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Norma's Weekly Member Snapshot: Spring Getaways
As the winter blues are finally breaking, the itch to flee the city is upon us. We could all use a change of scenery and a little adventure to keep the spring in our step. My Special Feature includes locations within driving distance of the city so you can take in that fresh country air and enjoy the new blooms of the season.
And don't forget to make reservations for Mother's Day brunch!
Norma Knows New York City
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 GENERAL EVENTS |
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The blossoms are in bloom! Visit on a Wednesday and take a tour. Or on Saturdays and Sundays, take a tour of the seasonal highlights of the garden. Then, as part of the festival, visit this weekend for the Sakura Matsuri, a weekend celebrating Japanese culture.
Saturdays
Corner of Hester & Essex Streets
One of the best street fairs opens for the season! A collection of NYC's best vendors, from the finest foods to vintage clothing to jewelry and home goods. Open Saturdays through October. Brooklyn
Saturdays at East River State Park, Sundays in Prospect Park Artisanal outdoor market featuring over 100 food vendors. Tuesdays Stargazing on the High Line
The High Line (West 13th & Washington Streets) Every Tuesday until October you can peek into high powered telescopes on the High Line and chat with the experts.
 April 29 through May 1 Antique Garden Furniture Fair
The New York Botanical Garden (Bronx, NY)
Annual fair with an expansive collection of ornament, decorative art, and furniture for the home and garden.
Columbus Avenue from 77th to 81st Street
Annual craft show - also May 7th & 8th and 14th & 15th.
May 1 TD Five Boro Bike Tour
Starts in Battery Park Cyclists from around the world in all skill levels are welcome to join this major ride through the five boroughs of NYC... on streets completely free of cars. Visit my recent Snapshot for the I BIKE NY Special Feature.
May 1 through 8 Fashion Week Brooklyn
Multiple locations
Check the schedule for fashion-focused events.
ON THE RADAR: MOTHER'S DAY 
Top events for you and mom... May 4 4rd Annual Divamoms Mom Moguls BreakfastLord & Taylor (424 Fifth Avenue) Join a panel of fellow mogul moms who will share stories of leading a successful career while staying committed to family. May 7 Listen to Your MotherBroadway Presbyterian Church (601 West 114th Street) Part of a series of live staged readings held nationwide in honor of Mother's Day, this annual New York City production features prominent local writers and performers telling their own tales of motherhood. May 7 New York City: Mother's Day Flower CupcakesMagnolia Bakery (200 Columbus Avenue) Enjoy a fun afternoon of learning how to decorate beautiful flower cupcakes. May 7 & 8 Mother's Day Weekend Garden PartyNew York Botanical Garden (The Bronx) Live music, games, tours, and casual picnicking surrounded by the most beautiful spring landscape.
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CULTURAL PURSUITS
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Jackson Pollack: A Collection Survey
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MUSEUM OF MODERN ART (11 West 53rd Street)
RANDALL'S ISLAND PARK
May 5 through 8
Frieze New York
View and buy art from more than 1,000 of today's leading artists.
WHITNEY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART (99 Gansevoort Street)
Laura Poitras: Astro Noise
Through May 1
The first solo museum exhibition by this artist, filmmaker, and journalist. The installation builds on topics important to Poitras, including mass surveillance, the war on terror, the U.S. drone program, and torture.
Through August 14 The exhibit takes visitors on a tour of the human body.
Jean-Michel Cousteau's Secret Ocean
Ongoing
Take a breathtaking journey around the underwater world as Cousteau introduces 30 species shown for the first time on film.
The Titanosaur
Ongoing
View the cast of a 122-foot-long dinosaur. This species is so new that it has not yet been formally named by the paleontologists who discovered it!
CENTER FOR ITALIAN MODERN ART (421 Broome Street)Giorgio Morandi
Through June 25
Dedicated to one of the best known Italian artists of the 20th century, the exhibit focuses on his rarely seen 1930s works.
COOPER HEWITT (2 East 91st Street)
Through August 7
Pixar fans will enjoy this exhibit, tracing the creation of the rarely seen sketches, paintings, and sculptures of Pixar's characters.
DISCOVERY TIMES SQUARE (226 West 44th Street)
Through May 30
With all of the craze about Star Wars, it's the perfect time to see the exhibit of memorable costumes from this iconic film series.
