My trip to NY Report

[EricMontreal22]

Posted: 7/6/13 at 1:47pm

I was in Montreal the last few weeks--so went down to NYC for a weekend--something I never really did when I actually lived there.

Thank you everyone on here for the hotel tips--they helped a lot. As for tickets, I bought three in advance, and got one easily at half price (Pippin) by someone on the street.

The highlight of my trip was seeing Vanya and Sonia and Masha (and Spike.) I've loved Durang's plays for a long time, but had only read them, or seen amateur productions (and Sister Mary on TV.)

The other real highlight was Pippin. Just wow--I was in the front row for the show, and can't stop thinking about it.

I also saw Matilda, which I liked but not as much--I think I need to listen to the cast album more. I did love some of the staging. And Kinky Boots which won me over by the end, but I don't think was brilliant.

It was exciting to be in NYC for the first time--I had been told a lot of things (like don't ride the subway at certain times) but it's not that different from Montreal in that respect.

[coryografer]

Posted: 7/6/13 at 2:25pm

Eric-- I'm glad your first trip to NYC was such a success. You chose good shows to see for your first trip. I have been there only 8 or so times, but have always enjoyed myself. I hope you get to return in the not too distant future.

[vegas2]

Posted: 7/6/13 at 3:26pm

When I started my NYC theatre trips a few years ago, I took a lot of cabs, because I was wary of the subway and walking around at night. I had lived there in the early 80s when the city wasn't so nice. It has changed dramatically since then, and I love the subway for getting to BAM and all the fabulous off-Broadway venues. I'm glad you had a great trip, and I'm looking forward to my next one in August!

[aaronb]

Posted: 7/6/13 at 5:09pm

The subway is pretty safe. I've never had a problem with it.

[aaronb]

Posted: 7/6/13 at 5:09pm

I was mugged once, but it was in Bed-Stuy around 11pm--five years ago or so. As long as you know what you're doing, though, you should be ok.

[ARTc]

Posted: 7/6/13 at 5:11pm

Actually, New York as a whole is pretty safe. Just be smart about it and get on with your business.

Anyway, I'm glad you had such a wonderful time.

[ArtMan]

Posted: 7/6/13 at 6:49pm

Subway is perfectly safe even during afterhours. I have walked the streets from Chelsea way in the wee hours back to Times Square. Never had a problem. The only thing that messed with me was the cat sized rats.

[GavestonPS]

Posted: 7/6/13 at 8:48pm

I'm so glad you enjoyed your first NYC weekend, Eric.

I too never had a problem on the subway. It's hard to commit a crime there and get away quickly. Back in the bad old 70s and 80s, the muggings I heard about usually took place on either (a) very crowded streets such as Times Square; or (b) empty streets. (In the former you can melt into the crowd; in the latter, well, I'm sure the problem is obvious.)

[Playbilly]

Posted: 7/6/13 at 8:53pm

Did you get a chance to shake hands with Elmo in Times Square? Now, THAT'S what New York is all about!

[logan2]

Posted: 7/7/13 at 12:18am

EricMontreal22 is now officially Barbara Walters on The View.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 7/7/13 at 12:28am

Are you still here?

[welcometothetheater]

Posted: 7/7/13 at 1:10am

I'd love to subway but am forced to cab because I have a walker and the subway system as a whole is pretty inaccessible, even though some have elevators (not many). Will have to try the bus next time I'm in the city. Glad you enjoyed your trip!

[dramamama611]

Posted: 7/7/13 at 7:51am

Eric -- so glad your first trip to NY was a hit! Come back and see us soon!


In total agreement with your assessment of the shows, except I haven't seen Vanya et all.

[KathyNYC2]

Posted: 7/7/13 at 8:00am

"Did you get a chance to shake hands with Elmo in Times Square? Now, THAT'S what New York is all about!"

I don't know about that. I am a New Yorker..and I wouldn't be caught shaking hands with anyone in one of those costumes, which always look filthy dirty to me. Plus, you have no idea who is actually IN those costumes, I would stay clear myself.

Glad you had a great time - in spite of the heat!

[aaronb]

Posted: 7/7/13 at 4:53pm

Plus Elmo has some pretty crazy beliefs.

[broadwaydevil]

Posted: 7/7/13 at 4:55pm

Kathy, quite certain that was sarcasm. I'm still fairly young but I can remember what Times Square was like before they made it seem like Walt Disney had an orgasm all over it.

[choitoy]

Posted: 7/7/13 at 8:21pm

Eric, I've kinda seen you off and on since the old Sondheim board days. For some strange reason I thought that you might have been to NY before.

Not that I'm stalking you or anything...