Taking a bus trip to New York City is not to be missed. To make the day perfect, order ahead for tickets to see The Phantom of the Opera in the Majestic Theatre. Almost everywhere you look, from billboards to buses there are posters for the show throughout the city. Even the Empire State building had brochures on the show. In fact, boxes of them were just sitting by the brochure holder in the basement. You also must check out the gift shop, which sells little frames with the Majestic on them.
The second highlight is Broadway itself. There is so much energy here, from a wandering chorus of female singers, to the wonderful shops with enough souvenirs to please the most dedicated collector. Theatre Circle Theatre Library right across from the Majestic is amazing, with an attached bookstore, SF music boxes, t-shirts, posters, and all sorts of good things. The inside is elegant, and the staff is very helpful. They had no problem testing the music box I bought, and repeat trips to this store will unearth extra finds. Ladies, be aware that there are some beautiful dangle mask earrings here, as well as many other souvenirs.
They also have a shop in Shubert Alley, with all sorts of little gems. There are Phantom key chains, pins, and all other little treasures. Here I got some more goodies, including a silver spoon for the show. If I’m not mistaken, these spoons were shipped down from the Pantages when it closed. At any rate, they are made in Canada. Many of the finds are not on the store’s website, the last I checked, so these stores are worth a visit.
Shopoholics will also want to check out the many vendors in New York selling color prints of the Broadway area. They can be talked down to half price, and haggling is part of the fun. Lastly, there is a row of stores starting about a half block or so from Macy’s. The best are pure tourists traps and you can find traditional New York trinkets as well as pictures for the Broadway area. I snagged a lovely one for 99 cents.
Now our travels take us to the Majestic. The theatre is beautiful on the outside, with plenty of framed posters, gigantic pictures of the show, and an amazing marquee. As you wait for the doors to open, vendors from the show are selling souvenir programs. Snag one while you wait, it is all part of the charm of the city. Inside this trim theatre the visitor will find a small Phantom store. Here you’ll find such things as shirts, pins, and CDs. I got a lovely fight against Aids pin featuring the Phantom mask against the red ribbon.
The theatre is small by some standards, so even seats in the very back would be worth getting. My view from row F of the balcony was great, and you get a feeling of being suspended in air. You can see down to the orchestra and have a clear view of the stage, so forget any horror stories you might have heard about seeing from the balcony. It should go without saying that I take binoculars along. The crowd was wonderful, chock full of true fans of the show. Of course I had to show off my custom-made photo bracelet and ensemble to those around me, and I stuck up a lively conversation with the woman next to me.
New Yorkers have to be the most loyal fans I’ve seen. There were many singers in the audience, which mostly hummed softly along with the show. I admit to joining in on a few bars myself. It must be the amazing acoustics in the building, the level best I’ve heard. The music is rich and deep, and the reigning Phantom’s voice is heard with absolute clarity. The Phantom, Hugh Pranano has a deep, sensual voice that will astound first-time listeners. I can honestly say having heard many Phantom’s he deserves billing among the best. New Yorkers are no doubt glad that he has returned. There are not many men who have played both Raoul and the Phantom on Broadway, and to have him there is a mark of pride.
The effects in the show were amazing as always, and the rest of the cast was superb. Sandra Joseph is a Christine with a great upper range and a lot of power in her voice. She’s also a good dancer which makes the ballet parts all the better. Julie Schmidt just about steals the show as Carlotta, and her beloved Ulbaldo (Larry Wayne Morbitt) is also a genuine operatic singer.
As I said, New York fans are the absolute best, and the whistles and roars for the cast at the end were amazing. It is also the only theatre you’ll see people weep openly for the poor Phantom, and he received a nice standing ovation. I suggest electric shock for those who don’t know enough to rise, but plenty of people did. The orchestra treated the crowd to the usual wind up festivities and received well-deserved applause.
For an after show treat, head over to Planet Hollywood and ask for the brownie. It comes out in a steak plate and easily serves three adults. The decedent ice cream and rich chocolate chips among other things are a perfect cap to the day. You might also want to stop there beforehand for a burger and fries. We’re talking half-pound burgers and soup bowls of fries here. The sound will blast you and the circle of video screens beneath the dome is awesome. Currently playing is the music video of The Apprentice featuring the most ruthless and experienced billionaire in America.
Lastly, I want to clear up something for those who have never been to New York. New Yorkers are the friendliest people I’ve met in any city, with perfect manners. Construction crews will hold up work to let you through and say a nice hello. New Yorkers themselves are helpful and courteous, something people in a city around here could learn to do. You’ll love the vendors, and the hot dogs are great. Be sure to snag a cab ride, much more fun than the subway and faster too.
As I boarded the bus for home, I was weighed down with the hoard of Phantom and New York memorabilia I had amassed. The people there are good-humored and don’t mind you snagging extra Playbills and broschures. Above all, take time to chat up local fans if you can find them. Unlike Nightcat, who lets it all hang out, many are a quiet lot and dress in street clothes. For you local fans that are wondering what I wore, the assemble goes: Phantom hip pack and black ball cap, custom-made bracelet and charm bracelet based on the show. Phantom watch, plain jeans and sneakers. This ensemble was mild, considering this is a city of the naked singing cowboy, a tin man on a bicycle wearing little more than body paint, and horse carriages amid the tourist buses.
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