Saturday ended up being a really low key day for us. Mom actually slept until 9:00, so we didn’t get up and get going until after 10:00. We decided to head to Chinatown for lunch, because I had been wanting to try soup dumplings for a long time. We ended up at Joe’s Shanghai, and unknowingly ordered two orders of the pork soup dumplings. WAY too much food. Two people can easily split one order.
For those of you who are curious, soup dumplings are Asian dumplings filled with pork and broth. You bite off the top of the dumpling, add a soy-ginger sauce to the broth, and try and eat the thing without squirting it everywhere. Very tricky, but especially tasty. They are served in a bamboo steamer, so they stay warm while you eat the others. We easily made a meal out of these.
After exploring Chinatown, we headed over to Chelsea Market – another staple on our visits to NYC. Mom and I buy a lot of oils and spices here because it is so much less expensive than at home. We also like buying the fresh pasta from the Italian market, because it’s so much more fresh and authentic than anything we can get in Texas. Unfortunately, both of my vices (Italian cookies and chocolate) were out of stock, so I couldn’t blow my diet. ;) Laden with bags once again, we grabbed a cab back to the hotel.
I ended up taking a nap Saturday afternoon, because I hadn’t slept exceptionally well on Friday night. Mom ended up napping too, and we slept until around 4:00. We got up, showered, and did our make up before heading to dinner. I decided to take her to one of my favourite places in Hell’s Kitchen, Empanada Mama.
Empanada Mama is a TINY restaurant with maybe 10 tables in the entire place, but it’s so tasty. I decided to try their pork empanadas this time, and they were even better than the beef I had last time! Incredible! Mom had the spicy chicken and the Cuban. We also ordered a medium pitcher of their red sangria. TASTY! Although… it was a LOT of sangria for the two of us. We had SEVERAL glasses, which helped keep me warm. ;) After dinner, we headed back to the hotel and got dressed for the theater.
We went to see Phantom of the Opera, as it’s definitely Mom’s favourite show. We had second row, center orchestra seats again. While I love Phantom, I was most disappointed with this cast. It was one of the weaker casts I’ve seen. However, I love the story, and the music is SO powerful, it’s hard to be truly disappointed. It was also Broadway Cares week, so I was able to get a new autographed poster for a donation to BC. (The prices have come down in this economy, lol.)
After Phantom, we headed to Sardi’s for our traditional post-Phantom dessert. As always, I ordered the profiteroles. They were especially good this time. We always do that, and anytime I have someone in NYC and we go see Phantom, I take them to Sardi’s after. It’s always fun to try and guess the celebrities from their caricatures on the wall. The service has always been good, too. I don’t know how their regular food is though.
Showing posts with label Broadway. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Broadway. Show all posts
14 March 2009
13 March 2009
Mother/Daughter NYC Trip, Day Two
Friday morning, we woke up around 8:00 and Mom was craving breakfast. We did a little research and ended up at Ellen’s Stardust Diner. The food was standard breakfast fare, and certainly no more expensive than what I pay at Café Brazil in Dallas, and most definitely better than what I had at Café Rouge a couple weeks ago in London. However, the real treat at Ellen’s Stardust Diner was the entertainment.
All the waiters and waitresses are most likely aspiring Broadway stars, and they sing while waiting on you. These guys and girls are truly talented, singing a myriad of oldies that everyone can enjoy. I figured this place would be a bit of a cliché and not worth its salt, but the singers were truly talented and made for a fun morning.
After breakfast, we set off for some serious shopping at Bloomingdale’s. We started on the top floor and worked our way down. I found two Ralph Lauren dresses in stock for $70 each, and the sales girl located another one I wanted in my size and offered to have it shipped to my house. Mom ended up with approximately $2000 worth of clothes for less than $300. No lie. With all the discounts, coupons, and sales, she saved a TON of money. Why can’t I ever find deals like that? Mom and I were both excited, because we were able to buy things in smaller sizes. Our weight loss is paying off. Mom also decided to get a makeover at YSL, since I let her try some of my products and she LOVED them. We spent a couple hours there and decided to take a cab back, instead of lugging our purchases through the streets.
After dropping everything off at the hotel, we headed downtown to Anbar Shoes. This place is incredible. They sell overstocks and last season’s shoes at a marked down price that continues to go down every 15 days or so. They had a pair of $700 Manolo’s for $249. I bought a pair of Lily Pulitzer shoes for spring for $125. The store is divided up by color, and prices range from $29-299. I saw several shoes that I would have loved to take home with me. I settled for the Lilys though, because they will go with so many things I already own and they will be great all spring and summer.
