The New York City Traveler

Here is my short list of notable exhibitions and shows that are ending in May.  Be sure you catch these events before they’re gone:
“Jasper Johns, Gray” |  Metropolitan Museum of Art  The first exhibition to focus on the use of the color gray.  Click here for more information. Ends May 4. 
“Color Chart: Reinventing Color, 1950 to Today” and “Design and the Elastic Mind” | MoMA  Uses the commercial color chart as a metaphor.  Click here for more information.  Both exhibitions end May 12.  
“WACK! Art and the Feminist Revolution” |  P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center  Examines the international foundation …read more

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In honor of April’s National Poetry Month, New York City is hosting the 6th Annual Poem in Your Pocket Day (PIYP) on Thursday, April 17th.  Celebrate by stopping by the Bryant Park Reading Room for poetry readings and a free book of poetry.  Poetry slams and readings will be be be taking place across the city.  Click here for a calendar of venues and events.    
Also, you can bring the poem in your pocket to any of the following museums and enjoy free admission for the day:

Bronx Museum of the Arts
Museum of the City of New York
Brooklyn Historical Society
Staten …read more

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After a successful year on London’s West End, Boeing-Boeing has landed in New York and will begin previews this Saturday, April 19th.  The cast is comprised with Emmy and Tony Award winners including Kathryn Hahn (Crossing Jordan), Christine Baranski (Cybill), Mark Rylance, Bradley Whitford (The West Wing), Gina Gershon (Ugly Betty), and Mary McCormack (The West Wing).   
Marc Camoletti’s 1960s comedy centers on a philandering Parisian playboy, Robert, who juggles three flight attendant fiancées, one German, one Italian, and one American.  Each flight attendant works for a different airline and spend the night at his apartment while stopping over.  With …read more

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Top of the Rock, the observation deck of Rockefeller Center, is a great place to take in a bird’s-eye view of Manhattan.  It’s open until midnight and lacks the long lines that plague the Empire State Building Observation Deck.
He made a name for himself at Le Cirque, but he continues to impress with his edible creations.  Share some chocolates, truffles, or chocolate covered strawberries from Jacques Torres Chocolate.  Locations in Dumbo, West Village, and a new location on Amsterdam Avenue on the Upper West Side.
The Valentine’s Day Poetry Reading at NYU’s Jurow Hall isn’t like any other, it will feature …read more

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A few years ago, while I was on an extended vacation in Spain, I fell in love.  It was late, I was in a bar on my second glass of wine.  No, it wasn’t a Spanish bullfighter that I fell in love with, but rather, flamenco.
Everything about flamenco is completely and delightfully unexpected.  My fellow bar patrons moved a few tables out of the way and the place lit up with energy as hands started clapping, guitars strumming, and feet stomping while a flamenco dancer and her musicians gave an impromptu performance.  There was something about the way …read more

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Most refer to the Brooklyn Academy of Music, or simply BAM, as Lincoln Center’s younger and edgier sister for performing arts. Its name doesn’t do it justice, BAM is an urban art center that hosts events in dance, humanities, opera, theatre, and, of course, music.
BAMart is BAM’s visual art program. Ongoing exhibitions include Leo Villareal’s piece, Stars which is site-specific LED art that illuminates at night and transforms the outside of the BAM building. BAMart also allows audiences to view and purchase new and contemporary works for sale.
BAM Rose Cinemas is the first outer-borough …read more

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Classic opera meets Broadway meets daytime talk show, Jerry Springer the Opera is coming to New York for two days only!   Based on the television show The Jerry Springer Show, the stage show is notable for its profanity and its unusual depiction of religious themes. 
By far one of the most controversial stage productions in recent memory, Academy Award nominee Harvey Keitel will star as infamous talk-show host Jerry Springer in the New York City production.
Check out the video excerpt of the UK production of Jerry Springer the Opera: 

Location:  Carnegie Hall, 57th Street & 7th Avenue …read more

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The foul language of Avenue Q, adult plot lines in Rent, and names like Die Mommie Die!, mean going to a Broadway show  is not always something the entire family should enjoy. But if you would like to introduce the younger members of your family to Broadway magic there are a few shows that can be enjoyed by all.
The Lion King, the quintessential Disney-movie-turned-Broadway-show, is entering its 11th year on the Broadway stage and is showing no signs of slowing down. Elton John and Tim Rice’s score with African rhythm and music, beautiful costuming, and a magical set …read more

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Monday, January 21st marks Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  There are a number of activities planned in New York City that honor Dr. King and his commitment to peace and equality.

Day of Service   In 1994 Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act, designating the holiday as a national day of volunteer service.   Think of it as a day on, not a day off and volunteer.  There are nearly 300 New York-area volunteer opportunities listed at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service website. 
Victims of the Zeitgeist  Ellwoodson Williams directs his new off-off Broadway drama about Martin …read more

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Arthur Golden’s beautiful novel, Memoirs of a Geisha, popularized the Japanese tea ceremony, or chanoyu. This weekend is your chance to learn some of the procedures and etiquette of this centuries-old tradition.
The Upper East Side’s Urasenke Chanoyu Center, which promotes the understanding of chanoyu, will be conducting a two hour workshop on Saturday. Topics covered will include: bowing and standing, opening and closing sliding doors, entering the tea room, and folding a silk wiping cloth.
Location: Urasenke Chanoyu Center, 153 East 69th Street (map) 212-988-6161
Getting there: 6 train to 68th Street-Hunter College
Date and Time: Saturday, …read more

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