My dad and I are coming in October and will have room for two, or maybe three shows. I have a big trip already planned for March so I'll be seeing a lot of the shows I want to see then, but there are some great options in October that I won't have in March. I'm struggling to pick just three. Of these shows what do you guys suggest - keep in mind I'm not picky, but my dad sort of is - The Color Purple, Falsettos, The Front Page, The Cherry Orchard, Matilda, Something Rotten, School of Rock, or Cats? Drunk Shakespeare off Broadway also seems fun. Thoughts?
He's just a typical "dad". He's never seen a Broadway show before so just assumes he won't enjoy it. He said he'll give me free reign on one of the shows but on the others he prefers it to not be "boring". He also likes funny.
Of your list: Something Rotten, The Front Page and Falsettos seem like your front runners by a mile.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
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I'd say Something Rotten and Front Page for sure. School of Rock would be my third choice. I'm not familiar enough with Falsettos to comment - I'll be seeing this production in the fall.
I'd wait for SOR just because it will probably be open during your march trip or after. Though if your dad really isn't too much into shows, something rotten won't be the best either. He'll hopefully understand the Shakespeare references but there are also a lot of musical references. I'm a little biased just because Matilda is my favorite musical, so I'd definitely say go see that one lol. The color purple is also not to miss, but I'm not sure what things your dad is into so idk if Matilda or TCP will be for him.
I would tend to agree, something rotten is not the show I would bring someone who doesn't think they enjoy musicals to. Personally, I would go for The Front Page and Falsettos in addition to either The Cherry Orchard or The Color Purple, but that's just me.
I am not very familiar with Front Page or Matilda. Matilda might be good if it is funny. Of the others, I think School of Rock might be the best bet for funny and energetic. It's a lot of fun, and if you go in October you have a chance to see Alex Brightman in it before he leaves. He's really awesome in it. Also, the two times I've gone, there have been lots of stereotypical dad types there who seem to be enjoying themselves. I've heard Something Rotten is funny too (haven't seen that yet), but as other people are saying, I've also heard it's got a lot of insider jokes about musicals, which probably isn't ideal for someone not into musicals. Personally, I am excited for Falsettos. I only know the album and have never seen a production of it though. That has humor in it, but it's also kind of quirky and has some darker family drama. I feel like it is probably less broadly appealing than some of the other shows and would be riskier to take him to even though it will probably be a great show in general.
I'll just go off this fairly simple litmus test for School of Rock. Does your dad enjoy classic rock at all? If so, definitely go since he'll get the references and will like the genre of music being played. It's funny, loud, energetic, and won't be boring. If not, skip it.
I actually really enjoyed Drunk Shakespeare; it helps that they give you a free shot of Limoncello as you walk in. There's usually deals for the show, so you can use the money you save on tickets for drinks. LOL.
I don't really have a good litmus test for Something Rotten. I loved the show and found it hilarious. There's some really tame gay jokes and crotch jokes that were still funny/cute. Lots of references to other musicals, half of which I didn't get till after the fact. Lots of over-the-top ridiculousness. Haven't seen the new cast though. What I liked the most about the show was probably the clever wordplay.
I saw "School Of Rock" last Saturday night and can't imagine a "typical" Dad not liking it. Mr. Brightman is amazing and the kids in the band are awesome. Most Dad's like classic rock so I think this the show he might enjoy the most. "Something Rotten" is very funny but if your Dad does not have a knowledge of Broadway musicals, he will miss some very funny moments.