Disney's Aulani Resort: What's Up With the Cost of Parking?

This is one in a series of posts about Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa.

Honolulu, Hawaii has some of the most expensive parking rates in the United States and it appears the cost extends to the island of Oahu's leeward side in Ko Olina. Above is the parking rates for Walt Disney Co.'s Aulani resort. Valet parking is the same price with the addition of tips. Yesterday the price for wondering around the newly opened complex cost me ten bucks. However if you make a purchase of $35 at the resort's restaurants there is complementary parking for four hours.

For hotel guests who are not Disney Vacation Club members, the true cost of the room would have to include the additional fee for parking. Since mass transit is not convenient in the area, almost all guests would require the use of a rental car. It should be noted that the self-parking requires a short walk to resort's main entrance and with the self-pay kiosk there is no parking attendant. Also it's a wonder when the resort is at capacity if there will be enough parking for all guests including those visiting to dine at one of the restaurants or to attend a conference. There is no public parking around Aulani.

Disney's Aulani Resort Opens in Ko Olina, Hawaii

(all photos except where noted: TheHopefulTraveler)

(photo credit: Paul Hiffmeyer/LATimes)

This is one in a series of posts about Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa.

The Walt Disney Co. finally opened Aulani, an $800 million oceanfront hotel and vacation club, in Ko Olina on the leeward side of Hawaii's island of Oahu after nearly three years of construction. Today I had the chance to wonder around the 21-acre property and over the next few posts will publish the photos from my visit and information about the resort. The soft opening officially welcomed guests this past week with the official opening date scheduled later this month.

Aulani translates into "messenger of a chief" or as Disney has reported, "One who speaks on behalf of a higher power." Photographed at top is the Ewa tower of the two-tower resort and below it is an L.A. Times photo overlooking the property. Below is a map and legend (click on either photo to view a larger version) located on the complex.

Thought was placed into the physical layout which creates a facsimile of a "ahupuaa" (mountain-to-sea land division). The two towers represent mountains creating a central valley filled with flowing water that connects beautifully the beach and Pacific Ocean just steps away from the hotel.

The resort is located 21 miles west of Honolulu in Ko Olina on the leeward side of Hawaii's island of Oahu. The man-made lagoons with white sandy beaches is the physical trademark of the 621-acres that is Ko Olina. Other hotels and resorts in the area are the JW Marriott Ihilani Ko Olina Resort & Spa, Ko Olina Beach Villas Resort and Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club. Unlike Waikiki the area represents an exclusive and uncrowded option. Also located within Ko Olina is the 18-hole Ko Olina Golf Club, Ko Olina Beach Park, Ko Olina Marina and the Paradise Cove luau. Ko Olina is part of Oahu's second city of Kapolei where the town center nearby represents the closest option for shopping, dining and entertainment including a 16-theatre multiplex and the Wet'n'Wild water park.

Also of note is that Ko Olina, being on the leeward side of the island, has practically perfect sunny weather year round that is warmer and dryer than other parts of the island.

Closing!!! 'Betty Blue Eyes' Musical in London

Betty, Reece Shearsmith and Jack Edwards
(all production photos: Jane Hobson/London News Pictures/ZUMAPRESS.com)

It's probably unfair to include 'Betty Blue Eyes' in my series of posts featuring the failure of stage musicals adapted from feature films. For one thing the creators did not use the same title of the film. The musical is based on the 1984 film "A Private Function". For another it's not like producers are banking on the popularity of the film to attract theatergoers. It only grossed $2.5 million in the U.S. back then.

'Betty Blue Eyes' at the Novello Theatre
(photo credit: trickboxtv.com)

However this musical is opening in London and it is based on a British film that starred the likes of Michael Palin, Maggie Smith, Denholm Elliott, Richard Griffiths, Liz Smith and Pete Postlethwaite. At the 1985 BAFTA (British Oscars), the film won three awards for best actress (Maggie Smith), Supporting Actor (Denholm Elliott) and Supporting Actress (Liz Smith). It was also nominated for best film and original screenplay.

