Triton Gallery: The Art of Buying and Selling Theatre Posters

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Triton Gallery is located on the eight floor of the Film Center Building on
Ninth Avenue. I love their room number is "808" (the area code for my
home state of Honolulu).
(photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

 Today I return to Triton Gallery for my annual visit and annual purchase of the latest theater posters. It's something I look forward to each visit to New York. For one thing seeing these posters up close and in person they have a different aura about them that can't be communicated through pictures. The colors and details are far different. Secondly the the owner Roger Puckett and his dutiful staff are welcoming and friendly and knowledgeable about theater posters past and present.

I could just order the posters through the store's website but also seeing the framed posters of the current season's shows on the shop's walls, I often end up purchasing posters that have great artwork even though the show it advertises has closed or I had not planned to see it.

'Sons of the Prophet' poster.

But one thing for sure I make sure order one poster for every show I plan to see. For this shopping visit they had the hit shows ('Once', 'Newsies') and they even were stocked with the two off-Broadway productions I planned to see ('Potted Potter', 'The Cockfight Play'). A total of 18 posters would be shipped back to my home in Honolulu.

Of course I wasn't seeing 18 shows. My selection included the three different posters for 'Evita' (versions in red, blue or yellow). Also I loved the advertising campaign for the revival of 'How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying'. I saw the show last year with Daniel Radcliffe, but new posters were designed when Darren Criss and then Nick Jonas took over the role. I thought they would make a great set to have all three though I did not get to see Criss or Jonas.

One of my unusual poster choices was for an off-Broadway play called 'Sons of the Prophet'. It features a photograph of a gnome with a bruised eye. Because of Travelocity gnomes are also associated with travel. Knowing I've been traveling for over twenty years now and with eighteen of them to New York City, I may not have gotten a black eye but I sure have had my share of scrapes and psychological bruises that comes with the stress and problems of traveling.

Click HERE to read my previous post about Triton Gallery called "The Art of the Theatre Poster at Triton Gallery".

The Wall Street Journal published a wonderful article of the shop earlier this month called "Where Theater Hangs". Click HERE to read the article (Note: wsj.com is a paid subscriber website. Visitors may not be able access content unless the story is unlocked through their 'article free pass' offer which allows guests to see a free sample of an article.)

Triton Gallery is located at 630 9th Avenue (between 44th and 45th Streets) on the 8th floor of the Film Center. Visitors must check in with security. Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 12pm-6pm. Visit their online shop at tritongallery.com and search through the alphabetical poster listing for available posters, prices and shipping.

Some the posters included in my order this year with Triton Gallery.
(photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

Quality Meats Restaurant: Trendy Meat-Focused Fare

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Despite the worn look of the Quality Meats entrance, the restaurant has
been only opened since 2006.

Quality Meats located on West 58th Street.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

One of the things on top of my list of things to do on this trip to New York City was to try the personal-sized ice cream cakes at Quality Meats located in Midtown Manhattan just off 6th Avenue on 58th Street. But I decided to make an event of the visit by having a leisurely and full lunch at the restaurant and end with the aforementioned ice cream cake.

The interior of the stylish restaurant has an industrial theme with meat-hook light fixtures, wooden butcher blocks, white tiles and exposed brick. The wine selection is cleverly displayed around two sides of the stairway that leads to an upstairs dining room.

I understand the chef is Craig Koketsu who is a rising star in the culinary world. His menu is keenly focused on fresh interpretations of American cuisine such as his "three seared filets," a 12-ounce filet mignon divided into four-once cuts each transformed to a steak au poivre, beef Wellington and beef with crabmeat and cream sauce. A highlight of the menu is the charcuterie bar and artisanal cheese selections.

Starting with a bowl of New England Clam Chowder ($10) which was smooth, thick and yummy I had to stop myself from inhaling the hot fluffy saucer of bread sprinkled with fresh herbs.

Sliced Filet Mignon open-faced lunch plate.

New England Clam Chowder.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

The choices under the open-faced lunch plates looked promising which the restaurant menu indicates is "the full package" of a sandwich, salad and side. The presentation of Sliced Filet Mignon & Horseradish on Country Bread with Haricots Verts and Onion Rings ($26) elevates the plate beyond your everyday lunch. I love open faced sandwiches and this was one of the best that wasn't drowned in a heavy layer of gravy. The bright vegetables, the perfectly crispy onion rings (they need no ketchup) and the tender slices of beef is a superb lunch any day of week.

Along came a complimentary bowl of the corm creme brûlée with an apology from the server for the wait on my entree. But this afternoon I was still in a daze of being back in New York and sipping on my glass of sparkling Proseco ($12) that the time seemed to fly. I guess I made out since the side is priced at $7 on the menu and enjoyed it with a cup of coffee. Service is a hallmark of a great dining experience for which Quality Meats receives high marks. My server was gracious to enough to not charge me for the coffee also. I love his tone was polite and never pointed at any time.

But that brûlée dampened my appetite for dessert. Guess I would have to return to Quality Meats again to try their ice cream cakes ($8) in flavors called The Nut & Honey, Strawberry Shortcake, Toasted Banana S'mores, Chocolate Covered Grasshopper and *The Monster Mash. The name of the latter requires further research.

Click HERE to view the restaurant menus. Quality Meats is located at 57 West 58th Street (between 5th and 6th Ave) in New York City. Visit qualitymeatsnyc.com for more information. Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30am-3pm; Dinner: Sun 5pm-10pm; Mon-Wed 5pm-10:30pm; Thu-Sat 5pm-11:30pm. Bar: 4pm-1am. (*note: The Monster Mash is a peanut butter cake).

