“Oh Mary” is the Broadway show hit of the summer and plays to sold out audiences at the Lyceum Theater who laugh throughout the hilarious and raucous performance. In his Broadway debut actor Tony Macht plays the role of “Mary’s Husband’s Assistant.”
Tony is known for his television roles in hits like “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “At Home with Amy Sedaris.”
Below, he shares his New York loves.
Where do you live in New York?
I live in Washington Heights in Manhattan. I’m very close to Fort Tryon Park which is my absolute favorite park in the entire city. It is home to The Cloisters, which if you don’t know, is a museum that John D Rockefeller literally imported stone by stone from Europe, it’s pretty wild.
What is your favorite neighborhood in the city and why?
I actually have a weird soft spot for Midtown. I went to college at Fordham Lincoln Center, so I have sort of incongruous memories of partying and having probably too much fun in Midtown, which isn’t really what Midtown is for. I also am actively trying to enjoy the craziness of the Theater District, and go with the throngs of people and not try and fight it.
Can you share some of your favorite spots in a Theater District and what makes them so great?
It’s no hidden gem, but Bryant Park has some of the best people watching in the city. You get confused tourists, super stressed out business people, people on first dates. If the weather is nice, on two-show-days in between shows I’ll be there with a sandwich just trying to find something funny happening.
The best place for a pre-or post-theater meal and why. What are the dishes to order?
I have to give a shoutout to Margon. It’s a sort of hole in the wall Cuban restaurant right next to the Lyceum stage door, please go there and get a Cuban sandwich. I also love a Yama Ramen bento box lunch special. Pure Thai on 9th Avenue is the best Thai food in the city, a hill I will die on, their noodle soups will revive you.
Best Theater District watering hole and the drink to get?
I really like Beer Culture on 45th, to be honest, it’s really just quite a normal bar with an extensive beer list, and the bartenders are really chill and friendly. I also am going to try to make everyone in the cast go to Margaritaville one day I swear.
Insider tips for enjoying a Broadway show. Anything to make the experience better?
Honestly I like to go into shows pretty blind. If I can essentially know as little as possible about the show before I go it really helps me lose myself in the story. Also, random plug for the website aviewfrommyseat.com, it can really help show you exactly how partial those cheaper partial view seats are.
The New York City theater you love to go to and why?
I really love the Signature Theater. I think their whole mission of exploring “resident” playwright’s works is a really interesting way to structure a season. It allows for a lot of creative freedom, and while it doesn’t always work the attempt is always interesting and sometimes incredible.
What other Broadway shows are on your radar right now?
I’m the only person alive who hasn’t seen Stereophonic so I’m desperate to get to that. I’m also really excited for The Roommate, because Patti LuPone and Mia Farrow, I mean come on!
Share your insider New York gems?
Okay this is “Hidden Gems” Washington Heights edition, because if I’m being honest these are the places I go to most in my entire life. Fresco’s Pizzeria on 187th street, truly the best pizza in NYC. I will fight anyone who says otherwise. Tasty Deli on 169th street has the most insane, inventive sandwiches one could ever concoct, and they are massive and delicious. Kismat Indian restaurant on Ft. Washington Avenue, incredible lunch specials, and somewhat oddly, an adorable jazz band that plays on Tuesday nights. I’m telling you, you haven’t lived till you’ve eaten Butter Chicken while listening to a jazz trio play “There Will Never Be Another You.”
Can you share your favorite theaters around the world and why?
I love The Globe in London cause I’m a big nerd. I have seen some great shows there, and also the atmosphere is truly one of a kind. I was also quite taken by a lot of the shows I saw at The National in London. They are able to take risks there because the government subsidizes theater over there, so you can see some weird plays that actually have budgets. And finally, I love the Everyman Theater in Baltimore. I’m from Baltimore, and regional theaters like the Everyman are so important to keeping theater alive and healthy.