Need help with filling last open spot on Spring Trip

[Keiichi2]

Well, my December theater trip ended just 2 weeks ago, but already am making plans for my upcoming Spring trip, which will be Wednesday, May 1st to Sunday the 5th.  I have locked in almost all of my shows, except for the one on Friday, May 3rd, and am trying to decide between two shows.

For anyone curious, here is what I currently have locked in...Ain't Too Proud (May 1st), Hillary and Clinton (May 2nd), Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus (May 4 - Matinee), and Kiss Me Kate (May 4 - Evening).  So, my open spot is Friday, May 3rd.

For that evening, I am trying to decide between To Kill a Mockingbird and Hadestown.  Yes, I know they are completely different shows.  I don't know much about Hadestown, but the premise intrigues me, plus I have heard a lot of raves.  As for Mockingbird, I was interested in seeing it during my December trip, but the two people I was traveling with wanted to see The Ferryman instead, which I certainly do not regret.  I will be traveling alone in May, so I thought it might be a good chance to catch up on it.

For anyone who have seen both, can you give me your opinion, and which one you enjoyed more?  Again, I know they are completely different shows.  But, I'm having a hard time deciding.  Maybe it's because Hadestown is a bit of a mystery to me.  I've been looking up songs and videos on Youtube, and it really does fascinate me, and I like a lot of the actors planned for the Broadway production, so it's kind of a tough choice.

Thank you in advance for your opinions.

[dramamama611]

Tough choice but I would go with Mockingbird since that wont be around for the next trip you take, and certainly not with Jeff Daniels. Hadestown, hopefully, will be around for at least a year!

[Keiichi2]

That is a good point.  I was not sure if Daniels would still be with the play by the time I got out there.  I saw him in both Blackbird and God of Carnage, and loved his performances there, and would love to see him in this. 

Another option I am looking at is possibly seeing one on Friday evening, and the other on a matinee on Sunday, May 5th, before I flew back home.  But, that would depend on the kind of flight I could get.  I don't have a super long flight (I fly out from Chicago, which is about 2 hours in the air to NY), so it's possible I could just take a late flight home, and see the other on Sunday.  But, like I said, it would all depend on what time I can get.

[natashalost]

Im very partial on this matter but go see Hadestown. To Kill A Mockingbird will be around by the next trip you take, just likely without Jeff Daniels, since its an open run.

But seriously, go see Hadestown.

[Wick3]

Perhaps get a ticket for To Kill a Mockingbird for Friday eve and if you get a late flight, get a sunday matinee ticket for Hadestown.

[CapnHook]

I'm curious why Ain't Too Proud was a priority over Hadestown and Mockingbird? Aren't you sick of all these bio musicals?

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

For what it's worth - Daniels said on a talk show that he's in it for a year. Now, for an actor of his stature, that *could* be 10 months, or a year from 1st rehearsal, but at the least he will probably be in it through the end of the summer.

I'd say try to see both and leave later on Sun! (If I recall, Hades is the shorter show)

[Keiichi2]

Thanks to those of you who responded.  The good news is I found an option where I don't have to choose!

Looking at flights, I was looking for an Economy Plus seat.  I'm a tall person (over 6 feet), so I need the extra leg room.  However, I actually found a deal where a first class ticket was actually $50 cheaper round trip than the Economy Plus.  Factor in the fact that I will not be paying luggage fees with a first class ticket, and I'll be saving more money.

The flight I found gets me into NY at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 1st, giving me plenty of time to get to my hotel, The Michelangelo, on W. 51st Street, and still see a 2 PM Matinee that same day.  I decided to see Hadestown on Wednesday, since the Walter Kerr is on W 48th, only 3 blocks away from the hotel.  I have experience with arriving early, and hitting the ground running when it comes to theater trips.  And then, on Monday, I will call Audience Rewards, and use my points toward a ticket to Mockingbird on Friday, May 3rd.

And then I saved even more money, since the site I booked my hotel through was offering $180 lower than what I had booked (and $500 cheaper than what the hotel itself is asking on their website), so I got the lower price locked in.  So, it all worked out.

Oh, and as for why I chose to see Ain't Too Proud, I have some good and trusted friends who saw it, and loved it.  I had been offered to go with them, but I didn't want to make the trip, and opted instead to see the pre-Broadway production of Tootsie in Chicago, instead. (Which I loved, and hope does well on Broadway.)

Thank you again for those who responded, and I am looking forward to these productions!

[oncemorewithfeeling2]

I’m glad you found an option that gives you the ability to see some of the best performances of the season with Jeff Daniels, Patrick Page, and Amber Grey. Plus, what’s bound to more great work from Laurie Metcalf in Hillary and Clinton and one the show’s I’m personally most excited for: Gary.

Sounds like you have an exciting array of shows planned!

[girlcop]

Looks like you made some great choices and got a good deal on flight/hotel. I’ll be in town a couple weeks after you and am going to see some great stuff too! 

