A to Z Blogging Challenge: B Is for Broadway (Memories)

This revival opened on February 20, 2020 and had a very short run, like so much of Broadway theater in 2020. Fortunately I saw it in previews in December, 2019.

I was all set to write about books for the B post for Blogging from A to Z, but as I went through my photographs the picture above caught my attention. Yes, B is for books and I've got lots of them and love them, but B is also for Broadway and especially for the happy memories of Broadway experiences.  

One of my projects in early March, 2020 was planning a theater weekend with my friend, Kathea, who was going to visit with family and friends later in March. They'd bought tickets, reserved a hotel room and we were in the midst of planning dinners and other activities when we realized our adventure was not to be. My calendar for last year has lines through theater engagements long planned. I do still have one ticket that was postponed and postponed again. I am now scheduled to see "The Music Man" (with Hugh Jackman) this December. I am hoping that there will be shows to see before December. 

 

September 2019 with Jonathan Pryce

I loved seeing Broadway shows, but I also loved the opportunity to meet the stars after the show. At some point I realized that one could stand by the stage door and as the actors left after the show they would sign autographs and pose for pictures. This indulged every childhood fantasy I ever had. Sometimes it was almost impossible to get close enough for a photo, but it was always fun. I took the photograph above after seeing "The Height of the Storm," with Jonathan Pryce and Dame Eileen Atkins. Sweet memory of Broadway!  

With Matthew Broderick, 2012

One of my favorite Broadway memories is seeing "Nice Work If You Can Get It" with Matthew Broderick and Kelli O'Hara. It was a very fun musical with terrific music by George and Ira Gershwin. I'm sure I floated home humming "Someone to Watch Over Me," one of my favorite songs. 

It seems very unlikely that stage door activities will also return when live theater returns to Broadway. But I'm enough of a cockeyed optimist (to quote another favorite song) to believe that one day Stagedoor Buttercup will be back at the stage door waiting to meet her favorite actors. 

We're on to "C" tomorrow and regular visitors to Buttercupland will be able to guess the choice of my favorite thing for this letter of the alphabet. Yes, tomorrow is my ode to Coffee. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and a big welcome to all. 

Pink Blossom Pink Saturday

A few days ago I celebrated Pink Saturday just a block from home

Blossoms are everywhere and the medians on Broadway are especially pretty this year. It may be the saddest spring I can remember, but the blossoms are extraordinary. 

This picture was taken just a block from home. On the right is a food delivery truck -- our lifeline -- and on the left, more beautiful blossoms. 

Looking downtown on Broadway, noon today

Yes, it was cold, wind and rainy this morning, so the weather wasn't conducive to essential errands 

or walking for exercise, but the street wasn't that much emptier than most days.  It was, though, eerily empty for noon on Sunday.  And yes, I was out walking for exercise. I entered no stores, I wore a mask and latex gloves. When I got home I took off my shoes at the door. I then washed the gloves -- in case I had inadvertently touched anything -- and then washed my hands. After that I took off my coat. It's cumbersome, but as the days are going by, it's becoming routine.  

Somewhat to my surprise, the days go by quickly. Today I had a fun Zoom get-together with friends around the country, spent time cooking and watched two episodes of an Australian mystery. I decluttered, made a few phone calls and responded to a lot of text messages. I read newspapers on-line and listened to the Elton John television special while I worked on this post.  How was your Sunday?

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care of yourself. Much love, wash your hands and don't touch your face.  

The Lights Are Bright on Broadway

Times Square, looking South

In the last few days several people in my extended circle have let me know that they are planning to visit New York City in the next few weeks. This is in addition to two friends already scheduled to visit this month, in March and April. With one exception, a Broadway show is on the itinerary for all of the  visitors. Love that folks are coming to New York and definitely want to encourage the trend. This week I'm going to do at least two posts, possibly three, on spending time in the Theater District. Today's post shares pictures of the Times Square area and a spot for theater-oriented souvenirs. 

