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So we encourage you to stay in touch with us and your fellow community members wherever works best for you!
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Back in November while surfing the web I checked on Dan Donohues website. Who is Dan Donohue you ask? He played Scar in the traveling Lion King show when they were in Boston. I enjoyed his portrayal of Scar so much, Scar became my fave Disney villian. I found myself watching him primarily everytime he was on stage, causing me to look at Scar in a whole different light. I ended up seeing it a 2nd time in Boston so I could see the show again and well, scar
Well, back to his website I saw that he was only going to be playing Scar till April, then he was heading back to Oregon to play in Shakespeare theater again. So signed ontoTicketmaster to see where the show was going to be the next few months. They were going to be in Pittsburgh in the beginning of 08 so I thought I would see about getting a ticket there. I had friends in Pittsburgh since I lived there for a year and a half, so I could visit them too. Only problem is, the tickets were really expensive, I thought around the same as Braodway. I then checked the price of Broadway to see how they compared. Imagine my surpise when I found Broadway to be cheaper. I clicked on best seat and the best seat was row b in center orchastra and it was the same as the cheaperst seat in Pittsburgh So I purchased the broadway ticket as I have always wanted to see it on broadway and it was a great steat. I was bummed that I wouldn't see Dan Donohue as Scar again, but I would see The Lion King on Broadway
A month or 2 later while the strike was still going on I decided to check THe Lion Kings website to see if they had any info on the strike. They didn't, but I thought I would check to see who was playing Scar, wondering if it was the same guy that was in the program I got at the Boston show. The program had the Broadway cast and not the traveling show's cast. Well, I think you all probably heard my shriek of happiness when I saw Dan Donohue was playing Scar on Broadway now Never realized he was no longer on the touring group,but on Broadway I tell ya, it was fate, if I had purchased the ticket for the Pittsburgh show, I would not have seen Dan afterall, now I will
Unfortunatly I took too long getting airfare, pretty much waiting till 2 weeks before. For some reason I was sooo undecisive on how I want to get there and if I wanted to stay overnight. By the time I decided to fly, airfare was a little higher and well, hotels were just too expensive. So I did fly, but did not stay overnight. I also flew into JFK as it was about $200 cheaper then flying into LaGuardia. I decided to go with Jet Blue as it was the cheapest fare I could find and I did not want to have to drive an hour to Manchester to go Southwest. Turned out just as well cause I did check Southwest and Southwest does not fly to LaGuardia or JFK from Manchester. The only NY airport they fly to from Manchester is Buffalo, which would be no hellp to me.
The day before my trip I ended up working OT. I did not get out till 8pm, which meant missing my chance to vote grrrr. I was also exhausted when I got out, which meant getting ready for the next day was a bit tiring. I got things ready, checked the boards out a bit and then went to bed, setting my alarm for 4:10 am as I had an 8am flight and wanted to get to logan by 6. I knew I would be hitting the snooze button a few times so set the alarm a little early.
I did hit the snooze a few times as I was soo tired, but finally made myself get up shortly after 5am. I washed my hair, dressed and I was out the door. I did stop at an ATM and got some money out so I would have money for cabs, meals and well, suvies. I was at the airport a little before 6. I found a parking spot on the 3rd level easily in row S. Well, as I was getting out of the car I was saying the location a few times so I would remember it and then realized it would be really easy. I was in row S, S for Scar and hey, level 3 for Scars 3 heyena henchmen. Yeah, it is starting to be a Disney day
I could not believe some of the travelers in the security check point. One guy told his family " perfect, right on time". It was 6:20 and while the line was not too long, there was a long enough line that was moving a bit slow. He turned to one of the TSA guys and said they would get through for thier 6:50 flight, right? mmm yeah, flight leaves in a half hour and it is probably boarding now. Why would he think he is right on time, he should have been there long before. Worst thing was, there were a few other groups for the same flight in line. Non of them any bit panicky, like they had all the time in the world Well, TSN pulled them into lines to the side and let them ahead of others as they had to board. Short time later, they did the same for another flight. I didn't see that as much in Manchester, they are obviously smarter up there in NH then here in Boston. Or actually, here in Ma, a lot of people I find are more into themselves and self centered. Not everyone of course, but some. TSA kept telling everyone to remove thier liquids as that is what is holding everything up, people keep forgetting to take them out of the bags
Once I was through the security checkpoint I decided to get something to eat. I was hoping there was a Dunkin Donuts, but there was not one after the checkpointe. There was a starbucks though and I decided I would have that. I got a large caramel Machiato and a bagel with cream cheese. This is when I missed Dunkin Donuts, at Starbucks I had to put my own cream cheese on the bagel, which was not toasted by the way, and they only give you one packet of cream cheese. so I had a thin spread of cream cheese on the bagel. I ate it though, I was starving. Flight boarded right on time and we were on our way.
