My parents took my son (6 years old) to see Shrek the Musical on Broadway. Bottom line: HE LOVED IT! He came home after a LONG day in the City with Grandma and Grandpa (lunch, show, dinner, walking...) and couldn't wait to tell my wife and I about it. He was singing the songs, telling us about the makeup, explaining that Lord Farquaad was really a guy on his knees, and he said the show was so funny he was laughing the whole time ["daddy, it was hysterical"- Grandma and grandpa said it was cute].
Below is a listing of the musical numbers:
Act I
Overture/Big Bright Beautiful World – Orchestra/Mama Ogre, Papa Ogre, Shrek
Story of My Life – Guard, Fairytale Creatures
The Goodbye Song – Shrek, Fairytale Creatures
Don't Let Me Go – Donkey
I Know It's Today – Young Fiona, Teen Fiona, Fiona
What's Up, Duloc? – Lord Farquaad, Ensemble
What's Up, Duloc? (Reprise) – Lord Farquaad, Ensemble
Travel Song – Donkey, Shrek
Donkey Pot Pie – Donkey, Dragon
This Is How a Dream Comes True – Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Dragon
Who I'd Be – Shrek, Fiona, Donkey
Act II
Morning Person – Fiona, Ensemble
I Think I Got You Beat – Fiona, Shrek
The Ballad of Farquaad – Lord Farquaad, Ensemble
Make a Move – Donkey, Three Blind Mice
When Words Fail – Shrek
Morning Person (Reprise) – Fiona
Build a Wall – Shrek
Freak Flag – Fairytale Creatures
Big Bright Beautiful World (Reprise) – Shrek
This is Our Story – Company
I'm a Believer – Company
If you are in the city and have young kids, and money for $100+ tickets (there are discounts out there!) I would check it out.
Notes:
1. The theater has booster seats for the kids.
2. The show is scheduled to close January 3, 2010.
3. There is talk of the musical being sold on DVD soon.
Showing posts with label New York. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New York. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
NY Hall of Science, again
So we went to the NY Hall of Science today, with the goal of checking out the new mini-golf setup. W arrived moments after it opened in order to avoid the afternoon heat and had the kids out in the playground. Let me reiterate how much they love that playground. It's great. We then went to the miniature golf course. My 2 year old was allowed to play for no charge and was given a small plastic golf club- nice touch. My son more or less enjoyed the course which is 9 short holes with a space theme. I should say it was actually 8 holes because the second hole was being fixed. Less than a month old and things are broken- I'm not surprise (more on why later). The holes are not very challenging and are not very unique. It's just a simple space themed mini golf course- I think they could have done a lot better, but it was fun nonetheless.
We then went inside to have some lunch. And here is where the problems began. THE HALL NEEDS TO LIMIT THE NUMBER OF CAMPS ALLOWED ON A GIVEN DAY. If they do limit it, they need to reduce the number. The cafeteria was FILLED, with a small section blocked off for other guests. This blocked off area had about 10 small tables pushed as close together as possible! We couldn't get in with our stroller so we decided to find a table outdoors. There were picnic tables with umbrellas set up by the golf course, so we sat there. It turned out to be a good thing we moved out, because there was a nice breeze and we enjoyed ourselves. Then we moved into the regular exhibit areas and ALL HELL was breaking out. Kids pushing, shoving, and treating exhibits in such a manner that I felt the need to speak to a couple of workers. I think it's great that they have such marvelous hands on exhibits, but there has to be some supervision or things will be destroyed and someone will get hurt. I understand that camps and schools need to supervise there own students, but when there is such chaos, someone needs to step in! Case in point, a young girls (7 years old?) was pulling on a moving chain and causing the gears to grind. The sign posted in HUGE WORDS warns that one should only TAP the chain, not yank or hold onto it. Needless to say the girl hurt her finger and cried to her camp counselor who told her, "Be careful." He was NOWHERE near her. Hall volunteers were standing nearby watching kids push and shove, treat exhibits like garbage, and cut into lines of waiting patrons. If group leaders will not do their job, staff members of the Hall NEED to step in. It's a lawsuit waiting to happen! I went to voice my concerns to a staff member as I was exiting and she simply gave me a slip of paper to write down my feedback. Hey Tara Keblish (her name was on the feedback form)- This is my feedback.
