Going Solo in New York City

My most recent theater excursion to the Big Apple ended up being a solo trip at the last minute. While it wasn't the first time I've gone alone, it was the first time I was there for a whole weekend by myself. It was an experience, I learned a lot, and I thought I'd share.

Going Solo in New York City

GETTING THERE: The trip started with catching Amtrak in Baltimore. It was packed - the station announced single seats only in advance of the train's arrival. So had I been traveling with my usual partner in crime, we wouldn't have been able to sit together, anyway. But I tell you what, the two and a half hour trip with no one to talk to feels like an eternity! The guy next to me was thoroughly engrossed in a movie and had his ear pods in, so chatting him up wasn't an option.

Thank goodness my usual companion was available to text with, and he helped me navigate the subway. Now, dear reader, you might wonder how a 40+ year veteran of New York trips could possibly need help getting on the subway between Moynihan Station and the Times Square area. Well, I wanted to make a specific stop, and I was a little off kilter having to fend for myself.

THINGS I LEARNED:

• Even though I live alone and work from home - I spend a lot of time alone, I realized I am not good having no one to talk to when I'm excited for a trip!
• Another realization that I'm not proud of is that despite hundreds of trips on the New York subway, I really don't pay attention that closely to which trains I take, and rely on whoever I'm with to pick the right one. I need to work on that...

STAYING THERE: Of course, your mileage may vary, but when I got to my hotel and told them I'd be alone, they gave me a room with a king sized bed instead of one with 2 doubles. Very comfortable! Another perk of solo travel is being able to sleep in and stay up as late as I wanted. 

SOMETHING I LEARNED:

• You don't know if upgrades are possible unless you ask. I guess that's true no matter how many in your party, and maybe they took pity on me...

EATING THERE: One good thing about going to New York by yourself is that you get full say on where, when and what you eat! Another benefit is that no one even blinks when you say, "Party of one!" Around where I live, I think I'd feel pretty uncomfortable at a sit down restaurant by myself, but in the Big Apple, they are ready to accommodate you with a table or a place at the bar. 

THINGS I LEARNED:

• It may be in my head, but every meal I had came with the best service. Not too bothersome, but always attentive.
• Sitting at the bar gives you more to do than sitting at a table alone. There's TV to watch (sometimes), or you can watch the bartender make drinks - one of my favorite things to do. It is relaxing. And then there's your fellow patrons, many of whom are more than willing to chat!
• One downside is that there's no one to talk about the show you've just seen. I love post-show critiquing. 
• One upside is that there's a fair chance that others at the bar have just seen the same show - especially when you go to a bar that is near the theater you just left! It happened just that way twice on this trip. It is interesting to hear others' opinions, even (or maybe especially) when they don't agree with mine.

PRO TIP(S):

There are about a billion places to eat and drink in the theater district. Here are the places I ate that were all just as great alone as they are when I'm with someone.

• Pre-show dinner (top): Junior's (either location in the area) though this time I ate at the one on Broadway. Close to most theaters, this location is closest to the Winter Garden, and a brief walk to my first show that weekend, Maybe Happy Ending at the Belasco. This location also offers more counter space for single diners, with both space at the bar and at a long, high-top counter.
• Post-matinee meal (bottom, left): The Glass House Tavern, directly across from the Barrymore, where I had just seen Our Town. I always enjoy the lower-level bar area. The atmosphere is great, the bartenders are...generous...and they have a terrific bar food menu, with a decent variety (the burgers are excellent!).
• Sunday dinner (bottom, right): Hurley's, home to multiple seating levels, including twin bars that are very long with tons of seating. They are also generous with their pours, and their pub menu has a great variety of things, with equally generous portions. I can recommend both the fish and chips and the Shepard's pie!

GOING TO THE SHOW:

Well, in some ways, solo or with a group, theater going is the same. After all, you can't talk to each other during the performance. But there is something special about sharing a live experience with a friend or loved one. And boy, intermissions are long when there's no one to talk to!

