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My Theater Recommendations

I see 150+ shows per year all around the world, so you can believe I know what I'm talking about.

If you're an avid theatergoer, check out my site Understudies.org to get alerted when understudies are going on across Broadway.

Call or text me anytime, +1-860-560-1934, or email me at nls@hey.com, to ask for personalized recommendations or to tell me all about what you've seen recently. I don't care if you're a stranger who just stumbled onto this site by accident. I promise you're not interrupting; I LOVE talking about this stuff and sharing my passion.

A Wonderful World

★★★★, Broadway

An incredibly well done show with an extraordinary actor at the center. Iglehart gives the performance of his career as Louis Armstrong (though it's a shame that Brandon Louis Armstrong never had a chance to go on as understudy Louis Armstrong -- he's Louis' direct descendant!) I wish this had a longer life on Broadway; the singing and dancing was excellent.

Gatz

★★★★★, Off-Broadway

An 8 hour long tour-de-force performance that will probably never be repeated again in New York City. 13 actors re-enact 'The Great Gatsby' word-for-word in the setting of 'a shabby office of a mysterious small business.' I'm so glad I had the chance to see Elevator Repair Service's final NYC encore of this piece. You could feel the length at times, but Scott Shepherd gave one of the greatest performances I've ever seen.

The Great Gatsby

★★★, Broadway

This is a guilty pleasure show for me. It's objectively bad, but I've seen it 5 times. It's impossible to have a bad time here. Excellent vocals, set design, lighting, and choreography against a stupid script.

Gypsy

★★★, Broadway

A solid production elevated by whoever is playing Mama Rose, whether it's Audra McDonald or her incredible standby Tryphena Wade. You should see it at least once, at least for the starpower, as everyone on stage is giving an incredible performance. Sitting through it a second time was a bit of a chore.

Maybe Happy Ending

★★★★★, Broadway

This might be the perfect musical; like a Pixar movie coming to life on stage. No matter if you've seen 100 Broadway shows or this is your first one, it's pretty damn close to impossible to leave 'Maybe Happy Ending' feeling unhappy.

Life & Trust

★★★★★, Off-Broadway

One of the best things you can see in NYC right now. I've been many times, and have many more trips booked. I recommend not looking to closely into the show beforehand -- just bring some comfortable running shoes and let the show take you where it does!