The Public Theater — Attraction in New York

THE FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE The Public Theatre Thru November 2nd

When we took the Lexington Avenue subway to Astor Place, we had no idea how it would set the mood for “The Fortress of Solitude”………..a terrific “coming-of-age” story set in the Gowanus section of Brooklyn in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s……….a story exceptionally well told that follows two teenage friends, Dylan Ebdus and Mingus Rude, one white and one black, and explores issues of race and culture, self-discovery, drugs and graffiti, comic books and records. Dylan’s parents move from a middle class neighborhood in Queens to “the hood” where he is one of the few white guys and his new best friend, Mingus Rude, protects him. After a stint as Mingus’ wing man painting graffiti on moving subways, Dylan gets into Stuyvesant High School which leads him to Berkley and a career as a music critic. Mingus winds up in prison. Conceived and directed by Daniel Aukin and based on a novel by Jonathan Lethem, this new musical will only be at The Public Theatre until November 2nd so let me suggest you get your tickets right now. Michael Friedman (Love’s Labour’s Lost, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson) is the composer/lyricist and Itamar Moses (“Boardwalk Empire,” The Four of Us) is the writer. As for the title, for those like me who didn’t know, The Fortress of Solitude is Superman’s fictional headquarters……..the only place where he can really be himself. Run time is 2 hours 40 minutes with a 15 minute intermission and normally Dale would be talking about how she could have cut the show. Not this time as Aukin gives himself time to tell this story in full and at the right pace. It is true to itself and the audience, mostly middle aged and white, loved it. Bravo to everyone involved.......great content, music, dance, staging………… it was just one of those nights in...

What's not to LOVE about The Public Theater!?!?!? The space, the productions, the history!! Joe's Pub. The Library at The Public - great food, great space, great service! All they do for the city is amazing. Shakespeare in the Park is a gift and makes summers in the city magical!! From their website: Continuing the work of its visionary founder, Joseph Papp, The Public Theater is dedicated to developing an American theater that is accessible and relevant to all people. Creating theater for one of the largest and most diverse audience bases in New York City for nearly 60 years, today The Public engages audiences in a variety of venues – beginning with Free Shakespeare in the Park. More than five million people have visited the Delacorte Theater for free performances, making it one of New York City’s most beloved summer traditions. At its landmark downtown home at Astor Place, housing five theaters and Joe’s Pub, The Public advocates for the theater as an essential cultural force through productions of new plays, musicals, and Shakespeare that lead and frame dialogue on some of the most important issues of our day. The Public’s programming also includes a range of artist and audience development initiatives including its Public Forum series, which brings together theater artists and professionals from a variety of disciplines for discussions that shed light on social issues explored in Public productions, and the Mobile Unit, which tours Shakespearean productions for underserved audiences throughout New York City’s...

It was amazing. My brother, Mark Porter, born from another mother, took me to see A Bright Room of the Day. Incredible... Made me cry. (Shhh... Don't tell anyone).

The theater itself holds 4 small theaters in total, one being Joe's Pub, which I've frequented quite often, to see both Ann Hampton Callaway, and Anne Steele. That theater is quite large. But this theater was small and very quaint, even staging a bit of pyrotechnics during the play. Reminded me of Trans Siberian Orchestra.

The red seats were quite comfortable, and I have 2 metal rods in my back, and 6 metal screws as a souvenir from a long lumbar fusion procedure (don't ask, long story, I'll tell ya later).

They have an elevator so that's a great benefit. Serving a bit of food at the bars inside, a ramp for wheelchairs, a concession stand with snacks. Everyone is extremely friendly and kind.

I've never had a bad or indifferent experience there.

Treat yourselves... Go to the public theater, or Joe's Pub, or either of the other two theaters.. they don't disappoint.

Trust me.

You know...