• Kiss Me, Kate-Wed matinee
• All My Sons-Wed eve
• Hillary and Clinton-Thur eve
• King Lear-Fri
• To Kill a Mockingbird-Sat mat
• Burn This-Sat eve 

I was holding out for Glengarry, but haven’t heard anything for awhile about it so I grabbed pre-sale tix for Burn This instead. Can’t wait for my trip. Hope you enjoy yours. 

[BwayinVan]

I'm in town those same days and am planning for 7 shows. So far I have To Kill a Mockingbird, Be More Chill, and Burn This booked. I'm bringing my sister in law along this time so will likely take her to Waitress and then hit some other new shows once they open and reviews start coming in. I love spring in NYC!

[annang]

I loathed Mockingbird. They gratuitously use the n word (much more than the book does) just for shock value, and Sorkin plagiarizes lines from his past work. There’s a whole passage basically lifted from a West Wing episode. See Hadestown. 

[JustVisiting]

I hope you're okay with the high risk of missing Hadestown that Wednesday. Flying into either JFK or LaGuardia is a mess right now. Delays are constant, gates don't open up in time, etc. Perhaps you get lucky and actually land at 11 but you may not make it out of the airport until noon, especially if you're checking a bag. Then if you're at LaGuardia, catching a cab or Uber with all the current construction is insane and it may take another half an hour to get into the cab and get out of the airport. Maybe it's 1PM before you actually get to your hotel, then you have to check in, drop your bags, and run over to the theater. And that's if your flight isn't delayed. Newark is probably a safer bet if you're flying into there but then you're at the mercy of the NJ Transit schedule or Lincoln Tunnel traffic. I'm not saying you're likely to miss the matinee, just that the risk is there.

[Keiichi2]

JustVisiting said: "I hope you're okay with the high risk of missing Hadestown that Wednesday. Flying into either JFK or LaGuardia is a mess right now. Delays are constant, gates don't open up in time, etc. Perhaps you get lucky and actually land at 11 but you may not make it out of the airport until noon, especially if you're checking a bag. Then if you're at LaGuardia, catching a cab or Uber with all the current construction is insane and it may take another half an hour to get into the cab and get out of the airport. Maybe it's 1PM before you actually get to your hotel, then you have to check in, drop your bags, and run over to the theater. And that's if your flight isn't delayed. Newark is probably a safer bet if you're flying into there but then you're at the mercy of the NJ Transit schedule or Lincoln Tunnel traffic. I'm not saying you're likely to miss the matinee, just that the risk is there."

Oh, I am well aware of the risk.  I book car transportation through the hotel Concierge, and they have a really reliable car service that they use. (I'm not sure of the name at the moment.) But, in the past, when I have had a matinee on the day I arrived, they have been very good about getting me to the hotel or the show on time, even in the current state LaGuardia is in.

A few years ago, my flight was delayed, and I was afraid I would not make it to the first performance on time.  However, the driver actually did a great job.  He dropped me off at the theater, and then he took my luggage to the hotel and dropped it off, so it would be waiting for me when I checked in after the performance.  I know there is always a risk, but I've been very comfortable booking transportation through the hotel.

[RWPrincess]

If youre referring to Terminal B at LGA, they have a brand new pick up area for taxis and shared ride services set up in the adjacent brand new parking garage. This area has been open for months now and is easily accessible from the terminal and for the cars. Ive never waited more than 10 min for my ride. The other terminals allow cars to pull right up to the door similar to how JFK terminals are set up. So there shouldnt be any issues with traffic at the airport terminals.

I fly between NY and Chicago several times a year. There are ample flight options that depart ORD or MDW between 6-7am so even with an unexpected delay, I think a matinee would be fine. Depending on the airline you pick, you may also be able to switch flights for free if needed. Sounds like youve got a good plan in place with the car service. I look forward to reading your reviews of these shows.

[Scott19]

annang said: "I loathed Mockingbird. They gratuitously use the n word (much more than the book does) just for shock value, and Sorkin plagiarizes lines from his past work. There’s a whole passagebasically lifted from a West Wing episode. See Hadestown."

Which scene are you referring to? And which episode of West Wing does it come from? Just curious.

[Keiichi2]

So, I used my Audience Rewards points to get a ticket for To Kill a Mockingbird on Friday, May 3rd.  The ticket I managed to get is Front Mezzanine, Seat F 101 (which is on the aisle).

I have never sat up in the Mezzanine at the Shubert before.  How is it up there, in terms of leg room?  I'm not too worried, since it's an aisle seat, but just wanted to get some feedback from those who saw the production from that area.

