Help me with my NYC trip this week!

[choitoy]

Posted: 11/11/18 at 3:52pm

My sister and I kinda planned a last minute trip to New York City this week around her early summer purchase of a ticket to Springsteen on Broadway.  So I have a multi-part question to ask of the board.

 

1. Our flight arrives at 4:00 on Tuesday at JFK.  We usually take a SuperShuttle into the city (we’re staying Midtown), but I was wondering if there’s a faster/cheaper way to get into the city, maybe in time to make a 7:30 or 8:00 show?  Would taking the train or a taxi be better? Or (since it is rush hour), should we just go out to a nice dinner that night (any cool places to eat?).

2. My sister only bought one ticket to Springsteen on Broadway, so I have a Wednesday evening free.  Any one with any suggestions? I have on a shortlist: “Ordinary Days”, “King Kong” (anyone know if there’s any gunshots in this?), “A Chorus Line” gala at City Center, “The Prom”, “To Kill A Mockingbird”, “Trainspotting”, “The Chinese Lady”.  Anyone seen these (well not “Chorus Line” yet since it hasn’t started) or have any other suggestions? [The shows we are already seeing are: “Pretty Woman”, “Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish”, “The Cher Show”, “Wild Goose Dreams”, “The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui”, and “Torch Song”.  We also already seen most of the big shows that opened this season back in June].

3. Similarly, our return flight leaves EWR at 6:40 on Sunday.  Would there be enough time to squeeze in a short and early starting show on that day and still make it to the airport on time?  I think the only show I can see that fits that criteria is “A Lifespan of a Fact” (it starts at 1:30 and is only 85 minutes, so it should be done by 3:00ish). Again, is there a cheaper/faster option than the SuperShuttle, like a taxi or the train?

 

Thank you everyone!

[robskynyc]

Posted: 11/11/18 at 3:57pm

choitoy said: "My sister and I kinda planned a last minute trip to New York City this week around her early summer purchase of a ticket to Springsteen on Broadway. So I have a multi-part question to ask of the board.
 

1. Our flight arrives at 4:00 on Tuesday at JFK. We usually take a SuperShuttle into the city (we’re staying Midtown), but I was wondering if there’s a faster/cheaper way to get into the city, maybe in time to make a 7:30 or 8:00 show? Would taking the train or a taxi be better? Or (since it is rush hour), should we just go out to a nice dinner that night (any cool places to eat?).
2. My sister only boughtone ticket to Springsteen on Broadway, so I have a Wednesday evening free. Any one with any suggestions? I have on a shortlist: “Ordinary Days”, “King Kong” (anyone know if there’s any gunshots in this?), “A Chorus Line” gala at City Center, “The Prom”, “To Kill A Mockingbird”, “Trainspotting”, “The Chinese Lady”. Anyone seen these (well not “Chorus Line” yet since it hasn’t started) or have any other suggestions? [The shows we are already seeing are: “Pretty Woman”, “Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish”, “The Cher Show”, “Wild Goose Dreams”, “The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui”, and “Torch Song”. We also already seen most of the big shows that opened this season back in June].
3. Similarly, our return flight leaves EWR at 6:40 on Sunday. Would there be enough time to squeeze in a short and early starting show on that day and still make it to the airport on time? I think the only show I can see that fits that criteria is “A Lifespan of a Fact” (it starts at 1:30 and is only 85 minutes, so it should be done by 3:00ish). Again, is there a cheaper/faster option than the SuperShuttle, like a taxi or the train?

 


Thank you everyone!"

 

sunday show- lifespan of a fact is the only one you could probably make it on time with. but you'd be cutting it real close.

fastest way in- a train to midtown would take an hour to an hour 15 assuming theres no delays (LOL good luck with that). an uber or anything else will be an 1hr45min or more depending how bad traffic is.

I wouldn't stress it, and just go out to a nice dinner, or even ice skating at rock center.

[jbird5]

Posted: 11/11/18 at 6:40pm

I loved Trainspotting. There are no gunshots, but it is claustrophobic and loud and you may experience sensory overload.

TKAM is fantastic. It’s the A Team and it shows.

School Girls at MCC is terrific. It’s also at the Lortel which gives you an excuse to go to the Village.

[Fiyero13]

Posted: 11/11/18 at 9:18pm

choitoy said: "My sister and I kinda planned a last minute trip to New York City this week around her early summer purchase of a ticket to Springsteen on Broadway. So I have a multi-part question to ask of the board.
 

1. Our flight arrives at 4:00 on Tuesday at JFK. We usually take a SuperShuttle into the city (we’re staying Midtown), but I was wondering if there’s a faster/cheaper way to get into the city, maybe in time to make a 7:30 or 8:00 show? Would taking the train or a taxi be better? Or (since it is rush hour), should we just go out to a nice dinner that night (any cool places to eat?).
2. My sister only boughtone ticket to Springsteen on Broadway, so I have a Wednesday evening free. Any one with any suggestions? I have on a shortlist: “Ordinary Days”, “King Kong” (anyone know if there’s any gunshots in this?), “A Chorus Line” gala at City Center, “The Prom”, “To Kill A Mockingbird”, “Trainspotting”, “The Chinese Lady”. Anyone seen these (well not “Chorus Line” yet since it hasn’t started) or have any other suggestions? [The shows we are already seeing are: “Pretty Woman”, “Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish”, “The Cher Show”, “Wild Goose Dreams”, “The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui”, and “Torch Song”. We also already seen most of the big shows that opened this season back in June].
3. Similarly, our return flight leaves EWR at 6:40 on Sunday. Would there be enough time to squeeze in a short and early starting show on that day and still make it to the airport on time? I think the only show I can see that fits that criteria is “A Lifespan of a Fact” (it starts at 1:30 and is only 85 minutes, so it should be done by 3:00ish). Again, is there a cheaper/faster option than the SuperShuttle, like a taxi or the train?

