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Norma's Weekly Snapshot 
Norma Knows New York City P.S. Starting January 1st, your Norma's Weekly Snapshot complimentary subscriptions will expire. Don't miss out on weekly updates. Click below for annual membership.
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Send to other savvy New Yorkers and hip visitors, so they can
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General Events... 
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.
 | | Gingerbread Extravaganza |
Through January 4 Gingerbread ExtravaganzaLe 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 6
Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Creche
Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 Fifth Avenue)
This traditional holiday display is a must visit to keep you in the holiday spirit.
Through February 22 13th Annual Holiday Train Show
Grand Central - NY Transit Museum Gallery Annex
Metro-North, New York Central, and subway trains depart from a miniature Grand Central Terminal in this exhibit.
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Cultural Pursuits... 
EVENTS:
December 12 Cooper Hewitt Museum Reopening (2 East 91st Street) The long-awaited reopening... touted as a 21st century museum, I'm looking forward to viewing the renovation of the Carnegie Mansion and the inaugural year of exhibitions. December 14 Lower East Side Art Drive The New Museum (235 Bowery) First annual benefit that will provide food, clothing, and shelter to the homeless. An intriguing photographic exhibit entitled "Through My Lens." View the world through the lens of these photographers.  | |
Roy Lichtenstein: Reflections on Pop
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CLOSING THIS WEEK: 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.
DAVID BENRIMON FINE ART
(The Crown Building - 730 Fifth Avenue)
Through December 18 The exhibition showcases works from this well-known artist's long career during the American Pop movement. ONGOING EXHIBITS:  | |
Barbara Nessim: An Artful Life
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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.
 | | Jasper Johns: Sculptures and Related Paintings |
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. CRAIG F. STARR GALLERY (5 East 73rd Street)
Through January 23 Incredible exhibit of sculptures and paintings from 1957-1970.
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.
 | Abelardo Morell:
Some Recent Pictures |
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.
 | ZERO: Countdown to Tomorrow, 1950s-60s
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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 .
ITALIAN CULTURAL MUSEUM (686 Park Avenue) Michelangelo and VersiliaThrough January 4 Exquisite pieces from four Italian cities including Forte dei Marmi and Pietrasanta. | |
Alexander Kaletski: Red Carpet
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MARY BOONE GALLERY (541 West 24th Street) Through December 20 View the magnificent Red Carpet exhibition of Russian artist, Alexander Kaletski.
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.
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Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol
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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 CarolThrough January 11 An annual tradition, the museum displays the original A Christmas Carol manuscript.
THE MUSEUM AT FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
(Seventh Avenue at 27th Street)
Through January 3
Dance & Fashion features 100 inaugural dance costumes and dance-inspired fashion ranging from 19th century to the present.
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The Forever Now: Contemporary Painting
in an Atemporal World
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THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART (11 West 53rd Street)
Modern Photographs from the Thomas Walther Collection, 1909-1949
December 13 through April 26
This collection captures the time period between the First and Second World Wars, where creative possibilities of photography were heightened.
The Forever Now: Contemporary Painting in an Atemporal World
December 14 through April 5
The work of 17 artists with 17 different approaches to painting, the exhibit centers on the timelessness of painting today, exploring the issues of originality and subjectivity.
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.
 | | Times Square, 1984 |
SEAN KELLY GALLERY (475 Tenth Avenue)
The Time Vivarium
Exhibit will be presented in two stages by Chinese artist, Sun Xun. The artist and his assistants will create new works in both drawings and paintings. Through January 24th. 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, 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. |
Curtain Up...
FILM:
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It's a Wonderful Life
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Through December 25 It's a Wonderful Life
IFC Center (323 Sixth Avenue)
See it live or in the movie theater...either way I suggest viewing it for the holidays.
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: December 12 Blythe GrudaJoe's Pub (425 Lafayette Street) An amazing singer, I've heard her perform many times. She sings as part of the Losers Lounge Holiday Tribute to Elvis Presley. Blythe and others will sing songs from the King.
 | | Singing Cyndi Lauper |
December 12 through 14 Peter & the Wolf with Isaac Mizrahi Guggenheim Museum (1071 5th Avenue)
I went last year and it was well worth it!