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Peopling of America Galleries
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ELLIS ISLAND
Ongoing
Life-size historic photographs of Ellis Island immigrants are displayed on the south side of Ellis Island.
Ongoing
Tells the story of immigration to America before the processing station opened.
HARLEM'S HISTORIC CORN EXCHANGE BUILDING (125th Street & Park Avenue)
May 3 through 31
FLUX Art Fair Art fair brings together works from over 50 artists representing over a dozen countries.
INTREPID SEA, AIR & SPACE MUSEUM (Pier 86 - West 46th Street & 12th Avenue)
On the Line: Intrepid and the Vietnam War
Now open
A major exhibition exploring the events and impact of the Vietnam War through the lens of the Intrepid.
Isaac Mizrahi: An Unruly History
Through August 7
The first museum survey devoted to the American designer who makes clothing, hosted a television show, and performed his own cabaret act.
THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART (1000 Fifth Avenue)
Through May 15
Vigée Le Brun: Woman Artist in Revolutionary France
This is the first retrospective of Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun, one of the most important of all women artists.
THE MET BREUER (Madison Avenue & 75th Street)
Unfinished: Thoughts Left Visible
Through September 4 197 works from the Renaissance to the present. The exhibition examines a subject critical to artistic practice: the question of when a work of art is finished.
MORGAN LIBRARY & MUSEUM (225 Madison Avenue)
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Warhol by the Book
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Through May 15 A visual exploration of Warhol's lifelong career as a book artist.
MUSEUM OF MODERN ART (11 West 53rd Street)
Edgar Degas: A Strange New BeautyThrough July 24The exhibition includes approximately 120 rarely seen monotypes, 60 related paintings, drawings, pastels, sketchbooks, and prints-that show Degas at his most modern.
NEUE GALERIE NEW YORK MUSEUM FOR GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN ART (1048 Fifth Avenue)
Munch and Expressionism
Through June 13
Exhibit focuses on Edward Munch's influence on his German colleagues.
The Art and Whimsy of Mo Willems
Through September 25
Brings together original art, sketches, and inspirational drawings from Willem's most popular series (Sesame Street) and stand-alone classics.
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY (42nd Street & 5th Avenue) Shakespeare's Star Turn in AmericaThrough May 27 The exhibition will document the on-going popularity of Shakespeare's plays in North America from Colonial times to present day. The artifacts include programs, engravings, photographs, set and costume designs, costumes, letters, and prompt scripts. |
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The Discovery of King Tut
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PREMIERE EXHIBITIONS 5th AVENUE (417 Fifth Avenue)
Now open
Explore the treasures of Tutankhamun dynasty.
ROOSEVELT HOUSE (47-49 East 65th Street)
The newly remodeled historic Roosevelt House recently opened showcasing the first special exhibit featuring relics from women of the suffragette movement... from Elizabeth Cady Stanton to Eleanor Roosevelt, Suffrage to Human Rights.
SOCIETY OF ILLUSTRATORS (128 East 63rd Street)
Tuesdays & Thursdays
For those that have a talent for sketching, stop by Tuesday or Thursday evenings for sketch night and see the latest exhibit.
WHITNEY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART (99 Gansevoort Street)
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
May 3 through 16
NYCxDESIGN A citywide celebration of design to increase awareness of and appreciation for all types of design by all audiences. From architecture and landscape to fashion and furniture... everything you can think of all around the city. ON THE RADAR:  JACOB JAVITS CENTER (655 West 34th Street)
May 14 through 17 International Contemporary Furniture FairA showcase for 500 exhibitors that opens to the public on the last day.
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CURTAIN UP
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 FILM:
Crosby Street Hotel (79 Crosby Street)
For $55 per person, enjoy dinner and a movie. A 3-course meal is followed by a viewing of this movie starring Oscar-nominated actor Bryan Cranston.
May 1 TalkCinema
The Walter Reade Theater at Lincoln Center (165 West 65th Street)
General admission or season passes available; film series features new independent films... you won't know what you see until you arrive, but you'll be able to discuss the movie afterwards with directors, producers, distributors, critics and each other.