We then went inside to have some lunch. And here is where the problems began. THE HALL NEEDS TO LIMIT THE NUMBER OF CAMPS ALLOWED ON A GIVEN DAY. If they do limit it, they need to reduce the number. The cafeteria was FILLED, with a small section blocked off for other guests. This blocked off area had about 10 small tables pushed as close together as possible! We couldn't get in with our stroller so we decided to find a table outdoors. There were picnic tables with umbrellas set up by the golf course, so we sat there. It turned out to be a good thing we moved out, because there was a nice breeze and we enjoyed ourselves. Then we moved into the regular exhibit areas and ALL HELL was breaking out. Kids pushing, shoving, and treating exhibits in such a manner that I felt the need to speak to a couple of workers. I think it's great that they have such marvelous hands on exhibits, but there has to be some supervision or things will be destroyed and someone will get hurt. I understand that camps and schools need to supervise there own students, but when there is such chaos, someone needs to step in! Case in point, a young girls (7 years old?) was pulling on a moving chain and causing the gears to grind. The sign posted in HUGE WORDS warns that one should only TAP the chain, not yank or hold onto it. Needless to say the girl hurt her finger and cried to her camp counselor who told her, "Be careful." He was NOWHERE near her. Hall volunteers were standing nearby watching kids push and shove, treat exhibits like garbage, and cut into lines of waiting patrons. If group leaders will not do their job, staff members of the Hall NEED to step in. It's a lawsuit waiting to happen! I went to voice my concerns to a staff member as I was exiting and she simply gave me a slip of paper to write down my feedback. Hey Tara Keblish (her name was on the feedback form)- This is my feedback.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Queens Zoo
Let me start by saying that for most of my life I have lived no more than about 30 miles from this zoo. I have passed by it hundreds of times, whether on my way to a Met's game, a trip to the NY Hall of Science, on route to LaGuardia airport, or just taking the Grand Central or LIE somewhere. Not once did I ever stop at the zoo. I've seen the sign for it, been in Flushing Meadows park where it is located, and even have a membership to the zoo through the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)! Today I took my 5 year old and 2 year old and we had a blast. The zoo is small, only a handful of animals, but the intimate setting and lack of crowds was GREAT! We saw a bald eagle, an alligator, sea lions, puma, lynx, Bison, pudu (a small deer), and a host of other animals. There is also a cute little domestic animal petting zoo. We also went to there discovery center which is open on weekends for children's crafts. The craft was a cheesy paper diorama, but my kids enjoyed it. The zoo was clean, as were the bathrooms. One word of caution, there is NO restaurant on site. There are some vending machines for drinks, snacks, and ice cream. We brought lunch and had a nice picnic under an umbrella by picnic tables located by the vending machines and sea lions.
We spent about 2 1/2 hours there including lunch and saw everything. This is a great little day trip that could be included with a stop at the Hall of Science within walking distance down the road. Citi field and the tennis center are also nearby. I wouldn't go out of my way for such a small zoo, but if you're in the area and looking for a fun time, check it out.
We spent about 2 1/2 hours there including lunch and saw everything. This is a great little day trip that could be included with a stop at the Hall of Science within walking distance down the road. Citi field and the tennis center are also nearby. I wouldn't go out of my way for such a small zoo, but if you're in the area and looking for a fun time, check it out.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Camping at North-South Lake
Review of North South Lake in Haines Falls, NY:
I took my son on his first camping trip to North South Lake in Haines Falls, NY. All I can say is that it was a great experience. He loved it, I loved it, as did the 8 other people we went with. We had a great time building a camp fire, setting up our tent, going on a great little hike to Kaaterskill Falls, a nearby water fall. As a group we rented a canoe, kayak, and row boat, so that each child could get a ride in 3 different boats- they loved it. The camp is set up so you drive right up to your camp site, which is a major plus for families. I went camping as a child, but I am by no means an "out doorsy guy" but they NYS DEC has set up a great camp. The facilities were clean and convenient. Each camp area has showers and bathrooms that were very well kept. Thanks and great job to the workers and visitors that keep it in such great shape. My son wants to go back to this campground ASAP, but I think we may try a NY/NJ camp with cabins next!
Some info:
Address: County Route 18, Haines Falls, NY 12436
Campground Phone: (518)589-5058
Regional Office Phone: (518)357-2289
Camping Fee: $21
http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24487.html
I took my son on his first camping trip to North South Lake in Haines Falls, NY. All I can say is that it was a great experience. He loved it, I loved it, as did the 8 other people we went with. We had a great time building a camp fire, setting up our tent, going on a great little hike to Kaaterskill Falls, a nearby water fall. As a group we rented a canoe, kayak, and row boat, so that each child could get a ride in 3 different boats- they loved it. The camp is set up so you drive right up to your camp site, which is a major plus for families. I went camping as a child, but I am by no means an "out doorsy guy" but they NYS DEC has set up a great camp. The facilities were clean and convenient. Each camp area has showers and bathrooms that were very well kept. Thanks and great job to the workers and visitors that keep it in such great shape. My son wants to go back to this campground ASAP, but I think we may try a NY/NJ camp with cabins next!
