NYC Trip Report: 3 shows, a museum and a fall
Aug 6th, 2007, 08:04 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 361
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
NYC Trip Report: 3 shows, a museum and a fall
I found so many good ideas from other people’s trip reports, I thought I’d write one of my own. A little background: I absolutely love musical theatre, and though I’ve had 2 prior trips to NYC, I’ve never seen a show on Broadway. So, I proceeded to plan my dream trip to NYC, with the goal of seeing 3 shows. My mom thought my trip sounded like a good idea, so she joined me. A week before our trip, I found out I had to eat an entirely low fat diet. This changed a lot of the restaurant plans I had (I didn’t want to go to a Mario Batalli restaurant and have to get a salad with no dressing, or pasta or fish without olive oil, butter, cheese or cream sauce. Beef and pork are out too.) Luckily, we’re not foodies, and had a small list of restaurants and figured we’d make decisions on the fly.
Friday
We had arranged to have Carmel pick us up at LGA. We arrived at the Affinia Dumont around 2:00. Wow, what a spectacular hotel! We got a studio suite for 3 nights via a great deal on Expedia. They accommodated our request for 2 queen beds even though the reservation was for a king. Room was very spacious, clean with white linens, comfy beds, Aveda products, great little kitchen.
We decided to just explore the neighborhood (Murray Hill) for a little while and get a bite to eat. We walked to Macy’s, did some window and shoe shopping, and had a sandwich at Guy and Gallard. Very reasonable – a panini and a salad for $7.
We headed back to the hotel to nap and get ready for our first show. The room was completely quiet, no street noise or anything. Got dressed and took the subway to 49th street to find the theatre and walk around. We bought the 7-day, $24 metro cards for our 4 day trip, and it was absolutely worth it. Taking the subway was pretty easy as long as we remembered that traveling south is always “Downtown” and north is “Uptown.”
We had on-stage seats for Spring Awakening. This show is INCREDIBLE. Sitting on stage was a blast – the actors sit in the chairs next to you. Amazing singing, music, energy. Completely fantastic. It was the first time I had ever seen the original cast of a show, and this show blew me away.
Saturday
We got out of the hotel at 9 Saturday morning and headed, as read on Fodors, to the South Street Seaport TKTS with the hopes of getting Avenue Q tickets for the Sunday Matinee. We were just going to find out where it was and then grab breakfast, but when we did find it, there was a line, so I got in it at about 9:40 a.m. while my mom got coffee and bagels somewhere. We had a lovely time talking to the people in front of us about shows. The weather was beautiful, and we got our tickets – great seats, Orchestra K on the left side.
After getting tickets, we took the Staten Island Ferry, then walked around Soho, got quick lunch (another sandwich and salad, actually) then walked to Washington Square Park. We had a terrific time people watching at the fountain (what a great mix of people!) and resting our tired, blistered feet.
After a rest and some getting ready at the hotel, we went to Sardi’s for drinks. It was charming, and seemed like the thing to do before our big show. Drink prices were much more reasonable than we expected. Not cheap, but not over the top (16.50 plus tip for 2 top shelf drinks.) The bartenders were lovely.
After drinks, headed to see JERSEY BOYS. Seeing Jersey Boys was the whole purpose of the trip. This show is FANTASTIC. The lead, John Lloyd Young, is so talented. Seeing the original cast and the two Tony winning performers in this show was amazing. There were tears of joy during the finale.
We decided to wait at the stage door to meet the cast after the show, which is something I’ve never done at a show. The four leads were completely charming. They signed anything, took pictures, and chatted with everyone. A fantastic end to the evening. The whole night was probable one of the best memories of my life. I was really glad my mom was there to share it with me (and take pictures)
Friday
We had arranged to have Carmel pick us up at LGA. We arrived at the Affinia Dumont around 2:00. Wow, what a spectacular hotel! We got a studio suite for 3 nights via a great deal on Expedia. They accommodated our request for 2 queen beds even though the reservation was for a king. Room was very spacious, clean with white linens, comfy beds, Aveda products, great little kitchen.
We decided to just explore the neighborhood (Murray Hill) for a little while and get a bite to eat. We walked to Macy’s, did some window and shoe shopping, and had a sandwich at Guy and Gallard. Very reasonable – a panini and a salad for $7.
We headed back to the hotel to nap and get ready for our first show. The room was completely quiet, no street noise or anything. Got dressed and took the subway to 49th street to find the theatre and walk around. We bought the 7-day, $24 metro cards for our 4 day trip, and it was absolutely worth it. Taking the subway was pretty easy as long as we remembered that traveling south is always “Downtown” and north is “Uptown.”
We had on-stage seats for Spring Awakening. This show is INCREDIBLE. Sitting on stage was a blast – the actors sit in the chairs next to you. Amazing singing, music, energy. Completely fantastic. It was the first time I had ever seen the original cast of a show, and this show blew me away.
