Last year I was in Moscow with a colleague who had never been there and had not a single word of any language other than jis native one. He navigated the city well, on his own, including finding a new friend in a restaurant late at night, a Russian attorney with whom he has kept in touch since then.

With no fear and the tips already here Mr. travelmad478 should have a wonderful time. BTW, I don't speak or read much Russian either but I manage quite well the 3-4 times/year that I'm there.