Sunday in NYC

So Drew belongs to this website called Audience Rewards.  You answer trivia questions and earn showpoints, and when you've accumulated a sufficient number of points, you can bid on exciting theatrical events. 

So one of the items up for bid was built around the Broadway show, Head Over Heels.  The prize package included two tickets to a Sunday matinee, plus...and this was unique...a one-hour dance class with a member of the cast.

Drew was one of three successful bidders, so on Sunday morning we headed to a rehearsal studio to take class with Tanner, the show's dance captain. 

Head Over Heels is a jukebox musical using songs by the Go -Go's.  The show's opening number is "We got The Beat".  Tanner taught us a few combinations from the opening number, and later sat down to talk to us about the show, his training, and what he does as a dance captain. 

Drew and I asked him to pose for a photo with us.




It was an absolutely incredible experience. 

Next up was lunch at Ben's Deli. Unlike the suburban branches of this kosher deli, the Manhattan location tries to emulate the great Jewish deli's of old New York.  The decor is art deco, the waiters have personality.  Our waiter, Sam, told us several jokes, I think he might do stand up when he's not waiting tables.  Loved my pastrami on rye -- Jewish soul food.

Then we walked over to the Hudson Theater.  It was time for the show!




We had great seats, 10th row orchestra.  And it was interesting to watch Tanner, and the rest of the ensemble, perform the moves he'd shown us earlier in the day.

And then, as I was watching the show, my "I used to be an English major" brain kicked in.  The plot is loosely based on Sir Philip Sidney's (1554-1585) Arcadia, and observes all of the conventions of a typical Elizabethan pastoral. 

If that sounds intimidating...it shouldn't. 

The plot involves the King of a mythical country, Arcadia, who hears his fate from the Oracle at Delphi.  He heads into the forest in an effort to change his fate, bringing with him his wife and two marriageable daughters.  Romantic comedy and incredible dance numbers follow.  There's a modern twist to the plot involving poetry by Sappho and a trip to the Island of Lesbos. 

Great show. 

Next, we hopped on the subway and headed downtown to Chinatown.






Mott Street is already deocrated for Christmas.





It was time for dinner at Wo Hop. Located in the basement of 17 Mott Street, Wo Hop is a real "no frills" restaurant.  It's open 24 hours/day and it's usually busy.  It's a very small restaurant, and they don't take reservations, so you have to wait on line until there's a table available.  Tea is served in a glass, everything is a la carte (including crispy noodles and white rice) and served family style.  I tend to stick with traditional Cantonese dishes here, it's what they do best.  We feasted on steamed dumplings, lo mein and sweet and pungent chicken. 

And then there was the incident of the "half moon".

Seriously, do people not know what they look like when they leave the house?  Or do they just not care?

While we were sitting at the restaurant, I found myself looking at the guy sitting in the booth across the aisle.  I didn't want to look at him.  It was almost like looking at a train wreck, I just couldn't help myself.

You know the term "plumber's crack"?

This guy was showing off more than just a crack.  He was letting it all hang out.

Later, when he stood up ... His pants clearly did not fit him, he had the waistband resting under his rather large beer belly. 

We finished our dinner, and hopped on the subway to Herald Square.  Walked past Macy's on our way to Penn Station.

Think they're getting ready for a parade?