bwaydestined
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Which to see? Wicked or Phantom?Hey, i want to see a broadyway show for my birthday but i dont know which one to choose. HELP!
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dolbinau
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If you're a teenager then probably Wicked.
I know people will probably claim you should see another show (I.e. neither POTO nor Wicked), but Wicked is extremely accessible and if you're not into shows you are probably guaranteed to enjoy yourself.
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bwaydestined
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If im not into shows?
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dolbinau
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If you haven't seen many shows before..
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bwaydestined
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oh lol. well I've seen The Little Mermaid. Theres plenty more I've wanted to see, but Its expesive  but do you have a preference btween wicked and POTO?
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dolbinau
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I'd personally rather see Wicked.
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High-baritonne
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See Wicked, it is fun.
Don't see Phantom of the Opera, ever. Not unless you've seen every other currently running broadway and off-broadway shows. It is tremendously bad.
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music is my life!!!
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see wicked! i saw it for my 16th (i already knew the plot, but had been dying to go for agesss) and met the cast at the stage door in london 
it's fab. see it. NOW!
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SianZena
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I agree. Go and see Wicked!
Wicked is more fun and light. I loved it (seen it twice, and am seeing it again in December)/
I'm not a Phantom fan.
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Gwen
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If you've seen The Little Mermaid I'm guessing you live in or close to New York? What other shows do you want to see? --Though if you're set on picking between these two, I'd say Wicked. I saw it on tour; it's a fun show to go to.
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Yakko
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Seriously please if you must choose one of those two. Go see Phantom...Wicked just is....ugh...
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WickedToo
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I also vote you to see Wicked. I will be seeing it in November and I can't wait. I've never seen it before but the score is amazing!
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Disney-Bway27
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I would see Phantom. Phantom is better than Wicked, at least in my opinion.
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Salome
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seriously..dont see either. both are crap. wicked is crappier though.
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High-baritonne
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Salome is right, both are crap, but Wicked is more funny than Phantom, and the music is bearable. Also the casting for Wicked is usually better than for Phantom, as more actors have recently understood that Phantom is crap, so the good actors stare clear of it. Peculiarly enough they haven't understood that Wicked is also quite bad.
But, Phantom is worse than Wicked. I've seen Phantom live on Broadway, and it was horrible. I've seen a Wicked bootleg video from Broadway, and it was more entertaining to watch!
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jarrod001
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See Hair.
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Mungojerrie_rt
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| High-baritonne wrote: | Salome is right, both are crap, but Wicked is more funny than Phantom, and the music is bearable. Also the casting for Wicked is usually better than for Phantom, as more actors have recently understood that Phantom is crap, so the good actors stare clear of it. Peculiarly enough they haven't understood that Wicked is also quite bad.
But, Phantom is worse than Wicked. I've seen Phantom live on Broadway, and it was horrible. I've seen a Wicked bootleg video from Broadway, and it was more entertaining to watch! |
I'd more say that Phantom really requires classically trained opera singers, whereas Wicked doesn't, so the cast is easier to get the vocal requirements for.
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High-baritonne
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Phantom is real easy music, there are none parts in Phantom that requires a classical trained singer. Phantom of the Opera requires actors who can sing, the same does Wicked. Wicked also require more difficult dancing in fact, than Phantom. Wicked is harder to do.
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Gwen
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...I don't recall any mention of dance choreography in the program when I went to see it.
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songbirdie
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| Quote: | | 'd more say that Phantom really requires classically trained opera singers, whereas Wicked doesn't, so the cast is easier to get the vocal requirements for |
Yes, but does Phantom require the high-ass belting that Wicked does? With that and the choreography I would agree that Wicked is harder to do.
I say go see Wicked...and then rent the Phantom movie
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bwaydestined
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Thanks everyone for all your opinions! haha and i got it...dont see phantom..lol...and plus i think it may have gone off-broadway. So now i have another dilemma...i cant choose between Wicked or Jersey Boys..lol But i need to choose soon! 