PRO-TIP:

• If you find yourself with extra tickets at the last minute, I can highly recommend using the Theatr app. It's easy to put your ticket up for sale, and it is safe - no money issues on my end. It's also great for snagging last minute tickets for yourself, often at a substantial discount. A win-win, if you ask me!
• Side-note: I sat next to three purchasers of my extra tickets, and they were all nice. Plus, it was a great conversation starter!

Would I do it again? Maybe. But it sure is more fun with someone to share it with.

Have you ever done a solo trip to see shows? I'd love to hear your thoughts and "insider" tips!

Traditions and Institutions Gone Forever

The Automat

When my parents reflect upon trips to New York City the regale me with stories of trips to the old Yankee Stadium, the wooden escalators at Macy's and eating at the Automat.  "Nothing like seeing the greatest Yankees to ever play the game play it there!" my father will gush.  "Those steps were so worn and indented by the feet of passengers, you could tell just where to stand on that escalator!" Mom would laugh.  And, inevitably, they'd say in unison, "The Automat had the best mashed potatoes and apple pie!  And only 10 cents each!"  Then the smiles would fade slightly, and they's shake their heads slowly.  "New York City was never the same after they closed those Automats."

The Menu from the original Mamma Leone's

For me, the nostalgia hits every time I walk down 48th Street, to this day.  That's where the legendary Mamma Leone's Ristorante was before they closed  the original location and attempted a remount at the Milford Plaza, adjacent to The Phantom of the Opera.  I suppose real New Yorkers would scoff and say it was a tourist trap.  I'd agree with them about the hotel location. I tried it just once.  It was all I needed - it was a pale imitation at best. In theater parlance, I'd say it was a bus-and-truck revival compared to the original.  Apparently, I was not alone in feeling that way.  It closed and did not reopen in 1994.

Mamma Leone's on 48th Street, circa 1980

Ah, but the original!  To this day, I can taste the AMAZING meat sauce, see the tuxedo-ed maitre d, hear the strolling musicians, and marvel at the catacomb-like floor plan.  You went up and down stairs though what felt like a maze, past room after room of tables, some so small there were only two tables.  It was crowded, noisy, and smelled like an Italian kitchen, garlic and sausage heavy in the air.  After it closed on 48th Street, they tore down most of the block, a gaping hole left for months.  I visited the space once, and shook my head.  "New York City will never be the same." (It was particularly memorable because that was the day I realized that as an adult, I'd frequently sound just like my parents!)

The corner of Broadway and West 49th Street

I suspect that the first time I walk past the Brill Building and see that Colony Records is no longer there, I will feel that same twinge of happy memories and sad nostalgia.  It is just a staple of visiting Times Square.  It is the place where I bought the Original Cast Recording of Anyone Can Whistle ON VINYL!  God knows you couldn't get such a rarity at Sam Goody's or Waxy Maxie's at the local mall.  For years, I'd go in there and marvel at the selection of Broadway records, then cassettes, then CDs.  (I also bought Anyone Can Whistle on CD there, for the same reasons!)  And I loved the smell of all that sheet music - musty, but newer than a public library smell.  And I'd marvel at the the vocal scores - row after row - and even more at the individual songs, each with the Broadway logo and only the song title to help tell the difference.  "Who would ever buy just one song?" I'd wonder naively, until the day I saw Karen Ziemba in the store mulling over the single songs and talking to her friend about an upcoming audition.

The aisles of sheet music at Colony Records

We all know and understand the reason why Colony Records is closing.  Everything they sell is easier to get and so much cheaper on the Internet.  I know that is the reason why I pretty much stopped going in there, unless it was to warm up during a freezing day in the city.  I haven't purchased a thing from the store in years.  And despite understanding why, I can't help but feel a little guilty, I guess.  But even more than that, I feel sad, and very nostalgic.  Where I live, there is literally no store left to go buy a CD at - even Best Buy has less shelf space for such antiquities these days.  I miss going to a record store and browsing through the bins, discovering new releases and remembering past shows with the regular stock.  As gratifying as it is to get a package from Amazon.com and loving the price, nothing matches going to the store and picking it out for yourself.  And I know that the CD's days are numbered, too.

