Empire State Building

I fell in love with New York the first time I went there with my grandmother at age three.   Before the diva became a professor, I traveled to NYC frequently while working as a journalist.    This is the first year in many that I have not already been there several times by summer for work and/or play.  Therefore I was very excited to be in the city this past weekend.

My godmother, Renee, and I decided to honor our late Aunt Anne by spending her birthday in her favorite city doing our favorite activity we shared with her next to shopping ─ theatre.    We decided to see August Wilson’s “Fences” starring Oscar winner Denzel Washington and Oscar nominee Viola Davis.    I’m a huge August Wilson fan and see every production of his work I hear of. 

This trip was a frugal foray.  I used Amtrak Rewards points for train tickets and Hilton Honors points for a hotel room.  Finding an award reservation in Manhattan was impossible so I opted for the Doubletree in Jersey City, NJ.  It’s a quick PATH train ride into midtown.  Before the show we dined at the Bourbon Street Bar & Grill on Restaurant Row.  While enjoying great New Orleans cuisine and peach margaritas, we lost track of time and had to walk briskly, pick up our tickets and slide into our seats minutes before the curtain came up.   

All of the actors’ performances were great, especially in the second act.  The 10 Tony Award nominations are truly earned.    The play reminded me of how much I miss seeing Denzel in dramatic roles.  I’ve skipped all of his sci-fi and action movies over the last few years.    Mykelti Williamson’s performance was a great surprise.  His portrayal of a mentally challenged man is given with great depth.  

During intermission I noticed a man in a skull cap.  It was a balmy night in the city so I figured it must have been unbearable.   After the show I realized it was comedian Paul Mooney in the skully!   After the show Renee and I remained outside the theatre with hundreds of others to see the stars exit through the stage door.   We strolled around Manhattan before heading back to the hotel. New York has this energy that emboldens you.  When I stepped off the train, I literally felt like belting out the name of the city ala Alicia Keys!   The next day we took in a little more of the city before I headed back to my summer home and Renee off to Connecticut.  It was hard walking down Madison and Fifth Avenues and not patronizing any shops.  I have many miles to cover this summer so I must maintain my budget.   Therefore I took no cabs and only used the PATH and subway trains.  My next stop is Indiana University for a journalism professors’ workshop.  

Air Kisses,

Professor Diva Mac

P.S. Check out more pictures from my NYC trip on facebook.  What’s your favorite place or activity in NY?  Leave a comment.