My January Trip- Page 2

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 11/1/22 at 11:53pm

So my tentative schedule now:

Sunday 1/1 - Take Me Out (Ticket secured)

Monday 1/2 - Chicago or Six

Tuesday 1/3 - Phantom (probably)

Wednesday 1/4 matinee  - Merrily We Roll Along (Ticket secured)

Wednesday 1/4 evening - A Strange Loop (Tickets secured)

Thursday 1/5 - ITW (probably)

Friday 1/6 - Death of a Salesman (probably)

Saturday 1/7 matinee - Piano Lesson (probably) 

Saturday 1/7 evening - Kimberly Akimbo (probably)

That leaves out Topdog/Underdog and Leopoldstadt unfortunately, but I’ve crammed in as much as can into this trip. 

 

[GingerSnaps2]

Posted: 11/2/22 at 12:06am

Before you lock your last shows in, do take a look at tonight’s comments on the first preview of “Some Like It Hot”.  You may want to consider it as well.  (I have not yet seen it; my tickets aren’t until a couple of weeks from now, so I can’t personally vouch for it.)  Nothing like having lots of good options!

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 11/2/22 at 12:15am

GingerSnaps2 said: "Before you lock your last shows in, do take a look at tonight’s comments on the first preview of “Some Like It Hot”. You may want to consider it as well. (I have not yet seen it; my tickets aren’t until a couple of weeks from now, so I can’t personally vouch for it.) Nothing like having lots of good options!"

True. Great to have lots of options. I did see tonight’s  comments for Some Like It Hot, but as of now I’m still not interested. That could change of course! 

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 11/7/22 at 1:20pm

Miles2Go2 said: "So my tentative schedule now:

Sunday 1/1 - Take Me Out (Ticket secured)

Monday 1/2 - Chicago (tickets secured)

Tuesday 1/3 - Phantom (tickets secured)

Wednesday 1/4 matinee - Merrily We Roll Along (Ticket secured)

Wednesday 1/4 evening - A Strange Loop (Tickets secured)

Thursday 1/5 - ITW (probably)

Friday 1/6 - Death of a Salesman (probably)

Saturday 1/7 matinee - Piano Lesson (probably)

Saturday 1/7 evening - Kimberly Akimbo (probably)

That leaves out Topdog/Underdog and Leopoldstadt unfortunately, but I’ve crammed in as much as can into this trip.”

Well, POTO tix were greatly disappearing for my trip so my friend and I decided to bite the bullet and get tix now (amended above). Ended up with great orchestra seats at a pretty price. But at least we got tix. 

That just leaves tix for ITW, Salesman, Piano Lesson and Kimberly Akimbo. Was going to get tix now for KA, but my other friend (understandably) wants to wait as there is still a lot of availability and we could probably get better discounted seats day of at TKTS. Would like to go ahead and grab ITW, but tix are $$$ and right now there’s a lot of availability. Hoping they drop another discount code for December and January. Otherwise, it’ll be TKTS for that and the other remaining shows too. 

Oh and also secured a single ticket for Chicago for Monday night. Got front row left orchestra for a good price!

Updated On: 11/7/22 at 01:20 PM

[gibsons2]

Posted: 11/7/22 at 1:41pm

Instead of Chicago or Six, see Some like it hot. It's excellent. 

[Jarethan]

Posted: 11/7/22 at 1:51pm

Miles2Go2 said: "Jarethan said: "No Funny Girl?? "

Okay, don’t shoot me. Funny Girl is one of my favorite movies and I’ve long longed for a revival on Broadway. And I was excited about this revival until it was largely agreed that Beanie was miscast. And while I have no doubt the current Fanny is fantastic, I have no desire to see her. I’ll leave it at that. I thought about seeing it with Julie on Thursday, but my friend has no interest and honestly I haven’t connected with any of her performances I’ve seen. I did see (and loved) the last revival with Natasha Barnes (who was great) on the West End even though I know some here didn’t care for it. So no FG this trip.

