My NYC Trip Report (5 shows in 6 and a half days.)

[EricMontreal22]

Posted: 11/14/15 at 3:31pm

Inspired by BroadwayBabyWannabe's post, I thought I'd report on my NYC trip from this past week.

I'll try to be brief for once and leave any major talk on each show in their respective thread.  This trip was planned by my fairly recently new step father--for me, mom, him, my twin sis, his son and his daughter-in-law to all meet up in New York, and he paid for travel and hotel, so much of the time we were together and I knew I wouldn't be able to run off and do as much as I would have liked to.  Still, it's rare for me to be able to travel to NYC, so I had to take advantage as much as possible (I'm currently living in Victoria BC.)  And for the most part it worked out wonderfully.

We got their late afternoon and my step dad was set on seeing the New York Philharmonic.  I like classical music, but it wasn't a priority for me, but it meant a lot for him to have us all go so, while sleepy from the long plane trip (lots of connecting flights,) we saw a Mozart selection at Avery FIsher... sorry Geffen Hall.  I'm not a big Mozart fan outside of his operas, but I admit it was great to be in Lincoln Center, having only ever seen it on PBS before.

The next night we split up--Neil and his side of the family went to Tosca at the Met (and similarly I would have loved to have seen something at the Met, but opera wasn't a priority for me) whereas my twin sis, mom and I went to Fun Home, which *was* the one can't miss show for me--seeing as I've been obsessed with it since basically the original workshops were announced (I don't think Neil would have liked it anyway.)

Absolutely spectacular--I was foolishly worried about our seats since we bought all our tickets relatively last minute, but we were in fourth row in the middle of one of the long sides which was perfect.  I can't say enough for the staging (I respectfully disagree with Someone in a Tree in that other thread who says all of the best parts of Fun Home can be gathered from the cast album--I found the staging thrilling and unbearably moving.)  The "new" small Alison was terrific I thought, and looked more her age for whatever it matters than what I've seen of Sidney on TV.  It was Michael C's birthday so they had a cute singalong at the end.  Anyway--the highlight of a few highlights of my trip.

We split up the next day but I had only recently found out that First Daughter Suite was playing--even being a massive LaChiusa fan, I only heard about it a few weeks back.  I ended up meeting up with an ex poster from here who I've been friends with for years and his bf and we went to a matinee (which worked out as I think no one else in my group had any interest in it.)  Thrilling--I loved the material but it was equally thrilling for me to see so many of my fave theatre actresses "live" for the first time and so close.  Afterwards my friend took us out to a great vegetarian restaurant and for drinks (though honestly I have no idea why I was worried that we would end up in a lot of restaurants without vegetarian food.)

The next show was one my mom had asked me to choose for all of us a few weeks in advance--and given the different tastes, I was kinda nervous but Neil likes Gershwin, my mom loves dance and so American in Paris seemed like a safe bet (plus I am a huge Christopher Wheeldon fan from his ballet work.)  I found i thrilling--I can quibble about some of the book (Henri's gay, right?)  But I do agree with Someone in a Tree on this--it was a great example for me of just a perfectly staged musical, and a *dance* musical in the true sense of the word at that.  Great performances (I had no idea that some faves of mine like Veanne Cox were in it,) great design, I am completely won over and, though I shouldn't in hindsight be shocked by this, it was the happiest surprise of my trip.

I managed to catch on my own a performance of Fool for Love since I'm a big Sam Rockwell, and Sam Shepherd fan.  I didn't know the play (or the Altman movie,) and while I wouldn't rank it among my fave of his plays, I was happy to have chosen to see it (and gotten a cheap last minute ticket.)

The last show we saw, another one I was asked to choose for all seven of us, was Curious Incident.  I liked it a lot but, and maybe this is because I had read the book when it came out, I wasn't quite as won over as everyone else seems to be (or maybe I was worn out of shows by then.)  For me the top highlight was the use of movement and the design.

