Broadway | Twice as Nice [Wonderland & How to Succeed, Part II]

While there are currently a great number of broadway shows to choose from, during my last full week in New York City I decided to see two of my favorites a second time-- Wonderland and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. I honestly didn't think I would see Wonderland again while I was here, but when I heard that it was closing I knew I just had to see it one last time. I tried for the lottery on Thursday evening, and I won! For $30 I was sitting second row center. During the entire show I was sitting there having a wonderful time, but I was also so disappointed. How could this great show be closing?! It is filled with catchy songs, great choreography, fun costumes, and some of the most talented actors on broadway. It's a true shame Wonderland won't entertain any more audiences. 

Not only was I lucky to win the lottery that night, but after the performance Janet Dacal (Alice) and Darren Ritchie (Jack) held a talkback session to answer questions from audience members. For those of you that haven't seen the show, Ritchie's character in Wonderland is the lead singer of the "boy band" The White Knightz. Their main number "One Knight" was definitely my favorite part of the show. It's an amazing song, but it's supposed to be funny, and I die of laughter watching these guys. Click here to watch their "music video." 

Anyway, at the talkback session, an audience member asked Darren if he tries to act like any certain boy band member in particular. His answer? "Football player Justin Timberlake." I have no words! To view the entire talkback, check out the YouTube Video:

On Saturday, I woke up bright and early to head over to the Al Hirschfeld Theatre to stand in the rush ticket line for How to Succeed. I got there two hours early, and got a great spot in line (about the 16th person or so). I politely asked the lady at the box office if I could sit on the right side of the orchestra, and she searched to get me the best seat there. My motives? I just HAD to get  a decent spot at the stage door! Last time I was seated on the left side of the orchestra and I nearly got trampled just walking out of the theater. I was going to leave as soon as the curtain call started, but didn't want to be rude and push the other girls sitting next to me out of the way. Instead I waited patiently, and as soon as the doors opened, booked it out of there. I got a good spot in the second row with enough room to stick my Playbill out to be signed. The problem? Daniel didn't come out! Apparently he doesn't come out at matinee performances. Understandable, since he has another show to do in a few hours, but I was still disappointed.

Even though Dan didn't come out I was still hoping to get some other autographs, but it seems the other actors have grown accustomed to just walking through the crowds as fast as they can. The smiled and waved, and kept right on going. I knew Christopher Hanke who plays Bud Frump sometimes signs, but he didn't even come out! Alas, I saw another great performance, but have another naked playbill. Hopefully my friends and I will be able to road trip it to NYC this summer so I can see the show again. 

Goodbye, Internship!

Today was the official last day of my internship. It feels good to not be an intern anymore! I had a great job and the best boss, but I am honestly glad it is over. The biggest drawback of the entire semester? The commute! The more-than-an-hour long commute from the Bronx to Manhattan completely sucks-- especially during rush hour. Almost every morning trip had delays. Last week I was even stuck between stations for an hour. Needless to say, being an intern in NYC is not glamorous.

I am very lucky to have gained so much experience as an undergrad, though. Not many students are able to intern at a law firm before reaching law school. I also learned a lot about what it takes to be a sports agent (one of the fields I would like to enter as a lawyer). It's much more than contract negotiation-- marketing and personal relationships are the keys to your clients' (and your own) success. I'm even thinking about watching some of the NFL Draft on Saturday to see if any of my boss' guys get drafted. I have a new respect for football, but I would definitely want to work with basketball players. Basketball is much more exciting and enjoyable for me, and I need to be interested in the work I do.

Moreover, for my last day my boss took me out to lunch at the restaurant that Justin Timberlake co-owns, Southern Hospitality. I had been wanting to go there all semester! We went to the Hell's Kitchen location, which is easier to get to from where the office is (although, I met him in Grand Central because my train was delayed... surprise, surprise). The food was absolutely delicious. I love southern-style stuff. I got a caesar salad and a BLT wrap, plus we got spinach and artichoke dip as an appetizer. There were so many options to choose from, though, that I want to go back and try more! I definitely recommend it if you're in the city. This location is just a short walk from Times Square, and there is another on the Upper East Side. 

On my way home from lunch, I had a really cool experience on the train. When I first moved here at the beginning of the semester, I was taking the train home with Mary. I'm not sure exactly where we were coming from, but a man came on and sang "Lean On Me." He had such a beautiful voice, and now every time I hear that song I think of him. Today, he was on the train again singing the same song. In a weird way, I felt as if I had come full circle. I'm going to miss the NYC community. We all come from different places, but we're all in it together. 

Here's a great version of "Lean On Me" with Steven Tyler. The video quality is crappy, but it's the music that's important: