My NYC experience - part 2
Aug. 5th, 2004 01:06 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
leighblackSunday, Day 2 for the Midwest girls in the Big City
Jess & I managed to roll out of bed sometime around 10am or so. I hadn't slept very well since our room was right by the elevator and the stairs, and I woke up everytime people arrived on or left our floor. Sometimes it really sucks to be a light sleeper. We wandered down to the hotel bar, Bar 41, to investigate the free Continental breakfast. Usually, these things are pretty pathetic, but not at this place. There were all kinds of mini-muffins, scones, croissants and other baked goods, besides coffee, expresso and juice. I was very impressed. They also offered free papers, so I dug into the NYT, while Jess watched Three Men and a Little Lady on the big screen plasma TV.
We had decided to do one cheesy, expensive thing and Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum seemed to fit perfect! Plus, it was only a block away and since it was raining, this was a good thing. Of course, I only really wanted to go so I could see the Van Helsing figure, but that's because I have a one track mind. Once we bought our tickets and walked up the stairs, we were greeted by a gigantic statue of the Incredible Hulk. Jess was quite amused by this.
Jess & The Hulk make nicey-nice
I was a little disturbed by the museum on a whole. But the figures are very life-like and all quite interesting. I SO wanted to take a photo of me flipping off the Dubya figure, but it was being watched by the staff. Dammit. The people who were constantly taking photos of or with every single figure were really confusing me. I mean, they're not the real people! Why take a photo with or of every one? Me, I only wanted photos with the truly gaudy/awful/cheesy ones.
Leigh & a very, very scary Elton John
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duckduck, this one's for you
And this one too, of course!
They had a little "Chamber of Horrors" set up, like a mini-haunted house that you could walk through. Of course, this was where the Van Helsing figure was and you couldn't take photos of it. *pouts* They also had an American Idol stage, where people could sing karaoke. That is a VERY bad idea. The woman singing as we wandered by was awful. Just plain awful.
We finished up our trip through the museum and hit the gift shop. I went a little nuts, picking up a bunch of Van Helsing stuff, and some other things. This was where I purchased my first three magnets from my trip. I also found wrapping paper of the subway system map, which I grabbed up for scrapbooking purposes. I collected many things during the trip with the thought "This would be perfect for my scrapbook!" Really, I'm a big geek.
We stopped for a quick lunch at Chevy's, where I got the biggest margarita ever. I'm not a big tequila fan, so I have no idea why I got it. But it was sour apple and it was good. I talked to Lynsey (pbvalla) while we were there so we could make our plans for dinner that evening. She told me some about her meeting with The Man. *sigh* I downed my drink and Jess & I rushed back to the hotel so we could get ready for the show.
Finally, it was time for the whole reason for our NYC trip - The Boy from Oz! By the time we walked up to the Imperial Theater, Hugh had already entered. Damn. I did, of course, act like a big fan girl and took a photo of the marquee. I also bought a Tshirt and a magnet from the show. That would be magnet #4.
The marquee in front of the Imperial Theater
I hardly know what to say about the show itself. Admittedly, I'm a little biased. But to be truthful, it's not a very good show as a whole. The set design is pitiful, the songs are SO not designed for a musical so they are very simplistic and I've really just seen better shows. But Isabel Keating, who plays Judy Garland, is fabulous and Jerrod Emrick, who plays Greg, has a beautiful voice. It's too bad that he doesn't have much time onstage. And Hugh...it's just amazing to watch him. Forget that OMG! It's Hugh!! He's just such a wonderful actor, singer and dancer that it's totally enjoyable to watch him. He IS the show. And he's obviously having a lot of fun on stage. He had five older men up and dancing in the front row during the nightclub act. It was a riot! I spent as much time laughing during the show as I did clapping with glee and awe. And whoever designed Hugh's stage outfits deserves a medal. So shiny! And sheer!! And TIGHT! And the gold pants from the Tony Awards are now part of the show. Hooray!! Admittedly, it's a little strange to imagine that Wolverine is tap dancing in a white tuxedo, but it all works somehow. Our 10th row seats were amazing. I couldn't have asked for anything better!
