Three Broadway Shows You Didn’t Know You Have to See

Aaron Tveit, Alice Ripley, and J. Robert Spencer in Next to Normal

When you’re visiting New York City, seeing a Broadway show is a must-do on your list of the ultimate New York experiences. Even if you’re living in the NYC area, you may not have cracked into the theatre scene. No matter what the case, finding the show you want to see can be overwhelming. Shows are expensive; you don’t want to just see the first show you hear some good things about.

There is always that handful of shows that are big, dazzling blockbusters, and they’re the draw for tourists, since those are the ones you know about even if you’re not from New York. But these may not be the shows for you. Why not be a little adventurous and see something a little more edgy, obscure, and/or daring? Why not impress everyone with your New York smarts and theater prowess? Most importantly, why not see something exciting that you’ll really love? Read about each show and just skip the ones you always see on TV. Here are just three of the many that are waiting for you.

Next to Normal

This musical goes where many musicals are afraid to go by looking at the modern suburban family at a time of crisis. This isn’t your perfect musical comedy family. This is a real, relatable, raw family, dealing with issues like Bipolar Disorder. It’s all set to an insanely catchy, rocking, moving, and gripping score along the lines of Rent pop rock. Parents Alice Ripley and J. Robert Spencer are seasoned Broadway stars known for their insane talents. http://www.broadway.com/Next-to-Normal/broadway_show/552478

August: Osage County

This is not your typical family play. August is known for its no holds barred look at Southern family, the Wetsons. This is some family reunion: everyone’s got a problem, and you’re along for the ride. And isn’t that more like real life? Everyone in your family has secrets and dysfunctions. Watch some reality here, sometimes so real it might be uncomfortable, but the incredible acting makes the evening an unforgettable, moving experience that will make you think and feel more than any other song and dance show. http://www.broadway.com/August-Osage-County/broadway_show/562170

Finian’s Rainbow

This is a classic revival, the story of an Irishman, Finian, and his daughter, Sharon, who arrive in the fictional American state “Missitucky” to bury a stolen pot of gold that they believe will then multiply. Trouble is, they’ve been followed by the gold’s owner, Og the leprechaun, all the way from Ireland. It sounds silly, but Finian’s Rainbow is done with a whimsical, fun, romantic, tongue in cheek tone that allows you to forget all your problems and escape to this sweet, dreamy world. And the music is just stunning. Beautiful, ever so sweet, and catchy.

June 22nd, 2009 by admin | Posted in Broadway | (0)