Alice Kane

While normally an 'early bird' ("Cock-a-Doodle-Doo!"), I would definitely dive into a DisneyAfterHours event. Having the park "almost" to oneself under a moonscape of Disney magic would enhance the fun of favorite rides, fantastical features and events. "AfterHours" is, for sure, how I would LOVE to experience Disney! I'd happily close up the park. Alice

OOH LA LA! Will keep an eye out! (And ears, for out-of-town reviews.) Alice

Thanks for: 1) your up close and personal memories of the earthquake. VERY chilling. Kinda like virtual reality withOUT the glasses. (When NYC had its "huge" quake in the 80's, I recall that my parakeet screamed like a jungle beast, AND most apt dwellers - me included - were said to have feared that their "boiler rooms had exploded!" But it was 6AM, so most went back to sleep.) Anyhow, thanks for bringing that TPR trip moment to life! Thanks for: 2) your captions on your pix. So droll.... Special note to: * An octopus strikes a come-hither Deadpool pose. * Angry children love Misaki Park. Great report, as always! Alice

GREAT posters! Liza was quite something back then. And, I agree - "The Act" was for sure a "Vegas showcase" for her. I think a lot of her audience were there JUST to see Liza. Hence - the TONY! But, like her mom, she was definitely an "entertainer!" It's exciting that you got to see Chita Rivera perform. AND Gwen Verdon! (Actually, they should have gotten together as a duet -- and called it "The Act!" Alice

VERY great information here, NW! Thanks! (I'd read that Gwen Verdon was 'in trouble,' and the show was having problems, but I'd forgotten that Liza M stepped in. My parents had seen Verdon in Damn Yankees ('58) and she was quite beloved at the time.) How awesome that you saw "Chicago' with Minnelli! I'll definitely check out a copy of the film ALL THAT JAZZ -- I'd love to see the exact "Chicago" set. I remember many years ago, a theater group offered weekly tours of a Broadway show backstage, and you are so right that sets were "magical mysteries" to both regular theater goers and tourists, alike!

"Live Darling, Live!" It's so nice to share these musical memories with a fellow roller coaster fan. Ain't life strange?!? By the way, the Dan Dietz books -- great stuff! P.S. Had you heard that CHICAGO was considered a "dark" musical when it opened! The theme, the dances, songs, et al! One of the first of "the-not-so-innocent" Broadway musicals! Alice

NW - Luscious looking collection! (And thank for all your 'scoops.') Alice

LOVE LOVE LOVE all the LOVE that was obviously put into this ride! The Slinky Dog goes waaaaay back and should appeal to all generations. Visually, this new ride has lots of charm....and its "slinky" movement along the tracks made me laugh. (Now, if they would only make a Shih Tzu theme ride. SORRY, my Shih Tzu made me say that! ) Alice

Since I've already shared just how much I've ENJOYED these Japan Trip Reports, I thought I should also add how much good stuff I've LEARNED: * Capybaras are VERY TALL! (Cute, but hope to never meet one on the NYC subway tracks.) * Man-Dolphin love is encouraged in Japan. * TPR trippers look very hot in GREEN (panchos) * Universal Japan needs a 'good talking to!' It's on a slippery slope to losing its #1 status. * Parque Espana deserves a 'must-see' place in my heart for being so welcoming. * Free Fall was one of my fave rides at Six Flags Gt. Adventure 'way back when.' So happy to see it alive and well in Japan! "Wheee!" * I have "needs" I never knew I had. I NEED JAPANESE STUFF! I need all the cool merchandise I'm seeing in your photos (the darlin' park mascots; outrageous Tees. I need all the delectable foods you're dining on (even - gasp - McDonalds Shaka Shaka). I need petting habitats (wildlife to commune with!). And, I need AIR TIME on quirky Japanese coasters! Also a spin on the cutest teacup ride I've seen (but a short cycle, please!). There is SO much to love about your visit to Japan and all the fun you've shared with us. The American/Japanese Tourist Board could not have done a BETTER job than TPR! (I think I'm a little "Pancho GREEN" with envy!) Thanks, again! Alice P.S. I guess more men sign up for trips than women? Thank goodness for the "Ladies of TPR," representing that we girls ALSO 'just wanna have fun!'

americaninparis01.jpg Here's the advert for it. Lovely advert! Alice

A screening of the stage musical "An American In Paris" !??!? It may be worth it to get INTERPOL on it! Good Luck! Alice

Glad you got to see it! It remains one of the top shows in the city! Alice

I can't express ENOUGH how much I enjoy and appreciate your daily Japan reports! And I LOVE that you 'wander off the beaten path' -- the BEST way to embrace a people and a culture (and have fun!). I've learned so much more about Japan as I follow your travels. From your 'private cooking lessons' to the everyday streets beyond the 'tourist scene,' your ongoing pix are like a 'coffee table book' that I can pick up each day and savor! When and IF you ever return you'd probably enjoy reading one of my fave books, Turning Japanese, Memories of a Sansei, by David Mura. The writing is brilliant and takes you on this great voyage of discovery as Westerners experience the Japanese way of life. Happy travels! Alice

