Help Me Finish Planning My Trip?

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 11/28/19 at 12:45am

I found out this week that I’m for sure going back to NYC for work in January. I tacked on a couple of personal days at the beginning of the trip so I’ll be there January 3 - 11. I thought I had everything ironed out, but I now remembered My Name is Lucy Barton is playing (previews) when I’m there which means I either need to cut a yet-to be purchased show or skip Lucy.

Here’s my schedule so far:

Friday, January 3 - The Sound Inside (Purchased with discount code)

Saturday, January 4 (matinee) - slot open

Saturday, Jsnuary 4 (evening) - Slave Play (Purchased with discount code)

Sunday, January 5 (matinee and evening) - The Inheritance Pts. 1 & 2 (Purchased with discount code)

Monday, January 6 (evening) - slot open

Tuesday, January 7 (evening) -  slot open  

Wednesday, January 8 (evening) - Tina! (Purchased for $54 via Audience Rewards)

Thursday, January 9 (evening) - Jagged Little Pill (Purchased for $54 via Audience Rewards)

Friday (evening), January 10 - Grand Horizons (Purchased for $48 via Audience Rewards)

So I have 3 slots left (Saturday matinee, Monday and Tuesday evening) of my 10 slots. 

(I thought I could create an 11th slot by seeing Freestyle Love Supreme on Friday or Saturday at 10:00 p.m. but distance to the theater and/or my 8:00 p.m. shows’ lengths make that unlikely)

I had originally thought my remaining three slots would go like this:

Saturday matinee - Oklahoma! (Second visit)

Monday evening - West Side Story 

Tuesday evening - Hadestown (second visit)

I mainly want to see Oklahoma! again because when I saw it the first time, I was extremely tired (operating on 2 or 3 hours of sleep) and while I greatly admired it, I didn’t love it (although my appreciation keeps growing). My thinking is if I see it when I’m well rested, I’ll enjoy it more. I was spoiled though because last time I saw it on a Wednesday night and got a great discount ticket for $59 + fees. On a Saturday, I’ll probably pay almost twice that even with discount codes. Oklahoma! is also kicking off the national tour here in Oklahoma City, but I doubt it’ll be able to match the staging at CITS (and I think a lot of people around me in the audience in OKC will hate it which won’t make for great energy). 

i know West Side Story has a lot of baggage even before it begins previews, but I really want to see it  it’s also enticing that it’ll still be doing Monday shows. Hoping for either/both discount codes or affordable Audience Rewards ticket offers soon. Of course, once it opens and reports start trickling in, I may change my mind. I’ve never seen a staged version before though. 

I really, really liked Hadestown when I saw it. However Eva was out with an injury. If she’s in, I’d like to see it again before the OBC starts departing. I also hadn’t listened to the OBCR the first time except once beforehand so I wouldn’t be overly familiar with the plot, but I think I would enjoy it even more now that I’m more familiar with the music and the plot. I picked Tuesday because it’s much more affordable during the week.  

But now along comes Lucy Barton. No Saturday shows, but Monday and Tuesday night shows. Sounds very intriguing. I wonder who on here saw it in London and their thoughts. Plus it’s only 90 minutes long which is enticing after working all day  

But if I pick it, it means I axe one of my other shows (Oklahoma!, West Side Story, Hadestown). If I see Lucy on Tuesday, I’ll just skip Hadestown because I refuse to pay weekend prices to see it. If I see Lucy on Monday, I’d likely move West Side Story to my Saturday matinee slot and skip seeing Oklahoma! again.  

I know there are a lot of variables at play here, but I’d appreciate helpful advice. I did this for my last trip, and received a lot of helpful, non-snarky suggestions. And others also seemed to like when I continued the thread once I started my last trip with reviews of my shows throughout my trip.
  
I guess my main questions are:

if Lucy Barton (for those that’ve seen it) is worth sacrificing another show to see it,

if Eva is worth a second trip to Hadestown,

and if anyone knows if she’ll still be with the show on January 7th?

Thanks in advance for all helpful advice. 

