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Norma's Weekly Snapshot
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Winter in Central Park
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A Happy Hanukkah to those that celebrate!
This season, I've highlighted the very best events in the city, as well as festive Special Features to make your holidays memorable. We are getting ready to kick off the new year with a dedication to Wellness to keep you motivated to stay healthy. We look forward to having you as a member in the new year so you can continue to receive my weekly snapshots.
Visit my Winter Seasonal Special Features:
Holiday Markets & Pop-UpsIce Skating Rinks... Hot Chocolate DrinksHoliday Windows & Dazzling LightsNorma's Holiday Gift GuideGiving Back This week, I've highlighted outdoor winter activities right in the city. No need to leave the island to be active in the cold!
Your last complimentary Weekly Snapshot will be on Friday, January 2nd, 2015. Click below to start your membership early and ensure that you receive uninterrupted Weekly Snapshots.
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... 
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.
December 25 Christmas Day Movies Although many families have scheduled a festive day, New Yorkers also look forward to the opening of blockbuster movies later in the afternoon... I'm one of them! - Unbroken: Directed by Angelina Jolie
- Into the Woods: Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Johnny Depp, Anna Kendrick
- American Sniper: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller
- Big Eyes: Amy Adams, Christoph Waltz
- Selma: Portrays a pivotal march, partly led by Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement. Big names include Oprah Winfrey, Cuba Gooding Jr., Martin Sheen, and Oprah Winfrey
- The Gambler: Mark Wahlberg
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Cocoa and Carols Holiday Jazz Cruise
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Through January 2 Cocoa and Carols Holiday Jazz Cruise 90 minute festive cruise on the Hudson to see all of NYC lights. Live music, beautiful views, and warm treats. 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.
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...
 | | The Immersion Room |
EVENTS:
Cooper Hewitt Museum Reopened!
(2 East 91st Street) The long-awaited reopening... touted as a 21st century museum. There's been quite a bit of buzz around all of the upcoming exhibits. Visit the technologically advanced Immersion Room, use the Pen to select digital images of wallpapers or sketch your own design and project it onto the walls at full scale.
CLOSING THIS WEEK:
EDWYNN HOUK GALLERY (745 Fifth Avenue) Through December 20 A retrospective photographic exhibit. MARY BOONE GALLERY (541 West 24th Street) Through December 20 View the magnificent Red Carpet exhibition of Russian artist Alexander Kaletski.  ONGOING EXHIBITS: 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.
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Killer Heels: The Art of the High-Heeled Shoe
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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) 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 and the Camera |
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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Michelangelo and Versilia
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ITALIAN CULTURAL MUSEUM (686 Park Avenue) Michelangelo and VersiliaThrough January 4 Exquisite pieces from four Italian cities including Forte dei Marmi and Pietrasanta.
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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The Untamed Landscape:
Theodore Rousseau and the Path to Barbizon
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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.
THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART (11 West 53rd Street)
Modern Photographs from the Thomas Walther Collection, 1909-1949
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
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.
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY (5th Avenue at 42nd Street)
Public Eye: 175 Years of Sharing Photography
Through September 4
The first-ever retrospective survey of photography organized by the Public Library. How have we been engaged over time? Are we risking our privacy in pursuit of a more public photography? The exhibit explores these and other questions.
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.
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The Time Vivarium
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SEAN KELLY GALLERY (475 Tenth Avenue) The Time Vivarium
Through January 24
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. 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:
 | | The Theory of Everything |
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. This Sunday, American Sniper will be screened. Future screenings include The Theory of Everything, Selma, and Birdman.
MUSIC, PERFORMANCE, DANCE:
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES:
December 19, 20 & 23 MET Museum Holiday Performances
Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 Fifth Avenue)
December 19: Songs of the Season, Choristers of the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine.
December 20: Simone Dinnerstein for the Holidays, festive holiday concert by this acclaimed pianist. Tickets include museum admission.
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.
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.
Avery Fisher Hall (10 Lincoln Center Plaza)
A caroling and sing-along festive event; Whoopi Goldberg appears on the 19th.
December 20 A Charlie Brown Christmas 50th Anniversary Celebration with live music
Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 Fifth Avenue)
The 50th anniversary of the timeless holiday film classic A Charlie Brown Christmas commemorated with live musical accompaniment. Relive a childhood classic!
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!
 Through December 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. December 22 54 Celebrates Xmas Music of Charlie Brown 54 Below (254 West 54th Street) The music from A Charlie Brown Christmas will be recreated live onstage.
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.
Chris Botti Through January 4
Blue Note (131 West 3rd Street)
Annual festive performance at the Blue Note.  | |
G. Balanchine's The Nutcracker
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Through January 4
David H. Koch Theater (20 Lincoln Center)
The yearly anticipated Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky. I see the New York City Ballet's performance each year and this one will be no exception.
Hansel and Gretel
Through January 8
The Metropolitan Opera House (Lincoln Center Plaza)
Englebert Humperdinck's rendition of a holiday classic for both young and old.
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 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 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.
THEATER:
UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS:
Stage Left Studio (214 West 30th Street) All characters played by Dirkran Tulaine in this brilliant adaption of the Dickens classic. 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.
Glenn Close and John Lithgow start 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.
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. Now in previews, opens January 13th through March 15th.
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 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.
 | | Cabaret |
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.
Through March 22
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. Now in previews, opens January 22nd, closes March 22nd.
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
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The Real Thing
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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. Tail! Spin!Through February 1 Lynn Redgrave Theater (45 Bleecker Street) Rachel Dratch of SNL fame stars in this political comedy.
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.
ON THE RADAR IN CURTAIN UP:
(709 Lorimer Street - Williamsburg, Brooklyn)
An amazing singer, I've heard her perform many times. She performs as part of her band, Blythe Sword.
Avery Fisher Hall (10 Lincoln Center Plaza)
The New York Philharmonic performs with a special appearance by jazz superstar Dianne Reeves.
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For the Foodie...
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The Lambs Club
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Starting in 2015, I'll feature weekly top picks for new on the scene and notable spots. Staying local for Christmas Eve? Visit last week's Snapshot for my preferred dining destinations uptown and downtown. Many have specials on Christmas Day as well.
FOODIE EVENTS:
The Lambs Club (132 West 44th Street)
Make reservations for this special brunch with holiday entertainment.
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Special Feature... Outdoor Winter Activities in NYC
ICE SKATING
Click here for the best ice skating in the city. Pilgrim Hill - just north of the 72nd Street entrance at Fifth Avenue Cedar Hill - between 76th and 79th Streets 9th Street and Prospect Park West Upper East Side 91st Street between Second and Third Avenues (permanently closed to traffic)  | |
Snow Sculpting on The High Line
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SNOWSHOEING Flushing Meadows Park Queens Fort Totten Park Bayside, Queens The High Line Participate in the High Line's Snow Sculpt-Off! Each time it snows from January 5 through February 28, you'll have the opportunity to create a snow sculpture on the High Line and enter it into a contest to win prizes. Start practicing your snowman-building!
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WINTER HIKING OR CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
The best places to ski are the Sheep Meadow and the Great Lawn. Hike the park's 90-acre North Woods or 38-acre Ramble.
WINTER JAM
Central Park Bandshell Area (Enter at 72nd Street)
Mark your calendars for January 25 for the ultimate snow day. An annual event in NYC, Gore Mountain blows fresh snow for the day. There will be snowshoeing, a winter market, and the opportunity to learn to ski and snowboard! Equipment is free.
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| Norma Knows New York City/ East 76th Street / New York, New York 10021 |
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