Playing Tourist

Explore New York City and find out why our area is a hot tourist destination.

by Bernie Hodkin

Lawn Seats
Times Square and the Theater District are staples of the tourist experience. People from all over the United States and the world flock to this area to see large-scale musical productions such as “Mamma Mia,” “Legally Blonde” and “Young Frankenstein.” However, there is far more than just the well-known musicals to check out.

One of the best things about the city is the large amount of free events but many tourists still spend over $100 on a ticket to the theater. A good alternative besides standing room and student rush tickets is Broadway in Bryant Park.

A July and August concert series, Broadway in Bryant Park is frequented by two types of people: those “in the know” and those picnicking who

end up there by accident. I first discovered it in the summer of 2005 when I was bemoaning the lack of shows my mother took me to despite my proximity to the city.

“It’s too expensive,” she’d say to me. “Besides, I’ve already taken you to two shows this month.” I had an obsession and two shows was not enough for me.

All it took was Google and a few minutes and I found Broadway in Bryant Park, bryantpark.org. The park is between 40th and 42nd streets between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, close to the Theater District without being in the heart of it.

The area is entirely green and grassy with a stage set up near the 42nd Street entrance. Tables and chairs line a brick area to the right of the center of the park. Anyone can pick up a table and a few chairs and put them wherever they want to sit. Others bring their own towels and set them up.

The concerts take place on Thursday afternoons at 12:30 and last about an hour. Really devoted theater fans can show up early to hear the sound check or stay after to meet the performers who are usually willing to sign autographs.

Each show performs about two to three songs and there are three to five shows at every Bryant Park concert. Some of the musicals scheduled to appear this summer include “In the Heights,” “Stomp,” “Mary Poppins,” “Xanadu,” “Legally Blonde,” “Monty Python’s Spamalot,” and more.

Producers take care to show off their strongest numbers whether they are solos or full ensembles. Performers are not costumed; they wear T-shirts baring their show’s name. The atmosphere is very open and friendly. Audience members can sit directly in front of the stage and have full conversations with the singers afterwards.

I have been to many of the performances with my family and I can soundly say that going to them gives you a great preview of almost any show.

If you are a theater fan and short on money, Broadway in Bryant Park is definitely for you. Check out the Web site for dates and scheduled productions.

Bliss On The Boardwalk
By Noga Ben-Ami

I taste the salt, smell the sea, feel the breeze, listen to the waves and watch the big blue sky meet up with the big blue ocean. My mind is satisfied in that climax where all five of my senses can justly appreciate my setting. No, I’m not in Florida or Deal, N.J., or any other far-off island. In fact I’m sitting on a bench on the boardwalk in Brooklyn. It’s Shabbat day and I’m finally appreciating the true meaning of relaxation.
Most of us feel that in order to get away from the natural pressures of work and school we must escape for a few weeks to a special resort far away. I understood this to be a misconception after staying at my friend’s house in Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn for Shabbat.

She and I strolled down the boardwalk, alongside the beach, appreciating the simplicity of existence and our ability to live it with our senses. On our left is a stunning beach for swimming, sailing, water skiing or just riding the waves. There is a whole stretch of sand to collect shells or enjoy an intense game of volleyball.

Behind the sand is the boardwalk where we walk and sit on the benches, watching people and talking. On our right are courts for tennis, handball and basketball.
Something here for absolutely everyone to do without having to split up the group or fly miles away. I suggest setting out some time this summer to visit this underrated shoreline and experience it for yourself.

Take a break from the constant touring and hurrying from one subway to another. Instead sit down for a moment and breathe. New York City may be known as the city that never sleeps but there is a lot more than running from store to Empire State Building to your car parked three blocks away.

There are areas with such a pure quality of life as can be found on this beach. I think not going means not understanding New York in all its glory. Hope to see you there.
Sundays

In The Park
By Sarah Elizabeth Sarway

Walking around Midtown, you’d never think that you could find such a beautiful and breath-taking oasis blocks away. Once in the park you hardly notice the cars honking or the overwhelming number of tourists trying to take advantage of the value of the Euro. You can literally come at 7 a.m. and have something to do until 9 p.m.

From the Children’s Zoo, where you can entertain your young siblings, to the Great Lawn, where you can catch some rays, there’s something for every New Yorker.
Central Park is so beautiful that hundreds of movies have been filmed right there. “Enchanted” and “Made of Honor” are just a few recent ones. If the park’s good enough for Patrick Dempsey, it’s good enough for anyone.

There’s even a kosher restaurant nearby, The Great American Health Bar, located on 57th between Fifth and Sixth avenues. It is close to the park and absolutely delicious. They cook American favorites in a healthy and kosher way. So start your day off there with a Belgian waffle and orange juice and get a fresh mozzarella panini to go.
Then continue on to The Lake that can be accessed from any entrance between 71st and 78th streets. The popular Loeb Boathouse is located between 74th and 75th streets. With $10 for the first hour and a $30 cash deposit that you get back upon returning the boat, you’re in for hours of rowing around fun and a bunch of unforgettable memories.
I had a rowboat war between my boat and my friends’. We tried to tip them over and one of our crewmate’s shopping bags ended up in the water.

Central Park is fun, easy on the wallet and unforgettable. Do yourself a favor and see what I’m talking about at centralpark.com. Even if it’s just for a brisk walk or an ice cream cone from a vendor, you’ll always remember your visit. n

Bernie Hodkin is a junior at North Shore Hebrew Academy in Great Neck, L.I. Noga Ben-Ami is a freshman and Sarah Elizabeth Sarway is a junior at the Yeshivah of Flatbush in Brooklyn.

Westchester Jewish Conference

Westchester’s Jewish Community Relations Organization