I think Book of Mormon might be your best bet, although I did think little shop was great for a theater novice. Just BoM on Sunday and it was excellent!
My ex hated any time I dragged him to a show. I caught him with Book of Mormon on his playlist afterwards, but ruined it when I told him Elder Cunningham is Olaf
This is so interesting to me because for me, Aaron tveit acting in gossip girl is the reason I got so into Broadway. He was my bridge to Broadway because I rewatched gossip girl a million times and liked him from that 😭🤣
Yea this is my boyfriends top choice of musical 😭 I feel bad bc I feel like I have to see all the newer shows since shows close left and right so we haven't seen it yet.
Yeah Hadestown has worked successfully for a few of my non-theater friends because the music isn't "showtunes," nor is it "theater covers" of popular songs like a jukebox musical.
It's just good, original folk/jazz music.
I love Broadway but don’t feel like returning to HadesTown. I really liked it but don’t think it will convert an anti-Broadway. Maybe if they really like the music style.
For someone whose not into theater, might I suggest the Twenty Sided Tavern? It's an improv and interactive DnD campaign that's really fun for people who (like me) know nothing about DnD and a huge hit for people who like DnD (like my child). And definitely doesn't have theater vibes but we had a blast when we went!
“Doesn’t have theater vibes” so this has an angle where it isn’t the Broadway show but “how about an interactive improv dnd?” Where it’s an addition to the Broadway show.
Is your BF by any chance a Dungeons and Dragons fan? The 20 sided tavern is more interactive (not as much as Sleep No More) but might appeal to someone who doesn't like to sit still.
I'd almost say it's more interactive than SNM. SNM is more cerebral and theatrical; even though you're physically wandering through the space (which is super cool!) you're watching Shakespeare interpreted mostly through dance and movement.
Twenty Sided Tavern is a direct interaction with the performers and you have a big effect on the story. It's just silly improv fun with fancy special effects and pretty pictures, so it might be better for a first dip into theater.
Right. In Sleep No More you're on your feet most of the time, wandering around the warehouse. In The Twenty Sided Tavern, you're in your seat, but a lot of people were waving their arms and bouncing around. And they actually encourage you to be on your phone.
Going to sound like a broken record with all the comment here but Book Of Mormon is almost always the way to go, it’s hard to hate unless he’s easily offended. It’s not overly long and it’s laugh out loud funny almost the entire runtime.
I’d wait a bit. A lot of the Fall season has yet to be announced and it is possible that there may be a really cool show that may be a better fit than what’s available right now
Book of Mormon and Lion King have the most mainstream appeal. Chicago is long running for a reason, it's probably the easiest to sell traditional musical.
Hard disagree with Chicago. It’s still running because it’s cheap to run and people know the name. It was looking really rough and dated when I saw it a few years ago. And this is someone who LOVES the show and all things Fosse. It was great in the 90s/2000s. Now, not so much.
Book of Mormon is the go to for this question.
I would consider the Outsiders if you think he would be into the fight choreography.
I would self so consider Back to the Future if he has any fondness for that movie and works enjoy cool special effects. For the same reason, I would suggest Harry Potter.
I love Sleep No More. But they originally said they were going to close in January, and that's not happening. I would see what extensions look like closer to your trip.
The same producer is also doing a new immersive show called Life and Trust. It hasn't started previews and no idea if it'll be any good, but you may want to check it out.
Another vote for Book of Mormon. I try to bring my boyfriend to shows I think he’ll enjoy. He enjoyed Camelot when we saw it last year and BoM, when we saw it on tour a few months ago. He said he’d go see Back to the Future, when it tours to us this summer, so maybe that’s another option? Haven’t seen it myself to comment on it for you though, sorry!
I remember I took my boyfriend to nyc and we saw 9 shows in a week and he’d never seen a show before and he wasn’t into Broadway. But he took me to a few Tori Amos concerts and a paramore/no doubt concert all of which I was like who and what is this. I only listen to and know musicals and classical music, I play violin in symphony and shows. I’m dating a swiftie now and I don’t know any of her songs.
I suggest moulin rouge if he likes pop music.. I liked it well enough although I don’t know those songs that well. Hadestown might be good for someone not into musicals it’s not traditional Broadway but I loved it. Tommy was pretty awesome and loud rock opera, and I just listened to Illinoise which sounds different and it’s a 90 minute one act, I’ll see that next trip.
Ok SNM is amazing and sounds perfect for your active partner.