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Please,Hello
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| bwaydestined wrote: | | oh lol. well I've seen The Little Mermaid. Theres plenty more I've wanted to see, but Its expesive but do you have a preference btween wicked and POTO? |
Billy elliot? Wicked is just.....not......good. And Phantom is........annoying.
Next to Normal
Billy Elliot
PHANTOM IS ON BROADWAY.
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Gwen
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How about this:
Write out the full list of shows you want to see and THEN we'll help you pick. It'll probably be easier that way.
If you're not concerned with what cast you see, like if you're not dead set on "have to see the current Broadway cast!!" I'd take into consideration what shows have a tour, or might have a tour.
....Skip Wicked and Jersey! Go see Next To Normal!! 
^ That's just me because I really want to see that. I'd say it's better than Wicked but it's a matter of what you like too. Make a list and maybe we can take it from there.
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Yakko
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| bwaydestined wrote: | | Thanks everyone for all your opinions! haha and i got it...dont see phantom..lol...and plus i think it may have gone off-broadway. So now i have another dilemma...i cant choose between Wicked or Jersey Boys..lol But i need to choose soon! |
Gone off broadway??? yeah right....that show won't be leaving anytime soon. the only thing that is going is Howard Mcgillin.
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Mungojerrie_rt
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| High-baritonne wrote: | | Phantom is real easy music, there are none parts in Phantom that requires a classical trained singer. Phantom of the Opera requires actors who can sing, the same does Wicked. Wicked also require more difficult dancing in fact, than Phantom. Wicked is harder to do. |
But without real opera singers Phantom falls flat (I may be being biased since I saw it with a cast who all were genuine opera singers as well as good actors). Phantom also has dancing in the form of ballet, so you can't say that Wicked is harder that way. Neither is a particularly dance musical anyway.
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bwaydestined
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haha! and yeah next to normal is another on my list! ok here are all the shows I've been thinking about:
The Phantom of The Opera
Wicked
Next To Normal
Jersey Boys
Billy Elliot
HAIR
Guys N Dolls
I know...long list.
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Yakko
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| bwaydestined wrote: | haha! and yeah next to normal is another on my list! ok here are all the shows I've been thinking about:
The Phantom of The Opera
Wicked
Next To Normal
Jersey Boys
Billy Elliot
HAIR
Guys N Dolls
I know...long list. |
Guys and Dolls is closed.
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musialman
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you should see next to normal. I've seen Wicked, Hair, and Next to Normal, and n2n wins by a longshot
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Please,Hello
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| bwaydestined wrote: | haha! and yeah next to normal is another on my list! ok here are all the shows I've been thinking about:
The Phantom of The Opera
Wicked
Next To Normal
Jersey Boys
Billy Elliot
HAIR
Guys N Dolls
I know...long list. |
So is this your second show? I don't reccomend Billy Elliot or Phantom then. You can cross those off.
SEE NEXT TO NORMAL.
also guys and dolls closed
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bwaydestined
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guys n dolls is closed? i had no idea
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MunkustrapQC
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Do not see Jersey Boys. There's so many good shows out there.
I'd say Next to Normal or Hair.
I'm gonna see both in october.
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Gwen
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I'd say go see Next to Normal.
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songbirdie
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| Mungojerrie_rt wrote: | | High-baritonne wrote: | | Phantom is real easy music, there are none parts in Phantom that requires a classical trained singer. Phantom of the Opera requires actors who can sing, the same does Wicked. Wicked also require more difficult dancing in fact, than Phantom. Wicked is harder to do. |
But without real opera singers Phantom falls flat (I may be being biased since I saw it with a cast who all were genuine opera singers as well as good actors). Phantom also has dancing in the form of ballet, so you can't say that Wicked is harder that way. Neither is a particularly dance musical anyway. |
Phantom falls flat anyway....and even the best opera singer in the world couldn't change that.
