We Take In Four B'way Shows Amidst Many Openings

Maybe Happy Ending, on Broadway now.

We've been back on Broadway and we've seen four shows we'd like to tell you about it. But first, a quick observation. For many years autumn was always the most exciting time on Broadway. It was the time of big openings with many shows debuting night after night, mostly through October and November. The openings were stellar affairs. So momentous was all this that it was heralded in the Great American Songbook classic Autumn In New York with a reference to "the thrill of first-nighting."

All of this changed as Broadway evolved with the advent of blockbuster hits that ran not simply for years, but for decades. Think Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Mama Mia, Chicago, Les Miserables, Hamilton, etc. The higher costs of producing shows on Broadway meant that they needed longer runs to recoup their investment. With such long residences for the mammoth forever hits, fewer theaters were available, even though not as many shows ventured onto Broadway. At the same time the growing importance of the Tony Awards shifted the whole season from the autumn to the spring -- a time when Broadway benefits both from the Tony promos and the beginning of an accelerated tourist season as well. 

Today, most new shows open right around this time as we come to the run-up to the Tonys. By the end of this week all of this Broadway season's shows will have debuted and the Tony nominations will be announced next week.

Now to the shows we've just seen -- two revivals and two newcomers. We'll start with the oldest one first:

Love Life. We took in Kurt Weil and Alan Jay Lerner's Love Life (described as a vaudeville in two plays) as part of the Encores series at City Center. Originally produced in 1948, the musical has not been seen in New York since then. The show tells the story of a married couple, Sam and Susan Cooper, who never age as they progress from 1791 to 1948, encountering difficulties in their marriage (and thus the very fabric of marriage) as they struggle to cope with changing social mores. At the same time the show mirrors and comments on the American experience over this long swath of history. In a sense it's all about the search for and evolution of the American Dream. With a huge cast, the magnificent City Center orchestra and stars Brian Stokes Mitchell and Kate Baldwin, this production accomplished what would seem to be an impossible task -- bringing this daring, sweeping story to life and making it newly relevant. This was a very limited engagement and we're so glad we got the chance to see it. Outstanding!

Pirates, The Penzance Musical. Originally known as The Pirates of Penzance, this updated Rupert Holmes adaptation of the Gilbert and Sullivan musical is a big, splashy, broad comedic celebration from the Roundabout Theatre Company. With pinpoint perfect direction by Scott Ellis and soaring, swashbuckling choreography by Warren Caryle, the show is a true dazzler with high production values. Of course, we were attracted to it by its stars, the dashing Ramin Karimloo as the Pirate King and the delightful David Hyde Pierce as Major General Stanley. We're happy to say that both gents deliver on all fronts. And, they are ably assisted by co-stars Jinkx Monsoon and Nicholas Barasch, all part of a cast of 41. Long before the Marx Brothers, there was Gilbert and Sullivan. Which is to say, Pirates is silly, zany, preposterous and altogether delightful! 

Death Becomes Her. One of Broadway's most boisterous new musicals has landed in one of its most elegant, historic theaters. And you can't help but be struck by the way in which Death Becomes Her has taken over the Lunt-Fontanne. The show's purple panoply is literally everywhere, enveloping the walls, the proscenium arch, the lobby and, of course, the now mandatory souvenir/logo shop. With a book by Marco Pennette and music and lyrics by Julia Mattison and Noel Carey, Death is based on the 1992 film of the same name. Basically, it tells the story of two famous, viciously catty, self-absorbed women who don't want to grow old. They are supposedly "friends" but we all know how that works in a cynical tale such as this. The special effects are inventive, the backhanded insults are quick and sure-fired and the performances are fine. But the show and its stars come at you with all the subtlety of a runaway freight train and this never lets up. Maybe we should have seen the movie -- then again, perhaps not . . . 

