By the Way, Meet Vera Stark - Saturday May 28, 2011
Last Saturday I saw By the Way, Meet Vera Stark off broadway at Second Stage (haven’t been there since I saw Next to Normal for the first time :tear tear:). As I was picking up my ticket, 3 guys bought student rush tickets (I think they’re $18). I didn’t want to risk rushing this show so I bought my youth advance seat. Had I had known... oh well, $34 isn’t that bad. I feel lucky to be able to buy such cheap tickets in advance. The last four things I’ve seen were all cheap and all bought in advance:
Vera Stark - $34 (Second’s Stage’s youth advance, including fees)
Good People - $30 (MTC’s 30 Under 30 program)
Anything Goes - $22 (Roundabout’s hiptix)
The People in the Picture - $10 (Roundabout’s $10 for first previews)
I feel really fortunate that these companies over programs like this.
Anyway... THIS…
I was so happy I was off on Saturday. It was such a beautiful day and I was glad that I was up early to enjoy it and spend the day in the city. I woke up around 9:30, got ready, and ran a couple of errands... had to go to the ATM and pick up some dvds at the library. Then I had breakfast and got read to head to the train station. I can’t even remember the last time I went to the city on a Saturday, I’m relieved when there are more train times, lol.
I had about 2 hours ‘til the show started. I picked up my ticket first, found a Starbucks to get a java chip frap, then walked around a bit. I wanted to eat my lunch outside so I found a spot on one of the benches near Wicked / the Mars restaurant and sat and ate. I was sitting directly facing a Cosi’s, so that made me crave that. Jen happened to text me during that time, so I suggested we get that for dinner. I could bring it home from the city. I googled other Cosi locations in the city and there happened to be one on 42nd street, literally a block away from Grand Central. So that would be perfect to pick up food from there on my way back instead of going out of my way back to the one near Wicked.
Before I knew it, it was time to head back to the theater. I love Second Stage. There isn’t a bad seat in the house (although I probably wouldn’t want to sit in a “box” seat). I was in Row G, house left.
Then the show began. I really had no idea what it was about. The only reason(s) I wanted to see it was for Karen Olivo and Stephanie J. Block. When I found out that they would be doing a PLAY, a play TOGETHER, I was ecstatic.
This play was interesting. I LOVED the first act. It was hilarious. But the second act was completely different. I didn’t like it that much, except for the way beginning - the film they did (TOO FUNNY!) and the ending. I disliked that they didn’t really continue the story. Instead they just told what happened through a talk show and discussion. It’s hard to explain. But I loved the first act.
Karen and Stephanie both have terrific comedic chops. It’s always a joy watching them perform. The rest of the cast was phenomenal, especially Kimbarly Hebert Gregory and of course Sanaa Lathan (as Vera Stark).
I sort of stage-doored. I say “sort of” because I was hanging around outside when the actors came out, but I didn’t get autographs. They came out and signed really quickly, and then left. Afterwards I kinda regretted not being a little closer to at least say hi to Karen and Stephanie, but it’s ok. I had to go. Got Cosi’s for dinner to bring back home for Jen and me and hopped on a train back home.
Vera Stark - $34 (Second’s Stage’s youth advance, including fees)
Good People - $30 (MTC’s 30 Under 30 program)
Anything Goes - $22 (Roundabout’s hiptix)
The People in the Picture - $10 (Roundabout’s $10 for first previews)
I feel really fortunate that these companies over programs like this.
Anyway... THIS…
I was so happy I was off on Saturday. It was such a beautiful day and I was glad that I was up early to enjoy it and spend the day in the city. I woke up around 9:30, got ready, and ran a couple of errands... had to go to the ATM and pick up some dvds at the library. Then I had breakfast and got read to head to the train station. I can’t even remember the last time I went to the city on a Saturday, I’m relieved when there are more train times, lol.
I had about 2 hours ‘til the show started. I picked up my ticket first, found a Starbucks to get a java chip frap, then walked around a bit. I wanted to eat my lunch outside so I found a spot on one of the benches near Wicked / the Mars restaurant and sat and ate. I was sitting directly facing a Cosi’s, so that made me crave that. Jen happened to text me during that time, so I suggested we get that for dinner. I could bring it home from the city. I googled other Cosi locations in the city and there happened to be one on 42nd street, literally a block away from Grand Central. So that would be perfect to pick up food from there on my way back instead of going out of my way back to the one near Wicked.
Before I knew it, it was time to head back to the theater. I love Second Stage. There isn’t a bad seat in the house (although I probably wouldn’t want to sit in a “box” seat). I was in Row G, house left.
Then the show began. I really had no idea what it was about. The only reason(s) I wanted to see it was for Karen Olivo and Stephanie J. Block. When I found out that they would be doing a PLAY, a play TOGETHER, I was ecstatic.
This play was interesting. I LOVED the first act. It was hilarious. But the second act was completely different. I didn’t like it that much, except for the way beginning - the film they did (TOO FUNNY!) and the ending. I disliked that they didn’t really continue the story. Instead they just told what happened through a talk show and discussion. It’s hard to explain. But I loved the first act.
Karen and Stephanie both have terrific comedic chops. It’s always a joy watching them perform. The rest of the cast was phenomenal, especially Kimbarly Hebert Gregory and of course Sanaa Lathan (as Vera Stark).
I sort of stage-doored. I say “sort of” because I was hanging around outside when the actors came out, but I didn’t get autographs. They came out and signed really quickly, and then left. Afterwards I kinda regretted not being a little closer to at least say hi to Karen and Stephanie, but it’s ok. I had to go. Got Cosi’s for dinner to bring back home for Jen and me and hopped on a train back home.