Start Spreading The News: My Visit To NYC: Dec 26-29

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 10/28/15 at 10:27am

I'm thrilled that I'll be visiting NYC from Dec. 26-29, 2015.  I've booked my flight (Southwest via LGA) and the Mayfair Hotel (right down the block from the Ambassador Theatre).  I'm definitely seeing "Chicago" and "Therese Raquin".  I haven't decided on the other shows.  I might be able to see a total of 5 shows, if I can get a fast taxi from LGA to my hotel. My plane  is scheduled to arrive at 1:15 p.m., so I just might be able to make it for a 3:00 p.m. show.  Forget Supershuttle, I'm taking the taxi.  

Updated On: 10/28/15 at 10:27 AM

[Mike Costa]

Posted: 10/28/15 at 11:49am

Glad you are coming to NYC!

Curious as to why you are seeing Chicago.  Have you seen it before, do you know what you are in for and that it is not a full production but a transfer of the staged reading done at Encores fifteen years ago?

[dramamama611]

Posted: 10/28/15 at 11:50am

He's seen it more times than we can count.  He knows (and loves) exactly what he's in for.

 

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 10/28/15 at 12:10pm

Are you asking for suggestions on other shows? Catch The Humans if you can.

[GreasedLightning]

Posted: 10/28/15 at 12:14pm

Careful when planning that "3pm matinee" on the 26. Most Saturday matinees are at 2pm. Just a tip!

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 10/28/15 at 12:25pm

"Mike Costa said: "Glad you are coming to NYC

Curious as to why you are seeing Chicago.  Have you seen it before, do you know what you are in for and that it is not a full production but a transfer of the staged reading done at Encores fifteen years ago?"

 

 

"

 

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 10/28/15 at 12:33pm

Mike, no offense intended, but I sort of chuckled at your comment.  When I first visited NYC in 2006, I didn't give Chicago much of a thought.  I finally saw it on St. Patrick's Day 2011 with Dylis Croman and Leigh Zimmerman as Velma.  I was hooked.  Subsequently, I've seen the show (on  Broadway) in  2012 (thrice), 2013 and 2015.  I've seen the tour in Austin, San Antonio (twice in 2015), in Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston.  So, I'm a "Johnny Come Lately" fan.  I also started up the "Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread".

[mar6411]

Posted: 10/28/15 at 12:53pm

I actually thought Mike Costa was pulling your chain.  But I guess I'm the only one.  You lose that kind of perspective when reading rather than talking.  

 

And I think Greased Lightening is right that all the matinees on Saturday are at 2 - take the shuttle and save your money to enjoy your trip.

 

Have a great time!

[Mike Costa]

Posted: 10/28/15 at 1:00pm

Thanks Dramarama, I did not know liking Chicago was his thing and did not want a reader of this message board to think this production was reminiscent of the Oscar winning film or a full production like other Bway shows or the original Bway Chicago.

 

The last time I saw this production was at Encores. I was with Fosse's assistant on the original production, Tony Stevens, and he exploded in anger at what the show had been reduced to and the way it had been sanitized.  Good to read that someone loves it though.

No sets, one costume ... all the way to the bank.

Updated On: 10/29/15 at 01:00 PM

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 10/28/15 at 2:00pm

My tentative show schedule for my upcoming visit:

Sat. Dec. 26th :  4:30 p.m.  Radio City Music Hall Xmas Spectacular

                         8:00 p.m.  Dames At Sea (Helen Hayes)

Sun. Dec. 27th :  2:00 p.m.  Therese Raquin (Studio 54)

                          7:00 p.m.  Chicago (Ambassador)

Mon. Dec. 28th:  8:00 p.m.  Allegiance (Longacre)

I've always wanted to go to Studio 54.  : )

[JBradshaw]

Posted: 10/28/15 at 11:50pm

You didn't know liking "Chicago" was a thing? Craziest thing I've ever heard. 

Btw it is a fully staged production - I saw it at Encores! It's a fuller production than what was staged there. Also one costume? Roxie actually wears three different costumes and Velma wears two similar yet different ones.

 

Mike Costa said: "Thanks Dramarama, I did not know liking Chicago was a thing and did not want a reader of this message board to think this production was like the Oscar winning film or a full production like other Bway shows or the original Bway  Chicago.

 

 

 

The last time I saw this production was at Encores. I was with Fosse's assistant on the original production, Tony Stevens, and he exploded in anger at what the show had been reduced to and the way it had been sanitized.  Good to read that someone loves it though.