Maybe Happy Ending. We've saved the most original and thought-provoking new musical for last. No big cast here (it's mostly a two-character show) but that suits this musical whose intimacy makes it all the more beguiling. This is a quirky show with a nonetheless universal appeal. From South Korea, the musical is set in the not-too-distant future in the Seoul metropolitan area. Oliver and Claire are helper robots that look completely human-like, created to help people, but were abandoned by their owners and now live in  side-by-side apartments where abandoned helper bots live. Darren Criss and Helen J. Shen play the bots and they are nothing short of amazing, especially Criss who plays a somewhat less advanced bot than Shen. This is a high-tech show with a big heart and it's suprsingly romantic. With book music and lyrics by Will Aronson and Hue Park, Maybe is poignant and evocative, soaring across cultures, time zones and generations in a way that will leave you astonished at what musicals can accomplish in the age of artificial intelligence. The ending, in particularly, will stay with you and maybe even have you guessing, which is the point of the outing in the first place. Highly recommended, and a sure contender for the Tony award!

Eat, Drink, Be Merry: 23 Great NYC Spots!

As theatergoers we spend lot of time in midtown Manhattan. And we've been frequenting this bustling corner of the world for decades. So, it's not surprising that people are always asking us for recommendations about how to get around, where to eat, etc.Now, in no particular order, we give you our updated observations and suggestions, including 23 of our favoite spots:

First, never ever assume that New Yorkers are to busy to help you. They are among the most helpful people in the world, provided you know what you're looking for and you get to the point. Ask directions simply and clearly of any New Yorker and you will get your answer. And if you're prompt and very polite, you're likely to get some great recommendations from a local as well. But don't tally and be especially careful not to bother someone who honestly seems to be on an urgent mission.
Uptown, downtown, east side, west side. The island of Manhattan is a perfect grid divided into four parts. Numbered streets run north and south. Avenues run east and west. Avenue blocks are long and take more time to traverse. Street blocks are short and rush by quickly. If you're headed north, that's uptown. Conversely, downtown is south. The west side is the side facing New Jersey along the Hudson River. The east side is the side facing Brooklyn and Queens along the East River. The upper east and upper west sides are divided by Central Park. The island is narrower at the bottom and comes to a point at the Battery.

If you're going north or south (uptown or downtown) you don't necessarily have to take a cab or call an Uber. You can hop on a convenient uptown bus on Fifth Avenue or an equally frequent downtown bus on Seventh Avenue and pay simply by tapping your credit card as you get on. The vehicles are clean and efficient and stops are announced by an automated voice so you can quickly and easily signal the stop you want and depart. There's honestly no better way to travel up and down Manhattan!

You can find any kind of food in Manhattan that you could possibly want and in any price range. Consider the variety of the following, from the sumptuous and sublime (SS) to the cozy and comforting (CC) and everywhere in between (IB). Our exclusive list, just for you!

Le Bernardin: (SS) Luxe French dining from chef Eric Ripert. This is top-of-the-line all the way and a place where Big Deals are brokered and special occasions are marked amidst hushed surroundings. If you want to appreciate it without spending a fortune, try it for lunch.

Astro Restaurant: (CC) An old-fashioned corner diner with a huge menu, it's tiny but mighty and very, very Noo Yawk. We count this as one of our best finds and the essence of old school, no nonsense meals served fresh, fast and delicious. Breakfast lunch, dinner, late night -- and the coffee is great, too. Wow!

Trattoria Dell'Arte: (IB) Informal, engaging, colorful and wonderfully hospitable, this spacious mostly-Italian eatery is a perennial favorite of ours. It transports you to an Italian artist's studio, adorned with oversized sculptures, captivating drawings, and a unique wall gallery featuring famous Italian noses. But none of that would matter if the food wasn't fantastic. Fortunately, it is!

Wolfgang's Steakhouse (IB): This ultimate New York steakhouse has several locations but we like the one on 41st Street that is close to Times Square but also worlds apart. Step down into surpassingly spacious, airy surroundings with crisp white tablecloths, an efficient staff and great fare and cocktails facing an indoor garden. And, it's just steps away from nearby Broadway theaters. Marvelous!