MUSIC & DANCE:
Mondays Rainbow RoomRainbow Room (30 Rockefeller Plaza) Don't miss Max Weinberg for dinner seatings on Mondays in November. Also, I l ove that they are serving a special Sunday brunch and dinner & dancing on Friday nights. It's an iconic spot and a must-see! Tuesdays & Wednesdays Jazz Nights The Lambs Club (132 West 44th Street)
Live jazz from new and up and coming performers.
Ongoing New York Live Arts
New York Live Arts (219 West 19th Street)
Chelsea based programs feature the most innovative movements.
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Chita Rivera
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Spring Season New York Philharmonic
Avery Fisher Hall (10 Lincoln Center Plaza)
Visit the schedule for upcoming concerts through the remainder of the season.
Cafe Carlyle (35 East 76th Street)
An incredible star of stage performs... and don't miss Woody Allen & The Eddy David New Orleans Jazz Band Mondays through June 14th.
Various locations within Lincoln Center's venues. Outstanding artists... all in intimate settings. May 1 Paula Cole
City Winery (155 Varick Street)
Grammy winner and 7 time Grammy nominee Paula Cole performs. May 2 The New York Pops 33rd Birthday Gala
Carnegie Hall (881 Seventh Avenue)
The New York Pops celebrates 33 years of bringing music to New York City. Guest performers include Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Patti LuPone, and Judith Clurman's Essential Voices USA.
May 5 Jerry Seinfeld: The Homestand
The Beacon Theatre (2124 Broadway)
Try to grab tickets for any of the upcoming monthly performances in 2016. May 5 125th Anniversary GalaCarnegie Hall (881 Seventh Avenue) Exactly 125 years to the day that the Hall first opened its doors in 1891. Special performers include Yo-Yo Ma, Michael Feinstein, and James Taylor!
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Otello
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The Metropolitan Opera House (Lincoln Center Plaza)
Puccini's immortal tale of tragic young love set amidst the rooftops of bohemian Paris. Madama Butterfly also in production through April and Otello through May 6th.
Palace Theater (1564 Broadway)
American Stage debut of the story about a young artist who discovers life and love after returning from the war.
Through October 16
Stephen Sondheim Theatre (124 West 43rd Street)
This musical follows the legendary songwriter from her early days as a Brooklyn teenager to well-known hits as a top recording artist.
Blackbird Through June 12 Belasco Theatre (111 West 44th Street)The star-studded cast includes Michele Williams and Jeff Daniels; they will perform one of the most powerful dramas of the century. An uncomfortable relationship reunites between an older man and a younger woman.
Bright Star
Through October 9
Cort Theatre (138 West 48th Street)
I have followed Steve Martin's career as an actor and banjo player for many years. I'm delighted that he has expanded his talents as the songwriter of this musical (with Edie Brickell's talents at work also). As he said in an interview, he wanted to create music that would be an anthem to optimism, writing songs that would bring joy to the audience. |
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The Color Purple
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Cagney
Through July 3
Westside Theatre (407 West 43rd Street)
How exciting - this musical follows the life of James Cagney from the streets of New York to vaudeville, then to a Hollywood tough guy.
The Color Purple
Through October 2
Bernard B Jacobs Theatre (242 West 45th Street)
Through August 28
Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street)
A Tony Award Winning play! The lead actor is brilliant; the set design is mesmerizing. The story unfolds with a mathematically precocious adolescent with behavioral problems uncovering truths and secrets. Daddy Long LegsThrough January 8, 2017 Davenport Theatre (354 West 45th Street)
An upbeat musical that tells the tale of an orphan and her anonymous benefactor.
Eclipsed
Through June 19
John Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street)
After a limited run at The Public Theater, this show starring Academy Award Winner Lupita Nyong'o, hits Broadway!
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The Father
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The Father
Through June 12
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street)
The infamous Frank Langella stars in Florian Zeller's new play. I've been mesmerized by him since his role as Dracula.
Fiddler on the Roof
Through September 4
Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway)
The acclaimed show returns to Broadway, a favorite of mine.
Through December 18
The amazing story of how Peter became Pan.
Through October 9 Circle in the Square Theatre (235 West 50th Street) Performance brings the actors and audience within close proximity. Tony Award Winning play about seeing your parents through adult eyes.
