Stars shining bright above you

Tuesday evening, and we go to 42nd Street and two more to have an early meal at Sardi's before the show. Sardi's is ever so famous as the theatre restaurant with caricatures on all the walls. It really appealed to my inner fanboy, with the waiters dressed in their vintage livery and the thought of all those celebrities who have passed through the doors since 1927.

The food was alright without approaching the supergastro places we've been spoiled in and by; but you're there for the atmosphere.

The staff are quick and efficient and get you out before the curtain rises.

Next stop 45th Street and the (John) Golden Theatre to see a new comedy Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, starring Sigourney Weaver and David Hyde Pierce. It's a mash-up of Chekhov themes and parodies, and was very funny. Kristine Nielsen as Sonia gave the most enthusiastic performance, but all the cast pulled their weight.

"Call that a cherry orchard - it's only 10 or 11 trees".

Lots of star appeal too. Look it's Sigourney Weaver! Look, it's Niles from Frasier with a beard! As many of the cast had been in crime shows, there was a crack about Law and Order which was a neat in-joke.

It was raining while we ate, and while we were at the show, which may explain the buskers in the subway. We gave them some brass.

I didn't mention seeing Phyllis Somerville (Marlene from The Big C) in a convenience store in St Mark's Place before. Other visits to convenience stores have been less interesting. The nearby drug store CVS Pharmacy is large and is probably the future - row after row of normal chemist shop stuff plus sweets, beverages including beer, toys and fripperies. Self-serve checkout, with attentive staff.

I went on the Scottish (sic) Whisky Tour at Hudson Bar and Books after the show. 6 whiskies; taste the difference; scarcely. Lynda enjoyed having a brandy and dry, to the concern and puzzlement of the bar staff.