The only other theatre related thing I managed to do was something I've dreamed of doing for years.  While my sister and mom and others shopped, on a whim (I should have planned an appointment weeks back,) I checked out the TOFT NYPL collection to see if I could finally view the 1972 Hal Prince Company tour video they host there--the one video they have in their huge archive I've always wanted to see, being obsessed with that production.  Apparently I walked in right at the right time and honestly, while I had to quickly apply for a temporary library card, it was extremely easy--I just had to show them my university student card and they asked no questions as to why I was viewing it.  Thrilling (I might make a post about my thoughts on seeing the original production--albeit with the tour cast--on here.)

Otherwise, there wasn't a lot of time.  I would have liked to have seen more museums but I spent a wonderful few hours at the Frick, and managed to spend a fun night with my sister going to the various bars including Marie's Crises in the Village (which led to an... interesting encounter lol.)  My biggest disappointment is I had other friends from online who I hadn't met before who we tried to make plans with, but the timing just wasn't right (and there wasn't enough time...)  

I would have of course liked to have seen a few shows I missed--the one I am most sorry about missing is King and I, but actually the assortment of shows I did see seemed to complement each other--my three faves, FIrst Daughter, American in Paris and especially Fun Home all were so different from each other.

Also, after being on this forum so much, I admit I was worried about how bad New York audiences might be.  Granted most of the shows I saw weren't huge tourist shows, but...  The only one that seemed like it might be trouble was Paris, which was packed (3pm matinee on Sunday.)  In the lobby there was a lot of pushing, etc--but honestly I didn't even hear a phone ring.  We also seemed to have picked a good time to go because we had good seats for all of the shows.

I hope it'll be less than a few years before I'm back.

[EricMontreal22]

Posted: 11/14/15 at 3:35pm

One last thought to add to my overlong post.  This is the first time I've had the chance to (except for Curious Incident) see shows with, mostly, their original casts.  So rarely having the chance to see the cast that I know from the CDs, and video clips, I admit that was particularly thrilling for me.

[TheGingerBreadMan]

Posted: 11/14/15 at 3:57pm

I'm so glad you enjoyed your trip. I'm envious that you had a chance to see First Daughter Suite - I would love to catch that one, but alas, I won't be able to make it. 

[theatreguy12]

Posted: 11/14/15 at 4:02pm

Great report, Eric.  

And thanks for your insight into Curious Incident. I was interested in maybe adding that to my itinerary as well.

I'm usually more about the musicals when I'm in NY, but thought I might venture out a bit since the last play I saw in NY was Six Degrees of Separation.  Go and figure.

La Boheme is playing at the Met when I'm there so I might actually do the opera thing while I'm there if I can fit it in.

Like you, I did enjoy Fun Home.  Maybe not the best I've seen, but I'm still really glad I saw it!  I loved the staging of it, as well.  

And American in Paris really was beautiful, as well, with a staging that was quite provocative.  I agree.  It did a great job transporting you back into time too.

I guess I'll remain on the fence with regard to Curious Incident for now.   As of now I have Fiddler on the Roof, She Loves Me, Hamilton, The King and I, La Boheme (at the Met), and either School of Rock or American Psycho on the itinerary. 

Thanks for your trip report.

[EricMontreal22]

Posted: 11/14/15 at 4:12pm

Thanks both of you for reading it and your feedback.  I know trip reports, especially scattered ones, aren't always the most fun to read, but it's nice to be able to share my excitement (seriously, most of my friends back here would have zero interest.)

GingerBread--yeah, with those month long runs off-Broadway, such as for FIrst Daughter, when planning a trip you just sorta have to be lucky--as I said, I had no idea it would be running when I was there. 

TheatreGuy--I would recommend Curious Incident but like I said it didn't blow me away like it seems to for so many.  I will say that in some ways it felt more like a musical than a play because the staging was so kinetic.  While the theatre was relatively full, I don't think it would be hard to get tickets for, so you would be safe to leave it for a last minute thing (at least, from my limited experience, I think...)  I love "straight" plays, and always try to make sure to at least see some, but of course it's always the musicals that I read anxiously about months before, often know the recordings, and tend to take priority.

