NYC Broadway help

[bobcat]

I would really advise trying to stay in the city. I got a room at the Sheraton Towers last April for $115 on Priceline. It was a nice hotel in a great location. I live on Long Island but every spring I spend a weekend in the city with my 2 dd's(11 and 14) They love, love, love the energy and excitement of being in Times Square. Have fun!! BTW, Rock of Ages is a great show-how old is your daughter? I would think an older teen would enjoy it.Mama Mia also.

If budget allows I want to stay in the city.

I think the bus from Secaucus pulls up out front, and takes you right to Port Authority, walking distance from the theater district. Does the ferry from Jersey City take you downtown? If so, I'd go with an area that takes you to midtown. OP, yes, you can get discount tickets to many shows, and we take advantage, because we're so close, but how about full price tickets to Jersey Boys or Wicked? Maybe get discount tickets to another show?

I plan on paying full price for one show, right now we are leaning toward Phantom - her favorite! - or Avenue Q. Wicked is coming to Columbus and we already have plans to see it with my sister and niece.

www.broadwaybox.com

Wonderful discounted tickets! It saved me a ton on our latest adventure, which was Shrek: The Musical (11/21/09, matinee).

I've seen several (meaning, loads) of Broadway shows (I'm a bit of a nut...guilty as charged!), and as a teenager, I recommend:

Wicked (one of my favorites)
Avenue Q (great irrevrent fun)
The Lion King (great for all ages!)
Phantom of the Opera (lovely, just beautiful)
Chicago (pretty good)
Mamma Mia! (very fun, albeit a little campy)

If they were still playing, I'd have HIGHLY recommended Spring Awakening (my all-time favorite), RENT, or Hairspray, even Legally Blonde or The Producers.

Definately browse 5th Avenue and Times Square. Check out some of the museums. Go down to the Village or SoHo. Perhaps go to South Street Seaport.

I've been going to NYC regularly since I was about 6, and I never tire of it

If Rent was still playing it would be the winner! I regret not taking her to NYC before it closed.

Any suggestions in SoHo or the Village? Last trip we actually made a potty stop at McD's in the Village but we were with teenage girls that wanted to shop so didn't get to explore this area.

Shows also have lotteries for $25 same-day tickets. Next to Normal does this, actually, and I know some people that got in. It's worth checking out.

All of the info I can find on Next to Normal only goes to early May. Since we want to go after her exams and before graduation in late May it looks like this play is out. We were blown away by the performance on the Tony's and would love to see it.

How do I find out more about the lotteries?

New York Waterway runs buses throughout Manhattan. Look up their site on the web.

The ferry is a much nicer way to commute than the bus to port authority. The ride on the ferry is about 5 minutes---whereas the bus has to deal with tunnel traffic, the ferry doesn't. It's exciting going over on the ferry--consiter what you would pay for the circle line.

Staying in Manhattan is great--However-- I don't drive in Manhattan. It's a big hassle. And parking is $45 per day when you stay at a Manhattan hotel. For some people, they wouldn't care---they have to be in Manhattan.

My friend just came back from a three day trip to NYC with her daughter and they drove. She's nuts! They went for the Christmas decorations and stayed in Seacaucus. If we end up driving I won't go into the city, I think it would drive me insane.

All of this info is great! Thanks everyone!

 

[clori]

I did the Radio City Music Hall Stage Door tour many years ago and really enjoyed it. I did it the one trip I used the New York Pass. You might want to check out www.newyorkpass.com for this and various other tour ideas (not to get the pass). My husband grew up in midtown Manhatten, took driver's ed there and all that and still won't drive in Manhatten. Unfortunately due to his father now having Alzheimer's we no longer have a place to stay so are new to the hotels.

 

[CapeMayMommy]

Like I said, I lived in Weehawken. I know Seacaucus.

Seacaucus is close---except during high traffic times. You can get stuck in the tunnel for a long time---even the buses get stuck.

The ferry is quick--always 5 minutes and then they have free buses on the Manhattan side that bring you right into the theatre district or even to central park or the financial district.

Look up New York Waterway on the internet.

Driving in Manhattan is not for those who are easily unnerved.

 

[AmandaSparks730]

If budget allows I want to stay in the city.



I plan on paying full price for one show, right now we are leaning toward Phantom - her favorite! - or Avenue Q. Wicked is coming to Columbus and we already have plans to see it with my sister and niece.



If Rent was still playing it would be the winner! I regret not taking her to NYC before it closed.

Any suggestions in SoHo or the Village? Last trip we actually made a potty stop at McD's in the Village but we were with teenage girls that wanted to shop so didn't get to explore this area.



All of the info I can find on Next to Normal only goes to early May. Since we want to go after her exams and before graduation in late May it looks like this play is out. We were blown away by the performance on the Tony's and would love to see it.

How do I find out more about the lotteries?



