New York Through The Eyes Of Broadway's 'Just In Time' Star Shannon Lewis
Broadway's "Just in Time" choreographer Shannon Lewis.
"Every night, I hope and pray a dream lover will come my way. A girl to hold in my arms
and know the magic of her charms…" And you know how the rest of the song goes.
After all, Bobby Darin is one of the most famous singers and songwriters in American history. Now, his life is featured in the Broadway show 'Just in Time," opening this Wednesday, April 23rd.
Tony Award winner Jonathan Groff plays Bobby, and Shannon Lewis makes her Broadway debut as the choreographer. This talent started off as a performer and has been in ten Broadway musicals. As a choreographer, her long list of impressive gigs includes creating moves for popular videos like 'I'm Just Pete' and 'Gladiator Twosical', on projects for NBC's 'The Tonight Show' with Jimmy Fallon and HBO's 'Last Week Tonight' with John Oliver.
I interviewed her recently about her New York loves.
Where do you live in New York
I live in Morningside Heights- it's a vibrant and wonderful part of upper NYC. I have lived here for a very long time, and I know most of my neighbors. It feels like a small town.
What is your favorite neighborhood in NYC and why?
I love where we are…the upper section of Central Park on the west side is quite spectacular and is not as crowded as the rest of the park. It's glorious to feel like you are getting some fresh air every day before you jump into the fast-moving city.
Can you share some of your favorite spots in a Theater District and what makes them so great?
I love the iconic Shubert Alley- the wide sidewalk/alley outside that crosses between the Shubert Theatre and the Booth Theatre…for some high-quality people watching! The energy there is so electric in the hour before the curtain goes up in the many theaters there. It truly feels like 'Broadway' to me. The audience's excitement and buzz is thrilling. There is nothing else like that in the world.
The best place for a pre-or post-theater meal and why. What are the dishes to order?
I'm a big fan of Sushi Damo- It's not in the immediate Times Square area, but very close to most theaters and accessible by subway to Columbus Circle. Great vibe and great food. Their shisito peppers and sweet potato rolls are a personal favorite!
Best Theater District watering hole and the drink to get?
I love all the wines at Vanguard, and the dirty martini at Bar Centrale.
Insider tips for enjoying a Broadway show. Anything to make the experience better?
Turn off your phone and let yourself be transported into the experience and the story of the show you are seeing that night. I believe that the experience of live theatre really requires the audience to be invested and listening! Go on the ride, be entertained, feel the emotion of the journey and let yourself flow into the moment. Before the show, read the Playbill, take in any notes that might help you be more easily able to fully invest in the performances. Then let it take you in. There is nothing else like a Broadway show!
The New York City theater you love to go to and why?
The Circle in the Square! That is where 'Just in Time' is playing and it's a fantastic and unique immersive layout that makes the show a completely original way of telling our story. The theatre allows you to feel the story all around you and so far our audiences are absolutely loving that.
My biggest takeaway from the show is:
Not to waste any time sweating the small stuff. Live a full life every day. Don't wait to do the things you dream of. Be here now.
What other Broadway shows are on your radar right now?
Honestly, I've been so intensely focused on getting our show to opening night, that I have had creative blinders on! I have many friends doing incredible work in other shows this season, and I'm always sending them all my good vibes!
My husband is a part of the cast of the wonderful Floyd Collins at Lincoln Center, so, I am definitely excited to see that!
Share your insider New York gems.
Two words: Donut Pub.
To die for.
Can you share your favorite theaters around the world and why?
I love all theaters everywhere and consider them sacred spaces. To me they represent dreams and creativity, imagination and fantasy becoming reality. Storytelling and bringing people together to have a shared moment feels like something we all need right now. I hope that all theaters in the world will continue to have their stages filled with shows and projects that make audiences feel moved and also connect with stories beyond their own experience.
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