Sunday, September 22, 2013

Tourist in your hometown

Yesterday Tara and I had TDF tickets to see the latest production of "Annie" on Broadway at the aptly named Broadway Theater.  It is a marvel of late 19th Century over the top theatrical design with cavernous interior.  From the outside, facing the glitz and glimmer of the "new" tourist-friendly Times Square, it shines like the "top of the Chrysler Building", in the words of the lyricist Martin Charnin. Its huge stage has seen productions of "La Cage Aux Folles" and "Les Miserables" over the course of its long and storied history.

The show itself is a bit stilted and rather done by rote.  The set is interesting, and the dancing is really good, but most of the cast seems to be phoning in their performance with the exception of Faith Prince who is thoroughly  enjoying herself in the role of the man-starved and gin-infused Miss Hannigan. 

I understand that Jane Lynch of "Glee" fame was in the role earlier in its run, and received some very good reviews.  Faith, it seems, has nothing to prove since she is the "replacement", but she does shine in this gem of a role.

We had dinner at "Don Giovanni's" on West 44th and Ninth, local place favored by Hell's Kitchen residents and a smattering of tourists.  Most tourists prefer to go to the over advertised "Carmine's" where the potions are huge; the food mediocre, and the room too crowded and noisy.  I prefer the smaller venue that serves a better quality food in a neighborhood setting.

The streets, the subway and the ferry were crowded with people, mostly out-of-towners may of them from other countries, who are here in NYC doing the "tourist thing".   You need to remember that they are here on vacation and are not of the same mind set as those of us who live here, so be both polite and tolerant.  Yes, they walk slower, yes they look up at stuff you have seen over and over again a hundred times.  Don't let it get on your nerves.  Their spending helps to drive this city's economy, and remember that you may be visiting their hometown, and what you do there can also be irritating to them.

Just keep smiling at them...you'll be home soon...do yourself a favor...take the local...not as many tourists.

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