But what should have signaled the likely success of the musical was the man behind it: British producer Cameron Mackintosh who has presented 'Les Miserables', 'The Phantom of the Opera' and 'Mary Poppins' in London and Broadway. Mackintosh is known for his careful hand in choosing and producing projects.

Betty the Pig

'Betty Blue Eyes' opened on April 13, 2011 (previews from March 19, 2011) and last week it was announced the musical would close on September 24, 2011 after a run of six months at the Novello Theatre in London's West End.

The story concerns a small Northern English town in 1947 where the inhabitants are experiencing food rationing in the United Kingdom. Some town businessmen decide to raise a pig, illegally, to serve at an elite banquet to celebrate the royal wedding of Princess Elizabeth to Prince Philip. But the pig is stolen by a local chiropodist and encouraged by his wife. Meanwhile a food inspector is determined to stop the illegal activities.

Reece Shearsmith (on bicycle) and the company

Sarah Lancashire (center)

From Michael Billington's review in The Guardian: This witty and delightful adaptation strikes me as better than the original (film). It would be unfair to say that a silk purse has been made out of a sow's ear but the show's creators preserve the satire on small-town snobbery, greed and racism from the Alan Bennett-Malcolm Mowbray movie script while sharpening the storyline and using music genuinely to enhance character.

In news reports Mackintosh said "It is very curious - after such amazing reviews and positive word of mouth, no-one knows the real reason why Betty couldn't find a bigger audience. We have been consistently been playing to just over 50 percent but it just isn't enough to cover the costs. Of course I'm disappointed but I'm not despondent, I am enormously proud of Betty. I know that she will have her day and another life."

George Stiles (music) and Anthony Drewe (lyrics) composed the score. They are credited with augmenting the original score of 'Mary Poppins' with additional songs for the stage version that premiered in London and still running on Broadway. The musical's book is by Ron Cowen and Daniel Lipman. A musical cast recording is planned for release on iTunes and on CD. Though the show lacked a major star, one interesting piece of trivia is that Australian pop singer Kylie Minogue provided the voice of Betty the Pig (on stage an animatronic creation). More info at bettyblueeyesthemusical.com.

See Through Packing Using Two Gallon Freezer Bags

I wrote a post a few days ago about bottled water placed in freezer bags in checked bags. It got me thinking about the use of the various sizes of such freezer bags as a packing tip. We all use the quart and gallon size bags with regular use. But did you know that companies such as Ziploc also manufacture two-gallon size freezer bags. The two gallon size is perfect for shoes and clothing especially mens pants.

These freezer bags allow you to neatly pack pack a bag and makes it easier to re-shuffle items within a bag. Best of all you can see everything at a glance. One hidden benefit is that should airport security need to open your checked bag, they can see its contents without having to open each bag or mess up the contents. Other benefits include keeping everything clean from any liquids and they can be re-used. I normally label the bags I use for shoes or laundry since their re-use is limited.

Anything that can leak should be placed in its own separate bag. Cologne and perfumes should be double bagged. Should they leak, their aroma is more contained. After placing each liquid toilettes in separate bags then place all of them in a larger freezer bag along with other other non-liquid personal items. It'll help when you unpack. By the way gels such as a deodorant can also expand and leak during a flight.

It's worth repeating that freezer bags should be used rather than storage bags due to the thickness of the plastic. Ziploc packages the quart with 20 bags in a box, the gallon with 15 and the two-gallon with 10. The quart and gallon are often discounted during store sales. Less so the two-gallon bag.

When in France, Speak like Bradley Cooper

I once visited France and I thought I would have the opportunity to put to use four-and-a-half years of French language courses. I guess it was fortunate that I became friends with members of the same European tour that hailed from Montreal, Canada though they had moved to Toronto. They did all the talking and I just enjoyed the expert delivery of the language.

It may not be a bad idea to begin practicing the language again. No doubt French is likely in vogue again with many impressionable people after seeing Bradley Cooper promote "The Hangover Part II" (called "Very Bad Trip 2" in France) on French television and hearing him speak the language fluently.

