I know for stunt casting people usually focus on vocal skills, but I saw Ariana Madix perform as Roxie in Chicago last night and haven’t yet found any posts about how fantastic her dancing was so I feel like I need to put this out there.

Full disclosure I had no idea who she is but apparently she was on dancing with the stars, and I’m sure that is a huge factor. Fosse is not easy by any means and yet she absolutely nailed it. It was most apparent in the final dance number with Velma (Robyn Hurder). Hurder was a lovely singer throughout the show, but seeing them dance side-by-side, you could see how much more polish and awareness of lines and shape Madix had in her dancing.

I was a ballet dancer a long time ago so I notice these things lol. It’s rare that stunt cast members are good dancers, and I feel like we should be talking about how exceptional Madix’s skills are. I’m sure dancing with the stars was excellent training, and I suspect that experience made it easier for her to focus on adding polish to the fosse elements in Chicago. If you’re looking to catch one of these last performances, notice and appreciate how clean her lines and movement are throughout her dancing, it’s a rare treat these days!

I am planning on seeing Doubt and waiting by the stage door, and I was hoping to have Zoe Kazan autograph my copy of the movie Wildfire, which she co-wrote. Is that okay/acceptable to get something besides a playbill signed or is that frowned upon?

Amazing cast and production.

1. The Great Gatsby
2. The Notebook
3. Water for Elephants

Looking for a show to add on to The Wiz and Hell’s Kitchen when I go to NYC this summer. Please share your thoughts; thanks!

I just opened up my page to everyone on Twitter talking about it and I’m so confused

Do you think I'd be able to get to Titanique on time after Outsiders on a Saturday?

Outsiders: 2pm (2.5hrs)

Titanique: 5pm (100mins)

Suffs: 8pm (2.5hrs)

Saw Water for Elephants last night and I thought it was great! I got tickets through MTC's 30 under 35 discount, got on line at about 8:15 AM.

The acrobatics and choreography were so much fun to watch, and there was plenty to see throughout the show.

I've seen criticism of the show's music but I thought it was beautiful, with several standouts (The Road Don't Make You Young, Easy, The Lion Has Got No Teeth, I Choose the Ride, and Zostan were probably my top 5. I also loved the choreography/ visual spectacle of Anywhere/Another Train, Go Home, and when they finally show the stampede). I'll recognize that the visual spectacle that went along with the songs probably helped, though I do think that even on its own Easy in particular is beautiful.

I thought that the entire cast was fantastic. Marlena's actress's voice in particular was stunning. Jacob was a compelling and very sympathetic lead. August was such a well-done villain, maybe one of my favorite non-protagonist villains in theater. Compliments to all 3 leads, I thought they each did a great job.

Outside of the music and the spectacle, I was interested in the plot itself too. I read the book like 10 years ago and remembered liking it but not too much else. So I can't speak to the accuracy of the adaptation, but I can say that it was an engaging and very enjoyable adaptation.

A few light criticisms:

I sat all the way on the right side mezzanine. I was able to see pretty much everything except the elephant reveal. I only knew when it happened because of the audience's reaction to it 🥴

There is some key information given about Jacob right as Grant Gustin appears on stage for the first time, but it was very hard to hear over the crowd applauding (idk maybe that's a theater etiquette thing, when I went to see Sweeney Todd I couldn't hear any of Aaron Tveit's "attend the tale of sweeney todd"s because the audience was screaming each time). More info about the event is given later in the first act, but it was kind of annoying having to wonder what was said for a bit.

I also thought the framing device was unnecessary. I've read the book so I know it's used in the show because of the book, but whenever we were in old-jacob's scenes I found myself wishing that we could go back to seeing more circus stuff. I also didn't think old-jacob's scenes had enough pathos to justify themselves, the 1930s scenes were much more emotional. I also don't think the payoff of circus performers taking an elderly man with dementia on the road with them landed enough to justify the framing device, especially after watching 2.5 hours of a ringmaster exploiting and abusing the most vulnerable around him. The old-jacob's scenes really didn't detract much from the show for me, but I did think that they were the weakest parts.

All in all I loved the show and would definitely recommend it. Rooting for the show to have a long run. Would love to hear from other people who have seen the show also, there's so much about the show that I want to talk about lol

Tommy: insanely good. One of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had on Broadway.

Wicked: Classic. But my first time seeing it on Broadway. Crowd pleaser for sure.

Doubt: Memorable performances. Lovely theater, and a great revival.