But for now, I need some time to get over another step in progress, and the end of an institution and tradition.  The day the reddish-pink and blue neon goes out on the corner of Broadway and West 49th Street for the last time, no one will ever be able to say, "I found it at Colony!" again.

New York City will never be the same again.


BEFORE YOU GO, HAVE YOU...

• ...VOTED IN THIS WEEK'S HOT/HOTTER?  CLICK HERE FOR THE DOGFIGHT EDITION!
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Jeff

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Rod and Ricky's Wedding Album

Sunday, July 24 was the first day same-sex couples could be legally married in the state of New York.  Broadway's first couple to take full advantage of the new law was Avenue Q's Rod and Ricky.  They were married just prior to last Sunday's matinee.  Here, courtesy of Playbill Online and photographer Peter James Zielinski is a "wedding album" to commemorate the historic, joyous occasion.

ROD and RICKY's

WEDDING DAY

July 24, 2011

(TOP) Rod and his right-hand man, Howie Michael Smith

(BOTTOM) Ricky and his best man, Jed Resnick

The Wedding Party waits for their turn at City Hall!

Kate Monster and her best friend, Jennifer Barnhart.

Jed Resnick, Groom-to-Be Ricky,

Howie Michael Smith and Groom-to-Be Rod

It's almost time!  All those performances of

Avenue Q together must help the pre-wedding jitters.

They all look so happy and calm!

Best Men Jed Resnick and Howie Michael Smith and

bridesmaids Jennifer Barnhart and Kate Monster

look on as Officiant Amy Hausman performs

Rod and Ricky's marriage ceremony.

As Rod and Ricky move one step closer to wedded bliss,

Kate Monster daydreams that one day

it will be her and Princeton at the altar.

Officiant Hausman presents the newlyweds

with their Certificate of Marriage.

Will Kate Monster catch the bouquet?

Rod must be pleased - a conservative blue sash marks

the special day for NY's very first same-sex puppet

married couple.  Their best men are all smiles, too!

Those AQ boys never turn down a photo op.

Rod, Ricky and Kate Monster discuss

equality for all citizens - be they human,

puppet or monster - live on CNN.

The happy couple poses for one last shot.  Look at those rings!

Rod and Ricky share a quiet moment together

before they start their new lives as husbands.

And what better way to start than a performance

of the show that brought them together -

Avenue Q!

And who doesn't record their wedding these days?  Here is the whole ceremony!

 

Avenue Q continues its record-breaking run at New World Stages.  Congratulations to all of NY's newest married couples!

Rate this blog below, and leave your comments here, by email at jkstheatrescene@yahoo.com or Tweet me!

Jeff

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NY PhotoScene: Taxi Tops

Here's something random...

On a recent trip to NYC, I got some photos of taxis that are advertising Broadway shows.  I'm not sure why I find these so intriguing.  But I do.

I had more, but they were blurry.  These were taken by my buddy, Mike.

In later blogs, I'll share other Broadway-related photos that intrigue me... like Shubert Alley... Broadway posters on trash cans...

I really need to get out more!  Enjoy!

Comments?  Leave one here, email me at jkstheatrescene@yahoo.com or Tweet me!
Jeff
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What Else to Do In NYC? Bowling, Of Course!

You may have noticed the large neon man protruding out of the old New York Times building on 44th Street, directly across from Shubert Alley.  I know I did, and I was intrigued.  We New Englanders love us some bowling, so I had to check it out.  As it turns out, you are welcome - in the morning and afternoon - to take a tour of Bowlmor Lanes - Times Square.  Even just on tour the place is amazing.  (NOTE: Click on any of the pictures below to enlarge them!)

