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Norma's Weekly Snapshot
 | | Bryant Park |
The holiday season is here and it's the most wonderful time of the year. The city is becoming a spectacular sight with Christmas trees, department store window displays, and other holiday attractions lighting up the town. Start your shopping early at the seasonal markets and pop-ups... My Special Feature includes the best spots to find distinctive items for those on your list.
Stay tuned for my upcoming "Norma's Gift Guide" that will feature unique finds for him, for her, for kids, for the host/hostess, and top clients... plus my favorite stocking stuffers!
Norma Knows New York City
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Send to other savvy New Yorkers and hip visitors, so they can
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General Events... 
November 27 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Starts at 77th Street and Central Park West
Ends at 34th Street Herald Square
This year I'll be staying local and heading out to watch the parade.
November 28
South Street Seaport Holiday Tree Lighting
Fulton Street
Entertainment activities, and the rink's grand opening.
Through November 30 Shops at Columbus Circle Partner with the Central Park ConservancyTime Warner Center Stores such as J. Crew and C. Wonder will be holding charity shopping events with proceeds going to the Conservancy.Through December 21 Holiday House The Academy Mansion (2 East 63rd Street) This is how I like to kick off the season of giving. Holiday House, in the magnificent Academy Mansion, returns through December 21st. All proceeds support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Renowned designers decorate the rooms of this mansion with decor that will complement everyone's tastes. Leonard Lauder is the Honorary Chair... Holiday House is all about the celebration of life; each designer selects a holiday or a special moment in life as the inspiration for their design.
 | | Holiday Under the Stars |
Time Warner Center (Ground Floor)
The Time Warner Center transforms into a winter wonderland! Stars hang from the ceiling to create a magical space to put you in the mood for the holidays.
Through January 4 Holiday Lights SpectacularJones Beach Drive through a holiday park featuring 150 displays synced to holiday music.
ON THE RADAR:
December 3 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
Rockefeller Plaza (between West 48th and West 51st Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues)
An annual tradition; join the thousands of New Yorkers and visitors for this year's event featuring the lighting and major superstar performances... or just watch it on television.
 | | Gingerbread Extravaganza |
December 4 through January 4 Gingerbread Extravaganza
Le Parker Meridien Hotel (119 West 56th Street)
Annual event with this year's theme as "Made in New York" featuring works from local bakeries. Benefits City Harvest.
December 5 St. Jude Winter Gala
The Bowery Hotel (335 Bowery)
The St. Jude Winter Gala exists through the funding of all of its supporters. $150 per ticket: music, dancing, cocktails, and tastings from many of the city's finest restaurants.
December 6 28th Annual Miracle on Madison Avenue
Visit the website for all of the participating stores. A portion of all the proceeds will be directed to Memorial Sloan Kettering. From 10am to 5pm, shop 'til you drop.
Manhattan Youth Downtown Community Center (120 Warren Street)
30% of sales will be donated to West Africa Save the Children Emergency Fund.
December 15 An Evening of Holiday Style & Glamour
The Erno Laszlo Institute (382 Broadway)
Hosted by GLOW Magazine... enjoy holiday cheer, raffle prizes, and networking with others to benefit Shining Service Worldwide.
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Cultural Pursuits...
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Faile - Works on Wood:
Process, Painting and Sculpture
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ALLOUCHE GALLERY (115 Spring Street)
Faile - Works on Wood: Process, Painting and Sculpture
Through December 10 To coincide with the release of the book by the same name, the exhibit features many of their celebrated works. AMERICAN FOLK ART MUSEUM (2 Lincoln Square) Ralph Fasanella: Lest We ForgetThrough December 1 100th anniversary of Ralph Fasanella's colorful key works of postwar America.
AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
(Central Park West at 79th Street)
Through August 9
Exhibit uncovers the causes of nature's forces.  | |
Barbara Nessim: An Artful Life
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BARD GRADUATE CENTER GALLERY (18 West 86th Street)
Through January 11
A trendy gallery that explores new ways of thinking about decorative arts and design. The exhibit visualizes 19th century New York through prints and photographs. BLAIN/DIDONNA GALLERY (981 Madison Avenue)
Dada & Surrealist Objects
Through January 17
An exhibition that is the first devoted to this subject presented in any gallery or museum in America.
