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Over 60…And Getting Younger: May 27, 2011

Matinee Day

We looked at the N.Y. Times listing of plays for a Wednesday matinee and we chose Arcadia, a Tom Stoppard play. It was listed as “best play revival” and “best featured actor,” Billy Cruddup. A code number and a credit card got us 4th row center seats at a discounted price.

We hopped an LIRR train at 12:22 at the Hicksville station. The conductor arrived and we requested senior citizen rates to Penn Station. A darling woman in the seat in front of us turned around and said to Lorraine, “You can’t be a senior citizen, you are too pretty and young looking.” What a wonderful way to start the day!

We took a cab to the Ethel Barrymore Theater on 47th Street for the 2 p.m. performance. The traffic was brutal. I remarked, “Walking would be easier and less time consuming.”

We settled into our great seats to watch the performance. It befuddled me but Lorraine loved it. There was a lot of going back and forth between the early 19th century and the late 20th century. The gist of the play was a comparison of the values of either literature or science/math. Sex and human weakness were also stressed. It was acted flawlessly but I had to research on the Internet to have a better appreciation and understanding of what I just observed. I do recognize the creativity and intelligence of the play.

Where to eat? Where to eat?

On a rainy Manhattan afternoon we chose Ben Benson’s Steak House on 52nd Street. We selected it because we listen to John Gambling on WOR at 710 on the AM dial, and he recommended it. We both felt we needed a treat.

We shared a Porterhouse steak for two and creamed spinach. The steak and spinach were superb but it was a bit pricey. We took the leftovers back home in a cute doggy bag. The waiters were extremely professional.

Back on the LIRR to Hicksville. It was still raining and when we finally arrived home we plopped down on the couch and dozed off.

Just another Matinee Day in Manhattan!

P.S. Gold additions – thank you to Rick F. and Rich S. – gold medal, gold standard, golden boy, gold bug, fool’s gold.