When the show was over, I tried my best to run for the door to get out to the stage door. But the fucking people all around me were NOT cooperating. MOVE, you cows! Ugh! So, I ended up about four people back from the barracade. This meant there was no chance in hell that I'd get a photo with Hugh and that I'd have to fight to just get an autograph. But I should never be underestimated. Jess couldn't handle the mobscene and went to wait by the theater doors. I had my magazine and my camera all ready to go, and as soon Hugh came out, I started off.
Hugh's wife, Deb, and their son, Oscar
Yes, I have no shame in admitting that I got a photo of his ass
sigh...I'm so sad that this is blurry - it would have been perfect!
There he is, The Man, all shower fresh - do you think he'd mind if I used my tongue as a towel?
I fought through the crowd and did manage to get him to sign my magazine. Although, it doesn't really say anything and it's a little hard to see. But it doesn't matter because I was two feet from Hugh Jackman and HE TOUCHED MY MAGAZINE! heh heh
No, really, it's there
I also talked to Stephanie Block and Isabel Keating from the cast. They were very nice and gracious. I got them to sign my Playbill. I waited around for Jerrod to appear, but it seemed that he snuck out the front door instead. Smart guy.
I finally gave up, but couldn't resist the big scenes from the show on the doors of the theater. Yes, I am truly, truly a big huge loser.
I'm sure that me licking the door looked perfectly normal to the passersby
Something to show the grandkids someday
We walked back to the hotel to chill out for a little while before dinner. It was still stiffling hot and humid and I really wanted to take a nice cool shower before going out again. I played tourist on our walk back, snapping photos along the way.
The view of 42nd St from 8th Ave
After freshing up a bit, we were ready for dinner. Lynsey and her friend Laurel met us at the hotel. Yay! I was so excited to meet Lynsey!! We just started blabbering at each other about out Hugh experiences. Lynsey got to touch him! I'm still very jealous. I think Jess & Laurel were fine behind us, but I really wasn't paying attention.
We had decided to go to Ellen's Stardust Diner for dinner. They have a doo-wop diner thing going on, with a singing waitstaff, so it sounded fun. Right as we walked in, I noticed they had merchandise for sale, including the most adorable bowling bag shaped purse with flames on it. I had to have!! Nevermind that I had just gotten a new purse the day before. Our waitress was a little slow, or too busy, but our meal was still delicious and enjoyable. I had a huge milkshake with vodka in it. Talk about yummy! It was nice to sit and talk with Lynsey and Laurel. They're both absolute sweethearts!
Leigh & Lynsey outside the diner
We wandered around Times Square after dinner. Lynsey wanted to go into the Hersey store, which was totally chaotic. People were everywhere! We finally made it out and just started walking around.
Another picture just forduckduck
Jess & I dropped the girls off at the Port Authority, before continuing on through Times Square. It's so amazing to see at night. People are wandering everywhere and it's all so, so bright. I totally loved it. We saw the bicycle built for eight at some point in our wanderings. I had seen a story about it on the news, but of course, now I can't find a link to any photos of it. It's just a big bike in the shape of an octogon with seats and pedals for eight riders. For some reason, the guy in charge of the bike was dressed like Spiderman. That was the best part! I wish I could have gotten a photo.
Two Midwest girls in the Big City at night
Jess wanted to try some local beers, so we went to the Times Square Brewery for a nightcap. It was busy, but nice. I decided I'd had enough alcohol for the day and stuck to soda, but Jess had the beer sampler. While we were sitting there, Spiderman and the eight-person bike pedaled by and he had his fist raised in victory. Quite amusing!
We walked back to the hotel and popped The Birdcage into the DVD player to fall asleep to. All in all, a VERY satisfying 2nd day in NYC!
Part 3 will be posted later today! Yes, you have to wait just a little longer for Jai. :p
Jess & I managed to roll out of bed sometime around 10am or so. I hadn't slept very well since our room was right by the elevator and the stairs, and I woke up everytime people arrived on or left our floor. Sometimes it really sucks to be a light sleeper. We wandered down to the hotel bar, Bar 41, to investigate the free Continental breakfast. Usually, these things are pretty pathetic, but not at this place. There were all kinds of mini-muffins, scones, croissants and other baked goods, besides coffee, expresso and juice. I was very impressed. They also offered free papers, so I dug into the NYT, while Jess watched Three Men and a Little Lady on the big screen plasma TV.