I go with N2N
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Mungojerrie_rt
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| songbirdie wrote: | | Mungojerrie_rt wrote: | | High-baritonne wrote: | | Phantom is real easy music, there are none parts in Phantom that requires a classical trained singer. Phantom of the Opera requires actors who can sing, the same does Wicked. Wicked also require more difficult dancing in fact, than Phantom. Wicked is harder to do. |
But without real opera singers Phantom falls flat (I may be being biased since I saw it with a cast who all were genuine opera singers as well as good actors). Phantom also has dancing in the form of ballet, so you can't say that Wicked is harder that way. Neither is a particularly dance musical anyway. |
Phantom falls flat anyway....and even the best opera singer in the world couldn't change that.
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Carlotta saves the day. And the Managers do too.
Of the ones on the list I know, Hair, but I haven't seen Next To Normal.
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songbirdie
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| Mungojerrie_rt wrote: |
Carlotta saves the day. And the Managers do too.
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True...
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ActingDude17
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I've seen nearly all of Wicked's current cast and can say it would probably be a very enjoyable experience. Many New Yorkers are saying it's the best cast the show has seen in a long time.
I've also seen nearly all of Phantom's current cast. I probably wouldn't see it again. I'm not saying it wasn't a good show. Of course it was. It was Broadway. But there are probably a bunch of other good shows currently playing (Billy Elliot, In the Heights, and Hair to name a few). I've heard good things about Jersey Boys. Not that familiar with Next to Normal.
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ChrissyJudyLeisel33
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Wicked.
I've never been a fan of Phantom...
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Nettik
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| bwaydestined wrote: |
The Phantom of The Opera
Wicked
Next To Normal
Jersey Boys
Billy Elliot
HAIR |
I personally think you should stick with either Phantom or Wicked. Billy Elliot's score is lacking, Jersey Boys from what I hear is pretty expensive and not worth it, Hair is definitely a work of art but the music can get a little exhausting by the end of it if you're not into the style. Next to Normal is an emotionally draining show, and while it's pretty good, I wouldn't recommend it for a "fun night at the theatre" deal.
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i-train123
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in my opinion i believe that you should see both. i mean both musicals have great scores and great characters. save your money to see them both!!!!!!!
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Please,Hello
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| i-train123 wrote: | | in my opinion i believe that you should see both. i mean both musicals have great scores and great characters. save your money to see them both!!!!!!! |
Do you know a thing about musical theatre?....I'm just asking out of the blue just to be sure.
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Far Off Broadway
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I just saw Wicked in July and, despite all the hullabaloo, I was left remarkably underwhelmed. I don't think it was bad, by any means, but I just thought, after hearing so much hype, that it'd be incredible. (That said, I've been recommended to go see it on tour in April when it comes KIND OF close and I'm considering it because of the strength/track record of the person recommending it.)
I enjoyed Phantom much more, of the two shows.
But, if you don't have to pick between just those two shows, I'd try to see something else. I've seen so many good shows this year. I guess it just depends on what you're looking for. If it's just a good time (and you're not going to be over-analyzing the show), I'd very strongly recommend Rock of Ages or Toxic Avenger the Musical. Mamma Mia! was fun too. Or if you can get to Avenue Q before it closes.
(As you can see, I'm not a "student of the game" or a performer, but I just like the musical genre and can only recommend what I like.)
Good luck, with whatever you choose!
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Sphynx
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Between the two of them?
Phantom. Hands down.
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Disney-Bway27
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| Nettik wrote: | | bwaydestined wrote: |
The Phantom of The Opera
Wicked
Next To Normal
Jersey Boys
Billy Elliot
HAIR |
I personally think you should stick with either Phantom or Wicked. Billy Elliot's score is lacking, Jersey Boys from what I hear is pretty expensive and not worth it, Hair is definitely a work of art but the music can get a little exhausting by the end of it if you're not into the style. Next to Normal is an emotionally draining show, and while it's pretty good, I wouldn't recommend it for a "fun night at the theatre" deal. |
I agree with everything but Jersey Boys. If you're a fan of the Four Seasons and their music, then you should really enjoy it. Jersey Boys has so much more depth and quality than most jukebox musicals do, and more depth than half the stuff on that list.
