The tradition of seeing a broadway play early in the year with some friends started in 1984. I would put Jersey Boys at the top of the list but most all of the 20+ plays have been good. There is something about Broadway that keeps on delivering after a very long time. Wish I could fast forward and have a glimpse of what my grandchildren's children will see on Broadway in the future. Now that I have this "favorites" database established I will try to keep it up to date.
April 1, 2007 Mama Mia. Dinner: Nino's Tuscany. Hotel: London New York City.
Play Rating: 5.
July 15, 2006 Jersey Boys. Dinner: Nino's Tuscany. Hotel: Manhattan Club.
Play Rating: 5. The Best
April 1, 2006 The Pajama Game. Dinner: Orsa. Hotel: Helmsley Carlyle House.
Play Rating: 4.
April 1, 2005 The Lion King. Dinner: Palm West. Hotel: None.
Play Rating: 4.
April 1, 2004 Movin' Out. Dinner: Palm West. Hotel: Hilton at Times Square.
Play Rating: 4.
April 5, 2003 Hairspray. Dinner: Chez Napoleon. Hotel: None.
Play Rating: 5. This was one hilarious musical comedy. Hairspray stars Marissa Jaret Winokur as Tracy Turnblad, and Harvey Fierstein, as her irresistible stage mother, Edna were fantastic. The 60's-style singing and dancing were non-stop, high energy, extraordinary performances.
April 20, 2002 Noises Off. Dinner: Trustee Dining Room at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Hotel: None.
Play Rating: 4. Written by Michael Frayn. British comedy. One of the worst plays I have ever seen.
April 1, 2001 The Dinner Party. Dinner: La Something (it was loud). Hotel: Essex House.
Play Rating: 4. By Neil Simon. With Henry Winkler, John Ritter, Len Cariou, Penny Fuller, Veanne Cox, and Jan Maxwell. Very funny.
January 5, 2001 Rent. Dinner: . Hotel: .
Play Rating: 3. Powerful singing. Great band. A bit vulgar at times. Plot hard to follow.
April 1, 2000 Amadeus. Dinner: BlueWater Grill. Hotel: None.
Play Rating: 3. David Suchet (Salieri) and Michael Sheen (Mozart) were outstanding actors. It was dissappointing that none of the music was live. The play dragged at times. Not as good as the movie.
January 5, 2000 Aida. Dinner: . Hotel: .
Play Rating: 5. Heather Headley and Adam Pascal were really great. Elton John's music was superb. Overall a fantastic play.
April 1, 1999 Jekyl & Hyde. Dinner: Osteria al Doge. Hotel: Marriott Marquis.
Play Rating: 4. Excellent but violent.
April 1, 1998 Ragtime. Dinner: Trustee Dining Room at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Hotel: Marriott Financial District.
Play Rating: 4.
April 1, 1997 Chicago. Dinner: . Hotel: .
Play Rating: 4.
April 1, 1996 Smokey Joe's Cafe. Dinner: . Hotel: .
Play Rating: 4.
April 1, 1995 Showboat. Dinner: CentAnni. Hotel: New York Palace.
Play Rating: 4.
April 1, 1994 Angels in America. Dinner: Alisons on Dominick Street. Hotel: Marriott East Side.
Play Rating: 1. Worse than terrible.
April 1, 1993 Crazy for You. Dinner: Tribeca Grill. Hotel: The Helmsley Palace.
Play Rating: 5. Great
April 1, 1992 Miss Saigon. Dinner: Provence. Hotel: Marriott East Side.
Play Rating: 4. Excellent
April 1, 1991 City of Angels. Dinner: Rainbow Room. Hotel: Intercontinental.
Play Rating: 2.
April 1, 1990 Phantom of the Opera. Dinner: Paola. Hotel: UN Plaza.
Play Rating: 5. Opening year. Really great.
April 1, 1989 Rumors. Dinner: One if by Land Two if by Sea. Hotel: The Plaza.
Play Rating: 4. Funny
April 1, 1988 Les Miserables. Dinner: Lutece. Hotel: The Helmsley Palace.
Play Rating: 3. Great music. Hard to stay awake.
April 1, 1987 Me and My Girl. Dinner: Maestro. Hotel: Marriott Marquis.
Play Rating: 4.
April 1, 1986 In Search of Intelligence in the Universe. Dinner: Cheshire Cheese. Hotel: The Helmsley Palace.
Play Rating: 3. Lili Tomlin was great. One person show.
April 1, 1985 Tap Dance Kid. Dinner: Felidia Brasserie. Hotel: Marriott Marquis.
Play Rating: 4. Amazing dancing talent
April 1, 1984 Dream Girls. Dinner: Rene Pujol. Hotel: The Taft.
Play Rating: 4.
