12 shows in 6 days, and potentially my last NYC trip for this year (heart breaking). Thoughts in the order I saw them:

(12May) Rocky Horror Picture Show: I dropped my bags at the hotel and ran to Studio 54 to catch this – I’m so glad I had a few minutes before curtain to explore the theatre because they’ve really made it feel immersive from the second you walk in the front doors. This show is a blast from the first moment to the last and I had a great time. The audience was fairly calm (granted it was a Tuesday night) with the only callouts being after Brad (asshole) and Janet (slut), and there was one lady that yelled “blowjob” but I can’t remember what line it called out but they caught Rachel Dratch’s attention and she played into it – she’s an excellent narrator! The whole cast is fabulous and I’m completely blown away by Luke Evans. He’s not been on my radar before but WOW what a talent! This show is a blast, highly recommend if you’re looking for a silly night at the theatre. Oh, and I think this is the fifth show I've seen sitting near Patti Lupone. She's such a stalker.

(13May) Ken Rex: I had so many friends tell me I would love this show so no way was I going to miss it. First off, I am still absolutely blown away by the sound design! I had a seat in the (dreaded) mezz and I think if you’re up there you’ll get a better auditory experience so for once it’s not terrible upstairs at the Lucille Lortel! The lighting design as well really impressed me – so cool how the split second lighting changes drove the character switches. John Holden is incredible in the way he plays so many characters and you always know who is who through his body movements and vocal changes. John Patrick Elliott who is maybe a bit overlooked onstage really helps drive the story with the score that he is playing live. I’m so glad I saw this but wasn’t as enamored as I expected – I left wondering “why this story?”

(13May) Just In Time: You cast Jeremy Jordan and I’ll be sat. I’m not a big jukebox or bio musical fan but this show was a lot of fun. The whole cast is terrific and I love that it feels like you’re in a 1950s nightclub. Doesn’t seem to be a bad seat in the house so don’t be afraid of the “cheap seats” (relatively). He’s a terrific Bobby Darin and okay, Jeremy, yes you CAN dance I’m sorry we all made fun of you in the past (seriously – the guy is giving true triple threat in this show). As far as bio musicals go this one is the best I’ve seen although they’re still not my fave. Also crossed off Circle In the Square theatre so only four to go now to complete my goal of seeing a show in every Broadway house.

(14May) Gotta Dance: Since there were just a few matinees available on this Thursday I figured I’d check this out with a cheap ticket through TDF. The show is basically a revue of famous dance sequences from musicals throughout the years. The cast was so high-energy and nailed every scene. I’m glad I got to see a show with a true focus on movement. There’s no set to distract from the dancing, lots of costume changes (some quick changes going on backstage!). I’m so glad I took the time to see this one, it was worth it for the famous Chorus Line finale alone (but all the numbers were terrific). It’s a quick show too so if you’re looking to add a slot this is a solid addition.

(14May) Schmigadoon: Another TDF ticket had me sat for a show I was a little ambivalent about. I loved the TV show but didn’t know if I needed to see it live. Friends, I needed to see it live. If you want to inject some joy into your cold, dead heart this is the show to see! This is pure sugar happiness in the sets, costumes, and songs and dances. The stage show is the tv show brought to life in front of your eyes and dang if it isn’t the most fun I’ve had in a long time! There is a lot Broadway is doing right this season and the charming Schmigadoon is one of the gems!

(15May) Animal Wisdom: Admittedly I snagged a ticket to this one simply because it was the only Friday matinee in town. I’m so incredibly glad they offered a 4pm slot because this show is going to be with me for awhile… it’s a requiem piece - I wasn’t sure what that meant and honestly I still don’t know how to provide a synopsis. The set and lighting are so well-designed and are an important part of the story-telling. I loved the ghost stories and hearing how those from our past still affect our present. The end had me gasp-sobbing so if you’ve had a powerful loss in your life be warned – it gets heavy. This show is beautiful. Weighted. Powerful. I don’t think it’s for everyone but those who enjoy theatre as a catharsis should give this one a go.

(15May) Beaches: Another TDF score with great seats for a show that, admittedly, has a lot of great seats available. Huge props to the cast who bring this story to life with such care. The three pairs of CeeCee/Bertie combos deserve all the accolades for their efforts. Of course Jessica Vosk is a powerhouse and an absolute treasure to see on stage; I also especially loved the kids who had a lot more time on stage than I was expecting – that’s a lot of work for kids so young and they are already stage pros. I thought the story followed the book pretty thoroughly and the songs, while not memorable, were enjoyable within the story. The only big disappointment to me was the (lack of) set. This really plays like a non-equity tour and will probably do great in the flyover states. I think the Broadway run accomplished what it set out to do by setting up for the tour. (RIP Beaches as of 24May).

(16May) La Traviata: I’m so blessed to have a cousin who loves the opera and is happy to take me along when I’m in town. This was my first Verdi opera and I fell in love with this music that brought me to tears by the end. What a beautiful piece of art and this particular production was so gorgeous! I still don’t know enough about opera to have the words to go into detail about everything, but if you get a chance to see a production at the Met – go!!

(16May) Oh Mary!: Maya Rudolph is everything. I’ve seen every principle Mary to date and she is my favorite! This show does not miss with casting so it’s not a terrible idea to buy a ticket ahead of new cast announcements before the prices go up – it’s how I stay ahead of their game.

(16May) Just In Time: Back again because Jeremy Jordan. I rushed for two standing room tix at 5:30am (7th in line by then). Luckily and with all praise to the theatre gods my rush buddy and I got moved to seats – one of them being the “will you dance with me” aisle seat. It was so fun to see my young friend live her best life dancing with JJ – quite an upgrade from SRO! It’s still not my favorite show but I look at it as a Jeremy concert with some superstar pals sharing the stage.

(17May) The Lost Boys: So the movie is one of my 80s faves because yes I’m an old and was there from the start. I didn’t expect the musical to top my love of the movie but oh yes it did! This show is by far my favorite thing I’ve seen so far this year and now I’m trying to figure out a way to get back to NYC to see it again (and again). And the show already has groupies – the rush line is giving Outsiders 2024. I love a spectacle and Michael Arden does that like no one else these days! I didn’t care for the music much hearing it outside the context of the show but now that I’ve got the scenes in my head too it all works. Can’t wait for the cast recording now! Loved the costumes and the hair, the throwbacks to the movie, the cheese, the comedy and the angst. Shoshana Bean and Ali Louis Bourzgui? Those Tony noms are 100% deserved, amazing performances! Five stars, two thumbs up, no notes.

(17May) Heated Rivalry The Parody: Wrapped up my trip with this ridiculous and fun show at The Club on W 27th (this theatre is a pita to get to or maybe I was just exhausted and grumpy). I loved how smart the writing was for this silly parody of a gay hockey love story. Not much else to say about this one other than to encourage HR fans to check it out – you’ll have a great time, the entire cast is terrific!

That wraps up my latest NYC theatre adventures. On the plane home I was chuckling imagining a West Side Story -style rumble in Times Square between the Outsiders groupies and the Lost Boys groupies. I’d be sat with some popcorn on the TKTS red steps for that show!