BROOKLYN MUSEUM (200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn)
Through February 15 Killer Heels explores the fashion world's most coveted accessory. I especially liked the shoes by Manolo Blahnik, Chanel, and Ferragamo. Be sure to watch some of the six short films as you tour the exhibit.
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Jasper Johns: Sculptures and Related Paintings
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CRAIG F. STARR GALLERY (5 East 73rd Street) Jasper Johns: Sculptures and Related PaintingsThrough January 23 Incredible exhibit of sculptures and paintings from1957-1970 will be on exhibition. DAVID BENRIMON FINE ART (The Crown Building - 730 Fifth Avenue) Roy Lichtenstein: Reflections on PopThrough December 18 The exhibition showcases works from this well-known artist's long career, examining how he became a central figure of the American Pop movement. DOMINIQUE LEVY GALLERY (909 Madison Avenue) Local History: Castellani, Judd, StellaThrough January 3 The exhibition captures a fleeting but profound moment of creative intersection in the careers of these three post-war artists. DTR MODERN GALLERY (458 West Broadway) Contemporary and pop art on display.
EDWYNN HOUK GALLERY (745 Fifth Avenue)
Through December 20 A retrospective photographic exhibit.
ELLIS ISLAND
Unframed - Ellis IslandOngoing This first time exhibit is by the French artist, JR. The display has life-size historic photographs of Ellis Island immigrants that are displayed on more than 16 selected interior walls on the south side of Ellis Island, where the Ellis Island Immigrant Hospital once was.THE FRICK COLLECTION (1 East 70th Street) Through April 5
Jean-Antoine Houdon and Claude Michel were two of the foremost sculptors in France during the late 18th century. Their sculptures are shown together for the first time, highlighting the artists' expressive ranges.
GAGOSIAN GALLERY (522 West 21st Street)
Picasso & the Camera
Through January 3
This exhibition is the 5th in a series of Picasso surveys.
GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM (1071 5th Avenue)  | | Hubble@25 |
INTREPID SEA, AIR, & SPACE MUSEUM (Pier 86 - 46th Street & 12th Avenue)
Hubble@25
Through September 15, 2015 Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope, the exhibition showcases the history of this project and its scientific achievements. View artifacts, photographs, and Hubble-produced images .
THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART (1000 Fifth Avenue) Thomas Hart Benton's America Today Mural RediscoveredThrough April 19 A captivating exhibit of 1920s America in New York City.Cubism: The Leonard A. Lauder CollectionThrough February 16 Experience the most important exhibition of the essential Cubists (such as Pablo Picasso) in more than thirty years.Amie Siegel: ProvenanceThrough January 4 A three-part installation of a cinematic representation of economic and political cycles.THE MORGAN LIBRARY & MUSEUM (225 Madison Avenue) The Untamed Landscape: Theodore Rousseau and the Path to Barbizon
Through January 18
70 works of Theodore Rousseau's approach to open-air oil sketches.
 | | Mac Conner: A New York Life |
THE MUSEUM AT FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (Seventh Avenue at 27th Street)
Through January 3
Dance & Fashion features 100 dance costumes and dance-inspired fashion ranging from 19th century to the present... an inaugural showing of most of the collections.
THE MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
(1220 Fifth Avenue)
Mac Conner: A New York Life
Through January 19
NYC's saga of the original Mad Men! Hand-painted illustrations for advertising campaigns and women's magazines just after WWII.
THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART (11 West 53rd Street)  | |
Egon Schiele: Portraits
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The Paris of Toulouse-LautrecThrough March 22
Prints and posters by this renowned artist. Through February 8
Opened for the first time in twenty years, the exhibit includes painted sheets cut into various shapes and sizes, thus creating lively compositions of contrasting colors.
Sturtevant: Double Trouble
Through February 22The first comprehensive survey in America of Sturtevant's 50-year career, which is a collection of her version of pop art.
NEUE GALLERIE (1048 5th Avenue) Through January 19 One of the 20th century's most important artists, the exhibit showcases portraitures by the masterful Austrian artist, Egon Schiele. THE NEW MUSEUM (235 Bowery) Through January 25 The exhibit spans the artist's influential career, encompassing his paintings, drawings, and sculptures.
 | | Holiday Express |
NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY (170 Central Park West) Annie Leibovitz: PilgrimageThrough February 22 Over 70 photographs are on display... a new direction for one of the world's best known living photographers. Landscapes, interiors, and objects that captured her curiosity.Through February 22
An ageless and spectacular exhibit of toys and trains from a bygone era from the renowned Jerni Collection.
