It’s Black Friday, and you know what that means: toaster ovens are 10 for a dollar! Oh, and it’s also time to start buying Broadway show tickets to put in your family and friends’ stockings for the holidays. From flashy, splashy musicals to highbrow, intellectual drama, there’s something for everyone—even for your friend who can’t stand Broadway shows. We’ve got a few suggestions that just might turn the guy that fell asleep during the Les Miz movie into a full-fledged Broadway fan. Hey, we’re not promising miracles, but it’s worth a shot! If you can’t decide which show to see, Broadway.com gift cards also make great stocking stuffers. Check out our top five picks!
THE BOOK OF MORMON
The members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are very convincing, so why not let them accompany you on your mission? South Park fans, even if they’re not huge musical fanatics, will be instantly won over by the hilarious Tony-winning tuner by Trey Parker, Matt Stone and Robert Lopez. Click for tickets!
ROCK OF AGES
You won’t see any blue-haired matinee ladies sipping Chardonnay at this headbanging rock show. Throw back Jell-O shots while American Idol’s Constantine Maroulis, Frankie J. Grande of Big Brother and more wail ‘80s songs like “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Nothin’ But a Good Time.” (Which is what you guys will be having, obviously.) Click for tickets!
THE ELEPHANT MAN
You know what’s cooler than standing 15 feet away from one of the biggest movie stars on the planet? Nothing, that’s what. See The Hangover and American Hustle star in the flesh (yep, even with his shirt off) in Bernard Pomerance's 1977 play based on the true story of freak show performer Joseph Merrick. Click for tickets!
JERSEY BOYS
Sure, Jersey Boys is a Broadway musical, but we promise there isn’t a showtune in sight. Featuring hit songs by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, the Tony-winning bio-musical details the rise and fall of the iconic group, but it feels more like a rock concert than an evening at the theater. Click for tickets!
HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH
Ladies and gentlemen, Hedwig is not for the faint of heart. In the Tony-winning musical, a disgruntled transgender rock star (currently played by Dexter's Michael C. Hall) might spit on you, lick your glasses or give you a lap dance. Anything can happen in Miss Hedwig’s world—but you know what won’t happen? Jazz hands. Click for tickets!