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emmy05
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| bwaydestined wrote: | haha! and yeah next to normal is another on my list! ok here are all the shows I've been thinking about:
The Phantom of The Opera
Wicked
Next To Normal
Jersey Boys
Billy Elliot
HAIR
Guys N Dolls
I know...long list. |
I think by giving us a longer list we can get a better sense of your style. If you haven't seen a lot of Broadway - and want something that will knock your socks off I have to suggest Hair. I have seen Wicked & it's pretty and fun to look at but doesn't challenge you to think for yourself. Phantom is the longest running show on Broadway - it's not going anywhere - you can see that another time. Once you have seen everything else. You are young I take it and should see a show that makes you want to go dancing out of the theater. (Next to Normal is excellent but is very depressing) Billy Elliot & Jersey Boys are next to impossible to get tickets for. Go with Hair!
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audreydarling
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Stop hating just because something isn't deep doesn't mean it isn't good. these actors work their butts off and i'd say out of everything on broadway there is a reason phantom has been running for 21 going on 22 years. Wicked is a global phenomenon. if they were "crap" they never would have achieved all that. i respect everyone's opinion but there is a difference in the way you are putting them across so plese try and be helpful and not just bash.
I've seen all but hair. wicked not in NY and I would say Wicked isn't going anywhere either. you can get tickets to anything if you go online. Jersey Boys is stunning. I'd have to saw go for that...i hear hair is good though personally i chose not to see it since there were other things i wanted to see more. the dancing in billy elliot is amazing. you really can't go wrong. don't see n2n if it's only your second show. it's hard to follow and while alice ripley is freaking amazing should be seen by more seasoned theatre goers. in the heights and west side story are quite good too all in all which advice is nice just pick what YOU want to see. anything on broadway is going to be good. if you love the story of phantom see it. if you want to see wicked. do it.
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ActingDude17
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| audreydarling wrote: | | just because something isn't deep doesn't mean it isn't good...if they were "crap" they never would have achieved all that. |
The Nazi regime was a load of crap and look what it achieved. Also, your first point is subjective. In my opinion, if it's not thought-provoking and doesn't have a powerful message to convey, the show is not worth my time. Of course, it comes down to opinion. Some people do enjoy a shallow fluff-filled night at the theatre. I don't. I get all my junk food in entertainment from the TV. When I go to the theatre I look for something more. Again, just me.
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Hans
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| ActingDude17 wrote: | | In my opinion, if it's not thought-provoking and doesn't have a powerful message to convey, the show is not worth my time. |
If that really is your opinion, I think you may miss some very good theatre out there. On The Town, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, Little Shop Of Horrors and Anything Goes aren't really very thought provoking shows nor do they carry powerful messages (messages are not their focus, at least). But they are very, very good shows.
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ActingDude17
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| Dvarg wrote: | | ActingDude17 wrote: | | In my opinion, if it's not thought-provoking and doesn't have a powerful message to convey, the show is not worth my time. |
If that really is your opinion, I think you may miss some very good theatre out there. On The Town, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, Little Shop Of Horrors and Anything Goes aren't really very thought provoking shows nor do they carry powerful messages (messages are not their focus, at least). But they are very, very good shows. |
I guess it just comes back to personal taste and opinion. I need something that makes me re-think what I know and believe, much as I did walking out of the theatre the first times I saw Sweeney Todd and Into The Woods.
