!  Believe it or not, we've never seen Mama Mia!  We actually own the DVD, but haven't gotten around to watching yet!  That should be up on our list, too!

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RaiseYouUp
#8Help us spend our money? :)
Posted: 7/28/15 at 9:44pm

"Thank you, mufish!  We hadn't thought too much about straight plays, but that's something to consider, too!  Believe it or not, we've never seen Mama Mia!  We actually own the DVD, but haven't gotten around to watching yet!  That should be up on our list, too!"


I saw Mamma Mia! once and to be honest, there are so many other better shows to see. I like the music pretty well but I'm not an Abba enthusiast. I feel like you should only really see the show if you are a huge fan of Abba. If not then there are, in my opinion, a slew of better options.

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Phillypinto
#9Help us spend our money? :)
Posted: 7/28/15 at 9:45pm

if you like book of mormon, you will probably like Hand to God. I would also recommend Curious Incident (a play) 


Hand to God, Curious Incident, The King and I, Something Rotten.


I also like Aladdin, Matilda, Kinky Boots, Beautiful, Fun Home


Use my fabulous TodayTix code: JEYCY

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HBP
#10Help us spend our money? :)
Posted: 7/28/15 at 9:59pm

Fun Home if tickets are available!

VintageSnarker
#11Help us spend our money? :)
Posted: 7/28/15 at 10:00pm

Hi Elizabeth,


My favorite museum without question is the Met. I don't know how interested in it your husband and son will be but they did a fantastic job on the China Through the Looking Glass exhibit and it's on pace to eclipse the recent Alexander McQueen (with an extended run, admittedly) in terms of ticket sales. If you've got some time, pay the suggested price and enjoy!


I was recently at the MOMA and while I'm not a big modern art person they do have an impressive collection.


I think Aladdin and A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder have the kind of comedy and irreverence that might appeal to your son but I don't know if he'd like the music in AGGTLAM.


It's a shame Doctor Zhivago is no longer running or I'd suggest that for you. The running time isn't long so if you're up for it, I'd consider standing room for Fun Home. You could also take a chance on Amazing Grace. Get rush tickets to save money. I can't think of anything playing now with the lush score/epic scope that I think would appeal to you. 


What do you like to eat? Any dietary restrictions? I don't know where you're staying but I'd try to avoid having meals around the theatre district if you're trying to save money. Come downtown! We have Chinese food, French, Spanish, Thai... 


Whatever you choose to do, I hope you enjoy your trip. :)


 

KathyNYC2
#12Help us spend our money? :)
Posted: 7/28/15 at 11:18pm

Just checking. How late are you leaving on Monday night? There are a few shows that perform on Monday nights but they obviously get out late. I am assuming you are looking for a Monday daytime thing? I don't think there are any Monday matinees..


 

VintageSnarker
#13Help us spend our money? :)
Posted: 7/28/15 at 11:21pm

Also, if you like classic showtunes and are willing to go along for a crazy, irreverent but fun time, I'd highly recommend Mrs. Smith's Broadway Cat-Tacular.

rsaleh
#14Help us spend our money? :)
Posted: 7/28/15 at 11:49pm

Hi! 


I would definately reccomend Kinky Boots and Les Mis. These will both most likely be at the TKTS booth but you can also get the TodayTix app on your phone and they have very big discounts there for a lot of shows and if you use the code FATIB then you can get $20 off your first order even after the discount and you can buy the tickets up to a week in advance. I would also reccomend Fun Home very strongly but those tickets are hard to come by unless you want to do the standing room.


Good luck and have fun!



Updated On: 7/29/15 at 11:49 PM

teresa2
#15Help us spend our money? :)
Posted: 7/29/15 at 12:06am

The hottest show is of course Hamilton. You can try the lottery for 10.00 or splurge on the cancellation line. Other shows I would recommend are Fun Home and Curious Incident. My current favorite is It Shoulda Been You. It is such a good show, but it didn't catch on. It stars Tyne Daly and alot of wonderful Broadway people. It is closing Aug 9th so this would be your only chance to see it. Hope this helps.

TapDanceGal
#16Help us spend our money? :)
Posted: 7/29/15 at 8:31am

My favorite shows running right now are On the Town and An American in Paris. The work that Tony Yazbeck does 8 shows a week in On the Town is just amazing. They also have a Sunday evening show during the summer. On the Town is regularly available via TKTS. It's also on the TodayTix mobile app. My code is OQULE if you would like to save $20 on your first purchase.

aj88
#17Help us spend our money? :)
Posted: 7/29/15 at 8:59am

I definitely will join those who are suggesting you try FUN HOME. With the $30 standing room tickets, it is easily the best deal on Broadway and also the fact the show is under two hours makes it more bearable to stand during. I guess now it is a matter of determining if you and your family would enjoy it, but if you are willing to get up early to get the tickets at the box office, I saw consider that as an option.


