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Norma's Weekly Member Snapshot: Rainy Days in NYC
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It feels much less like Spring lately and there are rainy days on the horizon for the weekend. When it's rainy and cold in the city, sometimes I just want to curl up on my couch with a good book, but if you feel like venturing out, I've highlighted my top things to do in the city when your most functional accessory is your umbrella.
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.
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.
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| | Smorgasburg |
Saturdays & Sundays Smorgasburg
Brooklyn
Saturdays at East River State Park, Sundays in Prospect Park
Artisanal outdoor market featuring over 100 food vendors.
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.
Columbus Avenue from 77th to 81st Street
Annual craft show - also May 14th & 15th.
Through May 8 Fashion Week Brooklyn
Multiple locations
Check the schedule for fashion-focused events.
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| | | Cornelia Parke's PsychoBarn | |
Through October 31
Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 Fifth Avenue)
Once it feels like summer, it's the perfect time to visit the Metropolitan Museum's Roof Garden. Besides the beautiful view and delicious drinks, Cornelia Parke's PsychoBarn will add to the view.
Top events for you and mom... 
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 Party
New York Botanical Garden (The Bronx)
Live music, games, tours, and casual picnicking surrounded by the most beautiful spring landscape.
Bateaux New York (Pier 61)
ON THE RADAR:
 May 21 The Hudson River Park Games Various locations along Hudson River Park Pulse-raising athletic challenges for competitors and spectators along the river.
May 25 through 31 Fleet Week Various locations
A staple in NYC... check the website for events.
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CULTURAL PURSUITS
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CLOSING THIS WEEK:
JACOB JAVITS CENTER (655 West 34th Street)
May 14 through 17
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Frieze New York
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RANDALL'S ISLAND PARK
Through May 8
Frieze New York
View and buy art from more than 1,000 of today's leading artists.
TRIBECA May 13 through 16 T.O.A.S.T. Art WalkExperience a behind-the-scenes look at artists' workshops. Support local artists during this event as they open their doors to the public to promote the working artists of Tribeca.
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Through May 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.
Through August 14 The exhibit takes visitors on a tour of the human body. 
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.
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)
Through May 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 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)
Through May 15 A visual exploration of Warhol's lifelong career as a book artist.
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A Strange New Beauty
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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.
PREMIERE EXHIBITIONS 5th AVENUE (417 Fifth Avenue)
Now open
Explore the treasures of Tutankhamun dynasty.
RANDALL'S ISLAND PARK
FLOW.16
Through November
Annual summer art exhibitions, aimed at fostering appreciation of the shoreline through artistic expression.
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)
Human Interest: Portraits from the Whitney's Collection
Offers new perspectives on one of art's oldest genres. Drawn entirely from the Museum's holdings, 100+ works reveal how artists have reinvented portraiture during the last sixty years.
ON THE RADAR:
THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY (155 First Avenue) Lower East Side FestivalMay 27 through 29 The Theme of this year's festival is: ART KNOWS NO WALLS OR BARRIERS. The festival is an art party celebrating the Lower East Side's diversity in the Arts.
WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK |
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Rembrandt's First Masterpiece
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Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit May 28 through 30 Local artists showcase their works in this twice annual exhibit. Also June 4th & 5th.
MORGAN LIBRARY & MUSEUM (225 Madison Avenue)
June 3 through September 18
Completed when he was just twenty-three years old, this piece has long been recognized as the artist's first mature work, his first masterpiece.
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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 2009 movie starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams. 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.
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.
Spring Season New York Philharmonic
Avery Fisher Hall (10 Lincoln Center Plaza)
Visit the schedule for upcoming concerts through the remainder of the season.
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Megan Hilty
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Cafe Carlyle (35 East 76th Street)
One of my favorite performers... and don't miss Woody Allen & The Eddy David New Orleans Jazz Band Mondays through June 14th.
Through May 29
New York City Ballet Spring Season
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (20 Lincoln Center Plaza)The spring season begins with Jewels (through May 1st), one of the most brilliant works of Balanchine. Visit the website for the full schedule.
The Metropolitan Opera House (Lincoln Center Plaza)
Puccini's immortal tale of tragic young love set amidst the rooftops of bohemian Paris.
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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Cagney
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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.
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Eclipsed
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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!
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. 
