NEW YORK DOT COM FOR BROADWAY

According to BroadwayLeague.com, last year’s Broadway attendance topped the attendance of all NY and NJ sports games combined.  Clearly, Broadway shows are hot, but how can customers get the most out of their experience this summer?

Broadway theaters are looking to enhance the way audiences experience shows by becoming more interactive and engaged. Unique Broadway access is often reserved for groups, specialty card-holders or subscribers, but through NewYork.com’s Connected to Broadway series, ticket-holders have the opportunity to experience their favorite shows like a true New York insider: attending an exclusive cocktail event, getting preferred (difficult to get, often sold out) seats and an up close and personal discussion with the cast. 

Tickets were available for the August 1 performance of “Kinky Boots” and are now available for the August 22 performance of “Phantom of the Opera.” NewYork.com is also using this opportunity give back to the community that is such an integral part of New York by donating a percentage of proceeds to Broadway Cares.

www.NewYork.com.    

What: NewYork.com’s Connected to Broadway: The Phantom of the Opera
When: Thursday, August 22, 2013; 6:30 p.m.
Where: Majestic Theater: 245 W 44th St., New York, NY 10036
Ticket-holders to NewYork.com’s Connected to Broadway series have the opportunity to experience their favorite shows like a true New York insider: attending an exclusive cocktail event, getting preferred seats and an up close and personal discussion with the cast.
Value: Tickets start at $279

Let me take you through the experience of attending the August 1 performance of Kinky Boots.  Upon my 5 p.m. arrival I was met near the box office, given my seat ticket and two drink tickets, then instructed to go upstairs to another lobby.   This lobby leads to the mezzanine level of the Al Hirschfeld Theatre at 45th St. and 8th Avenue.  This is a must view lobby as it is a gallery of Al Hirschfeld drawings.  You can certainly occupy your time by searching for the name "Nina" in each of his works that have a number after his name...the number of times the name "Nina" appears.

Catered hor d'oeuvres  are being brought around.  I would consider them to be some very savory amuse bouches.   One bites.   I hung out in this area and schmoozed with other VIP ticket holders that had gotten wind of NewYork.com.

I sat in what is considered the front mezzanine, which certainly provided me with a different angle from my usual orchestra seat.   Loved it.  I could also understand as to why this show won so many awards. I mean if you're going to do this it should be a winner!

Upon the conclusion, I went downstairs and were seated in the first three rows of the orchestra.  Members of the cast came out to the front of the stage as we asked questions about the show including the technical aspects, costumes and, those kinky boots.  I guess depending upon as to whether the leads have guests coming to their dressing room,  needing much time to get out of the costume, etc.  is what determines as to which of the cast members can make their way to the discussion.   Theatre lovers...don't miss the Phantom experience. 

What is NewYork.com all about? It's the ultimate New York portfolio of information on hotels, entertainment, attractions, tours, dining, real estate, jobs and more.  It provides consumers with a single booking engine to purchase all that New York City has to offer.   Try it!

 

 

IF YOU INVITE THEM, THEY WON'T COME

For those of you old enough, the name Joe Franklin will stir up memories.  In fact, the name of his talk show of years ago was called, “Joe Franklin’s Memory Lane”.  I think just about everyone in show business was invited to appear on his tv talk show or interviewed on his long time radio show.   He’s close to 90 years old now and still maintains a radio show.

He had recently appeared at a jazz night club called The Metropolitan Room, where occasionally there is a non-jazz artist.   The ad listed the “Invited Guests” as: Bill Cosby, Billy Crystal, Julia Roberts, Liza Minnelli, Woody Allen, Pat Cooper and Michael Feinstein.   Bernie Furshpan was there as his “side-kick” and not one of “the invited” showed up.   The audience had many entertainers who appeared with him.

The Metropolitan Room, located at 34 W. 22^nd Street, is a pretty decent sized club…bit smaller than Below 54 with the same sort of set up regarding seating… cabaret style with some oval booths and long tables.  Like most of the clubs, there is a cover charge and drink or food minimum.   Acoustics are fine and so is the service.  Check out their schedule.

Films of old shows were shown behind the piano player and a setup of Joe doing his radio show was the focus.  He did tell jokes…some “blue”.   Christine Pedi who has been seen often in the Forbidden Broadway shows, sang a few.  A few other performers entertained.   Everyone was given a copy of Joe Franklin’s Great Entertainment Trivia Game.  

As for me, I was on his tv show once in the late 60’s and again sometime in the 70s.   I seem to recall his son Brad doing his first talk show on HBO and having both myself and dad as the guests.   All was memorable.

