Best Show Now For American Visitor To See

[ggersten]

W is visiting June 14-20 from Illinois. I told her to try and get tix to Matilda - but other than that, what is the recommendation?
(She's seen Les Miz, Chicago, Phantom, Billy Elliot, Mamma Mia - basically anything that's made it to America or perhaps started in America) I suggested One Man Two Govnors - and while she's seen Noises Off several times (the last time was in London about 10 years ago), I see that there is a version playing now.

[bob8rich]

If she has not seen Ghost in New York, I would recommend it wholeheartedly. Of course, there's the brilliant new production of Sweeney Todd (worth seeing for Imelda Staunton's performance alone!). And there is the fantastic new production of The Mystery Of Edwin Drood.

Really it depends on her tastes - everyone likes different things. (For example, I hated Matilda! lol)

[Nickhutson]

Matilda is a must
Drood
Anything at the National (Collaborators is quite amazing)
Chariots of Fire might be worth seeing

Ignore Les Mis, Phantom and all that.

[ClapYo'Hands]

I'm with Bob, Matilda is crap.

I always say if you see one show in London right now, make it SINGIN' IN THE RAIN.

[bob8rich]

Well, I'm not saying Matilda is crap lol - just not anywhere near my taste in music or theatre. Most people seem to love it.

But glad, Clapyohands that we seem have a similar opinion on something (a rarity lol).

[Princeton Returns]

If its a first time visit then id suggest The Woman in Black and maybe The Mousetrap (I actually like it). Also Blood Brothers if she hasnt seen it.

Like Clap, Singin In The Rain is one of the best revivals in years

[zyx987]

Overheard a few American accents when I went to see Sunshine Boys last week. Guess Danny Devito is a big draw for the tourists. Oh, and it is well worth seeing.

[philitalia]

Maybe Ragtime ? - if the weather is fine. I have the impression people are more enthusiastic than the critics.

Or Long Day's Journey Into Night

So much choice

[jaqs]

I found singing in the rain dull, think I was too close to enjoy the dancing.

I'll recommend Posh and Abigail's party, being as theyre both so english and very good productions. And there are good discounts about for both.

[peggyb2]

Edwin Drood-the funniest and slickest production I've seen in years!

[Salene]

Another vote for The Mystery of Edwin Drood. It closes on Sunday.

[ggersten]

The results are/were:
Noises Off
Abigails Party
Edwin Drood

Thank you all!

[yankeefan7]

ggersten- just proving how people have different opinions, I found "Noises Off" lame and not really funny. I guess doors slamming ever few seconds constitutes great comedy for some. Saw it many years ago on Broadway and my wife and I thought it was the worst thing we had ever seen. I am sure there are things we like that other people would hate which I guess makes discussing theatre interesting.

[Phantom of London]

^ Exactly.

[Wishing Only Wounds]

Hm, sorry to thread jack... but I was just looking at production photos of Ragtime. Could someone explain why there is an Obama banner in the early 1900s? Thanks in advance!


Also, I know there's a contemporary twist, I just wasn't aware how modern. It's caught my interest.

[ClapYo'Hands]

It also appears that Ragtime and A Midsummer Night's Dream share the same set!

[goldenboy]

I saw one show in London last week. Matilda. Didn't care for it much. Couldn't hear half of it. One of the worst sound designs of a show I have ever seen.
Great set. Ms Trenchbull was a hoot. ( I saw the terrific understudy) And that was about it.