More than 260 restaurants participate in NYC Restaurant Week, making it the City's largest dining program to date since it began in 1992. The two-week event will run from January 25 to February 28. Prices will remain $24.07 for three-course prix-fixe lunches and $35 for three-course prix-fixe dinners (excluding beverages, tax and gratuity) and do not include Saturdays (nor February 14); restaurants have the option to offer the deal on Sundays. Added elements to the dining program this season include exclusive benefits for American Express Cardmembers. Cardmembers who dine out three or more times at any participating restaurants during NYC Restaurant Week and use any registered American Express® Card can receive a $15 statement credit. Food enthusiasts also will be able to enter sweepstakes from Coca-Cola and JetBlue. Returning favorites this winter include The Sea Grill, City Hall Restaurant, db Bistro Moderne, Delmonico’s Steakhouse and Tribeca Grill (an NYC Restaurant Week participant since the program's first year). Newcomers this season include The Breslin Bar & Dining Room, SD26 Restaurant & Wine Bar, Todd English's Olives New York, Zé Café and The Libertine. NYC Restaurant Week Winter 2010 is produced by NYC & Company and supported by Founding Sponsor American Express and Participating Sponsors Coca-Cola and JetBlue Airways. NYC Restaurant Week Winter 2010 also will feature the Coca-Cola® Loves NYC Sweepstakes for a chance to win the grand prize of two tickets to a concert at Madison Square Garden®. Other prizes include dinner for two at the James Beard House and a table for four to see a show at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola. For the second time, in partnership with NYC & Company, JetBlue Airways will offer a special NYC Restaurant Week promotion, JetBlue More to Love NYC Sweepstakes. Consumers can enter to win an NYC weekend for two: airfare for two, two nights in a luxury hotel and a meal at one of New York City’s fine dining establishments. For more details on how to enter and to view the complete set of rules on these offers from American Express, Coca-Cola and JetBlue Airways, visit nycgo.com/restaurantweek. Visit nycgo.com/restaurantweek to view the complete list of NYC Restaurant Week Winter 2010 participants and make reservations online.
Are you thinking about going to see a Broadway show? If your answer is “yes” and you have the opportunity to venture to this famous strip in New York, I recommend experiencing Mamma Mia!
After falling in love with the film version last year, I couldn’t wait to see the Broadway production of Mamma Mia!, where I expected it to be far superior—the usual case with live performances. Last week I finally had the opportunity to go and I didn’t reject it.
As soon as you walk into the Winter Garden Theatre on 50th Street and Broadway, the happy-go-lucky mood embraces you: ambient songs, décor, and lighting make you feel like a part of the show before it even starts.
The curtain goes up, the stage lights brighten, the famous ABBA song, “Dancing Queen” is cued, and the action begins. On the eve of her wedding, Sophie strives to uncover the identity of her father, bringing three possible men from her mother’s past to the gorgeous Greek island. What ensues, is an indulgence to ABBA’s classic songs, played in each scene. Some of my favorites were “Honey, Honey,” “Chiquitita,” “Super Trouper,” “Take a Chance on Me,” “Our Last Summer,” “Money, Money, Money,” and “I Have a Dream,” all of which contextualized the plot!
The actors and actresses spectacular singing voices make Mamma Mia! a star production. Alyse Alan Louis, who plays the endearing Sophie, has a sweet and brilliant voice, which easily complements the rest of the cast.
Mamma Mia! is a spectacular musical where you won’t be able to stop moving your body! The fun is guaranteed!
Posted by Paula Zambrano
Let the Tennis matches begin! The US Open begins today and hundreds of thousands of tourists and locals attend this sporting event every year. Millions more watch the event on TV. See top players such as the Williams sister, Federer, Nadal, Safina and other well known internationally acclaimed players compete for the title. If you are attending the event, you can expect a lot on the opening night of the US Open from live performances, celebrity appearances and of course round one of the men’s and women’s matches. So whether you are attending the day matches, the night matches, Family day event on Sept 1st or even coming from the Mets baseball game, there are many ways to enjoy and transport yourself to the Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens.
