There's lots of great holiday-themed entertainment in the city, from the New York Pops' holiday concert to the New York City Ballet's "The Nutcracker" and the "Radio City Christmas Spectacular". Check out this short guide for some ideas.
All in Notes
NOTES: Bellini’s “Norma” at the Met Opera
The Metropolitan Opera launched its 2017-2018 season in September with a new production of Vincenzo Bellini’s “Norma” directed by Sir David McVicar. I caught a performance of this 1831 bel canto masterpiece on Friday night; two more chances remain, this evening at 7:30pm and Saturday, December 16th at 1pm.
NOTES: The New York Pops celebrate “Women of Notes”
Last night, The New York Pops presented “Women of Notes: In Dedication to Female Composers and Lyricists”, a concert celebrating female composers and lyricists of stage, screen, and the recording studio.
NOTES: In defense of “Cats”, why you should see this iconic musical before it closes on Broadway
Why is it that “Cats” the musical is so often dismissed or, worse, even hated? In order to understand, we must first visit the unique origins of this unique musical. If you’ve never done it, see “Cats” on Broadway before it closes on December 30th and becomes a “Memory”.
NOTES: A Newly Resonant “Of Thee I Sing” at Carnegie Hall
"Of Thee I Sing", the classic Gershwin musical, was presented by MasterVoices in an abbreviated concert at Carnegie Hall; a political satire eerily on point in 2017, it was fun to enter the world of this silly musical for an evening, before returning to its less humorous reality.
NOTES: New York Pops Kicks off its 35th Season
Last night, The New York Pops kicked off its 35th Anniversary Season at Carnegie Hall with a special tribute concert to its founder and long-time music director and conductor, Skitch Henderson (1918-2005).
NOTES: Billy Porter, back and better than ever, in “Kinky Boots”
There’s never been a better time to see “Kinky Boots”—Billy Porter and Stark Sands are back in the show through January, and it is as fresh, fun, funny, and heartwarming as ever.
NOTES: See “A Doll’s House: Part 2” before Nora leaves again
“A Doll’s House: Part 2” was the best and most rewarding surprise of the 2016-2017 Broadway season - if you have a free night this week, grab a ticket to see it before it’s gone.
NOTES: Checking in on “Bandstand” one last time
I checked in to see “Bandstand” one last time this week before it plays its final performance on Sunday, September 17th. The show isn’t perfect—few are—but “Bandstand” was my kind of musical.
NOTES: RIP “The Great Comet” (2012-2017)
“Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812”—a musicalized 70 page excerpt from Tolstoy’s “War in Peace”—plays its final performance on Broadway today. “Comet” was not my favorite show, but I can’t help but feel sad about its sudden demise.