CURRENT Best Bets

 

NOTEWORTHY PERFORMANCES:

Orphans (Broadway, Play Revival)

BOTTOM LINE: This drama about two brothers and the father figure they never had features a powerhouse trio of performers all living up to, and exceeding, expectations.

 

 

 

 

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Matilda (Broadway, New Musical)

BOTTOM LINE: Why haven't you bought tickets yet?

ANOTHER GOOD BET: Cinderella
(Off Off Broadway, Musical Revival) 

 

 

 

CONVERSATION STARTER:

Women of Will (Off Broadway, New Play)

BOTTOM LINE: Tina Packer leads an evening that charts out the growth and development of Shakespeare’s female characters; it is as educational as it is brilliantly performed, making for a wholly captivating and informative theatrical experience.

ANOTHER GOOD BET: Pinkolandia
(Off Broadway, New Play)

 

 

 

 

FOR A LAUGH

Old Hats (Off Broadway, Vaudeville)

BOTTOM LINE: Some clowns never get old -- and that's good news for us.

ANOTHER GOOD BET: Showgirls! The Musical!
(Off Off Broadway, New Musical)

 

 

 

 

GO WITH FRIENDS:

Tiny Rhino (Off Off Broadway, Short Plays, Drinking Game)

(This is a 21-and-over affair)

BOTTOM LINE: A theatrical drinking game, or the best thing you can do with your Monday night.

 

 

 

 

BEST OFF BROADWAY

Bull (Off Broadway, New Play)

BOTTOM LINE: A smartly written, expertly acted and directed workplace tragicomedy that should not be missed.

 

 

 

 

MUSICAL THEATRE BLISS:

Kinky Boots (Broadway, New Musical)

BOTTOM LINE: Kinky Boots is both amusing and appealing thanks in part to Cyndi Lauper's musical score.

ANOTHER GOOD BET: Matilda
(Broadway, New Musical)

 

 

TAKE A DATE:

Fuerzabruta (Off Broadway, Performance Art)

This show has been around for a while, but it's a reliable good time unlike any other theatrical offering out there. Part performance art, part dance party, witness some incredible physicality through this captivating spectacle.

ANOTHER GOOD BET: Avenue Q
(Off Broadway, New Musical)

 

TIMES SQUARE INSIDER
(compiled by Joseph Samuel Wright)

New York’s Theatre District (where nearly all Broadway and a few off Broadway shows play) is conveniently located in the heart of Manhattan, in and around Times Square. The neighborhood is a churning hive of amusement and dining designed for your enjoyment, but it is so jam-packed with people and establishments that it can be hard to weed through the madness to find the true gems. Luckily, Theasy is here to help you choose! Check out our recommendations below and avoid the over-priced, tourist-trappy, theme-parked extravaganzas. We’ve branched out west to include some Hell’s Kitchen locales and a little to the east to give you the best selections the Theatre District can offer!

 

* Spotlight * TKTS and Show Savings * Family Dinners * Elegant Eats * After Show Cocktails * Nightlife and Entertainment * Cheap Drinks * $1 Pizza Slices * Bathrooms * Getting Around *

 

SPOTLIGHT ON THE SQUARE:

DAVE AND BUSTERS

Times Square is all fun and games, but at Dave and Busters on 42nd Street it's REALLY all fun and games! Dave and Busters is a bustling, bright den of excitement that can provide a respite from the pavement of Times Square without sacrificing the buzz of the intersection-turned-playground. 

Great for families or a more adult night out, Dave and Busters pairs game-playing with tasty bar food and cocktails. And the Times Square location has some great deals:

 * Happy Hour is Mon - Friday from 4:30 - 7:30 PM -- 1/2 price cocktails and beer/wine specials

 * Power Hour is Mon - Friday 4:30 - 7 PM -- Get 60 minutes of video game play for only $10

 * Eat & Play Combo for $18.99!

 

Fore more info or to get tickets, visit: http://www.daveandbusters.com/locations/StoreInformation.aspx?trackid=50_TIMES_SQUARE&TaxID=164

 

TKTS and Other Ticket Discounts

TKTS Booth

The TKTS booth is an outreach by the Theatre Development Fund where people can purchase unsold tickets to Broadway and Off Broadway Shows on the day of the show at a discounted price. Located in the middle of Times Square at 48th Street, you can’t miss the giant red staircase and line of eager theatregoers. Tickets are dependent on availability, but you can get an idea of the option ahead of time by looking at what they offered the previous week on their website: http://www.tdf.org

 

Box Office Only Deals

Many Broadway shows offer discount tickets that can only be purchased at the box office, usually day of. These can include general rush tickets, student rush tickets, standing room only, or lotteries. Information about these options will be available on show websites. More about rush tickets and student discounts: http://www.theasy.com/cheaptickets.php?tab=2#TabbedPanels1

