Broadway’s Guide To New York City With Andrew Wilson of Broadway’s Life of Pi

By Melanie Lee

Seeing a Broadway show is one of the best things you can do on your trip to New York City. If you’re searching for other things to do, the best way to find suggestions is by talking to an NYC local. Luckily, Broadway’s superb entertainers like Andrew Wilson are among the city’s numerous locals. We talked with the performer about hus favorite places in New York City and his role in Life of Pi.

W- Tell us about your current Broadway role! Wilson- I am one of the puppeteers that bring the role of Richard Parker, the tiger, to life in Life of Pi. We are a team of 8 puppeteers that not only perform the role of Richard Parker but also puppeteer Orange Juice, the orangutan, Black and White, the Zebra and many other wonderful puppets in the show. Fun fact: this is my second time performing as a cat on a Broadway stage! Richard Parker, the tiger in Life of Pi and Tumblebrutus, the acrobatic and energetic cat in Cats. Oh, and both were performed on raked (angled toward the audience) stages!

W- What are your favorite NYC local tips? Wilson- Get out of your comfort zone. Try to only shop and dine locally (No Starbucks, please!). You can visit all the chains you want in your hometown, so why not branch out? Change and growth are inevitable, so why not grab life by the reins and lead the charge into new spaces, places, experiences and cultures? Everyone in NYC (tourists included) has a story. Feel free to ask how someone’s day is or if they have any recommendations. Oh, and also—ALWAYS TIP YOUR BARISTAS.

W- If you’re going out for a night on the town, where would you go?

Wilson- A fun, unique evening can always be found in Bushwick, Brooklyn or the Lower East Side. For Bushwick: I love taking the L train to Jefferson Street, grabbing drinks and dinner at one of the many local spots, catching the latest production that Company XIV has created, then dancing the night away at House of Yes. For Lower East Side: I love starting my night in Chinatown. I find that area of the city intoxicating in the best way. Then let your eyes, heart and feet meander and find their own journey.

W- What’s your favorite NYC meal?

Wilson- The happy hour deal at Zizi in Chelsea is amazing. The best burger in the theater district is at Landmark Tavern. My favorite cocktail is the Old Fashioned at Gallagher’s Steakhouse. A nice vegan meal can be found at Blossom. My two favorite coffee shops are St Kilda Coffee and Taszo Espresso Bar.