It was nearing 5:00 when we headed back uptown, so I suggested we go ahead and do dinner and beat the pre-theater crowds. We ended up at John’s Pizzeria, one of our favorite restaurants in the theater district. Within 30 minutes, there was a line out the door and starting to head down the block. It was just as good as always though.
We headed back to the hotel to get ready and stopped by the Center Stage Bar in the hotel to have a drink before heading down to the Nederlander Theater to see Guys and Dolls. The drinks were EXCELLENT, but very pricy at $14.00 each. The bar is in the middle of the hotel lobby, so it’s not really an intimate place, but it did the job. At 7:30, we headed towards the Nederlander, arriving in time for the show, but not so early that we had to wait in line.
Guys and Dolls was a fun show, though admittedly, it didn’t seem like it was ready to open. Both Oliver Platt and Lauren Graham looked a little lost on stage at times. THAT BEING SAID, Lauren Graham is BRILLIANT as Adelaide, and the show was really well done. I know a few people haven’t liked it, and it got trashed by the critics, but it’s a new spin on an old classic. The audience LOVED it, especially during Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat. I’ve never seen such enthusiasm from the crowd as there was during the curtain call. This is not an audience who hated the show, proving that critics don’t always know what they are talking about. It just goes to show that we don’t need the sex, violence, and language to have a good show. It’s a fun show – see it with a discount, they’re readily available on Broadwaybox.com.
After the show, my mom and I hung out at the stage door in hopes of getting Lauren Graham’s autograph. We did! She and Kate Jennings Grant were both very personable and signed autographs for awhile. Oliver Platt didn’t stay as long, but he did sign a few. We were so excited about getting Lauren Graham’s autograph – we absolutely love her on Gilmore Girls.
Not a bad Friday the 13th for us!
All the waiters and waitresses are most likely aspiring Broadway stars, and they sing while waiting on you. These guys and girls are truly talented, singing a myriad of oldies that everyone can enjoy. I figured this place would be a bit of a cliché and not worth its salt, but the singers were truly talented and made for a fun morning.
After breakfast, we set off for some serious shopping at Bloomingdale’s. We started on the top floor and worked our way down. I found two Ralph Lauren dresses in stock for $70 each, and the sales girl located another one I wanted in my size and offered to have it shipped to my house. Mom ended up with approximately $2000 worth of clothes for less than $300. No lie. With all the discounts, coupons, and sales, she saved a TON of money. Why can’t I ever find deals like that? Mom and I were both excited, because we were able to buy things in smaller sizes. Our weight loss is paying off. Mom also decided to get a makeover at YSL, since I let her try some of my products and she LOVED them. We spent a couple hours there and decided to take a cab back, instead of lugging our purchases through the streets.
After dropping everything off at the hotel, we headed downtown to Anbar Shoes. This place is incredible. They sell overstocks and last season’s shoes at a marked down price that continues to go down every 15 days or so. They had a pair of $700 Manolo’s for $249. I bought a pair of Lily Pulitzer shoes for spring for $125. The store is divided up by color, and prices range from $29-299. I saw several shoes that I would have loved to take home with me. I settled for the Lilys though, because they will go with so many things I already own and they will be great all spring and summer.
It was nearing 5:00 when we headed back uptown, so I suggested we go ahead and do dinner and beat the pre-theater crowds. We ended up at John’s Pizzeria, one of our favorite restaurants in the theater district. Within 30 minutes, there was a line out the door and starting to head down the block. It was just as good as always though.
We headed back to the hotel to get ready and stopped by the Center Stage Bar in the hotel to have a drink before heading down to the Nederlander Theater to see Guys and Dolls. The drinks were EXCELLENT, but very pricy at $14.00 each. The bar is in the middle of the hotel lobby, so it’s not really an intimate place, but it did the job. At 7:30, we headed towards the Nederlander, arriving in time for the show, but not so early that we had to wait in line.
