Awesome Broadway travel recommendations in 2021? Looking for the best things to do in NYC this weekend? Whether you’re the group planner searching for more things to do in NYC today, or you have no plans yet, here are some ideas to add to your list for this weekend. Check out the Spotlight on Orchids show at New York Botanical Garden, take a Winter Sound Walk at Brooklyn’s botanic garden, attend a virtual red carpet at a Golden Globes party or head out for some amazing art around the city. Whatever you do, don’t forget a mask and to socially distance.
While the actors sang with marvelously crisp voices, especially the breathtaking performance by firecracker Eric Huffman (Damien) who displayed his vocal talent with an impressive amount of dancing, Casey Nicholaw took a remarkable route on the choreography. Instead of focusing on the skill and technique of the individual dancer, Nicholaw distorted the entire shape of the stage in a kaleidoscope of arms, pictures, and a clockwork of movement by the ensemble as one unit. Overall, every impression was given through the defining movement by each dancer onstage to craft Mean Girls into the innovative modern theatre it is.
If I were you I wouldn’t buy Broadway tickets in advance at the moment. I know there are a few sites that will sell you tickets. But there are two things you need to be aware of. First, with all the uncertainty at present, there is a good chance that the particular performance for which you purchase tickets will be cancelled. This means that you will be on the phone for hours trying to get your money back. In 2020 there were a few large Broadway ticket companies that were not able to issue refunds quickly because the money they had collected were simply spent. I think you will be able to get your money but you might have to wait a little. I believe even ticketmaster had some delays with refunds for Broadway purchases. Second, ticket prices seem to be quite expensive now. Let’s take Wicked at the Gershwin Theatre for example. Vividseats will sell you tickets for June, but the primary market (ticketmaster or the box office) won’t . And the prices are starting from $164 (which doesn’ include the service fees which can be another $30-$40 per ticket) for the Rear Mezzanine. Generally you can find seats for Wicked in the Rear Mezz for $70-$80 per ticket. See extra details at Travel to New York 2021.
An exciting new attraction in New York City, the High Line is a former rail line that has been transformed into an urban walking trail above the city streets. This unique linear public park has been planted with a variety of plants and trees, many of which are native species. In spring many of these come into bloom. The park is lined with glass railings in most areas, giving it a natural feel, while still offering outstanding views of the city. This oasis on Manhattan’s West Side runs from Gansevoort Street at the south end (just south of West 13th Street) to West 34th Street at the north end, running parallel to 10th Ave most of the way. You can access it at various points along the route, some of which offer stair access only, and others with elevator access. Although the High Line is only about two to three stories above street level, the views of the city’s architecture and the lookouts over the streets offer a whole new perspective. Along the route are art installations, benches, and near the south end is a sitting area with bleacher-style seating and a glass wall looking out onto the city. The trail is heavily used, and on weekends it can be extremely busy, but without the surrounding traffic, it’s still a peaceful retreat.
The Statue of Liberty has to be on your NYC itinerary! Though the line for the ferry from Battery Park is long, if you get there early, you can avoid most of it. (Come late and you’ll have to wait a few hours.) The Statue of Liberty is spectacular to see up close (she’s as big as you imagine), but the real highlight of this combo is Ellis Island, where you can learn about the immigrant experience and get a sense of the people who helped build NYC (you’ll even find my family’s name inscribed on the wall!). There’s such a great sense of history there that you can’t help but be impressed. Tip: If the line’s too long and you don’t want to wait, take the free Staten Island ferry for photos of the statue and harbor. Read a lot more info on https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g60763-i5-k13476134-New_York_in_Summer_2021_What_should_I_be_aware_of-New_York_City_New_York.html.