Like so much else, the New York Public Library is shut down. I miss going there to do my playwriting, especially the beautiful Rose Reading Room at the main branch. Flanking the entrance to that gorgeous building are two stone lions. During the Great Depression Mayor Fiorello La Guardia gave them names that he felt … Continue reading Patience and Fortitude
New York City
What to do in isolation
The city sleeps tonight. We can't go out except for essentials. For me, going out to theater and museums is essential. But Governor Cuomo does not agree. Luckily there are many cultural institutions that are trying to help the shut-ins. They are streaming, usually for free, past performances or tours of their museums. I've listed … Continue reading What to do in isolation
Happy Spring 2020
The Spring Equinox happened last night at ten till midnight. That means that this morning, Friday, March 20, 2020, is the first sunrise of the spring (in the Northern Hemisphere) as this post is published. We need a new season and we need to get outside even as we shelter in place. Keep your social … Continue reading Happy Spring 2020
Trying to keep our sense of humor
You may have heard that here in New York City all restaurants and bars are shut for dining in and only open for take-out and delivery. This action was chosen because too many New Yorkers ignored social distancing and crowded bars and restaurants all weekend. All evidence shows that this distancing and staying away from … Continue reading Trying to keep our sense of humor
New York Pandemic Shut Down Extra Credit
I was born in Florida and raised in Cincinnati and Southwest Ohio. I discovered New York City in my teens and fell in love right away. However, I did not move here until 1998. I discovered that native New Yorkers were disdainful of transplants like me. However, they reluctantly allowed us to call ourselves "New … Continue reading New York Pandemic Shut Down Extra Credit
A whole new world
Exactly a week ago I fretted about what would happen if the spreading COVID19 infection hit the theatre industry. Yesterday it came true. Broadway has been shut down for at least a month. But it is much worse than that. Professional basketball and hockey have been suspended. College basketball playoffs, which at first was going … Continue reading A whole new world
I’m Worried
Not that I might catch the COVID-19 virus. I understand the science and know the odds of me specifically becoming ill are very small (especially as I don't get out as much lately). I'm worried that the worries of the general public will harm the theatre business. Not just Broadway here in New York but … Continue reading I’m Worried
NYC Plastic Bag Ban starts tomorrow…
Starting tomorrow, March 1, 2020, New York will outlaw stores giving out plastic bags in most cases. If you need bags, you must pay 5 cents each for paper bags. We certainly currently have too many single use plastics that accumulate in landfills, litter our streets and get snagged in our tree branches. It won't … Continue reading NYC Plastic Bag Ban starts tomorrow…
National Umbrella Day
Today is National Umbrella Day and if you live in New York City you will really need it today. Snap a picture of yourself with your favorite umbrella, post it to social media with the tag #NationalUmbrellaDay and then promptly leave it behind on the seat of the next taxi you take. To celebrate watch … Continue reading National Umbrella Day
National Bagel and Lox Day
Bagel and Lox are my absolute favorite breakfast and to celebrate I have acquired all the fixings for an excellent meal. If you are reading this when it is posted Sunday morning you can be assured that is exactly what I am eating. Feel free to join me. I toast my bagels. Don't hate me. … Continue reading National Bagel and Lox Day
In Memoriam – Kirk Douglas
I'm sure you've heard by now that legendary actor Kirk Douglas passed away this week at age 103. You can find plenty of obituaries recounting his storied career, including "Paths of Glory" and the amazing "Spartacus." But I will always remember a personal chance encounter. In May 2001 I purchased tickets to a Broadway revival … Continue reading In Memoriam – Kirk Douglas
Review – Harry Townsend’s Last Stand
The new play by George Eastman is about growing older and the consequences thereof. Harry Townsend (Len Cariou) is widowed, in his eighties and still living in the lake house he treasures. A visit from his son Alan Townsend (Craig Bierko) slowly wends its way to the easily anticipated question - shouldn't dad move somewhere … Continue reading Review – Harry Townsend’s Last Stand
We will miss the Train Daddy
If you don't live in New York City you may not have heard what nearly everyone here is mourning. The MTA boss Andy Byford has resigned after only two years on the job. I have complained about the failings of mass transit in the city. Mr. Byford was turning it around, improving on-time subway train … Continue reading We will miss the Train Daddy