Guys and Dolls was a fun show, though admittedly, it didn’t seem like it was ready to open. Both Oliver Platt and Lauren Graham looked a little lost on stage at times. THAT BEING SAID, Lauren Graham is BRILLIANT as Adelaide, and the show was really well done. I know a few people haven’t liked it, and it got trashed by the critics, but it’s a new spin on an old classic. The audience LOVED it, especially during Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat. I’ve never seen such enthusiasm from the crowd as there was during the curtain call. This is not an audience who hated the show, proving that critics don’t always know what they are talking about. It just goes to show that we don’t need the sex, violence, and language to have a good show. It’s a fun show – see it with a discount, they’re readily available on Broadwaybox.com.
After the show, my mom and I hung out at the stage door in hopes of getting Lauren Graham’s autograph. We did! She and Kate Jennings Grant were both very personable and signed autographs for awhile. Oliver Platt didn’t stay as long, but he did sign a few. We were so excited about getting Lauren Graham’s autograph – we absolutely love her on Gilmore Girls.
Not a bad Friday the 13th for us!
10 March 2009
Persistence and the great ticket search!
My persistence has finally paid off! I found Mom, Ashley, and I tickets to see South Pacific at Lincoln Center without having to use a broker or ticket service! For weeks, Telecharge (the official box office) has listed this show as sold out. Today, while making the rounds to check tickets for Jersey Boys, Wicked, and South Pacific, I found tickets 5 rows from stage almost center orchestra!!!! I can’t wait! We’ll be seeing the Sunday matinee. How FUN is that?!?
Moral of the story?
Don’t ever give up. :-D
(This happened to me while looking for Wicked NY tickets in 2007... Sold out, sold out, sold out, until 2 premium seats opened up.)
Moral of the story?
Don’t ever give up. :-D
(This happened to me while looking for Wicked NY tickets in 2007... Sold out, sold out, sold out, until 2 premium seats opened up.)
05 March 2009
Mother/Daughter NYC Trip
In one week, Mom and I are headed off to New York City for a long weekend. Several times throughout college, we spent my spring break there, and Mom has been missing that trip, so off we go. We’re going to see the newly opened Guys and Dolls with Lauren Graham and Phantom. I’m working on tickets to Jersey Boys, South Pacific, or Wicked… though admittedly, I am hesitant to go through a broker. It’s truly unfortunate that New York passed the legalization of scalping, because ticket prices have climbed even higher than usual. I’d really love for Mom to see Jersey Boys, but not at $250/ticket. I could buy premium seats from the theater for $300/each if I wanted to pay that. It used to be that you couldn’t sell for a certain amount over the face value of the ticket. Now all that is gone. Grrrr.
I am looking forward to our trip, but truthfully, I go to New York so often that it’s hard for me to be REALLY excited. I told Mom that we need to look into going elsewhere after this. I’d really love to take her to London, because she would love the West End theater, and we could mix it up a little. Maybe next year.
I still have a lot of holes to fill in on our schedule, but it’s a start I suppose.
March 12, 2009
March 13, 2009
March 14, 2009
March 15, 2009
March 16, 2009
I am looking forward to our trip, but truthfully, I go to New York so often that it’s hard for me to be REALLY excited. I told Mom that we need to look into going elsewhere after this. I’d really love to take her to London, because she would love the West End theater, and we could mix it up a little. Maybe next year.
I still have a lot of holes to fill in on our schedule, but it’s a start I suppose.
March 12, 2009
- Arrive LGA, transfer to hotel
- 7:45 – dinner reservations at Ruth’s Chris
- Empire State Building or Top of the Rock
March 13, 2009
- Shopping day!
- Chelsea Market
- Dinner – tentatively Empanada Mama, Hells Kitchen
- 8:00 pm – Guys and Dolls, Nederlander Theater
March 14, 2009
- Late lunch at Peter Luger's, Brooklyn
- 8:00 pm – Phantom of the Opera, Majestic Theater
- Dessert at Sardi’s after the show
March 15, 2009
- Costume Institute at the Met
- 3:00 – South Pacific, Vivian Beaumont Theater, Lincoln Center
March 16, 2009
- Lunch at Grimaldi’s, Brooklyn
- Walk back across Brooklyn Bridge
- Transfer to LGA, flight home
26 December 2008
New York, New York -- Day One
We arrived into Newark 30 minutes early, so I was on the AirTrain by the time I was supposed to actually be arriving. I love the AirTrain -- it's so easy. The ticket costs $15, which is substantially less than a cab from JFK or LGA, depending on the time of day. It puts me in Penn Station, which is one subway stop dowtown from my hotel. It works perfectly.
