As President of Broadway Plus, Nathaniel Hill sees around 100 Broadway and Off-Broadway shows each year. He lives in Hell’s Kitchen, right next door to MCC Theater! This is Nathaniel’s West Side Story.
So, what’s your New York story? Born here, or just arrived?
I started interning on Broadway shows as a college sophomore in 2009. I moved to Hell’s Kitchen when I graduated from Duke and started my full-time career in 2012, and have lived between HK and the Upper West Side ever since!
What was your first job? What do you do now?
I was an Assistant Account Executive at Serino Coyne, a full-service advertising agency specializing in Broadway shows and other live entertainment. Since 2016, I’ve been President of Broadway Plus, a company I started to provide VIP experiences for Broadway. We’ve grown to handle group ticketing services, workshops for schools, corporate events, and all things Broadway “beyond the ticket.”
What’s your favorite New York minute (or moment) so far?
When Broadway Plus turned five years old in August of 2021, we threw a big party at the Skylark to celebrate “making it” that long, and Broadway re-opening a few weeks later. COVID was tough to make it through, but the company ended up growing and paying out over $2 million to Broadway artists during the shutdown. Many of the artists and clients who helped us through turned out to celebrate, and my parents were very proud of me!
Share with us why you love Hell’s Kitchen
I think it’s the most theatrical, fun-loving, diverse, chaotic and loveable neighborhood in New York. And the gayest! I love that we’re close to Broadway, Riverside Park (for running) and Central Park.
What’s your superpower or hidden talent?
Giving the person I’m with a great experience.
What else should we know about you?
I see about 100 Broadway and Off-Broadway shows per year, and try to eat at a new NYC restaurant every week. I’ve read every issue of New York Magazine since I moved to the city, that’s where I get my recommendations.
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Nathaniel’s Favorite Hell’s Kitchen Places
El Centro — 824 9th Avenue (bw W54/55th St)
The veggie chilaquiles are super delicious! The atmosphere is always fun and the servers are great.
Five Napkin Burger — 630 9th Avenue (corner of W45th St)
I recommend this place to my clients the most, because no matter how fancy or un-fancy you are, you’ll love it. They have a lot of healthy options, but the Original 5 Napkin burger is still the best. For a smaller version of it, get the patty melt! It tastes exactly the same.
Friki Tiki — 357 W44th Street (bw 8th/9th Ave)
A Tiki Bar with Broadway singers every night? What could be better! You’ll think you’re in Maui instead of a basement on 44th Street.
Pure Thai Cookhouse — 766 9th Avenue (bw W51/52nd St)
It’s a competitive marketplace in HK, but this is the best pad thai in town. I crave it after a long day.
MCC Theater — 511 W52nd Street (bw 10th/11th Ave)
This is one of my favorite Off-Broadway theater companies, and it’s in the building next door to me! Their work is fun, daring, creative and sometimes goofy. They support young American artists with interesting things to say.
Masseria dei Vini — 887 9th Avenue (bw W57/58th St)
This is the best Italian in the city because they only use imported Italian ingredients. Even the waitstaff is gorgeous and Italian! That’s when you know it’s good.
VERS Bar — 714 9th Avenue (bw W48/49th St)
Great actual cocktails, decor, lighting, and drag shows at this newer addition to the gay bar scene in HK. The owner David is so nice and welcoming to all.
All’Antico Vinaio — 729 8th Avenue (bw W45/46th St)
This is a superb Italian sandwich shop that’s great for when you need a quick, cheap, and filling meal before the show you’re going to see in 20 minutes! Very handy.
Civilian Hotel —305 W48th Street (bw 8th/9th Ave)
This is the first and only Broadway-themed hotel, so of course I love it and send a lot of clients here! Check out the small Broadway lounge in the back of the second floor. The new rooftop is also gorgeous
Anything else you’d like to tell us?
The idea that led to Broadway Plus was to create a travel agency just for Broadway shows, and I’m lucky that over time my business has become a resource for people all over the world to connect with New York and Broadway in a more in-depth way. Thanks for this opportunity!
You can follow Nathaniel on Instagram @nwhill and Broadway Plus @broadwayplus. If you know someone who would make a great West Side Story (or you would like to nominate yourself), please fill in this form — w42st.info/WSSnominations.
You can check out more West Side Stories and reader recommendations on W42ST’s Hell’s Kitchen Local App.