Tony's Week--Day One, Part One

From Leslie:

Arrived in the very hot and humid city around noon (coming from a family gathering in NJ), checked into our room at the Hilton Garden Inn/Times Square (we're going big, using points for a nicer hotel for the week), and headed out for a walk. Who do I walk by as I turn the first corner but Lin-Manual Miranda, the brains and the star power behind In The Heights, and such a talented young man. Didn't have time to say anything to him, but I did make eye contact and give him a CultureBuddy nod (our credo--acknowledge, don't fawn).

Turned out to be just the first of many star sightings on our first day here. After Ann arrived around 3:00, we had a quick nap, a yummy dinner at Pigalli's (the best scallop dish ever), and headed out to see The Country Girl, starring Morgan Freeman, Francis McDormand, and Peter Gallagher. We had great seats--first row mezzanine--and were excited enough when Michael Emerson, the guy who plays the creepy Ben Linus on Lost, sat down next to me along with his lovely wife, Carrie Preston. As a confirmed addict of Lost since its very first episode, I was blown away and slightly weirded out by his presence next to me--especially when I heard his voice. He's definitely better looking in person, and does not look even close to his age of 53. When I had to cut in front of him at intermission, I told him not to do anything evil to me, and he laughed. I said that I thought he was going to secretly turn out to be a force for good, and thanked him for the pleasure of a great season of Lost. I also offered him $1 million if he told me anything about next season's Lost, but he said he knew nothing. That was it for acknowledging him, after that any chatter was about shows we had seen, etc. He lives in NYC when he's not filming in Hawaii, and has starred in many Broadway shows. Hopefully, we'll be able to see him on stage someday.

Ann is going is going to fill in the rest of the evening in Day One, Part 2!

Tony's Week- Day One, Part Two

From Ann:

Tuesday night we saw The Country Girl with the mega cast of Morgan Freeman, Frances McDormand, and Peter Gallagher. The theater was amazingly empty especially when you consider that Mike Nichols directed it. The reviews weren't great but it seemed like something the CB's needed to see since several of the actors are on our 'must see before they die' list. The play was interesting but not riveting. There was a lack of chemistry between Frances and Morgan that made the whole story line of the alcoholic actor and his wife a little less than involving for this CB. Chemistry is essential to the story and it just wasn't there. Although it was wonderful to see these actors plying their trade and I am thrilled whenever big stars come to Broadway, it may have not been the best choice for a play or maybe the casting was just off. Sometimes regardless of the caliber of the talent, if the actors don't work well together, it just doesn't work. The marriage is the focal point of the play and, without great chemistry, it seemed like a flat story to me.

Usually the CB's take the Greyhound to Boston from South Station but this time - because I was travelling alone (Leslie came to the city from NJ) - I decided to take the new Bolt Bus and was very favorably impressed. The bus was brand new and the price was only $15. It wasn't crowded. The bus driver was very nice and didn't go through all those rules that the Greyhound drivers do. The driver actually seemed to enjoy his job! The drop off point was on 34th and 8th which isn't quite as convenient as the Port Authority but -all in all -it is a great way to get to the city and the price can't be beat.

The universe seemed to be sending many celebrities into our path on day one. Not only did we see the cast of The Country Girl, but we saw Brad Whitford (Josh from West Wing) eating dinner at Pigalli's, Ben from Lost (his real name is Michael Emerson but he will always be Ben to me), the former host of Biggest Loser, Carolyn R., an ancient Celeste Holm, and one of the cast members of Spring Awakening. It was incredibly hot and humid in the city, and the CB's actually fell asleep by midnight. BUT this is only day one, and we will be sure not to repeat that early night! A busy Wednesday is on tap for the CultureBuddies- two plays, Gypsy and a CB first- Hamlet in Central Park.