PACE GALLERY (32 East 57th Street) Through January 10 The iconic artist's devotion to Jacqueline Rogue and his homage to Matisse.PAUL KASMIN GALLERY (293 10th Avenue) Robert Motherwell: Works on Paper 1951-1991Through January 3 Nearly 100 works on view.
ROBIN RICE GALLERY (325 West 11th Street)
Through December 14
Victoria Goldman's twenty-year-long fascination with Tarot has created a series of photographs based on the imagery and the mythology behind the ancient Tarot cards.  | |
Witness at a Crossroads
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THE RUBIN MUSEUM OF ART (150 West 17th Street)
Through March 23 French photographer Marc Riboud's photographic journals through Asia in the 50th and 60s... a time of both political and cultural transition.
THE SKYSCRAPER MUSEUM (39 Battery Place) Times Square, 1984Through January 18 The exhibit captures the decisive moment and transformation of the urban renewal of Times Square... now known as the crossroads of the world.
VENUS OVER MANHATTAN (930 Madison Avenue) Calder ShadowsThrough February 1 Renowned sculptor, painter, and illustrator, Alexander Calder, was also a master engineer of dancing shadows.
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Curtain Up...
FILM:
November 21 to 23
6th Annual In French With English Subtitles Film Festival
Florence Gould Hall (55 East 59th Street)
Tickets are now on sale for this 3-day festival including world premiere movies and one-time only screenings and Q&As.
Through January 16 The Contenders 2014
The Museum of Modern Art (11 West 53rd Street)
The Museum's selection of influential, innovative films made in the past 12 months that they believe will stand the test of time. Each is a contender for lasting historical significance; check the website for screening schedule. Movies include Noah and The Grand Budapest Hotel.
MUSIC, PERFORMANCE, DANCE:
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES: Juilliard's Peter Jay Sharp Theatre (155 West 65th Street) Purchase tickets at the box office for Juilliard's orchestra and singers.
City Center Studios (130 West 56th Street, 5th Floor)
Magloire has created over 60 ballets in his signature style for his company.
Cafe Carlyle (35 East 76th Street) American jazz guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey deliver entertaining performances.
November 23 The Irving Berlin Ragtime Revue
13th Street Repertory Company (50 West 13th Street) A tribute to American composer and lyricist, Irving Berlin.
BAM 2014 Next Wave Festival
Through December 20
Brooklyn Academy of Music (30 Lafayette Avenue - Brooklyn)
Avant-garde music, theater, opera, and dance.
 | | Carmen |
CarmenThrough March 7
The Metropolitan Opera House (Lincoln Center Plaza)
Bizet's acclaimed opera has returned to the MET.Jazzhaus at KlavierhausLe Parker Meridien Hotel (119 West 56th Street) Showcases both amateur and professional pianists in their intimate space off the main lobby.LaBohèmeThrough January 24 The Metropolitan Opera House (Lincoln Center Plaza) Puccini's immortal tale of tragic young love set amidst the rooftops of bohemian Paris is at the MET.
Through December 20
The Metropolitan Opera House (Lincoln Center Plaza)
A dazzling and light-hearted opera set to the music of Mozart.
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Radio City Christmas Spectacular
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Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Radio City Music Hall (1260 Avenue of the Americas)
Purchase your tickets to see the world famous Rockettes...
a quintessential NYC holiday experience!
Works and Process
Through December 15
Guggenheim Museum - Peter B. Lewis Theater (1071 Fifth Avenue)
Celebrating 30 years of performing arts, discussions, and world premieres. See and hear acclaimed artists in an intimate setting.
THEATER:
 | | A Christmas Carol |
UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS:
BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center (199 Chambers Street) BMCC's adaptation of a classic, by Theaterworks USA. Start the holiday season with a show that always reminds us that the holidays are a kind and charitable time.
Through February 22
John Golden Theater (252 West 45th Street)
Glenn Close returns to Broadway with John Lithgow in Edward Albee's "A Delicate Balance." A moving play about a married couple struggling to maintain equilibrium when they open up their home to friends and family.
Through December 14
Classic Stage Company (136 East 13th Street)
Music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein... a musical masterpiece by two of theater's masters.