I have to say I LOVE JetBlue You guys can have Southwest, I am going to try and get JetBlue from now on. It was nice having a tv to watch and well, the seats were sooo much more comfortable and the legroom? wow, lots of legroom. And best thing? you get assigned seating
Before I knew it we were in NY I got on the shuttle to get to the main termanal and the shuttle pretty much left right after boarding. When we got to the main terminal I went used the rest room which was piping in music. What was sooo cool was "Can you feel the love tonight" was on. It was definatly not only a DIsney day, but a Lion King day
I checked at the transportation desk to find a good way of getting to Times square, thinking of maybe there was a better way then taxi. I hate Taxi's, for some reason I have a fear of riding in them. I think it is the whole I don't know the driver and well, I have had a few rides that kinda gave me a scare of 2 They told me of the express bus to Manhatten, it was $15 one way or $27 round trip. That was my way to go Yeah, I did not know the driver of the bus either, but some reason I feel better when there are others on the bus with me
I was shortly on the bus and on the way to Manhatten and times square.
As we were just about at our stop and drivng through part of Times square I sat there with my mouth open, I was sooo excited After getting offf the bus at the port authority I decided to walk over to Broadway itself and then find the Minskoff theatre so I would know where I had to be for the show. It was still early so I planned on walking around first. Once I was on Braodway I called mom to let her know I made it ok, then decided to get lunch. It was only 11am, but I was hungry and I figured better eat before the restaurants get too busy. I ate at McDonalds and then decided to check out some of the shops.
I was going to check out the Hershey store, but decided to find out how close the World of Disney store was. There was a police officer standing nearby so I asked him where it was. He gave me directions and seeing as though it did not sound too far, I decided to take a walk to check it out. It did not take me long to get there at all and WOW, I love it in there. I was like a kid in the candy store, but I was good. I knew I would want to get a few things at the Show, so I only got 2 things. One was a picture of Jasmine with Rajah that was marked down to $5.99 from $15.00 and a postcard of the Disney villians that was marked down to $.99. It had Scar on it, so I had to get it, not to many things with Scar on it. After paying for my items I decided to head back to Broaday and check out the Hershey store and M & M world.
As I was heading back up 44th ave I saw a suv double park across the street. Two guys got out and one of them, the taller of the 2 was waving the other guy closer to the SVU, I was thinking cause there was traffic coming. Well, I then got excited as I realized who it was. I know he is no longer with Disney, but I was excited still the same. The guy was Michael Eisner I am suprised I recognized him as I usually don't recognize anyone unless someone points them out lol. I immediatly called Nancy as I had to call someone I was so excited She can tell ya how excited I was
It did not take me long to make it to the Hersehy store at all. It seemed like I was there before I knew it. It looked less roomier then when the Designers from Project Runway was there. Maybe they pushed stuff aside? or tricks of the camera, who knows, but it looked much smaller. I did not buy anything there though. I headed over to M & M world next, saying that Hershey was nice, but I bet M & M world is nicer. And I was right, I love this store It is 3 floors and everything M & M's I almost loved this store as much as World of Disney, I said almost, I did love World of Disney better. I was good though, only purchased 3 limited edition bags of wild cherry M & M's I got one for myself of course, but also for mom and Nancy.
It was now a little after 1 so I walked over to the Minskoff theatre as the show started at 2pm. There was a small crowd already waiting so I was glad I did. They let us into the lobby at 1:15 and then we could wait inside. I made a purchase of the Tshirt I had seen someone wearing in WDW. It was Scar's mask with the saying "I am surrounded by Idiots" So I purchased that right away as I knew I wanted it. I also purchased a coke as I wanted the plastic cup. I use the one I got in Boston all the time and wanted this one to add as it was different.