Corn Creme Brûlée.

The industrial design of the dining room.

The wine selection brackets the staircase.

The restaurant bar.

The simple exterior of Quality Meats.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

Three selections of the Quality Meats Ice Cream Cake.
(photo: Quality Meats)

Duane Reade in the City: A Convenience Store Just In Case

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(photo: Phil Davis)

One thing I usually map out whenever visiting a big city is where the nearest convenience store is located. We can't possibly pack for every need or emergency without overpacking. So when you need something from a drugstore just in case, there is a Duane Reade located every few blocks in Midtown Manhattan.

I usually visit the nearest Duane Reade near my hotel to pick up bottled water, Red Bull and coconut water. The prices are pretty good for New York that I don't feel like I'm being gouged in the pocketbook for picking up a snack or some allergy medication. Plus for the tourist looking to save some money on meals, each Duane Read has a decent selection of pantry items, snacks and even microwave meals. Probably the best convenience is the locations that are open 24 hours.

Click HERE to find the Duane Reade nearest you in Manhattan. Visit duanereade.com for more information.

The Duane Reade (left) at the corner of 50th and Broadway right under
the Snapple Theatre.

The Venue: The Lunt-Fontanne Theatre Haunted By 'Ghost The Musical'

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The Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on 46th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenues.

The same shot of the theatre but at night.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

The Lunt-Fontanne Theatre opened on Broadway in 1910 as the Globe Theatre. The theatre had a retractable roof to enable the theatre to stay cool and open during the summer. In 1932 the venue was turned into a movie theater until 1958 when it was gutted and rebuilt in its present configuration as a Broadway theatre.

The theatre was renamed in honor of America's foremost husband/wife acting couple, Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, who starred in tis first production, 'The Visit.' Patrons to the theatre can enjoy photographs from their collection throughout the various lobby spaces.

Seating for 1,505 patrons is on two levels. Two staircases, one accessed from the box office lobby and a second accessed from the orchestra level lobby lead to the beautiful mezzanine bar and seating. Because of the box office access, the mezzanine bar opens one hour before the performance.

Click HERE to view the Lunt-Fontanne seating chart. The theatre is one of eight Broadway theatres operated by the Nederlander Organization. All online ticketing is handled by Ticketmaster.

The Lunt-Fontanne is currently home to 'Ghost The Musical' based on the 1990 feature film starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg. Previous tenants include 'The Addams Family' (2010) and two Disney musicals 'The Little Mermaid' (2008) and 'Beauty and the Beast' which moved to the Lunt-Fontanne in 1999 (it originally opened at the Palace Theatre in 1994). 'Beauty' is the show to have played the theatre the longest staying in residence for eight years. 'Titanic' an original musical based around the sinking of the ocean liner opened at the venue in 1997 and won the Tony Award for best musical.

The original Broadway production of 'The Sound of Music' (1959) played the Lunt-Fontanne for three years before moving to the Mark Hellinger Theatre a few blocks north. The hit musical played over 1,443 performances between the two theatres.

The orchestra seats beneath the mezzanine.

The chandeliers of the beautiful mezzanine bar.

Murals greets guest on the mezzanine level.

Tonight's audience entering the theatre to see a performance of
'Ghost The Musical'.

The current tenant at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. 'Ghost The Musical' opened
on April 23, 2012.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

Video: 'Ghost The Musical' on Broadway

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Below are  videos promoting 'Ghost The Musical' now playing on Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. The musical is based on the popular 1990 movie starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg. Stage actors Richard Fleeshman, Caissie Levy and Da'Vine Joy Randolph assume the roles for the musical.

Click HERE to view the Ghost on Broadway YouTube videos.

Actor Richard Fleeshman tours the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (9:38 minutes)


Broadway Trailer (clips are of the Original London Cast) 2:02 minutes


2012 Tony Awards Performance (2:22 minutes)

Shatner's World's show in Nashville, TN - discount code

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We have the Shatner's World discount code: During this limited time discount period you've got the chance to buy hot show tickets with a big discount. You might not get another chance to see Shatner's World's show in Nashville, TN, especially at this fantasticprice!

Here is what we know about the Shatner's World show:

Shatner's World
Tennessee Performing Arts Center
Nashville, TN
Jan 12, 2013 08:00 PM

Special $10 Pre-Sale Discount Offer!
Use code to receive $10 off tickets.
*Expires Wednesday, 9/12, at 10am

You can use this discount passwords and information to buy tickets:

• SHATNER

Order your tickets.


WiseGuys Tip: If show tickets are not available , keep trying! Ticketmaster might say there are no tickets available, but keep trying for a little while, you might be surprised at what becomes available!

Stomp in New Orleans, LA - discount code

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The latest Stomp discount code is now on our blog. While this limited time discount offer exists, you'll have the chance to get tickets for Stomp and save money. Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to see Stomp's show in New Orleans while getting a great deal!!

Here is what we know about the Stomp show:

Stomp
Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts
New Orleans, LA
Fri, Sep 14, 2012 08:00 PM - Sun, Sep 16, 2012 07:30 PM

Purchase 4 select Parquet or Balcony seats from Sept 14-16

and save up to $80 on your purchase!

You can use this discount voucher codes and information to buy tickets:

• 3FAMILY

Buy your tickets.


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