Saturday
We got out of the hotel at 9 Saturday morning and headed, as read on Fodors, to the South Street Seaport TKTS with the hopes of getting Avenue Q tickets for the Sunday Matinee. We were just going to find out where it was and then grab breakfast, but when we did find it, there was a line, so I got in it at about 9:40 a.m. while my mom got coffee and bagels somewhere. We had a lovely time talking to the people in front of us about shows. The weather was beautiful, and we got our tickets – great seats, Orchestra K on the left side.
After getting tickets, we took the Staten Island Ferry, then walked around Soho, got quick lunch (another sandwich and salad, actually) then walked to Washington Square Park. We had a terrific time people watching at the fountain (what a great mix of people!) and resting our tired, blistered feet.
After a rest and some getting ready at the hotel, we went to Sardi’s for drinks. It was charming, and seemed like the thing to do before our big show. Drink prices were much more reasonable than we expected. Not cheap, but not over the top (16.50 plus tip for 2 top shelf drinks.) The bartenders were lovely.
After drinks, headed to see JERSEY BOYS. Seeing Jersey Boys was the whole purpose of the trip. This show is FANTASTIC. The lead, John Lloyd Young, is so talented. Seeing the original cast and the two Tony winning performers in this show was amazing. There were tears of joy during the finale.
We decided to wait at the stage door to meet the cast after the show, which is something I’ve never done at a show. The four leads were completely charming. They signed anything, took pictures, and chatted with everyone. A fantastic end to the evening. The whole night was probable one of the best memories of my life. I was really glad my mom was there to share it with me (and take pictures)
Aug 6th, 2007, 08:22 AM
#2
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,874
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sounds like a great trip. We took our kids (ages 16, 14 and 11) last month and saw three shows. We are all kind of glad we have the "sightseeing" done and in future trips, we can just see as many shows as possible.
How far in advance did you buy your Jersey Boys tickets?
How far in advance did you buy your Jersey Boys tickets?
Aug 6th, 2007, 08:38 AM
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 361
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What lucky kids you have!
We bought our tickets mid-April for a show on Saturday, July 28th. However, we had to sit separately, as only single seats and premium tickets were left. Totally worth it though!
We bought our tickets mid-April for a show on Saturday, July 28th. However, we had to sit separately, as only single seats and premium tickets were left. Totally worth it though!
Aug 6th, 2007, 10:00 AM
#4
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 623
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Your trip sounds great, and getting to see Jersey Boys--WOW! I was in NYC in March and couldn't get tickets (trip was a surprise for Christmas so 3 months was not enough advance notice for those tickets). It sounds like you handled the low fat diet really well while in town and didn't let that put a damper on your trip. Seeing 3 shows sounds like so much fun!
Aug 6th, 2007, 10:33 AM
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 361
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Seeing Jersey Boys was a peak life experience (but I'm young, and I'm sure there's more to come!!)
Here's the rest of my trip:
Sunday
We were very tired Sunday morning, so my mom went to a deli and got bagels with (low fat) cream cheese and lox and iced coffee. Very inexpensive. We read the New York Times and had a leisurely morning. Despite the rainy forecast, we headed to 5th Ave and Central Park S. and thought we would take a stroll down 5th Ave to 45th St so I could drool over fashion. This is where we ran into some trouble. Though I always wear pumps at the theatre, I walk around in flip flops and carry my dress shoes in my bag. Well, it started to rain, and my fantastically comfortable, very broken-in, and apparently tread-less flip flops were no match for the slate areas of the sidewalk in front of the stores. I fell (very embarrassing!) and completely soaked my shirt. With a slight limp, we headed back a block to the sale rack at Banana Republic and I grabbed something else. Though embarrassing to fall, thankfully I fell near somewhere to shop
After a new shirt, we headed to see Avenue Q. What a riot! Funny, sweet, charming. Very adult humor. Loved it!! Sometimes you forget there are actors with the puppets (for those who haven’t heard of it, the show is like a very, very naughty Sesame Street.) The cast is just wonderful.
After the show, we decided to try Daniela’s based upon recommendations and the fact that it was around the corner. The food was great, and very reasonable for the Theatre District. After our late lunch, we were walking down 45th St (I think) and there was a large crowd gathered at a stage door for…Angela Lansbury! We stopped and got some photos.
After our celeb sighting, we went back to the hotel for a nap (and, in my case, some Advil.) The weather cleared up that evening and we decided to head to Times Square to gawk. I also needed to visit the Neaderlander Theatre, which is home to Rent, the show that started my love for musical theatre more than 10 years ago. I was surprisingly moved to see it. I had to pause and appreciate what Rent did to welcome young people to Broadway. We didn’t see Rent on this trip because I’ve seen it 3 other times, but I’m thinking of going back…
Monday
Our last day was Monday, and so we had breakfast (bagels and coffee,) checked out, gave the hotel our bags, and headed to the MoMA for a couple hours. It was fantastic. We had lunch from a cart, walked through FAO (I was in Big the Musical in high school, and had to see the paino.)
We strolled through Central Park, with frequent breaks to sit (we were very, very tired by this time) and enjoyed watching people go by. It was lovely, but we had to head back to the hotel. So we collected our bags, grabbed a taxi, and headed back to the airport. We were sad to leave NYC behind us, but...