Through May 24
Stephen Sondheim Theatre (124 West 43rd Street)
I enjoyed this musical following the legendary songwriter from her early days as a Brooklyn teenager to those well-known hits as a top recording artist. The show took home 2 Tonys including Jessie Mueller for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role.
The Belle of AmherstThrough August 25 Westside Theater (407 West 43rd Street)
Starring Joely Richardson, Emily Dickinson welcomes the audience into her Amherst 19th century homeland.
Billy & Ray
Through November 23
Vineyard Theatre (108 East 15th Street)
Director Garry Marshall (Pretty Woman) directs this true story about the life of two artists (Billy Wilder & Raymond Chandler) and how they battled the Hollywood censors and each other.
Through March 29
Studio 54 (254 West 54th Street)
I experienced the most amazing NYC evening with Cabaret. Emma Stone has taken on the role of Sally Bowles to replace Michelle Williams. Emma, as well as the incomparable Alan Cumming are show-stoppers; the Kit Kat band is superb.
The Country House
Through November 23
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street)
Blythe Danner returns to Broadway in Manhattan Theatre Club's production. A piercing look at a family of performers each coming to terms with the roles they play in each other's lives.
The show brought everyone to a standing ovation. The lead actor, a recent graduate of Julliard, is brilliant. The story unfolds with a mathematical precocious adolescent with behavioral problems uncovering truths and hidden secrets.
Through March 1
Lyceum Theatre (149 West 45th Street)
Critically acclaimed play starring Gretchen Mol. The cast shares the stories, secrets, and lies we tell our friends, family, and ourselves in finding the American Dream.
Father Comes Home from War
Through December 7
The Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street)
Parts 1, 2, 3... dramatic work set during the Civil War. An epic tale that holds onto who we are and what we love in a country that brings us together and rips us apart.
If/Then The Musical
Through March 1
Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 West 46th Street)
A favorite performer of mine, Idina Menzel of Wicked, stars in this musical about a woman that returns to life in NYC discovering endless possibilities where chance and choice collide.
Indian Ink Through November 30 Roundabout Theatre Company (231 West 39th Street)
Tony award winner Tom Stoppard's play is enticing, entertaining, and romantic. A story about two people whose connection continues through art.
Arguably the most famous love story of all time. Each night before the show, audience members will be asked questions that will determine the direction and interpretation of that evening's performance.
Through March 29
Neil Simon Theater (250 West 52nd Street)
The Last Ship has set sail. Directed by Joe Mantilla, the play portrays the hope and heartache of a working class Englishman who leaves his life behind to travel the world. And I left the best to last... the score is produced by Sting!
Lennon Through A Glass Onion
Through January 11
Union Square Theater (100 East 17th Street)
A remarkable celebration of a unique and timeless talent.
The American premiere honors one of the famed Beatles with music and lyrics by Lennon and McCartney.
Lips Together, Teeth ApartThrough November 23 Second Stage Theater (305 West 43rd Street) Terrance McNally's revival comedy, after 23 years, is about a quintessential summer weekend in an unfamiliar setting starring America Ferrera (of Ugly Betty). Love LettersThrough February 1
Brooks Atkinson Theatre (256 West 47th Street) No one forgets their first love! A.G. Gurney creates a funny, emotional play about the powerful connection of love.  | | On the Town |
Through May 31
Lyric Theatre (213 West 42nd Street)
The feel good play that everyone should see. Broadway's largest orchestra and cast make us fall in love with New York again. It is a story of three sailors on a whirlwind tour in the city that doesn't sleep.
Through January 4
American Airlines Theatre (227 West 42nd Street) Starring Ewan McGregor, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Cynthia Nixon... what more do I have to say? The River Through January 25 Circle In The Square Theatre (1633 Broadway) Starring Hugh Jackman, this is the story about a man and woman in a remote cliff side cabin on a moonless night.
Side Show Through April 26 St. James Theatre (246 West 44th Street) The flash and velocity of a motion picture. Based on the legendary Hilton twins...a story about love and acceptance in the glamorous setting of 1920s Hollywood. Sticks and BonesThrough December 14 The Romulus Linney Courtyard Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center (480 West 42nd Street) First major New York revival of this off Broadway play starring Richard Chamberlain, Holly Hunter, and Bill Pullman. A Vietnam-era tale about parents struggling with challenges when their son returns from the war. Tail! Spin!Through February 1 Lynn Redgrave Theater (45 Bleecker Street) Rachel Dratch of SNL fame stars in this political comedy.
