New York City General Tips by pchamlis

Favorite Thing: Phantom of the Opera is supposedly the longest-running Broadway show ever. And, it's easy to see why. The costumes, the bold and moving score, the story.... it's all perfect.

Not pretending to be a theater critic for a moment, I will tell you this... Phantom has the great plus that so many of my favorite movies has... there really are no villains. Sure, the Phanton kills a few people, but it's easy to feel sorry for him. He's desperately in love with the beautiful and talented Christine Daae, and your heart breaks knowing that they just can't be together.

And sure, Carlotta is a jealous little shrew. But she's more of an annoyance than a villainess.

The entire production is stunning, but my two favorite scenes are:

(1) the two scenes where they're gliding on a boat on the Seine. The way that motion and marine travel are set up and presented on stage via darkness, moving candles and a gliding skiff, are amazing. You can almost smell them being out on the water.

(2) the masquerade ball is breathtaking. There is a huge staircase onstage, and each step has 2-3 characters occupying it. Every one of their costumes is festive and exploding with dazzle and color. Incredible.

Buy the soundtrack, if you don't already have it in your collection. (I'd owned my Phanton soundtrack for well over ten years before I even saw the show)

Go see PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. Right now, it's showing at the magnificent Majestic Theater over on 44th street. This is one of my favorite NYC theaters....I was fortunate enough to enjoy THE BOY FROM OZ at the same venue a few years ago.


Leave a Comment

Favorite Thing: The primary reason for my latest visit to NYC was for my Lion King-loving daughter to see Lion King on Broadway. And, it did not disappoint.

Ahead of seeing LK onstage, many had told me that they (a) liked the show better or (b) liked the movie better. For me, there's no comparing them, they are entirely different entities. both are terrific and have their own special charm.

Comparing the show to the movie, I'd note the following differences:

(1) Raffiki is much more African, speaking mostly in Swahili/click dialect and only occasionally popping in enough English to help us understand.

(2) The "love" scene between Simba and Nala is wonderfully choreographed onstage, and shares a much more serious nature to what's happening than does the movie. Tastefully done, but more mature by far than the film.

(3) There are several additional songs in the stage production, and my daughter has already taken them to her heart. When they make the iPod, she loves them. :)

(4) The theatrical technology sets the stage presentation apart from the film in many ways. Whereas the film's computer graphics are stunning, the talent and artistry of the puppeteers and acrobats onstage portraying the various characters and animals is awe-inspiring. It would take ME about three minutes to break every bone in my body if I tried to walk around in those giraffe costumes.

Fondest Memory: The Lion King is a wonderful and beloved story. The Broadway presentation is just another way of sharing something we all know and love. You'll be amazed and highly entertained, even if you've seen the movie a hundred times....as have I. :)

One negative, and it's more of the DISNEY that I really dislike... Having salespeople hawking little stuffed animals and crap IN the aisles of the theater before the show and during intermission was a little bit tacky. I'd hope that Broadway would be above such hucksterism. Leave the souvenirs in the lobby, folks. (Disclaimer...those of you who have visited my Orlando page know that I have no love for Disney as a corporate entity. I admire their art and creativity, but there is no denying their abject greed. I still remember them suing a kindergarten that had the audacity to pain a picture of Mickey Mouse on an internal wall)

As a special "tweak" to DISNEY, I will be downloading and posting a "bootleg photo" as my second entry below. It is my daughter and wife in the Minskoff Theater, where taking such photos is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. I squeezed this one off at intermission and without using flash, so take THAT, Disney. :)

Leave a Comment

Favorite Thing: The prime reason that my wife and I chose to visit NYC for our anniversary was to enjoy a couple of Broadway shows. The first one we chose was "Hairspray", a wildly successful musical set in the Baltimore of 1962. Playing at the historic Neil Simon Theater, this light-hearted and yet meaningful story of teen love, generational disparity and race relations, kept our toes tapping and left us with a smile on our faces.

The entire cast was excellent, although Edna (Bruce Vilanch in drag) and Tracy Turnblad (Carly Jibson) were outstanding. I also thought that Seaweed J. Stubbs (Chester Gregory III) did an outstanding job of being a faux-Motown singer.

And gentlemen..... the Penny Pingleton character (played by Hollie Howard) was a supremely talented and active little bit of eye candy if you catch my drift. : )

Fondest Memory: Hairspray was terrific. But, my favorite part in any play is when something goes wrong. At one point in the show, Edna (Bruce Vilanch in drag) loses her dress accidently. For a few minutes, the cast members try to pin in back on as the play proceeds, but they finally surrender, realizing that the reluctant garment has no intention of being reglued to Bruce's oversized bloomers. The banter among the cast as the scene unraveled was priceless.

