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Norma's Weekly Snapshot
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Barneys: Baz Dazzled
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Over the holidays, NYC becomes a bright mecca of lights and a favorite destination for travelers worldwide. Christmas trees, animated department store windows, and grand decorations line Madison Avenue, unfolding holiday magic at every turn. My Special Feature highlights this year's best holiday windows and all of the shining lights throughout the city.
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 29 Small Business Saturday Support local businesses this weekend! Visit the website for participating businesses and earn points when you use your American Express Card.
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.
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. Through January 4th.
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.
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Holiday Train Show
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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.
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Cultural Pursuits...
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Ralph Fasanella: Lest We Forget
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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.
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.
 | | Killer Heels: The Art of the High-Heeled Shoe |
BROOKLYN MUSEUM (200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn)
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)  | |
Unframed - Ellis Island
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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. Life-size historic photographs of Ellis Island immigrants 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 fifth in a series of Picasso surveys.
GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM (1071 5th Avenue) 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 .
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Cubism: The Leonard A. Lauder Collection
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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 An 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.
 | | Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol |
Charles Dickens' A Christmas CarolThrough January 11 An annual tradition, the museum displays the original A Christmas Carol manuscript. And don't miss Winter Family Day on December 7th.
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.
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Henri Matisse: The Cut-Outs
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THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART (11 West 53rd Street) 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 compositions of contrasting colors.
Sturtevant: Double Trouble
Through February 22The first comprehensive survey in America of Sturtevant's 50-year career, 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
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(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. THE RUBIN MUSEUM OF ART (150 West 17th Street)
Through March 23 French photographer Marc Riboud's photographic journals through Asia in the 50s 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.  | | Cooper Hewitt Museum |
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. ON THE RADAR: December 12 Cooper Hewitt Museum Reopening2 East 91st Street The long-awaited reopening of the Cooper Hewitt Museum... touted as a 21st century museum, I'm looking forward to viewing the renovation of the Carnegie Mansion and viewing the inaugural year of exhibitions.
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Curtain Up...  | |
The Contenders 2014
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FILM:
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.
MUSIC, PERFORMANCE, DANCE:
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES:
BAM 2014 Next Wave Festival
Through December 20
Brooklyn Academy of Music (30 Lafayette Avenue - Brooklyn)
Avant-garde music, theater, opera, and dance.
CarmenThrough March 7
The Metropolitan Opera House (Lincoln Center Plaza)
Bizet's acclaimed opera has returned to the MET. | |
LaBoheme
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Jazzhaus at KlavierhausThrough December 22 Le Parker Meridien Hotel (119 West 56th Street) Showcases both amateur and professional pianists in their intimate space off the main lobby.La BohèmeThrough 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.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Through December 31
Radio City Music Hall (1260 Avenue of the Americas)
Purchase your tickets to see the world famous Rockettes...
a quintessential NYC holiday experience!
Steve TyrellThrough December 31 Cafe Carlyle (35 East 76th Street) One of my favorite entertainers is back at Cafe Carlyle. 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:
UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS:
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A Christmas Carol
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November 30 through December 30 A Christmas Carol, The MusicalThe Players Theatre (115 MacDougal Street) Sixth year celebration of Dickens' classic. December 4 through 12 This Wonderful Life Corner Office Theater (300 West 43rd Street) An adaptation of Frank Capra's legendary classic, It's A Wonderful Life. 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.
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 two Tonys including Jessie Mueller for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role.
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Cabaret
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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 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 15
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 the Wars
Through December 7
The Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street)
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 |
If/Then The Musical
Through March 31
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 entertaining and romantic. A story about two people whose connection continues through art. Inspecting Romeo & Juliet Through December 6
The Gene Frankel Theatre (24 Bond Street)
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 as a bonus, the score is produced by Sting!
Through February 22
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.
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Love Letters
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Love Letters
Through February 15
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.
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
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The River Through February 8 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 1920s setting.
Through 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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You Can't Take It With You
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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 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:
December 12 Holiday Brass
Lincoln Center (Avery Fisher Hall)
Brass and percussion ensemble combine, producing joyful holiday favorites.  | | Handel's Messiah |
December 13, 14, 18, 19 Christmas Stories
Stage Left Studio (214 West 30th Street)
All characters played by Dirkran Tulaine in this brilliant adaption of the Dickens classic.
