COVID has murdered over a million people, turned our world up-side-down and destroyed so many things. For each of us, the mini losses of everyday life are variable, but they all have the same result: mourning and a longing for things to return to “normal”. One of the things that shattered my heart was the cessation of live theater. This weekend, Broadway at The Drive-In‘s production of The Phantom of the Opera mended a small bit of my heartache. I shall be forever grateful to the folks at Radial Park for making this event happen. Thanks to them, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT is back BABY! I can hardly find the words to express how happy this theatrical experience made me.
A Little Backstory…
Growing up in Manhattan, the arts have always been a huge part of my life. When I was really little I can recall my mom taking me to see The Paper Bag Players and Mummenschanz at Lincoln Center. I got to see The Nutcracker for the first time when I was 5, and Sarah Jessica Parker as Annie on Broadway when I was 9. As the child of two school teachers, most of our tickets came from TDF. We usually sat in the nosebleed sections, but it didn’t matter, because I still got goosebumps during every overture.
The first case of Coronavirus in New York was reported on March 1, 2019. Obviously we knew about what was happening in other parts of the world, but you know New Yorkers….nothing can stop us! (haha…thats what we thought…back in the day 😢). We were a little nervous, but on March 8, my daughter and I went to Lincoln Center to see a performance of Shen Yun. Nina had allergies at the time, and I clearly recall telling the audience around us that she was definitely not sick. We enjoyed the show and had a great dinner at Shun Lee afterward. Little did we know that just four days later, Broadway would go dark. For a long time.
Fast-forward to last week
I tend to watch late night local news after the kids go to bed. I usually tune in to ABC or NBC, but for some reason, one night two weeks ago, I happened upon a CBS story about a new “theatrical experience” in Astoria, Queens. Naturally, I purchased tickets immediately! (To purchase yours, click here.) After a delicious dinner at Taverna Kyclades on Ditmars Boulevard, we headed over to Radial Park at Hallet’s Point for a 7:oo curtain.
What was it like?
We were running late and thought the GPS had once again led us in the wrong direction, but finally, at the end of a quiet street lining the East River, we saw a small sign. Someone opened the huge, gate surrounding Radial Park and scanned our tickets and temperatures were scanned. We parked in our assigned spot, a space that was socially distanced from other cars. (Picnic tables are available for those who don’t drive.) There is a huge screen overlooking the northern skyline of Manhattan, and below there is a small stage.
We went to see The Phantom of The Opera performance from the Royal Albert Hall. Without warning, every now and again a song was performed…IN REAL LIFE! Derrick Davis was an amazing Phantom and Ali Ewoldt made an excellent Christine. There was an actual conductor and live (masked) musicians! I also enjoyed the dancers who made their way into the audience during the song “Masquarade”. (I wish I had a clue how to attach my videos to this blog!!!)
Some specifics:
- Before the main event, the audience enjoyed some mellow jazz; it felt very dignified.
- There must have been speakers everywhere, because the audio was very powerful and loud. I felt enveloped by the music.
- The neighborhood seemed a bit desolate, but there was a lot of security and the huge gate made it feel extra safe.
- Sad but true: if you need the facilities, you will have to visit a port-a-potty.
- The food truck stationed in the parking lot claims to have the best chicken tenders. The wait for the food was interminable and we felt their claim was false (the chicken was pretty good, but not the best we’ve ever had). There was also a snack table with popcorn and candy and also some Korean soups (which is pretty weird, IMHO).
The Bottom Line
It was cold on the evening that we went, but the experience warmed my heart; this evening really filled one of the many voids that COVID created. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to enjoy this event and I HIGHLY recommend attending a performance at Radial Park!