Sean Palmer may have been born in Reno, Nevada, but this Broadway performer—who’s currently starring as Prince Eric in
The Little Mermaid— is a true New Yorker at heart. Not only do his other Broadway credits include such NYC-oriented fare as
Saturday Night Fever and
Fosse, but he also played Stanford’s boyfriend in several episodes of
Sex and the City. All of which makes him an ideal guy to hit up for ideas on the best places to eat out, shop and kick back around town. We did, and thankfully, he said yes!
What is your quintessential New York meal, and where would you eat it?
I’m not sure it’s quintessential “New York” but it’s a brilliant secret, Village Yogurt, a.k.a. Poochie’s Natural Café (547 Avenue of the Americas at W. 15th St. Map it!). Big plates of brown rice chicken, veggies and veggie dumplings. It’s sort of like the train station from Harry Potter. If you don’t know it’s there, you just won’t see it. But it’s the best.
Who is your favorite New Yorker?
That’s tough. I actually made an audible squeal when I met Mia Farrow. But I love all the people who make this city what it is. Cops, artists, firefighters, fat cats and crazies.
If you had to recommend three must-see places for visitors to New York, what would they be and why?
You must see the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre and see The Little Mermaid. In fact, GO NOW. You have to get down to Little Italy and have Lombardi’s Pizza (32 Spring St. between Mott and Mulberry St. Map it!), because you have to. I think everyone should get out to BAM (corner of Ashland Place and Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn Map it!) and see theater and cinema there. It’s enlightening and provocative.
Do you root for a New York sports team? Which one(s)?
I have a soft spot for the Yankees.
What are three items that every New Yorker should own?
Good shoes (they’re a status symbol here, like your car would be in L.A.), Something from Marc Jacobs (385 Bleecker St. at Perry St. Map it!) that you purchased yourself, and though you won’t own it for long, a cupcake from the Magnolia Bakery (401 Bleecker St. at Perry St. and other locations).
What’s the biggest misconception about New York City?
That New York still has amazing nightlife. Unfortunately, it doesn’t. Thanks, Giuliani!
What stereotype about New York City is true?
Yes, true New Yorkers really DO talk like that. Ya know what I’m talkin’ about?
What is your favorite neighborhood and why?
I’m absolutely mesmerized by the Lower East Side. It reminds me why I came here in the first place. It’s confusing and surprising and you always discover something new.
Is there something you’ve always wanted to do New York, but have not yet accomplished?
Tons of things. Own an apartment WAY downtown. And attend the Tony Awards in some capacity. Heck, I’d even usher.
What is the best thing you’ve bought in New York, and where did you get it?
I bought my first apartment in Hell’s Kitchen for $43,000.
What song lyrics sum up New York for you?
“New York, New York a helluva town/The Bronx is up but the Battery’s down/The people ride in a hole in the ground./New York, New York, it’s a helluva town!”
What do you love most about being part of the New York theater community?
I love being a part of such a long and rich legacy of incredibly talented and creative people. I never wanted anything else.
What’s your most cherished New York theatrical memory—of a show you saw, or one you were part of?
The one and only time I saw Shakespeare in the Park. I saw Meryl Streep and Christopher Walken in The Seagull. She absolutely devoured the stage, and he was hysterical without doing much of anything. I was awestruck.