How to See the Best Theater in New York City

New York is one of the theater capitals of the world, but anyone who goes to a lot of theater knows that a lot of it is really bad--so bad that the next time you have that theater craving you might reconsider and do something else. The following tips will help you find the best theater in New York City.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Don't Trust the Critics. Reading a rave review for a show might send you leaping out of your seat to get tickets. Don't. If the story and characters don't interest you, chances are the writing won't be so great as to overcome this.

2. Don't Be Blinded by the Stars. You might think, "My favorite actor is in this play, if they chose to do it then it must be good". Wrong. Good actors do bad plays all the time for many reasons: friend of playwright, wants to try new kind of role, wants the prestige of the New York stage. A good actor cannot save a production.

3. Look to the Playwright. Find out a little about the playwright and what he's written before. If you can read a sample online, it might give you a better sense of her writing style and if you would enjoy it.

4. Don't Trust the Brand. There are venerable theater institutions like the Manhattan Theatre Club and Lincoln Center. Many think that because they are putting on a play that it must be good. This is not true. Some of the worst plays have come from these places. Playwrights Horizons is one of the worst offenders. Proceed with caution.

Resources

• Theatermania