Let the Sunshine In-Hair is a Hit!

Our friends at Applause Entertainment give us the inside scoop on Broadway's latest happenings - and they're always unbiased. Here's James' pre-opening report on Hair:

"Last week I had the chance to see the current revival of Hair on Broadway. Having never seen the movie or any production for that matter I wasn't sure what to expect. Sure I knew a lot of the songs going in but that was it. Well after 2 1/2 hours I can honestly say that last Wednesday was truly one of the greatest nights that I have spent in a theater in a very long time. Not only did I love it but at the end of the show the entire audience leaped to their feet and gave the cast a very deserved standing ovation. Now for those of you who think you may be too old to appreciate it, or too young to understand the show or it's message then I have news for you. You're not. It doesn't matter if you're sixteen or sixty. Hair is about love and being happy with who you are no matter what others may think about you. Hair is universal. It will change your life. It did mine. I hope it will do the same for you."

Boy, this might be a show not to miss! I remember the original off-Broadway show, and I could still sing the music even today (only in the shower though). This could be the "Jersey Boys" surprise hit of 2009, so take my (and James') advice and get tickets soon!

You can read more reports from Applause on their website here.

The Price Is Right

New York City Vacation Packages was recently featured on the hit CBS game show the Price Is Right. The show's producers selected NYCVP to provide sightseeing, limousine, spa treatments, Broadway show and tour guides for the big prize of the day, a magnificent Showcase trip to New York City valued at over $18,000!

Debra Fisher won the prize, announced as "nyctrip.com's Ultimate New York City Experience." In addition to roundtrip first class airfare and accommodations at the Westin New York at Times Square, Debra will receive

• orchestra seats to a hit Broadway show
• 1/2 day shopping trip including chauffeur driven limo and a personal Shop Gotham escort
• Spa treatments at LATHER Spa including a massage, manicure and pedicure
• 2-hour private PhotoTrek Tour with a guide and professional photographer
• Admission to the Empire State Building Observatory, American Museum of Natural History, Radio City Stage Door Tour and escorted tour of the Statue of Liberty
• Dinner at Sardi's
• Brunch at Tavern on the Green
• Evening dinner cruise aboard World Yacht

NYCVP is working with BCD Travel in Chicago on "this fabulous showcase prize that could be yours if the Price Is Right."

Putting the NEW back in New York

Time for some good news - with a capital NEW. NEW hotels, NEW attractions, NEW shows, NEW prices. NEW York is buzzing again, despite what the media might be saying about the economy or about tourism.

New New York City Hotels

Recently opened - the Hilton Garden Inn 35th Street, just off 6th Ave. near Macy's, the Empire State Building and a short walk to Times Square. Newly built, state-of-the-art guestrooms feature their "Garden Sleep System" - with one of the most comfortable beds you will ever experience!

Also new - the Holiday Inn Manhattan at 26th Street and 6th Ave. in the trendy Chelsea section, a 10-minute or so walk to the heart of Times Square. This Holiday Inn is a full service hotel with fitness center, lounge, restaurant, business center and free high-speed, wireless Internet access.

And to paraphrase Mark Twain, the rumors of Broadway's demise have been grossly exaggerated. In fact, they're blatantly untrue. Several shows closed in January, as scheduled. But many new shows have opened, or will open shortly. Shrek the Musical has opened to great reviews. Other new shows, currently playing or about to begin performing, include revivals of Guys and Dolls and West Side Story, and the return of Hair to New York, this time to Broadway. The always popular Jersey Boys, Wicked, Chicago, Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia! and The Lion King still pack them in, too.

The brand new Ripley's Believe It Or Not! museum has opened in the heart of Times Square presenting visitors with the ultimate insight into the world of the odd and bizarre. Not quite so odd, nor as bizarre, is the recently re-opened USS Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum offering an interactive and multi-sensory adventure for adults and kids.

So here's the upshot of it all. Don't listen to anyone except me. I'm bringing you good news. Matt, Wolf, Anderson, Katie - they need to do the same. Tell the stories of what's succeeding (not failing), what's opening (not closing), what's re-priced (not over-priced). Stay tuned here for the best of the story.