It takes up two floors of what used to be the reporters' desks for The New York Times, which ceased to be made at that location in 2007.  Anyway, this is NOT the old bowling alley down the street, folks.  This is an all out entertainment mecca for bowlers of all skill levels and interest. 

The Stadium Grill

There is a full sized sports bar/restaurant - The Stadium Grill; there's also the Tribeca Loft Nightclub that includes a stage for entertainers to perform on (usually for private parties, but open to the public otherwise), and each floor has a bar/lounge for those who are waiting for a lane to open up.  And there is a full sized store for all of your Bowlmor Lanes shopping needs, too!

Notice the large pillars and low ceilings in the vintage photo

Those same pillars are decorated

per room -in this case, Chinatown

Oh, yeah.  It's a bowling alley, too.  In fact, it sports not one, but two registration desks/shoe rental places.  What would bowling be without those so ugly they're cute bowling shoes to rent?  And this place doesn't just have lanes.  No, it has 50 lanes spread out over two floors in 7 themed rooms - I'm telling you it is the Disney World of bowling.  Each room is decorated like an aspect of New York City history and culture : Central Park, Times Square, Chinatown, the Subway, Art Deco, New York Pop Culture and Prohibition Lanes.  What really makes these lanes unique is that they work despite really low ceilings.

And what sets this bowling experience apart from all others is the ambiance.  Ever do "Midnight Madness" at your local alley, where they turn of the lights, blare music and turn on the black lights so everything glows in the dark?  Well, take that to a more chic, exciting level.  Here,  the lights are low, the music is loud, the gutters are lined with racing red lights, and above the pin set are gigantic TV screens that show a wide variety of sporting events and other things.

The lane that is right against these pillars was where we bowled!

Lane 43!

The night we went, we were in the Art Deco Lanes, on an alley right next to giant pillars, art deco-ed from floor to ceiling.  The tall leather banquettes were comfortable seating, but the games there are fast.  You really seem to move to the pace of the room.  It was loud, it was exciting and it was fun.  Even the score screens are fun.  They tell you how fast you threw the last ball!

Like most bowling alleys you have to rent shoes ($6.75 for the night), but the balls are interesting... there are probably 2 dozen at each pair of lanes of all different weights - green balls, for example, are all 12 pounders.  But what makes them interesting is that once you know what weight you want, you have a choice on each ball of where to put your fingers.  There are two sets of three holes on each ball, small, medium and large!  Once you get used to it, the bowling itself is as fun and challenging (if not more so) as anyplace you've ever been.

The Uptown Bar and Lounge

The first time I went there, I just toured the place.  At that time, they were charging a per half hour rate.  On a Saturday night (the second time I went) they charged a $5.00 door fee, and it was per game.  Now here's the not too surprising part.  It is expensive.  It is $12.95 per game.  Yes.  $12.95. Per game.  So it isn't something I, at least, will get to do every time I come to the city.  And it may be cheaper in the morning or afternoon.  I love bowling so before the show, between shows and after the show are all good for me.  Still, it is pricey.  But the entire experience was worth it, and I am already looking forward to going back.  (If you can go on a Monday night, between 9pm - 1am, $24.00 will get you shoes and unlimited bowling.  And every evening there is a happy hour with drinks and appetizer specials.)

The night Mike and I went, with the cover charge, 1 shoe rental (I brought my own), 2 drinks and six games came to just under $100.00.  Again, it was a fun treat.  And we will do it again, I'm sure.  Next time, I think we might actually eat something there, too.  And all things considered, none of the prices on the menu were shocking or even remotely out of line.  It's not inexpensive like the Edison Cafe, but it isn't like Gallagher's Steakhouse, either, where an a la carte baked potato will run you $8.00).

Here's a map of the place

Even if all you do is go in and look around, it is a cool experience.  And it is a welcome addition to the Times Square area.  For more information, like hours and specials go to http://www.bowlmor.com/.

