BEST BETS JULY 2008

Summer is down time in the professional theatre world. New shows will open in September for the '08-'09 season and shows that did well at the Tonys will ride that wave through tourist season. So this month's installation of Best Bets reflects the past year and what's made it through.

Take your parents: Gypsy
(one of the best American musicals ever, with a tremendous cast and a trifecta of Tony-winning performances from the three leads).

Take a date: In The Heights
(yes it's absolutely the obvious choice, but it's also endearing, sweet and will make you feel all warm and happy inside)

Before it closes: Stitching
(a very storytelling experience in a great downtown space, closes July 19th)

Best off-Broadway: Fuerzabruta
(why did it take us so long to see this show?)

Most exciting new cast member: Beth Leavel in Young Frankenstein
(the show is still selling out despite mediocre reviews and as most of the leads leave this summer the cast gets some fresh blood; Beth Leavel is sure to be a rockin' Frau Blucher)

Because you know you should see it: August: Osage County
(yes, it's a long, talk-y drama, but that doesn't mean it isn't damn entertaining! see this Pulitzer Prize winning, Tony Award winning, really stellar production before it's gone and you wish you had)