If you haven't previously heard of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, it's definitely worth tuning into. I had heard good things about it, but didn't actually watch it for the first time until the second season was out. That actually worked in my favor because I didn't have to wait for the second season to come out once I finished the first. The premise of the show is based around a New York City housewife named Midge Maisel in 1958 who discovers she has a secret talent, stand-up comedy. The third season recently premiered and it's full of surprises.
The show follows her life as she progresses from doing tiny bar shows all the way up to opening for a famous singer. Of course a lot happens along the way in Midge's personal life as well as working life. I won't give any spoilers away of course! I must say that the dresses and hats are to die for. I'm always envious of the women in the show's outfits. It's also a lot of fun seeing New York City transformed into the 1950's. If you're a fan of period pieces, this show is definitely for you.
Once you become hooked to a show it's only normal to want to know everything about it. If you love the show and live close to NYC, you're in luck because On Location Tours is launching a bus and walking tour of the restaurants, bars, and more visited by rising stand-up comic Mrs. Maisel (played by Rachel Brosnahan) in the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. The 20 year old company is known for its sightseeing trips to NYC locations used in shows like "Sex and the City", "Gossip Girl", and "The Sopranos."
Since I don't live too far away from NYC, I was excited to be able to get a break for a few hours and be apart of the tour thanks to my husband watching my kids. It's rare I get time away from my children, but this was definitely worth it!
The tour meets at 34th street between 5th and Madison. Our tour guide Stephanie was dressed in true Midge Maisel fashion which was really fun to see. The premise of the tour is that you're driven on a bus around NYC to see various filming locations of the show. Stephanie is the perfect tour guide because she has a bubbly, energetic personality and is eager to talk about a show she loves. There was 22 people on the tour which is a decent number considering the tour is brand new.
Before the bus stops at a specific location, a clip of the establishment is shown on a monitor to familiarize you with what you're going to see. While we saw many filming locations, here's a few that I took photos of:
Before the bus stops at a specific location, a clip of the establishment is shown on a monitor to familiarize you with what you're going to see. While we saw many filming locations, here's a few that I took photos of:
Washington Square Park. This is where Midge was involved in the women's protest.
Music Inn. This is where Joel and Susie both heard the record of Midge playing at the Gaslight. Also, you can see Stephanie in her Midge Maisel inspired dress. Love it!
Albanese Meats and Poultry. Remember in Season 1 when Rose and Midge were here and so excited when they got the Rabbi? This is that butcher shop! Some ladies on the tour acted out the scene and filmed it. It was funny to see.
This was a very accurate filming location as it was truly B. Altman! They used the actual old B. Altman building which closed back in 1989. Now it's part of the CUNY school. In the show they use the windows, but the actual B. Altman set is in Queens.
Old Town Bar & Restaurant. This is the bar where Archie and Joel went to have drinks in season 1.
In between driving from location to location, Stephanie is happy and eager to talk about her knowledge of the sets for certain scenes, the costumes, and any inside information that a regular viewer wouldn't necessarily know. She also was interested in our take on certain aspects of the show and took audience questions as well.
A portion of the tour was walking based which was great because it was unusually warm today in NYC! When I received my tour date a few weeks ago I was concerned because I thought it'd be bitterly cold. All of us got very lucky today!
The tour from start to finish is about 2.5 hours long. Time flies by since it's such a fun time. Sadly, everything has to end at some point though! It was very exciting to be on a bus with others who are big fans of the show. We all loved the tour and didn't want it to end.
This was my first TV based tour and I really enjoyed the experience. Plus, it was really great to be able to do something like this that's unique and different.
I can't believe I have to wait another year for season 4 to premiere! Why does it have to be so far away?
If you're a fan of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and looking to be with other avid fans in NYC and discuss your favorite show, it's time to sign up for the tour!
*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to On Location Tours for providing complimentary tickets in order to facilitate this post. All thoughts and opinions are strictly my own.
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