Through December 13 The AmbassadorBrooklyn Academy of Music (30 Lafayette Avenue - Brooklyn) Tony award-winning director, John Tiffany, will direct the New York premier of singer/songwriter Gabriel Kahane's The Ambassador. December 14 Singing Cyndi Lauper 54 Below (254 West 54th Street) Broadway and cabaret's best voices celebrate the pop sensation (and Tony-winning Broadway composer/lyricist). December 15 Chris Botti  | |
Hansel and Gretel
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Blue Note (131 West 3rd Street)
Annual festive performance at the Blue Note. Through January 4th.
The Town Hall (123 West 43rd Street)
A treasured holiday tradition... with special appearance by Cyndi Lauper.
December 18 Hansel and Gretel
The Metropolitan Opera House (Lincoln Center Plaza)
Englebert Humperdinck's rendition of a holiday classic for both young and old. Through January 8th.
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.
Jazz at Lincoln Center (Rose Theater) "It's the most wonderful time of the year"... a Big Band Holiday celebration at Rose Hall.
The Town Hall (123 West 43rd Street) Features Vince Giordano & the Nighthawks, plus special guests.
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 & 20 Holidays with the Philharmonic
Avery Fisher Hall (10 Lincoln Center Plaza)
A caroling and sing-along festive event; Whoopi Goldberg appears on the 19th.
December 19 through 21 The New York Pops | |
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
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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!
ONGOING PERFORMANCES: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Through January 3
NY City Center (130 West 56th Street)
Returning to the NY City Center just in time for the holidays.
Through January 4
David H. Koch Theater (20 Lincoln Center)
The yearly anticipated Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky is now open. I see the New York City Ballet's performance each year and this one will be no exception.
The Illusionists
Through January 4
The Marquis Theater (1535 Broadway)
Witness the impossible... former contestants on America's Got Talent, they will amaze you!
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 Traviata |
La Bohème and La TraviataBoth through 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. Or purchase tickets for Verdi's timeless classic.
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. tears become... streams become Through January 4
Park Avenue Armory (643 Park Avenue)
Art, music, and architecture converge... a site-specific installation featuring an immense field of water that harnesses light, reflection, music, and sound. Works and Process
Through December 15
Guggenheim Museum (1071 Fifth Avenue)
Celebrating 30 years of performing arts, discussions, and world premieres.
THEATER:
UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS:
Through December 13 This Wonderful Life Corner Office Theater (300 West 43rd Street) An adaptation of Frank Capra's legendary classic, It's A Wonderful Life.  | | Constellations |
Stage Left Studio (214 West 30th Street) All characters played by Dirkran Tulaine in this brilliant adaption of the Dickens classic.
December 16 Constellations
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street)
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, a mysterious and witty play about the potential of a first encounter and friendship. Previews begin December 16th, opens January 13th through March 15th
 The Laura Pels Theatre (111 West 46th Street)
This witty show, a Sondheim masterpiece, invites us back into the world created by the iconic storytellers, the Grimm brothers. Previews begin December 18th, opening night January 22nd, closes March 22nd. Through December 21 Me, Myself and My MouthCherry Lane Theater (38 Commerce Street) View comedian Joy Behar in a hilarious production that takes the audience on a journey from her Brooklyn roots to center stage.
The Flea Theater (41 White Street)
A show about the psychic and emotional stress of living on the cusp of the apocalypse. ONGOING PRODUCTIONS:
The Players Theatre (115 MacDougal Street)
Sixth year celebration of Dickens' classic.
Through January 4
The Irish Repertory Theatre (132 West 22nd Street)
A heartwarming musical based on the short story by Truman Capote, reflecting on a traditional southern Christmas holiday.
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.
The Elephant Man
Booth Theatre (222 West 45th Street)
Bradley Cooper and Patricia Clarkson star in the Tony Award-winning classic based on the life of Joseph Merrick, a 19th century British man who became a star of a traveling freak show.