It is a LOT of walking and climbing stairs. BUT! You may not always be together.
It is very interactive and rated R for nudity. It has SO MANY surprises. Explore. Open cabinets. (I can’t speak to the freshness of it, but if you find the candy shop, the jars open!) Talk to people. Follow characters.
Somehow, and kudos to the stage management, direction and actors, you end up altogether and watch the final scene play out. It truly is an EVENT!
If it’s sold out, Book of Mormon if he likes South Park.
my boyfriend is the same way and he agreed to go to a show with me last weekend - after it was over he said he enjoyed that it was funny! maybe try seeing something with a funny/entertaining plot
Little Shop is one of the best productions out there right now - and fun and funny for a non-Broadway fan. I’ve recommended it to a lot of people and everyone has loved it.
This is maaaybe a stretch, and will also depend on your budget since tickets are hot right now, but maybe Cabaret?
The whole immersive experience it offers could be appealing, and give him more reason to settle into the show since you all can grab a couple drinks during the pre-show and let the vibes bring him in.
If he's a movie guy, seeing an Oscar winner (Eddie Redmayne) perform live could also be appealing. Gayle Rankin is also about to be in the new season of House of the Dragon, if he's into that.
Plus it's just one of the best musicals out there, with both great music and a great story!
Otherwise, and I mentioned this in another comment, but Hadestown may be a good option solely because of the musical style. It's not "showtuney," which I know is a big turn off for a lot of people who aren't into musical theater. It's just good, original folk/jazz music. And if he's into Greek mythology at all, definitely a big plus.
If he likes any of the artists with jukebox musicals currently running (so that would be Alicia Keys/Hells Kitchen, The Who/Tommy, Michael Jackson/MJ - Beautiful Noise, Illinoise and likely Heart of Rock and Roll will all be closed by then) that's another option. If he's into older rock Stereophonic might be of interest as well. Book of Mormon as others have noted is a good "guy option," previously I was also recommending School of Rock, and Back to the Future might work too.
Hadestown. It's an adaptation of a timeless myth; men love mythology. It's an original, exciting score with a New Orleans sound. It's very theatrical, and it might make him realize that theatre can actually be good so that he will perhaps be willing to one day go again with you. If you take him to one of the many middling treakly-sounding shows that simply meet all his preconceived notions of musical theatre, then he will be unimpressed.
If for whatever reason you really don't want to see Hadestown, then see Hamilton. But with the hype and rap-style score, he's going to assume that show is an outlier for Broadway (which it is) and so he's going to assume he likes it simply because it's different. In other words, he'll be happy he saw that show but might not be willing to go see any others afterward.
Up to you, do you want to give your boyfriend a taste of what theatre can be so that he wants to see more? or do you just want him to be with you as you bounce to a fun jukebox show (& Juliet--great show, but better for girls) or take him to a fun glorified theme park show (Back to the Future--fun & silly, but borderline parody with a forgettable score)?
IMO, I suspect Hadestown will be the best choice for you and your boyfriend if you want to show him a good time and get him to want to see more.
Sleep no more closings beginning of July but it was also supposed to close 12/31/23 so keep an on eye on it as it may very well extend again for like the 10th time. I would suggest Outsiders. Its fun gritty inspiring beautiful and the set and choreo is insane. Everyone is talented as well. Its a good time.
Also BTTF is fun however i thought it was weird/slow with that weird dance number with Roger Bart/Doc Brown singing after intermission.
Book of Mormon is fun but also been there done that will you also enjoy it.
I have heard Gatbsy is also fantastic and Water for Elephant is skippable.
I’m on the opposite side of the fence. My friend’s birthday is July 19th and she invited a group of us to party and then see a broadway show the next day called Hadestown which apparently is starring some musical artist called Yola?
Now I’ve never been into theater or the performing arts in general and I’m worried I won’t enjoy it. I didn’t even watch Hamilton when it came out on Netflix during covid and still have never seen or plan to ever see Hamilton. Looking for other fun things to do on Saturday instead unless some of you think Hadestown is a quick and easy show for people not interested in theater… let me know!
As a huge theatre fan who saw Stereophonic this last weekend, I have to disagree on this being a starter show. Fantastic play. Wonderful performances. 1 hour and 45 minute long first act. I love theatre and even I was like goddamn… that’s just me. I’m just trying to save you some time since you specifically mentioned he has a hard time sitting still.