"I will only say that I think she gave the best performance I have seen in a musical since Nathan Lane in The Producers and, before that, Angela Lansbury in Gypsy.  It is going to be part of Broadway lore.  The show itself is ‘meh’, but she is amazing.

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 1/2/23 at 9:47am

Saw Take Me Out last night. Wow! Amazing night of theater. I can see why Jesse Tyler Ferguson won that Tony, but Jesse Williams really amazed me. Whole cast on fire. I can’t stop thinking about it. For some reason, I thought the play itself is regarded similar to The Boys in the Band as a not particularly well written play, but still important for its subject matter (or maybe in case of TMO, well-written, but not very deep). But I walked out of the theater really impressed by Richard Greenberg’s script, a moving & often (especially Act 2) uneasy mix of humor in the midst of drama. It asks questions that are (sadly) still relevant today. This joins Angels in America (recent revival), The Waverly Galleries, and The Inheritance as my top four favorite plays I’ve seen on Broadway. 

P.S. I skipped merch after show to get my Yondr pouch opened and stage door from a distance. Regret not getting merch (windowcard, mug, magnet, baseball &hellip, Other than online, any  ideas how I can pick up here? 

Updated On: 1/2/23 at 09:47 AM

[Mike Barrett]

Posted: 1/2/23 at 4:04pm

Love the updates Miles. Been years since we talked. Please enjoy your trip and continue to keep us posted. Be well! 

[Jarethan]

Posted: 1/2/23 at 4:44pm

Do Rush for KA, not TKTS.  I got rush seats in the first row center mezz; for the same performance, a friend got 10th row center orchestra.  You can't beat that and dont have to wait on line for nearly as long.  We got the tix around noon for the evening performance.

[vegas3]

Posted: 1/2/23 at 5:51pm

My January trip is coming up, too!  So far I have tickets for:

Kimberly Akimbo

Great Expectations

The Appointment

Funny Girl

Topdog/Underdog

A Strange Loop

My Saturday is still open, so I have two remaining slots.  Still deciding on those.

 

 

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 1/2/23 at 11:11pm

Mike Barrett said: "Love the updates Miles. Been years since we talked. Please enjoy your trip and continue to keep us posted. Be well!"

Thanks!

Tonight I saw Chicago and despite going in with diminished expectations (or maybe because of them), I had a great time. I loved this when I saw it on tour back when with Sandy Duncan as Roxie and I love the movie, but I’ve heard this production was beginning to feel its age  I didn’t feel that tonight and the audience was eating it up although it took awhile for the usual full standing ovation when Lana & Charlotte came out at curtain call. Speaking of whlch…

Loved the whole cast so hard to point out just a few, but Lana & Charlotte were great. Can’t believe Charlotte is still hitting it out of the park after all this time in the role. Loved Evan Harrington (Amos), Ryan Silverman (Billy Flynn), and Jennifer Fouché (Matron “Mama” Horton. And the ensemble was great as well, especially Michael Scirrotto  (he also plays The Jury). 

About my seat: I was sitting in the front row of left orchestra. Was surprisingly relatively cheap for a reason. I wouldn’t necessarily call my view obstructed (although I think seats to my left may have been a little (I was two seat off the left center aisle). It was amazing to be so close to performers and get occasional eye contact, but not being more centered did meant not getting the full effect sometimes of stage design or choreography, but not challengingly so. And sometimes it took a few seconds to see someone ascend (then descend the stairs) from the hole in the orchestra. But I don’t regret my purchase. 

Will this be my favorite musical this trip? Most probably not (also seeing POTO, Merrily…, A Strange Loop, ITW, KA). It’s biggest strength may be why: it’s a classic for a reason and deserves its long Broadway run, but it’s faithful to the spirit of the revival so it’s not surprising in a way those other shows might be this trip.

Still very glad I saw it on Broadway finally and glad I got to finally see a show in the Ambassador Theatre. I‘m slowly marking off my bucket list of seeing a show in every current Broadway theatre. I’ll be marking off the Majestic tomorrow night & the Lyceum Wednesday night. 
 