Hamilton
Head of PassesThrough May 1 The Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street) Phylicia Rashad stars in this deeply moving new drama about family, acceptance and the power of faith. Through September 4 Lincoln Center Theater (150 West 65th Street) The revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's play, starring Tony Award Winner Kelli O'Hara. |
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"Thank God for Jokes"
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Long Day's Journey into NightThrough June 26 American Airlines Theatre (227 West 42nd Street) The tale of an ordinary summer's day with extraordinary consequences... stars the incredible Jessica Lange, who wows in American Horror Story. Plus Gabriel Byrne and Michael Shannon!
Mike Birbiglia: "Thank God for Jokes"
Through May 29
Lynn Redgrave Theater (49 Bleecker Street)
Comedian, writer, and actor, Mike Birbiglia stars in a one-man-show of modern day joke telling.
Mobile Unit: Romeo & Juliet
Through May 1
The Public Theater (425 Lafayette)
The Mobile Shakespeare Unit brings this classic tale to the stage! The Mobile Unit presents free Shakespeare to prisons, homeless shelters, centers for the elderly, and other community venues throughout the five boroughs. They then present the show at The Public Theater, providing New York audiences with low cost tickets to world-class Shakespeare.On Your Feet
Through November 20
Marquis Theatre (1535 Broadway)
High-energy performance about Emilio and Gloria Estefan.
Ruthless
Through June 18
St. Luke's Theatre (308 West 46th Street)
Called "the mother of all musicals," I've seen it and can attest... it's a hilarious show starring 10-year old Tori Murray. 
School of RockThrough October 2 I'm a fan of Andrew Lloyd Weber and I'm sure there will no exception to the quality of his newest musical based on the film starring Jack Black. Shuffle Along
Through October 9
Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street)
Six-time award winner Audra McDonald returns to Broadway. Note: Audra McDonald will not appear in performances from June 19 through September 12, 2016.
A Streetcar Named Desire
April 23 through June 4
St. Ann's Warehouse (Brooklyn Bridge Park)
The iconic production stars X-Files' own Gillian Anderson!
Tuck Everlasting The Musical
Through January 1 Broadhurst Theatre (235 West 44th Street) If you could live forever, would you? Take a journey you'll never forget in this new musical about love, family, and living life to the fullest!
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The Woodsman
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Waitress
Through January 1
Brooks Atkinson Theatre (256 West 47th Street)
Based on the 2007 film, Tony Award Winner Jessie Mueller stars in this new musical with music by Sara Bareilles. The Woodsman
Through May 29
New World Stages (340 West 50th Street)
It's the origin story of the Wizard of Oz's Tin Man!
ON THE RADAR:
May 13 through 17 Columbia University Film Festival 2016
Film Society of Lincoln Center - Walter Reade Theater (165 West 65th Street)
Annual Columbia University Film Festival (CUFF), a week long program of screenings, screenplay readings, and special events in New York.
May 16 SummerstageCentral Park Opens for the summer season... free concerts all summer. Check the schedule for upcoming performances. |
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Mark Morris Dance Group
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May 17 through 22 Mark Morris Dance GroupMark Morris Dance Center (3 Lafayette Avenue - Brooklyn) A special week of performances by one of my favorite dance companies. Performances include Cargo, Foursome, A Forest (World Premiere), and The (NY Premiere).
May 22 Positively Bob Dylan: 75th Birthday Tribute
City Winery (155 Varick Street)
Special Guests John Gorka, Lucy Kaplansky, The Kennedys, Toshi Reagon, Willie Nile & More.
May 29 Sondheim Unplugged
54 Below (254 West 54th Street)
Annual event features some of Broadway and cabaret's most dynamic voices, accompanied by piano only, honoring the work of Broadway's master composer.
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FOR THE FOODIE
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MOTHER'S DAY BRUNCH
Upper East Side: 20 East 76th Street
French Cuisine
3-course prix fixe for $105 per person.
Gramercy/Flatiron: 15 West 18th Street New American Cuisine Brunch and dinner a la carte menu with drink and food specials, plus live music. Il Buco Alimentari & VineriaNoHo: 53 Great Jones Street Italian Cuisine $55 prix fixe brunch menu. |
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The Palm Court
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The Palm Court
Central Park South: The Plaza Hotel (768 Fifth Avenue)
New American Cuisine
A special Afternoon Tea including a glass of champagne alongside a variety of special sweet and savory bites.