 

No sets, one costume ... all the way to the bank.

 

"

 

[Phantom4ever]

Posted: 10/29/15 at 12:13am

If you can switch your shows around a bit, Chicago's Saturday matinee is 2:30 and your hotel is right across the street .........

 

That said, I am also a newer convert to the Chicago fan club and I enjoy seeing it as often as possible even though (clutches pearls) it's not a full production. 

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 10/29/15 at 12:14am

To bad you will miss Rotten and On Your Feet.

[HogansHero]

Posted: 10/29/15 at 12:18am

I am always surprised that some people define shows in terms of how elaborate the sets and costumes are rather than how artful they are. I'd expect that from tourists but not folks here. Chicago (which I have not seen in years) is a great work of art. 

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 10/29/15 at 12:27am

That's a nice thought Phantom.  However, it's kind of impractical.  Assuming my flight arrives on time, there's no guarantee that even a fast taxi can cut thru the busy NYC traffic.  Also, I order my tickets ahead of time, so I can't chance being late to a show.  Being late is not in my vocabulary.  Besides, I need to be able to check in properly before seeing my first show on Sat. Dec. 26th.  The Radio City Xmas show begins at 4:30 p.m. and has a 90 minute running time.  It finishes at about 6pm, which gives me enough time to eat some dinner and rush out to the Helen Hayes and "Dames".

 

[mailhandler777]

Posted: 10/29/15 at 6:52am

Why not take the subway instead of a taxi??? 

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 10/29/15 at 6:58am

With two suitcases and 2 carry-on bags, no way.  I think I'll pay extra for the taxi.  SuperShuttle has numerous stops before my destination, so getting a taxi is more convenient and quicker.  

[mailhandler777]

Posted: 10/29/15 at 10:23am

^You need that much stuff for 3 days??? I wouldn't need that for 3 weeks.

[Just_John]

Posted: 10/29/15 at 10:35am

I'd advise you skip Therese for something else if your only reason for going is to see the theater.  

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 10/29/15 at 12:17pm

I'm seeing "Therese"...not because of Keira Knightley, but I very much admire Judith Light.  I had a chance to see her in "Lombardi".  She is a fantastic actress, as it is well known.  Alas, I think I'll have to sacrifice "Dames" and get "Aladdin" instead.  Yes, I do require two suitcases and 2 carryons (1 laptop and 1 backpack).  Besides, Southwest Airlines doesn't charge for the two suitcases..unlike everyone else.  I have some free time on Mon. Dec. 28th.  I might take in the Guggenheim or a certain notorious museum I saw on my first trip.

[Phantom4ever]

Posted: 10/29/15 at 12:39pm

What about arriving earlier in the day on Saturday so you can see a Saturday matinee and then see Radio City on Sunday morning at 11am?  I often fly in on a Saturday morning and arrive around 9am (leave Chicago around 6am) and then even if there are delays, I always get there in more than enough time for lunch and a 2pm curtain.  

I'm sure you have reasons for lugging around two suitcases and two carry-ons, but oh my my, travel would be quite a bit easier with fewer bags :)

And another thing, every time I have done the early-morning thing and stayed at the Mayfair, they let me into my room as soon as I got there so I was able to nap for a bit before the show. 

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 10/29/15 at 4:54pm

 

Updated On: 10/29/15 at 04:54 PM

[ramsay15]

Posted: 10/29/15 at 5:32pm

If you are still thinking of taking in Allegiance, I suggest you wait to buy tickets until after the reviews come out.

[oncemorewithfeeling2]

Posted: 10/29/15 at 5:50pm

I'll be honest here...I don't know if Dames will be open in late December. 

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 10/29/15 at 6:10pm

Ramsay dearest.... I suppose that some people might want to wait for the reviews of a particular show.  I have a B.A. in History, so I am familiar with the topic of the mistreatment of Japanese Americans during WWII.  Also, I distinctly remember watching the tv film "Farewell To Manzanar", in 1974 I believe.   I know enough of the subject to want to see its theatrical dramatization.  Also, I'm curious about George Takei and Telly Leung.  Finally, this is an opportunity to see the marvelous Lea Salonga in a Broadway show.  I've seen a BWW video clip of one of her songs.  She is phenomenal.  Therefore, my interest in "Allegiance" is genuine.  I would rather see it for myself and see what I think of it.  I'm not about to let some theatre critic/reviewer determine what I should see.  That decision is all mine.