SISTER ACT

Jill and I went to see Sister Act on Broadway last week.  What a fun show!!  From the cast, the set design, the music and of course the story itself...the show had my attention from start to finish.  The lead Patina Miller is gorgeous, funny and super talented.  What a fabulous voice!!  The ensemble was terrific!!  I loved Victoria Clark, Fred Applegate, Sarah Bolt, Chester Gregory, Kingsley Leggs and the rest of the cast.  I used point from my Audience Rewards account to score us $29 orchestra seats.  If you're interested in checking out this great show, here's a link for cheap tickets (35% off).  Up for 5 Tony Nominations....my bet is on Patina Miller!

The Normal Heart

A group of us went to see The Normal Heart last Sunday night.  Best show of 2011!!!  The story deals with the AIDS epidemic in NYC at a time when the mayor turned his back, politicians swept the epidemic under the rug and a group of gay men fought to have their voices be heard.  There wasn't a dry eye in the theatre by the end of the performance.  The show was truly amazing!!!  It is well deserving of every single Tony Nomination and I expect them to win a few.  The cast was top notch.  The lead, Joe Mantello (Ned Weeks), blew me away as I have never seen him perform live before.  Ellen Barkin (Dr. Emma Brookner), John Benjamin Hickey (Felix Turner), Patrick Breen (Mickey Marcus), Jim Parsons (Tommy Boatright) and so many more made up a fantastic ensemble cast.  I highly recommend this show!!  It has officially made it into my top 5 of all-time!  Click here for discount tickets and read this NY Times review.

Watch the testimonials from celebrities such as Elton John, Judith Light, Cheyenne Jackson, David Hyde Pierce and Michael Urie (click on the various video clips): http://bit.ly/lu4PO7

The House of Blue Leaves

A group of us went to see the revival of The House of Blue Leaves with leading cast members Ben Stiller, Edie Falco and Jennifer Jason Leigh.  Edie did an amazing job as Bananas.  Ben Stiller played Artie and Jennifer played his girlfriend Bunny.  Ben Stiller was in the 1986 revival at Lincoln Center and played Ronnie.  I recommend this play as it was crazy funny, witty, dramatic and tragic all in one.  Click here for a 40% discount off this show.

WONDERLAND CLOSES

Unfortunately, Wonderland closed on May 15th.  Audience Rewards was on top of refunding their customers and my points & money were back in my accounts in no time. On the bright side, we still have The Normal Heart and Sister Act to look forward to this month.  Stayed tuned for my reviews.

ROSEANNE BAR - AND I SHOULD KNOW

For those of us who grew up watching television in the late 80's, you should remember Roseanne.  Often rude and crass, Roseanne represented the "real" working class woman who didn't let men rule her world and she made her own decisions and played by her own rules.  I loved this show!!  I've always been an avid TV fanatic and this show most certainly falls into my top 10 of all time.  After all, it did last 9 years (an eternity in TV land).

As you all can see from previous posts, I never recommend reading anything...I'm not much of a book person.  However, I do read magazines and a lot of online articles.  I came across this article in New York Magazine and found it fascinating!!  I loved this show and had briefly heard rumors about Roseanne's battle with the network, writers and producer which is what made me continue reading.  Now I have to buy Roseanne's book and watch her new reality show.  She speaks her mind and I admire her for that!!!  She also empathizes with Charlie Sheen and can understand his demons.  Go Roseanne!!!!

ART BAR - West Village

I had a date, yes a date on Tuesday night at Art Bar (52 8th Avenue bw Horatio & Jane).  While he didn't pick up the tab (verdict is still out on that), I rather enjoyed myself at this West Village spot.  The music was top notch.  It was so good that I could've stayed put all night.  I loved the antique chairs, the curtains, the hanging lamps, the paintings and most of all...the drinks.  The martinis were super cheap and filled to the rim.  I'll go back to this place for the drinks and for the cute single boys...lol. 

SOCIAL EATZ - Midtown East

 

Last night, three of us went to Social Eatz owned by Angelo Sosa of Top Chef.  We had the chili kissed tilapia, Southeast Asian Pickles, the Social Burger and crispy fries.  Not to mention several glasses of champagne (they can out of Cava but the rose champagne was even better) and one glass of wine.  Everything was very good!!  We had thought the pickles and cauliflower would come out in whole pieces, not shredded but it was still tasty.  Our waitress/bartender (Liz) was super friendly so overall we had a good experience.  I look forwarding to trying the spring rolls (they ran out) and the Korean beef taco next time.  This block is filled with restaurants but I'd pick Social Eatz for the tapas style bites, the music, the decor and the friendliness of the staff.

Marché du Sud - Upper East Side

Alicia (creator of AM Style Architect) and I went to Marché du Sud  (1136 1st Avenue) on the Upper East Side the other evening.  The food was insanely good.  It's a French restaurant, market & bakery within two separate areas.  They offered a tasty selection of cheeses, meats, soups, sandwiches, French pizzas, entrees and desserts.  At the bar, there is a nice variety of wines as well as vodka, beer and other spirits.  This spot is romantic courtesy of the crystal chandeliers, exposed brick wall, wooden beams and even a heated outdoor garden.  It's in my neighborhood so I'd love to take you for a visit!!

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

 

I had a much needed vacation in the Dominican Republic with some great people.  I wouldn't recommend the resort (Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace) but I did like the beaches and the time spent with my friends.  My Spanish was a bit rusty but we survived.  I conquered snorkeling and one of my many OCD's (lol).  We all need a break from working!!  

THE SWELL SEASON - Tribeca Film Festival

A group of us went to see "The Swell Season" at the Tribeca Film Festival.  I had never been to the festival so this was one check off my "bucket list".  If you don't recognize the name of the band, you might know them as Academy Award Winners for Best Original Song "Falling Slowly" from Once.  This is by far one of the best soundtracks I've ever heard.  Jill and I had the honor of seeing them perform more than once in NYC.  Our first show at Radio City bought me to tears.  They're such a humble pair and their music is amazing!!!  This film documents their love, her struggle with fame and the challenges within their own relationship.  It's a touching film and I hope it brings great success to the three directors who worked on it for three years.

RAFAELLA ON NINTH - Chelsea

We had a delicious dinner at Rafaella on Ninth (178 9th Avenue) right before going to see a movie at the Tribeca Film Festival.  There are plenty of options on the menu since they offer Italian, Mediterranean, Crepes, Vegetarian and Vegan options.  We didn't stay for dessert but they offered a variety of crepes (sweet), cakes, pies and pastries plus they have a coffee bar.  The restaurant's decor was charming and super cozy.  They had beautiful chandeliers, paintings, candles, antique chairs & couches and brick walls.  I would highly recommend this spot if you're in the neighborhood.

LADY GAGA CONCERT - Born This Way

Just a few weeks ago, Jill and I went to the Lady Gaga concert at Prudential Center (the attached video is from her show at MSG on HBO).  What a show!!  She was super energetic and truly put on a performance for her "little monsters".  She loves her fans just as much as they love her.  People worship this woman and now I know why.  There was such excitement and love for Gaga.  She acknowledged her "little monsters" and we all felt that she was there to perform her ass off.  Overall, Gaga has a great message: just love yourself!!  I'm eternally grateful to Jill (and of course Al) for letting me come to all these amazing shows with her. Gracias mi querido amigo!