New York City is alive and well again… though some would argue it never died. You can now travel to the Big Apple and do all the touristy things you missed. Shopping at all your favorite flagship stores, spending the day at a museum like The Met, and seeing a Broadway show.
Just a few short months ago, Broadway theatres sat empty. For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, you can see a live Broadway show. Waitress and Hadestown, two very popular shows pre-pandemic, led the reopening with their debut shows on September 2nd, 2021. Other favorites like The Lion King, Chicago, and Hamilton have also opened, and the number keeps increasing.
I recently went out for dinner and a show to celebrate Broadway’s reopening. After a tasty dinner at Chef Alex Guarnaschelli’s Butter on 45th street, I strutted over to the Gershwin to take my seat for that night’s showing of Wicked.
The first thing you need to know about the updated Broadway experience is to arrive at the theater early. When you buy your tickets, the theater will recommend a time to show up – show up at or shortly after that time. Walking in a few minutes before curtain isn’t cutting it these days – vaccination and bag checks take time, and so does navigating your way through the crowded theatre. While it’s nice to feel comfortably settled prior to showtime, these new arrival times mean your pre-show reservations might be pushing 4:30pm. My recommendation: eat a large lunch and book drinks + appetizers instead of dinner. If you want an extra drink or snack at the theatre, you’ll get there early enough to consume it in the designated areas.
The quality of the performance itself was nothing short of outstanding. Though I’d seen Wicked a few times before, this cast gave a performance that matched the energy of the crowd and the city – Broadway is back, baby. After the show, I headed outside to snap a photo by the small standing marquee – what looked like the same exact marquee I’d taken a photo with on my first trip to NYC a decade ago.
About the Author: Hi, I’m Lolo Kroll – the My Red Glasses “gal on the street” for New York City! I’m currently living in Manhattan and keeping you up-to-date on all of NYC’s latest happenings. Find me on social media: @itslolokroll