 

WHERE TO EAT:

Family Dinners

Carmine’s – This family style restaurant is a place where you share Italian cooking with a side of great conversation. Order the penne alla vodka and be sure to save room for that Italian cheesecake!
West 44th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues
http://www.carminesnyc.com/

 

Dallas BBQ – It’s easy to get lost in the neon of 42nd street, but even wedged on a block with Madame Tussauds and Spiderman, you won’t miss Dallas BBQ. Kids meals, affordable dishes, and Texas-sized margaritas are just a few of the things that pack this eatery full. Make sure to get their honey barbeque sauce — they’ll put it on anything for you if you ask right.
West 42nd between 7th and 8th Avenues

http://www.dallasbbq.com/

 

Vynl – Out of all of Manhattan, Vynl stands above every other theme restaurant with its combination of trendy and kitsch — case in point: each bathroom is themed after a celebrity musician. The atmosphere is as fun as the décor, and there’s no beating the wall-size mosaic Dolly Parton in her bathroom. Order their mac n’ cheese or the famous Vynl Burger.

9th Avenue between 50 and 51st streets

http://www.vynl-nyc.com/

 

Elegant Eats

Sardi’s – This two-level bistro is a Broadway institution. Here tourists and professionals meet among the famous caricatures of stage legends for a snack and to be seen. Sardi’s has a pre fixe as well as pre-show dinner and post-show supper, so whatever you need, Sardi’s will provide. (Featured in The Muppets Take Manhattan.)

West 44th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues

http://www.sardis.com/htmldocs/cms/

 

21 Club – A landmark in New York, the 21 Club continues to be a favorite haunt of the elite. There is a strict dress code and reservations are a must, but the pork belly is to die for—worth it! 21 Club manages the impossible by maintaining an impeccable fine dining environment without the unwanted stuffiness. $5 parking available with dinner reservations.

West 52nd between 5th and 6th Avenues

http://www.21club.com

 

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House – This world class steakhouse is a NY Magazine Critic’s Pick and a Zagat sweetheart. Del Frisco’s is everything you want a steakhouse to be — decked with woodwork and serving the finest in beef and seafood. Lunch, dinner, and cocktails available.

Sixth Avenue at 49th Street

http://www.delfriscos.com

 

 

AFTER SHOW COCKTAILS:

Broadway Lounge at the Marriott Marquise – Perched above the lights of Times Square on the 8th floor of the Marriott Marquise, the Broadway Lounge is a fun, flashy bar with great service and stylish drinks. The décor is reminiscent of a convention center, but the view is brilliant.

West 47th between Broadway and 8th Avenue

http://www.marriottmodules.com/restaurant/hotels/hotel-information/travel/nycmq-new-york-marriott-marquis/broadway/

 

Bamboo 52 – This trendy bar brings together my three favorite things: sushi, delicious signature cocktails, and a happy hour. But really, the drinks are the reason to hit this hot spot. Their Wasabitini and Basil Pear Martini can change your life. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, have the volcano bowl!

West 52nd between 8th and 9th Avenues

http://bamboo52nyc.com/

 

The Library – Located inside the trendy Hudson Hotel, the Library is a stylish, warm little nook where your cocktails come with walls of books, billiards, and a roaring fireplace. With leather sofas, gilt mirrors, and laptops, it looks like old New England but operates like our Manhattan. This is a great, little-known place off the usual tourist radar. 

58th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues (inside the Hudson Hotel)

http://www.hudsonhotel.com/en-us/#/explore/?id=/hudson-new-york-library/

 

 

ENTERTAINMENT AND NIGHT LIFE (PRE-SHOW/POST-SHOW)

Jazz at 59E59 – Post-show every Thursday night, the adorable Anderson twins play live jazz post show at 59E59’s E:Bar, rated by Time Out NY as the number 1 theatre bar in the city. It’s a little far East, but it’s a gorgeous space and a fun night!

59 E 59th Street between Park and Madison, Post Show

http://www.59e59.org/ebar.swf

 

Manic Mondays – Join NYC’s Theatre Drag Queen du jour Showbiz Spitfire Paige Turner every Monday night at 11PM (11:30 drag time) at Bartini Ultra-Lounge for Manic Mondays. As with all Paige Turner shows, you can count on songs, games, and all the snarky musical theatre jokes she can muster! It’s somewhere between a roller coaster and a train wreck, but you’ll have a good time going down! $5 Drink Specials.

10th Avenue between 45th and 46th Streets, 11PM

http://www.bar-tiniultralounge.com/
http://paigeturnernyc.com/

 

Lush & Lively with DJ Dan Fortune – Every Friday from 6 – 9 PM at the New World Stages Time Out NY Lounge, DJ Dan spins a mix of vintage vocals, disco delights, and little known recording treasures from his immense collection of cocktail hour hits. $3 drink specials blend perfectly with the smooth songs to create an atmosphere perfect for pre-show or post-work!

