Looking back at The Sound of Music on Broadway.

After hearing about the death of Marie Von Trappe the last of the children of the family that inspired the creation of The Sound of a Music. I began to wonder about the history of The Sound of Music on Broadway in New York.

Marie Von Trappe passed away last week at the age of 99 at her home in Vermont. It has been said that she was a very kind and lovely lady.

The Sound of Music was written by Rodgers & Hammerstein and performed at Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, 205 West 46th Street in midtown-Manhattan in 1959. Opening Night was Nov 16, and went on to complete 1443 performances some of which were performed at the Mark Hellinger theatre. The show was awarded several Tony Awards and went on to entertain theatre goers all over the world. 

In 1965 because the show was so popular the Sound of Music movie was made and became huge hit.

In 1998 there was a Broadway revival at the Martin Beck Theatre. Opening night was March 12th, for a total of 533 performances.

The show continues in its popularity at many theatres and has become a household name.

Lower Manhattan's Charging Bull Statue.

In the financial district of New York we came across a huge sculpture of a charging bull! After a little research we found out that the statue has become quite a popular tourist attraction. So much so that we had to wait a while before we could get a picture, to add to our touristy collection! 

The story is, that a sculptor named Arturo Di Modica created the Bull

as a good luck gesture after the stock market crash of 1987. In 1989 it appeared in front of the New York Stock Exchange as a Christmas present to the people of New York. representing a 'charging' prosperous future, 

Police removed the Statue, but because it was so popular, a site was found nearby, by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation at Bowling Green near Wall St.

 

         

Fifty Years Ago When the Beatles arrived in New York!

In the last few days, if you hadn't heard, was the 50th anniversary of the Beatles landing in New York for the first time and causing quite a stir! 

On February 7th 1964 the four British musicians arrived at JFK airport to be greeted by hordes of screaming fans and reporters. 

After a press conference they were taken to The Plaza Hotel on 5th Avenue, where the news had gotten out and the Beatles were deluged again by huge crowds. They embarked on a quick sightseeing tour of New York taking in the chance of a photo shoot in Central Park which is close to The Plaza Hotel, they dined in the Boathouse restaurant and insisted on a cab ride to see the Apollo theatre in Harlem.

George Harrison missed out on the sightseeing tour, due to a high temperature and had to stay in the Hotel.

The band appeared on the The Ed Sullivan Show 2 days later live and in front of 73 million viewers! On February 11th the boys played at the Washington Coliseum a sports arena at Washington D.C. Then back to appear at Carnegie Hall, New York.

The Beatles then flew to Miami for another live TV broadcast and back home to England.

Leaving behind many fans who had experienced their first taste of Beatlemania!

At John F. Kennedy Airport there is now a plaque to commemorate their arrival on their Pan Am flight.

Disney's Lion King, Newsies, and soon, Aladdin on Broadway.

Disney on Broadway are currently presenting the award winning Newsies, a New York success story, a show filled with musical energy and dance at the Nederlander Theatre. Also The Lion King Musical, at the Minskoff Theatre and soon, Aladdin will be coming to Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theatre. 

These musicals are family shows with the added charm and expertise of Disney.

If you are a group and want to find the best Disney on Broadway theatre package with group benefits, I came across this web site that should help you....http://www.disneytheatricalsales.com/home

Run-up The Empire State Building!

The Empire State Building held its annual Run-Up on Wednesday 5th February 2014. Participants start in the lobby and race to the top of the famous skyscraper up 86 floors to the observation deck above 5th Avenue New York.

Five hundred runners registered to take part from all around the World.

The Empire State Building Run-Up is organised by New York Road Runners, who also bring you the New York City Marathon.

 

 

 

Hot Pies on a Cold Day in Manhattan.

There we were on a cold day in Midtown Manhattan, feeling a little hungry and chilled and walked past  a 'Pie Face' on 7th Avenue, it's warmth and enticing aroma stopped us in our tracks, we looked at each other and headed straight for the entrance. Through the door was a wonderful display of hot baked pies of various varieties. We made our choice found a table and indulged in a satisfying savoury delight, with a hot cup of coffee and to top off the pleasure experience a piece of pumpkin pie. 

The atmosphere was welcoming and the staff very friendly and accommodating. 

To add to my complete satisfaction the pies each have a face!

Well done Super Bowl XLVIII Communities.

All the best New York, NewJersey and NFL for putting on a great show for Super Bowl XLVIII many people and communities have achieved great things to provide a memorable and public spirited huge sporting event.