And, one other thing. NYC is full of celebrities, and this show was no exception. I got a chance to meet and actually talk to Sara Ferguson (aka Fergie), the Duchess of York. She was quite friendly and, as we'd say here in the south, "down to earth". I just spoke to her and didn't harass her with any celebrity fanaticism, which I'm sure led her to be relaxed and cordial. And since she actually shook my hand, I can say I've touched royalty. : )

Leave a Comment

Favorite Thing: Movin' Out was the second Broadway show that Bonnie and I enjoyed on our recent Big Apple visit. Playing at the Richard Rodgers Theater, this musical features the choreography of Twyla Tharp and the music of Billy Joel. My wife probably summed it up best when she called it a "rock and roll ballet".

The storyline is quite nebulous, and you'd be best served by reading the synopsis in Playbill before the opening number. After that, just try to follow along and insert your own details. While Movin' Out is long on fancy dancing and prancing, it doesn't really "say" that much.

But, don't get me wrong, it was an excellent show. The dance numbers are spectacular, and the lighting and sets are marvelous.

And, the "Billy Joel band" that supplies most of the music was incredible. Michael Cavanaugh, who is the lead vocalist and piano player, is dead-on Billy Joel. I felt as if I"d seen both a Billy Joel concert and a fancy Broadway show. Two for the price of one, as they'd say.

Fondest Memory: All of the dance numbers are quite good. In fact, a few of them are solidly "R" rated if not beyond. So, being a normal guy wayyy over 21 years old, I had more than a passing interest in what was happening onstage. My mom would have been horrified. : )

And as mentioned above, the Movin' Out Band was terrific. Michael Cavanaugh is an incredibly talented pianist and vocalist. His Billy Joel is perfect. In many ways, just hearing the songs made the price of admission money well spent.

Leave a Comment

Favorite Thing: Bonnie and I actually enjoyed our visit to the Empire State Building. Observing the Big Apple from atop the 86th floor observatory at the Empire State Building is awe-inspiring.

But, you will not be alone. Quite a few people are interested in enjoying this classic NYC tourist stop. The line(s) to purchase tickets can be astronomically long. We were LUCKY to only be in line some 90 minutes to GET tickets. (Remember, there are two steps leading to the 86th floor....getting tickets and then getting to the elevator.) There is, happily, a way to speed the process.

BUY YOUR EMPIRE STATE BUILDING ADMISSION TICKETS ONLINE! This can be accomplished easily at

www.esbnyc.com

They will either send your tickets to your doorstep, or you can print them out yourself, assuming you don't have a Canon printer. (Sorry, just me attacking Canon....I had a bad experience with my former printer)

Fondest Memory: Actually, it isn't really a FOND memory. We stood in line for almost 90 minutes just buying our tickets for the ESB observatory. It was stuffy and uncomfortable for most of the time. If we hadn't been in line with some very funny people (who enjoyed making fun of the audio tour sales goons as much as we did), it might have been insufferable.

Save your time. Get tickets online.

www.esbnyc.com

Leave a Comment

Favorite Thing: Dominating the skyline of Manhattan, the Empire State Building rises to a height of 1454 feet. The 86th floor observatory offers incredible views of NYC and the adjacent areas. High speed elevators take you quickly (once you've managed to procure a ticket...see my tip concering buying your tickets online) to the 86th floor, where there are glass-enclosed viewing areas AND outdoor promenades. (Sadly, I read where a few days ago, some fellow chose to do a high dive from the 86th floor, which came to an abrupt, and I suppose messy, end on the 6th floor)

On a clear day, you can see up to 60 miles in almost any direction. I'm told the nighttime view is quite spectacular as well, if you get a clear evening.

The cost of a trip to the 86th floor observatory is $11 for adults and $6 for children. Seniors are $10. If you get a Smartmap, you'll receive a discount of 20% on two admissions to the observatory. (See my Smartmap tip)

The Empire State Building observatory is open 7 days a week, with some variation around public holidays, from 9:30 am until midnight. The last admission to the observatory occurs at 11:20 pm each evening.

There is a gift shop on the observatory floor, and it's full of what you'd expect. Nothing, in my opinion, that one couldn't live without. : )

For more information, or for online tickets, visit the Empire State Building website at
www.esbnyc.com

Fondest Memory: It actually took us a little less time to get to the 86th floor observatory that I'd thought. AND, I didn't expect to get a nice fresh-air outdoor peek from the top.