New World Stages, 49th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues

http://www.lushandlively.net/

 

 

CHEAP DRINKS:

Jimmy’s Corner – Owned by boxing trainer Jimmy Glenn, Jimmy’s Corner is dive bar with cheap drinks and a lot of character. The walls are covered with memorabilia, and you can get a Bombay Sapphire martini for only $7! You should stick to the beer, though.

West 44th between 6th and 7th Avenues

 

1 2 3 Burger Shot Beer – The name says it all. At this raucous watering hole, burgers are $1, shots are $2, and beers are $3. That’s a good deal anywhere!

10th Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets

http://www.123burgershotbeer.com/

 

Whiskey Trader – This is a midtown sports bar with great deals on martinis, cosmos, and beers. Best of all, there’s a giant tub of free popcorn; you can just dig in!  

55th between 5th and 6th Avenues

http://whiskeytradernyc.com/

 

 

CHEAP PIZZA

In a hurry or looking to save a couple of dollars? Nothing hits the spot (or the wallet) like a $1 slice of pizza, and you can find these establishments all over:

99cent Fresh Pizza, West 43rd and 8th Avenue, beside Second Stage Theatre

99cent Fresh Pizza, Broadway between 54th and 55th, West side of the street

Z Deli, 8th Avenue between 48th and 49th

99cent Express Pizza at 42nd and 8th

99cent Pizza, 9th Avenue at 41st street

2 Bros Pizza, 9th Avenue at 40th Street

 

 

BATHROOMS

Of course Starbucks and McDonald’s all over Manhattan have saved many a needy bladder, but here are a few other options for when you need to excuse yourself in Times Square. Here are some of our favorite loo's.

• The Marriott Marquis – There is a lovely loo on the second floor of this huge hotel. In addition to guest rooms, this building also has a theatre, restaurants, conference rooms, and bars, so nobody will think twice when you walk right in.

• The M&M Store – Go to the very top floor to find their bathrooms.

• Europa Café on 6th Avenue between 45th and 46th streets. The bathroom is to the left when you walk in the door.

And of course any hotel or bar will have a restroom, some are just easier to access than others. Word to the wise, NY health code requires a bathroom for any eating establishment with more than 17 seats.  

 

 

GETTING AROUND

All roads lead to Rome and all subway lines seem to lead to Times Square. The Times Square subway station at 42nd street hosts the 1, 2, 3, A, C, E, N, Q, R and Shuttle to Grand Central Station where you can grab the 4, 5, or 6. Entrances are to the Times Square subway station are located at intersections alone 42nd Street, 43rd Street, 44th Street, Broadway, and 7th Avenue.  If you prefer the bus, your crosstown options are the M42 and the M50, on 42nd Streets and 50th Streets, respectively, and to go uptown and downtown, try the M104. If you’re feeling adventurous, pedicabs are the pricey but kitschy way to go.

Broadway Theatres
Theater	Current Show	Address
Al Hirschfeld Theatre	Kinky Boots	302 West 45th Street
Ambassador Theatre	Chicago	219 West 49th Street
American Airlines Theatre	The Big Knife	227 West 42nd Street
August Wilson Theatre	Jersey Boys	245 West 52nd Street
Belasco Theatre		111 West 44th Street
Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre	Once	242 West 45th Street
Booth Theatre	I'll Eat You Last	222 West 45th Street
Broadhurst Theatre	Lucky Guy	235 West 44th Street
Broadway Theatre	Cinderella	1681 Broadway
Brooks Atkinson Theatre		256 West 47th Street
Circle in the Square		1633 Broadway
Cort Theatre		138 West 48th Street
Ethel Barrymore Theatre	Macbeth	243 West 47th Street
Eugene O'Neill Theatre	The Book of Mormon	230 West 49th Street
Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre	Orphans	236 West 45th Street
Gershwin Theatre	Wicked	222 West 51st Street
Helen Hayes Theatre	Rock of Ages	240 West 44th Street
Foxwoods Theatre	Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark	213 West 42nd Street
Imperial Theater	Nice Work If You Can Get It	249 West 45th Street
John Golden Theatre	Vanya and Sonia and Sasha and Spike	252 West 45th Street
Longacre Theatre		220 West 48th Street
Lunt-Fontanne Theatre	Motown the Musical	205 West 46th Street
Lyceum Theatre	The Nance	149 West 45th Street
Majestic Theatre	The Phantom of the Opera	247 West 44th Street
Marquis Theater	Jekyll & Hyde	1535 Broadway
Minskoff Theater	The Lion King	1515 Broadway
Music Box Theater	Pippin	239 West 45th Street
Nederlander Theater	Newsies	208 West 41st Street
Neil Simon Theater		250 West 52nd Street
New Amsterdam Theater		214 West 42nd Street
Palace Theater	Annie	1564 Broadway
Richard Rodgers Theater		226 West 46th Street
Samuel J. Friedman	The Assembled Parties	261 West 47th Street
Shubert Theater	Matilda	225 West 44th Street
Sondheim Theater	The Trip to Bountiful	124 West 43rd Street
St James Theater		246 West 44th Street
Studio 54		254 West 54th Street
Vivian Beaumont Theater	Ann	150 West 65th Street
Walter Kerr Theater	The Testament of Mary	219 West 48th Street
Winter Garden Theater	Mamma Mia	1634 Broadway