I am part of the group that really enjoyed Something Rotten and found it to be a fun evening and by the sound of how you and your son seem to love the cast and the recording, you made a great choice there!


I do highly recommend Hand to God if you are going to go the route of seeing a play.


On the Town will more than likely be closing soon (although that seems to be what everyone has been thinking for months now). I really enjoyed the production more than I have other productions of that show in the past. The show's book does show its age but I feel the cast and John Rando did the best to make it move well enough and then, of course, that great score comes in to save the day...and you can see it for a reasonable price too.


 

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Wee Thomas2
#18Help us spend our money? :)
Posted: 7/29/15 at 12:06pm

Another vote for Hand to God.  Lots and lots of discounts available, so we won't be spending much of your money for this one.


 


You all might enjoy Hedwig as well

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Crazy NooNooHead
#19Help us spend our money? :)
Posted: 7/29/15 at 12:26pm

I'd also like to add A Gentleman's Guide To Love And Murder to my list of recommendations, and as for food-related things, GET COOKIES AT SCHMACKARY'S.


"I have maggots in my scrotum!"

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Mike Costa
#20Help us spend our money? :)
Posted: 7/29/15 at 12:50pm

Good News Elizabeth, you are coming during Restaurant Week!


Three course lunches at many of our best restaurants will be $25 and it looks like you will be able to dine both Sunday and Monday.  Some even have Michelin Stars (yes, it is crazy).  Below is a link but you will be able to Google one yourself.  


Your life  will be easier if you book dining rooms on the west side.  Two that will knock your sox off are A Voce on w59th St and Telepan (one Michelin Star) on w69th St.   Happy Dining.


http://www.opentable.com/promo.aspx?metroid=8&sort=Name&excludefields=Description&promoid=69&ref=412&regionids=16

rowdylibrarian
#21Help us spend our money? :)
Posted: 7/29/15 at 4:42pm

Wow!  So many great theatre suggestions!  Thank you!  I'll try to respond individually in a little bit!  


Okay, help a poor Midwestern girl out... Food-wise, and New York geography-wise, where is "downtown", VintageSnarker?  Theatre District restaurants are more expensive, I take it?  We are staying at the City Club Hotel, which is also near the Theatre District/Times Square area, so should we not eat in that area?.  Why will life be easier eating on the west side, Mike Costa?  Sorry for the newbie New York questions!

rowdylibrarian
#22Help us spend our money? :)
Posted: 7/29/15 at 8:00pm

"Just checking. How late are you leaving on Monday night? There are a few shows that perform on Monday nights but they obviously get out late. I am assuming you are looking for a Monday daytime thing? I don't think there are any Monday matinees..
 "


 Our plane leaves at 9 something at night!

VintageSnarker
#23Help us spend our money? :)
Posted: 7/29/15 at 8:56pm

"Okay, help a poor Midwestern girl out... Food-wise, and New York geography-wise, where is "downtown", VintageSnarker?  Theatre District restaurants are more expensive, I take it?"


To me you're more or less safe below Koreatown but there are obviously expensive places and cheaper places spread out all across the city. You can find a good $20/person or under sushi place almost anywhere. Just check yelp first to make sure no one's been getting food poisoning. If you like your seafood cooked, I like the paella at Spain Restaurant on 14th St. If you just wander around Chinatown you'll be able to find a ton of places with good, affordable, and filling food. They might not be the most glamorous though. Just don't go to Little Italy. You might as well stay uptown. 

rowdylibrarian
#24Help us spend our money? :)
Posted: 7/29/15 at 10:18pm

Holy CATS!!!!  Those cookies from Schmackary's look FABULOUS!!!!!!!

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Marianne2
#25Help us spend our money? :)
Posted: 7/29/15 at 10:44pm

Times Square is full of touristy restaurants like Hard Rock Cafe, Planet Hollywood or chain restaurants.  They're okay, but you can certainly do better away price and quality wise. 9th Ave, which is only 2 blocks out of the theater district has some good places. If you just want a casual meal, I like the Westway Diner between 43rd & 44th on 9th. I forget what else there is. But, you can find all sorts of good food over there.


"I don't want the pretty lights to come and get me."-Homecoming 2005 "You can't pray away the gay."-Callie Torres on Grey's Anatomy. Ignored Users: suestorm, N2N Nate., Owen22, master bates