1
Florida Stage
New York Tour
November 7 – 12, 2007
Wednesday, November 7
Check into the Algonquin Hotel. The Algonquin opened its doors in 1902, was the home of the Algonquin Roundtable, which included Dorothy Parker, George Kaufman, and Robert Benchley. William Faulkner drafted his Nobel Prize acceptance speech at the hotel in 1950. Douglas Fairbanks, Sr, H.L. Mencken, John Barrymore, Helen Hayes, Eudora Welty, and Simon de Beauvoir were just a few of the notable and frequent guests. A new multi-million dollar historical restoration, including hand-selected antique furniture and soothing soaking tubs, was recently completed. The Algonquin was named one of “America’s Ten Great Historic Hotels” by Historic Traveler magazine.
A briefing and welcome reception in the afternoon at the hotel with James Ryan, Director of Insider Cultural Tours. He will discuss the highlights of the tour as well as give you the latest information on restaurants, sightseeing, shows, shopping, and the talk of the town.
This evening we’ll have a pre-theater dinner at the21 Club, recipient of the Grand Award by Wine Spectator Magazine from 2003-2005, William Grimes of the New York Times writes “it’s hard to imagine a more romantic setting,” and John Mariani of Virtual Gourmet declares it is “one of the finest dinning rooms in the city (oh, make that America).”Jacket and tie is required.
Performance 1:
Let’s start off with ashow like this season’s Grey Gardens – before it hits Broadway – “a surprisingly fresh and moving expansion of the 1975 documentary about two eccentric relatives of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis living in squalor in East Hampton, N.Y,” Time Magazine.
Wednesday, November 7
Join us post-performance for a nightcap at The View. With its 360˚ views from the 48th floor, the recently renovated View is New York City’s only revolving rooftop lounge. Enjoy an elaborate Dessert Buffet that includes a variety of cakes, tortes, fresh fruits and berries, cookies and tempting chocolate fountain. Enjoy the finest premium Scotch, Cognac, Ports, Cordials and Dessert Wines.
Thursday, November 8
Performance 2:
This afternoon we’ll celebrate Florida Stage’s national status as a leader in the industry, a company which has supported our best American playwrights, actors, and directors. Blake Hammond, current star of the Broadway smash Hairspray, winner of 2001 Carbonell Award as Best Actor in a Musical for Florida Stage’s smash hit – Wit’s End–will join playwrights Lee Blessing and Melanie Marnich in a review celebration of work performed at Florida Stage by notable New York writers and performers.
Blake will sing songs from Wit’s End and we’ll hear excerpted readings from Lee Blessing’s and Melanie Marnich’s plays at the West Bank Café, Laurie Beechman Theater, a launching pad as well as a hang-out for playwrights and actors, among them Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, Bruce Willis, and Sean Penn.Lunch with wine, beer, or soda. Join us for a post-performance discussion and some one-on-one time with these outstanding theater artists.
Performance 3:
This evening perhaps we’ll go downtownto the Atlantic Theater Company, founded by David Mamet and William H. Macy. This innovative company produced this season’s critically acclaimed Martin McDonagh's The Lieutenant of Inishmore, andCelebration and The Room by Harold Pinter, as well as the Broadway transfer musical – Spring Awakening. During its history, it has garnered four Tony Awards, two Lucille Lortel Awards, seven Obie Awards, and an Outer Critics Circle Award. Post production discussion to follow with a leading member of the company.
Friday, November 9
This afternoon we’ll take a private tour ofan exceptional exhibition such as the Edouard Manet and the Execution of Maximilian exhibit at MOMA – “almost nothing the museum has offered since it reopened in new quarters has been anywhere near as challenging,” says the New York Times.
Performance 4:
Tonight we’ll attend a show at perhaps the New Group. The New Group’s past productions have received 7 Obies, 17 Drama Desk nominations, 5 Lucille Lortel Awards, 3 Tony® Awards including Best New Musical, and the Calloway, Kalbie, Taking Off, and Theatre World Awards.Post performance discussion to follow with a leading member of the company.
Saturday, November 10
This afternoon we’ll travel to the Chelsea gallery district. Chelseais the world's center for contemporary art, with over 300 galleries in a concentrated area. Join us for a 2-hour gallery tour, by Rafel Risemberg, Ph.D., who selects the 8 most fascinating and varied exhibits for you to explore - you'll see the newest in painting, sculpture, electronic media and photography, by American and international artists. At each stop Rafel helps explain the artwork and leads the group in lively discussion.
Performance 5:
Perhaps we’ll try Playwrights Horizons tonight. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Tim Sanford, in its 30 year history, PH has produced productions which have won over 30 Obies, 9 Tony Awards, 16 Drama Desk, 2 Olivier, 3 Pulitzers, and 1 Academy Award.Post performance with a leading member of the cast to follow.
Sunday, November 11
Later this morning join us for a critical round-up on the shows you’ve seen.
Performance 6:
Farewell cabaret brunch at the Algonquin. You stroll into the famous lobby gazing at guests sipping scotches against the backdrop of beauteous regency furniture, antique wall tapestries and exotic rugs. As you turn into the entrance to the Oak Room you steal a glance at the alcove where the legendary roundtable writers held court during the halcyon days of New
No performer captures the essence of this patrician elegance like Barbara Carroll. Since she began performing in Gotham during the 40's with her trio at the Downbeat club alongside the likes of Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and Bud Powell, Ms. Carroll has graced the bandstands of the city's landmark piano rooms with unequaled repertorial breadth. She segues from Bird's “Billy's Bounce” to Cy Coleman's “I'm in love again” with a stylistic aplomb unmatched in the business. Her verse/chorus juxtapositions (lines from Gershwin's “Prelude in C sharp” previewing Duke's “Autumn In New York”) are scholarly and her improvisations are intriguingly imaginative. During the scintillating set at the Oak Room Ms. Carroll uncovers hidden treasures in the poetry of Sondheim, Fats Waller and Peggy Lee.
Post performance discussion with Ms. Carroll
Monday, November 12
Depart.
Summary
- 5 nights at the Algonquin Hotel
- Pre-theater dinner at 21 Club
- Dessert Buffet and open bar at The View
- Revue and wine lunch celebrating Florida Stage at the West Bank Cafe
- Cabaret brunch at the Algonquin
- 6 Performances: 4 Off Broadway, Barbara Carroll at the Algonquin, Blake Hammond/Lee Blessing at West Bank
- Private tour of exceptional exhibition at perhaps MOMA or MET
- Chelsea gallery tour
- Briefing by James Ryan
- At least 2 post-performance discussions
- Critical roundup with New York critic or theater professional
$3,295 based upon double occupancy, single room supplement is $1,209.