'Ghost The Musical' Set to Open in New York April 2012

I'm probably setting myself up for disappointment by writing several posts about 'Ghost The Musical'. I have to admit the original 1990 movie is a favorite of mine and I warmed up to it being adapted for the stage once I learned of the creative team, composer and actors of the London production. I cannot wait for the chance to see this show.

BroadwayWorld.com reports that the West End production is booking tickets until October 2012 and that the show will open on Broadway in April 2012. Producers are currently eyeing the Lunt-Fontanne, Shubert and Palace. Caissie Levy who is playing the Demi Moore role of Molly will likely repeat on Broadway. Less certain is her Sam played Richard Fleeshman. With a transfer confirmed, more details of casting and dates are to come soon.

In the meantime the original cast recording of the London production is available on iTunes and on CD.

New York City Hotel Room Taxes

(image credit: intuit.com)

With all the news about the transparency regarding airlines and published fares, taxes and fees, I think the same the should be done for hotel prices. As we all know the prices we find online for hotel rooms are before taxes but the taxes and other fees can be a substantial amount especially for long stays and in expensive cities like New York City.

The website littleviewstravel.com has published a convenient New York City Hotel Cost Calculator to calculate the cost for each night. It also calculates the cost for the stay. You would need to make a separate calculation if the per night rate fluctuates.

If you're planning a visit to New York City, these are the current taxes (14.75%) and fees added to the daily hotel rate:
New York State Sales Tax 4%
New York City Sales Tax (4.5%) and Transportation District Surcharge (.375%) = 4.875%
Hotel Room Occupancy Tax $2 plus 5.875%
Javits Tax $1.50

This means a $150 room will actually cost $175.63. A $250 room (no uncommon and a deal in Times Square) will cost a total of $290.38.

Last I understood was that the Javitz hotel tax fed funds of $1.7 billion project to renovate the Javits Convention Center in Manhattan. If anyone knows what else this tax funds or the purpose of this tax has changes, then let me know.

"Submissions Only" Web Series

I finally had the opportunity to see the entire set of episodes in season one of the web series "Submissions Only" which is funny behind the scenes look at those involved in casting and auditions in New York City. I don't know why I didn't make time to watch this series sooner since my thing is seeing shows when I travel. I'm hooked and can't wait for a planned second season.

The series follows friends Penny Reilly (Kate Weatherhead) and Tim Trull (Colin Hanlon) as they ride the bumpy road road of auditioning in New York City (she's an actress, he's a casting director). Created by Weatherhead and Andrew Keenan-Bolger, the show is delightful and often funny with sweet and charming performances especially by the two leads. Despite having no budget the show is well produced and shot. The writers have been thoughtful to avoid the characters from being bitter or cocky to a fault.

For fans of Broadway theatre, the best part is seeing favorites in the regular cast and others in guest appearances. Some of them appearing in Season 1 include:
Danny Burstein (South Pacific, The Drowsy Chaperone)
Alan Campbell (Sunset Boulevard)
Kristen Chenoweth (Wicked, Promises Promises)
Max Von Essen (Death Takes a Holiday, Dance of the Vampires)
Santino Fontana (The Importance of Being Earnest, Billy Elliot)
Ann Harada (Avenue Q)
Cady Huffman (The Producers)
Rebecca Luker (Death Takes a Holiday, Mary Poppins, The Music Man, Show Boat)
Chita Rivera

The title is taken from the casting process where performers represented by an agents are sent to audition. I've also learned what the term 'sides' means which refers to segments taken from a script used during the audition. Each episode runs about ten to fifteen minutes.

Below are links to each episode of the season one on YouTube.com and part one of episode one is included in this post.
Episode 1 Part 2 (Old Lace)
Episode 2 Part 1 (165 Flies)
Episode 2 Part 2 (165 Flies)
Episode 3 Part 1 (Intersections)
Episode 3 Part 2 (Intersections)
Episode 4 (You're So Bad)
Episode 5 (Mean Like Me)
Episode 6 (Somethin' Else)

The show has just began a Kickstarter Project to raise funds to cover expenses, pay for equipment and compensate the cast and crew.