P.S. It also remains one of the best scores (and books) currently on Broadway. 

Updated On: 1/2/23 at 11:11 PM

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 1/2/23 at 11:19pm

Also, tonight picked up souvenirs: magnet, mug, and program. Also, got a bottle of water which has a Roxie on it with Chicago logo. 
 

And a friend is seeing TMO on Wednesday and has agreed to pick up merchandise for me. 

Updated On: 1/2/23 at 11:19 PM

[bear88]

Posted: 1/3/23 at 3:35am

I have made half-hearted pitches to see Chicago during past New York City trips (hey, it's on a Monday), but my wife has already seen it locally, plus the movie, so we saw Phantom a second time a few years ago and Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune in 2019.

But my older daughter saw it a couple of years ago and said it was a lot of fun, so you're in good company. And as you point out, the show still has that fantastic book and score. 

My younger daughter tried (and failed) to see Take Me Out during her June trip because the play was in its last week and sold out. 

[dillondwight]

Posted: 1/3/23 at 8:18am

bwayphreak234 said: "Sounds like a great trip! I am going next month and so far have tickets for Into the Woods, Funny Girl with Lea Michele, and & Juliet. I can't decide what my 4th show will be. Right now it's between Almost Famous and Some Like It Hot. Waiting to explore fastest payout online casino sites begin performances before deciding..."

 

I can't wait either Woods, Funny Girl with Lea Michele, and & Juliet show

 

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 1/4/23 at 1:12am

I’ll keep this short. It’s late & I’m tired. Saw Phantom of the Opera tonight for first time on Broadway. Wow, I finally loved it. Greg Mills did a great job as the Phantom, but what really sold me was Emilie Kouatchou as Christine, our great seats (Left Orchestra, Row D, right off center aisle), and the great Broadway stage design. 

[yyys]

Posted: 1/4/23 at 10:00am

Was John Riddle there?  Yes, Emilie is very impressive! 

Miles2Go2 said: "I’ll keep this short. It’s late & I’m tired. Saw Phantom of the Opera tonight for first time on Broadway. Wow, I finally loved it. Greg Mills did a great job as the Phantom, but what really sold me was Emilie Kouatchou as Christine, our great seats (Left Orchestra, Row D, right off center aisle), and the great Broadway stage design."

 

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 1/4/23 at 4:48pm

yyys said: "Was John Riddle there? Yes, Emilie is very impressive!

Yes, John Riddle (Raoul) was there and in fine voice and very, very sexy. 

 

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 1/4/23 at 5:31pm

Saw Merrily We Roll Along matinee today. I was not overly familiar with show before seeing it. I knew the basic reverse plot and have probably heard parts of the score before, but otherwise went in pretty much blind. 

Great, great cast especially the three principals. Thrilled to see Daniel Radcliffe in a musical after seeing him in a play (Lifespan of a Fact) few years ago. Always an exquisite pleasure to see Groffsauce on stage. And my first time seeing Lindsay Mendez! 

Lovely score. Please tell me we’re getting a new cast recording now that a Broadway transfer had been announced. Witty script.

I liked this a lot. A lot. What stops me from saying “loved” is I think the reverse structure kinda steals it of its momentum and dramatic stakes. But if the story was told in chronological order, I’m not sure it would be a very compelling story either & the reverse order sort of conceals that. I felt the same way when I saw the recent revival of Betrayal. I compare both to the movie Memento which has you constantly trying to figure out what the hell is going on so you can understand that first scene (the ending basically) which is confusing until you know what happened before (clues). 

So in the end, I admired much about it. I loved many aspects of this production. Very, very glad I saw it. And I would see it again when it lands on Broadway. Only slightly disappointed I could not emotionally connect to the material. I tried to think about friendships of mine (especially during the final scene which is filled with so much promise for them) that have ended, but still didn’t connect to material at the deep emotional level, but it’s still a very entertaining time and a very good afternoon at the theater. I do think that seeing it again could lead to the deeper connection for me. That often happens to me repeat visits to a show  

Interestingly, at curtain call Groff seemed to be teary-eyed & moved by the audience response. I may be misreading as I was Row J (still a great centered view). 

