While I was in New York this summer, I saw twenty one shows and four (Broadway) concerts. Well technically, I saw sixteen different shows because I saw a couple of shows twice and I saw
She Loves Me four times (Oops.) Since I was lucky enough to have this experience, I wanted to put together a little ranking of the shows that I saw...some of my choices might surprise you!
Did you see any of these shows? Let me know what you think in the comments below or
tweet me about it!
16) The Crucible
Out of all the shows I saw this summer, this is definitely the one that I didn't click with. Which isn't to say that I didn't think it was interesting, I just didn't quite...get it. At least not this staging. (Review coming soon.)
15) The Rockettes's Spring Spectacular
Despite my fifteen-year dance background, I wasn't overly excited by the Rockettes. It was great to see them, but they couldn't compare to some of the other shows I saw.
14) American Psycho
The best thing I can say about American Psycho is that it was definitely ahead of its time. While it was riveting and the cast was very talented, as someone who doesn't like horror or scary movies, this definitely wasn't the show for me. (Review coming soon.)
13) Troilus and Cressida
Reflecting on it, I realized that I loved the experience of Shakespeare in the Park more than I loved the actual show that I saw. While it was a beautiful production, Troilus and Cressida has definitely not beat out Coriolanus as my favorite Shakespeare production. (Review coming soon.)
12) God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater
What an amazing cast this show had! (I got to live out my dream of seeing Santino Fontana, who voiced Hans in Frozen). However, the show itself seemed a bit jumbled with the Disney-esque music (of course with Alan Menken and Howard Ashman at the helm) at odds with the dark storyline. (Review coming soon.)
11) Aladdin
Speaking of Menken and Ashman, Aladdin is a lovely stage version of a Disney film. While I enjoyed the show, and especially its feminist reimagining of Princess Jasmine played by the wonderful Courtney Reed, I've never been overly fond of the story or its music. (Review coming soon.)
10) Wicked
Those who know me know that I'm notoriously hard on productions of
Wicked because I was spoiled enough to see Gina Beck as Galinda in the West End several years ago. I wouldn't have gone to see
Wicked on Broadway if my class hadn't paid for it, but I'm so glad that I did because Rachel Tucker's Elphaba was truly astounding. The show gained the number 10 spot on my list for her "No Good Deed" alone. (
Review)
9) Kinky Boots
I fell in love with
Kinky Boots via the West End cast album last year and was so excited to finally see it live. It's a truly solid production, only getting bumped down to the number 9 spot because Broadway's Charlie Price didn't quite live up to my standards (but perhaps having Killian Donnelly as my standard is unfair). (
Review)
8) Something Rotten
I don't think I've ever laughed as hard during a show as I did during
Something Rotten. I'm not usually one for comedies, but Christian Borle as Shakespeare won me over. (
Review)
7) The Color Purple
It should be no surprise that Cynthia Erivo's performance guaranteed this show a high ranking. Plus two of my faves, Kyle Scatliffe and Heather Headley? I would see this show again in a heartbeat. (Review coming soon.)
6) Les Miserables
If I were ranking this list based on the shows alone and not the productions,
Les Mis would have the number 2 spot (with Hamilton in the lead of course). While I still prefer the West End blocking with the turntable, this Broadway cast is stunning and seeing John Owen Jones as Valjean fulfilled a dream of many years for me. (
Review)
5) Finding Neverland
I loved
Finding Neverland so much that I brought my family to see it...and we're already planning to see it when it comes to North Carolina on tour! The sets, the costumes, the dancing, the cast: there's nothing about this show that I didn't adore. (
Review)
4) Daddy Long Legs
The only Off-Broadway show that I saw this summer was the one that I came out of and immediately bought the cast album. I'm 100% in love with this charming show and the fact that the couple I saw in it are married in real life made it even better. (
Review)
3) Bright Star
Bright Star somehow manages to be new and exciting (that bluegrass music! that set!) while still having everything I love about musical theater. Perhaps I'm biased as a North Carolinian since the show is set in North Carolina, but I absolutely loved this show. (
Review)
2) Hamilton
Who would ever have thought Hamilton would be second on my list? While it's undeniably my favorite show on the list, this She Loves Me production pushed it to second place. I was incredibly lucky to get to see Austin Smith as Aaron Burr, who absolutely killed it, and to see Michael Luwoye's second ever show as Hamilton. (Review coming soon.)
1) She Loves Me
And for first place...the show that I saw four times. I cannot describe how in love with this show I am, except to say that rarely have I left a show so happy. Something about this show made me feel at peace with the world. Plus the flawless combination of Zachary Levi, Jane Krakowski, Gavin Creel, AND Laura Benanti? (And my favorite ensemble member, Andrew Kober.) Obviously this show had to take first place. (
Review)