The city’s newest entertainment experience – THE RIDE – gets a seasonal update this month designed to give patrons a new perspective on New York City during the holidays. Starting Nov. 22, 2010, THE RIDE’s 4.5-mile journey through midtown Manhattan on a 49-seat travelling theater will incorporate Christmas-themed surprises, music, and performances into a critically acclaimed live show that unfolds on the streets.
“The streets of New York have the most beautiful holiday sights and sounds you’ve ever seen, and THE RIDE gives you a front-row seat to it all,” says President and Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Danforth. “From holiday music and surprise Santa appearances to a Nutcracker-inspired dance in Columbus Circle, THE RIDE is the best way to experience the beauty and excitement of New York all season long.”
THE RIDE’s custom vehicles have stadium seats; riders face sideways to look through floor-to-rooftop windows that make the streets, crowds, and building façades feel like a show designed just for them. On-board hosts lead audiences through midtown Manhattan, comment on the area’s history and sites, and incorporate performers along the route who entertain and interact with passengers. THE RIDE was created by Brooklyn-based entertainment entrepreneur Michael Counts, written by John Bobey, and directed by Daniel Goldstein.
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
THE RIDE is a 75-minute experience that departs numerous times each day from its home base at the New York Marriott Marquis, 1535 Broadway at 46th Street. A full holiday schedule is available at www.experiencetheride.com. THE RIDE operates year-round.
TICKETS
Tickets are $59 Non-Peak and $65 Peak. Tickets can be purchased 3 ways:
• Online at www.experiencetheride.com (Click here for a special online offer)
• By phone at 866-299-9682; and
• In person at the box office at 1535 Broadway between 45th and 46th Streets. Box office open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. daily except Christmas Day.
• Group Discounts and Corporate Packages also available.
PRAISE FOR THE RIDE
• “All tour buses should be built this way. Fasten your seatbelts and embrace the city.” - The New York Times
• “THE RIDE is like no other...A multimedia spectacle.” - Dallas Morning News
• “Hilarious and amazing...I can’t imagine a better introduction to Manhattan.” - Connecticut Post
• “Blurs the line between reality and fiction.” - New Jersey Star-Ledger
• “It’s the coolest thing! I give it a thumbs-up!” - Big Daddy Graham, WIP-AM, Philadelphia
• “Twelve-year-olds may be the toughest market for entertainers. THE RIDE passed the test for my jaded, 12-going-on-25 daughter.” - TravellingMom.com