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audreydarling
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oh yeah into the woods is great. but that's what is best about theatre is it is an individual response. i didn't mean to sound rant-y i just feel like people on the board were bashing shows that they personally don't like instead of subjectively helping out. actingdude: thanks for being clear about you're personal opinion and not bashing others who choose to think differently. that's all i was asking of the posters.
i mean personally Wicked and Phantom and Jersey Boys all make me think.....most theatre does and what doesn't....yeah forum, little shop, how to succeed, anything goes, the like...is still good theatre.
so just see what you want to see: everyone who is asking for advice. you will know what's best and just see what you want to if you can get tickets. if not see a different show you want to see. it's that simple.
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dolbinau
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| ActingDude17 wrote: | | Dvarg wrote: | | ActingDude17 wrote: | | In my opinion, if it's not thought-provoking and doesn't have a powerful message to convey, the show is not worth my time. |
If that really is your opinion, I think you may miss some very good theatre out there. On The Town, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, Little Shop Of Horrors and Anything Goes aren't really very thought provoking shows nor do they carry powerful messages (messages are not their focus, at least). But they are very, very good shows. |
I guess it just comes back to personal taste and opinion. I need something that makes me re-think what I know and believe, much as I did walking out of the theatre the first times I saw Sweeney Todd and Into The Woods. |
I thought you meant you walked out, as in, left..lol.
But FWIW, I'd much rather see one of the professional productions of Wicked or POTO 100 times, than sit through a shocking amateur performance of ITW or Sweeney.
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howglorygoes
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Go see Wicked!
IMO this is a pretty trite argument. Neither show does anything for me, but if she's a teenage girl celebrating her birthday I think she'll have an amazing time. Yes, musical theatre can be a deep and powerful artform - but shoving this down her throat just makes you look like a pretentious douche.
Let her find it in her own time.
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ActingDude17
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| dolbinau wrote: | | ActingDude17 wrote: | | Dvarg wrote: | | ActingDude17 wrote: | | In my opinion, if it's not thought-provoking and doesn't have a powerful message to convey, the show is not worth my time. |
If that really is your opinion, I think you may miss some very good theatre out there. On The Town, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, Little Shop Of Horrors and Anything Goes aren't really very thought provoking shows nor do they carry powerful messages (messages are not their focus, at least). But they are very, very good shows. |
I guess it just comes back to personal taste and opinion. I need something that makes me re-think what I know and believe, much as I did walking out of the theatre the first times I saw Sweeney Todd and Into The Woods. |
I thought you meant you walked out, as in, left..lol.
But FWIW, I'd much rather see one of the professional productions of Wicked or POTO 100 times, than sit through a shocking amateur performance of ITW or Sweeney. |
I see where you're coming from. I saw a pretty bad ITW JR (which on paper is already awful, the performance didn't make up for it) and it made me cringe that Sondheim's amazing work was being butchered like that.
And howglorygoes, most don't "find it in their own time". Most stay comfortably ignorant in the dark, sticking to shallow, fluff-filled shows. If that sustains them, more power to them.
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bwaydestined
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Thanks for all your help guys! I just wanted to update you a little bit:
I just tooka a weekend trip to NYC in january and saw 3 shows:
Finian's Rainbow
Billy Elliot
Altar Boyz
I didnt so much like Finian's Rainbow..but I LOVED LOVED LOVED Billy Elliot and Altar Boyz. I already knew the plot and music to Billy Elliot prior to seeing it, but Altar Boyz was a complete new experience and sooo mcuh fun! I also recieved two tickets to go see Wicked in April as a christmas gift from my brother! SO EXCITEDDD!!!!
I am proud to say I am no longer a broadway newbie!
I also saw you were talking about Into the Woods and I just wanted to say that my school is currently working on it and its a great (though though to pull off) show!!!!
