A theatre buff’s guide to musicals and plays in NYC

The task: see as many shows as possible in three days in New York City.  The players: two British Columbians on a work assignment in Toronto. The result: mission accomplished!

A couple of hams taking a bite out
of the Big Apple

This trip on the first weekend in May came together rather quickly when Erin McInnis and I decided to hit Broadway one more time before we’re in full TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games mode. No visits to the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building or museums on the agenda for this trip. The focus was theatre. Thanks to Erin’s research, we had our hit list – past Tony Award Winners, a revival and this year’s Tony nominees – and every show at a discount.

Tip 1:  Go to the TKTS Discount Booth at South Street Seaport for same-day discount tickets for evening shows and next-day tickets for matinees.

Tip 2: Once you purchase a ticket at the flagship TKTS location in Times Square, keep the stub and jump the queue into a short-cut line the next day. We met two locals from New Jersey in the line-up (who said they grew up with the real "Jersey Boys") who had just discovered this benefit.

It took some work, but we saw five shows – three evening performances and two matinees. Here's a quick recap of the revival, play and musicals:

On the Town  You can’t go wrong with this classic about three sailors and their 24-hour adventure in New York, New York (it’s a helluva town).  It’s a Tony 2015 nominee for best musical revival.

 

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder:  The 2014 Tony winner for best musical. This is a quick-paced, funny, operetta-style story of an heir to a family fortune who sets eliminate the relatives who stand in his way. The relatives are all played by the same actor. 

It's only $17-cocktails on a Saturday
evening at the historic Algonquin

It’s Only a Play:  This one is totally Broadway – a play about the aftermath of the opening night of a play. It’s a treat to see pros Nathan Lane and Stockard Channing exchange barbs. I was looking forward to seeing Matthew Broderick, but his alternate was on the stage for this performance. Of note in this show is 2015 Tony nominee Micah Stock (featured actor).

Something Rotten.  This show is filled with comedy, big show-stopping numbers and moving sets as we discover the birth of the musical in the Shakespearean era. There’s nothing rotten to report here with 10 Tony nominations this year including best musical.

Avenue Q  Winner of the 2004 Tony for best musical and best score. A story of discovery, social issues and acceptance, told with music and puppets.

 

On Monday, with no matinees available, it was time for a walk in Little Italy and along the Highline. This is worth seeing as it is a great example of urban renewal. The Highline is an out-of-use railroad trestle that’s been transformed into walkway – a trail above Manhattan.

 

 

Side note – I wasn’t overwhelmed by the hoopla and fan experience around Madison Square Garden for a Rangers playoff hockey game. I expected more! And no, we didn't spend $250 to see the game.

 

 

Fine spring weather in May. Perfect for a Sunday walk in Central Park. The best time to visit NYC!

 

Planning is underway for another NYC task – how many shows can one see in 48 hours? I may find out in September.