Ticket Givewaway: Win two tickets to see Indecent for free. I loved this show, a fascinating backstage tale written by Paula Vogel and wondrously staged by Rebecca Taichman (who won a Tony for it) about a century-old Jewish drama called “The God of Vengeance.” That Yiddish play featured a scandalizing kiss between two women, which resulted in the Broadway cast being prosecuted for obscenity. Indecent explores a range of frighteningly relevant issues, and it is at times inexpressibly heartbreaking. But it is not only enlightening and moving; it is rousing entertainment; with so much dancing and singing and toe-tapping music you’re likely to remember it as a musical.
I was delighted Indecent was given a reprieve — the producers had announced it would end June 25 , but then decided to extend through August 6th.
And I’m even more delighted to offer a pair of tickets. To enter the contest for the tickets, just answer this question:
What is your favorite show that explores serious issues in an entertaining way?
Update: I am asking for you to talk about how a show is serious AND also entertaining. (Some of you have only been answering how it’s serious.)
The Rules:
- Please put your answer in the comments at the bottom of this blog post, because I will choose the winner at random, using Random.org, based on the order of your reply, not its content.
- But you must answer the question, complete with description, or your entry will not be approved for submission.
- This contest ends Wednesday July 19, 2017 at midnight Eastern Time, and I will make the drawing no later than noon the next day. You must respond within 12 hours or I will pick another winner.
The winner will get a voucher for two tickets to see Indecent between July 26 and July 29. (The voucher must be submitted by July 21st.)
Update: There are two winners, chosen at random on Random.org based on the order of their reply:
Erin Quill, number 12 in order of reply.
Mike Ming, number 45.
Discount codes for the rest of you, to save up to 35 percent on tickets through August 6, 2017, when Indecent ends on Broadway.
Balcony seats from $39
Mezzanine seats from $71
Select Orchestra seats at $89
1. ONLINE: Click Here or Visit TelechargeOffers.com & enter code: INLSP110
2. BY PHONE: Call 212-947-8844 & mention code: INLSP110
What is your favorite show that explores serious issues in an entertaining way? I know it sounds silly but I thought NEWSIES covered some serious issues including: Child Labor, Worker exploitation, and anti-Labor practices. And yes, it was entertaining as hell with a lot of social issues thrown in between the lines. Joe Pulitzer should be ashamed of himself for the way he ran his paper and ran down his employees. I think the Pulitzer Prize was dreamed up by old Joe to make people in the future forget what a scumbag he was and how her built his empire.
I think most shows deal with serious issues in an entertaining way! One show that I felt dealt with a serious issue in an entertaining way was William Hoffman’s play “As Is.” it presented its serious subject in a way that acknowledged the serious devastation but was also able to find moments of humor. And it was Broadway’s first to deal with AIDS.
Spring Awakening. It is a show that dealt with serious issues such as suicide and abortion, and while it was certainly dark for much of the show, a lot of it was extremely entertaining. From rocking songs liked “Totally F—ed” to comedic moments such as “My Junk”, the show successfully balanced “serious issues” with “entertaining theatre”.
What is your favorite show that explores serious issues in an entertaining way?
Dear Evan Hansen is definitely one of the most interesting shows as it is able to turn the dark subject matter into a well crafted, entertaining and heartfelt show. Suicide and bullying are such a big epidemic in schools today and this is definitely something that on paper seems like it would not work, but it is just executed so well.
My favorite show about serious issues is Parade. I think it tells the smaller story of Leo Frank while still being able to tell a larger-scale story of anti-Semitism and racism in the South. It was an important historical event that was luckily made into an important musical.
Sweat. True portrayal of what is happening now. Especially in small towns that depended on certain industries to survive like the coal mines, and auto industry. While the show did have moments of entertainment it did bring home the message that this country has a long way to go before we can be as great as we were. But most importantly how can we bring back jobs for everyone who deserves the American Dream.
I can think of a few, but the most powerful show that impacts on a serious issue, for me is Next To Normal. I have had the good fortune to see it on Broadway and at several theaters across the country. Each time I am struck by it’s powerful message and the most excellent way the songs and book help us understand the dynamic of mental illness and loss. I cry in this show. That’s power in my book.
Wow so many great shows. One that comes to mind for me is The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. As a teacher I often meet children who are different yet wonderful in their own ways. I see a shift in looking for the greatness in all children, instead of the negative connotations a label tends to make us see first. The book is a worthwhile read as well!
