JERUSALEM

I went into the play Jerusalem knowing nothing behind the story nor the characters.  I came out of the play really liking it!!  While it's not in my top 5, Mark Rylance is most certainly in my top 3.  The subject matter is very different from my favorite play Next To Normal, both shows are tragic and depict suffering men.  If Joe Montello wasn't going to win the Tony Award, Mark Rylance was my next choice and he did win.  What a stellar performance playing the character Johnny "Rooster" Byron.  I mean, he killed it!!  My other favorites were supporting cast members Mackenzie Crook (Ginger), John Gallagher Jr. (Lee) and Allan David (The Professor).  Having seen John Gallagher Jr. in Spring Awakening, American Idiot and even three episodes of Law & Order, I must say he picks really good roles.  This is a limited engagement show, so hurry and go see it!!

STANDARD BIERGARTEN - Meatpacking District

Visited the Standard Biergarten (848 Washington Street bw Little W 12th & 13th) for the first time for a friend's birthday and I'm sure this will not be my last time.  For the Meatpacking District, this place was laid back, not super stuffy and situated away from "the scene".  Although they only offer 3 beers on tap, there's a full service bar in the middle of the space.  High ceilings and an open floor plan make you feel less like you're in a stuffy bar.  Get there early if you want a seat at one of the many picnic tables or get your hands on one of the paddles to play a little ping pong.  My favorite part of this place were the bathrooms.  They're clean & air conditioned.  The Biergarten offers food as well.  Expect to pay $8 for your drink ticket which will also get you an $8 pretzel, various types of German sausage (bratwurst & such) as well as dipping sauces.  The crowd had some older businessmen, a few stick figure models, some rocker dudes but mainly your average single New Yorker in their late 20's to mid 30's.  Go check it out!!

GOVERNOR'S ISLAND - BREWERS' PICNYC

 



Saturday a group of us went to Governor's Island for Brewers' PicNyc.  The ride to Governor's Island was free and it literally took 5 minutes to get there.  For a $15 entrance fee and tons of food & beer, who can complain?  The long beer lines were annoying but that was expected.  By far my favorite food truck was Gorilla Cheese followed by the Rickshaw Dumpling Truck.  Both were amazing but I'm a cheese head!!  The grilled cheese was probably the best I've ever had.  I ordered the Gruyere with caramelized onions & bacon on French bread.  The menu offered all different kinds of cheeses, breads, additions, sides and dipping sauces.  From Rickshaw Dumpling, I got the pork & Chinese chive dumplings which were delicious.  We all loved our food from both trucks!!!  Plus, the girls working both window were dolls.  Friendly service always makes for a better experience.  I can't wait to find these trucks in NYC again!!! 

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.