Merrily: went in blind, knowing nothing of the story or barely any songs. It was so clean and sharp, the theater dynamic was top notch. An awesome show, even if we had to cut it short and leave during the Broadway Cares announcements.

Oh, Mary: Insane. I’ve never laughed so hard in a show. So freaking good. And Cole was so sweet at stage door.

Side note: fun to catch a few celebrities! Rosie O’Donnell at Wicked. Bob Odenkirk & David cross at Oh Mary. Sean Hayes at Merrily. Jenn Colella on the street!

My partner and I (both non-binary) went to see &Juliet mid March and I was curious if anyone had a similar intermission experience to me. During intermission I needed to use the restroom so I went up to where they were and the ushers were working hard to settle the line while letting everyone know the restrooms were non-gendered. The line I was said to have urinals and stalls, while the line on the other side was stalls only.

Admittedly I was surprised, but pleasently so, as this is the first time I've had an experience with gender neutral restrooms but as you can probably imagine there was some confusion. Most people were very understanding, even if they needed clarification they were very respectful and kind, minus ONE person. There was a man and his wife who were in the same line as I was and he kept saying loudly "can my WIFE also use the urinal?" to which usher said "if she would like to, sure." When we got into the restroom he continued to shout and embarass his wife who was silent when he said "come on Honey, step up to the urinal." I wanted so much to say something but I didn't and I haven't been able to stop thinking about this incident.

Has anyone else had an issue like this at &Juliet or any other theater with gender neutral restrooms?

(Mostly wanted to get this off my chest because I've been holding on to it and it's Trans Day of Visibility so I figured today was a good day!)

Hey all!

Big ask, but I saw Teeth when I was on a trip in NYC a couple of weeks ago. I didn't see any merch when I was there, but I just saw a post about merch from last week?

If anyone is seeing it anytime soon, I would love a shirt!!! I can pay the merch fee + shipping and a "finder's fee".

Thanks!

Thursday: Spamalot - I loved this show. Not a super deep or emotional show but there were some very smart references and lil tips of the hat to big theatre fans. As a Monty Python fan, Alex Brightman carried the humor of this show and its tone so well in all of his different roles and can we talk about Leslie Kritzer? Holy shit, seemed like she was having a ton of fun with the performance since the shows closing in a week but my god I can’t say enough about her performance (voice AND personality)

Friday: Days of Wine and Roses - this shows so beautifully dark and touching. As someone who has experience and dealt with lots of addiction in my personal life and family this show rocks to the core. The characters are so well written and anyone with experience with those matters understands how real and accurate they are too. Not a happy ending but good god I’m happy I got to see this before it closed, feel like this show will be talked about a LOT more in the future.

Saturday matinee: The Life and Slimes of Marc Summers- this may be the sweetest most honest show I’ve seen on/off-broadway and that’s because it’s real and about its main performer! I thought this would just be a fun nostalgic fluff show but it had EVERYTHING. I can’t say enough about how much I loved this show and would encourage ANYONE to please go see it as it has quite a small audience and deserves so much more!! (Even got to go onstage, participate and perform. So. Much. Fun)

Saturday evening: Merrily We Roll Along- god I’m sad I’m late to this parade. Went in as blind as I could as a Sondheim fan and wow what a show. Daniel Radcliffe steals the show but I also don’t think the show would work if Groff didn’t make Frank somewhat redeemable. This show was the best of the weekend and I’m sad it closes in July.

Spent spring break seeing shows in NYC. Here is a chronological list of the shows I saw and a blurb on each

Lempicka - this is the first musical I’ve seen in a while that the plot just grabs you and doesn’t let go. Such a compelling story that is unpredictable and not the formulaic style of too many shows lately.

hamilton - first time seeing it on broadway but 5th time seeing it live. Still an amazing show, but not much difference between the touring show and Broadway version. Scored a $99 ticket to check the Richard Roger’s off the list of theaters I need to see a show in.

Apropriate - without a doubt the most intense play I have ever seen. Still trying to unpack everything they threw at me.

days of wine and roses- Took about 20 minutes to figure out the point of the musical, then I did a great job looking at the effects of alcoholism. Songs seem to be there so it would get musical money instead of play money.

Sean McManus: on the road again - spent more on this show at 54 below than I did many Broadway shows…but I got dinner 🤷‍♂️. Hour of an ensemble actor on touring productions singing songs. Would have liked more stories about life on the road than random songs.

