A Few Questions For My Trip To NYC (Review of my Trip on the 2nd Page)

[GrandAsTheCanyon]

Posted: 7/5/12 at 4:05pm

Hello! My name is Julie and Im from Montreal. I'm a long time lurker on this board and I finally decided to create an account here so that I can ask a few questions in preparation for first trip to New York at the end of August.

1)I like to be completely immersed when I see a show, so I like to sit less than 10 rows away from the stage (it doesnt really matter if they are slightly on the side, as long as a can see all the main characters). The two shows I want to see are Nice Work If You Can Get It and Porgy and Bess .Should I order my tickets now, or can I wait a few weeks( in case that some discounts codes pops out on playbill.com) without worrying that all the good tickets will be gone.

2)Whats the best place to buy rare cast recordings and solo albums in NYC? What is the average price for a CD there.

3)Is it considered acceptable to ask a performer to take a picture with you AND sign an item. All the shows Ive seen before were touring productions so, when I go to the stage door, Im always the only fan there and the actors dont mind posing for pictures, but I imagine that the NYC stage doors are a bit more crowded and the last thing I want is to be annoying.

4)Im seeing Porgy And Bess, and Im really excited to see the show. Im also a big fan of Side Show but, since I was 3 at the time that it was on Broadway, I never got to see it. Would Norm Lewis mind signing my Side Show OBCR (as well as my Porgy And Bess windowcard) or is it considered odd to bring up old projects to performers at the stage door.

5)How common is it for adults to visit FAO Schwarz alone? It seems like a lovely place, but I dont want to be the weirdo grownup in a sea of overexcited little kids.

6)I want to visit the New York Historical Society Museum (which is apparently close to the Natural History Museum), is it at a walkable distance (under 30 minutes is fine in my book) from Times Squares (Im thinking of walking on Broadway all the way up to 78th Street)? Or is it too long, crowded, hellish and I should just take the subway?

7)Speaking of subways, how hard is it for an out-of-towner to take a ride? Im from Montreal, so I have taken the subway and bus countless times, but New Yorks subway seems a lot more complex than ours. Im also pretty paranoid, so I would like to know if theres a lot of thiefs and violent people inside the train.

Id like to do a bit of shopping. Does anyone knows any good store to buy quirky-vintage (I like the style of Urban Outfitters and Modcloth) mid-range prices clothing? (preferable near Manhattan)

9)I have a few Playbill that Id like to frame. I know that the Playbill Store online sells special frames, but they dont ship to Canada. Is there a place in New York where I can buy these frames? Same thing goes for windowcard frames.

10) Is the Staten Island Ferry worth taking? I'm planning to take it on a Saturday at around 7PM and I would like to know if it is usually overcrowded around that time. How long does it take for the ferry to go to Staten Island and then go back to New York? Is the view on the city/Statue of Liberty actually nice or is it a tourist trap?

11)I'm thinking of sleeping at the Pod Hotel. Is there a lot of bedbugs there? I'm not too familiar with bedbugs, so I would like to know if you can usually see them on the mattress or if they hide in the dark and bite you during your sleep. Would sleeping in a plastic suit/ bag (while still being on the mattress and covered by drapes, the plastic would serve as a ``protective barrier``) prevent them from biting me? I know this sounds a bit crazy, but bedbugs really freaks me out.



Updated On: 8/30/12 at 04:05 PM

[Broadway Joe]

Posted: 7/5/12 at 4:15pm

I can help with a few of these

5 - There is always adults in FAO Schwarz, as its a fun place to go no matter what your age is so if it is on your list then def go

6 - it's not a bad walk but it depends on the weather, sometimes it's too hot/raining and it's just easier sometimes to take the subway

7 - the subway is easy once you use it a few times, www.hopstop.com it's basically the mapquest for subways and I always recommend it to out of towners

10 - the ferry is never that crowded, especially at the time. it is a 25 minute trip and you can get off and come right back on. You will have a wonderful view of the Statue of Liberty and the city itself

[sabrelady]

Posted: 7/5/12 at 4:29pm

Not a native but fellow Canuck whose visited many year. Welcome!
5) It is kinda fun, u do appreciate it more w a kid but adults go in there alone all the time ( gift buying) so it shouldn't be an issue.
7) Depending on where yr tying to go- the subways R OK. A bit whiffey @ times and Yes there are the occ raggedy homeless people talking to themselves and even some who ask for change but maintenant- we have them here too. Never been robbed mugged assaulted and I've been using the subways sine the late 70's when it was still BAD. Just get a map and check CLOSELY for where the interchanges actually meet, some times it looks like they do but in fact that station is not stopped at depending on the line. Also check what entrance u want to come out at some are closer to where u want to go and CHECK the station entrance for Downtown VS Uptown. Some it sin't an issue but most u need the right one. I'd also recommend a visitor Pass but they don't do the 3day one any more it's daily or for a week. A week unlimited use is I think $29.00 good for buses t00.
6) Unless i'm miscalculating u want to walk frm Times Sq (approx 42Nd St to 78th- that's over 30 blocks even allowing for a few sts closer as yr starting point that seems like a lot in 30 Mins!


subway map. Updated On: 7/5/12 at 04:29 PM

[Reginald Tresilian]

Posted: 7/5/12 at 4:33pm

1. If you feel very strongly about where you sit, I'd buy the tickets in advance. That's not to say you can't get great discounted seats, but probably not in the first 10 rows.

