Here’s how you can plan your NYC day trip – Broadway-themed
This past week, I spent the day in NYC, also known as the theater capital of the world. I wanted to experience a little bit of what the theater district has to offer and NYC is the place to be.
Now, to plan ahead. That’s the best way to fit as many theater-related activities into your NYC day trip. This way you know exactly where you need to be and when. Be sure to check the websites for any availability questions and to make reservations.
Learn About the History of Broadway
In November, the theater district graced us with the new Museum of Broadway – the show behind the show. Located in the theater district, encompassing three floors, this museum will take you on an interactive tour of the history of Broadway. Starting with a video explaining the beginning creators of the theater houses and a map of all the theaters included in the theatre district. Then leading into a timeline of broadway and finishing with a section called the Making of a Broadway show.
Prices start at $43 each with many discounts available. We chose to upgrade our tickets to a flexible entry with an arrival time of 10-12 pm. This option costs a little bit more with a total of $106.00. However, I felt it would give us enough time to explore the museum. Allow at least two hours to properly explore the museum. Just don’t forget to leave time to check out the gift shop!
Broadway Show Surprise
Deciding which show I wanted to see was difficult considering how many shows are available. On Broadway, Off-Broadway, musicals, and plays. Endless possibilities. Did you know that there is a company named Broadway Roulette? This company will make that decision for you at an affordable price. Their motto is “you pick the day & we pick the show”. And it’s really that simple. You pick the day and choose a matinee or evening show. Then on the day of the show, they “spin the wheel” and let you know which show you will be attending.
Pricing starts at $49 and then varies depending on the day and the extra options you may choose. They will provide you with a list of available shows and allow you to cross off 4 shows that you definitely don’t want to see. If you’re satisfied with the remaining shows, then you’re done. However for an additional $10 you are able to cross off two more shows. The roulette spin will then be made from the remaining shows. This is the method I chose, which ended up w a total cost of $136 for two people.
Dinner Theater after the Show
Our last stop of the NYC day trip was dinner at Gayles Broadway Rose which features aspiring Broadway performers as your singing waitstaff. This is a pop-up restaurant located in Friedmans at the Edison Hotel. They are not open every day, so you must check their calendar for availability and make reservations. We arrived at 5 pm and settled in for the upcoming performances. The staff is so amazingly talented singing broadway classics and current hits!
Usually opening around 5 pm, you might wait a bit for things to get warmed up. But once it gets going, you will be in awe eating your dinner surrounded by excellence. If you’re lucky “Gayle” herself will be walking around the dining room introducing herself to everyone. It’s such a fun “Broadway” experience.
What Show Did I See?
My NYC day trip was so much fun and I definitely can’t wait to go again. My experience with Broadway Roulette was so easy with a perfect show selection. The roulette wheel selected tickets to “Into The Woods” the Stephen Sondheim Tony award-winning musical. Upon arrival, we found out that we were upgraded to seats in the second row! I have never sat this close to the stage on Broadway and I will remember it for years to come.
I hope you have enjoyed my NYC day trip tips and are able to use them in the near future. Obviously, an NYC day trip can encompass much more than Broadway, but I wouldn’t have planned it any other way. This Broadway-themed day for two people cost us around $300 for two people including dinner. This might seem like a lot, but if you compare ticket prices for the top shows, this was an extremely budget-friendly NYC day trip. Make sure to check out Windy’s Wanderings for other tips and tricks to get you traveling too.