Check Your Bottles of Water

The restriction of liquids at airport security check-in points has alter the way we think about how we stay hydrated when we travel. In past travelers would pack one or two bottles for the plane ride and before we became slaves to bottled water we probably packed a favorite soft drink instead.

Today after passengers get through the airport check-in point, they become prisoners of airport concession prices to make a purchase of bottle of water that is likely to be around $2 or $3. Of course passengers can wait until after boarding during the flight drink service (when it is offered) and re-hydrate that way. By the way there's nothing wrong with carrying an empty beverage container and then filling it with water at an airport fountain. Some airports like the new terminal in at San Francisco International have water stations (pictured below) specifically constructed to fill beverage containers.

One common practice I've adopted is to pack two or three extra bottles of water in my checked bag. I noticed that drinking a lot of water in addition to a quick shower and a short nap helps to fight the jet lag after a long a flight and after checking into my hotel room. Since a convenience store may not be immediately accessible I'll have at least one bottle ready until I can purchase more during my trip. This also helps if you have to maintain a regime of maintenance medications.

To avoid any leaks in checked bags, put each bottle in a gallon freezer bags such as those made by Ziploc and Hefty. It's important that these are freezer bags since they are thicker than storage plastic bags. Then I place the two or three bottles together in one gallon freezer bag and then a second bag just to be on the side of caution.

The water refilling station at San Francisco International Airport's Terminal 2.
(image: apartmenttherapy.com)

Broadway Dressing Room Transformation for John Stamos

The "before" photos. Scroll down for the "after" photos.

Carter Oosterhouse and John Stamos.

Last month when I reviewed the revival of 'Anything Goes' at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre, I recalled seeing a photo spread a couple of years ago featuring the transformation of one of its dressing rooms for actor John Stamos. At the time the venue was called Henry Miller's Theatre and a complete overhaul that began in 2004 was finally completed with the opening of the 2009 revival of 'Bye Bye Birdie' starring Stamos as Albert Peterson (the role originated by Dick Van Dyke on stage and in film).

Carpenter and HGTV star Carter Oosterhouse designed the make-over of the dressing room and bathroom for Stamos. It's amazing and one wonders what other stars on Broadway get the same treatment for their dressing room. Big question is what remains after the show ends. Unfortunately this revival of 'Bye Bye Birdie' had to pack its wings when the production closed four months later after 117 performances.*

These photos are from the 2009 photo spread from broadway.com. Click HERE to see the complete set of photographs by Jenny Anderson.

*Note: though the production was initially announced as a limited run and was extended two weeks, the high profile revival received largely poor reviews from the popular press and closed with the expiration of leading actors' contracts. Should the production had received positive notices and grosses to match it was expected either the leads to extend their contract or have their parts recast.

"Not Since Carrie" 40 Years of Broadway Musical Flops

"Not Since Carrie" written by Ken Mandelbaum is probably the most enjoyable and most insightful books about Broadway as a business, an art and an entertainment. Though the 392-page book was published in 1992, it is still revelatory reading spotlighting almost 200 musical flops. I hope that one day the book is updated to 50 or 60 years of flops to account for the musical failures that opened since its publication. The book is filled with so many fun facts and stories that readers can take it in by chapter or by musical title. I've found myself returning to re-read the stories behind some of Broadway's most famous musical failures since I first purchased the book almost twenty years ago.

Ad copy for 'Carrie'

The book title is inspired by the infamous musical 'Carrie' based on the novel by Stephen King with music by Michael Gore and lyrics by Dean Pitchford ("Footloose"). The musical was such an extreme failure artistically and financially that it lasted only five performances opening on May 12, 1988 and closing on May 15, 1988. Unlike the 182 previews of 'Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark,' 'Carrie' had a total of 16 previews from April 28, 1988.