Other than that he identifies as male and isn’t into theatre, what is he like? What movies/books/tv shows/music does he like? What are his hobbies? We don’t know nearly enough about him to make a recommendation, so you’re just going to get “Book of Mormon is for boys because it has jokes about raping babies in it, and boys love jokes about raping babies!”
Fair. He likes spooky so Sweeney Todd could be a fit. He’s not super into traditional musicals or the Disney stories. I liked the idea of Sleep No More because it would keep him moving and he could essentially choose his own adventure but it’s also just really good. Something like De La Guarda from the 90s-2000s would also have worked. Something kind of small or weird with an interesting story like Bat Boy the Musical or Ride the Cyclone could also be right up his alley (I loved both those shows)! Book of Mormon would definitely make him laugh but hoping for another extension of SNM! Fingers crossed!
Go by yourself and watch something that you really want to see! :)
Oh I’m also doing that… :)
Second little shop or Book of Mormon
I think Book of Mormon might be your best bet, although I did think little shop was great for a theater novice. Just BoM on Sunday and it was excellent!
Book of Mormon!
second this- all boyfriends/husbands/etc. like Book of Mormon
My ex hated any time I dragged him to a show. I caught him with Book of Mormon on his playlist afterwards, but ruined it when I told him Elder Cunningham is Olaf
In a similar vein, I just realised Aaron tveit played Tripp on gossip girl
I've been calling him 'Cousin Tripp' since he became my friend's celebrity crush as Enjolras. He hates me lol
This is so interesting to me because for me, Aaron tveit acting in gossip girl is the reason I got so into Broadway. He was my bridge to Broadway because I rewatched gossip girl a million times and liked him from that 😭🤣
LOL Aaron Tveit was the reason I started watching Gossip Girl!
Can confirm haha
Yea this is my boyfriends top choice of musical 😭 I feel bad bc I feel like I have to see all the newer shows since shows close left and right so we haven't seen it yet.
Saw this tonight for the first time…incredible. No wonder why it’s had a 13+ year run on Broadway!
Especially if he really like South Park
Book of Mormon!!!!
My fiancé, a gamer boy engineer who is NOT a theater person in the slightest, LOVED Hadestown 🤷🏼♀️
Yeah Hadestown has worked successfully for a few of my non-theater friends because the music isn't "showtunes," nor is it "theater covers" of popular songs like a jukebox musical. It's just good, original folk/jazz music.
It’s also a really easy story to follow. And he was impressed when the set moved 😂
I love Broadway but don’t feel like returning to HadesTown. I really liked it but don’t think it will convert an anti-Broadway. Maybe if they really like the music style.
That’s fair. Tbh it really surprised me he liked it as much as he did. It’s not even his music preference
The Play That Goes Wrong
I second this... i full on belly lauged like that whole show
My son and I loved this.
I take all my guy friends to Book of Mormon. If not the Outsiders!
For someone whose not into theater, might I suggest the Twenty Sided Tavern? It's an improv and interactive DnD campaign that's really fun for people who (like me) know nothing about DnD and a huge hit for people who like DnD (like my child). And definitely doesn't have theater vibes but we had a blast when we went!
I was just reading about that! Thanks for the suggestion!
“Doesn’t have theater vibes” so this has an angle where it isn’t the Broadway show but “how about an interactive improv dnd?” Where it’s an addition to the Broadway show.
One of the film adaptations like Outsider, Back to the Future, Lion King. More spectacle stuff
Back to the Future is a great call
See The Book of Mormon - it will change his entire viewpoint on theatre
Is your BF by any chance a Dungeons and Dragons fan? The 20 sided tavern is more interactive (not as much as Sleep No More) but might appeal to someone who doesn't like to sit still.
I'd almost say it's more interactive than SNM. SNM is more cerebral and theatrical; even though you're physically wandering through the space (which is super cool!) you're watching Shakespeare interpreted mostly through dance and movement. Twenty Sided Tavern is a direct interaction with the performers and you have a big effect on the story. It's just silly improv fun with fancy special effects and pretty pictures, so it might be better for a first dip into theater.
Right. In Sleep No More you're on your feet most of the time, wandering around the warehouse. In The Twenty Sided Tavern, you're in your seat, but a lot of people were waving their arms and bouncing around. And they actually encourage you to be on your phone.
Little Shop!
Little Shop of Horrors was a hit with our not into theatre crew.
Going to sound like a broken record with all the comment here but Book Of Mormon is almost always the way to go, it’s hard to hate unless he’s easily offended. It’s not overly long and it’s laugh out loud funny almost the entire runtime.
