Tuesday night my husband and I met up in Manhattan after work. It’s been awhile since we have gone out on a “dinner and a show” date. We’re members of the Theatre Development Fund and really should take advantage of the discounted tickets more often.
We met up at our usual pre-theatre spot, Haru. He’s an omnivore and I’m a vegan–this Time’s Square restaurant works for both of us.
Most of the starters are made with animal products (thank you, dear, frustrated server for helping me learn this). Ultimately I requested that she ask the chef to make me a special spring roll, using rice paper, with just fruit and vegetables.
The chef accommodated my request.
Beautifully.
I then enjoyed the Vegetarian Sushi Platter.
No special order required–it was perfectly vegan. (Speaking of special orders, check out the conversation on Happy Herbivore on the topic.)
My meal was perfect. The play? Not so much.
We bought tickets for The House of Blue Leaves–Ben Stiller and Edie Falco on stage! Our seats at the Walter Kerr Theatre were excellent (thank you, TDF!) and the set was fantastic. We were excited. Then the play started. Interestingly, Dave and I did not look at each other at all during the first act. People were laughing at some parts and I felt guilty that I wasn’t. I wanted to feel connected to the characters. I didn’t. The lights went down at end of the act. We looked at each other. I shrugged my shoulders and said “meh.” We gathered our things and left.
What? We left before the play was over?
Yes. I’ve walked out of movies and I’ll walk out of a play. Those are a few hours of my life I’ll never get back. I’d rather go home, get in bed and sleep a few extra hours. As for this play. I think the acting was okay — I believe my criticism is of the playwright.
I suppose we could have stayed to delve into the “why” of our dislike but, instead, we drove home. Windows down, laughing and talking about our day. I did mention it was a date, right? I’ll take a simple, lively, fun drive with my husband over an unenjoyable theatre experience.
Have you walked out of a play?
17 thoughts on “A “Dinner and a Show” Date”
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I felt differently about the play than you did, but I think we can agree that your sushi looks FAB. Great dinner!
Not sure I’ve left a play early, but certainly movies. Life is to short. Hats off to you for not wasting your precious “together” time on a play you didn’t enjoy.
I walked out of Fosse years ago and never looked back. Make the most of your free time with what you enjoy!
I’ve never walked out of a play, but I would! I have also left movies. As a teacher I think this is an important idea. I think it’s important for my students doing silent reading to understand that they have rights as readers to put down a book if they don’t like it. Providing choices for assigned reading give a semblance of this freedom as well. Like you said, it’s our life and our time – we should enjoy it! (even if it’s school…)
Sounds like a nice night 🙂 I agree that nice moments doing simple/normal things are the best stuff on earth.
Megan, I completely agree with your approach as an instructor. Not to oversimplify–or to take it too far– but I think your strategy is wonderful and goes even further than art (books, movies, theatre, etc) but to a place of empowerment to say no. When a situation comes up that is unpleasant, unenjoyable, not comfortable…you do NOT need to stay!
What a gorgeous sushi platter! – is that mango I see among the other delectable ingredients? Delish…
Yes, mango! It was a pleasant surprise!
BRAVO, JL! 🙂 Your date night sounds wonderful, the play aside. I, too, would take an “encore” anytime with the hubs. Continue to enjoy the rest of your weekend! 🙂
thx for mentioning the “special orders” convo on HH! It’s really gettin’ good!
Hm, sorry about the play, but the sushi looks delicious!
I love that you had a “date” with your husband. The longer you’re with someone, the more important dates are. As for walking out? Life is too short to feel obliged to stay for something that you are not enjoying. Sounds like your date ended just the way it should.
I love it!!!! You are my hero- when I think of the countless hours I have sat through things that I have had absolutely no interest in just because I felt obliged….and I love love the veg sushi platter at Haru. Hope to see you sometime soon!!! x
We need to plan something, vko!!!
I think I’d be so excited to see those folks live on stage that I’d stay anyway! Glad to learn there are such accommodating restaurants. Your date night sounds like a great time, whether or not you saw a whole play1 🙂
I’ve walked out at the movies, too…and plays. I feel bad for a split second. 🙂 At least your dinner was good!
It’s so sad when a play (or a movie) isn’t that good.
Luckily, it never happened to me, but I don’t go to the theatre that often, about once a year. But if it wasn’t to my likings, I would walk out too, it’s just a waste of time.
Dinner looks great and wow on the play, I’d love to see Ben Still and Edie Falco! Too bad it didn’t grab you. I’ve never walked out on a play, but it’s been awhile since I’ve seen one.