My friend just came back from a three day trip to NYC with her daughter and they drove. She's nuts! They went for the Christmas decorations and stayed in Seacaucus. If we end up driving I won't go into the city, I think it would drive me insane.

All of this info is great! Thanks everyone!

Yes! Check out the little art galleries; they're worth a peek. When mom and I went there last May, there was a really cool little "block party" going on down there. It's like a whole different world; you're so cut off from the hustle and bustle of the Times Square area. It's also really pretty, to walk through and see the old apartment buildings. Lots of little boutiques, most really cheap, really "trendy" and out-there clothing, lots of vintage. It's worth a visit!

ETA: To find out more about lotteries, I suggest calling the theater to make sure they offer them. I know Wicked has a lottery (last I checked), and several other big shows do.

 

[bobcat]

Yes! Check out the little art galleries; they're worth a peek. When mom and I went there last May, there was a really cool little "block party" going on down there. It's like a whole different world; you're so cut off from the hustle and bustle of the Times Square area. It's also really pretty, to walk through and see the old apartment buildings. Lots of little boutiques, most really cheap, really "trendy" and out-there clothing, lots of vintage. It's worth a visit!

ETA: To find out more about lotteries, I suggest calling the theater to make sure they offer them. I know Wicked has a lottery (last I checked), and several other big shows do.

Thanks!

 

[smschex]

This site has a lot of useful show info.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/

Check out the links on the left side.

You might look into the Doubletree Suites in Times Square. It is in the center of everything, an easy walk to a lot of theaters, and right across from Tkts . We got a great rate last August.

You will have a wonderful time. I am jealous!

 

[AmandaSparks730]

This site has a lot of useful show info.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/

Check out the links on the left side.

You might look into the Doubletree Suites in Times Square. It is in the center of everything, an easy walk to a lot of theaters, and right across from Tkts . We got a great rate last August.

You will have a wonderful time. I am jealous!

I adore BroadwayWorld :

Mom and I stayed at the Affinia Manhattan. It's on 7th Ave, literally RIGHT across the street from Penn Station. Short walk to Times Square, got an excellent deal on Orbitz. It's a really nice hotel, great service, nice rooms with queen-sized beds (we had 2!) and tons of pillows. All rooms have a kitchenette, should you want to bring something back to your room. We enjoyed it a lot, and would definately stay there again. It's worth a chance!

 

[JenM]

All of the info I can find on Next to Normal only goes to early May. Since we want to go after her exams and before graduation in late May it looks like this play is out. We were blown away by the performance on the Tony's and would love to see it.

It's possible Next to Normal has just not opened up their next block of tickets yet. Haven't heard anything about the show closing. I would keep checking to see if those tickets open up, they probably will soon.

 

[minijeanie]

agree with many others to check broadwaybox.com for tickets.
I would not take my teenager to next to normal.. very depressing show

stick with Mama Mia or Wicked or Lion King for sure.

Also I would look into Addams family. coming out this spring as well as Spiderman...

as far as staying in NJ. don't do it.. not worth the time or effort
stay in the city.. look up travelzoo.com they always have great deals
if not I like Marriot courtyard on 6th avenue.

The red bus tour is fun.. I liked it and I only live 30 minutes from the city.
Not sure if you liked the show sex and the city but they also have bus tour which is really a fun afternoon.

walk through central park.. have lunch at the boathouse
take a stroll through chinatown and little italy
or stroll through soho
for sure walk over the brookyln bridge.
the harbor boats are a great way to get around the city and see much
visit the titanic museum..really interesting.
if you are looking for restaurants. pm me and hopefully I can help

oh and btw not 100% sure if Avenue Q is still around

recent closures will be bye bye birdie, finians rainbow and ragtime. they all close end of this month

 

[The LK 4]

Avenue Q is now off Broadway, in the New World Stages theater. I'm glad they kept it around - it's hilarious!

 

[AllisonK]

Here's the current list of rush policies from Playbill. This list changes every few weeks, especially now that so many shows are closing. Also many of the shows that offer rush will only offer student rush, so you'll need to have a student ID (either high school or college) to get tickets.

 

[bobcat]

This site has a lot of useful show info.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/

Check out the links on the left side.

You might look into the Doubletree Suites in Times Square. It is in the center of everything, an easy walk to a lot of theaters, and right across from Tkts . We got a great rate last August.

You will have a wonderful time. I am jealous!

Bookmarked it!

It's possible Next to Normal has just not opened up their next block of tickets yet. Haven't heard anything about the show closing. I would keep checking to see if those tickets open up, they probably will soon.

I hope that's true.

agree with many others to check broadwaybox.com for tickets.
I would not take my teenager to next to normal.. very depressing show

stick with Mama Mia or Wicked or Lion King for sure.

Also I would look into Addams family. coming out this spring as well as Spiderman...

as far as staying in NJ. don't do it.. not worth the time or effort
stay in the city.. look up travelzoo.com they always have great deals
if not I like Marriot courtyard on 6th avenue.

