What to expect in New York and at the show???

Sunnyside Grease Fan · Member

What to expect in New York and at the show???

Eris · Guru

When I was there I didn't see any adults dressed in Grease gear but there were many younger girls. I'm not suggesting you don't wear your jackets. Just do what you wish with that bit of information.

Cast albums are typically sold at the theatre though at higher prices. You should be able to buy it there or you could go into any CD store and grab a copy.

Doors usually open an hour and a half before the show and the show runs just over two hours. The stage door is a bit of a mad house after the show. The night I was there I was saving a spot for Andy outside the stage door and if I hadn't been there she wouldn't have been able to get up front. And she left before the bows just to get to the stage door before the crowd got there. People started lining up very quickly after the show.

Sunnyside Grease Fan · Member

Thanks for the reply.

We will probably leave the pink lady jackets at home anyhow. My family is dressing up as the Grease family for a costume party in a couple weeks. It should be fun.

At the show do they say anything about the stage door? Will we know where to go?

Eris · Guru

If you're facing the theatre the Grease stage door is to the right of the main doors on 47th Street. Once you come out of the theatre you will see barricades set up around the door.

Just find the crowd.

Jim5745 · Newbie

I was there a few weeks ago and the line went all the way to the hotel there; I wouldn't recomending going there to early; just show up on time.

DogsandBirds · Guru

I was at the theater on Friday night and there was a lovely, polite crowd. The cast comes out and starts signing autographs and when they finish, they leave.

No announcements are made about the stage door.

karidaberixx · Senior Member

everyone pretty much summed it up. what i recommend is see other shows aside from grease. broadway has so much to offer. what you can do is go to the tkts booth in the marriot marquis in times square and get discount tickets to other shows for that day. you won't see wicked, jersey boys, the little mermaid, or young frankenstein there, but pretty much any other show. you will find hairspray and altar boyz tickets. ashley spenser is in hairspray as amber von tussel and chad is starring in altar boyz as matthew. both are amazing shows and i recommend them to anyone!

Ray · Senior Member

Sunnyside Grease Fan...........
I suggest that you read the thread "Questions about seeing the show".
I bumped it to the top of the list.
It contains a lot of pertinent information, especially for women.

Sunnyside Grease Fan · Member

Thanks for the input. I read the other thread. Sounds good...... I was even thinking if we really want autographs we could show up earlier at the end of a show. We fly in on a Thursday morning and go to Grease that night. We are taking a RED eye. I am already exhausted...... It should be a blast though and we will be pumped. I am sure by the time we get there Thursday AM we will be full of coffee so we can make it that day. May have to take a cat nap once we check into our hotel.

Another question I have. How is the walking at night around New York? I am a bit nervous about that. We are are off of 5th Ave so it is a few blocks off the Theatre. Should I just relax because no one has cars like we do in our part of the world???? Everyone walks?? Is it closer than I realize? I have been on google earth and it really doens't lool that bad....

Eris · Guru

Walking isn't bad and you won't be alone so I doubt you'll have much of a problem. Just don't be stupid. Don't wave money around, etc. When I go I usually take a smaller purse with only a few necessities - ie cellphone, wallet, car keys, lip gloss, ibruprophin. Often when I travel I take a smaller ID holder and put my ID, health insurance card, a debit card, and a small amount of cash in it and leave my wallet behind. There is so much in there I know won't need in NYC. Like my mall employee card or my various rewards cards.

MrE1111 · Guru

You have absolutely nothing to worry about, re: walking around NYC at night. It is tremendously safe. Just put your wallet in your front pocket, if, of course, you don't carry a purse.

