As I was checking my morning messages, I saw I notice that the cast of my favourite musical “Hadestown” would be preforming as part of “Broadway on Bryant Park” at lunchtime. Again, I rejoiced in my lack of planning enabling spontaneity and took the “6” train in that direction, after a shower.
I purchased the now obligatory “Bacon, Egg, and Cheese” and a “Drip Coffee” at “Ole & Steen”, on the South West corner of the park.
There was already quite a crowd forming on the grass in front of the stage. Chairs were being moved from all directions, but I opted to enjoy the spectacle primary-school-style, with my legs crossed seated on the grass. I enjoyed my breakfast in the searing heat, with the sound-checks being applauded at least as much as the final performance was likely to be.
The “pre-show” performances stared at 12.15pm EDT, and included young theatre students from “The American Musical and Dramatic Academy” (“AMDA”). They performed a selection of songs from “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” amongst other things. They were very good and clearly the “rising talent” of the day.
The main performance started at 12.30pm EDT, with the cast of “Mamma Mia” on first. They fairly had the crown singing along to the “feel good” hits. Next up was “Hadestown”, which I maintain is the best musical I have ever seen. The haunting music of Anaïs Mitchell filled the space.
We then had “Moulin Rouge”, with a selection of modern-day hits. I had seen this musical in Edinburgh a few months before, and it is truly spectacular.
“Six” then came on – their title song going down a treat with the rather sweaty audience, before the musical “Buena Vista Social Club” brought a touch of Havana to the heart of New York City. A number of people stood up to dance some “salsa” moves. It looked like they had been practicing.
“The Outsiders” was next. This is another relatively new musical, and has one the “Tony” award for “Best Musical”.
After the performances, I resolved to see “Hadestown” again, and booked a ticket for the Saturday night performance.
I had every intention of a museum visit, but I was enjoyed the atmosphere of Bryant Park, so in the company of a strawberry tart, and a coffee from the emporium frequented earlier, I soaked up this iconic location for a while. I realised that my life was probably in a good place, when my chief worry was that I did not have a fork with which to eat my strawberry tart.
I took a wander up to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which was nearby. This is free to visit, and offers a bit of peace, quiet, and cool-ness away from the heat of the city. I enjoyed the stained glass, the stunning iconography, and found a shrine to Saint Sharbel (or “Charbel”), a Lebanese countryman, and namesake of my neighbour back home. I also enjoyed flicking through the hymn book, and found many that I recognised from my days in the choir at St. James, Penicuik.
After a stroll in the south east of Central Park, I caught the “F” train back to the East Village,
That evening I had an invitation to dinner with Gary on the rooftop at his place in Wall Street. The view south was incredible. The food was incredible too, as was the conversation. I introduced Gary to “Flightradar” as I watched the flights heading to LaGuardia Airport in New Jersey.