The red bus tour is fun.. I liked it and I only live 30 minutes from the city.
Not sure if you liked the show sex and the city but they also have bus tour which is really a fun afternoon.

walk through central park.. have lunch at the boathouse
take a stroll through chinatown and little italy
or stroll through soho
for sure walk over the brookyln bridge.
the harbor boats are a great way to get around the city and see much
visit the titanic museum..really interesting.
if you are looking for restaurants. pm me and hopefully I can help

oh and btw not 100% sure if Avenue Q is still around

recent closures will be bye bye birdie, finians rainbow and ragtime. they all close end of this month

DD is a theater kid so she say's no to any of the "kids" shows. Lion King is on our short list but there are others she would rather see more.

She would probably like the Titanic museum, where's it located? When we finally pin down the main details I will start asking about food LOL! I know we are interested in Dylan's Candy Bar and what's the place that has the frozen hot chocolate?

Avenue Q is now off Broadway, in the New World Stages theater. I'm glad they kept it around - it's hilarious!

I saw that it was off Broadway now, how long has that been?

 

[JenM]

DD is a theater kid so she say's no to any of the "kids" shows. Lion King is on our short list but there are others she would rather see more.

If she's a theater kid, she'll love Next to Normal, that one is supposed to be terrific and it's really popular.

Don't bother with Spiderman - if that even opens. They ran out of money to finish it last year and now they're scrambling to get the production going again. It's predicted to be a giant disaster.

I saw that it was off Broadway now, how long has that been?

Avenue Q closed on Broadway in September, but it re-opened off-Broadway shortly after.

 

[minijeanie]

I believe the frozen hot chocolate is at a place called

Serendipity..

very hard to get into

You will have to wait

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Not Broadway related but food wise...we love Katz's deli on the lower east side. This is where they filmed the famous diner scene from "When Harry met Sally". Food is to die for....yum. Now I'm hungry.

Anyway, enjoy your trip. I work right in the Broadway district but never go to see the shows. Isn't that always the case?

 

[missypie]

I don't think anyone has recommended High 5 yet.

http://www.highfivetix.org/splash.aspx

They sell discount tickets to museums, concerts, plays (not broadway) to teens and to their parents. Sign up for their newsletter.

This summer my two Ds visited the Gugenheim for $7.50 total. The regular price, with student tickets would have been $39 as I recall. But the High 5 museum tickets are 2 for $5, plus they let a parent tag along. Just be sure she brings a student ID.

When you're buying Broadway tickets, remember that Broadway theatres are much smaller than some of the huge venues in which the rest of us are forced to see traveling shows. The "cheap seats" in a Broadway theatre are so much closer to the stage than the cheap seats at my local larger theatre.
So don't feel like you have to splurge for the "best seats in the house." High up, but center, is fine.

Has anyone recommended In the Heights? It's WAY COOL.

I love broadwaybox.com.

 

[Bren's Mom]

I would also consider, after getting the very best price you can find for a room IN the city, to do Hotwire or Priceline. We got a nice room at the W for a GREAT price a few years ago doing this (I think it was Hotwire we went with in the end.)

I wouldn't worry about traveling with your daughter in the city, even after dark. Be smart, of course, don't throw on lots of jewelry, flash alot of cash, etc. Wear your purse across your body. Stay in well populated areas. I travel to NYC alone on the train from CT several times a year...and have done so since I was about 12. I've never had a problem. Not even on very late night trains home.

And along the lines of Serendipity/Dylan's is Max Brenner's. Check out their sweets menu, really fun stuff! And Union Square is cool, they often have a farmer's market on the weekends in warmer weather.

http://www.maxbrenner.com/

 

[missypie]

When you're trying to decide between hotels, check the subway map (easy to find online.) Changing trains late at night after a show can be confusing...if two hotels seem otherwise equal, choose the one with the best subway connections to the places you want to go.

 

[krcit]

If you would like, let me know the dates and I can look for hotel deals for you-either on Hotwire or other sites.

If your dd is a theater kid I bet she would enjoy eating at Ellen's Stardust Diner. The waitstaff is all aspiring actrors and they sing the whole time. It's so much fun! There is also a 'show' called Accomplice NY that I did with my 2 dd's last year. It's an interactive type thing that involves following clues around the city. They also have village one that I want to do this year. You can google it to see if it is interesting to you.

 

[missypie]

I just checked broadwaybox.com and you can get rear mezannine seats to In the Heights for $40 each. If I know theatre kids, they would rather see three Broadway shows from the back for $40 each than one from the front for $120 each.

I would really try to economize everywhere else (e.g. meals) and see three shows rather than one. If your hotel doesn't include breakfast, bring power bars or stop for a quick bagel. Grab a slice of pizza for dinner. With the money you save, you could see another show.