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Tristan & Yseult
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Tristan & Yseult Through December 14 St. Ann's Warehouse (29 Jay Street) The original tale of forbidden desire, broken hearts, and the agony of choosing one human being over another. Through December 14.
Through February 22
Longacre Theatre (220 West 48th Street)
James Earl Jones and Rose Byrne star in this touching comedy by Moss Hart that portrays the relationship between two families when their children become engaged.
Visit previous snapshots for more theater favorites.
ON THE RADAR IN CURTAIN UP:
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The Elephant Man
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December 3 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
NY City Center (130 West 56th Street)
Returning to the NY City Center just in time for the holidays. Through January 3rd.
December 7 The Elephant Man
Booth Theatre (222 West 45th Street)
Bradley Cooper and Patricia Clarkson star in Bernard Pomerance's Tony Award-winning classic based on the real life of Joseph Merrick, a 19th century British man who became a star of a traveling freak show. Now in previews, opens December 7th, through February 15th.
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 | | Hudson Eats |
Still not sure what you're doing for Thanksgiving? Visit my recent Weekly Snapshot for ideas on where to go in the city.
Armani/Ristorante (717 Fifth Avenue) Located inside Giorgio Armani's Fifth Avenue flagship store, visit on Thursdays for a complimentary glass of Franciacorta Sparkling Wine and Italian small bites.
Saturdays Bloody Mary Bossa Nova Brunch The Lambs Club (132 West 44th Street) Live music and great food in a speakeasy atmosphere. Visit the website for the weekly music schedule, including Sunday jazz brunch.
Beauty & Essex (146 Essex Street)
From 1-6pm, a 4-course brunch with two glasses of champagne for $45 per person.  November 22 NYC Autumn Wine FestivalBroad Street Ballroom (41 Broad Street) A downtown celebration of over 200 wines and samplings of a light fare.
City Winery (155 Varick Street)
Event features remarks by a leading regional expert, a three-course dinner, and three flights of wine highlighting the traditional styles of Argentina.
ON THE RADAR:
December 1 Winter's Eve at Lincoln Center Dante Park (Broadway between 63rd & 64th Streets) Taste amazing food from local vendors as you listen to live music. December 7 Bellezza Eataliana
Eataly (200 Fifth Avenue)
A night of food, wine and music in support of Italian culture! The event also seeks to raise awareness for The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
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Special Feature... Holiday Markets & Pop-Ups 
HOLIDAY MARKETS:
Artists & Fleas at Chelsea Market
75 Ninth Avenue
Permanent Location
42nd Street at 6th Avenue
Through January 4
501 Union Street - Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn
December 14 11am-6pm
59th Street at Central Park
December 2 through 24
Grand Central Station - Vanderbilt Hall
Through December 24
One Penn Plaza
December 1 through 21
Union Square Holiday Market
14th Street at Broadway
Through December 24
POP-UPS
Creeds Collective
54 Crosby Street
Through December 28
For a socially responsible shopping experience, shop here... this pop-up houses conscious fashion, beauty, art, lifestyle and wellness brands.
Fendi
122 Greene Street
Through December 31
Pick up holiday gifts for your fashionista friends and family.
Holiday Handmade Cavalcade
Chelsea Market (75 Ninth Avenue)
December 13 & 14
Etsy brings its online crafts to Chelsea Market. 60 different vendors will sell their goods, including handmade clothing, toys, housewares, and stationery.
Jingle
Chelsea Market (75 Ninth Avenue)
December 16 through 23
A holiday pop-up store extravaganza, offering edgy and artsy gifts for your holiday shopping.
Movie Set Pop-up
60 Vestry Street
December 16 through 18
Shop clothing and accessories from film and television wardrobe departments... for 50-80% off! High-end apparel, shoes, and accessories.
Food 52 Holiday Market
168 Bowery
December 4 through 7
A pop-up shop and restaurant... The old Bowery station is magically transformed into a holiday destination.
144 Tenth Avenue
Through January 4
The most amazing retail space in Chelsea that changes like a gallery and sells things like a store! This year, they've collaborated with Target offering unbelievable treasures for those on your list.
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| Norma Knows New York City/ East 76th Street / New York, New York 10021 |
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