I think my favorite is Fiddler on the Roof.It deals with the serious matter of marriage and tradition. In the story – a man with 5 daughters goes to a matchmaker to marry off his daughters which is tradition in the village.The family is Jewish and poor. The daughters do not like the men the matchmaker picks because the men are old and the women are young. The daughters are in love with other men and the Father let’s them marry who they love. He does not give in to TRADITION.
I have to say “Spring Awakening.” Some of the music is so fun and catchy, but underneath it is a serious coming of age story.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time was the most immersive non-immersive (although I suppose we could debate what is “immersive”) pieces of theater I have ever experienced that effectively introduced the audience to the mind of an individual who may have initially seemed so different. It’s ability to convey Christopher’s thoughts and feelings rather than just his actions—through the lighting and sound design—was a seamless integration of design elements with narrative and character. We not only got to be dazzled by Broadway spectacle, but we also got to learn about empathy. @ArtWineWhimsy
Falsettos- because it explores the rise of AIDS in America in song – and it uses comedic as well as caustic moments to show the very great tragedy that came when we lost a generation of people. I remember being at a party, everyone was in their early twenties or over 45 and I said to a friend ‘What is going on here’ and then I realized.
They had all died.
Falsettos really continues to move me- every time I see it
Angels in America
The fact that Tony Kushner married realism and non realism to express the devastating blows of the 80s HIV crisis while also exploring faith, gods, love, politics and life in a fantastical way will continue to inspire me.
My favorite serious, yet entertaining show is Dear Evan Hansen because it deals with very important, significant issues of depression, suicide, and bullying in a moving, enjoyable way with great music and acting.
One of my favorites is The Book of Mormon. It very accurately addresses how out of touch white, privileged, and religious Americans are with people not as fortunate as them, through satirical musical numbers. Additionally, the show acts as a reflection to the audience themselves on their stereotypical ideas of Africa and race.
Cabaret. A show dealing with a number of serious issues presented as entertainment to distract the audience from the seriousness of the issues at hand. The MC leads you on the journey with whimsy and fun, and then you have this realization that the moments you are laughing at really aren’t so funny. It deals with the rise of the Nazis, homophobia, politics, friendship, love, and so much more.
My Favorite show that explores serious topic, yet entertaining is “Privacy” at the Public theater that explores how technology can potentially invade many aspects of our private life without we even aware of it. This is especially relevant nowadays given that internet providers may soon sell our information to whomever is interested.
I love so many shows, and it’s very hard for me to choose just one, but for this particular post, I want to choose one that hasn’t been chosen by anyone yet, just for some variety.
I believe A Chorus Line actually does present an important issue in an extremely entertaining way. Sure, it doesn’t touch on issues as grave and important as any of the world issues, but I still think it addresses important matters that many people wouldn’t know about if they were not in show business.
The characters in A Chorus Line show that they have very unique stories that brought them to that audition on that day. The lives of performers — all types of performers — is harder than many people believe. Especially in competitive fields, it is extremely difficult to make it, and even if you make it, it’s hard to stay in the spotlight for an extended career. As a former performer myself, I really appreciated the stories, hardships, and stresses of being a performer that A Chorus Line brings to the spotlight.
How it was entertaining: It was staged very nicely to look like both a stage and a dance studio (due to the mirrors in the back). In addition, the dancing and music are still, to this day, wonderful and iconic.
It’s cliche to talk about Hamilton as a favorite for anything these days, but I found its portrayal of the debates, grit, passion, and unknowns of starting a new country incredibly moving. (I feel similarly about 1776.) I saw the show as a first-year law student, feeling overwhelmed, unmotivated, and out of place in law school. Watching the cast’s portrayal of the “cabinet battles” — battles that really did occur, albeit not via rap — reminded me that the system of law I study and will someday soon defend and practice was created by a mere group of people taking a risk. I felt humbled to be part of the same system that others risked their lives for. And, I also wished law school involved more rap battles.
My favorite show that tackles serious issues is Next To Normal. It creates an incredible portrayal of mental illness, and how it (and grief) affects the lives of the sufferers and their loved ones. A remarkable work, and one that too many of us can relate to.
Building the Wall – a relevant play that touches upon some of the contentious issues following the election, the dialogue is meant to promote discussion about immigration, human rights and law enforcement. The wall resembled both a physical manifestation and imagined boundary that seeks to portray a reality that almost seems too real in the current political climate. The play also interjects brief moments of humor that is a good complement to the serious topics discussed.
What is your favorite show that explores serious issues in an entertaining way?
I recently saw Cabaret and was struck and disturbed by how relevant its message and narrative are to our current political era. I left the theater reflecting on societal injustices that are perpetuated through oblivious complicity. I also was really moved by Dear Evan Hansen and the way it engages with emotional health and suicide among teens, social anxiety, social media, class, and single parenthood.