Come see Driving Miss Daisy this weekend at Polaris North
This weekend (Friday, January 24 @ 7 PM; Saturday, January 25 @ 7 PM and Sunday, January 26 @ 2 PM) you should stop by the Polaris North Studio (245 West 29th Street, 4th floor) here in New York. There you will find a very talented cast led by a very talented director and assisted … Continue reading Come see Driving Miss Daisy this weekend at Polaris North
Manhattan wildlife
Our fair island is not well known for for four legged furry creatures unless you consider the countless dogs people own and the occasional Pizza Rat ™. But our neighborhood (Hudson Heights) is high atop a ridge and surrounded on three sides by forest (or for what passes as forest in New York City). So … Continue reading Manhattan wildlife
In Memoriam – Buck Henry
The great Buck Henry died this week and he will be sorely missed. I saw him perform on Broadway earlier this century in a remounting of "Mornings at Seven" and he was terrific. But I will miss him for all that he created. He was the primary screenwriter for "The Graduate." He teamed with Mel … Continue reading In Memoriam – Buck Henry
The Great New York Subway Seating Debate
If you regularly ride the New York City Subway this is a very important topic. As I depend on the A Train, this is essential. Since the following was posted on Twitter on New Year's Eve day ... ...I have seen lots of discussion but I am mystified. The only acceptable answer is #1. It … Continue reading The Great New York Subway Seating Debate
First MANHATTANHENGE of the new decade
Grab your camera or your smart phone and wake up early tomorrow New Yorkers. Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 7:20 AM will be the first Manhattanhenge sunrise of the year, and in some reckoning, the new decade. (for more on that topic stop by https://walterthinnes.blog/2020/01/01/happy-new-year-the-decade-question/) For you Big Apple newbies this is the date (one … Continue reading First MANHATTANHENGE of the new decade
In Memoriam – Jerry Herman
A couple of days ago we lost one of our greatest musical theater writers - Jerry Herman. He will be missed but he gave us so many great nights in the theater. All of the remembrances note his greatest works - "Hello Dolly"; "Mame"; and "La Cage aux Folles." They are all amazing and enjoyable … Continue reading In Memoriam – Jerry Herman
Review – The Sound Inside
Playwright Adam Rapp has made an auspicious Broadway debut but in a house that is too large for the work. The delicate yet driving work centers on writer and writing teacher Bella Baird, brilliantly acted by Mary Louise-Parker. The quiet touches Rapp provides for Parker provide a moving and touching portrait of a character that … Continue reading Review – The Sound Inside
Review – Derren Brown: Secret
Derren Brown is many things, but foremost in his current show at the Cort Theatre is a consummate entertainer. His easy, warm and confident manner comfortably holds the audience in his sway for the entire evening. He can be called a mind reader, mentalist or "psychological illusionist" but at heart he is a magician. Each … Continue reading Review – Derren Brown: Secret
Review – In a Dark Dark House
You have only one week left to catch the Knife Edge Productions performance of Neil LaBute's "In a Dark Dark House" at the A.R.T./New York Theatre at 53rd Street and 10th Avenue. Though it is a difficult subject, I recommend you get there to see it. The script is consistent with Mr. LaBute's reputation as … Continue reading Review – In a Dark Dark House
National Cookie Cutter Day
As the December holidays speed toward us, it is time to start making preparations. For me that used to mean making a huge numbers of cookies to distribute to family and friends. Before moving to New York City I had houses and kitchens large enough to support the hobby. That scale of operations are not … Continue reading National Cookie Cutter Day
Happy Evacuation Day!
One of my favorite New York City holidays has largely been forgotten. During the American Revolution George Washington and his army left the island of Manhattan on November 16, 1776 (which was quaintly celebrated at nearby Fort Tryon Park recently). Through the remainder of the war the city was run by the British and they … Continue reading Happy Evacuation Day!
National Mickey Mouse Birthday Day
On November 18, 1928 An upstart animator by a name you may recognize (Walt Disney) premiered a short called Steamboat Willy in New York City and a star was born. Walt's growing empire was hitched to the image and antics of Mickey Mouse and remains an important spokesperson today. Over the last several decades the … Continue reading National Mickey Mouse Birthday Day
Walter Thinnes 
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