Off-Broadway Theaters
Theater	Current Show	Address
13th Street Repertory Theater		50 West 13th Street
14th Street Y Theater		344 East 14th Street
37 Arts Theater		450 West 37th Street
45th Street Theater		354 West 45th Street
47th Street Theater		304 West 47th Street
59E59 Theater		59 East 59th Street
78th Street Theatre Lab		268 West 78th Street
Aaron Davis Hall		160 Convent Avenue
Access Theater		380 Broadway
Acorn Theater		410 West 42nd Street
Actors' Playhouse Theater		100 Seventh Avenue South
Actors Temple Theater		339 West 47th Street
Algonquin Theater		123 East 24th Street
ArcLight Theater		152 West 71st Street
Astor Place Theater		434 Lafayette
Atlantic Theater Company		336 West 20th Street
Atlantic Stage 2		330 West 16th Street
Axis Theater		1 Sheridan Square
Bank Street Theater		155 Bank Street
Barrow Street Theater		27 Barrow Street
Beckett Theater		410 West 42nd Street
Castillo Theater		543 West 42nd Street
Cherry Lane Theater		38 Commerce Street
Connelly Theater		410 West 42nd Street
Classic Stage Company		136 East 13th Street
Daryl Roth Theater		101 East 15th Street
Dixon Place Theater		161A Chrystie Street
DR2 Theater		101 East 15th Street
Duke Theater		229 West 42nd Street
Florence Gould Hall		55 East 59th Street
Gene Frankel Theater		24 Bond Street
Greenwich Street Theater		547 Greenwich Street
Harold Clurman Theater		410 West 42nd Street
Harvey Lichtenstein Theater		651 Fulton Street, Brooklyn
Henry Street Settlement Theater		265 Henry Street
HERE		145 6th Avenue
Irish Repertory Theater		132 West 22nd Street
Jane Street Theater		113 Jane Street
Julia Miles Theater		424 West 55th Street
Kirk Theater		410 West 42nd Street
Kraine Theater		85 East 4th Street
La MaMa Theater		74 East 4th Street
Laura Pels Theater		231 West 39th Street
Lion Theater		410 West 42nd Street
Little Shubert Theater		422 West 42nd Street
Lucille Lortel Theater		121 Christopher Street
Manhattan Theatre Club - Stage 1 at City Center		131 West 55th Street
Manhattan Theater Source		177 Macdougal Street
Mazer Theater		197 East Broadway
Metropolitan Playhouse Theater		220 East 4th Street
Minetta Lane Theater		18-22 Minetta Lane
Mitzi E Newhouse Theater - Lincoln Center		150 West 65th Street
New Victory Theater		209 West 42nd Street
New World Stages		340 West 50th Street
New York City Center		131 West 55th Street
New York Theater Workshop		79 East 4th Street
Ontological Theater		131 East 10th Street
Orpheum Theater		126 2nd Avenue
P.S. 122 Theater		150 1st Avenue
Pearl Theater		80 St. Marks Place
Players Theater		115 Macdougal Street
Playwrights Horizons		416 West 42nd Street
Public Theater		425 Lafayette Street
Rattlestick Theater		224 Waverly Place
Second Stage Theatre (Midtown)		305 West 43rd Street
Second Stage Theater (Uptown)		2162 Broadway
Soho Playhouse Theater		15 Vandam Street
Soho Repertory Theater		46 Walker Street
Snapple Theater Center		1627 Broadway
The Cell Theater		338 West 23rd Street
The Duplex Cabaret Theater		61 Christopher Street
The Flea Theater		41 White Street
The Red Room Theater		85 East 4th Street
Theater 80		80 St. Marks Place
Theater for the New City		155 1st Avenue
Times Square Art Center		303 West 42nd Street
Under St Marks Theater		94 St. Marks Place
Union Square Theater		100 East 17th Street
Village Theater		158 Bleecker Theatre
Vineyard Theater		108 East 15th Street
Walkerspace Theater		46 Walker Street
Westside Theater		407 West 43rd Street
Wings Theater		154 Christopher Street
York Theatre Company		619 Lexington Avenue