Rae66 · Veteran Member

I just have to jump in and share my excitement as well. I leave for NYC next Thursday from southern CA after waiting since March to go, and I will be meeting my sister there. This will be my first time in NY, and our first "sister-sister" trip. No matter what the critic said about Grease, I'm so grateful that I caught the TV show. It gave me enough drive to finally fulfill a dream, which is to visit NYC. It's something that I always thought will happen later in life, but because of Max and Laura, it'll happen next week!!! I actually bought a 2nd set of tickets to Grease today, so we'll be seeing it on Thurs. and Sat.. I just don't want to miss anything, and since I don't know when we'll ever make it back to NY again, I figure I better take in whatever I can while I have the chance. We also have tickets to see Jersey Boys, and we might squeeze in Xanadu as well.

I'm a little nervous about being in NYC all by ourselves, just 2 petite women. Do you have any suggestions about the best way to see the city? Is there a touring company we can go with? How do people get around to different sites? By taxi? By subway?

Thanks! I'll definitely report back. I know we'll have a fabulous time!

MaxFan · Veteran Member

Rae66 wrote:

I'm a little nervous about being in NYC all by ourselves, just 2 petite women. Do you have any suggestions about the best way to see the city? Is there a touring company we can go with? How do people get around to different sites? By taxi? By subway?

Thanks! I'll definitely report back. I know we'll have a fabulous time!

Don't be nervous! You will have a great time. When we travel there with the children we often find friendly, helpful people. We live in a very small town in Ohio and NYC is our favorite place to go. The kids love to walk through the city, but we also ride the subway. Just be aware of your surroundings and be smart. You will find it a truly wonderful adventure. And you won't be disappointed in Grease. It is terrific. My son and I saw it twice. We hope to see it again this spring. My girls loved Legally Blonde (and Grease too, of course). Max and Laura are amazing, and you will really enjoy the rest of the cast. They all do a fantastic job. Tell us all about it when you return home!

Eris · Guru

Xanadu was SOOOO much fun.

Rae66 · Veteran Member

Thanks MaxFan and Eris! I think I'll go ahead and buy tickets for Xanadu then. I was debating if I should wait 'til it comes to the West coast. I read somewhere that the touring will begin next year. I can use some "fun" shows right now. Just saw "Wicked" in LA last weekend, didn't know a lot about it, and it was serious and amazing!!! So now I got my 4-year-old son singing "Sandy" - though he calls it the "Why-ay-ay-ay song" on one end of the house, and my girls singing "Popular" on the other end. :) I studied Musical Theatre in my early 20's, and now I got the bug again!!

Sunnyside Grease Fan · Member

Rae66m

Your reason to go to NYC sounds a bit like mine. I have researched a lot online about our trip. We plan to do the Hop on Hop off bus tour on the double decker bus. You can by a 3 day pass and it will take you to a lot of places. You should check it out. We our actually staying in a very central location and will probably walk to most places.

Our other delimma is what do we take for clothes?? It might be chilly. We have 3 more weeks before our trip. Hopefully it won't rain.

Looking forward to hearing from you when you get back. Where you went, ate, shopped etc.....

karidaberixx · Senior Member

i live an hour from the city. currently i'm spending my days in jeans and sweatshirts. i recommend pants for this time of year. bring a jacket, but some days you will be fine in just jeans and a tank top. the weather is unpredictable at this time of year. you aren't going to need snow boots and gloves haha. but i do suggest packing warm clothes and layers. check weather.com a few days before your trip to make sure you are prepared.

DogsandBirds · Guru

Clothes? Bring layers. You will need a warmish jacke, but not too heavy because it can get cold in November. Bring an umbrella and or rain coat, slicker, whatever. You don't need many dressy things but one nice outfit in case you want to go to a upscale restaurant and of course, very comfortable shoes/sneakers to wear for walking around.

There is so much to do and so many places to eat. Have a great time!

Eris · Guru

If you want to see Max and Laura I'd suggest you come to NY because I have a feeling they will not be on the tour. It's a very rare thing for the NY cast to join the tour. It's usually the other way around. People get their feet wet on the tour and then come to NY to do the show.

