Nathan Louis Jackson’s ‘Broke-ology’ – running through November 22 at Lincoln Center’s Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater – is a stirring portrait of a St. Louis clan who’s truly broke and grappling with how money and family intersect in their lives. They’re all inspired by their mother Sonia (Crystal Anne Dickinson), an eternal optimist who believes in raising her sons without the message of growing up poor. We asked Crystal for her cheap NYC favorites and were reminded of one true skint commandment: Thou shalt not knock Strawberry.
Why does ‘Broke-ology’ resonate now?
It’s about a family -- that's something everybody can relate to, no matter what the climate or the time.
As an artist, how do you define “broke” in New York City?
Broke in New York means that you don’t have any hope. When you’re an actor, you spend a lot of time auditioning and waiting, and that can get you down -- but you have to try and push through all that, believe in yourself.
Favorite cheap meal?
Burrito Box on 9th Ave between 57th and 58th… right down the street from Lincoln Center. It has healthy and vegetarian options. Cheapest and best meal in the area.
If you had $20 to spend on a date, how would you spend it?
In Central Park, having a picnic. Buy a sandwich from a local deli and take it to the park -- sounds like a perfect date to me.
Best spot for bargain clothes?
The Strawberry in Port Authority. When I need some retail therapy I go there and buy something cute and trendy to cheer me up. It's guilt-free ’cause the stuff is so cheap!
What’s your favorite cheap cultural thrill in the city?
All the free stuff in the summertime. There’s always something free to do in the city in the summer if you want to. But going to The Met is perfect, because you pay what you can afford to pay. I love that they make it so accessible for everyone.
We're giving away a pair of tickets to see 'Broke-ology' on the date of your choosing (thru 11/22, date subject to availability). To enter to win, head here to sign up for the skint daily email by 11:59pm tonight. (Already a subscriber? Just drop us a line with your name, your subscriber email and the subject 'Broke-ology.') We’ll never share your email address with anyone, ever, period. Winner will be picked at random and notified tomorrow.
Half-price tickets! Get tickets for $42.50 (reg $85) to any performance thru 11/22 (limit 6, subject to availability) online at www.broadwayoffers.com or via phone (212) 947-8844 using code BOBLOG1.
