Glengarry Glen Ross Star Donald Webber Jr.’s Guide To New York

While in middle school, Donald Webber Jr. was on a field trip from his hometown of Los Angeles to New York City when he saw his first-ever Broadway show—Beauty and the Beast at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre—and was blown away. Years later, it just so happened that he’d make his own Broadway debut at that same venue as part of the original cast of Motown: The Musical.

For Webber Jr., who has also starred in Hamilton, Our Town, and TV’s Severance, it was proof of what happens when you “let your dreams win,” as he tells Ticketmaster.

These days, the actor and singer has been hard at work on the highly-anticipated Broadway production of Glengarry Glen Ross, which began performances on March 10 and opens on March 31. Starring alongside Kieran Culkin, Bob Odenkirk, Bill Burr, and Michael McKean, Webber Jr. can be seen on stage as much-disliked “company man” John Williamson. And he’s enjoying it immensely.

“I think a big reason I love revivals, and perhaps why audiences enjoy returning to shows that have been done on Broadway before, is to (metaphorically) hear the hit again—but now with a new relationship to the piece based on the world we live in today,” Webber Jr. says of the production.

In between rehearsals (and now previews), Webber Jr. has been soaking up NYC, so we asked him to put together a guide for where to eat and what to do around the city. His picks certainly see him exercising his native Southern Californian tastes—he could go for an açaí bowl, and will definitely be catching a Dodgers game this spring—while leaving room for the classics (who can resist Junior’s Cheesecake?).

Check out Donald Webber Jr.’s guide to see where to eat before and after a Broadway show, plus more ideas for things to do in New York City.

Where To Eat Before and After a Broadway Show

I don’t normally eat too much pre-show, but if I’m needing a little energy and I need it quick, I head to Chelsea Acai Cafe and grab their peanut butter protein shake. Juice Generation for my healthy ginger shots and green juices.

Although I love a good home-cooked meal, or açaí bowl from Playa Bowls, you may catch me between shows grabbing a matzo ball soup from Junior’s Cheesecake. Not to brag too much, but I have my own (quite spacious! A dream!) dressing room, designed by the brilliant Maggie McDowell of Taylor Spellman New York, so I run back to the theatre and eat here because it’s nice, cozy, and reminds me of home.

Glass House Tavern is hands-down my favorite place to grab a bite postshow. I’m a big fan of their fries and wings!

I just want to shout out a few restaurants that were here pre-pandemic that are no longer here: Kodama Sushi, Giorgio’s, Landmarc, The Cecil in Harlem. And some of my favorites that have remained are Los Tacos No. 1, and RA Sushi Bar and Restaurant.

Donald Webber Jr.’s Favorite Restaurants Near Broadway:

• Chelsea Acai Cafe, 301 W 49th St, New York, NY 10019
• Juice Generation, 1407 Broadway, New York, NY 10018
• Playa Bowls, 870 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019
• Junior’s Cheesecake, 1515 Broadway, W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
• Glass House Tavern, 252 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036
• Los Tacos No. 1, 229 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036
• RA Sushi Bar and Restaurant, 229 W 43rd St Unit 221, New York, NY 10036

Things to Do in New York City

I never thought I’d be the “long walks in the park” guy, but here we are. Central Park just does it for me. On two-show days, I train with Core Rhythm Fitness, founded by performer extraordinaire, personal trainer, and longtime friend Rodrick Covington.

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, so I respect all New York teams, but I only truly root for the Dodgers, Lakers, Rams, and USC Trojans (my alma mater!). I’ve checked the schedule and there’s ONE Dodgers game that lines up with our Glengarry Glen Ross schedule that I can attend. We play the Mets at Citi Field on May 25! I [also] want to go to the Intrepid Museum.

[If I were a tourist for a day] I would see a Broadway show! I’m a Maybe Happy Ending superfan. RUN to see it! And of course, my old home Hamilton on Broadway. I [also] always enjoy supporting friends at 54 Below, Joe’s Pub, and anywhere we theatre folks are!

Donald Webber Jr.’s Favorite Sports, Shows & Other Activities in NYC:

• Central Park, between 59th and 110th streets
• Core Rhythm Fitness, 25 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011
• New York Mets vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, May 24, 25, 26, Citi Field, 41 Seaver Wy, Flushing, NY 11368
• Intrepid Museum, Pier 86, W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
• Maybe Happy Ending, Belasco Theatre, 111 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
• Hamilton, Richard Rodgers Theatre, 226 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
• 54 Below, 254 W 54th St, New York, NY 10019
• Joe’s Pub, 425 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10003

Tickets for Glengarry Glen Ross are available via Ticketmaster.