NYC 11/2021

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

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For several years have been trying to get tickets to the Stephen Colbert Show without success. Well, on November 15th I finally made it. As with Radio City no photography is allowed but the images remain permanently ensconced in my brain. I am a big fan, he is my nightly watch as I soak in the tub.

To obtain entry one must arrive by 4 pm. Pleasant young people in red coats inspect your id and vaccine card then attach a wristband to your left wrist. At 5:15pm the doors open and entrance to the theater begins.

Purses and small bags are checked, however, no suitcases or back packs are allowed in the theater. Once in the theater and seated allowances are made to go to the loo. A comedian appears to “warm up” the audience then Jon Batiste begins, what an amazing musician he is and the band sublime. As a Julliard student he and his fellow students came to my psych hospital and played for the patients.

Paul Rudd and Sting

On this night, Paul Rudd, the Sexiest Man Alive, was a guest. Stephen speaks with his guests well beyond what is seen on the show. Next up was Sting, who answered the Stephen Colbert Questionnaire, which will be used on a future show. After the Questionnaire Sting sang a tune from his new album. What work goes into prepping for these musical sets.

Surprise Guest

When the two guests were completed Stephen announced he had a surprise guest who could only be here on this night. It was Lady Gaga – Stephanie as I refer to her. She was promoting her new movie, House of Gucci. What a warm and down to Earth individual. Of course I knew that as on a trip to the Holy Lands I met her high school ethics teacher. He knew her and her family well and recounted what an amazing young woman she was and continues to be.

Parting Shot – they go to Brooklyn, me to Wyoming

Upon departure from the theater went to my favorite pizza shop in town, and bought a pie to bring West.

Large cheese pie and soda, $11, but don’t forget to tip..

What a wonderful visit…

La Boheme and the Staten Island Ferry

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What a beautiful place Lincoln Center is. If ever visiting New York City take time to see the grounds and catch a New York City Ballet or Metropolitan Opera performance. La Boheme was absolutely spectacular and while the words were in Italian a translation bar appears on the seat before you. Pricing is reasonable, $30 for this view, and what a view.

After the show did one of my favorite things – a night ride on the Staten Island Ferry past the Statute of Liberty. Dress warm, and enjoy..

It’s the best attraction in town, and it’s free.

Photo posted on the ferry

Our Lady at Night..

Views of Manhattan

Rockefeller Center

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Been stopping at Rockefeller Center every day after the Broadway shows to watch the work involved with raising the Christmas tree. Take a peek..

Humble Beginnings – The Stand – which is all iron

The Scaffolding

This year the tree hails from Maryland.

And a few more Center pictures..

And the day before the 100th anniversary of Chanel no. 5 was celebrated here. Gosh, these workers move!

Never a dull moment in NYC…

Carmine’s and Hadestown

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Have always wanted to go to this famous Italian restaurant on 200 West 44th Street and finally did. Everything is served family style and delicious. Waiters are pleasant and portions enormous so bring an appetite and they’ll provide to go bags for what you can’t accomplish. Prices are high, but it’s New York City and memories will last forever.

Hadestown

Thought Hadestown was a story about a town in the South, and boy was I wrong.. Hadestown is a musical based on a Greek myth. Orpheus goes to the underworld to rescue his lover, Eurydice, and it doesn’t work out. The music and dancing is exciting but story line was not enough to capture my fancy.

After another NYC Broadway disappointment on to Rockefeller Center…

I’ll always have Carmine’s…

Diana, The Musical

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Broadway’s Flop of the Season – What a travesty.

The cast of characters – let’s hope this play doesn’t ruin their careers.

The Daily News called this musical, “tabloid trash,” and that was kind. This was a Christmas gift to my daughter and her beau. Having spent well over $300 in tickets I was embarrassed and displeased with this rollicking romp of poop. However, my daughter turned this calamity into fodder reciting the several of the songs misaligned rhymes making this debacle a hit which will forever added to my list of Top 10 Flops.

One thing they did get right was the clothes.

Radio City Music Hall

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What an amazing theatrical experience!

The Rockettes rock, and the creative team who developed this new show spent their Pandemic time well upgrading the production. If you are ever in New York City during this event – go. Given to me by my daughter’s beau as a Christmas present it will be a time I will always cherish.

While the performances were spectacular no photography or video is allowed, but the Music Hall is a masterpiece in and of itself.

What a greeting as you walk into the Music Hall.

Costume displays are present throughout the theater. There were many young ladies with Rockette dreams ogling these displays.

Don’t miss the Rockettes at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Freestyle Love Supreme

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Selected this next play as wanted to give Lin Manuel another chance. This 90 minute improv show won a special Tony award for its creativity. The engagement is 3 months till January 2, 2022, so if a fan get your tickets now, but am certain seats will be available. Performers take ideas from the audience, and with a couple musicians they sing and do vignettes based on these ideas.

Having hated Hamilton and In the Heights, both too loud and busy, (left with a migraine), did not plan on enjoying this, however, wanted to give Lin one last try. Wish I didn’t bother, and had my $78. back, however, that said many around me did enjoy whatever was going on on stage.

Caveat: Lin was great in Mary Poppins, the recent movie update.

Day 2: NYC 11/2021 AYAT

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Started this very busy day at a Palestinian restaurant in Brooklyn: AYAT – what delicious fare!

A must read – food made with love, how delightful and delicious…
Welcome
The Menu – there was much to choose from and abundantly served.

The Preparation..

The entire family is involved in the restaurant.

The decor..

  • Some opinions,
  • and reality..

Last, but not least the food – magnificent.

Ayat is located at 8504 3rd Avenue Brooklyn. A must visit for the palate.

New York City Visit November 2021

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Returned to my favorite City in the world for a 6 day stay. Was action packed and what fun! Read on….

View from a quiet Chinatown street…

Started my visit by exploring Chinatown, then on to the Jagged Little Pill. To attend a play, one must have their vaccine card, photo id, and mask on. This is taken seriously by those employees checking the information outside the theater. As a nurse concerned for my colleagues who will be entering a 5th wave this winter, risking their lives for the crazed, ignorant, stubborn idiots who are unvaccinated, I was grateful to see this process taken so seriously.

Jagged Little Pill

This play featured the songs of Alanis Morissette and was nominated for 15 Tony Awards – winning 2 of the coveted prize. In September cast members alleged mistreatment, an odd thing for a play which has nods to the black movement, rape concerns, and opioid crisis overtures.

The story line is based on a perfect white Connecticut family who adopted a black daughter years prior. The natural born son is headed to Harvard, the mother is enthralled in an opioid drama due to a car accident injury, the father is into porn, and the daughter is bisexual. It is a heady play with all these controversies, and despite music and humor thrown in the mix, it was too much. Be prepared for a sing a long as audience members sing the Alanis songs along with the cast. And having lived in Connecticut the characters are true to form – pretentious and damaged.

Prices for the play aren’t too severe – from 70 to 170 with Ticketmaster fees. It would not be my first choice but if you want a sing a long with friends, this play is for you……