A beautiful noise - I saw it a second time because it had a thursday matinees and had a flash sale for $40 for a mezzanine seat that is normally $149. I figured it was a decent way to spend a couple hours. What I didn’t expect was how much better the show was the second time. Spent the first time wondering why he was in therapy. Second time I wasn’t distracted and just enjoyed the story.

Hell’s Kitchen - I am struggling to think of a better jukebox musical. This show was so real. Full of heart…and soul. Most shows like this use the songs as the payoff for jokes, but this one only did that once. Felt like every song was written for that moment in the musical. If it doesn’t win a tony for choreography I will be stunned.

Lion king - there is a good reason this show has lasted so long and changes so much. I saw the show to cross the theater off my list. Added bonus they offered Broadway cares backstage tours…so worth the $350.

Heart of Rock - best way to enjoy a jukebox musical like this is to turn off your brain and enjoy the silliness. At least this one isn’t post apocalyptic. Nice flashback to the 80s with great songs.

Tommy - this was the most artistic avant guard show I saw this week. First act makes sense. I think I followed the second act. Amazing music.

Five - decent way to kill time between shows. The Saturday 5 pm show fit nicely with Tommy. Wouldn’t see this show at the expense of another show. Nice roast of our former president.

Great Gatsby - they went all out on the scenery and costumes on this one. Old school big musical feel. Songs are ok.

Suffs - without a doubt the best score of the week. Book is also strong enough for tiny consideration.

White rose - Fate led me to this show. 12 new musical were playing this week, but not one had a Sunday evening performance. Bought a ticket to five…and they canceled the Sunday evening show (moved it to Saturday at 5). Decided to go to Book of Mormon…but my girlfriend wisely said that’s a bad show for Easter Sunday. White riser was about an underground newspaper during Nazi Germany. Five people were executed for telling the truth. That is the of history we need to hear more about.

Just another post to say the Company was excellent. I was surprised (slightly, I’ve read a lot of reviews here) of Brittany’s portrayal of Bobbie. The show was overall more upbeat and cheerful than I thought it would be. I’ve only seen Raul’s portrayal of Bobby which felt more intense and serious.

Spoilers below!

I’m not feeling super eloquent right now . Hopefully you all understand what I mean!

The gender swap worked more than I was expecting it to. I actually understood the “let’s get married Jamie” more then I thought I would. “Let’s marry each other so everyone leaves us alone” hit me. This idea of yeah, what if I did just marry my gay friend? We love each other as friends, we can be happy together…why not?? Jamie’s refusal was funnier and I can see how it shocked him into realizing he was wanted to be with Paul.

Brittany’s voice is INCREDIBLE. Every cast member killed it but Brittany, wow!! She was on stage so much too. Crazy how much stamina she has.

I still have some points of confusion…

I still don’t really understand the butterfly/ motel room stories. The only possible meaning I got from Andy’s butterfly story is that he’s also a living thing and shouldn’t be objectified. Please provide some insight here!

Bobbie response after Joanne offers her husband… Was Bobbie saying “I’ve tried sleeping with married men, what do you get out of it?” Or was she questioning the point of marriage in general? the set up made me me think she was alluding to have been part of an affair or an open marriage. Yet the set up for being alive makes me think she was just commenting on marriage in general.

Maybe I’m being dense here, why is side by side in the show? It’s supposed to be a commentary that life is better with their third friend not just the married couples, right? It sort of seemed like it came out of nowhere for me.

Overall I really enjoyed the show. I would say an 8/10. I loved being part of something that felt like an experimental theater piece but has been playing for years.

I’m sorry this wasn’t well written. I may add more later! Lastly, I want to thank everyone here on Reddit who convinced me to go! I had a fabulous time.

This one is for the techies (such as myself)

I saw Suffs today and along with the INCREDIBLE performances (yay Hawley Gould!!) my technical theater heart was very happy.

My “partial view” seat was baloney row A directly behind the house right box. The sound board was setup in that box and I got to watch the engineer and sfx people work the whole show!! “Partial view” was the best seat in the house for me

I also had a very clear view of the house left box where I could see a stage manager (producer? Other kind of manager? She was taking notes and was on headset.) working. I saw her turn on her mic to make an announcement to hold the show, during which the actors stood on stage and motioned for the broken set piece to start working. It was really funny!! It only lasted a minute and everyone handled it really well.

The show was great. 10/10

Hi!

Am planning on coming out either the last weekend of April or first weekend in May to see some of the new shows and either KAkimbo or ST one last time.