FOODIE EVENTS
April 29 American Airlines International Pairing Series
City Winery (155 Varick Street)
Part of an annual series of dinners showcasing the wine and food of a specific region. This event focuses on Southern Italy.
April 29 Madison Square Eats
Madison Square Park
Annual event featuring some of NYC's most popular restaurants and food vendors. Through May 27th.
Wythe Hotel (80 Wythe Avenue - Brooklyn) Annual festival celebrating the intersections of food culture and the writing that brings them to life - lectures, panel discussions, and food tastings highlight the 2-day event.
May 7 Spring Wine Festival
NYY Steak (7 West 51st Street)
A celebration of wine downtown... taste over 150 wines.
 May 7 & 8 New York Vegetarian Festival
The Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th Street)
Taste vegetarian delights from local vendors. I'm always surprised at the amazing tastes available. ON THE RADAR:
May 11 Brunch EatsIntrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum ( Pier 86 - West 46th Street & 12th Avenue) Breakfast-for-Dinner event features over 20 of New York City's top restaurants and bakeries. May 13 Spring TasteMetropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th Street) Sample foods from 60 restaurants and drinks from breweries, wineries, and distilleries... plus live entertainment and cooking demos.  May 14 Texas Chili CookoffHudson River Park (Pier 84 - West 44th & 12th Avenue)
Unlimited chili from 20 vendors!
Taste foods from around the world, shop for fine arts and crafts, and enjoy live entertainment as you stroll on 9th Avenue.
Greenwich & Duane Streets
Outdoor culinary festival orchestrated by tops chefs of TriBeCa. Proceeds will benefit the arts education program of the local public primary schools.
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SPECIAL FEATURE: SPRING GETAWAYS
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New Palz, NY (90 miles from NYC)
"The lake in the sky" is situated on 2,200 acres of scenic wilderness. Mohonk Mountain House is a grand 265-room Victorian Castle in upstate New York. It is one of America's oldest family owned resorts. 85 miles of hiking trails, golf, mountain biking, tennis, carriage rides, rock climbing, a Barn Museum, and their award-winning spa. Check out their Spa-Cation packages, as well as their Seasonal Specials.
North Fork Table & Inn
Southhold, Long Island (90 miles from NYC)
Owned and operated by a pair of Manhattan culinary stars... chef Gerry Hayden of Aureole, and his wife, Claudia Fleming of the Gramercy Tavern. Both deciding that they needed to migrate out of the city, the duo team selected the country setting of Southhold, on the North Fork of Long Island. Expect impeccable service at the restaurant and inn, both offering their customers year-round service in this charming neighborhood. Before you return home, stop by the Tasting Room wine boutique next door and choose from a selection of over 50 wines from nearby vineyards.
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Ocean House
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Ocean House
Watch Hill, RI (140 miles from of NYC)
An iconic New England seaside resort. Summer is the peak visiting time, but visit in the spring when the air is still crisp, the ocean breeze is refreshing, the flowers are blooming, and the quaint town is waiting to greet you with open arms. Check out their events calendar for what's going on... "Farm & Vine" dinners, movie nights, and live music. The Roundhouse at Beacon Falls
Beacon, NY (60 miles from NYC)
Easily accessible by car or train, is the picturesque town of Beacon, New York. Both the sleeping rooms and the dining experience at the Roundhouse get my approval. We ate in the restaurant, where locally inspired, seasonal menus and artisanal cocktails are offered. Walk around the town's many shops, markets, galleries and restaurants. Don't miss an afternoon visit to the famous Dia: Beacon contemporary art museum that occupies the old Nabisco factory. The Dia Art Foundation displays collections from the 1960's to the present.
Morris, CT (90 miles from NYC) An extraordinary getaway amidst 113 acres, housed in a Relais & Chateaux Hotel and beautifully appointed cottages with unique themes (like the Treehouse, Beaver Lodge, and Log Cabin). Experience outstanding cuisine, and indulge in spa treatments, along with an array of seasonal activities. I enjoyed it all, and took time to relax in their spa! Stop by nearby Kent, a quaint New England Village, a town with magnificent scenery, art galleries, shops and restaurants. Check out their seasonal packages on the website.
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