It was not long before we were seated. While waiting though I did talk to 2 other couples that were there waiting to get in. They had not seen it and I told them they were in for a treat
I loved the show as usually and yeah, Loved Dan Donohue as Scar once again. I pretty much watched him each time he was on stage. I am always amazed how talented the kids are that play young Nala and Simba. How fun for them Unfortunatly the show went by too fast as usual and before I knew it , the show was over. I had wished I saw the 2 couples I was talking to so I could ask them how they liked it, but I did not see them on the way out. I am sure they enjoyed it, as I can't see how anyone can't Can ya tell I LOVE this show? lol
One thing I noticed when I got out was how crowded Times Square was now. It was packed. I would never drive around here as poeple were crazy when it came to crossing the streets Some never even waited for the walk sign, causing cars to come to a dead stop and blare thier horns. All the same I found Times square exhilerating, I love it I started to walk back to Port Athority, but decided I should eat dinner in Times Square, I was not quite ready to leave it yet, I think I was actually ready to move there I was at first looking for a wendy's or the Kentucky fried chicken I had saw earlier. But could not find them, could not remember where I saw them. I was really looking for cheap as this trip was costing enough already, but decided I may as well eat one good meal.
I tried to get a seat at Hard Rock, but there were no seats avail unless you had ressies mm guess it may be McDonalds again if this is the norm already. After looking at menus from some places I decided to give Planet Hollywood a chance and got a seat no problem. I had a great waitress Kameron, she was fantasic, very attentive. I heard her tell the next table that she was working there cause it was a night jobs, that auditions only happen during the day. So sounds like she is trying to make it on Broadway Good luck to her, hope she does, I am sure it isn't easy. She is realy cute too, so hopefully she will make it.
I tell ya, I am pathetic, I am a merchandisers dream lol. I got this blue drink, that turned out to be very yummy. But you want to know why I really got it? Cause it came with a plastic shark lol. yeah, I love sharks and by darn, I wanted that shark. When Kameron brought the drink over she told me the shark is mine to keep. I said good, cause thats the whole reason I got the drink. She then said she is glad they had them, as they were out of them for awhile. See, they knew I was coming and knew I would get that drink to get it lol. I got a Ceaser salad for dinner and got the chocolate case for dessert. Both were yummy.
After paying my bill I decided I better head on back to the Port authority to catch the bus back to the airport. But first I had to stop into the Yankees clubhouse so I could tell me niece I went there. The Yankees clubhouse, for those who don't know what it is, is a store selling Yankee stuff. My niece is a big Yankees fan. Yeah, she will be jealous I got to the station and it was not long before I was on the bus and on the way back to the airport.
I got to the airport in no time and checked in through the JetBlue computer, really easy I saw a neat sports restaurant/bar and decided to go sit at the bar area and have a beer as I had a few hours before my flight. They had my fave beer, Pilsner Urquell which is a beer from the Czech Republic. It is the first pilsner beer ever made. It is really good too I sat and watched the Devils / Sabres game, then walked over to the gate when I finished my beer. I did grab a large coffee from Dunkin donuts first though as I was a bit tired and still had to drive home from the airport.
Flight took off without incident and I watched CSI:NY while waiting for take off. Once we were in the air CSI was over and I watched an episode of Mash. The flight home was short, only 39 minutes so I was home before I knew it.
Over all I had a great day, I love Times Square and can't wait to go back. I talked to Nancy and we plan on going to Times Square for a weekend trip sometime. I even would love to see the Lion King again, but there are so many shows, I realy need to see something else.
And I have to save my money cause I have so many trips I want to take. And yes, I do want to make a trip to Oregon to see Dan Donohue in a shakespear play. It would be interesting to see how he is in another kind of play
Hope you all enjoyed my day trip report. I am not the best wrter and I know it is not nearly as interesting as the rest of yours, but I just had to write it as well, it was a great day!!
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Sounds like you had a TERRIFIC day in NYC! I'm so glad. I was thinking about you and glad to know you had such a nice day! I've yet to see The Lion King, as there's always something else we end up going to see instead, assuming TLK will be there for awhile. One shouldn't assume, though now that Beauty and the Beast has closed. That actor you mentioned must be really good as Scar to have made it to B'way. Do you know how much longer he's going to be in it? Maybe I'll have to break down and get there to see it before he leaves. You should've gone to the stage door after the show to get his autograph. Next time you go, we'll meet and we'll make sure we get autographs after the show.
Sounds like you made your way around just fine. WOD is a bit of a hike from Times Square; you were pretty adventurous! On my first trip solo, I went to see Beauty and the Beast and I didn't venture too much farther than a two block radius around the theater (The Lunt-Fontaine on 45th). That's how I got to go to Toys R Us. And yes, I ate at McDonald's, too. Glad you were a bit more adventurous than me and went to Planet Hollywood for your second meal. I have pins from PH's in WDW and NYC but I've never eaten there!