December 15 through January 4 Chris Botti
Blue Note (131 West 3rd Street)
Annual festive performance at the Blue Note.
December 16 through 20 Handel's Messiah
Lincoln Center (Avery Fisher Hall)
NY Philharmonic's annual choral concert at Lincoln Center.
December 18, 19, 23 MET Museum Holiday Performances
Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 Fifth Avenue)
December 18: Vivaldi's Four Seasons, featuring talented musicians from around the world.
December 19: Songs of the Season, Choristers of the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine.
December 23: All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914, premier men's vocal ensemble; the heartwarming true story of a truce held during World War I on Christmas night in 1914, exactly one hundred years ago.
December 18 through 20 Paul Winter's Winter Solstice Concert
The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine (1047 Amsterdam Avenue)
New York's favorite holiday alternative to the Nutcracker and Radio City's Christmas Spectacular. This event is a contemporary take on ancient solstice rituals.
December 18 through 20 Big Band Holiday
Jazz at Lincoln Center (Rose Theater)
"It's the most wonderful time of the year"... a Big Band Holiday celebration at Rose Hall.
December 19 The Long Christmas Dinner
Lincoln Center (Alice Tulley Hall)
A holiday opera... a rare performance by the American Symphony Orchestra of Thornton Wilder's One Act play.
December 19 through 21 The New York Pops
Carnegie Hall (881 Seventh Avenue)
I've already purchased my tickets. Kelli O'Hara will star on the 19th & 20th (Kelli and Matthew: Home for the Holidays) and on the 21st, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, great for young and old!
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Starting in 2015, I'll feature weekly top picks for new on the scene and notable spots.
 | | Armani/Ristorante |
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.  | |
Winter's Eve at Lincoln Center
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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.
ON THE RADAR:
December 6, 13, 20, 25 Holiday Carolers BrunchThe Lambs Club (132 West 44th Street) Make reservations for this special brunch with holiday entertainment. 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 Windows & Dazzling Lights
UPCOMING TREE LIGHTINGS:
Brick Presbyterian Church (Park Avenue @ 91st Street)
The Carl Schurz Park (East 86th Street & East End Avenue)
Madison Square Park (23rd Street & Madison Avenue)
The Washington Arch - Washington Square Park
Below are the major department stores, but take a stroll along Madison Avenue for some of the best window décor and lighting in the city... for example, the Ralph Lauren store on Madison Avenue (at 72nd Street) always has a beautiful display.
Theme: Baz Dazzled...
film director/producer Baz Luhrmann and his talented costume designer wife, Catherine Martin dazzle us.
Bergdorf Goodman
Theme: Inspired - The Arts... each window depicts one of the arts. "Painting" window includes a 12-foot-tall artist's mannequin and a custom gown by Dolce & Gabbana.
Theme: Holiday Music Tribute... seven different vignettes inspired by lyrics from classic holiday tunes.
Henri Bendel
Theme: Brings to life illustrations by Al Hirschfeld... Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Sarah Jessica Parker are a few of the window creations.
Theme: Celebrates their 100th anniversary, featuring the whimsical interior of an enchanted mansion.
151 West 34th Street
Theme: Interplanetary Christmas Journey... an exploration of the holidays on other planets - out of this world!
Theme: An Enchanted Experience... six animated windows transformed into scenes from classic fairy tales in an Art Deco style, with NYC as the backdrop (get ready to see Rapunzel using her hair to swing from the Empire State Building!)
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Tiffany & Co.
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Tiffany's New York
Theme: Sophisticated NYC in the 1950s and 1960s... my kind of window!
Theme: Horses! Castles! Diamonds!... the story of Peau D'Ane, a French fairytale about a princess who flees her kingdom.
Time Warner Center (Ground Floor)
Through January 4
Jones Beach
New York Botanical Garden - The Bronx
Through January 11
American Museum of Natural History
(Central Park West at 79th Street)
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| Norma Knows New York City/ East 76th Street / New York, New York 10021 |
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