Sounds like a great itinerary--all shows I'd like to see (I admit, I didn't even bother trying to get tickets to Hamilton.  Didn't even look--I figure I'll just try next time...)

 

[ebontoyan]

Posted: 11/14/15 at 5:00pm

Thanks for your trip report EricMontreal22! I enjoyed reading it and glad to hear you had an enjoyable time! 

 

In my upcoming Jan trip I so far have tix to Hamilton (2nd visit! Bought tix back in March!!), Allegiance, Fiddler on the Roof, and On your Feet.  Then still deciding from School of Rock, The Color Purple and King Charles III (choose 2 of 3). I prefer musicals but King Charles intrigues me.  I'm excited!!!

Updated On: 11/14/15 at 05:00 PM

[MarkBearSF]

Posted: 11/14/15 at 5:25pm

Thanks so much for your trip report. I love reading them - and since I enjoy your posts, I was especially happy to read your comments.

I'm still trying to put together shows for our LON (Southampton) to NY crossing next spring. London especially! We've got probably 4 slots and I only have "Funny Girl" tickets. (Help appreciated here, BTW), and in NY for 5 slots, I've got "Shuffle Along" "She Loves Me" & "American Psycho" (Saw Hamilton in August). I'm looking toward "School of Rock" "The Humans" "Waitress" or something to be named later for the final two.

[VintageSnarker]

Posted: 11/14/15 at 5:33pm

"I know trip reports, especially scattered ones, aren't always the most fun to read, but it's nice to be able to share my excitement (seriously, most of my friends back here would have zero interest.)"

 

I really enjoyed hearing about your trip, even the off-topic stuff like the vegetarian restaurants. Would you recommend First Daughter Suite for a non-theatre fan. That is, someone who doesn't see shows regularly? I have to admit, I listened to some of the promo clips and even as a theatre fan I found the music to be somewhat "difficult."

[Mike Costa]

Posted: 11/14/15 at 5:41pm

Eric, you are an insightful, enthusiastic, intelligent writer.

Thanks for sharing your trip and thoughts with us!

 

TheaterGuy, Franco Zefferilli's productions of La Boheme and Turandot at The Metropolitan Opera are the greatest stagings and theater pieces we have had in New York in the last fifty years. Plus, it is all live and un-miked.  Purchase in advance since they always sell out when they are on the roster.  Family Circle is inexpensive but you do feel like you are in a different theater.  Translations are available on an led screen in front of your seat.  Enjoy!

[broadwaybabywannabe2]

Posted: 11/14/15 at 6:24pm

EricMontreal22...i am so glad you enjoyed your time in NYC as well and thanks for the shout out too!...:)...i thought AAIP was so wonderfully designed but when it came to the finale ballet i was left wanting more...yes the pas de deux was thrilling but the rest seemed crowded and not as inspiring as the movie ballet sequence...and yes i understand movies can do more staging...but the whole musical was so well designed that it made me happy for that...i was staying right across the street from CIRCLE ON THE SQ...i could have walked 100 yards to see that show, but opted for AAIP instead...

[EricMontreal22]

Posted: 11/14/15 at 7:16pm

Thanks everyone--I admit reading about upcoming trips from others makes me anxious to plan another one...  When my bank account recovers.

MarkBear, I have two British friends who saw the new Guys and Dolls that opens in London in Dec (they saw it in Manchester where it's previewing,) and both highly recommended it.  It should be playing when you're there--but of course this depends on how badly you want to see another production of Guys and Dolls

VintageSnarker--that's really hard to say.  I loved it, but, as I said, I love LaChiusa unabashedly, and it was thrilling for me to see, especially in such an intimate venue, women I had long admired on various cast albums like Mary Testa.  LaChiusa's music can fairly be described as difficult, I freely admit.  It depends on your non-theatre friend I suppose--if they have an interest in past presidents (well wives and daughters of,) that could be a draw, though I admit being Canadian I had very little knowledge there and it didn't hamper my enjoyment. 