Isn't Jetblue awesome? I'm flying them to Florida on Tuesday. I the bigger seats and the on board tv's, too! No need to pack a book or CD player. I also love how you get a FULL SIZE snack bag of Munchie Mix or whatever. Sure, it's not enough for a meal, but better than the 3 pretzels other airlines give you. For that price I ought to get more than 3 pretzels!
Glad you had such a fabulous day. The next time you get the urge to visit The Big Apple let me know; I'd definitely meet you there. Trying to figure out how to get down there to meet up w/ Chez in October...
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-Lisa
The World is a book. Those who do not travel read only a page." - Augustine
Glad you had such a fabulous day. The next time you get the urge to visit The Big Apple let me know; I'd definitely meet you there. Trying to figure out how to get down there to meet up w/ Chez in October...
Definitely sounds like a great day Janine!! I saw The Lion King when it came to Indy a couple years back. Fell in love with it too! :thanks for sharing your day with us!!
I really enjoyed your report, Janine! I want to thank you again for the Wild Cherry M&M's. I actually got to eat a few before all three of my guys got their paws on them. Chris, my little sweet tooth, loved them. The boys were impressed when I told them you hopped on a plane to NYC to see a Broadway show, and came home the same day. I let slip that we were making plans for a visit. In fact, it was slow at work today and I have already started doing a little research. Glad you had such a fun day!
That actor you mentioned must be really good as Scar to have made it to B'way. Do you know how much longer he's going to be in it? Maybe I'll have to break down and get there to see it before he leaves. You should've gone to the stage door after the show to get his autograph. Next time you go, we'll meet and we'll make sure we get autographs after the show.
Glad you had such a fabulous day. The next time you get the urge to visit The Big Apple let me know; I'd definitely meet you there. Trying to figure out how to get down there to meet up w/ Chez in October...
Dan Donohue is great as Scar, I enjoy his performance every time. Well, all 3 times I went to see it. Course not 3 times on Broadway, just once on Broadway and twice in Boston. Unfortunatly he will not be there that much longer He ends his stint as Scar in April. Then he goes back to Oregon to play in shakespeare theater, which is what he did before the Lion King. I am thinking of someday making a trip out there to see one of the plays he is in. See him in another element
I will definatly let you know when I am in NYC again I definatly plan on going back and dragging Nancy with me. Well, I don't think much dragging will neccisary as she does want to go mmmmm maybe we could even make it down in October to meet up with Cheryl and Mark too
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Day trip to Broadway!
So I purchased the broadway ticket as I have always wanted to see it on broadway and it was a great steat. I was bummed that I wouldn't see Dan Donohue as Scar again, but I would see The Lion King on Broadway 
I tell ya, it was fate, if I had purchased the ticket for the Pittsburgh show, I would not have seen Dan afterall, now I will 
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Well, TSN pulled them into lines to the side and let them ahead of others as they had to board. Short time later, they did the same for another flight. I didn't see that as much in Manchester, they are obviously smarter up there in NH then here in Boston. Or actually, here in Ma, a lot of people I find are more into themselves and self centered. Not everyone of course, but some. TSA kept telling everyone to remove thier liquids as that is what is holding everything up, people keep forgetting to take them out of the bags 
I am suprised I recognized him as I usually don't recognize anyone unless someone points them out lol. I immediatly called Nancy as I had to call someone I was so excited 
I got one for myself of course, but also for mom and Nancy.
Hope you get to go back soon 
PassPorter Guide Author
That actor you mentioned must be really good as Scar to have made it to B'way. Do you know how much longer he's going to be in it? Maybe I'll have to break down and get there to see it before he leaves. You should've gone to the stage door after the show to get his autograph. Next time you go, we'll meet and we'll make sure we get autographs after the show. 
the bigger seats and the on board tv's, too! No need to pack a book or CD player. I also love how you get a FULL SIZE snack bag of Munchie Mix or whatever. Sure, it's not enough for a meal, but better than the 3 pretzels other airlines give you. For that price I ought to get more than 3 pretzels!
Chris, my little sweet tooth, loved them. The boys were impressed when I told them you hopped on a plane to NYC to see a Broadway show, and came home the same day. I let slip that we were making plans for a visit. In fact, it was slow at work today and I have already started doing a little research. 
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