Beyond Art

Rather than write chronologically, I'm writing in topics. I knew there were two things I wanted to see in NY: Billy Elliot and Tosca. Billy Elliott is the hottest musical in town--supposedly sold out. I stood in the ticket return line for about 2 hours last night. At 7:55 (show started at 8), we got 2 premium tickets, which normally sell for $296!, for $126. We were third row center! The 10 people before us just got any returned ticket anywhere as did the 3 people behind us. As the box office man said, "we lucked out!!" I LOVED Billy Elliott. I could see it again. It was raining when we left. We grabbed some "to go" pizza slices on our way to the subway.

Today after meeting friends for lunch opposite Lincoln Center (more on that later), I walked up the steps and bought a $160 ticket for $120. The singing in Tosca was amazing. The set was bizarre. The first act was OK with very high grey walls simulating the inside of a cathedral. If you don't know the story, it begins with an artist painting a large picture of Mary Magdalene. In this Tosca, MaryM had a large boob hanging out. The second act takes place in an early 19th pallazio that actually exists in Rome. This looked like gestapo headquarters about 1930. I heard the opening night (which was last week) audience, booed and some walked out.

Anyway--the music was glorious, and now I've been to the Met--cross another item off my bucket list. Tomorrow--impressions of NY.