My favorite show that tackles serious issues is Falsettos. I think it does a great job of tackling serious family problems and the AIDS crisis while also being light hearted and funny. The music is fairly upbeat even while death is on the table. The characters are lovable despite being intensely flawed.
Ballyturk by Enda Walsh explores the mortal complexities of existing within a defined, familiar space – a world that is known and comprehensible – and what happens when that understanding is irreparably shattered, leaving one to come to terms with fundamental aspects of connection, meaning, life and death. It’s also brilliantly comedic (in that biting black comedy way that the Irish best deal in) and a thrilling example of theatrical capability.
While there are countless shows that address serious issues, “Next to Normal” is a personal favorite of mine. It spotlights the impact of mental illness on a family, and it shows the difficulty of coping with the loss of a loved one.
My favourite show that deals with serious topics in an entertaining way is Spring Awakening, especially in the Deaf West production. So many topics that are important to young people and adults, from suicide, to abortion, bullying, schooling, and more were tackled with such poignancy both in the first Broadway production, and then with even more depth in Deaf West’s production, staging the show with people we would not normally see on Broadway.
The Normal Heart. Kramer did a fantastic job of depicting the fear and activism at the start of the AIDS crisis. I’ve never exited a theatre where the entire audience was completely silent.
From the current crop, groundhog day. Every day the beggar Mr Johnson asked Phil “change please”. It can be taken as inviting Phil to change It’s about personal growth.
,,, The whole show is filled with little jokes and double meanings as it tracks Phil’s growing awareness that other people are more than just “objects for his own pleasure” (to paraphrase Pierre from Great Comet
There are many timely pieces this season. The one that personally touched me the most was “Sweat”. I grew up just north of Reading in rural PA. I knew the people on that stage, I still know people just like them. That area remains the heart of Trump country, politically this play presented those people and made them more human then the media portrays them. It was a fascinating character study in the loss of the American dream and who is at fault, when sometimes the answer is right in the mirror. Though I don’t understand why people vote against their best interests, this play shed a light on how we got to where we are and for me, provided a glimmer of hope about where we may go with future generations. It was timely, but did not preach or beat you over the head with it’s message. It was provocative, the way good art should always be in my opinion.
Passing Strange — an exploration of identity, family, and art rolled into a hilarious, beautiful book and club rock score. Stew and Heidi Rodewald’s libretto is one of the best I’ve ever seen. Will never forget seeing Annie Dorsen’s production on Broadway, life-changing stuff.
For me its Next to Normal. It tackles topics like depression, mental illness, drug abuse and bipolar disorder. It definitely has its serious moments but I was kind of shocked at how funny the show was. While it is not a full blown comedy, there is a fair ammount of comedy for a show dealing with so many serious topics. My personal favorite joke is “that’s very kind of you, but my husband is waiting in the car”
“Angels in America” is the perfect balance between historical information and entertainment. I first read the plays in high school and it forced me to research Judaism, Ronald Reagan, and the AIDS crisis. As a young gay person, it became very important to know where I can from so I could see where I was going.
My favorite show on serious matter is oslo because it gave a great background on the issue between Israel and Palestine yet still very entertaining.
I would say my favorite show that explores serious issues in an entertaining way is Hairspray. The show is incredibly entertaining with its flashy costumes, 60s style music, and big dance numbers, but it has serious moments regarding racial discrimination and body image issues. I think the show does a great job balancing moments of comedy and fun with those that are more intense – kind of like real life!
Rent, in my opinion, did a wonderful job at addressing issues such as AIDS, being an artist, and struggling to survive while aspiring to become something great. It bravely addressed these issues and paved the way for many other fantastic shows addressing serious (and even taboo) topics!
It was entertaining because of the catchy rock score that people still sing and perform to this day!
I’ve enjoyed reading everyone’s comments and I agree about so many of these shows. It is very difficult to choose. I will pick FUN HOME. It was serious in that it depicted a difficult relationship between a father and daughter, the lies that the father was living by staying in the closet, and faced with making that same decision, how the daughter rejected living a lie, and yet she later wonders if her choice (and her judgment of his choice) may have influenced her father’s suicide. The entertainment was in the music, the humor, the beauty of the story, the acting and the way it was told.
Dear Evan Hansen did a wonderful job of entertaining the audience, as well as discussing serious issues since there were serious songs, as well as light hearted, funny songs. It used songs such as “Sincerely, Me” to bring humor to the idea that they are writing letters to a young man who ended his life. I truly feel that by including some light hearted songs, the audience did not feel so sad after all.
