On the Corner of Broadway and Late Night 

Next time you’re in New York City, you may want to catch a show. 

Perhaps on Broadway? New York’s famous theater district comprises 41 theaters, most clustered around Times Square. It’s one of my favorite things to do on a layover. 

Recently, I saw an incredible show called Take Me Out. (currently running) It’s a drama about baseball, of all things. Only it isn’t really about baseball. It’s about prejudice, racism, homophobia, secrets, and friendship. This show has everything. It made me laugh. It made me cry. It made me think. And bonus… it surprised me. I love it when a story takes a twist I never saw coming. Oh, and there’s full-frontal nudity. How’s that for a review? 

Sometimes, I like to pick a show based on nothing. Actually, that’s not true. I pick it based on price. I choose the cheapest show without knowing anything about it. Mostly, this tactic works (except for that one “avant-garde” piece I caught in London). However, it certainly worked with Take Me Out.

Once in a while, I splurge

…even if I am in the balcony.

Other times, I let a flying partner pick. 

She chose the Temptations musical. I had low expectations, but wow! Ain’t Too Proud was fantastic

This one -I chose based on time. It started at 5:00, which meant that this tired flight attendant would get to bed early. 

But it was pretty cool.

Here’s a tip: For same-day, discounted tickets, head to the TKTS kiosk in the center of Times Square. There may be a long line, but tickets run around 50% off.

However, if you really want an inexpensive ticket to a show, throw your name into a talk show lottery for a free ticket. The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show with Seth Meyers, The Late Show with Steven Colbert, Live with Kelly and Ryan, The View, Rachel Ray, Drew Barrymore, Saturday Night Live… So many shows tape in New York in front of a live studio audience. 

Last week, I hit the Seth Meyer’s lottery.

Honestly, I’d never heard of the talent booked on the show that night. But they were so funny and engaging, as was Seth Meyers. Seth does his own audience warm-up with a monologue before the taping. And in between guests, he came into the audience to answer questions. He’s a very hard-working guy. In fact, this glimpse behind the scenes gave me a genuine appreciation for the amount of work and preparation it takes to put on a nightly talk show. Not to mention… it was fun! 

Some shows require more planning than others. Saturday Night Live is, no surprise, the most difficult ticket to come by. SNL releases their tickets for the entire season in August. But for the more spontaneous traveler, all the shows offer same-day standby tickets. 

But, if Broadway or talk shows aren’t your thing, there’s Madison Square Garden for major rock shows (Billy Joel’s residency is definitely on my list.) Carnegie Hall and the Metropolitan Opera if you’re a classical fan, or you can hit Birdland or Village Vanguard for small jazz shows.

Not long ago, I spent an incredible evening watching Delfeayo Marsalis’ band perform. He’s the trombone player in the talented Marsalis family hailing from…where else? New Orleans, of course.

PS I highlighted all the venues within walking distance of Times Square. If you’ve never been to New York and don’t know where to stay, I recommend this central location, where much of what you’ll want to do falls within a 30-minute walk. 

PSS. But it doesn’t really matter where you stay because the subway is so convenient and easy. 

Thankfully, these days (and masks) are behind us!

I’m sure no one is more relieved than ushers. Well, except for maybe flight attendants.