P.S. I had also considered American Utopia and Beetlejuice, but they didn’t make the cut  

P.P.S. I can’t see weekday matinees because I’m working during the week  

 

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 11/28/19 at 12:48am

Jeesh...that’s a long dissertation. Sorry for the novel-length post, guys.

[JPeterman]

Posted: 11/28/19 at 1:30am

Miles, I can’t answer any of your specific questions, but my 2 cents about a couple things:

1)Our trips will overlap!
2)I think you should definitely see West Side Story. I’m really looking forward to it, and that Monday slot on your schedule is screaming WSS!
3)I just wanted to make sure you knew about Judgement Day at the Park Avenue Armory. It is going to be special.
4)What about Sing Street?

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 11/28/19 at 1:38am

JPeterman said: "Miles, I can’t answer any of your specific questions, but my 2 cents about a couple things:

1)Our trips will overlap!
2)I think you should definitely see West Side Story. I’m really looking forward to it, and that Monday slot on your schedule is screaming WSS!
3)I just wanted to make sure you knew about Judgement Day at the Park Avenue Armory. It is going to be special.
4)What about Sing Street?"

Sing Street seems to be somewhat divisive so far. I figure if it’s really that good, it’ll probably make it to Broadway where I van see it. Not that everything good has to come to Broadway. Or else, it’ll keep extending and I can catch it on a future trip.

 

I’ll admit I’ve seen adverts (I think I may have even received a mailer?) for Judgment Day, but I know nothing about it. 

[JBC3]

Posted: 11/28/19 at 2:48am

In case you haven't already checked it for opinions on Lucy Barton:
http://theatreboard.co.uk/thread/4251/barton-laura-linney-bridge-theatre?page=4

I found it an OK play with a strong performance from Linney. Life would definitely go on though if you took a pass.

Critical reviews:

WhatsOnStage - 5*
The Times - 5*
The Stage - 4*
Time Out - 4*
The Guardian - 4*
Evening Standard - 4*

[mufish]

Posted: 11/28/19 at 8:32am

I can’t speak to Lucy Barton though Laura Linney is a treasure, so there’s that. I will say that I personally try to see as many different shows as I can and rarely repeat anything since like you I only have so many opportunities to catch stuff. Despite that, I can’t fault your logic for considering repeat visits to OK and Hadestown.

If you’re a huge fan of Eva, go see Hadestown again but since you’ve been already you know how big the role is and that it’s arguably the least meaty of the four leads. I finally got to see it this week (also really wanted to see the OBC - LOVE Patrick Page) and fortunately everyone was in (coincidentally, three of the principles were out of Tootsie the next night, but them’s the breaks!). I went with StubHub which worked out relatively well and now “Wait for Me” has been stuck in my head ever since!

What I really wanted to mention is that you could probably still do FLS after Sound Inside, unless you plan to stage door after. I won the lottery for Monday 10 pm so left right from Hadestown (7 pm curtain - thanks holiday schedules!). I would’ve liked to stage door, but it was already fairly crowded by the time I got outside, and the show (and my overpriced cocktail) moved me to spring for a signed window card for BCEFA so I just went right to the Booth and had time to spare. Maybe try the lottery (drawings are the day before) and if you win, you’ve got the option and if you end up not making it, the sunk cost is only $35.

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 11/28/19 at 9:58am

JBC3 said: "In case you haven't already checked it for opinions on Lucy Barton:
http://theatreboard.co.uk/thread/4251/barton-laura-linney-bridge-theatre?page=4

I found it an OK play with a strong performance from Linney. Life would definitely go on though if you took a pass.

Critical reviews:

WhatsOnStage - 5*
The Times - 5*
The Stage - 4*
Time Out - 4*
The Guardian - 4*
Evening Standard - 4*
"

So I checked the board. Overall consensus is strong performance from Linney in an otherwise not strong play. Certainly dampens my enthusiasm a bit. However, are those professional ratings out of total possible 5 stars, I assume? Also, I should add that my mom has dementia so the topic of adult child & ailing/dead parent may have added emotional resonance to me. (The Waverly Gsllery gutted me) Still, when I saw Sea Wall/A Life, I shed tears, but still found the writing lacking a bit although the performances were A+. 