Looking uptown from Times Square

My show of choice on Saturday night

Even after almost 45 years in New York City I still get excited going to the theater. The moment of excitement when the lights go down never goes away. I've been fortunate to be able to see a lot of shows. Some have been okay, some have been less than okay and some have been very good. Some have been extraordinary and I feel so blessed to be able to have seen them. Girl From the North Country was the most recent show and it was very good. It had a talented cast, great music and a captivating story.  Yes, tickets are expensive, but I shop around, look for deals and sometimes see the show from the very top row in the balcony. 

After the show I walked on from Sixth Avenue on West 44th Street to the bus on stop on Eighth Avenue. I passed a restaurant that's been a long-time favorite in the Theater District, Cafe Un Deux Trois, at 123 West 44th Street. It's a fun French cafe and a good choice for fixed price pre-theater dinner, that is good until midnight. 

Theater Circle, 268 West 44th Street, near Eighth Avenue

On my way to the bus stop I passed a (large) number  of places selling souvenirs. But Theater Circle stood out from the rest. Here you can find sheet music, programs, books and t-shirts from past and current Broadway shows. 

I hope you've enjoyed our visit to the Theater District. Tomorrow we ponder this question: Where can you find a good bagel in Times Square?

As ever, thanks for visiting and wishes for a terrific Tuesday! 

On the Street Where I Live (Almost)

The trees have arrived!

One of my favorite days of the year is the day the trees arrive. This stand is two blocks from home and I pass it at least once a day. The bus stop is on this block and it's my route home from the subway. 

On Broadway

This is the general look of the block. My drugstore is on the right and Broadway is on the left. There's usually at least one person with a baby carriage, people are walking and generally someone is walking a dog or two. Yes, it's Broadway, but it's not the Broadway people think of when they think of Broadway in New York City. The theaters and bright lights are two miles south. 

It all changes when the trees arrive, on this block and many blocks all over New York City. On our block the same people have arrived from Canada for at least ten years. The block is transformed. It goes from concrete and steel to an enchanted forest, wonderfully fragrant with the aroma of evergreen. The enchantment remains until Christmas Day. When I've arrived home after visiting friends on December 26, the trees and the aroma and all the magic of the season is gone. Yes, it's a let down. No matter how much fun I've had in celebration I'm sad to see the block returned to its regular state. 

This was not the intended subject that I hoped to blog about today due to a change in plans. But I hope you'll enjoy a visit to my corner of New York instead. 

Thanks for the congratulations to Nessie and Pep and the comments about the Grand Central event. I'm not quite sure what was taking place there, but that's what makes New York City interesting. The two other wedding photo events I've seen there were just that, photo events. I've yet to see a wedding in Grand Central Station, but I'll be on the lookout. 

   

It's December 5 and I'm starting to fall woefully behind in holiday doings. I've got cards to address and packages to wrap and mail all over my dining area table. I had hoped to be further along, but real life gets in the way. Happily, it's all good things in real life and I'm so grateful for all of it. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care.  

N Is for the N Train

 

Today we're visiting the N Line. It runs from Ditmars Boulevard in Astoria, Queens through Manhattan and through Brooklyn to Stilwell Avenue in Coney Island. We stopped in midtown Manhattan on our way to our "P" stop. Yes, we're having a little weekend fun by putting the hint of the day in the middle of the post. Wild Saturday night in Buttercupland!

 

After my visit to the N Line, I spent time with my friend, Johnny Cash at the Opry City Stage.  Opry City Stage was a find for me this afternoon while I was taking pictures. There's a restaurant, music events and gift shop only five subway stops from home. The restaurant menu looks great and so does the musical programs.  

 

 



We're in the center of the Broadway theater district and you can see the neon marquees. The one closest to us is for the long-running musical, Chicago. 

 

We're making a quick stop for a photo at the legendary Brill Building. The building is named for the Brill family who owned a clothing store on the first floor and later bought the building. During the depression they began to lease office space to song writer and publishers and musicians. The Brill Building was the site for offices for many of the great song writers of the 1960s. Gerry Goffin and Carole King, Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller and Neil Sedaka are a few of the names that created many of the songs we danced to in high school. The building is under renovation now, but if you listen carefully you can still hear  "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?"

