On our last trip to NYC, we toyed with going to see a Broadway play, but it simply never happened. We got too busy with other things. This time, we knew we had to see one. Its definitely one of those things that should be on all bucket lists.
I really wanted to see "
Waitress" because Sara Bareilles wrote the music for it.
So, we checked around and didn't like any of the deals that were available. We ended up going right to the theater and got a great deal on "obstructed view" seats in the third row! The lady selling the tickets was very helpful and kind, and we were so appreciative on getting what we considered a hookup for the show.
Later, we stood in line waiting to get in to the theater half an hour before the show. We would realize later that half the cast (including Jason Mraz) walked past us to get in the theater's side door.
The pre show vibe was exciting, and I did notice some excitement around a former American Idol contestant in the audience. I think that's pretty common for Broadway though.
The obstructions for our discounted tickets were barely noticeable, and we were very happy with our discounted seats as I am sure people beside us probably paid a lot more for their seats.
The musical itself was great. Easily a highlight of our trip and probably the best theater experience I have ever had. The acting and the music were both flawless, and it is crazy how much goes into making something like this happen.
Jason Mraz was fun to watch... and his comedic timing was perfect. For a guy known for his singing, his acting was flawless. In fact, he pulls off a pretty big accomplishment, in making his character (a doctor having an affair with his patient) likable.
Also, my friend and I are both HUGE fans of Northern Exposure, and we were thrilled to see John Cullum step on stage as Joe. Forget the pop stars in the theater this night. John Cullum is true stage royalty. We're not worthy.
The Bareilles pinned songs sounded the way you would expect. Excellent. There was a live band on stage that blended in with the actors at times (the waitresses would talk to them and take them coffee, as though they were customers).
The story was sweet and sad. You can look up the story, so I won't get too deep into it, but there is a lot of getting on with life after making bad decisions, dealing with bad and inappropriate relationships, etc. It is very haunting in a way as Jenna's, the main character, mom is conjured with pie ingredients.
There is a line in the musical, where Jenna is writing a letter to her future baby, and she talks about finding someone in life that loves you enough to hold you for 20 minutes. If that line doesn't get you, you are a loveless zombie.
As with any exciting, emotional performance, it ended, though I wanted more. We left the theater knowing we had experienced something special.
On a side note, when I got back home I watched the movie on DVD, and I enjoyed it very much too. The musical is very faithful to the movie. AND, I have read up on the film's writer, director and co-star, Adrienne Shelly, who was murdered shortly after the film was made. Her story is an interesting one and I hope you take the time to look her and
the foundation started after her passing up.
I absolutely insist on avoiding political talk here, but I do cover history, and Presidents here a lot. I think this is a rare opportunity to walk into a building where an active President spends a lot of time. Who knows what the next decade or two will bring, but this is a major site related to a president.... and I think visiting it right now has some bragging rights attached to it.