Rae66 · Veteran Member

Eris wrote:
If you want to see Max and Laura I'd suggest you come to NY because I have a feeling they will not be on the tour. It's a very rare thing for the NY cast to join the tour. It's usually the other way around. People get their feet wet on the tour and then come to NY to do the show.

That's why I got 2 sets of tickets to Grease, just to make sure I get to see Max and Laura, in case one of them happens to get sick! Can you imagine flying all the way there from CA and not catch them?!

I was more debating if I should get the tickets to Xanadu. I can't decide if I should wait to see it on tour, if the original Sonny (can't remember his full name, James.. something) might join the cast.

Eris · Guru

I didn't get to see James but I found Cheyenne to be AMAZING. He was so good. I also recommend getting stage seating for Xanadu. I didn't sit there the last time but I'm planning on going back to sit on stage. Stage seating is also a lot less than house seating.

MrE1111 · Guru

James Carpinello, who I had the pleasure of seeing in the role prior to his accident. The show is a joy. Receiving rave reviews from all the papers that count, I expect Xanadu to have a Best Musical slot, as well as one for Best Actress. Kerry Butler has more charm than anyone I've ever seen.

greatwhiteway · Senior Member

That's why I got 2 sets of tickets to Grease, just to make sure I get to see Max and Laura, in case one of them happens to get sick! Can you imagine flying all the way there from CA and not catch them?!

I can't even imagine driving in from New Jersey and not catching them.
It has been mentioned you might be able to get a refund if the inconceivable does indeed occur.
There are thousands of people walking around the city late at night, and those that don't walk, drive. It is a very, very busy place and thus, at least in the theatre district, not dangerous or scary at all.

I am sure everyone who is going will have a great time. If you are going for the holidays it is really exciting as there are so many holiday sites to take in. If you have kids the show at Radio City is usually good. It is really a good idea to go to Grease twice if you could because seeing these two stars you saw on TV, in person, is just so weird and so fun you almost miss the show.

]

-- Edited by greatwhiteway at 00:48, 2007-10-18

-- Edited by greatwhiteway at 01:07, 2007-10-18

Rae66 · Veteran Member

As I mentioned in my earlier post, I've been debating for weeks now if I should get tickets to see Xanadu. Well, tonight I went on their ticket selling site, and after pulling up row P and mezzanine seats for the last few days, a pair of row A center seats popped up today for $110 a piece. I couldn't believe my eyes!! I kept checking the date and time to make sure I had it right, then finally jumped on buying them. I think these will be the best seats I have for our trip to NY. So next Sat., I get to see Xanadu from row A and then see Grease at 8pm sitting in Row B center in the mezzanine (which I read is a great spot to see the show). Can you understand why I'm beyond excited??!!! Here's my BIG question, between the 2 shows, where should we eat? Should we go to Sardi's, since that's the only place I've heard of because Max and Laura did an interview there. Or do you have other suggestions? I'd love to experience a hip and happening place, but not too young or too formal. What do you think? Thanks!!!

Max Star · Veteran Member

Rae,

I am really excited for you. I just know you will have awonderful time. Hopefully you will get dinner options from others.

I'm in the process of planning a December trip to see Grease. You mentioned that you recently got tickets. Did you use Tickets or ?? Sounds like front center mezzanine is the best but some of the ticket sites that I looked at don't specify the seat numbers and I worry...

Can't wait for your "review".

Rae66 · Veteran Member

Hi Max Star, I bought all my tickets thru "ticketmaster". The seats I have for Sat. night (mezzanine, row B center) were purchased the night Max won back in March. I bought another set of tickets for Thurs. night just 2 days ago, and though they were Row D, they're off to the side. I did check the other sites too, but didn't buy any because I too, was nervous about how they only listed the rows, but not seat numbers. Good luck!!

Ray · Senior Member

Max Star wrote:
.... some of the ticket sites that I looked at don't specify the seat numbers and I worry....