The feeling of being above it all is surreal, and it's often easy to forget that you're in a man-made structure that is nearly 70 years old. Truly an engineering marvel.

WARNING...all during your time in line at the Empire State Building, you are harassed by some outfit calling itself Tony's Audio Tours. You are constantly haranged about buying this joker's taped commentary of the view from the Empire State Building, and it is inferred that you'll be wasting your time without Tony's input. Baloney. We had little difficulty finding all sorts of landmarks as we peered over the Big Apple. If listening to audio tape tours makes you happy, buy one. You'll have plenty of opportunities, believe me. But, do not be chided into purchasing this business believing that your experience will somehow be substandard without it. A classic HARD sell, folks. In some ways, the dogmatic pounding you get while in line from Tony and his goons is kind of comical. We had a good time making fun of them, actually.

Leave a Comment

Favorite Thing: All around the edges of Central Park, there are skads of artists offering their services to NYC visitors. Sure, some of their products tend toward the kitschy or souvenir, and that sort of thing certainly has its place.

But, some of these folks are quite talented. We met a nice Asian man who was doing charcoal drawings from subject matter as small as a wallet photo. He really seemed to do excellent work, putting an incredible amount of detail and expression into what is still essentially "fast food art". We decided to have him do a sketch of our oldest son, Jeff, all decked out in his college marching band uniform. When we returned some 45 minutes later to pick up the completed drawing, we were astounded as to how well it had turned out. It has made a very interesting addition to the bedroom of our boy, who is now away at college.

Fondest Memory: As you can see from the photo, the artist rendered his creation from a tiny wallet photo that I carry. He charged us $40, which he stated was half-price, "special deal". From what I see, "half-price, special deal" was offered to all. : ) No matter, his work was very good, he was friendly, and we are enjoying his simple and yet expressive talent back home in Tallahassee.

As I say, these artists are set up all around Central Park. This particular fellow was doing his thing on Central Park South, just east of where it intersects the Avenue of the Americas (6th Avenue)

Leave a Comment

Favorite Thing: Although we chose not to take one, a carriage ride through Central Park appears to be an enjoyable and peaceful way to visit this lovely park. (We chose to get some exercise, hence the decision not to procure a carriage)

The drivers are quite knowledgeable and attentive as they meander throughout and around Central Park, judging from the commentary we "overheard" as they passed by. I would think that on a cold day, riding with a blanket and a thermos of hot coffee (or perhaps some other adult liquid treat) would be a lot of fun. Or maybe......a nighttime ride with your honey, guys? Sounds like some serious snuggling opportunity.

The going rate is $34 for 1/2 hour, and $10 per 1/2 hour after that. And yes, you can feed the horses a little snack, too.

Fondest Memory: Here's an update. On my latest NYC trip, we DID take a carriage ride. Our driver was a nice Irish guy, James Gildea. Great info and repartee during our 20 minutes.

Leave a Comment

Favorite Thing: It's one of those places that defines New York City. Times Square. THE center of the big city. Thoughts of New Year's Eve, the Evening News, etc.

Be prepared to share this NYC spotlight with thousands of friends, no matter what hour you choose to visit. And even though you're one of thousands, you'll still feel special standing in the very heart of the Greatest City in the World.

Times Square is located at the intersection of 42nd street and 7th Avenue/Broadway.

Fondest Memory: ...one of my best memories is going to Times Square and just standing there. Sometimes, I needed to pinch myself to think aloud.... "damn, I'm in Times Square".

A very enjoyable area to just browse and walk. Enjoy.

Leave a Comment

Favorite Thing: World-famous Central Park is a wonderful place to do your "roadwork", keeping in shape. (And if you've been eating at any of the recommended restaurants on my NYC page, you might want to add another couple of miles)

The park has literally miles of paths and roads throughout that are perfect for a tranquil or brisk walk. And if you're into sweat and speed, it's perfect for jogging as well.

But, one note.....I'd stay IN the park. The paths are level and safe for athletic activity. Jogging around the edge will present two big hazards.

First, there's the possibility of being smashed by traffic. Sometimes, you just are overwhelmed by the breadth and speed of NYC traffic. Getting yourself run over in the Big Apple wouldn't take a lot of trying.

And second, a lot of the park perimeter sidewalks are cobblestone and/or uneven brick. They'd be a great place to get yourself a sprained or broken ankle. Perhaps I should post some hospital suggestions for any of you who don't read or heed THIS tip.

Stay IN the park. : )

Fondest Memory: A long morning walk through Central Park on a gorgeous Saturday morning last October.

Leave a Comment