Bemelmans Bar (SS): Tucked into the legendary Carlyle Hotel, you'll discover the most divine icy martini on the cushy upper east side. And, you'll be surrounded by the whimsical murals of Ludwig Bemelmans, the creator of the classic Madeline children’s books. The soft, golden glow and the live piano music will transport you to another era. You'll probably have to wait your turn to gain entry and it will co$t you but, trust us, it's all worth it!

Nerolab Italian Food Zone (CC): You'll find delight in this cozy continental bistro on the mezzanine level of Trump Tower. Here you'll get a great view of the glistening Trump Tower lobby while enjoying cappucino, espresso, Italian pastries or what's billed as the crispiest, most authentic pinsa you’ll ever taste. Give it a try!

La Goulue (IB): The name literally means "the glutton" but we doubt that you'll find anyone who looks or acts like a glutton here. Though the food could easily tempt you to gluttony, this place is much too chic for that -- chic though nonetheless informal, we might add. Still, we sought entry one day without a reservation and the maitre'd gently slapped our wrists. Very French! But after the admonishment, he kindly showed us to a table. You'll find the best Aperol spritz in the city here and great faire as well. Plus, it's a legendary lunch haven!

Osteria al Doge (IB): We've been going to this popular Italian trattoria in the theater district for more than 30 years and we've never had a bad meal. It consistently receives high marks for its delicious food, warm atmosphere, and excellent service, and is a favorite for pre and post Broadway theater dining so you're advised to make a reservation. There's a reason for its longevity!

The Lambs Club (IB): Just off Broadway, inside the Chatwal Hotel you'll find Chef Jack Logue's elevated and fun takes on American classics amidst a gleaming art deco atmosphere. And, as if that isn't enough to make this place unique, it's the successor to the legendary social club for the world's greatest thespians. So, the walls are adorned with the faces of renowned actors and actresses, mostly from the legitimate stage. The Lambs is a natural mecca and a hub of activity before and after showtime!

Tommy Bahama's Marlin Bar & Restaurant (IB): The website proclaims that "at the corner of 45th & Fifth, on one of the busiest shopping avenues in the world, your refuge awaits." Indeed it does! And though there are 28 Marlin bars and/or eateries throughout the country, each is tailored to a particular locale. For example, this one features a menu highlighting Hudson Valley produce and fresh Northeastern seafood. And it delivers -- along with refreshing libations, a wonderfully calming atmosphere and a super friendly staff. Be sure of this: this ain't no Margaritaville. This is (literally and figuratively) a decided step above!

Marea (SS): Featuring Italian coastal cuisine in an upscale contemporary atmosphere, this is quite simple one of the best dining experiences we've ever had. It's truly top-of-the-line without a lot of fussiness -- which means that you'll be treated regally sans the hovering. Marea garnered three stars from The New York Times, was named Best New Restaurant by Bon Appetit, Esquire, and GQ Magazines and was also named NYC’s Best Italian Restaurant by Zagat. From day one it's been a mecca for the best of the best!

Marsaille (IB/CC): If this delightfully informal French bistro in the gritty Hell's Kitchen neighborhood doesn't satisfy your taste buds, nothing will. Great uncomplicated French faire served up just as you like it. A convivial ambience is an added plus. Try the tiny table in the far corner with a great view of the entire panoplie.

Virgil's (CC): No pretenses here, folks. This is down home barbecue at its best. In fact, it's been acclaimed as one of America's top 10 BBQ restaurants. Virgil's features meats that are smoked at a low temperature over indirect heat for up to 10 hours with a unique mix of hickory, oak and fruit woods that impart maximum flavor. Virgil's big neon sign beckons you. You won't be disappointed!

Anita Gelato (CC): This fast-growing gelato behemoth (also known as La Mama Del Gelato) has arrived in Manhattan and is attracting big crowds. Don't be scared away by all the flash, fanfare and in-your-face promotion. The stuff is really good and the sidewalk lines prove it!