"Not Since Carrie" is bookended with extensive detail about the titular musical. Mandelbaum writes about 'Carrie': "These fans are unaware that what they have witnessed has set a new standard, one to which musical flops will be compared and found waiting. The ad copy, which read "There's Never Been a Musical Like Her," has proven prophetic. These fans will tell their friends to get to the Virginia Theatre immediately, and many of them will return to 'Carrie' two or three times during the two weeks of previews that remain. 'Carrie' has become an instant legend."

Among the actors who starred in 'Carrie' include Betty Buckley (Tony Award winner for 'Cats'), Linzi Hateley, Charlotte d'Amboise, Darlene Love, Scott Wise and Sally Ann Triplett all of whom overcame the musical's failure with future success on Broadway or London's West End.

Find the book which is still available in softcover and explore these Broadway flops and more: (note: where possible the below titles link to the original cast recording on amazon.com; where no recording exists the link is to another recording of the musical or an alternative version of the production)
'Annie 2: Mrs. Hannigan's Revenge'
'Breakfast at Tiffany's' starring Mary Tyler Moore and Richard Chamberlain
'Bring Back Birdie' sequel to 'Bye Bye Birdie'
'Do I Hear A Waltz?' with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Arthur Laurents
'Flora The Red Menace' starring Liza Minnelli with music and lyrics by John Kander and Fred Ebb
Gone With The Wind'
'It's A Bird...It's A Plane...It's Superman'
'James Clavell's Shogun: The Musical'
'Legs Diamond' starring Peter Allen
'Merrily We Roll Along' music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Mandelbaum explains his criteria for a musical flop in the book's foreword. Also included are many photographs and poster advertisements. "Not Since Carrie" is available from amazon.com.

Though unlikely to be revived on Broadway, there has been interest in the music of 'Carrie' that a revamped version is planned for Off-Broadway's Lucille Lortel Theatre in early 2012.

One of the photographs in the book. From 'Carrie' the musical: Carrie (Linzi
Hateley) descends the enormous staircase as her mother Mrs. White (Betty
Buckley) lies dead at the end of Act II.

Passengers Behaving Badly: Jerks on a Plane

Photo that accompanies "Argumentative Types" among Jerks on a Plane.
(photo editing: Connie Ricca) 

Bing.com Travel has published a lighthearted look at poor passenger behavior when flying. The description of "Argumentative Types" has a distinctive Hawaiian feel about it.

Snorers
If anyone has ever told you that you snore, consider seeing a sleep specialist. It will be less painful than removing one of those plastic forks from your arm.

Aisle Blockage
Before takeoff, please stow all piggies underneath the setback in front of you. Sock and a little foot powder would be a nice gesture.

Immovable Objects
Have you ever had a seat mate who is wide awake refuse to let you out? This kind of boorish behavior deserves a special place in the JOPOF (Jerks on a Plane Hall of Fame).

Argumentative Types
The Big Island is best! No, Maui is the best! If there's anything worse than listening to a stupid argument, it's not being able to walk away. Keep your Haleakala-sized opinions to yourself and don't contribute to cabin pressure.

Other types of boorish behavior covered: Sleepy Meets Grumpy, Space Hogs, Screamers, Cell Phone Rant, Public Displays of Affection, Leaning Meanies, Fashion Breach and Cat out of the Bag. Click HERE for the full "Jerks on a Plane" series.

Photo that accompanies "Leaning Meanies"

Closing!!! 'Catch Me If You Can' Musical To Close in NYC

The marquee and the cast at the opening night curtain calls
(photos credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd)

Three musical adaptations of a feature film that opened this past Broadway season have been struggling at the box office. 'Sister Act' and 'Priscilla Queen of the Desert' are not yet ready to give up their theaters just yet. But producers of 'Catch Me If You Can' announced the musical will close on Septembver 4, 2011 after 32 previews and 170 performances. The production opened at the Neil Simon Theatre on April 10.