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 11/28/19 at 10:25am

mufish said: "I can’t speak to Lucy Barton though Laura Linney is a treasure, so there’s that. I will say that I personally try to see as many different shows as I can and rarely repeat anything since like you I only have so many opportunities to catch stuff. Despite that, I can’t fault your logic for considering repeat visits to OK and Hadestown.

If you’re a huge fan of Eva, go see Hadestown again but since you’ve been already you know how big the role is and that it’s arguably the least meaty of the four leads. I finally got to see it this week (also really wanted to see the OBC - LOVE Patrick Page) and fortunately everyone was in (coincidentally, three of the principles were out of Tootsie the next night, but them’s the breaks!). I went with StubHub which worked out relatively well and now “Wait for Me” has been stuck in my head ever since!

What I really wanted to mention is that you could probably still do FLS after Sound Inside, unless you plan to stage door after. I won the lottery for Monday 10 pm so left right from Hadestown (7 pm curtain - thanks holiday schedules!). I would’ve liked to stage door, but it was already fairly crowded by the time I got outside, and the show (and my overpriced cocktail) moved me to spring for a signed window card for BCEFA so I just went right to the Booth and had time to spare. Maybe try the lottery (drawings are the day before) and if you win, you’ve got the option and if you end up not making it, the sunk cost is only $35."

I've never seen Eva before. It would be a chance to see her if she hasn’t departed yet. Like you, I rarely repeat shows (I usually wait til it tours if I love a show.). I usually only do it if I want to see a show before it closes (The Band’s Visit, American Idiot) or to catch a different performer (Hello, Dolly!, DEH). 

I considered FLS after The Sound Inside, but it would be close. I also don’t know if MLP stagedoors. I suspect I’m gonna love this and might wanna stagedoor especially if I get the windowcard and want it signed. That would obviously rule out FLS. but I do imagine it’ll be bitterly cold which makes stagedooring less enticing. 

Also, I believe Apple Maps estimates the walking time from Studio 54 to The Booth to be 15 minutes. And that isn’t considering how long it takes me to get out of the theater and fighting Friday night Times Square crowds. With the running time of The Sound Inside being 100 minutes, that’s cutting it really close. Especially since I believe FLS wants you there a little early to lock up your phone. 

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 11/29/19 at 2:49am

JPeterman said: "Miles, I can’t answer any of your specific questions, but my 2 cents about a couple things:

1)Our trips will overlap!
2)I think you should definitely see West Side Story. I’m really looking forward to it, and that Monday slot on your schedule is screaming WSS!
3)I just wanted to make sure you knew about Judgement Day at the Park Avenue Armory. It is going to be special.
4)What about Sing Street?"

Hey, where are you sitting for WSS? I’m looking at seats. It appears to be selling quite well and there are no discount codes available that I’m aware of.

[bear88]

Posted: 11/29/19 at 3:26am

I'm not much help here but I'll give what thoughts I can.

As I recall, you liked Hadestown a lot. It's a terrific musical, a fact I've been reminded of since I got the cast recording. Eva Noblezada was wonderful when I saw the show, but as mufish points out, hers is the least essential role to see a particular actor play. My daughter would disagree with me on this; she thought Noblezada was amazing - and she is. I'm just not sure I would decide on seeing Hadestown a second time just for the chance to see her. She might be out that night anyway. That said, I'd love a chance to see the OBC, and especially Andre De Shields, before people start drifting off, so I'm biased there.

I know you didn't enjoy Oklahoma! as much, but you also - as I recall - were exhausted at the time. Was it really just that, or are you trying to talk yourself into giving the show another chance? Again, I liked the show a lot (though not as much as Hadestown) and would love a chance to see it again because seeing it on tour isn't going to be the same. One question I have is attendance. I know it's been spotty of late, with the cast missing performances for a variety of reasons. That might change as it will be in its final weeks by then, but I don't know. If you see a lot of understudies, will you feel bummed given that you've already seen it?

