New York Trip Aug 21-15th

[jeff_thedancer]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 8:57am

Hey Guys.

As a Present to myself for my 19th Birthday i got greyhound tickets down from toronto to NY for a Thursday to Monday. I am staying at a Hostel called HI New York.

Im Obviously seeing A Mat and Night Show every chance lol but had some questions about New York it self.

1) should i be worried about being out late at night?
2) any areas i should stay away from
3) anything major like broadway in the park or things like that going on in that time?

4) any cool broadway type stores?

I am taking classes at broadway dance centre wile im down to and checking out the circle in the square for the MT program i might attend.

Thanks in advance for all your help guys!

Cheers,
Jeffrey

Ps im seeing(not in stone) Rent,Xanadu,In The Heights,Gyspy,Legally Blonde,Title of show......any other ideas?

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 9:08am

1) No. Every area is safe and there are always cops out 24/7 everywhere you go. This is a very safe city.
2) Upper East Side. It's like the suburbs, but in the city. Nothing going on there.
3) The final Broadway in Bryant Park is August 14th, so it looks like you'll be missing it, but HAIR in Central Park plays through August 31st and tickets are free.

[FrontRowCenter2]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 9:14am

The are lots of Broadway type stores around the Times Square/theater district area. The ones that come to mind immediately are (don't know the names) there is one at the Marriott Marquis (ground level) on Broadway, a store on 44th Street and 8th Ave, and one in Shubert Alley (between 44th and 45th Street between Broadway and 8th Aves.)
Enjoy!

[newyorkrbust]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 9:22am

You wouldn't be able to tell it was night if it wasn't dark. The streets are just as bust (if not more so) late at night. There are Broadway type stores everywhere, but if you want merchandise from shows, you have to get it at that show...They don't sell them in the stores, atleast I've never seen it, plus thats what one of the guys that worked in a store told me. Wicked is really good.

Have fun

[shameless]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 9:28am

It is very safe, but it's not Disneyland. Just use common sense. Don't go stolling through Central Park or down dark, deserted alleys and 3 AM and you'll be fine.

[broadwayfan7]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 9:46am

I think you'll really enjoy In The Heights! Also, look into Grand Slam, right next to ROXY in Times Square. It's a souvenir store that sells all types of NYC things. Have a wonderful trip!

[sgv123]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 9:47am

i get my broadway merchandise at the store mentioned below the Marquis. they do have things you get at the theatre and for cheaper. they have shirts, hats, programs, window cards, draw sting bags, mugs, and bunch more.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 9:49am

With the exception of CDs, show merchandise will ALWAYS be cheaper at the theatre.

[jeff_thedancer]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 10:26am

thanks so much guys! did you guys know toronto to ny,and back was only $40 cause i booked it so early! drama eh. i am so excited. i just need to start reviewing maps and stuff so i feel more comfortable i guess.

i heared that there is a place call tkts for discount tickets? i know i am staying in the east village(well, thats where i put my deposit it was either there or up on 891 amsterdanm way up by the top of central park....) oh sry but i have another question.. My bus comes to penn station....is the east village walking distance? cause i really wanna save as much money for shows and shopping and such lol

thanks for all your help guys it really means alot!

[HBBrock]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 10:45am

Subways are $2.

[SgtDonut]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 10:55am

Yes, I just used TKTS for the first time on Sunday and then again yesterday. All you have to do is go to Times Square (although it's currently in a Mariott) and wait in a line. It's a long line but it moves quickly. They only accept cash though. Try to get there before it starts so you can get what you want. It's right next to the theatre where Cry-Baby is playing, just buy a MetroCard and get a Subway map to make it easy to get around places. The locals are mostly friendly and can help you find stuff. I recommend Gypsy and Young Frankenstein! Have fun!! I know I did these past five days!

[whatever2]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 11:33am

make time for the fringe festival ...

fringenyc.org

[carderic]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 11:41am

Hope you have a great time! enjoy new york

[BillyE]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 12:21pm

Most buses, including Greyhound, come to the Port Authority terminal, 8th Ave and 40th St, an easy walk to Times Square.
Penn Station is about 8 blocks south. In either case, you will need a subway for the East Village or the upper West Side. Get a metrocard from one of the machines at any staion. They have various deals, take a moment and decide what's best for you.

As long as you're staying in the East Village, make some time to explore that neighborhood as well. Also the West Village, and Washington Square area. I know you're under age, but try to sneak in for a look in Marie's Crisis, 51(or53 I'm not sure)Grove St, just west of 7th Ave late Friday and Saturday night-a great sing along piano bar jam packed with Broadway fans. You might also enjoy Blue Man Group, off Broadway near the East Village.

The store at the Marquis is great! just west of the Marquis stage door at 211 W45th. They have most of the stuff that you can only otherwise get at the shows. tkts line is a few steps west through the tunnel and the booth is on 46th. Bring cash.

Just avoid Central Park, especially north of the reservois (around 80th) late at night, and you'll be alright.
Have a great trip!