The best form of transportation is taking the subway to the event. It is the best way to beat traffic and also not worry about finding a parking spot that is limited at the venue. You can take the 7 Train to the Mets – Willets Point stop. The Arthur Ashe Stadium is just a short walking distance from the subway. You can catch the 7 trains at Times Square and Grand Central Station. The Long Island Rail Road will also leave you within the same vicinity as the 7 trains. If taking the train is difficult for you to access, the NY Water Taxi is offering free rides from East 35th Street and the East River to the World’s Fair Marina near the US Open. RSVP is required. Visit www.nywatertaxi.com for more information. Note: NO backpacks or bags bigger than 12x12x16 inches aren’t allowed into the stadium. The smaller the bag or purse, the quicker you can get through security check. NO flash photography is to be taken during a game. Make sure the flash is off on your camera. Be sure to visit the official websites for more information on attending this year’s US Open.
Before going to see this show, I heard that Avenue Q won a Tony Award for “BEST MUSICAL” in 2004. In addition, I also heard that September 13 is the final performance of Avenue Q. Therefore, I was so excited to have the opportunity to see the show. I didn’t know much of what the show would be about so I didn’t have any expectations going into the theater. The show started off with a few puppets with people and they started to sing. I was a bit disappointed at first and thought this was a kid’s show. But I was gradually being absorbed into the storyline of the show. And I was laughing at the humor of the show and started to understand the show more and more. And then I started to remember a children’s program called “Sesame Street” and realized that Avenue Q is just like “Sesame Street” but it was for adults. And the story is meant for adults too and yet, I felt like I went back to my childhood because I was seeing a puppet show and I was laughing.
Princeton, the main character in the show, was looking for his purpose in his life. It was not that easy for him to find it, and his neighbors in Avenue Q were trying to help him to find his purpose. In the process of finding it out, he experienced many things. He fell in love with Kate and also broke up with her. After that, he met Lucy and things were going to be complicated as Kate saw her in his room, and he thought about his life again. Besides Princeton, everyone in Avenue Q was a main character. Kate who was looking for a boy friend, Jerry who was the landlord of their house, Gary, Nicky, Christmas Eve and so on, all of them have ambitions and dreams that they want for their life. Each character has their own song and all the songs were great. The music does really relate to everyone and their lifestyle. I will definitely listen to those songs again and reflect about what I want in my life too. Overall, the show was not a disappointment; I really enjoyed every laughing moment of Avenue Q. I am now sad to see that the show will be closing but I am so glad I didn’t miss it.
By Kaye Kim (Korea)
The 34th Advanta WTT season will offer New York tennis fans an exciting opportunity to see the world’s best tennis stars competing in a unique, co-ed, team format. NY Sportimes home matches offer fans of all ages the chance to see three generations of international tennis stars playing for pride and prize money in an intimate, 2,000+ seat, open-air stadium.
From July 7 – July 19, New York City’s hometown tennis team, the NY Sportimes, and the Randall’s Island Sports Foundation (RISF), are bringing Advanta World TeamTennis (WTT) action back to New York City for the first time since 1978. The NY Sportimes will play seven home matches featuring their team of young American standouts. Sportimes’ star, NYC tennis legend John McEnroe, will lead the team in his 8th season with the franchise and visiting marquee players will represent three generations of tennis legends and stars. Other top tennis players such as Anna Kournikova (St. Louis Aces), Serena Williams (Washington Kastles), Martina Navratilova (Boston Lobsters), Bob and Mike Bryan (Kansas City Explorers) will also be featured at this event. All home matches will be played at SPORTIME at Randall’s Island, a new state-of-the art tennis facility, including an intimate outdoor stadium built for the team. The team has dedicated itself to the continuing renaissance of Randall’s Island by teaming with the Randall’s Island Sports Foundation and the New York City Parks Department so that proceeds from the operation of the team will benefit RISF and the tens of thousands of children it serves every year.
SPORTIME at Randall’s Island
One Randall’s Island
New York, NY 10035
$15.00 - $125.00, now on sale through www.nysportimes.com or by calling the ticket hotline: 212.792.8500. For more information you can also check out www.WTT.com
Tuesday, July 7: NY Sportimes vs. St. Louis Aces featuring Anna Kournikova - 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, July 8: NY Sportimes vs. NY Buzz featuring USTA Junior Team - 7:00 p.m.
Friday, July 10: NY Sportimes vs. Washington Kastles featuring Serena Williams - 7:00 p.m.
