New York Through The Eyes Of “& Juliet” Broadway Star Philippe Arroyo

Actor Philippe Arroyo makes his Broadway debut as Francois in the entertaining and lively musical “& Juliet.” He graduated from Carnegie Mellon University and has toured nationally in the cast of several plays such as “Aladdin” and “Into the Woods.”

Below, Arroyo shares what he loves most about New York.

Where do you live in the city?

Hamilton Heights right next to Alexander Hamilton’s house! I try to take a walk in the park behind the iconic house as much as I can.

What’s your favorite neighborhood in New York and why?

I’m really in love with the Village. I always feel so fancy shopping and looking for expensive food when I’m there.

Can you share some of your favorite spots in the Theater District and what makes them so great?

I am currently obsessed with this ramen restaurant named Ichiran. I’m a huge ramen connoisseur, and this is my favorite place in the city to go.

The best place for a pre-or post-theater meal and why. What are the dishes to order?

It’s a little out of the way from the Theatre District, but if you venture out to 53rd and 9th, you’ll find “The Meatball Shop.” Ask for Kelly, and I promise you she’ll make you the best espresso martini you’ve ever had.

The best Theater District watering hole and the drink to get.

I might be a bit biased because this establishment gives an Actors Equity discount, but after the show I’ve been known to frequent The Long Room on 44th and 6th. You’ll see a lot of familiar faces there mainly because a lot of Broadway shows have made this there after show home.

Insider tips for enjoying a Broadway show. Anything to make the experience better?

Whenever I know that I’m going to see a new Broadway show, I check to see if there’s a cast album out. If there is, perfect! I immediately purchase it, then proceed to repetitively listen until I’m performing the entire album in my apartment causing my roommates to rethink their leasing agreement.

The New York City theater you love to go to and why.

If I was asked this question before the pandemic I would’ve said Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in New York for improv. It sadly shut down, but I still try to watch comedy anywhere I can!

What other Broadway shows are on your radar right now?

I’m a huge fan of “Beetlejuice.” It’s one of my favorite musicals on Broadway right now. As for a musical I have yet to see, I’ve heard excellent things about “Some Like it Hot.” I grew up idolizing Christian Borle, and I’m a huge fan on anything he does.

Can you share your favorite theaters around the world and why?

I am a huge fantasy nerd. I love all things mystical and medieval so when I walked into the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia for the first time, my jaw hit the floor. I felt as if I walked into a fantasy fairgrounds. It appeared as if it were a cathedral, and I’ve always walked away from my time on tour remembering that theatre.