I arrived at the Marriott during a peak time, and there were many people in line around me. My king corner room wasn't ready, and I wouldn't be able to check in until after 4, so I went ahead and accepted a regular room. Last time I did this, the guy at the desk gave me a fantastic room with THE view. This time, the [snide] girl at the desk gave me a terrible room. I am very disappointed, but I don't want to complain. For as little as I'm here, it will do. They are out of their mind if they think I would pay $600+ for this room on the 31st though. I still haven't talked to reservations about extending my reservation. Ah well.
Anyway, the first thing I've seen this trip is The Fantasticks, which is playing off-Broadway at the Jerry Orbach Snapple Theater right down the street from Wicked. My best friend Kristin LOVES The Fantasticks, and she sent me the original cast recording some years ago that featured Jerry Orbach. (I would have DIED to see him in it.) Anyway, Kristin had told me the theater was small, but I didn't realize what she meant by small, so when I was able to secure 2nd row center orchestra seats, I was stoked!
I walked into the theater tonight and was I shocked. I was practically sitting on the stage! There is not a seat in that theater with a bad view.
And now I must say this, if you haven't seen The Fantasticks, you need to RUN (not walk!) to see this show. The cast was SUPERB. Seriously. When they started singing "Try to Remember", I got chills. I absolutely love that song, and it always makes me think of New York when I hear it... It's an absolutely beautiful song. At any rate, although El Gallo wasn't Jerry Orbach, he still gave me chills when he sang it.
Try to remember the kind of September
When life was slow and oh, so mellow.
Try to remember the kind of September
When grass was green and grain was yellow.
Try to remember the kind of September
When you were a tender and callow fellow.
Try to remember, and if you remember,
Then follow.
Try to remember when life was so tender
That no one wept except the willow.
Try to remember when life was so tender
That dreams were kept beside your pillow.
Try to remember when life was so tender
That love was an ember about to billow.
Try to remember, and if you remember,
Then follow.
Deep in December, it's nice to remember,
Although you know the snow will follow.
Deep in December, it's nice to remember,
Without a hurt the heart is hollow.
Deep in December, it's nice to remember,
The fire of September that made us mellow.
Deep in December, our hearts should remember
And follow.
Every time Louisa came on stage, I couldn't help but smile like the child I am on the inside. She reminded me a lot of myself... and even, a little bit of Glinda from Wicked. Just blonde with those beautiful rose colored glasses that only children can have. How beautiful it all is. The fathers made me grin, and I think that Soctt Robins would be AWESOME as Louisa's father. In fact, everytime I looked at him, all I could see was Scott. Weird! They were both so talented -- who couldn't help but smile when Louisa's father was watering his plants and Matt's father was clipping them. Matt's father reminded me of my great grandfather, which also made me smile.
Finally, the two "actors"... The only discrepancy I noticed was that the "Rape Ballet" has been renamed to the "Abduction". I'm sure that this has to do with the PC-ness of the term. At any rate, both the Indian and the "man in the light" (I'll call him that for lack of a better term) were FANTASTIC(K)! I loved when the Indian did his death scenes. He was so good. If they ever do a revival of Annie Get Your Gun again, I'm nominating THAT GUY for the chief!
Finally, "the Mute". How he stood as the wall for as long as he did without noticeably flinching, I will NEVER know. He pulled it off though! His role is fairly large, as he's constantly throwing confetti around to change the seasons, but he does so without being obtrusive and stealing the limelight from the cast. Well done, Mute.
The story line is one that is so simplistic and beautiful, it's unable for me to fathom how anyone couldn't love this musical, if not just for the songs, "Try to Remember", "They Were You", and "Plant a Radish". It's a beautiful show, performed with a minimalistic set and orchestra, a stellar cast, and beautiful music. I wouldn't miss this one if I were you.
Ironically, the worst part of the entire night were the Negative Nellies I was seated around, who saw it fit to go through the Playbill and complain about every, single show they have seen. Seriously?! If it's that bad, why go? I can only think of one show that I didn't truly love every moment of, but this isn't it.
Go see The Fantasticks. Take your kids to introduce them to theater. It's wholesome, family-friendly fun for everyone. I can only imagine how incredible it would be for a child to sit in that tiny theater and feel as if the entire cast was performing only for them.
It's what I felt like, and I'm 26. ;)
After The Fantasticks, I came back to the hotel for a nice long soak. My legs were pretty stiff after all that walking -- it usually takes me a day or two to get my "NYC legs".
