New York City Archives - Page 4 of 27

14Nov

Phantom of the Opera on Broadway

I have never forgotten the time when, as a much younger girl that I am now, I went with my musical-loving mother to see Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA on Broadway. We were both memorized by the music, the costumes, the set (I've never forgot the hanging chandelier), the lighting, the magic. We both talked about the show and listened to the show's soundtrack for many days after that and the CD traveled me with me across many continents in my days during and after college. When I was offered a pair of tickets to see the show which is now Read More

08Nov

Becoming Dr. Ruth: Review and Giveaway

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Everyone knows the supremely direct Dr. Ruth from her radio and television shows, "Sexually Speaking." But at 4 foot 7 inches tall, her life has been anything but short on adversity. She was a huge part of my childhood. I remember hearing the sound of her voice on the radio as clearly as I can hear it today. We were avid listeners. She gave women a microphone. But before she became America's most famous sex therapist, she lived a life unbeknownst to many. She survived the Holocaust, moved to Israel and joined the Hagannah. Later while living in Read More

04Nov

Review and Giveaway: Pippin the Musical on Broadway

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I love a big, splashy Broadway musical, and Pippin the Musical is exactly that. It's also one of my most memorable childhood theatrical experiences in the world. The music, the staging, the costumes, the set. I still have vivid images of seeing the show,, even though it was community theater, and I was no more than 10 at the time. I also remember the music and have had the songs in my head for 30 years. Needless to say, I was curious how the new production on Broadway would pan out and compare to these majestic memories floating in my head. The Read More

26Oct

Review: The Snow Geese, a Chekhovesque Production

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The first time I saw Mary Louise Parker was in Craig Lucas' Prelude to a Kiss in 1987 on Broadway. She was a shining star as the lead role as Rita, cast opposite Timothy Hutton. I was a high school student studying drama and she became one of my theater heroines. Over the next 10+ years, I would see her flourish on stage in Hedda Gabler, How I Learned to Drive and Proof. She has so much to offer on stage. Funnily enough, when I saw her in 1987, I was starring in a Chekhov play as the family matriarch. Her current role in a Chekhovesque Read More

19Oct

Angel Heart Music Storybook

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The haunting, evocative music storybook Angel Heart, released in September as a deluxe CD package, makes its New York premiere as a live multimedia family concert narrated by actor Chris Noth at Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall this Monday, October 21. Hailed as “a fairy tale for the digital age” (Wall Street Journal), Angel Heart enjoyed a sold-out world premiere at UC Berkeley’s Cal Performances earlier this month. With a new story by best-selling children’s fantasy writer Cornelia Funke, interspersed with lullabies and songs arranged for voices, Read More

26Sep

A Disappointing Romeo & Juliet

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Six years ago, I saw a production of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet in NYC's Central Park and it was magical. For one thing, the set and lighting played an instrumental part in the production. The set was surrounded by water, providing a sense of urgency and the stage was alive with the fighting between the Montagues and Capulets. But most of all, Lauren Ambrose played a fiercely passionate Juliet to Oscar Isaac's Romeo and her performance has forever lingered in my mind. Back then the New York Times' Ben Brantley best summed up her performance: Read More

15Sep

Teaching Kids at the Museum of Jewish Heritage

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On a recent afternoon, I took my children to the Museum of Jewish Heritage in downtown NYC. Located in the center of Battery Park City, the mission of the Museum is to educate people of all ages and backgrounds about the broad tapestry of Jewish life in the 20th and 21st centuries—before, during, and after the Holocaust. While I personally have a deep-rooted interest in the Holocaust, I wondered if the museum would appeal to my two young children and I feared that the exhibit’s content would be too provocative for them. Fortunately, the museum offers Read More

10Sep

Traveling On A Budget on CityPass

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Sponsored Post: Traveling On A Budget- To And Within New York City

After having lived in and near NYC for many years, I certainly know how cost prohibiting a visit may seem to some people. But as I’ve mentioned here on this blog many times, there are tricks of the trade to explore the best of NYC without breaking the bank. I've partnered up with CityPASS this month to shed light on a few ‘underground tips’ when it comes to conquering the concrete jungle. Choosing the Right Hotel Although, NYC is known as “The City That Never Sleeps”, you will find yourself wanting to lay your head somewhere comfortable. Before Read More

12Aug

Abboccato and New York City Center

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Holly, aka Culture Mom, had recently been invited to attend a dinner and show in NYC but could not attend, so she asked me to go in her place. I am so glad that I said yes. I had a delicious meal at Abboccato Ristorante on W. 55th Street and then saw a delightful show at the beautifully renovated New York City Center across the street. Our group consisted of approximately 18 people, a variety of media people with guests and a representative of City Center. Our dinner was served in the front Terrazza of Abboccato overlooking New York City Read More