Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Trip Report Great Expectations: Trip Report, Day One...

I originally posted this at Tripadvisor, but I thought it might help a Fodorite who's planning a visit, so here it is.

“Great Expectations: Trip Report, Day One... ”
Apr 08, 2009,
My eighth visit: My sister-in-law Sheena and I arrived via Amtrak at Penn Station about 11:00 pm last Wednesday night and arrived safely back in Kentucky late Sunday night. (She's afraid to fly.) I think I can safely say that will be my last 15 hour trip on a train. It really is a crap shoot on whether you will be surrounded by talkers, cell phones, etc., and there's nowhere to go! My nerves were shot by the time we got home, and really, I just want to get to where I'm going as soon as possible. Fly me to the moon...

We stayed at Radio City Apartments, my fourth stay, and were very pleased. For $148 a night, we got two double beds, space, cleanliness, and a kitchen. I love the location as well, so it's always my first choice for a New York visit.

Thursday, April 2nd: Up early for "Live with Regis and Kelly" uptown. It was great fun, plus it's always interesting to see what it takes to put a show on the air. Marg Helgenberger was the first guest. (She's even prettier in person.) I remember her many moons ago on "Ryan's Hope" and then "China Beach." I don't know what she's doing to preserve herself, but she looks fantastic!

The two most recent couples to be booted off "Dancing with the Stars" were also on: Steve Wozniak and Holly Madison with their respective partners. They all danced the Argentine tango...and early in the morning, too! More power to 'em.

It was a lovely day, so we walked to the Met after the show. Central Park was just starting to bloom. We hadn't eaten yet, so we had lunch in the Met's cafeteria--about $13 for an Angus burger, fries, and a drink. It was delicious though and worth it for the convenience factor as well.

My mission this trip was to see the Vermeer paintings, all five of them, at the Met and to take my time perusing them. Mission accomplished! There happened to be an "Old Masters" tour, so we took it and eventually made it to my beloved Vermeer. I love his use of light and his realism. He captured a moment in time so beautifully. On my next trip, I want to go to the Frick because there are three more there. Eight Vermeers in New York City...what treasures!! Let me just encourage, okay nag, anyone who visits New York City to go to the Met. I think many people think they don't like museums, so they avoid it, or they think there won't be enough time to spend there. Wrong, wrong, wrong. :-) There are so many exhibits and pieces to appeal to everyone. Even one hour there is worth it. Go on a Highlights tour, or choose one or two of the various tours that are offered each day. You will easily find something to make your visit worthwhile.

Taxied back to the hotel to make a battle plan for the rest of the day. We felt surprisingly good even though we'd had an early morning start with a lot of walking, so we headed off to Toys R' Us. (I couldn't forget my girls at home, could I?) Jackpot! Buy one, get one free Loving Family Dollhouse accessories! You cannot imagine my joy at finding the minivan and Grandma. (Stop trying, you just can't.) With those things plus some other accessories and very cool SpongeBob tees, I knew that I would be welcomed home with much squealing and general hysteria...the good kind. That done, we headed off to get tickets for "The Marvelous Wonderettes" for Friday and "Phantom" for Saturday. Finally, back to the hotel again for a rest before tonight's show: "South Pacific." What can I say? I'm a musical nut.

Listen carefully. You can hear me attempting, badly, to whistle "There Is Nothing Like a Dame." Well, there's nothing like this production either. FABULOUS!! Run, run, run to "South Pacific." From the set design to the spot on cast and, of course, that classic score, it is an utter joy. I don't envy any producer and director who decide to revive a show that has stood the test of time. After all, it's already established a certain way in the hearts and minds of the audience. (Don't mess with our beloved memories!) But revive means to bring back to life, and there's an abundant freshness in this production. Laura Osnes had just the right amount of wide-eyed optimism and youthfulness for Nellie Forbush. Since I'd only seen her in the reality show that cast "Grease" a few years ago, I wasn't sure about her in the role of Nellie. Plus, I'll admit that I was disappointed that Kelli O'Hara had left before I could see her. I was wowed though with Laura's acting and vocal talent.

Everyone was so good, but I want to single out both Danny Burstein and Loretta Ables Sayre, who play Luther Billis and Bloody Mary. What wonderful performances! You can't take your eyes or ears off them when they're on stage. I think I'm developing a crush on Danny Burstein. (I adored him as Adolpho in "The Drowsy Chaperone.") And honestly, Loretta Sayre was born to play Bloody Mary. She absolutely embodies that character. I hated to leave "South Pacific." Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful production...

Well, that was just day one. Great expectations met. Are you sick of me yet? Time to rest my weary keyboard before I tackle day two. :-)

Robin