 

 We've only walked for a few blocks, but when there's a Juniors around the corner it's time to stop for a piece of their iconic cheesecake. This is a branch of the restaurant that was founded in 1950 in Brooklyn. Good deli sandwiches and great cheesecake make it a fun spot for a snack or meal. The sandwiches and the slices of cheesecake are enormous and definitely made for sharing. As you can see from the picture, spring has finally arrived in New York City and it was a day to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine.

 

We'll be staying closer to home for our next A to Z Blogging Challenge,  but I've got a discovery there, too. I hope you'll be part of the fun. For more weekend fun please stop by the group at Pink Saturday. This has been my Saturday. What did you do this spring Saturday?

 

As ever, thanks for visiting and have a beautiful Sunday!

 

Pink Saturday Goes to a Winter Wonderland

 

Central Park via Snapseed

After a complete day spent in my apartment building on Thursday because of the snowstorm, it was a mental and physical health necessity that I get some air and exercise on Friday. There was less than a foot of snow, but I'm not a model of balance and I dread slippery sidewalks, piles of snow where there should be crosswalks and mini-mountains at bus stops. Nonetheless I planned my route via subway to the Time Warner Center where I could walk indoors and then easily cross the street -- there's a lot of foot traffic in this area -- and visit Central Park. 

The temperature had warmed up to an almost balmy sixteen degrees by the time I got to Central Park. I had on enough layers for almost any (brief) outdoor activity, including a hat and my coat hood and hand warmers and really enjoyed being out of doors.

The view of Columbus Circle, looking east, taken in the Time Warner Building  

I also enjoyed my visit to the Time Warner Building, which is a very nice shopping center. Being inside and passing just about every store -- many sales -- was a great temptation during No Spending January. I was especially tempted at Sephora, but was I content sampling several very upscale hand lotions. It would have been nice to get a makeover, but I didn't think I had the fortitude to resist more makeup that I don't need. Hand lotion sampling for the win.     

This is the same view as the photograph above from a different angle.

Central Park is directly across the street.

 

Today was still cold, but the sidewalks were clearer and getting across streets was easier. I ventured beyond my immediate few blocks and saw "The Post," which I enjoyed a lot. I may even take the bus across Central Park in the next few days and visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and of course there will be pictures.

Once again, I'm delighted to join my friends at Pink Saturday for weekend fun. I hope you had fun this weekend, too, whether it was keeping cozy from the cold or enjoying being outdoors.

Thanks for visiting and take good care!
 

Pink Saturday Goes Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Broadway and West 73rd Street, Manhattan

 

 I was walking along Broadway after study group this afternoon with my friend, Nora. It was twilight and I looked to the right and saw this tiny park brightly lit and glowing. I asked if we could stop for a minute so I could take a picture. She replied yes, and added "I expect I'll see this in your blog." I told her I hadn't thought of using it, but since she asked for it, I would. As I continued home, I thought, "Why not?" I've been focused on capturing the iconic Christmas scenes in New York and was overlooking the beauty close at hand. So, tonight we take a Pink Saturday in my New York neighborhood.    

When I got home tonight it had gone from twilight to evening and the snow covered the street divider on Broadway. It set off the white lights that decorate the trees and made for a very local winter wonderland.
 

I took this picture on Friday at West 86th Street and Broadway, just a few blocks from the photograph above. I've probably walked by this store a dozen times in the last few weeks, but didn't notice the goodies in the window. But as I waited for the traffic light to change the t-shirt in the center caught my eye, "I'm only a morning person on December 25th." It's definitely true for me. Is this the case for my friends in Buttercupland?

"But the prettiest sight you'll see is the holly that will be

On your own front door."

When I started to write this post this phrase from "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" kept going through my mind. So I close this post with a photograph of holly from the grocery a few blocks from my house. It's not quite my own front door, but it's in a corner of my heart and world.

Tomorrow we return to the iconic sights of New York City with perhaps the most iconic. Any guesses?

As ever, thanks for visiting and have a weekend filled with blessings at your own front door.
 

