In part two of my series where actors from Broadway’s hottest shows share what they love about New York, I’m profiling Gabriella Sorrentino. The native New Yorker is currently the dance captain, swing ensemble member, and Peggy/Maria cover for “Hamilton,” which, as we all know, has been a smash success ever since it opened in the summer of 2015.
Following are excerpts from a recent interview with Sorrentino.
Where do you live?
Hells Kitchen, Manhattan.
What’s your favorite neighborhood in the city and why?
There are so many amazing neighborhoods, but one of my favorites is the Upper West Side. I love walking around all the side streets and admiring the beautiful brownstones and buildings architecture. There are also so many cute shops, restaurants, and cafes to try!
Can you tell us your top picks in the Theater District and what makes them so great?
I love tea, so one of my favorite spots is Bird & Branch [on W.45th St.]. They have a huge variety of specialty teas as well as delicious treats to go with it. Its a great place to kick back and have a moment of calm and relaxation. I also love brunch, and The Blue Dog [on W.50th St.] is the place to go! They have a juice menu, a wide selection of teas to choose from and the food is delicious!
Where are the best places for a pre-show or post show theater meal and why? What are the dishes to order?
Some of my favorite pre show dinner spots are Nizza (Italian) and Qi (Thai). Nizza has delicious pizzas and pastas-I love the meatball pizza, and Qi has amazing entrees- I love the roasted cashew nut chicken. Post show is a little more challenging because of closing hours, but one of my favorites is Dutch Fred’s. Great ambiance and also really great food. I love their appetizers and the turkey burger with sweet potato fries.
What is the best Theater District watering hole and the drink to get?
There are some great spots along 9th avenue for a pre show or post show cocktail. Some recommendations from the cast are Hold Fast and Haswell Green.
Do you have insider tips for enjoying a Broadway show? How can we make the experience better?
I suggest arriving to the theatre a little early so you can have time to read through the Playbill. It’s nice to have the time to skim through it so you can learn a little more about the production and all the amazing people that are involved with it. It also gives people a chance to take in their surroundings and process what they are about to experience- the magic of live theatre.
What’s the New York City theater you love to go to and why?
Well, it’s got to be the Richard Rodgers! That is my current home where “Hamilton” is playing. It is such an intimate theatre, and that makes the viewing experience that much better. You can feel one with the actors as opposed to them feeling so far away. A must-see experience when you come to NYC.
What other shows are on your radar right now?
I hope to see “Six” and “MJ” very soon. I hear they are fantastic!
Please share your insider New York gems.
For a different location in the city, I would say venture a little downtown to Greenwich Village. So many tiny shops, bookstores, and cafes worth discovering. I also love Little Italy. The restaurants and bakeries are to amazing, particularly Rubirosa and Ferrara Bakery.
What are some of your favorite theaters around the world and why?
I haven’t been to any theaters around the world (I've been so busy with “Hamilton” for the past six years!) but I really want to go to London so I can see a show in the West End. It looks incredible, and one of my goals is life is to travel more!