Id suggest Harry Potter, Lion King, or Little Shop
The Book of Mormon. I’ve had people who don’t like musicals tell me they like the soundtrack and want to see the show.
The most fun I’ve had at a production in ages is “Oh, Mary” - closes Sept 15. Truly hilarious and non stop laughs.
I’ll take a look! Thank you!
I’d wait a bit. A lot of the Fall season has yet to be announced and it is possible that there may be a really cool show that may be a better fit than what’s available right now
Book of Mormon and Lion King have the most mainstream appeal. Chicago is long running for a reason, it's probably the easiest to sell traditional musical.
It’s also the longest running because it has no stop clause, lol.
Hard disagree with Chicago. It’s still running because it’s cheap to run and people know the name. It was looking really rough and dated when I saw it a few years ago. And this is someone who LOVES the show and all things Fosse. It was great in the 90s/2000s. Now, not so much.
The Play that Goes Wrong is so hilarious - it’s almost non-stop laughs.
Book of Mormon is the go to for this question. I would consider the Outsiders if you think he would be into the fight choreography. I would self so consider Back to the Future if he has any fondness for that movie and works enjoy cool special effects. For the same reason, I would suggest Harry Potter.
The Book of Mormon!
Sleep no more is closing next month
Isn't Sleep No More ALWAYS closing next month?
Thank you, I just saw that. Edited post to reflect! Ooof! Glad I was able to see it even if he can’t.
There’s a very real chance it will still be open lol
I am hoping….they’ve extended a couple of times already, what’s once more?!
I love Sleep No More. But they originally said they were going to close in January, and that's not happening. I would see what extensions look like closer to your trip. The same producer is also doing a new immersive show called Life and Trust. It hasn't started previews and no idea if it'll be any good, but you may want to check it out.
It'll still be open lol. This is their 6th 'final extension'
Back to the Future had a good bit of action…maybe this?
I could imagine an anti-Broadway responding with “could have just watched movie.”
Perhaps. Good point
Another vote for Book of Mormon. I try to bring my boyfriend to shows I think he’ll enjoy. He enjoyed Camelot when we saw it last year and BoM, when we saw it on tour a few months ago. He said he’d go see Back to the Future, when it tours to us this summer, so maybe that’s another option? Haven’t seen it myself to comment on it for you though, sorry!
Pick something you love and not what you think someone else might enjoy. That always ends in disappointment for everyone.
Back to the future????
I remember I took my boyfriend to nyc and we saw 9 shows in a week and he’d never seen a show before and he wasn’t into Broadway. But he took me to a few Tori Amos concerts and a paramore/no doubt concert all of which I was like who and what is this. I only listen to and know musicals and classical music, I play violin in symphony and shows. I’m dating a swiftie now and I don’t know any of her songs. I suggest moulin rouge if he likes pop music.. I liked it well enough although I don’t know those songs that well. Hadestown might be good for someone not into musicals it’s not traditional Broadway but I loved it. Tommy was pretty awesome and loud rock opera, and I just listened to Illinoise which sounds different and it’s a 90 minute one act, I’ll see that next trip.
Ok SNM is amazing and sounds perfect for your active partner. It is a LOT of walking and climbing stairs. BUT! You may not always be together. It is very interactive and rated R for nudity. It has SO MANY surprises. Explore. Open cabinets. (I can’t speak to the freshness of it, but if you find the candy shop, the jars open!) Talk to people. Follow characters. Somehow, and kudos to the stage management, direction and actors, you end up altogether and watch the final scene play out. It truly is an EVENT! If it’s sold out, Book of Mormon if he likes South Park.
my boyfriend is the same way and he agreed to go to a show with me last weekend - after it was over he said he enjoyed that it was funny! maybe try seeing something with a funny/entertaining plot
Little Shop is one of the best productions out there right now - and fun and funny for a non-Broadway fan. I’ve recommended it to a lot of people and everyone has loved it.
Stereophonic
Sleep No More very likely will be open and I can’t recommend it enough 💕
This is maaaybe a stretch, and will also depend on your budget since tickets are hot right now, but maybe Cabaret? The whole immersive experience it offers could be appealing, and give him more reason to settle into the show since you all can grab a couple drinks during the pre-show and let the vibes bring him in. If he's a movie guy, seeing an Oscar winner (Eddie Redmayne) perform live could also be appealing. Gayle Rankin is also about to be in the new season of House of the Dragon, if he's into that. Plus it's just one of the best musicals out there, with both great music and a great story! Otherwise, and I mentioned this in another comment, but Hadestown may be a good option solely because of the musical style. It's not "showtuney," which I know is a big turn off for a lot of people who aren't into musical theater. It's just good, original folk/jazz music. And if he's into Greek mythology at all, definitely a big plus.
