Which broadway show should i see? wicked or hairspray?

Question

i have no interest whatsoever in broadway/musicals, and have never seen one before, but my school is making me go. which one is better, wicked or hairspray?

Answer 1

Wicked. It is much more original.

Wicked takes a story we all presume to know and shows us a side we've never seen before.

Here's my advice on seeing it.

1. Don't learn anything about it, especially not plot.

2. Prepare by watching "The Wizard of Oz" again.

3. Come without any preconceptions.

Answer 2

I would see Wicked.  It is the story of the Wicked Witch of the West from Wizard of Oz fame (although it isn't written by Frank L. Baum- who wrote Oz).  Great music and only one love scene. The orchestra is heavily electronic, which is a plus if you don't like musicals.  However, today's musicals are not the same as grandma's musicals.  When it came to my hometown it was sold out for all shows, which might factor into which one you see.  There were people there of all ages and a healthy mix of both genders.  Not to mention that the whole audience was on their feet at the end.  

Hairspray isn't bad either.  It centers around 1962 Baltimore and integration.  Not preachy, but the music could be called dated as it is supposed to be since it is set in a particular time period.

Answer 3

Hairspray.

Answer 4

Wicked is BIG, dramatic, emotional, quite "clever" in how it references Wizard of Oz - there's a lot of in-jokes to get if you know the source material. It makes sense without the background knowledge, but you get more from it if you do know the references. Wicked is basically the story of the friendship between two very different girls, it hinges on their relationships.  

Hairspray is upbeat, fun, infectious, bouncy, cheerful!  You'll leave with a grin and having had a great time!  There is a serious message about discrimination and equal rights, but it's conveyed as the background to Tracy's personal story, it's not really a political play.

From what you've added, I'm sure you'd prefer Hairspray.  It's a real-world set story (not true, but set in Baltimore in the 60s, not in the Land of Oz!)  There's a lot of theatrical conventions - flat sets, turning to the audience, that kind of thing, different to a film.  It'll give you a good introduction into what Musical Theatre is.

Both shows are very good and I don't think you can say one's "better" than the other, it's personal opinion which you like more.  I recommend for you, Hairspray.  

Answer 5

Honestly, if you aren't into musicals, neither one will probably do much for you. However, Wicked is definitely more interesting than Hairspray. Wicked has depth and meaning, whereas Hairspray is just fun. You would probably be okay seeing Wicked even if you've never seen The Wizard of Oz, just as long as you know the basic storyline of The Wizard of Oz.However, if you like more realistic stuff, I would go with Hairspray, because it could actually happen. Except for the bursting into song part.

Answer 6

I think Wicked is much better than Hairspray.  

Answer 7

If you're not musicals at all, I would strongly recommend seeing Wicked, because, although it is not realistic, the sets, with so many mechanics, and huge mechanical things, are really astounding and spectacular.

Hairspray is more realistic, but I'm not sure that it would do anything to improve your opinion of broadway musicals.  

Answer 8

WICKED. Please. Hairspray is simply not as good a musical. Wicked, written and composed by Stephen Schwartz (who also composed "GODSPELL"), is based on the novel by Gregory Maguire. It's a really good musical, and the music, lyrics, and story are phenomenal.

Hairspray I don't find to be as well-written. It's funny at parts, but I find a lot of the dialogue cheesy and some of the plot weird.