If you go, let us know what you think!  What other places do you like to go before, between or after shows?  Please write in and share your favorite things to do!


Comments?  Leave one here, email me at jkstheatrescene@yahoo.com or Tweet me!
Jeff

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A Weekend in the City, Saturday Afternoon

THIS IS IN TWO PARTS BECAUSE I HAVE TOO MANY PICTURES TO SHARE FOR ONE ENTRY, APPARENTLY.  Sorry!

As I've Tweeted and mentioned for day prior to this, I had a big weekend scheduled in New York City this Memorial Day.  And like anything you really look forward to, it took forever to get here and was over in two Addams Family snaps!  I got a new camera and I apologize if some of the photos below are a little fuzzy.  My hands were sweaty sometimes and well, my hands shake a tad, so... and only figured out the "shake adjustment" feature on the camera during the bus trip home!  Ah well... Here is my pictorial essay on my "Weekend in the City."  Enjoy.

Saturday, May 29, 2010:

Sunny, breezy, increasing warm, but not unbearable... up at 5:30 to pack (ok, I procrastinate), my buddy picks me up at 6:30... Megabus departs a bit after 7 and we are in the city by 10:45! Bad knees (me), allergies/asthma (my buddy) converge to force the trip uptown via the subway under Madison Square Garden.  Next stop  42nd Street Station, 44th Street exit!

The tiled wall at the platform for the A,C or E train

First stop, Hotel Edison where we will be staying... small, but nicely refurbished suite! Splitting the cost wasn't too bad, and the location made the cost worth it!

47th Street Entrance

(Rock of Ages is just down the street, and Race is across the street)

Here are the art-deco style paintings in the lobby.  The whole hotel is that style, just as it was when it was built.  Funny to think that when my gandparents spen their honeymoon there, it was considered one of the swankiest hotels in Manhattan!

The Main Mural

I love the columns and the detail work in the ceiling, too.

Next stop, lunch!  One of my favorite places to eat BBQ, Virgil's Barbecue Restaurant.  I recommend going early, no seating wait and everything is super fresh.  The Brisket Melt is so tender you barely have to chew it!  I'm not a potato salad fan, so I recommend swapping that for their homemade fries or their homemade mac and cheese! 

Virgil's is on 44th Street on the opposite side of Broadway

as most of the theatres and is three doors down from ABC Studios.

Still some time before our first show, so we strolled in the sunshine in Times Square.  I love the whole pedestrian mall thing, though the stupid pedestrians who don't read the street crossing signs pretty much deserve to get run over...LOL!

Beautiful day!

Now I get that excited feeling in the pit of my stomach... it is almost show time.  So we walk over to 45th Street, and take in the view of all the theatre marquees in a row.  (When I was a kid, I thought that's what Broadway was - a lobg street with all of the theatres side by side...)

It looks soo much better than the last time I was here.

No more construction scaffolding!

And now the moment I've been waiting for... the first show!  Lend Me a Tenor at the Music Box Theatre.  We sat in the front row!  Not always ideal, but for this it was great.  The deatils of the set, costumes and the actors' facial expressions were awesome!  And the whole cast was in!  (My review of the show will post Wednesday, June 3rd.)

The Music Box Theatre on 45th Street

A close up of the famous Music Box marquee and

the Lend Me a Tenor logo

(See how shaky my hands were?)

After the show,  a quick stop at the Broadway New York Gift Shop, under the Marriott Marquis Theatre to buy a birthday card, remembered during intermission.  I love the breezeway that isn't the drive way, full, from floor to ceiling of bright blue Come Fly Away ads, photos and quotes - plus ol' Blue Eyes crooning "My Way."

The breezeway is just under

the new Marquis Theatre marquee

These ads on the street are smaller (much smaller)

versions of what you see in the breezeway, just around the corner.

The 45th Street entrance to the

Broadway New York Gift Shop

Click here to continue this blog about what happened Saturday night and Sunday afternoon!

Jeff