Enjoy The Joyce
By: Linda Seigelman
When September rolls around, it is the perfect time to start thinking about all of the wonderful things to do in Manhattan in the fall: new plays on Broadway, major new exhibitions at the museums and smaller shows at the galleries along Madison Avenue and in Chelsea, and of course, many restaurants to try. As a fan of dance, I always check to see what’s happening at The Joyce.
The Joyce Theater is one of the great venues for dance in Manhattan, and each season it presents a wonderful slate of performances, from classical favorites to New York debuts and world premieres. This fall, the legendary Twyla Tharp will have a three-week residence at The Joyce starting on September 19. She will debut a new dance set to the music of Bob Dylan and perform some favorite classics as well.
The Joyce Theater itself is an intimate Chelsea gem with a warm and welcoming ambiance. Converted from an old 1941 movie house, each of the seats offers an excellent view of the stage – there are no bad sight lines. Since its inception in 1982, The Joyce has hosted more than 270 New
York City-based, national and international dance companies on its stage. Many companies return year after year. In addition, The Joyce hosts dance festivals devoted to themes, artists or individual countries. There is something for everyone.
Located at 175 Eighth Avenue at the corner of 19th Street, The Joyce is very easy to get to. Take the Holland Tunnel and then head North on Hudson Street which becomes Eighth Avenue. The trip is often less than an hour door to door. Parking on most of the cross streets near the theater is available starting at 6:00pm, perfect timing for a pre-theater meal or drink.
In keeping with The Joyce Theater’s mission to enhance the public interest in dance and the related arts, ticket prices are usually very reasonable though they vary a bit according to the dance company that is performing. Lesser known or smaller company tickets often start at $10 and may run to $35 or $40. Tickets for more well-known/ popular companies are usually priced from around $19 to $69. To attract future generations of dance lovers, the theater offers a number of family matinees throughout the year with children’s tickets priced at $10. In addition, Joyce Theater members get substantial discounts on all performances.
The neighborhood surrounding The Joyce is perfect for a stroll before or after the show. And it is only a couple of blocks to the High Line which is great by day and lovely in the evening. A few favorite spots for a snack or a meal are listed below, but there are many more in the area. So consider a dance performance at The Joyce Theater. It is a wonderful New York experience.
WHERE TO EAT
Aldea, 31 West 17th Street (bet/ Fifth and Sixth) – excellent food with a Portuguese/Mediterranean flair, great ambiance, small plates, select menu, a lovely spot
Cafeteria, 119 Seventh Avenue (at 17th) –very popular place for good, reasonably priced American food 24/7, stop in for a drink, a snack or a meal, outdoor seating
Cookshop, 156 Tenth Avenue (at 20th) – a neighborhood favorite, customers return for fresh, local ingredients in a modern setting, outdoor seating in good weather
Donut Plant at the Chelsea Hotel, 220 West 23rd Street (bet/ Seventh and Eighth) – my favorite donut shop, classics and seasonal specials: amazing glazed, jelly with homemade jam in every bite, cake donuts like blackout and carrot, cream-filled doughseeds. – try the pistachio, the line moves quickly, good coffee too
Le Bergamote, 177 Ninth Avenue (at 20th) – the best French pastries and bread in the area, perfect spot for coffee and a treat, BLD available as well including sandwiches, salads, steak frites and roast chicken
Le Grainne Café, 183 Ninth Avenue (at 21st) – casual little French bistro/café, savory and sweet crepes, sandwiches, salads, eggs all day, a favorite spot for a meal or a steaming café au lait, open late
The Meatball Shop, 200 Ninth Avenue (bet/ 22nd & 23rd) – everything you wanted in a meatball – chicken, beef, pork or vegetable, anyway you want it – sliders, heroes, with pasta, in a sauce, always freshly made
Omai, 158 Ninth Avenue (bet/ 19th & 20th) – consistent, high quality Vietnamese food in a Zen-like setting, wonderful soups, spring and summer rolls, noodle and rice dishes, friendly service
Tia Pol, 205 Tenth Avenue (bet/ 22nd & 23rd) – tiny tapas restaurant, delicious chorizo, ham and cheese croquettes, stuffed peppers, fried chick peas and seasonal daily specials, small bar area and a few tables inside and out, always busy.