Carly Sakolove, the star bringing Rosie to life in the Broadway revival of MAMMA MIA!, is more than just a performer—she’s a proud New Yorker with a deep love for the city’s unique charm. From navigating its streets to discovering its hidden gems, Sakolove shares her personal guide to experiencing the Big Apple like a true local. Her insights offer a fresh perspective on everything from grabbing a bite to finding a quiet moment in the midst of the urban bustle.
Life and Lessons on Broadway
A Career Built on Joy and a Little Mischief
Sakolove’s journey into theater began at a young age, inspired by her family’s love for local productions. “At 6 years old, I played the very important role of a fork/spoon in Beauty and the Beast, and I was hooked,” she says. This early start led to a career defined by joyful, humorous roles. According to Sakolove, playing Rosie in MAMMA MIA! is a “total delight” because she sees so much of herself in the character, who uses humor to navigate life. When describing her current show to those unfamiliar with Broadway, she says, “Picture the entire ABBA Hit Songbook, place it on a Greek Island with a semi-Shakespearean plot, pepper in high-energy choreography, gorgeous lighting, and brightly colored spandex, and you have MAMMA MIA!”
One of the first big lessons she learned after moving to New York was a rather funny one. “Don’t assume that every black car at the train station is a taxi. You may just accidentally get into somebody’s Porsche. Oops!” she says. This quick-witted attitude is part of what makes her love the city so much. “I love the people,” she shares. “It’s hard to live in NYC… and people who do all that to live in the greatest city in the world must really love it. That passion is what I love about New Yorkers.”
Carly’s Favorite NYC Hotspots
Dining and Nightlife Recommendations
When asked about her go-to spots for a night on the town, Sakolove has a perfect plan. She says she would “go to Minetta Tavern for a Black Label Burger, then shoot up to Times Square for a Broadway show, and out for cocktails after at Glass House Tavern or Bar Centrale.” For a more casual, yet equally delicious, meal, she highly recommends Taqueria on St. Marks for their steak quesadilla, which she calls “What a steal!”
Exploring the City Like a Local
Sakolove’s advice for visitors is simple: “Talk to locals and find out one or two places that they go, that aren’t in any guidebook. You might just have the best day of your life.” When her own friends and family come to town, she sends them to Central Park and tells them to “get lost in there” to find the magical, unadvertised trails. Another tip is to take the East River Ferry. “You can go to DUMBO, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Long Island City, for just a few bucks and enjoy a gorgeous breeze and views of all the bridges along the way,” she says.
Catch Sakolove on social media here!