2. Colony on Broadway and 49th St(?) is a good source.

3 and 4. Different performers feel differently about both of these issues. It's definitely a good idea to be asking for a signature on a current item as well (though then there's the chance that they'll have time to sign only one item). Remember, politeness goes a very long way.

5. If you were a creepy guy in a trench coat (in August) you might draw unwanted attention. Otherwise, it's a toy store; go have fun!

6. Hopstop, which Bway Joe mentioned, can also estimate walking time (also taxi costs).

7. The subway system is fairly simple, because it mostly travels north and south only. I've lived here a long time and never witnessed any actual violence on a train. Just be sensible, don't get into empty cars late at night, and keep your bags, etc. close to you. It's really common sense, as in any big city.

9. There's a large theater goods store right under the Mariott Marquis (don't recall the name). They sell the frames there.

10. My sister takes the SI ferry every time she comes. The ferries are huge, so crowds really aren't a problem, except possibly at rush hour.

Hope you have a great time!

[sabrelady]

Posted: 7/5/12 at 4:38pm

1) Don't limit yrself to Playbill, try Theatremania and BroadwayBox as well. BBox often seems to have codes that are for longer periods than Playbill and both r safe & reliable. If u r a single it's usually easier to find something but that being said- if u r coming in the last gasp of summer vacation- there may not a lot of discounts. Maybe split? Pay full for one for the seats u want and hold out for a discount w the other?

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 7/5/12 at 4:38pm

3. Totally. Just be polite and respectful. Yes, NYC stage doors can be more crowded than on tour (though some aren't), but actors in New York are stilly (largely) gracious and friendly.

4. Sometimes there are performers who are iffy on things like this, but I bet Norm would be happy to sign that and would be flattered that you thought to bring it.

5. Common! Adults have to buy gifts for kids all the time. Or sometimes just like toys. A friend and I have been known to visit FAO sometimes. Plus, not all of the stuff is really for little kids -- like those awesome build-your-own Muppets.

6. It's a long walk, but pleasant if the weather is okay and not at all hellish. But it's also a pretty short subway ride, so I would suggest doing that.

7. A lot of people come to New York with the perception that New York today is still New York in the 70s and that everything everywhere is totally unsafe and scary. Yes, there are parts of NYC where you should be particularly on-guard, may not want to go by yourself at night, etc. etc. But, you're from a big city so you probably know that of course anywhere you go you want to be careful and alert and you are probably pretty savvy. The NYC public transit system can be overwhelming at first, but if you're used to another one you probably won't have any trouble using it. I feel like once you've learned one, you're able to pick up others fairly easily.

[Contributor]

Posted: 7/5/12 at 5:05pm

I am a tour guide and native New Yorker.

It would take about 30 min. to walk from Times Square to NY Historical Society/Museum of Natural History. When you are walking street to street (basically staying on the same avenue), approx. 20 blocks equals 1 mile, approx. 12 blocks equals 1 km. So that distance is about a mile and a half, or 2.5km.

Staten Island Ferry is not at all a tourist trap, since a) it's made for commuters more than tourists; b) it's free; c) it's totally worthwhile...great views of Statue of Liberty. You do realize, however, that it's not near Times Square? It's near the financial district/South St. Seaport/World Trade Center. About a 15 min. subway ride from Times Square and then a 15-20 min. ride each way (also allow for wait time in Staten Island terminal between outbound and return trips).

If you're not walking, subways are the way to go. Taxis are expensive and get stuck in NYC traffic. Subways are safe and fairly easy to navigate, although the inside of many stations can be quite uncomfortable on very hot days. The trains themselves are air-conditioned. The main thing to understand -- which MANY New Yorkers don't bother explaining to visitors -- is that "Uptown" and "Downtown" on subway signs mean the direction the train is going. If you, for example, want to take the subway from the Staten Island Ferry to Greenwich Village, you'd take an uptown train, although Greenwich Village is not located uptown (which as an area generally refers to north of 59th St.). But it is uptown from the SI Ferry. As a direction, uptown = north (street numbers going up), downtown = south.

You will not look at all out of place or "suspicious" as an adult by yourself in FAO Schwarz.

