NYC April weather & theater
Feb 2nd, 2003, 10:54 AM
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NYC April weather & theater
We will be in NYC in late April and were wondering what the weather might be like. Also, any recommendations for the top 5 shows to see? Any information would be appreciated!
Feb 2nd, 2003, 11:08 AM
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Frankly the weather can be pleasantly warm, or unseasonably cool. It can rain the entire week or be sunny and dry. Anyone who tries to guess otherwise is just doing that -- guessing. You can do a search and find the "averages" for that time, but you still need to allow for the extremes. I'd hope for weather in the 60's and 70's with nice clear skies, but I'd allow for temps in the 40's and lots of rain.
As to theatre, what kind of shows do you want? A mix? All big musicals? A good drama? Some comedies? Do you want to stick with big name stars and hits, or are you into theatre to go off Broadway and see something more "theatrically challenging"? Long running shows or have you seen those in NYC or elsewhere. Give us some guidelines of what you're looking for.
As to theatre, what kind of shows do you want? A mix? All big musicals? A good drama? Some comedies? Do you want to stick with big name stars and hits, or are you into theatre to go off Broadway and see something more "theatrically challenging"? Long running shows or have you seen those in NYC or elsewhere. Give us some guidelines of what you're looking for.
Feb 2nd, 2003, 01:30 PM
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Patrick has given excellent weather advice. You just never know. Best bet is to check the 10-day forecast at www.weather.com when finalizing your packing. It's always best to be prepared for cooler or warmer or rain, so as to be comfortable while out and about. You just cannot always count on finding a taxi quickly, particularly show time, dinner time, or when it is raining.
Try this for the top 5 shows: http://www.top5s.com/broadway.htm
Playbill.com is well organized with descriptions of the shows and reviews. And, you can find reviews at www.newyork.citysearch.com from others who have attended (as opposed to critics).
It's really best to figure out which shows you think you will find most appealing to you.
There are many websites where you can sign up for e-mail notifications of special offers (playbill.com, broadwaybox.com, etc.). You can usually get substantially reduced prices (yet excellent seats) anywhere from two-six weeks ahead with these specials. Offers won't be forthcoming on the hottest shows, but definitely hot shows. And, you can check now for current offers to get a general idea. (Specials are typically offered for the same shows, another offer come up as soon as the current one expires.)
If you haven't seen any of the shows, and your schedule is flexible, you can always try the TKTS booth at Times Square (they have a website, too) for last minute tickets at substantially reduced prices (often 1/2 off).
Try this for the top 5 shows: http://www.top5s.com/broadway.htm
Playbill.com is well organized with descriptions of the shows and reviews. And, you can find reviews at www.newyork.citysearch.com from others who have attended (as opposed to critics).
It's really best to figure out which shows you think you will find most appealing to you.
There are many websites where you can sign up for e-mail notifications of special offers (playbill.com, broadwaybox.com, etc.). You can usually get substantially reduced prices (yet excellent seats) anywhere from two-six weeks ahead with these specials. Offers won't be forthcoming on the hottest shows, but definitely hot shows. And, you can check now for current offers to get a general idea. (Specials are typically offered for the same shows, another offer come up as soon as the current one expires.)
If you haven't seen any of the shows, and your schedule is flexible, you can always try the TKTS booth at Times Square (they have a website, too) for last minute tickets at substantially reduced prices (often 1/2 off).
Feb 3rd, 2003, 04:45 AM
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The weather is usually beautiful that time of year, in the 60's. However, anything (except snow) is possible. Bring layers to wear. As far as the shows, the best four that I've seen are The Producers, Hairspray, Man of La Mancha and Lion King. Enjoy!
Feb 3rd, 2003, 07:59 PM
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My son and I saw "Thouroughly Modern Millie" this past weekend and both thought that it was terrific. Good songs, wonderful dancing, lots of humor, great cast, and we thought that the sets and lighting were outstanding. If you've seen the movie, be aware that the plot's been changed a bit. This is a very enjoyable show. We got our tickets at 50% off at the TKTS booth.
Feb 4th, 2003, 06:53 AM
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Patrick, you're not going to believe this but I think you got the weather part 100% correct.