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ActingDude17
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| bwaydestined wrote: | Thanks for all your help guys! I just wanted to update you a little bit:
I just tooka a weekend trip to NYC in january and saw 3 shows:
Finian's Rainbow
Billy Elliot
Altar Boyz
I didnt so much like Finian's Rainbow..but I LOVED LOVED LOVED Billy Elliot and Altar Boyz. I already knew the plot and music to Billy Elliot prior to seeing it, but Altar Boyz was a complete new experience and sooo mcuh fun! I also recieved two tickets to go see Wicked in April as a christmas gift from my brother! SO EXCITEDDD!!!! |
I'm glad to hear you had an enjoyable experience. Thanks for the update! I'm just curious about one thing. Why did you not like Finian's Rainbow? I'm anxious to hear your thoughts.
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bwaydestined
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Well, I enjoyed the music because it was very upbeat and so were the actors, but i felt the whole show dragged on in the first act (as did the friends I saw it with) By the second act it picked up a bit with more humor, but the show in a whole just wasn't the WOW i thought it would be. I would reccomend it for families though.
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Salome
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god..finians rainbow is one of the best shows going. the other two you saw are pretty much crap.
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bwaydestined
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I completely disagree! The storyline for Finian's was terrible, and its run has been very short. I've been told that it wont be on broadway much longer. I could be wrong, But in my opinion I would have much rather seen the other shows twice. honestly.
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Salome
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Finians rainbow is a classic. .the revival recieved brilliant reviews and good audience response. it closed due to financial costs.
the plot is very important and very meaningful. confronting prejudice,equality, and other major social issues. the score is easily one of the top 20 greatest to come out of the theatre world. its been popular for over 60 years . in 10 year no one will know billy elliott or alter boyz.
oh well..i guess you cant feed caviar to a spam lover.
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bwaydestined
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you have your opinion, I have mine.
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Salome
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soe opinions are just misguided when lined up with the majority.
i refuse to argue about musical theatre with a novice.
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Mungojerrie_rt
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Yay! Elitism!
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ActingDude17
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| Salome wrote: | Finians rainbow is a classic. .the revival recieved brilliant reviews and good audience response. it closed due to financial costs.
the plot is very important and very meaningful. confronting prejudice,equality, and other major social issues. the score is easily one of the top 20 greatest to come out of the theatre world. its been popular for over 60 years . in 10 year no one will know billy elliott or alter boyz.
oh well..i guess you cant feed caviar to a spam lover. |
I could take your opinion much more seriously if you spelled the titles of the shows you're attacking right and didn't call someone you've never even met "a novice."
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idTAPthat89
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I've seen both National Tours...and I'm going to have to say Wicked...it's phenomenal!
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RainbowJude
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Re: Which to see? WICKED or PHANTOM? | bwaydestined wrote: | | Hey, I want to see a Broadway show for my Birthday but I don't know which one to choose. HELP! |
Wicked or Phantom? In literature, politics and even in general discourse, this kind of choice has to do with a principle known as "the lesser of two evils". Given the range of choice on Broadway, I'd choose neither and go see something better.
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Salome
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| ActingDude17 wrote: | | Salome wrote: | Finians rainbow is a classic. .the revival recieved brilliant reviews and good audience response. it closed due to financial costs.
the plot is very important and very meaningful. confronting prejudice,equality, and other major social issues. the score is easily one of the top 20 greatest to come out of the theatre world. its been popular for over 60 years . in 10 year no one will know billy elliott or alter boyz.
oh well..i guess you cant feed caviar to a spam lover. |
I could take your opinion much more seriously if you spelled the titles of the shows you're attacking right and didn't call someone you've never even met "a novice." |
look at the poster's age. shes a novice.
and you know me by now... I know more about musical theatre than most people here combined.
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Mungojerrie_rt
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Professor Higgins just had a heart-attack.
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~Masquerade Dancer~
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Re: Which to see? Wicked or Phantom? | bwaydestined wrote: | | Hey, i want to see a broadyway show for my birthday but i dont know which one to choose. HELP! |
Personally, I like both of these shows but I haven't seen Phantom and I've seen Wicked multiple times and it is amazing.
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elphieglinda16
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I reeeeaaaally need comments on my posts!!! plz reply on them!!!! thank you!
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