That said, I might be tempted to see all-new stuff. You're in New York City more than I am, but not all the time. Laura Linney is a treasure even if the play isn't perfect (and might resonate with you). I have issues with the West Side Story revival based on what I've read thus far, but I'll admit to being curious about it. And depending on how things go, maybe you could make a mad dash to see about Freestyle Love Supreme one night.

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 11/29/19 at 3:44am

Thanks. I hadn’t really considered multiple principal cast members for Oklahoma! I was lucky enough to see all the principals last time and if I knew some of them were going to be out ahead of time that would lessen my enthusiasm. No disrespect to understudies as I’ve liked (often loved) every understudy I’ve ever seen. Given that I’m eyeing Oklahoma! for my Saturday matinee slot, I’m guessing that would increase chances of understudies. Hmmm...

Updated On: 11/29/19 at 03:44 AM

[bear88]

Posted: 11/29/19 at 4:44am

I'm trying to put myself in your shoes (albeit with my own biases). You seem to want to see Hadestown again primarily (though not exclusively) for the chance to see Eva Noblezada and - ideally - the entire cast. But who knows who will be out the night you would go? Maybe everyone's there. Maybe Noblezada is out. Maybe someone else is out. The odds seems reasonably high that someone will be out in early January after the grueling Christmas to New Year's week (in a show that will run for the forseeable future). If you would be perfectly happy to see the show again and just take your chances on vacations/illnesses, then you have your answer. 

I am just speculating about Oklahoma! absences, although I know Rebecca Naomi Jones has been in and out due to a TV show commitment and there have been other absences as well. The show is coming down the home stretch, with a closing date Jan. 19, so attendance might pick up. But a Saturday matinee two weeks before closing, after the Christmas to New Year's Day week? I would just be guessing. Others might have more of an idea, but you would just have to be prepared for someone you want to see (or multiple someones) being out. 

It's not like there's a guarantee there won't be understudies in the newer shows you're seeing either, so that's a crapshoot. And in my experience (and yours), understudies tend to be excellent anyway. 

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 11/29/19 at 5:21am

Thanks.i just locked in WSS for Monday night. Found $95.25 ($79 + fees) ticket. Seat next to it was $145 + fees. Left Orchestra G18. Not marked as partial view, but I’m bound to miss some stuff on far left side of stage, especially if Ivo van Hove stages it as he did Network. Still, he staged most central action center stage and used monitors throughout the theater so you could see something you might be missing on stage. Hopefully, he stages most action center stage and down-stage..

I looked and Hadestown is really only within my prescribed budget if I see it Tuesdsy niight. So I either see it then or not at all. So Tuesday now is a battle between Hadestown and My Name is Lucy Barton. I get omens of Betrayal and Sea Wall/A Life (where I loved the performances more than the material itself) from Lucy Barton, which has me leaning toward Hadestown. But I can see Lucy for for about $60 cheaper than Hadestown. Decisions, decisions...

[DCDrama2]

Posted: 11/29/19 at 7:37am

A few thoughts:

See Hadestown again. It's worth it. I saw it a second time and wasn't sure about doing it because it meant I saw one less show but oh was I glad I did. There's not a bad seat so just get what ticket you can and go.

FLS, I did a mad dash and got a ticket right before showtime, sat in the back of the orchestra and loved it. I'd highly recommend giving it a go. Stage door plans may take precedence if you're feeling that, but FLS is just so fun. I wish I could have ended each night of my last trip with that show. Also, MLP is amazing in that show but Will effing Hochman isn't getting near the praise he deserves. In fact, now that I'm thinking back on that show, don't try for FLS. It's a piece that needs reflection after and time to sink in. There's a lot to process after and would do well for a good post-show ponder and slow walk back to bed.

Oklahoma, I'm seeing this for a second time because I adored it so much and had to make sure my wife saw it before it closed. So yes, worth a second go in my mind.

Wild card: Waitress with Katharine McPhee. Not sure if you've seen it or not but when I saw her in it the last go around I fell hard for her and the show. The closing cast is really strong and inspired a quick upcoming weekend trip just to see them. Something else to consider.

