Ellen, <BR> <BR>Great review!!! I was hoping you would post...thank you! A pity Mr. Broderick was ill; but wonderful for you his understudy did a wonderful job with the role. Personally think I would be crushed if Nathan Lane took ill... <BR>Our seats are 'so-so' 15th row Orch. (on the right). Tried to cajole better seats; we are so eager to see the play while Lane/Broderick are still in the cast. <BR>A good friend saw "The Full Monty" and like you, has encouraged us to purchase tickets (which we may do while we are in NY later in April). <BR> <BR>

Elaine - 15th row right orchestra is fine. I had 3rd row & thought it was a bit too close. Would have preferred 5th to 8th. Sometimes, as in this show, it is better not to be too close (5th to 10th rows would be ideal) since you don't get the full impact of the staging. Then of course there is that 'spit factor' : - ) <BR>I think Full Monty is right across the street from Producers which would make it easy to get tickets. Again, center orchestra 5th - 8th -even if you have to wait a few months. It's worth it. By the way, I think Nathan & Matthew are into the show for a one year contract.

Dare I return to the question at hand! <BR>I, too, would recommend the Bryant Park Grill. Food and ambience are good. Definitely make reservations (212-840-6500). I'd suggest an 11:30-11:45 a.m. reservation, which will give you time for a leisurely meal and then a 10-15 minute stroll to the theater on West 44th Street (between Broadway and Eighth Avenue).

Howard, <BR> <BR>Thanks for your reply. <BR>I have made brunch reservations at Bryant Park Grill (fix price@25) at 11:30am. Since the performance is 2pm, we can park in a lot, walk to the restaurant and to the theater. I have no desire to take a cab, as we are on such a tight schedule.

Would Bryant Park Grill also be appropriate for a casual lunch before a Saturday matinee? (I can't imagine why not, unless they're REALLY specialized!) <BR> <BR>We're going out for a pretty nice meal Saturday night, so don't want to eat too much before the show...any other ideas would be great. Thanks

Bryant Park Grill would been fine on Saturday, as well. <BR>You might also try the old-favorite Joe Allen's on West 46th Street, or a place quite similar to Joe Allen's called Sam's on West 45th Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenue). We think its menu is better than Joe Allen's.

Kelly, plug in this URL for some info about Bryant Park Grill: http://www.bryantparkgrill.com/our_r...park/index.cfm

Thanks so much Howard and Caitlin. Bryant Park Grill's menu looks wonderful and pretty reasonable. We'll definitely stop in before one of our shows. How soon would we need reservations (going in mid-April). Back to Sunday Brunch, we're happy to spend a little more since this will be our "last meal" in NYC. Where would we get the best atmosphere for our last hurrah...Rhiga Royal, Tavern on the Green, etc? Thanks again.

Kelly, to play safe, I would make the reservations a couple weeks in advance. You can always cancel if your plans change.

Not sure what you're looking for in terms of atmosphere, or atmosphere vs. food quality, but it looks like you're planning on one of the lavish buffet brunches. Thr Rhiga has nice views--if you're close to a window. The Palm Court at the Plaza has the classic New York hotel opulence. Cafe Botanica at the Essex House is a beautiful setting, like being in an indoor garden with trellises, a fountain, and flowers everywhere. All have good food. For great food and a serene and elegant atmosphere with a harpist, Peacock Alley at the Waldorf Astoria. Though tourists do seem to love it, I really can't recomend Tavern on the Green. You'll have much better food elsewhere. I'd say reserve a week in advance for your Saturday lunch and Sunday brunch, and earlier never hurts. As Howard said, you can always cancel.

Ellen and Howard, <BR> <BR>Thank you both for suggesting Bryant Park Grill. We dined there yesterday for Sunday brunch and we would most definitely return. Should anyone dine here on Sunday (if you should be driving into Manhattan), there is a parking garage directly across the street. Price for 7 1/2 hours is $16.75 <BR>Note to Ellen: <BR>"The Producers" exceeded our expectations!

Glad you enjoyed the day. Saw Producers again with Matthew in it this time. Excellent of course. Can also add Bells are Ringing to your list of things to see. Loved it.