FUNERAL OF LAUGHTER

Even if you have already attended church on Sunday, head over to St. Luke’s Theatre for a convivial and gay Italian funeral.   In fact, the title of the show is “My Big Gay Italian Funeral”.   Keep in mind that although the word “gay” connotes “male homosexual” the word is also defined as “cheerful” and “hilarious”.   In this case, this off-Broadway hit encompasses both definitions.

Anthony Wilkinson is the star as well as the playwright of a stereotyped Italian funeral having already done the same with My Big Gay Italian Wedding.   Whereas the wedding focuses on a same sex Italian wedding, this one focuses on the death of the patriarch Joseph Pinnunsiato.  

The play opens to this Staten Island located funeral parlor and funeral director, Maurizio Grande (Brett Douglas).  Chairs facing the down stage coffin with a place to kneel .   This is for the first viewing and various people will be popping in. 

It is best that I give a list of characters.  Angela Pinnunziato (Donna Castellano) is John’s wife.  There are three children, Anthony (Wilkinson), Peter (Brain Patrick Murphy), and Maria (Marissa Perry).   Anthony, who is older than Peter, are both gay.  Peter will be bringing his lover, Dominick Vitale (Mustafa Gatollari), who was formerly with Anthony.   This will be a focus on a ten year upset between the brothers.

Maria is single and seeing Rabbi Howie Horowitz.  I know… this is already sparking your laughter.  Not going to reveal more than this.

Then there is Aunt Toniann Naso, sister to Joseph, (Debra Toscano) and the one character that helps create the hilarity at the funeral (for us), Ondine Ozzupacci (Beth Dzuricky).   She is not related to anyone.  She is a member of the Tuesday Ladies Coffee Clutch.  Joseph owned a bowling alley and she had been bowling there for 25 years.   She will not only seem to grieve the most but make phones calls to whoever is in Angela’s cell phone list.  OY!  Oh yes, nobody knows who she is. 

A second scene will take place at a gay club in Brooklyn, ten years ago.  This gives us the opportunity to see bits of a drag show and meet Connie Scuccifuffio (Meagan Robar) and her lover, Lucia Fuccio (Liz Geracitano) who although not present lovers have remained friends of Anthony.

Kudos for Anthony Wilkinson the author and Sonia Blangiardo for directing this talented cast. 

Being Italian or knowing enough about Italians will most likely get you guffawing more.   Even if you’re not in this category, you “get it”.   The gay aspect of the script will sell itself.   

Bring tissues for both tears of laughter and the part that will bring other emotions.

SO HOW'S THE DIET GOING?

It's been about a week since I started the Personal Trainer Foods weight loss program.  I think that giving up ice cream during this awful heat wave is the hardest. I'm not feeling too well...head not clear.  Very tired. Feeling a bit nauseous.  Not sure if it's due to my not eating anything that converts to sugar or the heat giving me lack of a good night's sleep.

I have found each meal to be filling enough that I'm not looking for a snack, even though I have been given them.  I eat each meal slowly and chew a lot.  I have been drinking a lot of water both due to the heat and sodium contents in the food.  Aside from water, I have been making rooibos tea and drinking one percent milk.

I normally don't use garlic in my food and I find that I am reacting a bit towards it.  I'm not sure which of the foods contain garlic as although I am able to view the nutrition of each item, there is no information about the contents.  In fact, you cannot get that info even if you want to.  I am told that due to so many places that are processing the food, it can't be given.

For me it means that I don't know what preservatives or any additives maybe being used.  For instance, I was eating a "grilled chicken breast" and realized that it did not have the consistency and I doubt that it was grilled.  Grill marks are used to make you think it's grilled. Even on the rotisseire chicken. 

Much of the food that I'm eating looks like something I would buy at a Subway or McDonald's....just no bread or bun.  For instance...breakfast.  The eggs patties are the same ones that McDonald's uses. I checked the McDonald website and there was a video on how the McMuffin is made.  That wasn't so bad but I'd really like to know exactly what's in the sausage.  I think viewing the contents is important when you're choosing the items.

According to what I just read, the Institute of Medicine, part of the National Academy of Sciences, issued a report that lowered the recommended daily amount of sodium. Previously, the daily allowance was 2500 milligrams, but it has been lowered to 1500 milligrams per day. The report set the maximum intake per day at 2300 milligrams but recommended not exceeding 1500 milligrams.

