A POSTCARD FROM APOLLO LEVINE – AN INSIDER GUIDE TO NYC
I have to say as a country boy from Louisiana, NYC can be super overwhelming if you’re not ready to open yourself up for the experience. But here’s a secret…there’s no other place in the world like NYC. Music, nightlife, art, beaches, food, etc.…. the list is never-ending. If you are ready to explore travelling the world in one place, get ready to step into the wild ride of NYC.
As a Broadway actor, my life revolves around Times Square. This vibrant and energetic area serves as home to some of the best musicals and plays that the world has seen. You’re talking Wicked, Chicago, Hamilton, and the best show out right now, MJ The Musical. Now, I may be a little biased, but I love performing this show in front of sold-out audiences nightly. There’s nothing like the rush of seeing people party in their seats and sing along with us as we perform hit after hit of Michael Jackson’s music and tell his story in a way you’ve never seen. It’s one of the coolest jobs if I say so myself. But honestly, there are so many shows to see, you just can’t go wrong. This area truly has so much to offer especially if you don’t know what to do. Amazing restaurants, bars, performances of all kinds, and just a good starting point as a visitor.
At any given time of year Times Square can transform overnight. From partying on New Year’s Eve when the ball drops, to hosting concerts, and winter wonderland spectaculars. fashion shows and so much more all against the backdrop of the city lights, there truly is nothing like it.
One of my favourite spots to relax and just take in some fresh air is only a few blocks north of Times Square, and that’s Central Park. I enjoy taking Rockstarr, my Boston Terrier, out for a stroll and sight-see. The park spans just about 50 blocks, with a zoo, restaurants, boating, walking trails, softball fields, an outdoor performance venue, a skating rink and so many vendors selling original pieces of work. It really is a breath of fresh air.
NYC has so much culture at its fingertips. I’m such a fan of museums. And we have some of the best. The cool thing is, yes you have your traditional museums like The Met, MoMA, or The Brooklyn Museum which are nostalgic and forever bringing in new exhibits from around the world. But I love that this city will find spaces to have limited non-traditional exhibits. Exhibits on Jay-Z or The Evolution of Hip Hop exhibit. Or the Alicia Keys Swizz Beatz Giants exhibition. If you want a different experience in this city don’t be afraid to step outside of Manhattan and into each borough because they each have a very different vibe and flavour which will only enhance your NYC experience.
Okay two spaces that are never going to disappoint are Madison Square Garden and The Barclays Center. I’ve been able to see Chris Rock and Kevin Hart on tour, Janet Jackson in concert, and watch the NY Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, and NY Liberty all play in these spaces. These two venues are just an ever-rotating good time any day of the week. Now all that’s left on my list is to see a NY Rangers hockey game.
Like I said before there’s so much to do in NYC. Whether you’re in Harlem visiting the Apollo or heading down to Far Rockaway Beach; whether it’s a walk on the Highline or a boat ride to Governor’s Island; or one my favourite things taking a helicopter ride over this city, the possibilities or endless. And if I continue writing, this will be more than a postcard. I’ll just leave you to explore on your own. You got this. I believe in you.
Oh, but here’s another tip, TikTok will be your friend as you explore this city. Put in what you’re looking for “Best Pizza in NYC”, “What to do in NYC”, whatever you can think of, type it in and watch your TikTok explode with suggestions.
But again, my advice…. go see a Broadway Show!!! And if just so happens to be MJ The Musical, even better!!
Your NYC Fam
Apollo
Apollo Levine is currently playing Joseph Jackson in MJ: The Musical