[heathurrr]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 12:44pm

4) any cool broadway type stores?

There are a bunch of great stores!

My two personal faves were
'Broadway New York' (that's what my bag from the store says it's called, I don't recall seeing it labelled as such, but I have a bad memory) it's near TKTS/ The Marriot Marquis Hotel. The bag says its address is 1535 Broadway at 45th Street.
It has a bunch of cast albums, programs, window cards and even books.

The other was right beside the Winter Garden (where Mamma Mia! is playing) it's small but has a selection of books and DVDs. Again, I cannot remember the name.

Updated On: 6/18/08 at 12:44 PM

[jeff_thedancer]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 4:13pm

You all are being so much help,i cant begin to thank you all enough.


jeffrey
www.jeffreybowers.com

[lindyhopper24]

Posted: 6/19/08 at 8:07am

first off, see south pacific, it is a-maz-ing. second, i found this awesome website called uloveny.com of video reviews of everything nyc-- places to eat, things to do, sights to see, shows to see, etc. and there are tons of reviews of broadway shows. so if you're looking to see if it's worth the money, watch some of these and see what other people are saying. like here's a chorus line: http://uloveny.com/nyc/venue/1/12/2304/a_chorus_line
have an awesome trip!

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 6/19/08 at 8:58am

Ignore lindyhopper24's post. He just joined today to shill his website.

As for TKTS:

Try to get there before it starts so you can get what you want.

Actually, it doesn't matter what time you get there, because throughout the day, new tickets are released at various times, all different seat locations, depending on the show, so availability is always up in the air. Also, if you want to see a play as opposed to a musical, there is a "Plays Only" line which you can go on and surpass the monumental musicals line. There is usually NOBODY in the Plays line, because most folks don't know about it. Just walk up to the far left window that has a sign that says "PLAYS ONLY" on it.

It's right next to the theatre where Cry-Baby is playing,

CRY-BABY closes this Sunday, so by the time you get here, it will either be dark or something new will be playing there.

Another store that you MUST check out is Triton Gallery, in the theatre district. They have TONS of recent and very old Broadway/theatre-related posters. They are THE spot to get theatre posters in NYC. Triton is at 630 9th Avenue, at 45th Street, and is open Monday - Saturday from 10am - 6pm.

Another show you should check out is BASH'd: A GAY RAP OPERA, which actually won Best Musical at the Fringe Festival last summer.

The Off-Broadway premiere of BASH'd is playing at the Zipper Factory, and it is a must-see. See https://www.myspace.com/bashd to hear some songs. Also see my avatar for their cool artwork.

I also recommend checking out at least one of the TONS of shows playing at the Fringe, as whatever2 mentioned above, as it will be playing when you are visiting.

URINETOWN began at the Fringe Festival, and ended up going to Broadway and winning three Tony Awards, so you never know what cool funky show you may catch there.

Updated On: 6/19/08 at 08:58 AM

[Patash]

Posted: 6/19/08 at 10:41am

Wanna be a Foster: Would a couple of older gay guys who both ABHOR rap music still like Bashed?

[harris007]

Posted: 6/19/08 at 10:41am

and the winner for the pot calling the kettle black

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 6/19/08 at 10:44am

Patash, I would lean toward yes. The show has a narrative from beginning to end. It's not just a bunch of songs. And not all of the songs are rap. Some of it is sung through narrative to assist in telling the story. It is a very moving night at the theatre.

The other person on this board who can tell you about BASH'd is jrb_actor. He saw it at the Fringe last summer first and recommended it to me, and he caught the Off-Broadway version earlier this week. I'm seeing it tomorrow night.

[matty159]

Posted: 6/19/08 at 11:16am

Patash, I would agree with Foster. I saw it on Monday night and there was an older gentleman next to me that really enjoyed it. I think it is very accessible to pretty much anyone. It is most engaging. Enjoy, should you get to see it!

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 6/19/08 at 12:29pm

"4) any cool broadway type stores?"

There is also a Broadway store across the street from the Majestic and next to the St. James along 44th St.

Also, regarding "safety," I would say just keep aware of your surroundings and don't go wandering into any unfamiliar areas late at night. I wouldn't say it is an unsafe city, but things always happen. During the day, especially during the week, you will be walking among a lot of workers/businesspeople, and on weekends, tourists. I go into the city myself a lot, but try to go in with a set plan of what places I want to visit and what subways I'll need to take (if any), and stick to it.

Hope that helps and have a fun/safe trip! Is this your first time?

Posted: 6/19/08 at 12:42pm

I've always had the best luck at TKTS by showing up late- half hour or less before show time. No line and still plenty to choose from- as long as you're adventurous.

And if you're alone, it never hurts to ask if they have any single seats laying around. I scored the last ticket to Wild Party that way and have been grateful ever since.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 6/19/08 at 1:42pm

I think BASH'd has enough of a pop feel to it that you'll enjoy it. If anything, you should be able to appreciate the terrific lyrics and the story.

Its such a brilliant piece.