Hello, Bette

When I was in high school one of the great treats of my life was taking the New Haven Railroad  from Hartford to New York City for Wednesday matinee day with my mother. We didn't do it very often because of the expense, and our lunch in New York was usually at the automat -- no Sardi's for these theater goers -- but what a treat it was. One of the plays we saw was "Hello, Dolly, with Ginger Rogers in the title role. Over fifty years later people still ask me if I saw Carol Channing in her signature role and I say happily, "No, I saw my dancing idol, Ginger Rogers." It's still a very happy memory.
 

Last fall I saw that there would be revival of the play with Bette Midler opening in the spring. I ordered tickets months ahead and kept busy with life. But May came around and I saw a beautiful and touching production with Bette Midler, now my perfect Dolly. When I saw Hello Dolly at sixteen, I couldn't fathom what life might be like for an older woman making her way in the world alone, as Dolly Levi does in the play. Now I totally understand it and had so much appreciation for the character, the role and Bette Midler. It's a beautiful production and if you're a fan of musicals or theater or fun, well worth seeing.

I played Stagedoor Buttercup after the show. Alas, Bette Midler didn't come out for autographs the night I saw it, I did get David Hyde Pierce's autograph on my program, which made my evening of theater complete.

I'm completing two pieces of unfinished business with this post. The first is my A to Z blogging. I omitted H and while I will be doing a post about Alexander Hamilton, I am counting this post as "H." The second piece of business is announcing the winner of the Mile A Day in May Challenge.  The winner is Jeannette at Longwell Crew. Jeannette, I have a novel and a book tote bag for you. Congratulations and thanks to all the walkers for keeping me company.

I'm reading and reading these days and did my first post on  Coffee Light and Mysteries Noir in a long time. I shared my thoughts on Jane Harper's terrific mystery, "Dry." I hope you will stop by and visit.

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care! 

Merry Christmas Wishes

Yes, Santa has come to town. He's a little weary. It's a hectic few months and a lot of travel, and Santa's not a kid anymore. But he still has hope and he brings that hope wherever he goes. I'm hoping Santa's sack holds peace on earth, good health and good wishes to all of Buttercupland. Joining with my Pink Saturday friends to send my greetings.

 

 

Wishes for a bright and blessed Christmas!

 

On Broadway

I walk along Broadway almost every day, and almost every day I pass the Courtyard of the Apthorp.
The Apthorp is a "historic condominium."  That's the Wikipedia description for the apartment complex completed in 1908, and named for a 300 acre farm that was in the area in the eighteenth century. During its long history Nora Ephron, Al Pacino and Cyndi Lauper have been among its distinguished residents. There's scaffolding all around the building and I don't generally pay the building very much attention. But I noticed the beautiful wreath in the picture below and then I gazed into the courtyard and saw one of the prettiest and least storied Christmas trees in New York. 

As I continued my walk I found what may be the cutest gingerbread houses in all of New York City waiting to be packed into a truck at the curb. They were on their way to a school fund-raiser auction. All of the details were lovely, but I was especially enchanted by the pretzel roof on the right. I've suffered an almost infinite number of cake decorating failures, so I am in awe of anyone who can make candy, gingerbread and pretzels into a perfect gingerbread house.

This last photograph is also about Broadway, but this photograph is about the theater life on Broadway. My wildly talented actress friend, Deborah Templin, has created a one-woman show about her family's history on a dairy farm in Minnesota. I had the good fortune of being asked to a preview of the show in a rehearsal building in the theater district, just off Broadway. What a treat! I was engaged from the moment I entered the building -- this is the sign in the elevator -- and throughout the show, Singing for the Cows. I was transported to rural Minnesota, about as far from Broadway as I could go, and enjoyed the journey immensely.

This is my review:

 SINGING FOR THE COWS captures American life. We meet five generations of an extended farm family from the first moment they arrive in America. We share their lives, stories, songs, recipes and the moments that tell about their life -- and America's life. It is moving, engaging and funny.
Theatre not to be missed

I hope you've enjoyed our walk down Broadway. I've been snapping pictures at just about every ten feet, so I promise there will be many more photographs to come.

 

As ever, thanks for visiting and have a wonderful December.