 

 

Thank you everyone!"

 

From port authority to Newark, the Newark express is super easy and fast, it tooks 35-45 minutes to get there.  Honestly if you have pre check, you could leave at 5 PM and still make it there, which would give you time to get a selfie with Harry Potter

[NYfanfromCA]

Posted: 11/11/18 at 11:23pm

If your flight into JFK is on time or early, you could take the AirTrain and then the Subway to Midtown.  That will cost $5 for the AirTrain and $2.75 one way for the Subway, per person.  I use the Citimapper app to figure out how long the transit times will be in cities.  It's great because it shows you all the options and prices, and it will even help you navigate your way to wherever you might need to walk to.

My flights into JFK usually get in around 3:30.  Citimapper will often show that it will take me 1 hour, 15 minutes from my gate to my Midtown Subway stop (usually at 7th and 53rd).  I have found that this is the most economical and fastest way to get to Midtown.  Allow additional time if you need to add funds/time to a Metro card because sometimes the lines are long during rush times.  Before I leave NY, I always try to put enough on my Metro card so that I can zip past all the lines and onto the trains when I arrive the next time.  The AirTrain machines seem to be the busiest.  After getting off at Jamaica Station, I will usually stop and add the 7-day Metro pass if I know I will be using the Subway a lot.  Have a great trip!

[uncageg]

Posted: 11/11/18 at 11:38pm

If you can see THE PROM, do it!

[choitoy]

Posted: 11/14/18 at 12:28am

Thanks for all the advice guys!

Our plane ended up being about 20 minutes early, landing about 3:40. We decided to try the air train and subway option, and except for a small kerfuffle with buying an MTA card (I had the one from my trip last June, but it wouldn’t let me refill it, and then we accidentally bought the AirTrain+10 trip option, which I mistakenly thought was 10 subway rides, but instead was 10 AirTrain rides?), we got off one block from our hotel and was able to check in at 5:50. So we chances it and got great last minute seats to “To Kill A Mockingbird” which we wanted to see, but didn’t have time for on our original schedule. I actually enjoyed this more than the SuperShuttle that we usually take, where we feel like we are sitting forever in midtown traffic! The only thing is lugging our suitcases up stairs. My sister and I need to do more strength training and cardio! LOL!

So anyway, with us paying full price for “Mockingbird”, I still have an open slot Wednesday night, and I’m looking for a cheaper option now. I’m kinda tossed up between “Ordinary Days” (I listened to sound clips of the OOBC on iTunes and I liked the music. I did the same with “The Prom” and “The Other Josh Cohen” and I didn’t like the music as much) or “Trainspotting”. Decisions decisions!

[ArtMan]

Posted: 11/14/18 at 7:08am

Trainspotting is a very "unique" show.  I enjoyed myself, but if a raunchy night at the theater doesn't bother you, then you might like it. I laughed quite alot, because I  couldn't believe what was taking place in the theater and how some audience members were reacting to it.  It has quite a bit of full male nudity and without giving anything away, alot of gross, nasty scenes.  There is quite a bit of audience participation and if you are lucky or unlucky to be chosen by the cast members, very close interactions with the nudity.  The only loud scene I remember is the very first scene which takes place in a rave.  As you enter to be seated, the music is quite loud and the cast are dancing.  Although it may be too late at this point, check out tickets on Goldstar.  I got my ticket for free, only paying a $9.50 ticket fee.  I think that may be one of the reasons I did like it.

Updated On: 11/14/18 at 07:08 AM

[ArtMan]

Posted: 11/14/18 at 7:18am

Also wanted to add, I always take the Airtrain/subway combo when I arrive into JFK.  The entire time involved including waiting, buying metro cards, etc is about an hour and a half to get into Times Square.  Depending on how many days I am in NYC, I usually purchase the 7 day metro card.  Keep in mind for others reading this, you cannot use the 7 day metro card for the Airtrain. It is an additional charge.  If you are loading a metro card with money, then you can use that card for the Airtrain.

[ArtMan]

Posted: 11/14/18 at 7:52am

I sent you a PM.  Check it ASAP.

[choitoy]

Posted: 11/14/18 at 6:29pm

Thanks for your advice ArtMan! I ended up snagging a ticket for “Trainspotting” tonight, but unfortunately around 2:00, I was notified that they cancelled tonight’s performance due to a cast member injury. I hope they recover quickly, and I was actually looking forward to seeing this show (I don’t have any other time when I can see it though). I guess I’ll head down to Theatre Row and try to get a ticket to”Ordinary Days” at the box office.

[choitoy]

Posted: 11/14/18 at 6:29pm

Thanks for your advice ArtMan! I ended up snagging a ticket for “Trainspotting” tonight, but unfortunately around 2:00, I was notified that they cancelled tonight’s performance due to a cast member injury. I hope they recover quickly, and I was actually looking forward to seeing this show (I don’t have any other time when I can see it though). I guess I’ll head down to Theatre Row and try to get a ticket to”Ordinary Days” at the box office.

[SmoothLover]

Posted: 11/15/18 at 2:56am

I would see the Elaine May play with Lucas Hedges.