Chances are you will get weather in the 60's, but you should be prepared for extremes in either direction. do be prepared for rain, it tends to rain alot during april.
Shows: here is my list, (good reviews tend to back this list up): Cabaret, Chicago, Urinetown, Lion King,Phantom
Where are you going to eat?
Chances are you will get weather in the 60's, but you should be prepared for extremes in either direction. do be prepared for rain, it tends to rain alot during april.
Shows: here is my list, (good reviews tend to back this list up): Cabaret, Chicago, Urinetown, Lion King,Phantom
Where are you going to eat?
Feb 9th, 2003, 05:10 PM
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I am a life long New Yorker.
April weather can be anything. The second largest snowfall was recorded on Friday (certain) April 22 (not certain), 1982. The largest snowfall was Sunday Jan 6, 1996. April had some pretty nasty snowstorms and days where it hit 90 degrees.
April weather can be anything. The second largest snowfall was recorded on Friday (certain) April 22 (not certain), 1982. The largest snowfall was Sunday Jan 6, 1996. April had some pretty nasty snowstorms and days where it hit 90 degrees.
Feb 9th, 2003, 05:56 PM
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I replied to this a few days ago, but we just got back from our second weekend in NYC (college interviews for my son) and saw a couple of more shows while we were there. This time we saw Urinetown and 42nd Street. We enjoyed both thouroughly! They are very different, though, so it would depend on your taste as to what you would enjoy most.
Urinetown is very funny, with a lot of irony and self referential humor - good music, great cast, lots of energy, but kind of bleak in terms of the set and costumes (purposely so) - and not exactly a happy ending. The theater is kind of run down, but that's appropriate for this show, and it's smaller and more intimate than some of the larger venues, and adds to the experience. We enjoyed the show very much.
Doing a 180 degree turn (in terms of musicals), we saw 42nd Street the next night - and thought that was great, too. The plot is pretty thin, but that's not the point - it's just an excuse for a lot of wonderful dancing, great old songs, and extravagent production numbers with dazzling costumes and sets. We thought it was a lot of fun; I found I was smiling continously throughout the show from the sheer razzle-dazzle of it.
Discussing the three shows afterwards, we agreed that we probably would pick "Thouroughly Modern Millie" as our favorite, but the other two were close behind - I don't think that you could go wrong with any of these. We did get tickets to all three of these shows at 50% off at the TKTS booth.
We ate at several restaurants in the Times Square area, but the only one I can really recommend is Virgil's Real BBQ on 44th Street. I've spent a lot of time in the south and eaten a lot of barbecue (which I am very fond of), and the meal I had at Virgil's measured up to some of the best I've had (even their hushpuppies were top notch). It's a very popular place, so you should either make reservations, or get there early with time budgeted to wait if necessary, if you decide to eat there.
Urinetown is very funny, with a lot of irony and self referential humor - good music, great cast, lots of energy, but kind of bleak in terms of the set and costumes (purposely so) - and not exactly a happy ending. The theater is kind of run down, but that's appropriate for this show, and it's smaller and more intimate than some of the larger venues, and adds to the experience. We enjoyed the show very much.
Doing a 180 degree turn (in terms of musicals), we saw 42nd Street the next night - and thought that was great, too. The plot is pretty thin, but that's not the point - it's just an excuse for a lot of wonderful dancing, great old songs, and extravagent production numbers with dazzling costumes and sets. We thought it was a lot of fun; I found I was smiling continously throughout the show from the sheer razzle-dazzle of it.
Discussing the three shows afterwards, we agreed that we probably would pick "Thouroughly Modern Millie" as our favorite, but the other two were close behind - I don't think that you could go wrong with any of these. We did get tickets to all three of these shows at 50% off at the TKTS booth.
We ate at several restaurants in the Times Square area, but the only one I can really recommend is Virgil's Real BBQ on 44th Street. I've spent a lot of time in the south and eaten a lot of barbecue (which I am very fond of), and the meal I had at Virgil's measured up to some of the best I've had (even their hushpuppies were top notch). It's a very popular place, so you should either make reservations, or get there early with time budgeted to wait if necessary, if you decide to eat there.