We had decided to do one cheesy, expensive thing and Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum seemed to fit perfect! Plus, it was only a block away and since it was raining, this was a good thing. Of course, I only really wanted to go so I could see the Van Helsing figure, but that's because I have a one track mind. Once we bought our tickets and walked up the stairs, we were greeted by a gigantic statue of the Incredible Hulk. Jess was quite amused by this.
Jess & The Hulk make nicey-nice
I was a little disturbed by the museum on a whole. But the figures are very life-like and all quite interesting. I SO wanted to take a photo of me flipping off the Dubya figure, but it was being watched by the staff. Dammit. The people who were constantly taking photos of or with every single figure were really confusing me. I mean, they're not the real people! Why take a photo with or of every one? Me, I only wanted photos with the truly gaudy/awful/cheesy ones.
Leigh & a very, very scary Elton John
duckduck, this one's for youAnd this one too, of course!
They had a little "Chamber of Horrors" set up, like a mini-haunted house that you could walk through. Of course, this was where the Van Helsing figure was and you couldn't take photos of it. *pouts* They also had an American Idol stage, where people could sing karaoke. That is a VERY bad idea. The woman singing as we wandered by was awful. Just plain awful.
We finished up our trip through the museum and hit the gift shop. I went a little nuts, picking up a bunch of Van Helsing stuff, and some other things. This was where I purchased my first three magnets from my trip. I also found wrapping paper of the subway system map, which I grabbed up for scrapbooking purposes. I collected many things during the trip with the thought "This would be perfect for my scrapbook!" Really, I'm a big geek.
We stopped for a quick lunch at Chevy's, where I got the biggest margarita ever. I'm not a big tequila fan, so I have no idea why I got it. But it was sour apple and it was good. I talked to Lynsey (
pbvalla) while we were there so we could make our plans for dinner that evening. She told me some about her meeting with The Man. *sigh* I downed my drink and Jess & I rushed back to the hotel so we could get ready for the show.Finally, it was time for the whole reason for our NYC trip - The Boy from Oz! By the time we walked up to the Imperial Theater, Hugh had already entered. Damn. I did, of course, act like a big fan girl and took a photo of the marquee. I also bought a Tshirt and a magnet from the show. That would be magnet #4.
The marquee in front of the Imperial Theater
I hardly know what to say about the show itself. Admittedly, I'm a little biased. But to be truthful, it's not a very good show as a whole. The set design is pitiful, the songs are SO not designed for a musical so they are very simplistic and I've really just seen better shows. But Isabel Keating, who plays Judy Garland, is fabulous and Jerrod Emrick, who plays Greg, has a beautiful voice. It's too bad that he doesn't have much time onstage. And Hugh...it's just amazing to watch him. Forget that OMG! It's Hugh!! He's just such a wonderful actor, singer and dancer that it's totally enjoyable to watch him. He IS the show. And he's obviously having a lot of fun on stage. He had five older men up and dancing in the front row during the nightclub act. It was a riot! I spent as much time laughing during the show as I did clapping with glee and awe. And whoever designed Hugh's stage outfits deserves a medal. So shiny! And sheer!! And TIGHT! And the gold pants from the Tony Awards are now part of the show. Hooray!! Admittedly, it's a little strange to imagine that Wolverine is tap dancing in a white tuxedo, but it all works somehow. Our 10th row seats were amazing. I couldn't have asked for anything better!
When the show was over, I tried my best to run for the door to get out to the stage door. But the fucking people all around me were NOT cooperating. MOVE, you cows! Ugh! So, I ended up about four people back from the barracade. This meant there was no chance in hell that I'd get a photo with Hugh and that I'd have to fight to just get an autograph. But I should never be underestimated. Jess couldn't handle the mobscene and went to wait by the theater doors. I had my magazine and my camera all ready to go, and as soon Hugh came out, I started off.
Hugh's wife, Deb, and their son, Oscar
Yes, I have no shame in admitting that I got a photo of his ass
sigh...I'm so sad that this is blurry - it would have been perfect!
There he is, The Man, all shower fresh - do you think he'd mind if I used my tongue as a towel?