I'm already planning another trip
Here's the rest of my trip:
Sunday
We were very tired Sunday morning, so my mom went to a deli and got bagels with (low fat) cream cheese and lox and iced coffee. Very inexpensive. We read the New York Times and had a leisurely morning. Despite the rainy forecast, we headed to 5th Ave and Central Park S. and thought we would take a stroll down 5th Ave to 45th St so I could drool over fashion. This is where we ran into some trouble. Though I always wear pumps at the theatre, I walk around in flip flops and carry my dress shoes in my bag. Well, it started to rain, and my fantastically comfortable, very broken-in, and apparently tread-less flip flops were no match for the slate areas of the sidewalk in front of the stores. I fell (very embarrassing!) and completely soaked my shirt. With a slight limp, we headed back a block to the sale rack at Banana Republic and I grabbed something else. Though embarrassing to fall, thankfully I fell near somewhere to shop
After a new shirt, we headed to see Avenue Q. What a riot! Funny, sweet, charming. Very adult humor. Loved it!! Sometimes you forget there are actors with the puppets (for those who haven’t heard of it, the show is like a very, very naughty Sesame Street.) The cast is just wonderful.
After the show, we decided to try Daniela’s based upon recommendations and the fact that it was around the corner. The food was great, and very reasonable for the Theatre District. After our late lunch, we were walking down 45th St (I think) and there was a large crowd gathered at a stage door for…Angela Lansbury! We stopped and got some photos.
After our celeb sighting, we went back to the hotel for a nap (and, in my case, some Advil.) The weather cleared up that evening and we decided to head to Times Square to gawk. I also needed to visit the Neaderlander Theatre, which is home to Rent, the show that started my love for musical theatre more than 10 years ago. I was surprisingly moved to see it. I had to pause and appreciate what Rent did to welcome young people to Broadway. We didn’t see Rent on this trip because I’ve seen it 3 other times, but I’m thinking of going back…
Monday
Our last day was Monday, and so we had breakfast (bagels and coffee,) checked out, gave the hotel our bags, and headed to the MoMA for a couple hours. It was fantastic. We had lunch from a cart, walked through FAO (I was in Big the Musical in high school, and had to see the paino.)
We strolled through Central Park, with frequent breaks to sit (we were very, very tired by this time) and enjoyed watching people go by. It was lovely, but we had to head back to the hotel. So we collected our bags, grabbed a taxi, and headed back to the airport. We were sad to leave NYC behind us, but...
I'm already planning another trip
Aug 6th, 2007, 10:48 AM
#6
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,874
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sorry about the fall, but funny about carrying shoes in your purse. We had about a 10 minute walk to the subway from our hotel, so on our first two "Broadway nights" I carried my two daughters' dressy shoes in my bag and they wore their flip flops (glad it was dry). During dinner at Becco, we passed various pairs of shoes back and forth under the table. I guess at some point in my life, I won't have to carry a "mom bag."
DS16 really wanted to see Rent, but we had DD11 with us. We could have split up and seen separate shows, but it was easy to find shows that we could all see. (Legally Blonde, Mary Poppins and Hairspray.) DS hated Legally Blonde (way too girly for him), and that is when he started longing aloud to see Rent. Next time we go (assuming there is a next time), all of the kids will be older, so there will be more choices of shows to see.)
DS16 really wanted to see Rent, but we had DD11 with us. We could have split up and seen separate shows, but it was easy to find shows that we could all see. (Legally Blonde, Mary Poppins and Hairspray.) DS hated Legally Blonde (way too girly for him), and that is when he started longing aloud to see Rent. Next time we go (assuming there is a next time), all of the kids will be older, so there will be more choices of shows to see.)
Aug 6th, 2007, 08:33 PM
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 361
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I hope your son has a chance to see RENT. I saw it for the first time on its first national tour when I was 13 (my brother was 16) and my mom still can't believe she took me when I was that age. If he can't see it in NYC, I hope he can see it when it tours.
I love that you carried shoes too! I would always stand on the sidewalk and take off my grubby flip flops and put on my pumps before each show. I don't know how people walk in the city in pumps - when I tried, my heel got stuck in a grate!
I love that you carried shoes too! I would always stand on the sidewalk and take off my grubby flip flops and put on my pumps before each show. I don't know how people walk in the city in pumps - when I tried, my heel got stuck in a grate!
Aug 7th, 2007, 10:39 AM
#9
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,206
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
what a "trip" report ! - glad you were not injured -
truthfully your report was delightful - also loved all your choices for shows and it seemed your experiences were just what you wanted all around, except of course being put on the restricted diet right before a vacation - !
truthfully your report was delightful - also loved all your choices for shows and it seemed your experiences were just what you wanted all around, except of course being put on the restricted diet right before a vacation - !
Aug 7th, 2007, 11:04 AM
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 361
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm glad you enjoyed reading my report! I start to smile when I even think about how much I enjoyed my trip.
Luckily my diet meant I did not spend very much money on food - so I spent it on other things! I had a grand time at the Broadway store near Times Square.
Luckily my diet meant I did not spend very much money on food - so I spent it on other things! I had a grand time at the Broadway store near Times Square.
