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Post by Dannyboi on Jul 9, 2017 19:25:01 GMT
Advice needed please.
I am best friends with a lovely mid forties couple who have no interest in musical theatre but know it is my passion.
Anyway we have just come back from a weekend in London together and they could see it was absolutely killing me not taking in at least one show lol.
We are now planning another trip for Autumn and they suggested on the Saturday we take in a matinee,which I'm all up for,id love to share my love of theatre with them.I asked them what and as they know nothing about Musical theatre,they said "you choose".
My question is: What the hell do i pick? Do I pick my favourite (Wicked), or do I pick something incredibly mainstream that they will know like The Lion King.
Do I pick one of the long timers like les mis or phantom,actually scrub that not sure i could sit through phantom again!,but something they have heard of As they are not musical fans do I pick something very different like book of mormon, we are into that sort of humour so its not like I'm taking my granny to it lol. Or do i take them to see something new for me,something I haven't seen yet, a big risk as i want them to enjoy it but what if its rubbish. Or do i pick something really light hearted and feel good like Kinky boots,that i think non musical theatre going fans can enjoy.
The only shows they have see are WWRY,which is gone,and Mamma Mia, again, I'm not sitting thru that again!
Thanks in advance,what do you guys think?
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Post by Deleted on Jul 9, 2017 19:32:17 GMT
Wicked is a good show for people that haven't taken a prior interest in musical theatre, it seems to be the show that gets many people interested in the first place, although I'm not sure if that would apply so much to a couple in their 40s as it would someone in their teens for example. It's also considered relatively mainstream at this point, what with being a long runner and it being your favourite is obviously an advantage as it means you would enjoy it.
I think Book of Mormon is another good choice. Again, it's a show that many people that aren't usually bothered about musicals want to see. The only issue with that show is the potential to offend, but if it's their type of humour then that obviously wouldn't apply.
I wouldn't bother with something you're not going to enjoy (Phantom, Mamma Mia!) as surely the point is for all of you to have a good experience. Les Mis I feel is pretty intimidating for newbies, being so long, dark and at times complex.
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Post by Dannyboi on Jul 9, 2017 19:38:53 GMT
Yeah you are right about Les Mis, I only just about understood it first time,plus its completely sung through,which like you say can be hard going for newbies.
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Post by d'James on Jul 9, 2017 19:48:55 GMT
I was going to suggest Kinky Boots. Poppy songs but not jukebox. You leave happy.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 9, 2017 19:56:49 GMT
The only shows they have see are WWRY,which is gone,and Mamma Mia, again, I'm not sitting thru that again! Thanks in advance,what do you guys think? So they've chosen only to see musicals with songs that they already know. They haven't specifically asked you to pick something completely new to them which you think they might like, which they probably would have asked if they'd genuinely wanted you to broaden their horizons. So, they probably only suggested the matinee so as to be polite to you, and they probably won't appreciate any show with songs that they don't already know really well, and like! This limits your options ... I'd avoid the "classics" such as Phantom and Lion King - they cannot stand musicals! But Kinky Boots might work, if you know the story would appeal to their sense of humour. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 9, 2017 20:04:55 GMT
The only shows they have see are WWRY,which is gone,and Mamma Mia, again, I'm not sitting thru that again! Thanks in advance,what do you guys think? So they've chosen only to see musicals with songs that they already know. They haven't specifically asked you to pick something completely new to them which you think they might like, which they probably would have asked if they'd genuinely wanted you to broaden their horizons. So, they probably only suggedted the matinee so as to be polite to you, and they probably won't appreciate any ahow with songs that they don't already know really well, and like! This limits your options ... I think that's a bit of a sweeping assumption as to what they may or may not like based on just two shows! I don't think there's any harm in picking something slightly different to what they've seen before as long as it's not too quirky. Personally I'd go for Wicked - it's one of the biggest spectacles in the West End at the minute, high production values and the story around which it's based is something familiar to most people, so it'll be familiar but still new. Or Les Mis for the history and just being a wonderful example of musical theatre at its best. I personally only really enjoyed the first 5 minutes of The Lion King (the rest was distinctly average), and I am just over half the age of the friends you are taking and grew up with the movie... |
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Post by ptwest on Jul 9, 2017 20:12:01 GMT
I've not yet seen Kinky Boots so cant comment on that, but thinking of what's in London at the moment, I wonder about School Of Rock - its not a traditional musical such as Les Mis etc (meaning style of music, singing etc), and its quite a poppy score. Maybe it would appeal.
I would also include 42nd Street, just because the spectacle is so wonderful. It depends whether or not they could cope with the OTTness of it and the thin plot.
If they are not sure, would it be worth hanging fire and seeing what the choice is from TKTS on that day? That way whatever you end up seeing, its less of a financial gamble!
