Broadway Star Hannah Cruz Shares Her New York Loves

Hannah Cruz is making her Broadway debut in the new musical SUFFS, playing the role of the famed American suffragist Inez Milholland. The show is set in 1913, a year when the women’s movement in the United States was in full swing.

Below, Cruz shares her top attractions and spots in New York.

Where do you live in the city?

Financial District.

What is your favorite neighborhood in New York and why?

Does Brooklyn count? I love Dumbo. I love being by the water, I love the pizza, I love the cobblestones. It immediately makes me happier just being there.

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

St. Kilda Coffee is a godsend. They’re usually open later so you can go between shows on a two-show day. They have great coffee for a coffee snob like me and amazing vegan and gluten free pastries.

I also love New World plaza. It’s a great public space to read a book and eat your lunch. The baby and dog watching is also prime.

Where is the best place for a pre-or post-theater meal and why? What are go-to dishes at each?

I am pretty obsessed with Green Symphony on 43rd. I’ve been going there since maybe 2011 back when it was just a true bodega. The girls working there are also so so sweet and kind, and I love that they remember me when I come in. All their breakfast items are delish, and their acai bowls are great. They also have an amazing selection of grab and go snacks, which is perfect for long rehearsal days.

Post show I go right home, so best meal is a bag of Skinny Pop on my couch.

What is the best Theater District watering hole and the drink to get?

All the mocktails I’m seeing pop up on these menus are very fun for me. They have a mocktail at La Grande Boucherie called PJ Breeze with pineapple, lavender, lemon, and mint that is divine.

Please share your insider tips for enjoying a Broadway show. Anything to make the experience better as an audience member?

Fully turn off your phone. All the way off. Let yourself be fully transported and immersed in the story. We so rarely allow ourselves to unplug, and I believe that’s why theater has become more important than ever. I think the theater is one of the last places that requires us to unplug and focus on what’s right in front of us.

What’s the New York City theater you love to go to and why?

The St. James is my favorite theater on Broadway. I imagine it’s because that’s where I saw Patti LuPone in “Gypsy,” and that was the show that really changed my life.

What other Broadway shows are on your radar right now?

I want to see “Stereophonic” so badly. I’ve heard nothing but gorgeous things. They have Monday shows so it can actually happen for me, so I’m thrilled.

Share your insider New York gems.

Right now, my fiancé and I are really into the Tin Building and the Seaport in general. It’s so beautiful. Great food, there’s games down there (this place called Lawn club), a great iPic movie theater…you can spend an entire day!