I’ve never been to a show on closing night and hear they can be a great time, so I am contemplating which one to do to attend…

KAkimbo (which I haven’t seen yet, and isn’t touring my city until at least 2025/26)

or

Sweeney Todd (one of my favourite musicals- but have seen it twice on Broadway with both casts Josh and Annaleigh and Aaron and Sutton so would be going moreso for the atmosphere)

Any thoughts? Does anyone have any experience going to a closing night show? Thanks in advance.

I know there's a lot of good merch this season, but I am FULLY obsessed with the merch at SUFFS!

This hat is the greatest thing I've ever bought at a show! I'm now stalking the website and want to buy everything there. ::cries in poor::

https://preview.redd.it/tbop8vo7orrc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=7262478617f8ff07615838a062920e0bd6f23f99

We will be in NYC for 5 full days (Sun evening-Sat morning) and want to see 5 shows during that time: Outsiders, Gatsby, Sweeney, Hadestown, and either W4E or Notebook.

I'd originally planned on mainly doing lotto and rush to save $$ but have seen a lot of posts on here about people never winning the lotto and lotto/rush tickets often being obstructed or partial view (and needing to be in line 1.5-2 hours in advance).

I don't know if I want to spend 2 hours each morning of my vacay hoping to rush and then it being sold out or bad seats (don't mind far back, just blocked views). I know about TDF/TKTS but that's also risky as shows might be sold out by then.

But it's hard to pull the trigger on sky high ticket prices too and I also worry when buying in advance about last minute casting changes, as we specifically want those shows for Tveit/Foster, Jeremy Jordan, and Jordan Fisher and I'd be super sad if they were out.

It's a pickle and is stressing me out! Help!

Hello all! I am planning my New York trip for May, and I am looking at this night for The Outsiders. My two main options are:

Red dot- cheapest available- $84

Yellow dot- partial view and rain/rubber warning- $125

What do you think? Is it worth the $40 upgrade for the front row partial view and rain/rubber concern? I personally don't anticipate minding the rain or rubber; I am more concerned about the partial view.

I am on spring break this week looking to see a Broadway show on Wednesday. I am not sure which to see.

   . Appropriate 
   . The Outsiders
   . Tommy
   . Heart of Rock and Roll
   . Spamalot

My family ended up getting season passes for 193 a pop, not bad to get four shows for under 50 each (especially Hamilton), though it’s not a bad season for what it is

I couldn't wait to see Lea in Funny Girl as I always wanted her to play the role after seeing her so it as Rachel in Glee. She was so fantastic and everything I imagined.

I debated seeing the tour. Especially since the girl they cast wasnt jewish. But man, Katerina was amazing. I think she is a star.

Whereas I think Lea nailed the emotional bits, I think Katerina nailed the comedic ones. And they are both amazing singers. I wasn't disappointed at all.

Both Nick's I didn't really like that much, but honestly I liked Stephen a bit more than Ramin. Is it the actor, or just the character that makes Nick seem boring? I kind of feel like I don't see what Fannie sees in him.

Anyway, just my 2 cents.

I’m debating buying a ticket using TodayTix but not sure if I’ll end up being able to use it. What has people’s experiences been?

I live about an hour and a half away by train from NYC. I’m going to be moving farther away in a month and I’d like to see one more show before I make the move. I was thinking of seeing one of the new shows this season and thought about The Outsiders. I was gonna see Titanique for the second time, but The Outsiders caught my eye. Is it worth the trip to see it? Did you guys enjoy it?

Apologies if there is a thread for this already, I could not find one!

I will be going to NYC next week and would love to catch as many shows as possible. Ideally, I would love to know the best website to get tickets on. There are so many and I would like to avoid any scam websites. Also, any tips for stage door would be great!

​

The three that are top priority for me are Chicago, Merrily, and Enemy of the People.

Im a huge theatre fan and I’ve always been curious why lace front wig lace is usually down to the mid-forehead in a lot of Broadway wigs? I’ve seen people in person with lace front for every day use and they cut they lace close to the hair line. I’m just curious why I usually see Broadway and some professional theatre with these style wigs. TIA!

Hi there! Does anyone know if Robyn stage doors after matinees? Hoping to catch Ariana again but wasn’t sure if there was any possibility for Robyn too! Thanks!!

I’m gonna make a miniature model of what I think Jason’s room would look like, it’s gonna be around 1982/3 I’ve already decided his fav baseball team and player for posters but also want some music posters on this wall for some diversity yk and I’m not sure what he’d acc listen to?