Mike--I admit I'd love to see one of those grand Zefferrelli opera productions the Met still has (before they replace another one!)

BroadwayBaby--I admit that I think the only time I missed some of the Gene Kelly choreography from the film was in the ballet, though I also loved the pas de deux (even having seen it before--at least in part--on TV.)  I did like, though, how they went from the "real" ballet, completely with ridiculous 1940s French ballet costumes, into the dream ballet and then back again.  And I know from your other thread that even being across the street from Fun Home couldn't get you to see it (I mean if Namo's nagging didn't work ).  Great location though!  I was further away, by the Empire State Building (Murray Hill?) but after a bit of a nightmare rush through rush hour the first day I quickly got the hang of where to walk and where subway stations were, etc. 

[Someone in a Tree2]

Posted: 11/14/15 at 11:47pm

Hey Eric, so great to read your report. And I'm touched and humbled to have been cited not once but twice in your original post. I myself am heading back to NYC for Thanksgiving weekend, so I too will probably have to apologize to the populace just like you did when I post my reactions to "Therese Raquin", "King Charles III" and "Fiddler" long after most of the discourse on these boards has moved on. For the record, nothing you wrote of your trip was the least bit boring to me, sir.

 

Re FUN HOME, I know I'm a bit of an outlier in not swooning over this show. I've now seen it twice, the second time with Gabby who was indeed superb in the part. I admired a great deal of it, found much of the staging resourceful, considered many of the songs lovely, but never fell in love with the thing as most here have. And look, I can cry over a good coming out story with the best of them, can boast my own "Changing My Major to Joan" memories. But forcing me to spend the evening with the horror-show that was Bruce and never answering the prime questions of his illness was just too unsatisfying an evening for me, particularly in a staging that remained steadfastly off-broadway in its scope. 

 

Re AAIP, though I adored this show both times I saw it, I'm totally with Broadwaybabywannabe and Eric in hating the staging and design of the title ballet in Act II. In fact, lots of Act II left me neutral or actually bored. But I'd pay good money to watch Act I in a constant loop and the riches there still made this show my favorite of last season.

 

Lastly, now you've got me rereading the thread on FIRST DAUGHTER SUITE to see if maybe that's the 4th show I should add to my NYC trip in 2 weeks. So as always, thanks Eric!

 

 

 

Updated On: 11/14/15 at 11:47 PM

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 11/15/15 at 12:06am

Fun homo!

[MarkBearSF]

Posted: 11/15/15 at 1:41pm

Thanks Eric. I'll definitely check out G&D - I've actually never seen it on stage and I love the score.

[EricMontreal22]

Posted: 11/15/15 at 2:58pm

It's a terrific score and really should be on stage at least once--and like I said this looks like a good production to do that with (there is a trailer online.)  It's from the same people (more or less) who did the current, much praised, London Gypsy.  http://www.guysanddollsthemusical.co.uk/ 

And as I'm sure you know, while primarily non musicals, if you're looking for plays it's always worthwhile seeing what The National and the Old Vic are doing--their websites should already list Spring productions (The National does have the Damon Albarns hi tech Wonder.land musical which is meant to be visually amazing, but I've heard pretty different takes on if it's actually worth seeing.)

Someone in a Tree--you're welcome.  I agree with a number of your Fun Home thoughts, but the show just really connects with me (as I said I was a fan of the graphic memoir basically from when it came out, so part of my excitement is just following the musical from when I first heard about it till now.)

And actually, on reflection, I agree with you about Paris--Act I is nearly flawless, but II has a few patchy spots (although some highlights--I liked the whole Fidgety Feet opening, etc)  And of course the way the stories are tied up is beyond perfunctory, although really none of those things seem to even matter in this show. 

I look forward to reading your report after your next trip!