The Ambassador Theatre in Midtown’s bustling Theater District transports you back in time with its simple facade and cozy hexagonal auditorium. The theatre, built after World War I, has hosted many operettas, plays, and Broadway shows, including the famous musical, ‘Chicago’ since 2003.

With seating spread across the orchestra, balcony, and boxes, the theatre can accommodate more than 1,000 guests in its auditorium. The theatre’s interiors boast neoclassical architectural details and pay homage to a bygone era when life brimmed with idyllic charm.    

Background on the Ambassador Theatre

Herbert J. Krapp, a visionary theatre architect who rose to fame in the 20th century, designed the Ambassador Theatre for the Shubert brothers, the masterminds behind the establishment of Broadway theaters. Built on a small plot of land, the theatre’s diagonal orientation helps maximize seating capacity. 

The Ambassador Theatre began its theatrical journey in 1921 by hosting ‘The Rose Girl’ musical. Over the years, the venue has served as a live theater, a movie theater, and even a CBS broadcast studio. The auditorium was officially recognized as a New York City Landmark in 1985.

Where is the Ambassador Theatre, and how do you get there?

• Located on 219 West 49th Street, the theatre is easily accessible via the subway if you take the 1, C, or E line to the 50th Street. From there, you’ll need to walk for just a block. 
• Buses that stop near the theater include M7, M20, M50, and M104. 
• If you plan on driving to the venue, parking is available at Quik Park (Crowne Plaza Times Square Garage) and iPark (790 8th Avenue Parking Corp. Garage). 

What can you expect when you visit the Ambassador Theatre?

If you are an architecture buff, the unique hexagonal shape of the auditorium will surely catch your attention. Also, keep your eyes open for the intricate Adam-style plasterwork in the ceiling, walls, doorways, arches, and boxes. 

From stunning marble walls that lead up to the balcony to a domed ceiling with a grand chandelier, the details inside the Ambassador Theatre are nothing short of exquisite. 

As for accessibility, the theatre offers wheelchair seating in the orchestra, handrails on the mezzanine floor, and a wheelchair-accessible restroom. 

The theater also provides devices for assistive listening, audio description, and captioning. Alternatively, you can download captions or descriptions on your personal device for free. 

What else can you do when you visit?

Watching a performance of ‘Chicago’ the Musical is a must when visiting the Ambassador Theatre. After all, the show is now the longest-running American musical in Broadway history.

After enjoying a cozy theatre experience, explore the surrounding area and soak in the lively vibe of the Theater District. You can visit the St. Malachy Roman Catholic Church nearby or embrace the visual arts at The Museum of Modern Art. The towering Empire State Building is just a short distance away, too.

If you want a gourmet experience, head to a local restaurant like DaMarino, Empire Steak House, Serafina, or La Masseria.  

Get your tickets to visit the Ambassador Theatre!  

Blending history, architecture, and fine arts, the Ambassador Theatre is a must-visit whether you are new to Manhattan or are a born and bred New Yorker. There is no better place to enjoy the timeless musical, ‘Chicago’ than inside the elegant Ambassador Theatre.

Plus, you’ll love the vibrant and bustling neighborhood that is home to so many other significant landmarks, eateries, and bars.

FAQs  

Does Ambassador Theatre have a dress code?

No. Though the theater has retained its historic charm and elegant interiors, guests are not required to follow any specific dress code.  

Can I bring food or drink to the Ambassador Theatre? 

You cannot carry outside food or beverages into the theater. 

Are children allowed to enter the Ambassador Theatre?

Yes, as long as they are 4 years or above. The theater doesn’t admit younger children. 

While entertainment has undergone massive changes over the last century, catching a Broadway show in the Big Apple remains just as exciting as it was 100 years ago. And if that involves watching ‘Chicago’ on Broadway at the Ambassador Theatre, there’s nothing like it. 

So, get ready to lose yourself in a dramatic award-winning tale set in the Roaring Twenties. Let electrifying performances amidst a breathtaking backdrop ‘razzle dazzle’ your day or night!

Event details

Chicago on Broadway

June 27, 2024 19:00

Ambassador Theatre (219 West 49th street, 10019-7404, New York)

From $86.00

Buy tickets

The post Let The Ambassador Theatre On Broadway Dazzle You With ‘Chicago’ The Musical appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

Sabrina Brier, the 29-year-old actress and comedian behind the famously hilarious “That Friend Who” TikTok skits really loves New York.

“I think there is amazingness and beauty in every location in New York,” she says to Time Out over the phone, recalling her move to the West Village in 2017 and her initial foray into entertainment by way of assistant gigs.

After gaining notoriety on TikTok posting skits playing self-involved, privileged characters, Brier landed a guest role on Steven Soderbergh’s 2023 web series Command Z and on an episode of season three of the beloved sitcom Abbott Elementary.

While gearing up for the debut of her audiobook That Friend this winter, Brier opens up about her favorite restaurants and comedy clubs in New York, also musing on her go-to spots when it comes to shooting social media content.

On her favorite NYC neighborhoods

“The West Village was very formative for me as the first neighborhood I moved to in New York. I think it’s magical,” says Brier, also mentioning Soho. “I used to [run around] Soho as an assistant so I have a lot of memories.”

Out in Brooklyn, the comedian is partial to Park Slope.

“When I was little, I used to come into the city, go to Brooklyn and hang out in Park Slope with my camp friends who were there so it holds in my heart.”