[BwayinVan]

I need some help to. Have often reached out on these boards with recommendations for my annual trip. This year my sister-in-law is coming with me for a girls trip. Im seeing 7 shows and shes in town for 4. She has told me to pick and so far we have:

Be More Chill
Burn This

And then I have a ticket to TKAM. Im thinking of taking her to Waitress so have 1 more spot for us both and 2 for me by myself. Trying to decide between the following:

The Ferryman
Ink
Mean Girls
Hadestown
Tootsie
Puffs (a friend from college is in it)

[annang]

Scott19 said: "annang said: "I loathed Mockingbird. They gratuitously use the n word (much more than the book does) just for shock value, and Sorkin plagiarizes lines from his past work. There’s a whole passagebasically lifted from a West Wing episode. See Hadestown."

Which scene are you referring to? And which episode of West Wing does it come from? Just curious."

Unless they cut it before opening, the first line the judge speaks, about keeping the 10 minute breaks closer to 15 minutes than half an hour (I may have the times wrong, but you get the gist) is lifted directly from the West Wing episode "Bartlet for America." There's also a long monologue near the end (I won't spoil it, the one with the biblical references) lifted from another episode. 

[Miles2Go2]

I found out while in NYC this weekend that I’m returning next month (week of Feb.11th) for work (probably in Brooklyn) so already planning shows since I’ll be busy during the day and can’t rush in person for shows that require it. So it’ll be either pre-purchase selectively, digital lottery (I have only won one time - $10 or $20 via TodayTix for On The Town - fantastic), TKTS or box office: I think I can fit in 5 shows:

- Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish- it’s playing on Monday so I can see it day I fly in. Looks like there’s quite a bit of availability for Feb. 11 - the day I fly in. I might pre-purchase for this one assuming I get it in on early flight which will allow for delays and commute time into the city.

- The Ferryman - i’m thinking later in the week since it’s a longer play and I am going to add an extra day to my trip at the end just for fun.

- Network - only if I can get cheap ticket - I believe I saw someone said they walked up an hour before the show started and got a standing room ticket. I’m also going to look at my audience rewards and see if I can get a ticket that way. 

- Kiss Me, Kate - it starts previews on Thursday while I’m there. I’ve been on the fence about this one since I’ve been disappointed in the last two musical revivals I’ve seen but I love O’Hara, I love Cole Porter, I tend to like shows within shows and I’m intrigued about the Taming of the Shrew angle.  

- Choir Boy - not sure yet. It opens tonight so I’ll read reviews.

If one or two of the above doesn’t work out, I’m considering:

- seeing DEH again if I can win lottery (doubtful) or if it’s on TKTS

- seeing TBV again while Lenk is still in show

- Or seeing The Cher Show

[Miles2Go2]

So far, it’s looking like:

Monday - Fiddler 

Tuesday - Choir Boy, DEH, TBV, or The Cher Show 

Wednesday - Network 

Thursday - Kiss Me, Kate

Friday - The Ferryman 

So, assuming the other nights stay the same, Tuesday comes down to either revisiting DEH (intrigued to see Trensch in the role, but only via lottery or TKTS), TBV (want to see Lenk before she eventually leaves show plus not sure it’ll still be open next time I’m in town), or seeing something new (Choir Boy, The Cher Show).  

[Mike Barrett]

Exciting!!

My May trip is looking exciting, with a Tuesday evening, Wednesday 2 show day, and potential Thursday night open for my boyfriend and I.

Tuesday we are hoping to see Hadestown

Wednesday see Gary at the matinee and Tootsie at night.

Thursday I am not sure yet, I am stuck between Burn This, Kiss Me Kate (never seen it), Ain't Too Proud, and Beetlejuice.

[Miles2Go2]

Things just got a little bit more complicated because I just discovered I could also possibly get a ticket through audience rewards for To Kill a Mockingbird depending on how many points post from seeing Torch Song and my trip to 54 below on Sunday. Im already planning on using 7000 points plus $84 for Network then TKAM would be 5,500 points plus $74. It may be a non-issue as I may not get enough points Im still about 2,300 points short right now , but I know some shows offer bonus points like Angels in America did.

[Wick3]

@miles2go2, Trensch is leaving DEH the end of this month and the winner of the Jimmy awards (Feldman) will be taking over as Evan starting Jan 30th. Just an FYI. The last time I saw DEH was back in Nov 2017 so can't say much on what the show is like right now but I know what you mean about seeing it again via discounted ticket.

Not sure when you're leaving but Be More Chill starts previews in mid-February and it seems to have a lot of buzz right now. 

[Miles2Go2]

Well, I knew he was starting but not when. At least there will be some reports on Feldman before my plane touches down. And please dont think because I dont want to pay top dollar again to see Dear Evan Hansen that I have any disregard for the show. On the contrary, I really like the show. I just would really like to see it again because last time I had listened to the cast recording obsessively and I would like to see it again when I havent done that. Im actually helping a friend who is there for work right now scope out a show for tonight and he is interested in Dear Evan Hansen. I noted that there are some reasonably priced tickets on stub hub. He saw his first Broadway show (Waitress) last night and I think he is now booked. He even stage doored and got to tell Sara it was his first show and she said that was Flippin awesome. And then she liked his tweet about it too LOL