HamiltonThrough September 4 Lincoln Center Theater (150 West 65th Street) The revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's play, starring Tony Award Winner Kelli O'Hara. 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.
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
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! 
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 15 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.
 May 16 SummerstageCentral Park Opens for the summer season... free concerts all summer. Check the schedule for upcoming performances. 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 24 Shakespeare in the Park: The Taming of the Shrew
The Delacorte Theater (81 Central Park)
It's worth standing in line for the free performances of Shakespeare's classic tale in a magical setting. Through June 26th. 
May 28 An Act of God
Booth Theatre (222 West 45th Street)
Last year's show starring Jim Parsons was a big hit and this year will be even better when it stars Sean Hayes! Hayes (as God himself) reveals the mysteries of the Bible and answers the deepest questions that have plagued mankind since the beginning of time. Previews start May 28th, opens June 6th through September 4th.
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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EVENTS
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Madison Square Eats
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Through May 27 Madison Square Eats
Madison Square Park
Annual event featuring some of NYC's most popular restaurants and food vendors.
The Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th Street)
Taste vegetarian delights from local vendors. I'm always surprised at the amazing tastes available. 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 13 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 Portugal.
ON THE RADAR:
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.
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: RAINY DAYS IN NYC
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In addition to the below, check out Muse Paint Bar, create a masterpiece with detailed instruction as you eat and drink with friends!
SHOP & EAT:
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Le District
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Brookfield Place230 Vesey Street Le District is a sprawling indoor market like the food halls of Europe. A market of bustling districts: culinary-specific stations, restaurants, and a fresh grocery. And Hudson Eats is a 30,000 square foot food court. So after shopping at incredible shops, grab a bite to eat! 75 Ninth Avenue I could certainly spend the whole day in Chelsea Market... with shops and food galore for every taste, it was my first NYC surprise - how can this underground shopping mecca exist in this city? |
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Eataly
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Eataly200 Fifth Avenue With seven restaurants (including the new rooftop spot), a caffe, and a nutella bar, eating isn't a problem. Shop for authentic Italian specialties for the home as you snack on delicious food and grab a glass of vino!
American Museum of Natural HistoryCentral Park West at 79th Street This museum of perfect for any age. I went recently with out of town guests and we spent the entire afternoon. Although you may need to venture out into the Upper West Side for lunch (the museum's food court isn't exactly for a discerning palate), the exhibits are fascinating and can keep you occupied for hours. Favorite exhibit was are Dinosaurs Among Us and always enjoy The Planetarium. |
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Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology
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170 Central Park West
This is probably my favorite museum in the city as it explores and celebrates the city that I love (along with the rest of the state). And buy tickets for next Wednesday's special event featuring Walter Isaacson: Benjamin Franklin: American Democracy and Innovation.
STAY ACTIVE:
Bowlmor Alley & Arcade222 West 44th Street Get your strike on... grab some friends and hit the alleys... complete with black lights for nighttime enjoyment. Chelsea Piers 62 Chelsea Piers (at 21st Street) It doesn't matter what the weather is when you spend the day at Chelsea Piers. There are so many things to do - practice your golf swing at the driving range, your spins on the ice rink, or take a fitness class. There's even an indoor rock climbing wall!
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SPiN
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SPiN
48 East 23rd Street
Ping pong anyone? 17 ping-pong courts, a full bar, restaurant, pro-shop and private VIP room.
GO TO THE MOVIES:
In addition to the movies below, see The Huntsman: Winter's War, The Jungle Book, Eye in the Sky, or My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (for a good laugh!). Angelika Film Center 18 West Houston Street Perfect for Mother's Day, go see The Meddler, starring Susan Sarandon and Susan Sarandon, Rose Byrne, J.K. Simmons, and Cecily Strong. This theater is so quaint and intimate, it's my favorite spot to see a movie on a rainy afternoon or a quiet night. City Cinemas1001 Third Avenue I can't wait to see Mother's Day with an all-star cast including Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, and Jason Sudeikis. What I love most about this theater is that you pick your seat when you buy tickets and the plush seats recline all the way back... complete with foot rests! The Paris4 West 58th Street An iconic theater in NYC, always shows just one movie. This weekend see The First Monday in May, following the creation of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's most attended fashion exhibition in history, an exploration of Chinese-inspired Western fashions.
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