I arrived at the Marriott during a peak time, and there were many people in line around me. My king corner room wasn't ready, and I wouldn't be able to check in until after 4, so I went ahead and accepted a regular room. Last time I did this, the guy at the desk gave me a fantastic room with THE view. This time, the [snide] girl at the desk gave me a terrible room. I am very disappointed, but I don't want to complain. For as little as I'm here, it will do. They are out of their mind if they think I would pay $600+ for this room on the 31st though. I still haven't talked to reservations about extending my reservation. Ah well.
Anyway, the first thing I've seen this trip is The Fantasticks, which is playing off-Broadway at the Jerry Orbach Snapple Theater right down the street from Wicked. My best friend Kristin LOVES The Fantasticks, and she sent me the original cast recording some years ago that featured Jerry Orbach. (I would have DIED to see him in it.) Anyway, Kristin had told me the theater was small, but I didn't realize what she meant by small, so when I was able to secure 2nd row center orchestra seats, I was stoked!
I walked into the theater tonight and was I shocked. I was practically sitting on the stage! There is not a seat in that theater with a bad view.
And now I must say this, if you haven't seen The Fantasticks, you need to RUN (not walk!) to see this show. The cast was SUPERB. Seriously. When they started singing "Try to Remember", I got chills. I absolutely love that song, and it always makes me think of New York when I hear it... It's an absolutely beautiful song. At any rate, although El Gallo wasn't Jerry Orbach, he still gave me chills when he sang it.
Try to remember the kind of September
When life was slow and oh, so mellow.
Try to remember the kind of September
When grass was green and grain was yellow.
Try to remember the kind of September
When you were a tender and callow fellow.
Try to remember, and if you remember,
Then follow.
Try to remember when life was so tender
That no one wept except the willow.
Try to remember when life was so tender
That dreams were kept beside your pillow.
Try to remember when life was so tender
That love was an ember about to billow.
Try to remember, and if you remember,
Then follow.
Deep in December, it's nice to remember,
Although you know the snow will follow.
Deep in December, it's nice to remember,
Without a hurt the heart is hollow.
Deep in December, it's nice to remember,
The fire of September that made us mellow.
Deep in December, our hearts should remember
And follow.
Every time Louisa came on stage, I couldn't help but smile like the child I am on the inside. She reminded me a lot of myself... and even, a little bit of Glinda from Wicked. Just blonde with those beautiful rose colored glasses that only children can have. How beautiful it all is. The fathers made me grin, and I think that Soctt Robins would be AWESOME as Louisa's father. In fact, everytime I looked at him, all I could see was Scott. Weird! They were both so talented -- who couldn't help but smile when Louisa's father was watering his plants and Matt's father was clipping them. Matt's father reminded me of my great grandfather, which also made me smile.
Finally, the two "actors"... The only discrepancy I noticed was that the "Rape Ballet" has been renamed to the "Abduction". I'm sure that this has to do with the PC-ness of the term. At any rate, both the Indian and the "man in the light" (I'll call him that for lack of a better term) were FANTASTIC(K)! I loved when the Indian did his death scenes. He was so good. If they ever do a revival of Annie Get Your Gun again, I'm nominating THAT GUY for the chief!
Finally, "the Mute". How he stood as the wall for as long as he did without noticeably flinching, I will NEVER know. He pulled it off though! His role is fairly large, as he's constantly throwing confetti around to change the seasons, but he does so without being obtrusive and stealing the limelight from the cast. Well done, Mute.
The story line is one that is so simplistic and beautiful, it's unable for me to fathom how anyone couldn't love this musical, if not just for the songs, "Try to Remember", "They Were You", and "Plant a Radish". It's a beautiful show, performed with a minimalistic set and orchestra, a stellar cast, and beautiful music. I wouldn't miss this one if I were you.
Ironically, the worst part of the entire night were the Negative Nellies I was seated around, who saw it fit to go through the Playbill and complain about every, single show they have seen. Seriously?! If it's that bad, why go? I can only think of one show that I didn't truly love every moment of, but this isn't it.
Go see The Fantasticks. Take your kids to introduce them to theater. It's wholesome, family-friendly fun for everyone. I can only imagine how incredible it would be for a child to sit in that tiny theater and feel as if the entire cast was performing only for them.
It's what I felt like, and I'm 26. ;)
After The Fantasticks, I came back to the hotel for a nice long soak. My legs were pretty stiff after all that walking -- it usually takes me a day or two to get my "NYC legs".
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