“Broadway on Sale!”
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The 89th Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ShowPlane to New York May 6 – May 10, 2009 “Broadway on Sale!” Spring is here. well, almost. And this can only mean that a wonderful theatre season in New York awaits us once more. Over the winter, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Drama Critic, Christopher Rawson, has been busy making his choices for our bi-annual trip to Broadway, and the line-up is shaping up to be an exciting one! As usual, Chris’ selections for this spring reflect his inspiring ability to offer diverse and exciting theater that appeals to our ShowPlaners’ tastes. This season musicals reign in the kingdom of theatre, and ShowPlaners will see those at the very top of the list – definitely the toughest tickets in town. And the “stars” are lighting the lights on Broadway, to be sure, and along the way Chris Rawson will show us the underpinnings of the theater with an impromptu, but private after-show visit or two, and introductions to some “Broadway babies.” He’ll also lead us in our traditional morning coffee discussion of the theatre scene and our line-up of shows. As for New York – this ever-evolving city will be bustling with its own unique array of activities that highlight the season. At our traditional “Welcome to Manhattan” dinner, you’ll have a chance to get acquainted with your traveling companions – at one of the denizens’ favored dining spots. And for those who choose to join us, we’ve planned a Farewell Dinner at a “very New York” venue. Between theatre offerings, you might wish to cultivate your knowledge of the city’s most celebrated sights and marvelous shopping. And, if that isn’t enough, we’ll offer you a private tour to an interesting corner of Manhattan and exchange personal observances of our morning’s experiences over lunch. Great dining and sightseeing, show-stopping star performances, raucous comedy, toe-tappin’ musicals – we hope you’ll join us for what’s to come. 06 MAY / WEDNESDAY – Departing Pittsburgh this morning, our flight is bound for New York. Upon arrival, we are taken directly to the Marriot Marquis Hotel – located mid-town at the doorstep of theatres, fine dining, shopping and sightseeing. We’ll have a little free time to get situated and plant our feet on the ground to get the feel of the area around our hotel before we gather for our Welcome to New York dinner. At over 100 years old and owned by the original family, Barbetta is the revolutionary icon of New York restaurants. In past visits, ShowPlaners have enjoyed the fine Italian fare, the attentive service of the experienced wait staff, as well as the comfortably elegant European décor. Our proximity to Broadway also makes this a hot spot for pre/post theater dining. After time to meet, mingle and dine with our traveling friends, we head for our first evening performance. “Billy Elliot,” the huge London hit musical that has finally arrived on Broadway. This funny and poignant tale is set in England's Northeast against the background of a miners' strike. It concerns a British working-class boy's dreams that run contrary to family expectations – he wants to be a dancer – and the obstacles and advocates he encounters. Haydn Gwynne, who created the role of the dance teacher in the London production, repeats her work for Broadway “Billy Elliot” audiences. Elton John composed the music, and the book is based on the hit film of the same name. After the performance, we return to our hotel – just a few steps away. 07 MAY / THURSDAY – Your day is free to enjoy New York as you please. You may choose to take advantage of the wonderful shopping on the legendary Madison and Fifth Avenues not far from our hotel; roam one of the world-class museums; or just take a long walk absorbing the sights and sounds of our nation's most famous city. Need some ideas on what to see and do? Your tour escorts will be available to offer a multitude of suggestions and expert guidance. Tonight, we take in the show that many consider it to be one of the most perfect musical comedies – for its lean storytelling, colorful characters and plot-rich songs. The libretto is by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows and based on two short stories by Damon Runyon. The slightly seedy denzens of 1940s-era Broadway are played by power-stars Oliver Platt (“The West Wing”), Lauren Graham (“Gilmore Girls”) and Craig Bierko (“The Music Man”). A fly-by-night gambler woos a Salvation Army lass, and a showgirl tries to hook the founder of "the oldest established, permanent “Guys and Dolls” floating crap game in New York." With music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, “Guys and Dolls” classic score includes “Fugue for Tinhorns,” “A Bushel and a Peck,” “If I Were a Bell,” “Adelaide's Lament,” “I'll Know,” “Guys and Dolls,” “More I Cannot Wish You,” “Luck Be A Lady” and the ever-rousing “Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat.” Unlikely love ensues, but can the attraction of opposites succeed? After the performance, we make the easy walk back to our hotel. 