The Drama Book Shop — Local services in New York

I took my daughter to the book shop today, she has been a huge fan of Lin's since she was introduced to Hamilton by her AP teacher. As soon as we walked in the four "white people" behind the cash counter turned and looked at us, as if were not suppose to be there. We browsed a little and then my daughter went to section where they had all the pins with Lin's face on them. One of the men came where we were, bent down and pretended he was fixing the book which were in pristine condition and didn't need fixing. I tried to get his attention to ask him about the "founding father pin," he ignored me and went back to the cash counter. He then sent a guy with a ponytail, he stood in front of us, I then asked him about the pin. He told me they were out of stock. We went to the cash desk, then my daughter's eye caught the Hamilton by Ron Chernow book, the inspiration for the musical. We suddenly heard a conversation by the four people at the cash desk, as my daughter picked up the book, one of them mentions that there was a version of something without slavery (I can only assume that they were talking about the book or the musical). It is very un-coincidental that they start discussing slavery in the presence of two Black women. They made our visit very uncomfortable. I am hoping that management and Lin read this post and look into this. We are in 2021 and we are still going through this. Although, the store itself, the way it is designed and put together is...

I was in NYC for my birthday a few weeks ago doing a bookstore tour. I followed them on insta, so this was on my list of "must see" stores. The first day I went, they were closed due to a wifi issue. Okay, fine, it happens. I went back the next day because I really wanted to try the chocolate milk latte they advertise on their Instagram, but apparently the café closes an hour before the store does. That's fine too, but the employee running the café set the "Closed" sign down as I was walking up to order, looking me dead in the eyes with a nasty look on their face. I checked my phone, it turned 6 pm as I pulled it out of my pocket. Considering I was obviously making my way to the café just before it closed, I don't think it would have killed the person to make an iced beverage for the only person left clearly wanting coffee. It's just contributing to a weirdly unwelcoming environment for a bookstore/café. The rest of the employees were all gathered at the front, not paying attention to anyone. No one spoke to me or my partner, hardly even glanced at us. It was a disappointing visit, the only draw was the book sculpture (which looks exactly like it does in photos, no need for a special trip.) I unfollowed on insta and won't bother trying again on future visits to NYC, there's plenty of shops where the people are welcoming (The Strand had a...

I’m not sure what has happened with this place but it’s not good. The vibe from employees is so elitist and condescending. It used to be warm and helpful. Welcoming. After my most recent experience here, I will not be returning. I’ve spent a lot of money in this place over the years (and have always recommended it by default to anyone remotely interested in theatre whether they are local or visiting), but that stopped today. Treated with disrespect multiple times within one visit which was going to yield a sale of more than $100 automatically based on my shopping list until I walked in and was greeted with disdain and utter disrespect. Instead, I deliberately purchased nothing and will never purchase anything at this store again (everything in the store can be found elsewhere and I recommend you find it elsewhere). So disappointing and it truly bums me out to have to write this negative review. As a fair warning to other theatre lovers, do not expect to be treated with respect here now. It wasn’t always like this, but unfortunately something has gone terribly wrong here. Expect to be looked down on if you aren’t in their clique. The Drama Book Shop has undoubtedly lost its way. Very sad. Perhaps someone will turn it around and get it back to its original...