My 2014 New York Adventure

[gleek4114]

Posted: 9/22/14 at 1:40pm

So starting last year I decided to make a tridition out of coming to NYC for the flea market an to catch up on shows from the previous season while also catching new shows of the current season. So here are my thoughts on everything I did:

9/12/14: 54 BELOW SINGS STRITCH

We got to our hotel in New Jersey and had to quickly get into the city before the show was to start. We got there with about 15 minutes to spare and finally got to take a breather. The show was just beautiful. The performances were top notch, but the stories about Elaine were the main highlight for me. She led such an interesting life, and touched so many people with her tough as nails, never give up attitude. There were several times I almost cried due to the love and emotion in the room. For anyone who was not there, it truly was one thing I will remember for the rest of my life. A truly stunning night.

9/13/14 Evening: IF/THEN

I had no prior plans for this night, so I decided to try and rush a show. IF/THEN was my first choice of shows to try and get tickets to, so I decided to try my luck at the lottery. Lucky me, I won! My name was one of the last called and I was super excited! I really enjoyed the show. It was not the most amazing musical ever, by any means, but in my opinion it is a great, thoughtful night at the theater. Idina was fantastic. She owned the stage and played the part amazingly. LaChanze was just, well I mean, SHE'S LACHANZE!! She was fabulous and I really wish she would've had more to do. Curtis was on as Lucas and he was great. Not the most appealing character, but I liked him enough to care about what happened to him. Jenn was sadly out, but Stephanie Klemons blew my mind as Anne. Anne is a small character but leaves a lasting impression if she is played right. James Snyder was awesome, I just wish he had a character to play. Josh is kind of boring to me. It's the kind of character that could be played by any number of people. Overall I liked the show a lot. The story lines made perfect since to me and I never felt lost.

9/14/14: ANDREA MARTIN'S LADY PARTS WITH NATHAN LANE

For the first time ever I went way up town to 92Y just for this event. The audience was mostly older (I'm 16), but I still had a great time. They were both hilarious and they were having a wonderful time up there. I loved seeing them just being themselves. The conversation was great and Andrea Martin reading from the book was worth the $42 admission alone. She signed my copy of the book afterwards and was kind enough to pose for a picture. I strongly recommend you pick up this book before it's impossible to get a copy.

9/15/14: PATTY AND EMILY WITH LESLI MARGHARITA AND ALEXIS FISHMAN

This night was just pure fun! I have been watching Patty and Emily's YouTube videos for awhile, so I was extremely happy to get to see one of their shows. Lots of broadway jokes, singing, and conversation. The next time they put on a show, I strongly encourage you to attend.

9/16/14: REST

We decided to take a day off to just chill. We got there on the 12th after a 12 hour drive and had been running since we had got there so we wanted to take a day to recoup.

9/17/14 Matinee: YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU

I was extremely excited to see this and it exceeded my expectations. This production was almost flawless. The pacing was great and there was not a single weak link in the cast. But in my opinion the real star of the show was the set. I thought it was fantastic and reflected everything that the family stood for. I strongly recommend you get a ticket to this fabulous production.

9/17/14 Evening: IT'S ONLY A PLAY

This was another show I had really wanted to see on this trip. That morning I had tried to get rush or standing room for Beautiful, but I was to far back in the line. So I went over to It's Only a Play, and lucky for me nabbed there last student rush ticket for that night. I thought it was a fun show and I laughed a lot. Stockard was out but Isabel didn't disappoint. The set was really beautiful. I posted most of my thoughts on the preview thread, but overall, it's not the best play ever but it is well worth the price to see this fantastic cast.

9/18/14: REST

Waking up early to get into the city for rush, seeing 2 shows, and not getting back to my hotel until after midnight really takes it out of you. I took the day to sleep in and relax.

9/19/14: A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER

I was planning on doing the lottery for Hedwig but my bus was late and I missed the drawing. Cinderella was my back up plan, but as I was walking down the street to the Broadway theatre I passed 48th and on a whim went into the Kerr's box office just to see if there were any rush left. They had no more rush tickets but had one standing room spot available. I took a chance and bought it. I was not really looking forward to this show but I figured it would be better than Cinderella. Overall I really enjoyed it. I was able to move to a seat during intermission which made the experience a lot better. I thought it was hilarious and the cast was amazing.

9/20/14 Evening: ON THE TOWN

I knew very little about the show going into it. All I knew is that it was about 3 sailors on 24 hour leave in New York and Jackie Hoffman was in it. I really just wanted to go to a first preview and I LOVE Jackie. Boy am I glad I went! I LOVED it! I thought it was an amazing production and the dancing was out of this world fantastic. I know none of the score, but after seeing it several ear worms have made their way into my head. I really hope it has a good run, but in that big of a theater, I'm a bit skeptical. I laughed a lot and had a wonderful time!

9/21/14: BROADWAY FLEA & PIPPIN

I had gone to the flea last year and I defiantly wanted to do it again. It's so much fun and I found a ton of goodies (see the bway flea thread). Then I had tickets to Pippin at 3pm. I had never seen Pippin before but yesterday I fell in love with it! Carly blew my mind as the LP. She seemed like she had been doing the show for more than just her 4th performance. And there were times in the show I was actually a bit scared. If played right the LP can be extremely terrifying towards the last 30 minutes of the show. I intentionally bought tickets to Andrea's final show because I knew it would be a very special occasion. Andrea was fantastic, and I am so glad I got to see her performance. She got a mid song standing ovation that lasted about 2 minutes, and it was easy to see she was getting a bit teary eyed. I am also happy I got to see Charlotte! I have been a long time fan and finally seeing her in something was amazing. She killed it. Kyle Dean was great. I have always thought he was a swell performer and I still do. He had a lot of great little comedic moments. However the biggest surprise was RACHEL BAY JONES!! I can't even. She was amazing!!! She got thunderous applause after everything she did. She was so freaking funny!! She has been with the show since it opened and she is still turning it out at the music box. Long story short this was a fantastic experience in the theater!

Well that's all folks! Already counting down to next year's trip!

[followspot]

Posted: 9/22/14 at 2:18pm

Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm — enjoyed it immensely! Happy that you had such a great NYC adventure!

[JPeterman]

Posted: 9/22/14 at 3:05pm

Thank you for the great account of your trip! What a wonderful variety of events, plays and musicals. I can't believe you are 16, you sound like a seasoned Broadway producer!

[gleek4114]

Posted: 9/22/14 at 3:15pm

Haha! Thanks! I've been told I'm mature for my age. :)