I have a nostalgia for the films of my youth
See
Back to the Future. Roger Bart makes the best Doc Brown since Christopher Lloyd, and he brings the show completely to life. If you’re nostalgic for the film, or for a Huey Lewis sound, or just love the vibes of the 50s and/or 80s, we think you’ll love this. Note, though, that if you’re just looking for a musical with no other emotional attachment, we don’t think this is the best one – it’s amplified tenfold by nostalgia! As for where to sit, if you are a big spender, go front and center – we won’t share why, but it’d be awesome. Otherwise, truly any seat is fine, even on the sides as there’s not much action that’s not center stage.
Eat
At Dolly Varden for a cozy sit-down meal with interesting cocktails, or at Urban Hawker for a quick Singaporean style food hall that Anthony Bourdain helped create.
Drink
A glass of wine at Aldo Sohm, if it’s in your price range and you’re up for something slightly more fussy, or Vanguard Wine Bar, a less-inspired spot that’s reliable and offers a ton of options.
I want a truly unique experience
See
Here Lies Love. This is a musical that tells a slice of history in the Philippines, though it’s set in a New York City club. Yep, that’s right: There are standing-room-only floor tickets! The show’s 90 minutes, so if you can do the standing room, we highly recommend it for the unique experience. Want a seat? Get first row floorside – we recommend actively avoiding the second row of the floorside seats as it was hard to see and required leaning forward. If you want rear mezz seats, we think you’ll still have a great time as the view is great from there, too.
Eat
La Grande Boucherie has a great pre-theater coursed menu at a fairly affordable price point. Steakhouses aren’t really our favorite, but Gallagher’s is distinctly un-terrible for a splurge.
Drink
Your dinner was probably more on the side of tradition, so let’s switch it up and go to Sake Bar Hagi for their affordable and delicious range of sake and Japanese beer.
Nothing beats the classics
See
Sweeney Todd. It’s a rare 5-star rating from Amanda. Come for Josh Groban, stay for Annaleigh Ashford. It’s a fresh take on the much-celebrated classic. We highly recommend spending on Front Mezz or better, so you can catch more of the super-detailed set – but we also say this is not the show for a front row orchestra splurge, because it’s too close to get the big scale of the set.
Eat
Mermaid Oyster Bar is around the corner and has a genuinely good menu and vibe, even with the tourists who have caught wise to the newish spot. In the mood for something quick? Los Tacos No. 1 (numero uno, not number one!) is a delightful spot according to these former Californians.
Drink
The Rum House, one of the more memorable hotel bars in the area. It can get busy with an after-work crowd, but in the later evenings, you might spot a performer post-show.
I want something a little different
See
New York City Center’s Encores! Shows typically run for a few days at a time in November, January, February, and June, so if your timing doesn’t work out, maybe next time! Amanda’s favorite shows there include the Sara Bareilles-starring Into the Woods and the ever-bizarre, ever-wonderful Dear World. It’s also one of the few genuinely affordable ticket prices, with balcony seats for $35. (We recommend splurging on Mezz if you can, though!)
Eat
If you’re open to an earlier dinner, walk into Bad Roman no later than 5pm. While the spot is an instagram mainstay, it’s got a really strong menu with memorable dishes. We love the garlic babka and the pepperoncini martini, and the oysters have the best mignonette we’ve ever had. If you’re looking for something lower key, stop into Souvlaki GR for a quick meal; it won’t let you down.
Drink
We can’t talk about this part of midtown without talking about The Bar at Baccarat Hotel. It’s a fabulous, special time and absolutely worth stopping for one. Not looking for something quite that fancy? Try the Whitby Bar to split a bottle of one of their more-affordable wines.