Book of Mormon. The show is hilarious and the writing is great, but the underlying themes of an outsider (particularly those of the white persuasion) trying to ‘save’ other cultures by imposing their will is a very serious topic, as well as a lack of understanding for ‘others’, particularly in a time where we have a whole sect of people that do not understand why people are different.
I agree with many shows already mentioned, so I’ll go back in theater history to South Pacific. Rodgers & Hammerstein’s glorious musical entertains with comedy (“There is Nothing Like a Dame,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair”) while addressing racism, both overt and subtle, during World War II. The two love stories(Emile/Nellie and Lt. Cable/Liat) have both light and dark elements as they celebrate their love and confront their prejudices. The song “You’ve Got to Be Taught” still resonates powerfully today.
I am going to pick A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. This play made me laugh many times, and even though it’s so funny, if you stop to think about it, it brings up the point of people who are so impoverished or disenfranchised that everything looks like a good option, even — in the case of this play — murder. It really makes one think about situations that may cause oneself to blur the line of morality, and how quickly this can snowball into further bad decisions.
I thought A DOLL’S HOUSE, PART 2 did a great job exploring serious questions about women’s rights and the institution of marriage in very entertaining ways (for example, dramatic irony, playing off of what we know about Ibsen’s play), etc. I also liked how it was hard to know who was right and who was wrong–and how my sympathies shifted throughout the course of the very tight 85 minute play.
Bright Star. While it is not a particularly heavy show, it does touch upon issues such as teenage pregnancy, family bonds, lying in order to “protect” someone, and being resilient in order to reach a goal for yourself. It was a very inspiring and uplifting show, and it was expertly done in a wonderful way. The staging and orchestrations were beautiful, and as a fan of bluegrass and folk music, I loved the fact that the score was entirely bluegrass.
Follies. It explores getting older and becoming irrelevant and looking back on your life with regret. But damn, it does it with flair
& panache, a great tap number and a song sung by a scorned/ignored wife that you can apply to almost any situation. Always in my top 3 Sondheim.
I know most people would say Dear Evan Hansen and perhaps if I was younger that would be it but for me it is Groundhog Day. When I first saw the show I felt stuck in life like Phil- angry and annoyed at everyone and everything around me. The show and cast brought joy to me in a time in my life that felt very dark. The cast and music makes me smile. Their hard work to put on the show motivates me. In a way it’s also cheering for the underdog. So, Id say this show is serious in the issues we face as jaded adults but entertaining in that Andy’s snarky lines and the lovable characters with catchy music can’t do anything but make me happy. The groundhog playing the drum set with tap dancers– can it really get any more entertaining than that!? 🙂
My favorite show that explores serious issues in an entertaining way is Cabaret. It has a wonderful score with great songs, and the show is very entertaining. Yet the underlying exploration of anti-Semitism and the factors that led to the rise in power of Nazi Germany is never too far away. If You Could See Her is a perfect example. It starts out seeming like a fun song, and then that last line just hits you.
Falsettos. It explores a crisis in our nation (AIDS) as well as taking on family dynamics and the dreaded “normal,” in a way that will have you both laughing and sobbing.
My favorite show that explores serious issues in an entertaining way is WICKED. I was just discussing shows with a person who knows almost nothing about musical theater and even she knew a lot about Wicked so one of the things I love about it is that it’s very mainstream now. It covers topics like believing in yourself and trusting your instincts, the awful effects of bullying, teamwork, standing up to corrupt people in charge (politicians, school officials, etc.), surviving through difficult family drama… so much to mine in that show and it really speaks to kids, tweens, teens, young adults, and parents and adults of all ages.
My favorite show that explores serious issues in an entertaining way is Ragtime. The show weaves together stories of racism, immigration, women’s rights, capitalism and class division with gorgeous songs that make you tap your foot, then make you laugh, then make you cry.
Avenue Q. It was a very entertaining and creative show (Muppets for adults, anyone?). It was hilariously dark, but it talked about struggles that a lot of people go through nowadays, especially new graduates. It also deals with love, sexuality, acceptance, and adult life and friendships. It was hilarious yet tragic to realize that the struggles of the characters are so common to everyone in the audience.
My favorite show exploring issues in a serious yet entertaining way is Rent. Covering topics such as AIDS, homosexuality, being a poor artist, paying rent, etc. but in musical, sung through content. The song I’ll Cover You is an entertaing love song between two men in act 1, and a serious, tear jerking song in act 2. Take me or Leave Me shows that people love each other in good and bad times. All serious issues. Paying rent? As an adult, I agree with Benny now- paying rent is some serious business. But dang, I love me some Rent.