Hot shows set the stage for memorable New York vacations

By Whit Honea

Credit: David Paul Ohmer

Start spreading the news: People love to catch a good showon their New York vacations! I’d even say that no New York City trip is complete without seeing a Broadway show or “Off-Broadway” show — both of which are as extravagant and wonderful as ever. (There’s also off-off Broadway, but at that point you’re practically in New Jersey, which for the record is not an official part of a New York city trip, but still a nice place to visit.)

Whether you’re into the Oz-inspired WICKED, the Sinatraesque Come Fly Away, or the foul-mouthed puppets of Avenue Q, Broadway has something for everyone — even the kids, thanks to hits like Disney’s The Lion Kingand Mary Poppins.

Not sure what’s playing on Broadway? Here are a few of my favorites:

• WICKED is the story behind the story. Based on the best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire, it tells the tale of the famous witches of OZ and what happened before Dorothy dropped in.
• Mamma Mia! is pure ABBA fun. Yes, I like ABBA. It’s a tale of love lost, found and danced to.
• Avenue Q, like most shows with puppets, is pure magic. The show is hilarious, wildly entertaining, though not for kids.
• Phantom of the Opera is the most successful stage musical of all time and has established itself firmly in the history books. Based on Gaston Leroux’s novel, the story centers on a masked “phantom” that haunts the Paris Opera House and the love story, naturally, that follows when a young soprano performs there.
• Mary Poppins is, in a word, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! Disney’s latest entry on the stage is a big hit. The play is based on the classic Disney movie (which was based on the books of P.L. Travers) and lives up to the comparisons.

For more child-friendly fun, check out the Gazillion Bubble Show running Off-Broadway.

If you’re taking a New York City trip, make it a true Broadway experience with one of these fantastic shows. Be sure to buy your Broadway tickets or Off-Broadway tickets in advance. That’s not to say that a good concierge won’t be able to find you last-minute tickets to a decent show, but that option falls under the “not cheap” category.

Whit Honea is a travel writer living in Seattle with his wife and two children. He packs light and travels often to far-away places, exotic lands and more than a few theme parks.

Tagged: New York