Gramercy Theatre — Attraction in New York

I'll start by noting that at dinner before heading to the Gramercy for a NYE show, I had an accident which resulted in breaking my leg not once but in three places a few hours before the show. It was NYE and I was in NYC only for that show, because someone dear to me had told me months earlier that "New Mastersounds on NYE" would be his ideal new year's- and so I had wanted to give such a great person something ideal. Obviously, we missed that 8 pm show, and in addition to the absolutely hellish pain of the injuries I'd sustained I was heartbroken over this derailment. And I get hell-bent when I'm heartbroken, and there was a second 2 a m show...so what did I do? I hustled out of the ER in a temporary cast and despite some protest said I'm going to feel like hell back at the hotel, or here, or anywhere. So here it is. And hobbled up to the box office and got two Tix to the 2 a m show, even though I was still in shock and a total mess, let's be honest. And then the pain meds started wearing off and I was in the middle of the floor waiting for a Coke to settle my stomach, nervous and hurting and so grateful to have gotten us there and that for the most part despite the hour people were aware and kind and I'd not been knocked over yet. A guy came over and asked how I was feeling, I thought he was just another friendly guy, I tend to get in conversations with almost everyone so no surprise. Well this is where the gramercy got good. This guy asked my name and introduced himself and walked away, and in a minute he was back, to lead me and my companion to a chair he'd gotten from the back, and settle me directly side stage, with a nice wide space and safety cushion around me. He then stopped back a few more times throughout the show just to ask if all was well. Basic kindness and character in what could have been an awful situation. Did I dance the night away or have the blast I'd expected? No but I felt safe and enjoyed the show absolutely as much and more than anyone would expect on that night in that situation, largely thanks to Gramercy staff in addition to some good music. I'd say that kindness was the best medicine I had that night. Venue itself? Well as a dedicated "show go-er" for years I'd give the venue itself about a 3/ 3.5 out of 5, it's not got the beauty or impact of the Cap (NY), the Warfield (SF), the Vic (Chi) etc...but Kevin and a few other staff (mainly Kevin, he gets the big shout out and thank you for this one) raised it right to a 5⭐ venue and I expect that's typical . One door guy was in total shakedown mode and took a small edible I would have used to maximize pain control, but there's often a thuggish component on the door and it was one rude NON asset, luckily the actual staff inside more than made up for it. Thanks NMS for some good sounds on an accidental bad night, and thanks Kevin and Gramercy staff for being awesome and helping...

I called ahead regarding their purse & coat policy, as online reviews have very mixed opinions. I'm just speaking to my experience here, so please feel free to call ahead - staff was really friendly! They said I could bring my "big purse" to the venue & coat check that without issue. I took my prescription meds before going, but I did have my mini first aid kit with me (with travel OTC meds, band aid, etc) and it didn't get searched or scrutinized when my purse was. When checking in, they checked my purse & let me in without issue (even with an oversized purse). There is no coat check in the summer, which is confusing because ticket master allowed me to purchase for an additional fee a coat check ticket. Security did get someone to unlock a small closet & gave me a coat check ticket. It was confusing, though, so if you're debating buying the coat check and it's a warmer month, maybe reconsider & bring that amount in cash instead if you still want to check.

Outside of all the "will my purse be allowed in when I'm traveling" & "is coat check real?" issues, once I got inside, everything was pretty great. The bathrooms are retrofitted & similar to a bar, but I feel like that's standard for the age of the building. The stage & seating area are very close together. Even if you've got a back row seat, you're fairly close. I knew I purchased a rather close seat, but when I found it, I could literally touch the stage. Very cool...

The show was phenomenal, the staff however was rude and not accommodating. Being a type 1 diabetic out of my house for over 12 hours, I needed to have food with me. Everything I had was sealed and single serve. The person at the door told me I had to throw most of it out after I explained I was a diabetic. Allowing me to have enough for one low blood sugar. I know the door staff is not medically trained enough to determine my best care. When I tried to explain that I needed enough to be sure I'd be ok for the rest of the night to get home, they talked over me, trying to get through the line and told me to throw it out.

Once inside I ended up sitting in the rear of the theater, even though I had gotten vip tickets, because I was worried if I was dancing and on the floor I wouldn't have enough food to be able to stay safe. Since I was sitting, another disabled person approached me and asked if I could watch their bag. They explained to me that they have a physical disability, she tried to ask about the coat check and she was told it was closed. She was denied any sort of accommodation and ended up entrusting her backpack to a stranger. I also witnessed someone in a wheelchair trying to find where they could be in the venue. I saw staff shoo them away from an open space along the wall.

Regardless of who is playing, this might be the first venue I refuse...