Thanks NW for your TONY updates! I'm kinda in a quandary as to exactly HOW I feel about the event AND the awards. Since all the top theater pundits seem to have guessed wrong about almost everything.....I guess I'm not alone in my occasional eye-rolling. (The Band's Visit?!? Noooo.) And I'm still most curious to know why they didn't represent Carousel with a Joshua Henry number - as opposed to "Blow High, Blow Low!" Or if they wanted to show only dance, why not the lovely final piece between father Billy and daughter Louise... So weird that the show with the most revered score in musical theater history did NOT showcase a song. Twas not a majorly disappointing evening, so without further comment, I think I will just say a "congratulations" to all those performers/shows that won....and a generous pat on the back to those who probably SHOULD have won. Such is "Life Upon a Wicked Stage." As for Robert De Niro! He got the biggest ovation of the night. (You can hear his comment(s) on You Tube thanks to Australian TV!) Lawd, I LOVE NY's theater community!!! Alice

How can you & Elissa bear being ADULTS and not being able to take part in the FUN!?! I want to make my own eyeglasses and pilot a plane and become a special courier, etc!! Heck, some of my fellow baby boomer friends STILL haven't figured out "their future careers!" (As retirement time hovers for a generation that 'forgot to save for the future,' we'll need a SeniorZania!) Please keep us updated if KidZania ever successfully makes it to the States. It would, I suspect, take a great deal of organization here to keep such an operation smooth, fun and 'civilized.' Alice

Rent runs now through June 10th at the Dr. Phillips Center. Thanks, Dallas, for sharing your review of RENT and for the terrific photos. Rent was quite a hit off-Broadway and then 'on' for many years, and it was definitely the "hot" ticket to get a hold of! (The Dr. Phillips Center looks like a great piece of architecture. I love the way it lights up at night.) Glad you enjoyed Rent - and I can't believe it's on its 20th Anniversary Tour! Alice

NW - Thanks. Saw the CAROUSEL interview with the 5 Tony nominees. Such articulate, funny and generous performers! What I LOVE about this production (from the scenes shown) is just how GOOD these actors are. Their acting skills are a total complement to their amazing voices! Such 'natural' performances with such real depth! Thanks also for your book recommendation - ALL THAT JAZZ. Definitely up my alley! (Shubert Alley!) Alice

Click on this to see a GREAT episode of NY Channel 1's Theater Talk. Includes a video of an interview and some songs by CAROUSEL's Joshua Henry and Jessie Mueller!! THOSE VOICES! OMG! Talk about "heart-stirring" - wow! They take you on quite an emotional journey. Enjoy. https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Theater-Talk-Tony-Nominees-Jessie-Mueller-Joshua-Henry-Sing-from-CAROUSEL-20180529 Alice

LOOTY - Thanks SO much for sharing this little bit of magic in Korea! Your photos and your quips were totally entertaining, and I really enjoyed this introduction to a Korean Theme Park! (Am still reeling from your fried chicken on top of cola! Heck - why not?? I'm up to any new culinary experience!) Many thanks for this most enjoyable TR! P.S. I LOVE Korean cuisine and am lucky to live a few subway stops from a Korean area in NYC. I've tried almost everything -- except chicken and cola. It's not on the menus...yet!! Alice

Sooooo cool! What a great artistic touch! I was in a taxi, today, whizzing past Lincoln Center, and I saw the huge poster/flags for My Fair Lady. Made me smile BIG-TIME! Alice

Thanks, KarlaKoaster and Murfie! I'd heard the name, but never knew exactly what they were. They sound a bit like "sweet blinis." I've been to Amsterdam before, but I never got to enjoy these delicacies. Although every corner seemed to have a raw herring stand. (Not bad, actually! Altho poffertjes sound VERY tasty! Alice

Although I've yet to visit Europa Park, I feel as if I've experienced its unique magic thanks to the many wonderful Theme Park Review Reports shared by all those lucky enough to have been there. Judging by the dedicated work the park obviously does to maintain its 'one-of-a-kind' features, I have great hopes that the damaged areas can come back to life in a reasonable amount of time (as long as "politicians" don't get involved ala NYC's post-9/11 redevelopment!!!). Get well soon Europa Park! P.S. What is the proffertjes house?? Alice

MANY THANKS, NW, for sharing this info! I'll be checking out those websites - and am very curious to see which play wins Best Revival. Hard to beat "Angels In America," but "Children of a Lesser God" is worthy competition. (My cousin JUST saw the revival and raved about it.) I haven't been to either show for a "few years" - but both were genuinely amazing! Drama at its best. (GREAT news about the current CAROUSEL recording. I can never have TOO MANY recordings of CAROUSEL!) Alice

Thanks, Adam, for giving me a glimpse into what it feels like being a first-time visitor to Cedar Point. I've never been there, but it's always intrigued me with its lineup of coasters!! I also so much enjoyed your commentary on the park's history. From the Pavilion to the museum, its great that Cedar Point takes genuine pride in its history. (I love the 'old prizes." As a collector of dog memorabilia, I have some of the old Chalkware figurines. Inasmuch as the stuff is amazingly fragile, today's coaster vibrations would probably knock them off the shelves of those old game booths! Alice

YES!!!! ALFIE! Perfection! Alice (PS. Loved your photo!)