How to get a manly man to go to (and enjoy) a musical

Musical theater has a bad rap among the most masculine in our society. Why? Maybe it's just lack of exposure to the right kind of shows. What's not to love about the art form? Extremely talented actors, singers and dancers playing out the most emotional and important aspects of life, often in the most exotic locales or during the most critical moments in history.

Things You'll Need

• A hirsute fellow who doesn't know what he's missing (but who is at least a little bit open minded)
• Tickets to a show

Instructions

1. People who don't love musical theater just don't know what they are missing. But some guys, especially the rougher-tougher types, won't give the art form a chance. It's important to reach out to those guys with the material that might catch their attention. So think about what sorts of things the guy is interested in, and then try to find shows that match the subject matter. Remember, this isn't about you and your interests. It's about him, and getting him excited about this art form.

2. Find out what's available in your area, by checking your local newspaper's entertainment guides. Look for shows that not just might match the interests of the guy but definitely will be of high interest. This might take some patience. But it will be better to choose wisely the first time, rather than having a so-so experience and then trying to get the man to go back.

3. Once you've picked the perfect show, start dropping hints about going to it. Maybe strike up a conversation about the general subject matter. Or mention that you saw something about it in the newspaper. Get a dialogue going. Stoke that interest. Plan a night out. Suggest going to the guy's favorite restaurant, and then drop the suggestion that afterward, you go see this show.

4. Gauge his reaction. If he seems interested and open, take him up on it. If he seems like he's just appeasing you this time, consider looking for another show at another time and trying again. Remember, you really want this to be a great experience, so he wants more.

5. If the date is set, take care of all of the details yourself. Make this as easy as possible for him. Order the tickets. Get a gift card for the restaurant, so it doesn't feel like a big dinner bill is part of the package. Drive. Pay the parking. Keep his focus on the show.

6. Dress up for the night. Leave the cellphones behind. Make the evening feel special. Go early to dinner. Have a drink or two. Make sure there aren't any schedule conflicts or childcare concerns and that he doesn't have to be up early in the morning.

7. Stop by the concession booth and pick up a little memento from the evening. That way whenever you see it around the house, you can remind the guy what fun the show was.

8. When he has a good time, keep talking to him about it, and start planning the next one. This time, with his buy-in, you really can start honing in on his interests.

Tips & Warnings

• Do your research. Make sure you know what you are getting into with each show, before you go. When trying to expose someone to something wonderful, the last thing you want is a surprise that might ruin it. Save the surprises for later, when a love for the art has been developed.

• Start with the classics. The obscure might be more sophisticated and interesting to the theater veteran, but there are good reasons why some shows are recycled over and over again. They usually are the best the form has to offer.

• Get great seats. Nothing spoils a show more than not being about to hear, or not being able to see what's going on. Splurge on the seats.

• If, despite everything you try, he still doesn't like the musical art form from this experience. Take a step back. Don't push it into an argument. This is supposed to be fun. Try a concert, or some other performing art. Maybe musicals just won't be his thing. Or maybe, he just needs more general arts exposure before he's ready for the glory of the musical.