Keep in mind that I'm with this supply I am not given a menu.  I get to choose for each meal and snack.  So, let's take an example.  Breakfast:  Cheddar Omelet with Maple Sausage.  Snack: Beef and Cheese Sticks.  Lunch: Smoked Brisket and Normandy Blend veggies.   Snack: Beef and Cheese Sticks.  Dinner: Spinach Asiago Sausage with Italian Blend veggies.  Total sodium content form their chart....2960.

To be fair...let's choose some lower numbers.  Breakfast: Plain Omelet with maple sausage.  Lunch: Angus Burger and Asparagus.  Chicken and Apple Smoked Sausage and Italian Blend veggies. Snacks: string cheese and monetery jack cheese  Total sodium - 1360.

There are selections that contain less sodium.  However, in ordering you can only choose a maximum of 10 of one item.

As for any weight loss...it's too tough to even tell due to the weather and sodium contents.  There is no way that I can exercise! 

It's week three and I don't feel any difference.  May not be gaining.  I have been quite concerned as to exactly what I'm eating.  I used a magnify glass to read the contents of the snacks that contained beef.  Additives are quite long and one in particular contains both brown sugar and corn syrup.  But the idea is to cut out sugar or items that turn to sugar.  These snacks were supposed to be okay for the first week when there was a "no sugar at all".

I can't say that I would recommend this in any way for those that are food health conscious.  Just as easy to buy your protein and portion it out.  Package it well and freeze.  You might as well buy frozen vegetables or add some fresh as you really aren't limited to amount of vegetables.  Buy the stuff to make your own omelet.  Get lean chopped beef and make up some patties....freeze them and use one with the omelet or whatever eggs.  Get fresh mozzarella cheese with no salt.  At least you'll get your fish supply in your diet.   

COOLING CENTER IS SENIOR CENTER

Way too hot to stay in my house, especially since Con Ed cut back on the electricity...which didn't do well for my one air conditioner, located in my dining room.  I have a ceiling fan so help circulate the "cold air" into my living room where I have another ceiling fan.  Hearing about the it feels like 103 degree temperature I decided to seek a "cooling center".  Nearest one was a Senior Center...Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Senior Center supported by the Catholic Charities Neighborhood Services.

An option was to go to the library.  However, you can talk with people and you won't get shhht when yelling "BINGO".  This is the first time I've been to Senior Center and I was reminded by my friend that I am indeed, a Senior.  So, I registered and spoke to some of the staff.  Let's see....no smoking, no bringing in your own food, no saving seats.  Coffee or tea costs 25 cents.

At about 10 a.m. a guy came in to teach some line dancing.  I'm unable to do that but watched.  Nothing that demanded much footing...more like "flowing" and a way of getting exercise.

Bingo at 11:15...four games.  Lunch at noon.  Cost for lunch is a donation of $1.50.   Got a pretty good size of broiled tilapia, spinach, noodles, bean soup, salad, milk and an orange. Don't even have to leave a tip. Bring in a container and you can talk home you leftovers. 

As for the food, I had no complaints.  Not gourmet but certainly better than "hospital" food or fast food. 

People hung around for socializing and playing cards.  I left at about 2 p.m.  as I still had work to do at home. 

QUINCY MASS OF HISTORY DAY 1

Boston, Massachusetts is certainly glowing when it comes to history.   Five miles south and over the Neponset River take you into the city of Quincy (pronounced Quin-zee), the only city in the United States that is the birthplace of two presidents; John Adams and his son John Quincy Adams.  Add the birthplace of John Hancock and you have the makings of the Declaration of Independence. 

What better public transportation to Boston than Megabus.   Leaving on an early morning trip on July 3^rd, I hop the New York to Boston at 34^th Street between 11^th and 12^th Avenue, just across the street from the Jacob Javits Center.  Buying a ticket online gets you a seat, but not reserved.   These double decker buses are new and quite clean.   Two tables with cup holders on each deck for those toting their laptop.  Lots of places to plug in to use your device or just recharge and not just at these tables.   Seats are bucket with fabric that recline more than your average airline seat and like an airline have seatbelts.  Bathroom is on bottom level and flush.  No sink. Sanitizer provided for the hands.  