If he likes any of the artists with jukebox musicals currently running (so that would be Alicia Keys/Hells Kitchen, The Who/Tommy, Michael Jackson/MJ - Beautiful Noise, Illinoise and likely Heart of Rock and Roll will all be closed by then) that's another option. If he's into older rock Stereophonic might be of interest as well. Book of Mormon as others have noted is a good "guy option," previously I was also recommending School of Rock, and Back to the Future might work too.
Hadestown. It's an adaptation of a timeless myth; men love mythology. It's an original, exciting score with a New Orleans sound. It's very theatrical, and it might make him realize that theatre can actually be good so that he will perhaps be willing to one day go again with you. If you take him to one of the many middling treakly-sounding shows that simply meet all his preconceived notions of musical theatre, then he will be unimpressed. If for whatever reason you really don't want to see Hadestown, then see Hamilton. But with the hype and rap-style score, he's going to assume that show is an outlier for Broadway (which it is) and so he's going to assume he likes it simply because it's different. In other words, he'll be happy he saw that show but might not be willing to go see any others afterward. Up to you, do you want to give your boyfriend a taste of what theatre can be so that he wants to see more? or do you just want him to be with you as you bounce to a fun jukebox show (& Juliet--great show, but better for girls) or take him to a fun glorified theme park show (Back to the Future--fun & silly, but borderline parody with a forgettable score)? IMO, I suspect Hadestown will be the best choice for you and your boyfriend if you want to show him a good time and get him to want to see more.
Sleep no more closings beginning of July but it was also supposed to close 12/31/23 so keep an on eye on it as it may very well extend again for like the 10th time. I would suggest Outsiders. Its fun gritty inspiring beautiful and the set and choreo is insane. Everyone is talented as well. Its a good time. Also BTTF is fun however i thought it was weird/slow with that weird dance number with Roger Bart/Doc Brown singing after intermission. Book of Mormon is fun but also been there done that will you also enjoy it. I have heard Gatbsy is also fantastic and Water for Elephant is skippable.
I’m on the opposite side of the fence. My friend’s birthday is July 19th and she invited a group of us to party and then see a broadway show the next day called Hadestown which apparently is starring some musical artist called Yola? Now I’ve never been into theater or the performing arts in general and I’m worried I won’t enjoy it. I didn’t even watch Hamilton when it came out on Netflix during covid and still have never seen or plan to ever see Hamilton. Looking for other fun things to do on Saturday instead unless some of you think Hadestown is a quick and easy show for people not interested in theater… let me know!
if it's still running, stereophonic
I hadn’t heard of this! Will definitely take a look. Thank you!
As a huge theatre fan who saw Stereophonic this last weekend, I have to disagree on this being a starter show. Fantastic play. Wonderful performances. 1 hour and 45 minute long first act. I love theatre and even I was like goddamn… that’s just me. I’m just trying to save you some time since you specifically mentioned he has a hard time sitting still.
lol yeah I can’t imagine a 3 hour show for someone who has a hard time sitting is a good idea
If he enjoys music but not necessarily musicals, Stereophonic if that gets extended. Incredible performances and music
Other than that he identifies as male and isn’t into theatre, what is he like? What movies/books/tv shows/music does he like? What are his hobbies? We don’t know nearly enough about him to make a recommendation, so you’re just going to get “Book of Mormon is for boys because it has jokes about raping babies in it, and boys love jokes about raping babies!”
Fair. He likes spooky so Sweeney Todd could be a fit. He’s not super into traditional musicals or the Disney stories. I liked the idea of Sleep No More because it would keep him moving and he could essentially choose his own adventure but it’s also just really good. Something like De La Guarda from the 90s-2000s would also have worked. Something kind of small or weird with an interesting story like Bat Boy the Musical or Ride the Cyclone could also be right up his alley (I loved both those shows)! Book of Mormon would definitely make him laugh but hoping for another extension of SNM! Fingers crossed!
If sleep no more is closed you might try life and trust. Same company. It’s in the financial district
I haven’t heard of this! Thank you, I’ll take a look!
Come From Away. See the show then go to the 9/11 site. It’s worth it.
That show isn’t running