The East Village (along 1st & 2nd Avenues) is good for vintage clothing shopping.

[sabrelady]

Posted: 7/5/12 at 5:10pm

9) I think the store reg is referring to is part of Theater Circle. I don't remember it being very big but they have a larger store on W 44th closer to 8th ave.

2) sadly Colony may be your only hope most of the other places have died off or internet only. Just be prepared for major sticker shock!

[Reginald Tresilian]

Posted: 7/5/12 at 5:21pm

It probably looks large to me because it's all glass.



Here's the place I mean

[Broadway Joe]

Posted: 7/5/12 at 5:32pm

"Staten Island Ferry is not at all a tourist trap, since a) it's made for commuters more than tourists"

That's completely wrong. The damn schedule is made for tourists, especially on the weekends. The only time it's ever reliable is during rush hour. They won't even hold the ferry for 2 minutes for the Staten Island railroad riders to make the connection and the ferry is the only reason 99% of the people get off at st george

I'm from Staten Island and I hate the way the operate those damn boats.

*ends rant* sorry lol

[bwayfan7000]

Posted: 7/5/12 at 5:44pm

I will say that the company of PORGY AND BESS in particular is one of the most gracious I've ever encountered. When I saw it, they all signed anything and posed for pictures for anyone who asked at the stagedoor. Sometimes that's not the case, but since you are seeing PORGY AND BESS, you should be reassured that you'll probably have a great stagedoor experience. And I bet Norm would love to sign your SIDE SHOW cd.

[dtzumbrunnen]

Posted: 7/5/12 at 6:20pm

I echo bwayfan7000 - both Audra and Norm are beyond gracious when they come out the stage door. Norm was happy to chat about previous work (but yes, you should obviously focus first on what you JUST witnessed...and he's incredible, you'll want to). He gladly signed my New Brain CD.

[GrandAsTheCanyon]

Posted: 7/5/12 at 6:28pm

Thank you so much for all your replies. I didn't expect to have so many answers so fast! You are all so helpful!

Broadway Joe- I had never heard of Hop Stop. The NY subways looks a lot simpler now! I bookmarked it!

Sabrelady- Homeless people talking to themselves and asking for money don't seem bad at all. I imagined that there would be much more dangerous things. I guess that as long as I watch the maps closely I have no reasons to be afraid of the subways.

Contribuor- I know that the Staten Island Ferry is not near Times Squares. I'm actually coming to NY with my older sister, but since we are pretty much polar opposites when it comes to our tastes in art and entertainement, I'm trying to find things I can do on my own while she visits things that interests her. The reason why I try to find activities that are as close to Times Square/Broadway avenue as possible is that I think that it is a good landmark point and you can't really get lost if you pretty much always stays on the same street. I don't think that she will object to taking the Staten Island Ferry, so I will probably do that one with her.

Reginald Tresilian-Thanks for both theater stores' addresses. I will check them out.

[After Eight]

Posted: 7/5/12 at 9:27pm

2) You might try the Academy Record Store on 18th street between 6th and 7th aves. They have a selection of show cds, and sometimes some rare ones pop up. The rarest ones are usually placed in the store window, so be sure to check it out.

11) I would do a google search for sites that rate hotels with guest comments. If you see any comments that mention bedbugs in the hotel you mentioned, don't stay there.

Have a great trip to NY.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 7/5/12 at 10:25pm

A lot of people come to New York with the perception that New York today is still New York in the 70s and that everything everywhere is totally unsafe and scary.

My ver SF Bay Area suburban parents just visited me last weekend -- it was their first time in NYC in 5 years and their first time ever riding the subway. They straight up asked me if it was full of scary people and graffiti. I told them their point of reference should not be '80s action movies. We ended up on one of the newer cars and they were very impressed.

As for general safety, this is the safest big city I've ever spent time in. (Though once about 10 years ago in San Francisco, I somehow survived a walk alone between Union Square and UN Plaza. On a Sunday night!)

[Anakela]

Posted: 7/5/12 at 10:37pm

It would take about 30 min. to walk from Times Square to NY Historical Society/Museum of Natural History. When you are walking street to street (basically staying on the same avenue), approx. 20 blocks equals 1 mile, approx. 12 blocks equals 1 km. So that distance is about a mile and a half, or 2.5km.

To add on to this, the way I'd learned to estimate walking distance when I was new here is it's one minute to walk a street block, and 2.5 minutes to walk an avenue block. Obviously not scientific, or applicable to those areas that are less grid-like, but since you'd mentioned that under 30 minutes is your walking max it's another way to figure out before you start about how long it will take you to walk somewhere.

[BwayEqs]

Posted: 7/5/12 at 10:42pm

I only read this because I am wondering some of the same things, lol.

