The weather is getting warmer, the days are longer and you are finally ready to check out all that the big city has to offer - but you don’t want to see some sappy show about a singing man wearing a mask or a flying nanny from England. Below are a few shows that are sure to please even the most skeptical, manly or novice of theatergoers … and yes, these shows are great to take your date to!
It might not be for children but Talk Radio is one of the best shows of the season. The show is about a talk radio host about to hit the big time by going national. You are actually watching his final local broadcast and it is riveting. Liev Schreiber is one of the best actors around today and you will be thankful that you had the opportunity to see him live. Longacre Theatre (220 W. 48th Street) Telecharge. (www.telecharge.com/)
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - Avenue Q is still one of the best shows on Broadway. Yes, it is about singing puppets but with adult themes (that mature kids can enjoy- though be careful, there is some foul language and full puppet nudity) this show is sure to please. If you’re looking to laugh this is the one to check out! Golden Theatre (252 W. 45th Street) Telecharge.
You want to see a musical but you don’t want to see a fluffy one? Check out Jersey Boys, the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. This show about a few boys from Jersey who make good is a hit with the real Jersey crowd but it just might be the best musical you’ve ever seen. Don’t confuse this with the other juke box musicals- this one has substance. August Wilson Theatre (245 w. 52nd Street) Telecharge.
It’s not for everyone but Monty Python’s Spamalot, a new musical based on the popular movie is now on Broadway. If you love the movie- you’ll love the musical. If you like the movie you’ll like the musical. If you hate the movie- please see above for three other suggestions! Enough said! Shubert Theatre (225 w. 44th Street) Telecharge.
If you want to see something edgy, new and different check out Spring Awakening. A new rock musical that is about sexual energy and teenage angst, this show is a refreshing break from the easiness of the other Broadway shows. This show makes you think while giving you a rocking good time. Eugene O’Neill Theatre (230 w. 49th Street) Telecharge.
If you don’t want to see a musical and Liev Schreiber isn’t your cup of tea, check out Prelude to a Kiss. Throw away what you thought of the movie and check out this riveting play about lost identities and lovers. It closes on April 29th so check it out soon! An added treat is John Mahoney, of Frasier fame as the old man! American Airlines Theatre (227 w. 42nd Street) www.roundabouttheatre.org/.
If you happen to be in the New York metro area from March 31st to April 15th you can check out the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus’s production of Bellobration. This high flying, fun filled show is truly a treat to watch. With clowns, animals and the star- Bello the Clown your mouth will hang open in awe as you watch amazing acrobats fly above you and kooky clowns play with you. Make sure you get there early to attend the pre-show where the clowns invite you to be a part of the show. Madison Square Garden - www.ringling.com/ or www.ticketmaster.com/.