I fought through the crowd and did manage to get him to sign my magazine. Although, it doesn't really say anything and it's a little hard to see. But it doesn't matter because I was two feet from Hugh Jackman and HE TOUCHED MY MAGAZINE! heh heh
No, really, it's there
I also talked to Stephanie Block and Isabel Keating from the cast. They were very nice and gracious. I got them to sign my Playbill. I waited around for Jerrod to appear, but it seemed that he snuck out the front door instead. Smart guy.
I finally gave up, but couldn't resist the big scenes from the show on the doors of the theater. Yes, I am truly, truly a big huge loser.
I'm sure that me licking the door looked perfectly normal to the passersby
Something to show the grandkids someday
We walked back to the hotel to chill out for a little while before dinner. It was still stiffling hot and humid and I really wanted to take a nice cool shower before going out again. I played tourist on our walk back, snapping photos along the way.
The view of 42nd St from 8th Ave
After freshing up a bit, we were ready for dinner. Lynsey and her friend Laurel met us at the hotel. Yay! I was so excited to meet Lynsey!! We just started blabbering at each other about out Hugh experiences. Lynsey got to touch him! I'm still very jealous. I think Jess & Laurel were fine behind us, but I really wasn't paying attention.
We had decided to go to Ellen's Stardust Diner for dinner. They have a doo-wop diner thing going on, with a singing waitstaff, so it sounded fun. Right as we walked in, I noticed they had merchandise for sale, including the most adorable bowling bag shaped purse with flames on it. I had to have!! Nevermind that I had just gotten a new purse the day before. Our waitress was a little slow, or too busy, but our meal was still delicious and enjoyable. I had a huge milkshake with vodka in it. Talk about yummy! It was nice to sit and talk with Lynsey and Laurel. They're both absolute sweethearts!
Leigh & Lynsey outside the diner
We wandered around Times Square after dinner. Lynsey wanted to go into the Hersey store, which was totally chaotic. People were everywhere! We finally made it out and just started walking around.
Another picture just for
duckduckJess & I dropped the girls off at the Port Authority, before continuing on through Times Square. It's so amazing to see at night. People are wandering everywhere and it's all so, so bright. I totally loved it. We saw the bicycle built for eight at some point in our wanderings. I had seen a story about it on the news, but of course, now I can't find a link to any photos of it. It's just a big bike in the shape of an octogon with seats and pedals for eight riders. For some reason, the guy in charge of the bike was dressed like Spiderman. That was the best part! I wish I could have gotten a photo.
Two Midwest girls in the Big City at night
Jess wanted to try some local beers, so we went to the Times Square Brewery for a nightcap. It was busy, but nice. I decided I'd had enough alcohol for the day and stuck to soda, but Jess had the beer sampler. While we were sitting there, Spiderman and the eight-person bike pedaled by and he had his fist raised in victory. Quite amusing!
We walked back to the hotel and popped The Birdcage into the DVD player to fall asleep to. All in all, a VERY satisfying 2nd day in NYC!
Part 3 will be posted later today! Yes, you have to wait just a little longer for Jai. :p
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2004-08-05 12:54 pm (UTC)I think I've seen The Birdcage about 5 times over the past month. It's been on cable a ton. Of course you know what my favorite part is. I have to watch it when it is on.
no subject
Date: 2004-08-05 01:03 pm (UTC)I've been watching The Birdcage all the time too. That's why I brought it with me to NYC. It's all about Agador and his shoes. ;)
no subject
Date: 2004-08-05 01:04 pm (UTC)Wow, I had no idea they had a wax figure of Chad in Madame Tussaud's! Oh, wait... lol
Now, I have to WAIT for JAI???? YOU BIG TEASE!!!!!! :-P
no subject
Date: 2004-08-05 01:17 pm (UTC)I'm sorry! It took me like two hours to write this entry. I thought I'd do some actual work for a little while. I'll get it done when I get home. No worries.
But I am still a tease. ;)
no subject
Date: 2004-08-05 09:53 pm (UTC)But come to think of it...hehe j/k!
no subject
Date: 2004-08-06 05:09 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-08-05 07:29 pm (UTC)*swoons*
no subject
Date: 2004-08-05 07:31 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-08-05 07:41 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-08-05 07:40 pm (UTC)