08 MAY / FRIDAY – Again a day to enjoy New York on your own. But for those who choose our half-day Optional Tour, we continue with our series that will introduce you to “a little corner of New York” with one of our favorite guides bringing to life the events and personal chronicles that had profound influence on the times and the future development of Manhattan, and eventually the rest of America. On the way back through mid-town, before returning to our hotel, we take time for lunch that reflects the ambience of our tour. Later our group will meet at this evening’s performance. “West Side Story” transports the achingly beautiful tale of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet to the turbulent streets of the Upper West Side in 1950's New York City. Two star-crossed lovers, Tony (Matt Cavenaugh – “Grey Gardens,” “A Catered Affair”) and Maria (Josefina Scaglione – “Hairspray”), find themselves caught between the rival street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds, the Jets and the Sharks. Their struggle to exist together in a world of violence, hate and prejudice is one of the most heart-breaking, relevant and innovative musical masterpieces of our time. Librettist Arthur Laurents directs this revival of this classic ground-breaking musical, which introduces “the unprecedented element of selectively weaving Spanish throughout both the book and songs.” We cross Broadway to “West Side Story” our hotel. 09 MAY / SATURDAY – Chris Rawson hosts his suggestions and secure tickets in advance for shows Morning Coffee Discussion of the week's theatre offering availability. For those choosing our offerings, as well as our own mini-version of the “Regards to Broadway” Dinner Option, we gather Tony Awards. Everyone attending will have the at a venue “onsite” and meant for the “see and be chance to be critic-for-an-hour as we survey the seen” crowd. It’s a big Times Square production – current New York theatre season, including our just perfect for pre-theatre dining and people selections. Conversation can be informative as watching – in a shiny and sleek bi-level world. well as spirited in our exchange of opinions. For Rarely does a do-it-all spot succeed at everything, the rest of the day, you have time to follow your Blue Fin but Chef Stephen Hanson knows how to choose and own pursuits on your last day in Manhattan. optional dinner venue handle his fish. There’s no question: Blue Fin is Some may choose to take in a Saturday matinee reeling them in hook, line and sinker. After dinner, independently – and we will be pleased to make we walk to our theatre only a few steps away. Later, we all rendezvous to attend the performance of a new musical comedy based on the classic hit movie: “9 to 5: The Musical” features scoring by seven-time Grammy Award winner Dolly Parton that includes the blockbuster title song and direction by Tony Award winner Joe Mantello. Emmy and Tony Award nominee Allison Janney stars as Violet, the super-efficient office manager who joins her fellow co-workers – frazzled divorcée Judy (Stephanie J. Block) and sexy secretary Doralee (Megan Hilty) – to turn the tables on their “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot” of a boss, Franklin Hart (Tony nominee Marc Kudisch). In a riotous turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – while Hart remains “otherwise engaged” the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down. But it’s a plan that spins wildly out of control. Afterward the show, we make the very short walk to our hotel. 10 MAY / SUNDAY – We depart from our hotel by motorcoach, bound for the airport. Our flight home arrives in time to spend a beautiful spring afternoon in Pittsburgh. As you can see, we have lots of events planned, and there will still be plenty of time left to your own designs. We will reside at the well-located and comfortable NY Marriott Marquis Hotel. And of course, we have as our favorite leader Christopher Rawson, senior drama critic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – you won’t want to miss Chris’ commentaries! We hope that you have an interest in what promises to be a wonderful spring theatre season in New York. Should you choose to share our company on this tour, you can expect to hear from us again soon with descriptions of our “Optional Offerings.” If you have any questions prior to that time, we would be most pleased to hear from you at 412-441-3131.