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.
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.
Through March 1
Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 West 46th Street)
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.
New York Theatre Workshop (79 East 4th Street)
Pulitzer playwright, Ayad Akhtar, makes his NYC debut with a suspenseful play about the abduction of an American banker held for ransom in Pakistan, shedding light on the impact of individual actions on global politics.
Through March 29
Neil Simon Theater (250 West 52nd Street)
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.
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.
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 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.
 | | Sticks & Bones |
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! | | Tristan & Yseult |
Through February 1 Lynn Redgrave Theater (45 Bleecker Street)
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 - a touching comedy portraying the relationship between two families when their children become engaged.
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For the Foodie...
 | | Cafe Boulud |
Starting in 2015, I'll feature weekly top picks for new on the scene and notable spots. Staying local for Christmas Eve? You can reserve your table now for special menus at some of my preferred dining destinations uptown and downtown. Many have specials on Christmas Day as well.
Upper East Side: 20 East 76th Street
French Cuisine
4-course dinner for $175 per person.
Upper West Side: 200 West 70th Street
French Cuisine
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Fishtail
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A la carte menu with Christmas specials.DovetailUpper West Side: 103 West 77th StreetNew American CuisineA la carte menu.FishtailUpper East Side: 135 East 65th Street Seafood $75 per person for the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Ristorante Altesi
Upper East Side: 24 East 64th Street
Italian Cuisine $75 for a 3-course dinner.
Flatiron District: 200 Fifth Avenue Varied Cuisine  | | Rosemary's |
Special menus at five of their restaurants. HearthEast Village: 403 East 12th Street Italian Cuisine $94 per person for the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Il Buco Alimentari & VineriaEast Village: 53 Great Jones Street Italian Cuisine $95 per person for the Feast of the Seven Fishes. West Village: 18 Greenwich Avenue Italian Cuisine $80 per person
Tribeca: 221 West Broadway
New American Cuisine
A la carte menus
FOODIE EVENTS:
The Lambs Club (132 West 44th Street)
Make reservations for this special brunch with holiday entertainment.
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Special Feature... Giving Back
Donate time, food or contribute monetary donations over the holidays. Visit NYC Service to find other volunteer opportunities year round.  | |
Alex and Ani Prints of Love Charm
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ASPCAPurchase the Alex and Ani Prints of Love Charm and 20% of the proceeds will go to this charity for the animal lover! Or purchase the Helen Ficalora LilySarahGrace Eye Charm where 25% goes to LilySarahGrace Foundation, a partnership to support teachers in underfunded public elementary schools to reach all learners through the arts. The Bright Horizons Foundation for ChildrenThe TODAY Show and the The Bright Horizons Foundation for Children® are partnering on their Shine a Light Series, a year-long initiative focused on service and giving back to the community. Consider donating to help create a Bright Space® at the Bushwick Family Residence, a homeless shelter in Brooklyn.
Food Bank of New YorkOver 800 volunteers are needed weekly to help feed the hungry... choose from a variety of volunteer option. 
God's Love We Deliver
Help with food prep, cooking, meal assembly, or delivery... this organization helps provide meals for those too sick to shop or cook. Housing WorksDonate furniture, clothing, or anything that you have. Proceeds benefit those affected by or living with HIV/AIDS. You can also volunteer your time at the bookstore cafe or one of the thrift shops.  | | Operation Santa Claus |
Operation Santa ClausBe Santa Claus to a child in need. Through December 24, visit a participating post office to pick up a children's letter and make a child's holiday wishes come true. Through December 31st, drop a winter coat at one of 300 locations throughout the city. Or check out their Winter Wishes program, providing holiday gifts for disadvantaged children.
The organization helps babies born into poverty... donate baby clothing and essentials or volunteer your time.
Warby Parker
These eyeglasses are all the rage! Purchase a pair of their fashionable specs and they will donate a pair to someone in need.
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| Norma Knows New York City/ East 76th Street / New York, New York 10021 |
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December 19 