On her favorite NYC restaurants

“I love L’Artusi, Balthazar and Bite on Lafayette for a quick grab-and-go,” reveals Brier. “Their schnitzel sandwich is one of my favorite sandwiches in the city […] [alongside] the gourmet wraps from Wolfnights. I’m obsessed with them.”

The social media personality also calls out San Marino in Soho, a restaurant that “has all the elements of a fancy Italian eatery but it’s low-key and really accessible.”

When asked about her haunts out in Brooklyn, Brier is quick to mention a hibiscus drink served at Bagel Point in Greenpoint.

“I have no idea if they make them in-house or it’s a generic mix but, to me, they’re amazing,” she says.

On her top going-out spots in NYC

“I used to go dancing at Stonewall Inn, I like the classic West Village spots,” mentions Brier. “I also like going to The Spaniard to sit outside and have spicy margaritas and mussels.”

On her go-to comedy clubs in NYC

Broaching the topic of comedy in New York, Brier gets giddy with excitement and immediately calls out the “big three” in the Park Slope/Gowanus neighborhoods: Littlefield, The Bell House and Union Hall.

“I have a particular affinity Union Hall as it is where I’ve chosen to perform the ‘Sabrina Brier & Friends’ comedy shows I’ve done in New York,” she explains. “I just love it there: the energy when you’re on stage and even when the gig ends, when you go upstairs. It’s a landing spot for all the comics to get together, chat and hang out into the night.”

The Brooklyn Comedy Collective also earns the comedian’s praise.

On where she shoots her social media videos locally

“Sometimes, I am in an area that is very industrial with a lot of scaffolding and I think it’s a lot of fun to be somewhere that isn’t so aesthetically pleasing but offers an interesting background,” she says before specifically mentioning Minetta Lane, the quaint, historical, tiny stretch of city around MacDougal Street.

“I have used that location for content a lot, including for one of my main, original videos,” she says. “Every time I walk by, I feel nostalgic.”

On what she would tell up-and-coming comedians

“A piece of advice I have is that whatever comedy excites you—lie, improv, digital—is the comedy you should do,” Brier advises matter-of-factly. “You should do what you think is funny and what you want to consume and not just what others do. There are so many paths so start to hone in on what you really think is funny and bring that authenticity with you.”

* This article was originally published here

Tikkun BBQ, Astoria Horror Club, and 31st Avenue Open Street Collective are teaming up to bring some spookiness to the streets this summer in a 3-part Community Cookout Movie Night Series!

For three weekends this summer, free horror movies, free food, and more will take over Astoria’s 31st Ave Open Street, and the first one is happening this weekend on Saturday, June 29th!

Beyond enjoying the flicks you’ll be able to grab yourself a free hot dog, BBQ chicken, and more from Tikkun BBQ, a community and mission-driven mobile pop-up that makes some pretty damn good BBQ (trust us, we’ve tried it!) Kosher, Halal, vegetarian, and vegan options will all be available.

And honestly, what’s better than a classic movie and good food?!

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Free Naloxone (Narcan), fentanyl test strips, and Xylazine test strips will also be given out.

The schedule is as follows:

• Saturday, June 29: The Lost Boys
• Saturday, July 27: The Final Girls
• Saturday, August 24: Poltergeist

The movies will begin at 8 pm. Some café-style tables and chairs will be provided, but attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets.

Stay up to date with the movie nights with TikkunBBQ or 31stAveOpenStreet.

31st Ave between 34th and 35th Streets, Astoria

The post Free Outdoor Horror Movie Nights Are Heading To Astoria This Summer appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

For the first time in several years, the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks are moving back from the East River to the Hudson River side of Manhattan, allowing those interested to catch the extravaganza across multiple vantage points between West 14th Street and West 34th Street. 

That being said, a lot of the spots with the best views are hosting private parties or charging a lot of money to grant access.

There might be a way for you to enjoy the spectacle in all of its glory, though: New York City is giving away 10,000 free tickets for people to have access to prime viewing areas on Pier 45 and Pier 84.  

RECOMMENDED: Where to Watch the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks in 2024

Where to get free 4th July tickets

Free tickets just became available at 10am and you can find them here. They’ll be given on a first-come-first serve basis, and each person can only get two tickets at a time. The website might experience heavy traffic, so make sure to refresh and keep refreshing to snag a pass. 

I didn’t get a free ticket. Now what?

By the time you read this the tickets might already be gone.

In that case, don’t worry: there are still plenty of places where you can watch the fireworks free of charge. Keep in mind that you won’t be allowed to bring backpacks or lawn chairs to these viewing areas for security reasons. 

Manhattan

Note: West Side Highway entry points managed by NYPD

• Christopher Street and Washington Street
• West 11th Street and Washington Street
• West 12th Street and Washington Street
• West 29th Street and 11th Avenue
• West 40th Street and 11th Avenue
• West 41st Street and 11th Avenue

Hoboken

• Pier A Park
• Maxwell Place Park
• Stevens Park
• Elysian Park

I’m willing to spend money to get the best views. Where do I go?

There’s no shortage of viewing parties across the city if you’re down to drop a pretty penny. There are lots of cruises you can take that will give you a good view of the fireworks show and some of the best observatories in the city, including SUMMIT and One World Observatory, are offering package deals that include dinners and drinks with the fireworks show. Check out our full list of recommendations here. 

* This article was originally published here