Summer NYC Trip

I hate that I have to make a separate thread for this, but I have a few different questions so I did.

First, going to NYC in July (3rd week) and staying 3 nights, Tuesday-Friday.

Originally I was just gonna fit in 4 shows, but realized I might be able to fit in 6.

Question/Dilemma 1: I really did enjoy Mamma Mia the first time I saw it on Broadway and would be interested in seeing it again before it closes on a Thursday matinee, but I also kinda wanna do some city exploring and already planning on two shows the day before. Is the show worth a second go or should I just enjoy the city?

Question 2: I wanna maybe try and see Wicked on that Friday's matinee (assuming is a special summer schedule). Would I be able to see the matinee at 2 and make it to Newark for a 7:35 flight?

Question 3: I need some suggestions of must do things while there. I've done all the touristy things already like Statue of Liberty, empire state and all of that boring stuff. But, what should I do as a theatre lover and overall lover of the city? Haven't really explored the parks, so will definitely check those off my list!

Final Question: I'm planning on seeing Something Rotten and Finding Neverland, the newest shows that I have the most interest in, but I still have two more slots to fill. Leave some suggestions and if it helps, shows I loved were If/Then, Wicked, BOM, Bridges, and N2N. A great score and great performances win me over!

The question I most desperately need to know is the second one, but the others I'd also love to hear responses to! Thanks!

Edit: Would also love some great food recommandations for a slighlty picky eater and favorite foods are a good burger with fries and pizza.

Updated On: 4/10/15 at 10:47 PM

I recommend you to skip Wicked and Mamma Mia and see them on tour. See On The Town and Gigi instead.

I did love Something Rotten...so I think at least you picked one good show to see.

Updated On: 4/11/15 at 12:55 AM

Also consider On the Twentieth Century. I thought it was funny all throughout and seeing Kristin Chenoweth, Andy Karl (Rocky) and rest of cast was such a treat. Peter Gallagher is in it too but I saw the understudy who wasn't too shabby.

Based on your interests, don't miss A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder unless you plan to catch it on tour. It won Best New Musical last year for a reason - it's a blast!

My other recommendation would be On the Twentieth Century. Hilarious musical, fantastic score, and some really stellar acting from Peter Gallagher and Kristen Chenoweth.

I wouldn't catch Mamma Mia a second time, personally, but I also wouldn't catch it a first time. Keep in mind that it is touring right now, so you can always see it that way. It comes down to personal taste - do you prefer seeing a musical that you've already seen and liked or something new? You know what you're getting with Mamma Mia, but it's nothing new to you and frankly there are better shows running right now.

Also (shut up, Mark!)
One thing I try to do if I'm in town on a Thursday is see Seth Rudetsky's Chatterbox at Don't Tell Mama. Cover (donated to BC/EFA) is something like $20. Close-up and dishy interviews and performances by some amazing talent. Right in your face. Seth keeps things moving along and you get out in time for a quick bite and that night's show.

However, he fits them in with his busy schedule (which includes lots of P-town gigs) so there may not be one your week.

AAAND - If you like burgers and Broadway - across the street is Joe Allen. (An all-around restaurant recommendation, but burgers and lobster rolls are especially good) Home of the famous Flop Wall.

Updated On: 4/11/15 at 03:43 AM

Like the others said, keep an eye on On The 20th Century, I've heard lots of rumbling about an extension, at least through July seems pretty likely at this point.

Definitely see Finding Neverland. Saw it last night and was blown away. Haven't seen Something Rotten yet. It seems unlikely that On The Town will still be open in late July, unless they get a big boost in ticket sales from the Tony noms...

I would depend Mamma Mia vs city on the weather. I'm sure you can get last minute tickets if it either rains or gets really hot. Otherwise, spend the day outside in the park or go to the Brooklyn Zoo, which is great. Or take a stroll on the High Line.

As for food I'm no expert yet, but I've been to Tony's recently for the first time and the food was amazing since their plates are so big and they actually encourage sharing, it was pretty cheap, too. You need to book a table though, it was very crowded. Westway Diner (on 9th) is also nice, your classic dinner in terms of food and decor and very close to the theaters.

I think you are cutting it very close to try and make a flight at 7:35 at Newark. Everything would have to align perfectly and I'm not sure even then.

I don't think you can check bags at the Gershwin and you'd have to get to the hotel and get your bags and get transportation. It's a walk through a very crowded Times Square, there might be a line for bag check at the hotel, and you better have transportation waiting or hope you can get a cab immediately. I have never had a fast drive out of Manhattan to any airport unless it is at the crack of dawn or really late. And then there's the security adventure at the airport on a Friday afternoon.

If you have to make that flight, I wouldn't chance it. But I'm old and we old people consider all of the possibilities and weigh the consequences. I didn't when I was younger.

As to Mamma Mia, as someone earlier said, only you can decide. Will it make you happy? Does your gut tell you yes? Then yes. Forget all the reasons why not. But only you can know that.

Have a great trip!