I love your show lineup, it's almost the same as what I did earlier this month. You're in for a great week of shows!

[RWPrincess]

Posted: 11/29/19 at 12:40pm

It looks like I'm missing you by a day on some of these shows. I'm seeing WSS on Sunday Jan 5 and Tina on Thurs Jan 9 thanks to your Audience Rewards tip. 

The only show on your list that I've seen so far is Hadestown and while it wasn't my favorite show of the year, I can understand wanting to see it again with the OBC. I may do the same thing at some point.

I think your line-up so far looks great. I also like the idea of a revisit to Oklahoma since the first visit wasn't ideal. 

Hopefully the weather that week will cooperate for your trip!

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 11/30/19 at 12:59pm

Thanks all. Trip completely planned now.

Here’s my schedule:

Friday, January 3 - The Sound Inside (Purchased with discount code)

Saturday, January 4 (matinee) - Oklahoma! (Probably will buy cheapest seat as all seats are good to great at CITS; discount codes don’t work on cheapest seats)

Saturday, January 4 (evening) - Slave Play (Purchased with discount code)

Sunday, January 5 (matinee and evening) - The Inheritance Pts. 1 & 2 (Purchased with discount code)

Monday, January 6 (evening) - West Side Story (Cheaper regularly priced ticket - far left front orchestra)

Tuesday, January 7 (evening) - Hadestown (“cheaper” mezzanine seat)

Wednesday, January 8 (evening) - Tina! (Purchased for $54 via Audience Rewards)

Thursday, January 9 (evening) - Jagged Little Pill (Purchased for $54 via Audience Rewards)

Friday (evening), January 10 - Grand Horizons (Purchased for $48 via Audience Rewards)

Updated On: 11/30/19 at 12:59 PM

[Rosette3]

Posted: 11/30/19 at 3:18pm

Miles2Go2 said: "Thanks all. Trip completely planned now.

Here’s my schedule:

Friday, January 3 - The Sound Inside (Purchased with discount code)

Saturday, January 4 (matinee) - Oklahoma! (Probably will buy cheapest seat as all seats are good to great at CITS; discount codes don’t work on cheapest seats)

Saturday, January 4 (evening) - Slave Play (Purchased with discount code)

Sunday, January 5 (matinee and evening) - The Inheritance Pts. 1 & 2 (Purchased with discount code)

Monday, January 6 (evening) - West Side Story (Cheaper regularly priced ticket - far left front orchestra)

Tuesday, January 7 (evening) - Hadestown (“cheaper” mezzanine seat)

Wednesday, January 8 (evening) - Tina! (Purchased for $54 via Audience Rewards)

Thursday, January 9 (evening) - Jagged Little Pill (Purchased for $54 via Audience Rewards)

Friday (evening), January 10 - Grand Horizons (Purchased for $48 via Audience Rewards)"

FYI Oklahoma has deal through Cyber Monday. Cheapest mat weekend seats are $69 instead of $99. Theres few different active codes on the Black Friday thread

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 11/30/19 at 5:03pm

Rosette3 said: "FYI Oklahoma has deal through Cyber Monday. Cheapest mat weekend seats are $69 instead of $99. Theres few different active codes on the Black Friday thread"

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Was able to grab a great $69 seat for a different vantage point and closer to the stage than last time. 
 

Update: Just checked to see what my seat would’ve cost without any discounts. It would’ve been $169. I saved $100. Thanks again!!!

Updated On: 11/30/19 at 05:03 PM

[inception]

Posted: 12/30/19 at 2:05am

Just wanted to give some info on WSS merch:
Bought 2 of the shirts the white one with the show logo on the rectangle faces collage, and also the black one wirh just Zuri Noelle Ford's (Anybodys) face.

I was told that all shirts are unisex, but the white shirt is 100% polyester and seems much bigger than the same size of the black shirt which is 100% cotton. I did laundry today, the 100% cotton shirt did NOT shrink, which is good. But I wish the white one had since it feels oversized.