I would be wary about going to a show that you have a big emotional attachment to- if its one you really really love, but you are not certain they will, then it would make it all the more awkward if they don't enjoy themselves. Save that one for when they've had a great time and want to see something else. |
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Post by Dannyboi on Jul 9, 2017 20:32:22 GMT
I would be wary about going to a show that you have a big emotional attachment to- if its one you really really love, but you are not certain they will, then it would make it all the more awkward if they don't enjoy themselves. Save that one for when they've had a great time and want to see something else. You may have a point there, if I took them to Wicked and they less than loved it,it may be a little awks when in the pub afterwards! |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 9, 2017 20:43:10 GMT
Advice needed please. I am best friends with a lovely mid forties couple who have no interest in musical theatre Don't do it. Seriously. You'll stress yourself to f*** about whether they'll like it, and they probably won't despite all of your careful planning. If they're not interested they're not interested. Dont force it. |
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Post by daniel on Jul 9, 2017 21:21:29 GMT
I think School of Rock would be a good shout. I took my parents, Mum loves musicals but Dad is ambivalent at best, and he loved it. I think it was the concert-feel at times, and the fact that it's quite "non-traditional" when compared with the Phantoms and Les Mises of this world.
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Post by anthony40 on Jul 9, 2017 21:54:53 GMT
Welcome to the Board cursedboi
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5,062 posts
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Post by Phantom of London on Jul 9, 2017 23:25:22 GMT
I agree with Burly Bear earlier, nothing worse than a fan trying to intoxicate their love on someone with no real interest, this happened to me with formula 1, still don't get it. However this is where Burly Bear won't agree with me and if they don't mind a bit of could fun profanity then Book of Mormon - if you all don't like it at least afterwards you can just say 'Hasa Diga Ebowi' and curse his rotten name.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2017 15:42:35 GMT
Eh, I think there's a difference between trying to force someone to love what you love and just showing them something you love. Many people discover their own interests and hobbies through being introduced to them by others. And if they were the ones to suggest it then they're hardly going to be annoyed by OP if they don't enjoy it. I'm sure OP is mature enough that he wont take it personally if they come out not liking it but chances are if he's thinking about what would suit their tastes that they'll enjoy it fine.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 10, 2017 15:52:54 GMT
I think the key words are "have no interest in musical theatre".
If that means they've seen enough to know they're not interested I really wouldn't bother.
If t means they've never seen any then maybe it's worth a try. In that case I'd go for 42nd Street if it's still open by then. Undemanding but huge, visually stunning and depending on how old they are some of the tunes may be familiar.
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Post by Dan213 on Jul 10, 2017 15:53:15 GMT
Book of Mormon is one I've taken people to that haven't seen a show before. In my experience, it's a show that even people who don't really like musical theatre enjoy
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2017 16:05:57 GMT
If you were asking a year ago, I would have said In the Heights or Into the Woods.
As those are both now gone 42nd Street could be a good choice - doesn't require too much thinking and beats you around the head with joyful spectacle. If they've ever enjoyed an episode of South Park, Mormon should be a reasonably safe choice. Lady Day, maybe.
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Post by d'James on Jul 10, 2017 16:24:45 GMT
Ooh no. Into The Woods would be the worst choice.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2017 16:32:55 GMT
I think the key words are "have no interest in musical theatre". If that means they've seen enough to know they're not interested I really wouldn't bother. If t means they've never seen any then maybe it's worth a try. In that case I'd go for 42nd Street if it's still open by then. Undemanding but huge, visually stunning and depending on how old they are some of the tunes may be familiar. We've been told that they've only seen two shows, so "no interest in musical theatre" sounds like a turn of phrase to me. If they really hated it then they probably wouldn't have offered to go to a show. So rather than second guessing their motives it seems to me we'd possibly be more useful to the OP giving some more show suggestions in case someone comes up with a gem others haven't yet thought about. |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 10, 2017 16:49:57 GMT
Nah.
If they've seen 2 shows and still "have no interest" I wouldn't waste my time. They'll only spoil it.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2017 17:09:55 GMT
They would HATE 42nd Street. It epitomises what non-believers HATE about musical theatre.
The School of Rock suggestion sounds possible.
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Post by vabbian on Jul 11, 2017 18:32:00 GMT
Phantom -sit under the chandelier, hysterically scream when it falls, your friend will never forget
also when the Phantom says "SING FOR ME!!!!" join in and scream along to the music
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 11, 2017 18:35:43 GMT
I'd avoid Phantom like the plague. It's niche within a niche. They'll HATE it.
How are they with drag?
Kinky is probably the most fun and accessible if they don't mind cross dressing.
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Post by vabbian on Jul 12, 2017 18:23:47 GMT
I'd avoid Phantom like the plague. It's niche within a niche. They'll HATE it. How are they with drag? Kinky is probably the most fun and accessible if they don't mind cross dressing. What!! Phantom is iconic and timeless Keep your hand at the level of your eyes BurlyBeaR... He's watching!! |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 12, 2017 21:21:28 GMT
I'd avoid Phantom like the plague. It's niche within a niche. They'll HATE it. How are they with drag? Kinky is probably the most fun and accessible if they don't mind cross dressing. What!! Phantom is iconic and timeless Keep your hand at the level of your eyes BurlyBeaR... He's watching!! No no! I  Phantom. I'm a huge Phan! I wouldn't take a virgin to it though. |
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Post by theatre-turtle on Jul 12, 2017 22:44:32 GMT
I lost my virginity to Wicked and it got me hooked. I was totally mesmerised by the whole spectacle. Ironically now I find Wicked quite grating and hard to tolerate.
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Phantom. I'm a huge Phan!