Some info:
Address: County Route 18, Haines Falls, NY 12436
Campground Phone: (518)589-5058
Regional Office Phone: (518)357-2289
Camping Fee: $21
http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24487.html
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Bronx Zoo vs. San Diego Zoo vs. Central Park Zoo
The Bronx Zoo is my FAVORITE ZOO! It beats out the San Diego Zoo, in my humble opinion. No offense to San Diego!
Here's my take on the two.
*Kids will love to see the pandas in San Diego, so they have a MAJOR plus right there.
*San Diego Zoo is smaller, although they are building a new section for the elephants soon! I look forward to taking my children there in the future. The smaller size makes it easier if you have small children.
*Kids LOVED the skyfari. But as of this January it's grounded at the Bronx Zoo and still up in San Diego. There is talk of an "amusement park attraction" in the future at the Bronx Zoo. I'm personally hurt by the closing of the skyfari. The zoo said it was a financial decision, and not a safety reason, which gets me more upset. Losing the skyfari almost pushed me over to voting for the San Diego Zoo.
*The Congo Gorilla Forest is a MUST SEE at the Bronx Zoo! As is the Wild Asia Monorail ride.
*Outside of the San Diego Zoo there is a cool little kids train. Nice touch, but it is OUTSIDE of the zoo.
*Bronx Zoo has a great Bug Carousel- what kid doesn't like a carousel?
*San Diego Zoo has awesome flora.
I can't really compare the Bronx and San Diego Zoos to the Central Park Zoo. The Central Park Zoo is MUCH smaller, but is a great way to spend a couple of hours. You'll enjoy the children's zoo here as much as the children's zoo in the other zoos. What's most amazing about the Central Park Zoo is it's location in the heart of Manhattan! Make sure you compare your "paw" to Gus' paw by the polar bear exhibit!
What do you think?
Here's my take on the two.
*Kids will love to see the pandas in San Diego, so they have a MAJOR plus right there.
*San Diego Zoo is smaller, although they are building a new section for the elephants soon! I look forward to taking my children there in the future. The smaller size makes it easier if you have small children.
*Kids LOVED the skyfari. But as of this January it's grounded at the Bronx Zoo and still up in San Diego. There is talk of an "amusement park attraction" in the future at the Bronx Zoo. I'm personally hurt by the closing of the skyfari. The zoo said it was a financial decision, and not a safety reason, which gets me more upset. Losing the skyfari almost pushed me over to voting for the San Diego Zoo.
*The Congo Gorilla Forest is a MUST SEE at the Bronx Zoo! As is the Wild Asia Monorail ride.
*Outside of the San Diego Zoo there is a cool little kids train. Nice touch, but it is OUTSIDE of the zoo.
*Bronx Zoo has a great Bug Carousel- what kid doesn't like a carousel?
*San Diego Zoo has awesome flora.
I can't really compare the Bronx and San Diego Zoos to the Central Park Zoo. The Central Park Zoo is MUCH smaller, but is a great way to spend a couple of hours. You'll enjoy the children's zoo here as much as the children's zoo in the other zoos. What's most amazing about the Central Park Zoo is it's location in the heart of Manhattan! Make sure you compare your "paw" to Gus' paw by the polar bear exhibit!
What do you think?
New York Hall of Science
This is a tough review for me to write. I and my son both love going to the Hall of Science; in fact, I'm a member of the Hall! If you are visiting the area or live in the area and have never gone, it's a must see. The indoor activities are great for young and old. My son especially liked the sports section that they have upstairs. They really need to add a few things in this area. If they asked me I'd tell them my ideas. Anyway, back to the point. The outdoor playground is great! If it's a nice day you MUST try it out!
Now to my problem with the Hall. I paid $155 for a 2 year membership. That's a lot for a place I go to maybe three times a year. Now they charge members for kids crafts. It's only a couple of bucks, but it really burns me up after dishing out $155 that they can't afford to "give" us a piece of paper, maybe a rubber band, and some crayons to color with! This is nickel-and-diming at it's worst. My other issue is they now have a video simulator (you sit in a capsule with a video screen in front of you and the capsule moves around)- but they charge members for this 3 minute ride! I believe it's at a small discount to non members, but come on!
All and all it's a great place and my son loves it!
Let me know what you think.
Now to my problem with the Hall. I paid $155 for a 2 year membership. That's a lot for a place I go to maybe three times a year. Now they charge members for kids crafts. It's only a couple of bucks, but it really burns me up after dishing out $155 that they can't afford to "give" us a piece of paper, maybe a rubber band, and some crayons to color with! This is nickel-and-diming at it's worst. My other issue is they now have a video simulator (you sit in a capsule with a video screen in front of you and the capsule moves around)- but they charge members for this 3 minute ride! I believe it's at a small discount to non members, but come on!
All and all it's a great place and my son loves it!
Let me know what you think.
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