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April 10, 2015 — Journey to the Outer Boroughs

April 10, 2015 — Journey to the Outer Boroughs

 

Cinema cameras from all eras of film, MOMI
Cinema cameras from all eras of film, MOMI

 

Many of my Manhattan Tour and Travel groups don’t see much more of the borough of Queens than the inside of an airport terminal. And with all of Broadway concentrated in and around Times Square, theatre-loving folks like myself understand why. However, every now and again I host an adventurous group that decides to brave the bridges and tunnels and cross over to the other side: the sometimes-blue collar, continually culturally rich, Bourdainian outer boroughs.

A fantastic repeat group of mine from the West Coast, Claremont High School, which has a stellar theatre department, has twice made the trip to the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, which is well worth a visit. The museum itself is part of the Kaufman Astoria Studios complex in Queens. And more than any other locale in the five boroughs, KAS feels like an old Hollywood studio lot. Enormous warehouses are able to accommodate the sets of movies and television productions. It’s near and dear to my heart: I actually got my SAG card working on a production here called CINDERELMO, a Muppet version of the classic tale featuring Elmo, Keri Russell of FELICITY fame (as the non-puppet lead) and a host of other actors like Kathy Najimy and French Stewart (THIRD ROCK FROM THE SUN). Aside from that, perhaps you’ve heard of a little known sitcom called the COSBY SHOW—oh, if these dressing room walls could talk… ! (they would probably sound like a police report). Oh, and another show for kids called SESAME STREET—ever heard of it? I first met the lovely John Tartaglia of “Q” fame, working at the studios. Perhaps you know Johnny’s story… he sent Jim Henson Studios a video of his puppet work at 15 years old and scored himself a job! Flash forward years later to Broadway and a Tony nomination (he lost to Hugh Jackman for BOY FROM OZ) and then on to his hit musical Disney show JOHNNY AND THE SPRITES.

 

An exhibit on Special Effects, permanent collection, MOMI
An exhibit on Special Effects, permanent collection, MOMI

 

Anywho, the Museum of the Moving Image is a fascinating place to visit and a nice break from hectic midtown for an afternoon. As its namesake suggests, it pays homage to all different types of moving images, including film, television, mutoscopes and is, incidentally, the first museum to feature a permanent exhibit of video game art and technology.

As a former film student (NYU, class of don’t ask), I particularly like looking at the old Arriflex cameras and antiquated motion picture equipment from bygone days of Judy Garland musicals and the like. Also fun, the museum has a bunch of interactive exhibits. One of the group’s faves last time around included a stop motion-type camera set-up where you can record yourself and later purchase a flipbook of your action in the gift shop.

 

Set models, MOMI — How has MUPPETS TAKE MANHATTAN never been made into a Broadway musical?
Set models, MOMI — How has MUPPETS TAKE MANHATTAN never been made into a Broadway musical?

 

In addition to a thoughtful permanent collection, currently you can visit Matthew Weiner’s Mad Men, a collection of the show’s 60s-fabulous costumes, props, advertising art, as well as script pages, production notes and a replica of the writer’s room, all on display for the retro-curious. Sadly, no pictures were allowed for this exhibit, which kind of devastated me; I desperately wanted a selfie in Don Draper’s office, which is set up, complete with ashtray of cigarette butts and his iconic desk with typewriter. Video clips put it all into context—for example, scenes featuring a costume that’s on display beside it.

 

An interactive section for vintage video game enthusiasts
An interactive section for vintage video game enthusiasts

 

I’m going to feature more outer borough places of interest in future posts, so my repeat groups who think they’ve seen it all can keep exploring New York, a city with a never-ending supply of arts-related venues and experiences. And besides, the people watching and eating in Queens, our most culturally diverse borough, is spectacular! RIP, Mamma Mia! (Broadway run ending September 5th)

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