Besides other plays. I don't want to buy tickets to other plays still running, because who knows how long this strike will last.

I'm coming next Saturday with my husband and two college-age sons--too young for clubs. We have tickets for two Broadway plays. If the strike is still going on, I'd like to have some alternatives planned.

What areas are fun to walk around at night? Are stores open late? Where are the best movie theaters?

I simply can't believe this. My sons have never been to NYC, and I've been wanting to take them to Broadway plays forever. Oh, well....

It's a pity that Broadway is dark- but until the owners agree to negotiate with the union (and they don;t seem to want to do that - no matter how much they've already raised ticket prices - and their profits) that's the way it's going to be.

As for options in the evening, several of the museums have evening hours - check the Met and MoMA web site. There are also comedy clubs (check for rates and shows that allow below 21s) as well as a large number of places that have jazz and other types of music that kids can get into. (Not the trendy dance clubs.) Check Time Out New York and New York Magazine web sites for specifics for your dates.

Try timeoutny.com for things happening around town. It is a weekly mag that lists just about everything.

We LOVE the Zeigfield Theatre - movie house. It is a must for us on a rainy day regardless of what is playing.

I haven't been but hear the tenement museum is very interesting and a great history lesson about the city.

Bundle up and go to Brooklyn for pizza at Grimaldi's, wicked hot chocolate at Jaque Torres and a walk across the Brooklyn bridge to take in the evening skyline.

Good luck and hopefully by the end of the week everyone will be back to the business at hand, and that is serving the patrons like you and your family to some great theatre.

The cituation is devastating for everyone involved. With a little luck there will be no picket lines and you will see the shows you have been so looking forward to. If things do not resolve, I hope you can offer a little forgiveness to those stagehands who did all that they could to make the show go on while protecting their livelihoon. No one wanted this.

Safe journey. I hope it is filled with grande adventures.

'lani

Is Off-Broadway affected?

no

I have tickets for december for the Alvin Ailey Ballet (modern ballet dance) and from what I've heard it's great!!take a look at their website!

I adore Alvin Ailey. They are a fantastic dance company, always refreshing, always surprising and always filled with amazing talent. Good luck Kate!