Since there is no program yet, I bought the set of 10 postcards. I wish they had the names of the actors photographed on the reverse. If you count the cover card that says West Side Story, there are actually 11 cards in the set.

Also they gave me a paper bag for free, unlike Moulin Rouge where they charge 50 cents extra for a paper bag

Updated On: 12/30/19 at 02:05 AM

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 12/30/19 at 2:15am

inception said: "Just wanted to give some info on WSS merch:
Bought 2 of the shirts the white one with the show logo on the rectangle faces collage, and also the black one wirh just Zuri Noelle Ford's (Anybodys) face.

I was told that all shirts are unisex, but the white shirt is 100% polyester and seems much bigger than the same size of the black shirt which is 100% cotton. I did laundry today, the 100% cotton shirt did NOT shrink, which is good. But I wish the white one had since it feels oversized.

Since there is no program yet, I bought the set of 10 postcards. I wish they had the names of the actors photographed on the reverse. If you count the cover card that says West Side Story, there are actually 11 cards in the set.

Also they gave me a paper bag for free, unlike Moulin Rouge where they charge 50 cents extra for a paper bag"

Thanks for the info. Are they selling window cards yet? Also, what about magnets and mugs? 

 

[magictodo123]

Posted: 12/30/19 at 6:09am

I didn't see Come From Away on your list...if you have the opportunity to see it somewhere else like on tour or in London or something I wouldn't put it on your list, but if you don't get that chance I'd really recommend it! 

[inception]

Posted: 12/30/19 at 10:23am

Miles2Go2 said: 

Thanks for the info. Are they selling window cards yet? Also, what about magnets and mugs?

Yes, all 3, most merch uses the imaging from all the advertising of the rectangle face collage with West Side Story overtop in white.  I think there may also have been water bottles and keychains. 

 

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 1/3/20 at 11:49pm

Okay, tonight was my first night of my trip. I saw The Sound Inside. Wow what powerful performances Will Hochman and especially Mary-Louise Parker are giving. I know others have stated there are multiple ways to interpret what happened on stage. I’m not sure I got all that. I’d live to have that conversation with people so feel free to PM me. I really liked this though.

I bought the window card, magnet and the faux typewriter (I thought it was a unique souvenir).

I also stagedoored. There weren’t that many of us. Both actors came out although it took awhile for MLP to come out. She was so apologetic for making us wait in the rain. I just thanked her for coming out at all. I was also able to thank both actors for the gift of their performances. I also predicted more Tony magic in MLP’s future between this and the upcoming How I Learned To Drive. (I honestly don’t know they both don’t get Tony nominations for this) She humbly stated she hoped they could pull it (How I Learned to Drive) off. I said I had full faith in her. They both signed my windowcard. As she walked away to her waiting SUV, she reached out and touched my arm. What a lovely, talented human being.

Also, I was sitting left orchestra row D on the aisle and when I looked across the aisle I thought I saw Billy Crudup across the aisle but I wasn’t sure. But then I was telling people at stage door that I thought I had seen him and then when MLP came out, I was so enraptured with her that I didn’t notice who came out of the stage door with her. But as she was getting into the SUV, the people next to me pointed out that it was Billy Crudup and he was getting in the front of the SUV.


Also, when I was entering the theater there was a woman talking to the staff and stating that she had a gift to send backstage. I thought she said they were nuts? And I thought the lady looked familiar but I couldn’t quite place her but I think now it might’ve been Malinda Dillon who I best snow from A Christmas story and The Prince of Tides. Not sure though. 
 

Tomorrow is Oklahoma! for my matinee followed by Slave Play. 

Updated On: 1/4/20 at 11:49 PM

[haterobics]

Posted: 1/4/20 at 1:35am

What a slacker, not trying for a rush ticket to the 5:30p David Byrne's American Utopia to put in between Oklahoma and Slave Play?!?

[haterobics]

Posted: 1/4/20 at 1:38am

Miles2Go2 said: "I bought the window card, magnet and the faux typewriter (I thought it was a unique souvenir)."

What was the faux typewriter?! Don't think they had that when I saw it early in the run?!