Ralph Lauren's Polo Bar (IB) It's become ça fait fureur for luxe fashion houses to offer bars and/or restaurants on the premises but few can measure up to Ralph's jewel box just off Fifth Avenue. You'll have to call well in advance as soon as reservations open for the date you want and then (if you're lucky) your name will be placed on a list allowing you to check in at the door. The gleaming bar awaits as you enter and downstairs, the clubby dining room, exquisite in every detail. And don't be surprised if Ralph and Ricky show up. Play it cool . . .

Le Pavillion (SS): This is a dazzler in the new One Vanderbilt building near Grand Central and it ranks near the top of the list of Manhattan's best. It's said to express chef Daniel Boulud's roots in New York City with a fresh and unique approach to fine dining in a dramatic setting. It promises what it delivers, and more. And though it's formidablé, it's never intimidating. You won't regret it!

5 Napkin Burger (IB): It's not quite a diner, not quite a dive, more than a mere burger joint and beyond a corner bar. And though the famous 5 napkin burger gave it its name, it also boasts all day breakfasts, slow roasted chimichurri chicken, happy hour specials, BOGO beer Monday, wine down Tuesday and more. This is a spacious, noisy, busy place in the heart of Hell's Kitchen that attracts a lively mix of out-of-towners and neighbors. It's a true original!

The Modern (SS): In the Museum of Modern Art you'll find Danny Meyer's ultimate dining experience. Sleekly contemporary, it's a perfect spot if you want to see and be seen. This place holds two Michelin stars, a Three Star review in the New York Times, four James Beard Awards, and the Grand Award from Wine Spectator. Imbibe, chill and slowly melt into the surroundings knowing this is where you were meant to be!

Myzel's Chocolates (CC): This tiny chocolate shop across from the grand City Center performing arts edifice on 55th Street is chocolate, licorice and chocolate chip cookie heaven. You'll find the owner, Kamila behind the counter. The cookie recipe here is touted as a traditional one refined by Kamila's mother over decades within a chocolate-making tradition exemplifying exceptional baking and cooking. Also, delight in more than 100 licorice flavors from Europe. PS: Jackie Kennedy Onassis bought her cookies here!

Annie Moore's (CC): A popular after work place for drinks, munchies and basic faire, this Irish pub near Madison Avenue is the sort of place where you might have found Don Draper once upon a time. But while the big ad agencies have long since abandoned Mad Ave, Annie's is still there and still serving lunch and dinner every day except Sunday. You can have bar food, salads, sandwiches, burgers, chicken pot pie, steak, salmon -- pretty much whatever you want!

Sarabeth's (IB/CC): There are four of them in Manhattan but we like the one on Central Park South. They say that this is the place for brunch and who are we to argue? Yeah, it can be crowded and touristy but so what? When they ask you to indulge in their signature eggs, fluffy pancakes, and famous French toast, they mean it because at this place it's all about indulging, in the best sense of the word!

Goodman's Bar (SS): You'll find Goodman's nestled into a second floor corner of Bergdorf Goodman's men's store on Fifth Avenue. Get there early because it's only open until 6 pm each day. Enjoy crafted cocktails while gazing at the art of the mixologist as well as wines curated by Master Sommelier Dustin Wilson and cuisine by Chef Austin Johnson. Goodman's manages to be simultaneously new and old world -- no small feat. This place is living proof that luxe can also be cozy.

Le Grande Boucherie (IB): It's exactly what it says it is and it's delightful -- well, not literally, as boucherie is a "butcher shop." But, hey, it's French so, this ain't no ordinary butcher shop. Instead, it combines artful spaciousness with intimacy as only the French can with fresh, tasty dishes served up as if you were in a Parisian arcade -- which you are, as this place stretches (under glorious arches) the entire block of Sixth-and-a-half Avenue. Yes, there really is such an address and yes, it really is worth finding!