One thing I love about having lived in New York here and there is that I've become a source for show advice for some people who don't get to travel to the concrete jungle too often. I also got to recommend shows to people when I worked at TKTS! So, today I thought I'd share the 4 shows I'm most looking forward to seeing when I get back to New York. Make no mistake, I'll be seeing more than only these four--but these will take priority. And I'll tell you why!
1. The revival of Cole Porter's ANYTHING GOES I love a good classic and Sutton Foster has never disappointed me on stage. I saw her in YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN and SHREK: THE MUSICAL and she has incredible subtle comedic timing, chops that ring like a bell, and effortless tap dancing. In addition, I would love to have seen Patti LuPone play the iconic Reno Sweeney in 1988 but alas I was 3. I recognize that Sutton Foster is a legend in her prime and I think any artist, patron, American owes it to himself/herself to see her perform! She really is gracious to keep doing it and not abandon us for a film career. PLUS, the title number has some of the most genius lyrics in all of musical theatre. See here!
2. HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING Like any of you I had my doubts about Harry Potter playing a role that required triple threat prowess but the reviews are in and Radcliffe has delighted audiences. I also can't help but love the fact that he is a 21-year-old superstar kazillionaire who isn't too good for Broadway. Radcliffe did some mad work learning how to dance and sing--a year of consistent training. I respect that he didn't just slide by on his name (or face I guess) but that he did the work. He knew audiences would come whether he was bad or good but he wanted to be good. So he worked. That's an applicable lesson, yall.
More than any other show, maybe ever, I have heard RAVE reviews of Mark Rylance's performance in Jerusalem--from patrons who really go see theatre and know good acting. Word on the street is that Rylance's performance is transcendent and simply remarkable. He played the lead in its previous production on the West End and it's now transferred to Broadway. In addition I wanted to see Rylance in last fall's La Bete but didn't get the opportunity before it closed. I've heard that Rylance is "the actor of our time" and I've just gotta see that.
4. WAR HORSE
Once I was in a show in which 75% of my job was operating a remote controlled mouth for a guy wearing a bear suit. Ever since then (and before) puppets (and remote controlled bear mouths) were not my thing--until I saw this. These two guys from South Africa have made puppets that really, REALLY feel like actual living, breathing animals. Again, a transfer from the West End in London, this show has received tons of buzz and fascinates me from the outset. It is about a boy and his beloved horse who is sent off to the Great War in the early 20th century. Between the incredible puppetry, the rave reviews, and the story with heart I'm sold. I want to see this show.
In closing, I would like to point out that 2 of the 4 shows I want to see are plays. Look ma, I'm branching! I also want to point you towards some discount ticketing options for these Broadway productions. When I'm evangelizing to non-theatre-types about Broadway their first response 9 times out of 10 is that it is too expensive. Well, you guys just don't know where to look! Check it out:
ANYTHING GOES
General Rush: $30 - limited number of tickets available when the box office opens. Subject to availability. Limit 2 per person.
Student Rush: Limited number of half-price seats sold beginning three hours before curtain. Subject to availability. Limit 1 per valid ID.
Hiptix: $21.50 - Roundabout's Hiptix program allows registered patrons between ages 18 and 35 to purchase 1 pair of tickets per production at this price. Info at: http://hiptix.com/
HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING
General Rush: $30 - tickets available on day of performance when box office opens. Limit 2 per customer.
JERUSALEM
General Rush: $26.50 - available on a first come, first served basis for day of performance when the box office opens. There is a limit of two tickets per customer.
WAR HORSE
Student Rush: $30 - Lincoln Center Theater offers $30 student rush tickets beginning two hours before a performance at the box office (subject to availability). Student rush tickets are limited to one ticket per performance and you must show a valid college/university ID to purchase a ticket. Not all performances have student rush tickets.
Even if you are not able to get to Broadway this summer, many touring productions have discounts and rush tickets as well. And when in doubt, support your local theatre!
I want to see the top 2!
ReplyDelete