Broadway on a Budget

I love going to Broadway shows - unfortunately, I end up spending my money on what could have been a ticket to Rock of Ages on a new cocktail dress instead.

Just seems more effective- the dress I'll have for a long time, and Billy Elliot will leave me after two hours.

Fortunately, my lack of commitment to Broadway has found a solution: Broadway in Bryant Park!

Now I can spend my afternoons getting samples of the best current shows without having to spend a thing - well, maybe for a cookie and lemonade at Le Pain Quotidien.

Every Thursday from today through August 13, enjoy a sample selection of four shows in the open air Bryant Park lawn. Instead of being stuck with one show in a cold theatre for two hours, you get to watch the biggest hits from different shows. In one hour, you can start at the Opera go down the Yellow Brick Road then under the sea to Washington Heights. It's like tapas for musicals - just a little taste of everything. Great for those with ADD.

Maybe I'll decide that I like one of the shows enough to go see the entire production and sacrifice a new pair of heels.

Bryant Park Reading Room

Poor Bryant Park, it only gets major attention during Fashion Week.

But when the white tents are down and Anna Wintour is long gone, Bryant Park is a great place to relax and enjoy the lovely spring weather. The other day I was strolling through the park and noticed a darling little area that has books along with tables and chairs to read. This little jewel in the park is the Bryant Park Reading Room.

The Reading Room is a product of tough economic times; it first opened in 1935 as a public response to job losses during the Great Depression. It was a place that people could come to and read books for free. However in 1944, it was closed due to WWII and an increase in jobs.

It seems that history is repeating itself as the Reading Room has been reopened during yet another economic crisis.

The Reading Room is open daily from 11am - 7pm.

Lunch at Le Pain Quotidien and a day sunning and reading in the park - sounds like a perfect afternoon.