I do wonder how this will fare on Broadway. It will help to have Radcliffe of course, but it’s not gonna be a show that’s gonna appeal to the masses. Have all the shows he has been in recouped?

By the way, I want to thank whoever recommended Veselka. I ate their before the show & loved it. May have to add it to my regular lineup. 

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 1/5/23 at 12:32am

Saw A Strange Loop tonight. Kyle Ramar Freeman was in as Usher and they announced someone (I don’t remember name & didn’t get insert for this & missed cast board) was in as one of the Thoughts. 

Wow. Just wow. KRF was phenomenal as was the entire cast. A challenging, emotionally involving, courageous musical. Especially glad I saw this because not sure how successful a brave musical like this will be on tour. I had the emotional connection I was missing in my matinee today. Quite a few tears shed. My favorite show of my trip so far. Great seats - Orchestra Left Row B 1 & 3. My friend who’s favorite show is Phantom (with whom I saw POTO yesterday) said this was her favorite show of the trip so far & thinks it will be her favorite at end of the trip too. 

Most of the cast came out in front of theater and “stage doored” and couldn’t have been lovelier. They all signed my windowcard and took pics. I also got a magnet. 

[bear88]

Posted: 1/5/23 at 2:43am

I’ve been curious what you would think of your Wednesday shows. Your reaction to Merrily We Roll Along matches how a lot of people feel about the show. My first reaction, on hearing of the cast, was that I couldn’t imagine a better role for Jonathan Groff at this stage of his career. It sounds like you were impressed with him and the other leads. 

A Strange Loop isn’t the type of show that will get a national tour, though I hope a good version of it comes to San Francisco. My daughter really liked it during a New York City trip last summer, much to my relief, as I had recommended it.

 

[yyys]

Posted: 1/5/23 at 7:09am

Miles....Did you think A Strange Loop is too long without an intermission?

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 1/5/23 at 8:58am

yyys said: "Miles....Did you think A Strange Loop is too long without an intermission?"

My friend and I discussed this afterwards. We didn’t feel it was too long without an intermission. In fact, we felt there was no natural place to insert an intermission and that an intermission would’ve broken the momentum of the show. 

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 1/5/23 at 1:08pm

Seeing ITW tonight! TKTS line was insanely long, so we just walked to the box office even though we knew the rush tickets would all be gone. Which the box office guy confirmed but then I asked if they had any other discounted same day tickets and he stepped away and asked somebody and then sold us two tickets for second row right orchestra right off center aisle for TKTS price. So excited!

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 1/5/23 at 4:06pm

Did The Museum of Broadway this afternoon with a friend after a yummy meal (as always) at Red Rooster. I think the criticisms of The Museum of Broadway are valid, but I have to say I had a really good time. I think I actually gasped when we entered the Rent exhibit (mostly because I love the musical so much). Lots to love. It’s very well designed.

If I had a criticism it would be that some shows (Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen) get short shift. In fact, my friend mentioned after we exited that we didn’t see anything for DEH. We asked and staff member said there isn’t much, just some memorabilia. The Wicked replica of the set design is very cool, but would have loved mannequins with some of the costumes (especially Elphaba & Glinda). I can only guess the shows declined to contribute further.

Some of what I loved: 5-minute film on history of Broadway, and sections devoted to Ziegfeld Follies, West Side Story, Hello, Dolly!, Cabaret, Company, Sondheim crossword, A Chorus Line, jukebox musicals, AIDS (quite emotional), Phantom, and Rent. I also appreciated the whole floor dedicated to those who work behind the scenes.  

I was skeptical going in and honestly probably wouldn’t have  gone except for my friend who was gung-ho to go. I love museums, but, if i’m honest, I had a much better time here than on my usual museum visit. 

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 1/5/23 at 4:10pm

Oh, and you can make your own Al Hirschfield caricature of yourself and send it to your phone to save.  

Updated On: 1/5/23 at 04:10 PM