As the years pass I find myself increasingly becoming a theater nerd. Some people save and collect their playbills, but personally I dislike the clutter. Instead I’m doing this! Saving just the picture, and writing a few words about my experience.

My ratings are based on what I would say to myself if I could go back in time to before seeing the production:

★★★★★ = See it for normal price.
★★★★☆ = See it for a rush price.
★★★☆☆ = See it for a rush price if it’s the only option.
★★☆☆☆ = See it if it’s free.
★☆☆☆☆ = I probably wouldn’t see it.
☆☆☆☆☆ = No one should ever see this.

Beetlejuice

The marquis Theater, NYC
10/2/2022

Incredible visual effects, and funny, relevant jokes with only a couple cringey ones.

★★★★☆

The Devil Wears Prada

James M Nederlander Theater
8/2/2022

The visual effects were pretty simple, but it was a touring production so I’ll cut them some slack. It was the only show I’ve seen where an actor noticeably stumbled over their lines. I wasn’t totally captivated by the story, but most jokes still hit.

★★★☆☆

The Prom

Cadillac Palace, Chicago
4/22/2022

The actors who played washed up actors and their jokes are the best part of the story. The love story was good-not-great, and the choreography, costumes, and set design were all average.

★★★☆☆

The Play that goes Wrong

Broadway Playhouse Theater, Chicago
2/20/2022

Definitely the funniest production on this list. The jokes are hilariously meta…I’m glad we showed up early because there are even gags involved when the crew prepares the stage.

★★★★★

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

The Lyric Theater, NYC
11/16/2022

The story is great but honestly the visual effects alone make this play worth seeing. My only complaint is that it’s a long play, but some scenes still feel rushed (maybe because they wanted to include as much fan service as possible?).

★★★★★

Drunk Shakespeare

The Green Room, 570 10th Ave, NYC
11/17/2022
11/13/2022

Had to see it twice because an audience member had a heart attack halfway through the first attempt and cut it short. But…I paid for more tickets and went back so it must’ve been good right?

★★★★☆

Come From Away

Gerald Schoenfeld Theater, NYC
11/13/2022

The story, script, and music was my favorite part of the production, and those were actually strengthened by minimalist set design and actors seamlessly playing multiple characters.

★★★★★

freestyle love supreme

The Booth THeater, NYC
11/13/2022

This felt like “Whose Line is it Anyway” with rap music. It was fun and different, but not nearly as memorable as some other things I’ve seen.

★★★☆☆

Waitress

Ethel Barrymore Theater, NYC
11/13/2022

The music and humor got my attention in the first act, but the story snuck up on me and ended up being my favorite part.

★★★★☆

Moulin Rouge

Al Hirschfield Theater, NYC
11/12/2022

Personally I’m not the biggest fan of the whole jukebox-musical thing…I think it breaks the immersion when a love story set in 1800s France features music by Brittany Spears. However, it is an awesome story, the set was incredible, and I was sold on the characters.

★★★★☆

The Book of Mormon

Eugene O’Neill Theater, NYC
11/7/2022

Obviously my favorite part of the show was the humor. Somehow the friends I took didn’t know what to expect, and seeing their faces when they realized that “broadway could do this?” was priceless. My only complaint is that even though the ending is funny, I don’t think it properly fits with the message of the story.

★★★★☆

David Byrne’s American Utopia

St. James THeater, NYC
11/5/2022
11/3/2022

The music is the best part of the production, and it’s strengthened by the “empty box” set design. David Byrne’s commentary between songs is also enjoyable, but as I’m writing this a year later, I forget if there was a message or greater takeaway. I’m remembering it as a really good, unique concert.

★★★★☆

War Horse

Lincoln Center Theater, NYC

This was a fantastic performance but I got sick halfway through, puked in the theater, and sat outside on the lawn for the second act. I was like 11 sooo whoops. Keeping it here for the sake of being comprehensive.

★★★★☆

Blue Man Group

Astor Place Theater, NYC

I was young so I don’t really remember. Keeping it here for the sake of being comprehensive.

★★★☆☆

The Lion King

The Kennedy Center, Washington DC

I was young so I don’t really remember. Keeping it here for the sake of being comprehensive.

★★★★☆

This is a live list, so I will add to it whenever I see something new!

Thank you for browsing my collection!
– Chris