Fun and games in the Big Apple
AH New York... the city with a song in its heart where Frank Sinatra couldn’t get a good night’s kip and Carrie Bradshaw trod the streets in her Manolos.
As the first city I travelled to as an independent adult, it was my first travel love. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the bright lights, colourful buildings and bustling streets.
The crowded streets of Midtown and beyond had everything I wanted in a holiday – musical theatre, TV and film landmarks and giant portions of every food you could possibly think of.
The first couple of times I visited the Big Apple I indulged those passions, spending most of my money on Broadway, bus tours and baked goods.
This time though, I was going for an altogether more personal reason – my sister Paula was making her Met Opera debut in Romeo et Juliette.
I was so excited but it also made me think. Having never even considered going to the Met in my previous visits, I couldn’t help but wonder about the other experiences I might be missing out on in this renowned city.
And so, I decided that this trip would be different. This time I’d embrace as many different cultural pursuits as I could – (while still making time for a Broadway show or two, obviously!)
A SPORTING LIFE
I ENJOY an All-Ireland Final as much as the next gal but on a day-to-day basis, I don’t really care about sports. I get the hype but it’s just not my cup of tea.
However our hotel’s doorman soon persuaded us that we couldn’t come to New York and not go to Madison Square Garden. In truth, my husband, John, who has always dreamt of seeing an ice hockey game there didn’t need any persuading.
There was a heady atmosphere at the Garden as hundreds of New York Rangers fans invaded the building to support their home team. After learning that the cheapest seats we could get were $125 each, I was ready to head for the exit but, it was a one-off and, sure, when would we get the chance to do it again?
I’m so glad we did it. MSG is seriously impressive. The perfectly tiered seating around the oval rink means that no matter where you sit, you have a perfect view.
The Rangers were playing the Columbus Blue Jackets and when they skated into the stadium, MSG lit up like a parade with flashing lights, triumphant organ music and deafening cheers (‘Let’s Go Rangers!’ followed by syncopated clapping). But when Columbus arrived – well, you could probably hear the booing three blocks away!
The game itself was pretty cool, although I have to say, one of my favourite parts was the entertainment during the 20-minute intervals between each section. As well as trivia and quizzes, they also pointed out the celebs in the crowd. Our game had Debra Messing (Will & Grace), Gilbert Gottfried (Iago in Disney’s Aladdin) and Susan Sarandon!
ALL THAT JAZZ
I DON’T make a habit of going to gigs regularly so going to The Blue Note bar to hear an authentic New Orleans Jazz group play for an hour was a real treat.
I wouldn’t necessarily consider myself a huge jazz fan but this was just on the right side of mainstream for me.
I also introduced John to one of the first places I discovered in New York in 2008 – a tiny, brilliantly camp piano bar called Marie’s Crisis, in Greenwich Village. Originally a gay bar, it’s now a regular haunt for Broadway fans who just want to belt out some tunes after a hard day’s work. (Well, who doesn’t?). Per- fect for cheap drinks and singing your head off, judgement-free!
On a different day, we visited Carnegie Hall. With a fascinating history and incredible architecture dedicated solely to producing the best sound possible, this tour made me want to come back some day to see a performance.
BRIGHT LIGHTS
MY main reason for being in New York was to see my sister Paula make her Met debut in Charles Guonod’s Romeo et Juliette and it was truly incredible.
The Met is as glamorous, elegant and grand as you would think and Shakespeare’s Verona came to life in a series of breathtaking sets, dramatic choreography and glorious song!
Of course, a trip to the Big Apple wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Great White Way. I’m not sure if it was by accident or subconscious design but the two shows I saw this year are by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Firstly, we saw his latest production, School of Rock – a hugely enjoyable, boisterous tale of a failed musician who poses as a schoolteacher to fund his stalled rock career.
Later in the week, we caught his 1981 monster hit, Cats. This is a musical of its time and although light on plot, it is full of stunning dancing, fabulous characters and really catchy songs.
It’s two weeks later and I’m still singing about someone called Mr. Mistoffelees...
CITY SLICKER
THE great thing about New York is that you don’t have to do anything except walk outside your door to be surrounded by culture.
We stayed in the Upper West Side, ten minutes from Central Park which I truly adore.
I’ve gone there every time I’ve been to the city and I still found something new to look at – namely Shakespeare’s Garden and the famous jogging trail featured in many a film and TV show!
We did the new High Line walk which showcases the great work of two men who wanted to create a place for people to admire art and appreciate the great city from a different perspective.
We also visited Roosevelt Island and meandered around Greenwich Village, sampling many of its culinary delights.
LADY LIBERTY
IT’S always been on my list to visit Ellis Island and climb the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island and on this trip, I finally did both.
How can you describe your first meeting with Lady Liberty? It’s hard to put into words – you’ll just have to meet her for yourself!
Next up we took the boat across to Ellis Island and visited the huge hall where millions of immigrants entered before making it to the land of opportunity.
To say it was humbling is truly an understatement, and made all the more poignant by what is happening in America at the moment. But that’s for another article.