The show budgeted at $13 million was nominated for four Tony Awards (musical, orchestrations, sound design) and won the best actor award for Norbert Leo Butz in the role of Carl Hanratty, the detective on the hunt of the young con man Frank Abagnale, Jr played by Aaron Tveit. Musical is based on the 2002 Dreamworks film that starred Leonado DiCaprio and Tom Hanks and directed by Steven Spielberg.

Despite the talents of Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman (music and lyrics), Terrence McNally (book), Jerry Mitchell (choreography) and Jack O'Brien (director) most of whom collaborated on the hit 'Hairspray' the musical failed to attract audiences. The musical was developed in Seattle in 2009 and though changes made  for the Broadway production, the decision to keep Tveit as narrator of a story told through a 60's era television variety show was retained.

From my review of of the show: "Make no mistake -- I do not dislike this musical. Just the variety show device. Good songs are there and good performances keep the show entertaining. But this musical could have been something great." Click HERE to view more production photographs and read the full review.

Though investors are expected to lose their entire investment, a national tour will launch at the Providence Performing Arts Center in Providence, Rhode Island in the fall of 2012.

Touring Museums: Self-Improvement on the Fly

A few of the hundreds of tourist on the go who photograph, pause, glance
and admire the Venus de Milo at the Louvre
(photo credit: elatawiec62/flickr)

In an article titled "At Louvre, Many Stop to Snap but Few Stay to Focus" by Michel Kimmelman of the New York Times writes an insightful article about the tourists visiting museums using the landmark Paris museum as an example.

From the article: "So tourists now wander through museums, seeking to fulfill there lifetime's art history requirement in a day, wondering whether it may now be the quantity of material they pass by rather than the quality of concentration they bring to what few things they choose to focus upon that determines whether they have "done" the Louvre. It's self-improvement on the fly."

My opinion is these famous art museums are quite overwhelming for the senses. Tourists knowing their time in the city is very limited, feel it necessary to rush through works on display. The camera (where permitted) allows the visitor to wonder the museum quickly to adore the art at a later date rather than in person.

Click HERE for the full article and read more as Kimmelman answers the question "What exactly are we looking for when we roam as tourists around museums?"

Visitors at the Louvre: some engage directly with the art while others take
pictures of pictures.
(caption credit: The New York Times/photo credit: Valerio Mezzanotti)

Curtain Up Times, Performance Schedule & Show Times

Billboards in Times Square advertising Broadway productions.
(photos credit: TheHopefulTraveler)

Whatever you call the dates and times of performances for any Broadway show, all play an eight-performance week. The standard schedule was evening performances at 8pm Tuesday to Saturdays with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2pm and Sunday at 3pm. However the producers of some Broadway shows are willing to consider curtain times outside of the normal schedule.

Some Broadway productions may now have performances on Sunday and Monday evenings or matinees outside of Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. These changes tailored for each show are meant to expand audiences and increase box office grosses. Productions in London's West End have far more varying theatre schedules than productions on New York.

TUESDAYS AT 7
What began as an experiment in 2003 is now the norm of shows having an early curtain time on Tuesday evenings at 7pm in lieu of 8pm. With most productions ending around 9:30pm, theatergoers could now take in a show and return home early enough to have enough sleep before work or school the next morning. Long commuters, families and nine-to-fivers are the target audience to boost ticket sales for Tuesday nights.

As expected when the experiment began some audience members would arrive at the theatre at 7:45pm without looking at their ticket and only to learn that the first act was more than half over. On the flip side others complained that the early curtain time did not allow enough cushion time to arrive at the theater.

Today if there are any productions holding out on the early curtain time they would be the exception. There may be one or two shows still performing Tuesdays at 8pm but normally these may be plays whose appeal are mainly adult audiences.

"Tuesdays at 7pm" has had some side effects. The TKTS discount ticket booth in Times Square opens an hour early on Tuesdays at 2pm instead of 3pm on non-matinee days. Nearby restaurants also expect theatergoers to make early reservations at 5pm or 5:30pm. With performances ending at 9:30pm many in the audience find they can make plans for after the show.