This is the second time that I have used them noticing that the driver does not make an attempt to go 70 miles an hour, if you know what I mean. Although the trip was less than five hours, there was a “pit stop” in Mass at a Burger King.  Luggage goes into an area in the back accessible from the outside.   Ride back home has us stopping at 27^th Street and 7^th Avenue.  Taxis seem to be aware of Megabus’ schedule!  You can pay as little as $1 for a trip.   Will be testing to see how far across the country I can travel and back spending as little as possible.  www.megabus.com 

The “T” takes you from Boston to a few stops in Quincy.  However, I went with a tax service, Yellow Cab and using the same driver, Sam Clark, who knew the ins and outs of shortcuts, as well as much about Quincy itself.  It’s great to have a really polite and helpful driver, especially since I walk with a cane.  www.yellowcabquincy.com 

I checked into the Best Western Adams Inn, located in North Quincy. Room facing the river.  Had a frig but no clock and glue holding down the toilet must not have dried yet.   Biggest problem came later during checkout. 

Lunch is in order and I was craving seafood...I wonder why?  Burke’s Seafood at 61 Billings Street was not far from the hotel.  It is basically a fish market with an attached room of tables and chairs.  Nothing fancy.  What counts is the quality and freshness of the food, cleanliness of the store and the smell of fish not permeating .  With a selection of chowders, I opted for the house special, a seafood chowder with clams, haddock, scallops, lobster and shrimp…New England style…of course.   A must for chowder lovers.   Lobster roll had a good portion of meat and little filling…I think just mayo.  Served on a hot dog bun. Delish.  Haddock appears to be "the local fish".   www.burkeseafood.com  

I’m now off to the Quincy Historical Society, located at 8 Adams Street.   History museum takes me through over 400 years highlighting some great stuff.   Granite workers and ship builders were much of the start.  Info on John and Abigail Adams, Anne Hutchinson and two particular companies:  Dunkin’ Donuts and Howard Johnsons.   More about the donuts later.  Suggested adult donation of $3.  Nice old building, too. www.quincyhistory.org  

I love sushi, especially if I find a place that has a good turnover and popular.   It hints wisely that the sushi is fresh.  Fuji Group is the company that Jimmy Liang runs with other partners.   The group of restaurants includes authentic Chinese, Japanese and Asian Fusion.  I decided to dine at the Japanese Fuji 1546 Restaurant and Bar located at 1546 Hancock Street opened since 2004.  Jimmy introduced Quincy to Japanese cuisine with one restaurant.   There has been an expansion to include not only Quincy, but will capture Cambridge as well.  The décor and space here is wonderful for both those simply here to eat or “party” with others.  I didn’t stay late enough to see the nightlife.  

I was interested in tasting items that were less common and delved into two appetizers.   Salmon Wonton Chips was a sort of tartare-chutney texture using the raw salmon, tomatoes, onion, cilantro and spicy mayo atop wonton chips.   Delicious enough, the wonton chips are Jimmy’s idea and a good one as well.   I think you may be able to buy a bag to go.   The second appetizer was the Fried Squid as the fresh squid “rings” are dipped in tempura.   It was served with three sauces: wasabi mayo; spicy mayo; and cocktail sauce.

I then chose five of Jimmy’s signature maki rolls.   Cruncheese – smoked salmon, mango, cream cheese, scallions and ell sauce.  Little Shrimp Gift – spicy salmon, cucumber, romaine lettuce, seared sweet shrimp, bacon, black tobiko, eel sauce.  Bundle of Joy – blackened tuna steak, tobiko, lettuce, carrot, avocado, asparagus, eel sauce, spicy mayo.  This one is wrapped in rice paper vs nori.  Ming’s Mango Special (created by Chef Ming): shrimp, asparagus, mango, spicy tuna.  Make Me Hungry: tuna, mango, taro, red crab, eel sauce. This is all making me hungry writing about it.  Aside from the consistencies and flavors of these maki rolls, I appreciate that they are not “fat”.   To me, sushi, whether it is served on a piece of rice or as a sliced maki roll, should be eaten in one bite.  Otherwise you’re just getting mostly rice. 

I would have skipped dessert if it weren’t for hearing about their fried cheesecake.  The cheesecake itself is made on the premises.  It’s served with a scoop of ice cream.  Yummy.  www.fuji1546.com

In a letter from John Adams to his wife, Abigail he wrote, “The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.” The tradition in Quincy is to celebrate the evening of the 3^rd as I ventured to the town of Hough’s Neck to view the long tradition of a bonfire on the beach and fireworks coming from across the way at Weymouth’s Wessagusset Beach.  Hough’s Neck residents were barbecuing all about. 

Going there I passed by the Hough’s Neck Maritime Center on Bayiew Avenue where Steve Holler docks his lobster boat, the November Gale. Every Friday and Saturday during the months of June, July and August, you can purchase the fresh lobsters right off the boat. The price for any size lobster is the same and both less expensive and fresher than you'll find in any market or restaurant.  Soft shell lobsters are fab and culls even less expensive.