This series of posts about New York City is intended to help my blog buddy, Tony Newboult, and anyone else, plan a visit to the Big Apple. This fall, Tony will make a return visit with his two teenage children.
Since seeing a Broadway show is usually a top priority on most people’s list, I’ve decided to make a few suggestions for Tony.
For the last few years, it seems as if all the productions that make it to Broadway are musicals. Musicals are fun ways to draw the audience into a story. They also send them home with a song on their lips and leave them in an upbeat mood even when the story has a not-so-happy ending.
Since Tony’s a music lover, I’m guessing he and his children might appreciate seeing one of the following shows. I haven’t seen all of the ones I mention below so, unfortunately, I can’t offer any personal comments. But they’ve gotten rave reviews and some have won a few Tony Awards:
Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark – This big box production created quite a stir when several actors were injured during rehearsals and had several problems with the original staging. The revamped production has been getting good reviews.
The Book of Mormon – The big winner with nine Tony Awards, this religious musical satirizes the story of two Mormon missionaries in Uganda.
The Lion King – I saw this one a few years ago and I really loved it. The energy, the costumes and the story make The Lion King a must see. It’s won six Tony Awards, including for Best Musical.
War Horse – This production uses puppetry to tell the story of Joey, a beloved horse that was sold to the cavalry during World War I.
Priscilla Queen of the Desert – Three drag queens in the Australian Outback. If this production stays true to the movie, it should be make for good fun. Won Tony for Best Costume.
For Monday, I’ll post my pick of 5 Off Broadway shows Tony should check out.
Enjoy!
Go Aussies with Priscilla Queen of the Desert! I enjoyed the movie. It was based on some real Aussie blokes who dress in drag for a living.
But I think I would see the Mormon one. Sounds very interesting, and I’ve frequently pondered the ethics of missionary work. Although I did see a documentary years ago where some Papua New Guinea people were saying they were grateful for the missionaries, as they released them from their restrictive tribal superstitions.
I really want to see the Lion King on Broadway!!
Excellent choices all… Book of Mormons is selling tickets for 2012; unless you want a secondary market ticket that is ridiculously priced. Like you, I saw Lion King with the kids and would see it again. All excellent choices. 🙂
I saw that but hopefully, he can get some tickets on the secondary market. I had that info and forgot to include it.
It is an amazing production. I don’t know anyone who’s seen it who doesn’t love it.
Hmm, that’s interesting. I have mixed feelings. I remember missionaries in Jamaica and I’ve seen them at work in Africa. I don’t have any patience for anyone who tells me their way is the best. A bit too smug and superior, if you ask me, and totally contrary to the teachings.