The above quote worries me......
I'm not sure which show you are referring to, so I'll cover both.
"Grease" tickets are purchased at Ticketmaster.com ....They always give the seat numbers.
"Xanadu" tickets are purchased at Telecharge.com ....They also give the seat numbers.
I don't want you to get stuck with tickets from an agency at inflated prices.

MrE1111 · Guru

Rae66, and anyone else wondering, -

Dining options depend on what kinds of food you like.

The 3 BIG theater district eateries are Sardi's, Angus McIndoe, and Joe Allen's Steakhouse, and they all have their charms. Sardi's is famous for their walls and walls of caricature portraits of theatrical greats. Angus' is famous for the celebrity clientele, especially for post-show drinks. Joe Allen's has a wall of posters of Broadway flops. If you're in the mood for "actor gawking" they're all good, but Angus' is the best. Mel Brooks (he was known to go there following every Producers preview) is sure to be around these days, since Young Frankenstein is previewing.

Carmine's on 44th, right next to Sardi's, a few steps up from Angus, is great for family style Italian.

The Cafe Edison, located in the Hotel Edison, a few steps up from the Atkinson, is great for its famous Matzo Ball Soup and other traditional Jewish-diner-type fare.

Personally, my favorite place is Kodama Sushi, on 8th Avenue between 45th and 46th (a few steps away from the Al Hirschfeld Theatre where Curtains plays). The sushi is to die for (best in the City), and it's known for its actor-clientele, as well.

If you want to go to a somewhat famous restaurant for Italian, I suggest Becco (46th, between 8th and 9th). Okay, you haven't heard of it. But I'm sure you have heard of its owner, famous TV chef Lidia Bastianich. They're famous for their $22 pre-fix, pre/post theater dinner menu (all of them have pre-fix dinner menus, for pre/post theater dining). For $22, a salad and unlimited servings of their 3 daily pasta dishes.

Rae66 · Veteran Member

MrE, Thank you!!! I just knew that you'd give me some info, since you're the all time New Yorker here on the board! :) I might have to try that Sushi restaurant, it sounds yummy....

Oh, here's my question for you, since you've seen Xanadu alreaday. Will I be able to see everything from Row A, or will I be blocked by the pit and not able to see the actors' feet (skates)?

I just hope I don't walk away from NY with the burning desire to move there, since I have a hubby and 3 kids and am permanently stuck in CA! :) LIving in NY was a big time dream of mine when I was younger!

MrE1111 · Guru

Xanadu's band (and it is one of the best bands on Broadway, under the baton of Eric Stern, a famous classical musician) is located on stage, behind the action. The theater has no more than 600 seats, so anywhere is fine. First row is great, though you may have to look up slightly.

Maxismylove · Senior Member

I would recommend the Italian rest right next door to the theater names Tre Color. The food is really wonderful and the staff there are huge fans of the show and the cast.

We have had the pleasure of eating there many many times and I know that several of the cast members eat there frequently.

We had the pleasure of dining with the Osnes family there and they were very accomodating and are very fond of Max and Laura.

MrE1111 · Guru

Tres Color...is that up 8th Ave (past the club that's right next door to the theater), or closer to Times Square?

DogsandBirds · Guru

Walking up from Times Square, it is before the theater. Jose took a group of us out to dinner there. The food was excellent and the service was terrific. The cast eats there and the place is very nice to them.

Rae66 · Veteran Member

Maxismylove & DogsandBirds, Thank you so much for the "insider" tip. We'll definitely check out the restaurant. Though I don't know how I'll react if the cast walks in while I have a mouth full of pasta.......... :) Besides Max and Laura, I've read up on all the cast memebers. Can't wait to see them all in action, especially after reading so much from others how great they all are! Just a few more days 'til I take off!!!!

Sunnyside Grease Fan · Member

Rae,

Did you go to NY yet? Just curious how it all went.

Rae66 · Veteran Member

Hi SunnysideT, I'm back. See my post under "Back from NYC". It's long, but I just didn't know how to condense my thoughts into a few sentences. Are you getting excited?! You're going to have so much fun!