 

Frankie Valli, I've Got You Under My Skin Pink Saturday

My adventure this weekend was seeing Frankie Valli -- without the Four Seasons -- in an extraordinary one-week Broadway show.  He is 82 and I am hoping I am going as strong at 72, let alone eighty-two.

His backup for the concert was the Modern Gentlemen, a handsome, lively and wildly talented group. There was also a nine piece band and I could happily have listened to the band for the evening. 

And the music! Though I wasn't a particularly strong fan of the Four Seasons in high school I knew just about every word to every song. The audience was encouraged to sing along and there was swaying, clapping and lots of singing. As you can see in the group in the far corner of this photograph, there was dancing, too. I felt as though I was at my high school reunion -- if my reunion was held at a Broadway theater, I knew only one other person there (my friend Lonni) and Frankie Valli was the entertainment. I was definitely right at home with my peer group and yes, it felt great.   

My clue in my Wedding Wednesday post was discussing the four seasons. I only realized I had left a hint after I wrote the post, but I liked the idea of a (very, very subtle) hint.

Lonni and I had a fabulous time and we followed up our spectacular evening with a walk to West 69th Street this morning. I think of it as the "Halloween Street" and I'll be sharing pictures tomorrow.

As ever, thanks for visiting and have a very merry Halloween Monday.

My Kind of Celebration

My first stop on the coffee trail began with a cup of hot coffee at my favorite coffee cart in the neighborhood. 

 

 Twenty four hours ago I'd never heard of this event and now here I am joining the celebration. What celebration? Today is officially National Coffee Day. Of course I celebrate coffee every day, but it's nice to have a day dedicated to one of my favorites in life. Besides drinking coffee I decided to document coffee in my immediate neighborhood. I had a meeting a mile from home. As I walked home I found a number -- a large number -- of places, either dedicated to coffee, or including coffee. My photographs were taken during a half mile of my walk only on one side of the street.

Two blocks north of the coffee cart I stopped at Fairway, a New York chain, to visit the coffee bean section. They had a great assortment of beans and the aroma was fabulous. 

Two blocks further north I passed Maison Kayser, an upscale bakeshop and restaurant. They have very good bread and beautiful pastries, as well as an extensive coffee menu. 

On the same block I passed Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, a national chain that is less upscale than Maison Kayser. The coffee is good and they have lots of seating. Amazingly, considering the number of places that feature coffee. it's sometimes difficult to find a seat. As an aside the store to the right, Westside Market, is where I made the sighting of the rare pumpkin yogurt.

These are a few that stood out. Oren's, which I wrote about in April during my search for the best coffee in New York, was also in this ten block stretch of Broadway. If you're surprised I didn't include Starbucks, it's not because there are none. There are two locations within these ten blocks, but they are on the other side of the street.
 

My best celebration of National Coffee Day, however, took place a few blocks north of the places photographed. I made a cup of Breakfast Blend Katahdin Specialty Coffee, which was a gift from my thoughtful friend, B. It was delicious, especially served in my Buttercup mug. Thanks B and Taryterre for your help in celebrating National Coffee Day.

Any other coffee fans in Buttercupland? Please let us know how you joined in the celebration.

Overnight it has turned to fall. I wore a jacket today and my open toe sandals are officially put away for the winter. There are pumpkins everywhere and it won't be very many more days before flannel and fleece makes appearances.

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care.

 

(Not Quite) Wordless Wednesday

 

This has been the weather in New York for the last few days, cold, rainy and dreary. I'm wearing corduroy and a wool sweater and I'm not too hot. The calendar says May, but the weather says November. Happily, the next month is June and not December.

 

I've been remiss, actually very remiss. On the last day of March I posted a Surprise Giveaway from Peru. I got very caught up in my coffee reveling and alas, didn't post the winner. Bad Buttercup! I'm going to send this handmade change purse -- my photography doesn't do the colors of the weaving justice -- to Mimi of The Grandmother Gig.  I always enjoy my visits there and especially like her recipes. Today's post is about homemade jam and I'm all set to run out for strawberries.

Hoping there's sunshine where you are. As ever thanks for visiting and take good care!
 

To Think that I Saw it on Broadway!

