Got up New Year’s Day and went to the Baglery at 30th and 3rd. The Times had had an article on Tuesday about best old-style bagels in town, and this was one of the three places mentioned. There was a long line, but most were doing take-out and I got a table inside. It was good, but really not all that much better than the fare at Einstein Brothers.
Wandered over to Lincoln Center to see if there were any return tickets for Henry IV. There were only about six other people in line at the time (1:45), so since I had my book, I decided to wait. I ended up getting a ticket in the balcony. While waiting for them to open the auditorium, I kept thinking the girl at the souvenir counter looked familiar. I went up to her and we played the ‘where do we know each other from’ game for about ten minutes, then figured out I met her, Abby Seible, when I was subbing at St. Martin’s this summer, right before she moved up to NYC.
The play itself was spectacular. All the performances were strong, but Kevin Kline as Falstaff especially stood out. The set had all these pieces that slid in and out and worked very well. At one point a bunch of hay was dropped from the ceiling before a scene in a stable, and the smell wafting through the theater really helped set it…just glad they didn’t go for more realism. 😉
After the show I had a voicemail from M?ire O’Brien, asking if I’d like to go see a dress rehearsal at the Met the next day. You can guess my answer. I talked with Eb, and he asked if I could stay for the funeral on Saturday, so I called Continental and got my flight changed from Friday evening to Sunday morning. I had dinner at Peter’s Diner on 3rd at 52nd, I think. Gyros platter was good, but just three strips of meat? I’ll stick to Bibas, thanks.
Hey Joe – I just received your email and logged on to your website. On reading this update I noticed Abby Seible’s name. I also know her. I’ve known her parents since I was in high school. Rob Seible was in graduate school when I was an undergraduate and Joanna knew Rob from HSPVA. Die welt ist klein! Must go. Take care and see you next Tuesday! ~M~