[redmustang]

Posted: 7/6/12 at 4:25pm

Hi Julie!

5. Definitely, visit the toy store. A lot of fun.

4. When I saw the revival of Nine with Chita Rivera, I handed her my Chicago playbill from 1975. She signed it, then I showed her the cover. She screamed and took it back, re-opened it and kissed the page above her autograph.

10. Take the ferry ride for sure.

Have a great time and say hi to Audra.

[Marianne2]

Posted: 7/6/12 at 6:25pm

I've stayed at the Pod Hotel before. It was only overnight, but it was safe and clean. No bedbugs at all. Only thing to watch out for is the type of room you book. I know some you have a shared bathroom in the hall, but some have one in the room. That's only if a shared bathroom makes you uncomfortable.

[GrandAsTheCanyon]

Posted: 7/6/12 at 8:27pm

redmustang-I LOVED your story about Chita Rivera signing your Chicago playbill! And I will definately say hi to Audra!

Maeianne2-Nice to know that the Pod Hotel is clean. I don't mind a shared bathroom, the only thing that was important to me was to have somewhere clean and safe to sleep. My sister made the reservations, so I'll see what she got us.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 7/6/12 at 8:37pm

I stayed in the Pod in November 2010. I loved it. Really nice staff, super-clean facilities, and the shared bathroom didn't weird me out at all. And I'm a bit of a germophobe.

[Phantom4ever]

Posted: 7/6/12 at 9:51pm

If sitting in a very particular area of the theater is important to you, then you should buy in advance. Prepare to pay full price though!

The subway is pretty painless. Just remember you're always either head Uptown (generally north or toward the top of the map) or Downtown (generally south or toward the bottom of the map). Also keep in mind that although it looks like there is a Blue Line and a Yellow Line, etc, there are several different lines that run along the colored lines; some are express (meaning that they only stop at bigger stations such as 14th, 34th, 42nd etc) and some are "local" which means they stop at every single station. A common mistake tourists make is the get on an express (the Q for example) when they should be on the local (the N for example).

As for the Staten Island Ferry, it is a great time-saver for seeing the statue and getting great views of downtown. But 7pm on Saturday? That means you'll miss seeing an 8pm show! Why not do it around 10am or so; then youll be sure to get back to Times Sq for a 2pm matinee. Take your sister shopping on 5th Ave, hop on the subway downtown to Little Italy for dinner or take a walk around the southern part of Central Park.

[GrandAsTheCanyon]

Posted: 7/7/12 at 9:11am

Phantom4ever-Thanks for your concern about my schedule, but I'm thinking of seeing a matinee on a Saturday (I really want to fully enjoy every second I will spend in New York, and I don't want to have had such a busy day that when the evening performance comes, I have no energy left. On Friday, I'm going to arrive to New York in late afternoon, so energy is not an issue since I will have been relaxing in a bus almost the whole day.) That being say, it made me think to check if the rest of my schedule is realistic.

Friday Afternoon: Arrive to NY. Go put luggages inside the hotel rooms. Eat dinner. Do some shopping around Times Square if I have the time.
Friday 8PM:Porgy and Bess
Saturday 10AM: New York Historical Society Museum
Saturday Noon: Eat Lunch, Go back toward the theater district
Saturday 2PM: Nice Work If You Can Get It
Saturday 5PM:Eat Dinner
Saturday 7PM: Staten Island Ferry
Sunday 10:30AM: Museum of the Moving Image (only the exhibits, I don't have time for a movie screening)
Sunday Afternoon: Take a bus back to MTL.

Is it a good schedule, or should I rearrange/remove a few thing to make sure I don't arrive late to any of the shows?

And does Kelli O'Hara comes out of the stagedoor at matinee performances?

[spike3]

Posted: 7/7/12 at 3:34pm

I agree with Broadway Joe. What used to be a commuter vessel has now been turned into a tourist vessel courtesy of freakin Bloomberg and DOT bicycle ridin head Janette Sadik Khan.

The terminals and boats are full of slow moving, wide bodied tourists who always seem to travel in herds, like oxen looking for water or food.To them its all one big Disney Main St USA.

If you must ride this boat please move quickly and dont get in the way of some locals who might cause you to regret your choice that day.

If you follow those simple rules you should be fine. Bon Voyage.

[fosca3]

Posted: 7/8/12 at 2:01pm

Since someone mentioned the POD HOTEL here -- I looked it up after I read this and rooms (with a private bath) are $85 a nite thru July at the Pod Hotel on 39th St

The website says that cuz of the construction inconvenience, and they can't guarantee TV consistently (I'm not coming to NYC to watch TV), that the rooms are reduced

I cancelled my reservation for next weekend and moved to the Pod on 39th

Just thought someone else might be interested

Updated On: 7/8/12 at 02:01 PM