I was walking on Broadway sometime in the last few weeks and this pretty truck caught my eye. I thought it was some very attractive new food truck, but as I got closer I could see it was not the usual at all. It was New York City's first flower truck, from Uprooted. Not in the market for flowers that evening I didn't chat about prices, but I definitely found it photo-worthy.

A closer look into the interior of the truck and bouquets.

 

 

I loved the artwork and the names for the bouquets

 

A little edit here: Blogger was acting up yesterday, so I'm back on Monday with a few edits and larger photos. 

 

 

As ever, thanks for stopping by and wishes for a merry Monday!

 



Flashback Friday: May 22, 1963

Before "Star Trek" (1966) and "Star Wars" (1977) there were men who went in space and took our breath away. I don't think very much about the Mercury Astronauts, who are all wrapped up with junior high school and algebra and President Kennedy, but in 1963 I thought of them a lot. I never wanted to be an astronaut, but their courage left a deep impression on me.

On a spring night a few weeks ago I was walking on Lower Broadway and came upon this inscription set into the sidewalk. It commemorates the ticker tape parade that greeted Astronaut Gordon Cooper's visit to New York City. Cooper piloted the Faith 7 and orbited the earth 22 times. This doesn't sound like very much today, but then we cheered for the accomplishment it truly was.

The number of ticker tape parades was significantly cut back in 1966 -- there are a lot of sidewalk markers before then -- and they, like ticker tape, are rare. If the Mets or Yankees win the World Series, there will be a ticker tape parade. The one I remember most vividly was held to honor the American Embassy personnel after they were freed from being held hostage in the US Embassy in Teheran in 1981.

So we begin Memorial Day weekend 2015, remembering those who went out in courage for America. Whether they went around the earth, to the Normandy beaches, Iwo Jima or Afghanistan, we thank them and remember them.

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care.   

It's Three O'Clock in the Afternoon in Tokyo...

...and my body wants to be there.

 

 

I've been awake for the last half hour and for the first ten minutes I assumed I'd quickly drift back to sleep. But after realizing I was wide awake and could actually do the post I'd planned to do at nine o'clock, a realization came to me. It was the dreaded jet lag. My body is perfectly synched with the time in Tokyo and Seoul. It knows it should be out and about and not sleeping. In a fantasy, I thought I would make the transition back to New York without jet lag, but here I am at almost four o'clock a.m. wide awake.

 

I left Seoul at 4:55 Wednesday afternoon and arrived in New York at 9:30 Wednesday night, after two airports, two flights, two and a half movies, three television episodes, three meals and sixteen hours in the air. Happily, it was uneventful and we even missed major thunderstorms in New York by half an hour, permitting the flight to land on time.  I have a half unpacked suitcase and dirty laundry that needs to be dealt with, but I got to the grocery -- mandatory! -- the gym and to the bank. Later this morning I will get to Weight Watchers. I don't usually go to the 9:00 a.m. session, but since I may still be wide awake, I will start my day earlier. That will put me at Trader Joe's before the weekend food buying hysteria begins and I will get fruit and vegetables, for a return to sane and sensible eating.

 

I was feeling a little sad at coming to the end of my trip. Despite my travel anxieties, I almost always find traveling exciting and interesting and this trip was no exception. Fabulous sights, interesting travel companions, and a wonderful time with my friend K, who I shared Japan with.  There were the sublime moments, like seeing Mt. Fuji and the less sublime, like discovering the infinite flavors of soft ice cream in Japan and I enjoyed them all. Home in comparison, even New York City, seemed very routine. 

 

But I was greeted with this...just a block from home, and reminded that there were many discoveries yet to make right around the corner, literally and figuratively. 

 

  Broadway, Upper West Side

 

I also made this discovery while grocery shopping...

 

I think I'll start with the green tea, and then the ginger.

 

 

It's 4:02 a.m. in New York City on Friday, April 24 and all is well. I hope all is well in whatever time zone you are in. I plan to be back sometime in the next twenty-four hours with Random Five Friday. There will definitely be one random thought on wasabi KitKats and several on skin care shopping in Korea. 

 

Thanks for visiting and take good care.