On Broadway

On Broadway

After nursing a balky back and leg for the past couple of weeks, it was time for a laugh. So it was a good thing I had tickets today to see the Broadway production of Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein along with my parents and sister, Amy.

Although nothing can top the 1974 cinematic version starring Gene Wilder, Terri Garr, Peter Boyle, and others, today's show was thoroughly entertaining, with plenty of laughs. As in film, the scene where the monster performs a tap routine to "Puttin' on the Ritz" was priceless.

Accessibility at the Hilton Theatre was excellent -- from the elevator to the seating Parking for my full-size conversion van didn't come cheap, but at least we were able to convince the initially resistant parking lot operator to let us park in his lot.

Getting in and out of New York City left a lot to be desired, however. Traffic on the New Jersey Turnpike near the exit from hell (that would be 7A) was terrible and the physical condition of the turnpike itself was dreadful, particularly immediately outside New York, hardly good for my aching body. As a student and lover of cities, I wonder why the federal government couldn't kick in a few extra dollars to improve the roadways around the financial capital of not just the nation, but the world
Apparently, that only happensafter they collapse and people end up drowning in the river.

That's not funny. "Young Frankenstein," on the other hand, was. I would say that it was "worth the ride," but that would be a cheap marketing ploy, considering it's the title of my book. Suffice to say, I'm glad I made the trip -- pain-free, I might add.

In Enemy Territory

In Enemy Territory

To put it mildly, I dislike the New York Yankees. Maybe it's because they have an arrogant owner with such deep pockets that he can buy a championship (although they haven't actually won one since 2000). Maybe it's because I'm jealous of the fact that they've won 26 championships while my Philadelphia Phillies have won exactly one. Or maybe it's that I'm from Philadelphia and we hate all New York teams!

Nevertheless, I found myself at, of all places, Yankee Stadium today with my parents, my uncle, and my cousin (photo courtesy of Cousin Benny, by the way). With the stadium set to be torn down in a couple of years, I wanted to make my pilgrimage to the mecca of baseball -- home to legends like Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, and Mantle. Getting there was a nightmare, with traffic on the George Washington Bridge so insane that it took an hour just to get across. Fortunately, New York's finest were very helpful in finding us a place to park my van. Still, we didn't get to our seats until the third inning.

Once I was settled in, though, I was glad that I had made the trek to the Bronx. To realize that I was at the same place where all of those great players and teams once competed, the place where all of those championships were won, was quite amazing. Despite the fact that the Yankees are actually in last place (not that I'm upset about that), the stadium was packed and the fans were loud. I sat there, imagining how much louder it must be there during the playoffs, how intimidating it must be for the opposition. No wonder there have been so many miraculous comebacks for the hometown team.

I had fun at the game, but I just couldn't bring myself to actually cheer for the Yankees. They're the enemy; you can't root for the enemy -- even in their own ballpark! Go Phillies!!!