Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, The Heart of NYC Culture
Written: Sep 16 '05 (Updated Apr 30 '08)
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Pros: World Class arts and artists are staged here.
Cons: The architecture and stone is a bit too stark.
The Bottom Line: Lincoln Center provides one the best venues for music and opera in NYC. The free shows in the plaza are to be taken advantage of too.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts |
The first time I remember being to Lincoln Center was going with my wife to see The Man of La Mancha as a revival in the 1970s. The play was incredible! We were a bit late getting there so it was a rush through the complex getting into the theatre.
Architectural Aesthetics
It was at the intermission and after the show when I was able to really appreciate all the massive buildings and open plaza that makes up the bulk of the Lincoln Center complex. It was awesome looking then.
2008 Update
Much of the area around the buildings is now boarded up. Extensive upgrades are now being done to the grounds. Unfortunately one cannot expect the usual graduer the Center evokes at this present time. I will update with the new look when I can.
...end Update
In recent years we have continued to return to the center to see the shows it affords. The plaza no longer strikes me as appealing and stunning. The truth is it is quite stark. The gray marble that make up the complex is too staid for my liking. I believe that very modern look that I first saw over thirty years ago has lost a bit of its luster. All the same, the center is definitely a place to visit and may still evoke a feeling of enormity and grandeur, especially upon first visit. I really must say that seeing the complex at night with artificial lighting in and around it, even now, still makes the place dazzling to me.
Every day hundreds of people use the open plaza to enjoy the fountains and relax. It is an oasis from city. The plaza area is set back from the busy streets. It's my feeling that more trees and shade areas would lighten the overall look of the center and make it even more inviting to the public.
Four Main Buildings Around One Square
When in the plaza one is surrounded on three sides by four huge theatres that all use the same coloured stone but are designed in different styles.
To the south is New York State Theater that is home to New York City Ballet and Opera. My wife and I had tickets for Rigoletto here about two years ago. The show was fabulous and the seating and site lines are well designed. This theatre also has the words of the opera in English on lighted boards so you can understand what you are hearing. I happen to like that. The acoustics of the theatre are also good to my ears.
To the west is the stunning Metropolitan Opera House. If I recall this theatre is more purist and does not have the words shown. This theatre is absolutely gorgeous. The open areas and stairs are stunning. It's a wonderful place to have a glass of champagne at intermission. We have been here a number of times. The artwork in the public areas are stunning too and must be studied by getting to the theatre early. The elevator system and stairs make this theatre a pleasure to see a show in.
Adjacent to this building is Vivian Beaumont Theater. My wife enjoyed The Man of La Mancha there over thirty years ago and very recently took in South Pacific that opened a month or so ago as its first NYC revival in almost 60 years.
To the north is Avery Fisher Hall that is home to the New York Philharmonic. I don't recall ever being in this theatre except to look around at the lobby. Magnificent!
Also part of the complex and just a short walk away is Alice Tully Hall. As of 2008 it is still temporarily closed for renovations
Dining
All three major theatres have restaurants that are open before the show and stay open till the end of intermission. We haven't tried any and were shut out of one due to lack of reservations. Phone numbers are available through the Lincoln Center web site.
I also like the fact that once a show starts in any of the theatres doors close until a more proper time to let latecomers enter without being obtrusive to other theatre goers.
More To It
There is still so much more to the 16 acre complex that also incorporates the The Juilliard School, a park, the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater and much much more. This is the largest performing arts center in the world! Tours of the theatres are available to at a cost.
Travel To The Complex
The Center does have parking though I do suggest you get to the venue an hour ahead of time. First you never know what city traffic is like and second the lot does fill up close to show time. Expect to pay about $35-$40 for parking. There are direct underground routes right to the appropriate theatres or to the plazas above. This is very good on extremely cold and snowy days in the winter.
Public transportation of subways also take you directly to Lincoln Center. That's what I would suggest. I should mention that a taxi stand is just outside east side of the plaza.
What Shall I Wear?
There are no dress codes in any of the three main theatres though most people do tend to dress up for the shows, especially at the Opera House and Avery Fisher Hall. The truth is you will see anything from jeans and a button down shirt to suits, ties and Tuxes for men. I will say that the women tend to dress up a bit more than the man. I personally like dressing up a bit for this kind of theatre.
Bringing the Plaza to Life
We have been to Lincoln Center for their Latin Dance nights. These are summer time events. There is a charge to get into an enclosed area of this outdoor venue but many, many people choose to stay just outside the gates where you can still see and hear the action. There is much dancing on both sides of the fence. This is a fun and exciting "people watching" opportunity.
Jazz is also well represented at Lincoln Center with Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra. Right now they are preparing for a hurricane relief benefit concert on Saturday night.
This is a fine place to walk to from Central Park just a couple of blocks away. Nearby are several restaurants and a Barns and Noble Book store just across the street and uptown a bit.
South Pacific Now playing the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center
NEW YORK CITY, take a tour right here.
TKTS half price tickets to Broadway
Central Park
Times Square, the Heart of NY
Ollie's Noodle Shop just a few steps from Lincoln Center.
Something is Missing. A Tribute to the good people and the twin towers that were lost on 9/11
Recommended:
Yes
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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