Shows are extending the experiment further this season with early curtain times on other evenings mainly Wednesday and Thursdays. Among current shows 'The Book of Mormon' and 'Jersey Boys' offer 7pm performances on those evenings with 'Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark' offering a curtain time at 7:30pm. The Disney musicals 'The Lion King' and 'Mary Poppins' varies their evening performances based on the season. With the exception of Tuesdays at 7pm, all the evening performances for 'Billy Elliot' start at 7:30pm.

Broadway tickets reveal the various curtain times that are becoming more common.

SUNDAYS AND MONDAY EVENINGS
Sunday and Monday nights used to be a wasteland for Broadway theatergoers as most shows observed the standard Mon-Sat evening and Wed, Sat and Sunday matinees. However more producers are opting to schedule performances on Sunday and Monday evenings to take advantage of the lack of competition.

Long running musicals such as 'The Phantom of the Opera' and 'Chicago' have maintained Monday evening performances targeting tourists looking for an option on this night of the week. Disney musicals 'The Lion King' and 'Mary Poppins' maintains a family friendly schedule with Sunday evening performances at 6:30pm at certain times during the year.

Productions that offer performances on Sunday nights (usually with 7pm curtain times) and Monday evenings is particularly attractive to the theatergoer looking to squeeze in as many shows possible during a visit to New York. Sunday and Monday may allow them to take in one extra show or two.

MATINEES OUTSIDE OF WEDNESDAYS, SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS
Summer schedules for Broadway productions in 2011 see producers offering more divergent schedules mainly playing with the dates and times of matinees. 'Rock of Ages' and soon-to-shutter 'Baby It's You!' play Friday matinees while 'Chicago' plays Thursday afternoons. This experiment is meant to only last until the end of summer. These types of matinee schedules could be more common in the future just as "Tuesdays at 7pm" is now a standard performance time.

Like Sunday and Monday curtain times, these alternative matinee performances maximize audiences by playing on days with less competition. The TKTS booth in Times Square is ready to open on at 10am should a show play a matinee outside of Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

LIMITS ON FLEXIBLE THEATRE SCHEDULES
There are limits on scheduling performances. Actors Equity, the labor union for stage actors and mangers, state that a matinee cannot follow a day off, since those daytime hours (e.g. Tuesday leading up to an evening performance, following a Monday day off) is primarily half of an actor's weekend. A six-show weekend (two performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday) is seen as too demanding for the actors and crew and ongoing rehearsals also limits performance times.

Also very few Broadway productions dispense with the Wednesday matinee. Buyers catering toward theatre groups prefer this mid-week afternoon performance.

Shaftesbury Avenue leads to many of London's historic theatres.

LONDON THEATRE PERFORMANCE TIMES
London productions offer even more flexible schedules especially with some shows now playing Sundays, a day that was for the longest time strictly off-limits. Theatergoers should check tickets carefully. They should not be surprised to find curtain times of 7pm, 7:15pm, 7:30pm or 8pm. Check the matinee schedules of London plays and musicals and find that afternoon performances can be offered on any day of the week except Mondays though most observe matinees on Wednesday and Saturdays. Even the matinee time of 2pm is not strictly observed. Performances at 2:30pm or 3pm is not uncommon.

More unusual are musicals playing two performance times on Fridays or Saturdays with one performance starting later in the afternoon and the evening performance starting in a hour after the prior performance ends. Long-running London hits 'Mamma Mia' and 'Chicago' play Friday curtain times at 5pm and 8:30pm. 'Blood Brothers' playing the West End since 1988 offers Saturday performances at 4pm and 7:45pm.

Monday performances which are limited on Broadway are far more commonplace in London's West End.

MATTER OF CHOICE
Theatergoers who take notice of the varying schedules can actually maximize their Broadway or London experience. Knowing which days are more popular with shows can render better seats on other performance days. The schedule even offers opportunities to see more shows or even allow for alternative activities before or after the show. For the individual producers ultimately it comes down to filling those seats and building the weekly box office gross to remain profitable.