A Whirlwind Broadway Extravaganza
- jjstravelplanners
- May 19, 2024
- 4 min read
The moment my sister-in-law expressed a longing for a New York adventure filled with theatrical performances, I was all in! Below I’ve detailed our three-night getaway to New York City for three captivating shows, culinary delights, shopping, and more!
Hilton Times Square
Visiting New York in mid-May might not be the most budget-friendly option for hotel stays, yet it’s an ideal period for city exploration. Our room had two queen beds and offered ample space and comfort – a rarity in NYC’s often-cramped hotel rooms. Perched on the 30th floor, our room provided a panorama of the towering skyscrapers. The hotel was undergoing renovations and the entrance on 41st Street and the bar/restaurant were closed. This was only a slight inconvenience for us, but always a good reminder to get the right address for your Lyft driver. The location made a perfect base for our Broadway nights.
Showtime: “Six"
Our first show was at the Lena Horne Theatre, where “Six” reigned supreme. The musical, a modern twist on the lives of Henry VIII’s six wives, had us repeating “Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived!”. Each of the queens were charming in their own way and we both agreed it truly was hard to pick a favorite. The storyline and the queens’ powerful voices made this show one we would pay to see again. The eighty-minute show was a great way to kick off our Broadway extravaganza after a day of travel.
Act II: “The Wiz”
Next up was “The Wiz” at the Marquis Theatre at the Marriott. The show put a modern twist on a classic story. Wayne Brady’s portrayal of the Oz and Deborah Cox’s rendition of Glinda were nothing short of spectacular, complementing the stellar performances of their fellow cast members. Nichelle Lewis, in the role of Dorothy, was particularly enchanting, capturing my heart. The tale was a great reminder of where friendship, curiosity, and imagination can take you!
The Finale: “The Notebook”
Our final show, “The Notebook,” based on the novel and movie, unfolded at the Schoenfeld Theatre. The actors and actresses playing the young, middle, and old Noah and Allie had us captivated. Moments of rain-drenched embraces, tender readings by the bedside, shared dances, and the saga of letters never received created a memorable love story in our hearts.
Post-performance, the gracious cast took the time to engage with their admirers, signing autographs, sharing conversations, and posing for photographs. It was a finale to remember.
The Time and Talent of Broadway
As Broadway musical fans, we could not pass up the Museum of Broadway. Nestled in the heart of the theater district, the museum celebrates the rich history and enduring impact of Broadway. As you step inside, you’re greeted by a symphony of playbills, original costumes, scripts and set designs, memorabilia and behind the scenes greatness from playwrights, directors, stage managers, lighting designers and more. The museum and gift shop with memorabilia from many of the current shows allows you to go at your own pace and we’d suggest allowing about an hour and a half to explore. We were glad we didn’t sleep on this museum.
The City That Never Sleeps and Always Eats
Our days were a whirlwind of exploration. Bryant Park, Macy’s at Herald Square, Hudson Yards, the highline, 5th Ave shopping and Rockefeller Plaza —New York embraced us.
But the food…
In the mornings, Europan Café and Paris Baguette served as delightful pit stops, offering us the chance to share and savor a broad array of treats. On one bright morning, we ventured into Brooklyn, eager for a culinary expedition through Williamsburg. The tour started with a trio of delights: a savory empanada, a classic New York bagel, and a hearty chicken biscuit. A leisurely stroll followed, providing a much-needed break after our indulgent start and offering us the chance to admire the waterfront and Manhattan skyline. Our taste journey resumed with a flavorful assortment of dumplings, a slice of authentic pizza, and a sweet donut finale. Our guide, Paul, was down to earth and peppered the tour with the perfect blend of historical insights and entertaining tidbits. The intimacy of our small group, just four in total, added to the experience, allowing for a delightful exchange with a visiting couple from England, enriching our tour with their stories and our questions about their homeland. For those seeking an unconventional activity, this tour is a must-try.
Aperi Bar was great for a post theater bite. The wood-fired margherita pizza paired with wine was just perfect! The dining area’s modern yet cozy ambiance added to the experience.
Becco on Restaurant Row charmed us with its atmosphere and authentic Italian dishes. Opting for the meatballs and lasagna proved to be a wise decision. We also noticed several diners enjoying the daily trio of pastas served right at their tables, which looked incredibly tempting.
On the day of our food tour, we chose Wolfgang’s Steakhouse for a pre-theater meal. Given the day’s indulgences, sharing an appetizer seemed fitting. The crab cake, accompanied by a fresh salad, was exceptionally fresh and satisfyingly rich.
Farewell, New York
The memories of sister-in-law quality time, the queens, those searching for Oz, and star-crossed lovers would forever in our hearts. As the curtains fell, we promised an encore.
Feel free to share your thoughts and let me help you plan your New York adventure!
What an exciting adventure! Can’t believe everything you packed in over 3 days! Makes me want to hop on a plane.