Monday, July 13: NY Sportimes starring John McEnroe vs. Newport Beach Breakers - 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, July 15: NY Sportimes starring John McEnroe vs. Boston Lobsters starring Martina Navratilova “Special Legends Match” and Gala Benefit for Randall’s Island Sports Foundation- 7:30 p.m.
Friday, July 17: NY Sportimes vs. Kansas City Explorers featuring Bob and Mike Bryan - 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 19: NY Sportimes vs. NY Buzz featuring USTA Junior Team Sportime and RISF “KIDS RULE” day - 4:00 p.m.
I had the pleasure of seeing Shrek the Musical last night. Let me first tell you that all the actors and actresses are extremely talented. Lord Farquaad who is absolutely amazing for me, stole the show as king. Every time he appeared on stage, the audience erupted into laughter. Shrek and Fiona did an amazing job as well as Donkey too. They were all great. Pinocchio was funny and you have to be on your toes otherwise you will miss a lot of the great humor including a few jokes about Disney.
The set was absolutely magnificent as well as the music and dancing! Actually, I really loved the music with all actors and actresses. Even though I wouldn't go run out and buy the cd today, the music was great and much better when you see the show live, then you can really appreciate it and catch on to the humor in the songs. The show is close to 2 and half hours long, but it will absolutely keep your interest the whole time. The similarities of Disney’s fairy tale characters were all well represented. The whole cast really made you feel like you were a part of the show.
Aside from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, I feel like this production of Shrek The Musical has a higher quality than some Disney shows (and I do love Disney Shows) and others shows on Broadway. The cast is very energetic, even a very sleepy eyed young Fiona did a great job playing her part. I think I was the only one in the theater that noticed the tiny actress was half asleep. The only negative experience I had was that the seats are the smallest seats you will ever sit in, so pray that you have nice neighbors next to you.
Believe me besides everyone doing an amazing job at the end of the show you will be raving about Lord Farquaad. The actor who plays him is on his knees the whole time using stuffed, small legs making him look real short. Even if I could unfortunately see his real legs, it was funny and effective. All the characters play up their roles so well you will feel like you are in the movie. Princess Fiona is a lot funnier in the show than in the movie. She is so good. You leave the show with the song "I'm a believer" playing in the background concluding your night of Shrek on Broadway. I would recommend orchestra seats for this show and all the kids in the audience were very well entertained. Finally this great musical became one of the best musical that I have ever seen. So now I can express this great musical as one word, which is “awesome”. GO SEE SHREK!
By Jong Hoon Jhun (Korea)
If you saw Shrek on the movie screen, then you will like Shrek on Broadway, which was very funny and interesting. Their expression was amazing, especially Donkey and Lord Farquaad, who was the lord of the theater. I didn’t expect Shrek to be interesting because I’ve never heard about Shrek The Musical and I have seen more famous musicals than Shrek. But I was wrong. It was enough to make me laugh throughout the entire show.
Actually, I was curious about how the actors would play Donkey and Lord Farquaad because their characters are essential in the movie. In the movie, the characters are a lot of fun so I thought they couldn’t re-create the characters for the Broadway show and be as fun as the movie. But it was not a problem. The actor who played Donkey was the real deal. He was the Donkey as I saw in Shrek the movie. His act was so funny, but I think Lord Farquaad was even funnier than Donkey. I guess it depends on the person, but when I asked my friends, some people said Donkey was funnier and the other people said Lord Farquaad funnier. In this show, even though Shrek and Fiona were main character, it was more interesting because of Donkey and Lord Farquaad. My friends and I debated on which character was funnier.
Some people say this musical is for kids, but I don’t think it is childish because I was impressed when I saw Shrek The Musical and I think many people was impressed too. They clapped continually until actors were off the stage. I recommend this musical strongly and I want to watch again if I have a chance.
By Byeung Soo Kim (Korea)
Do you know the green, ugly but cutest ogre that has nowadays become one of the most popular freaks in the world? His name is “SHREK”, who gets an unseemly figure since he was born. Even so, his likable character let him make a lot of good friends, such as an optimistic Donkey and a bunch of misfit fairy tales.
Shrek, The Musical is such a lovely and one of the funniest musical that I’ve ever seen. The musical is based on the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks film “Shrek”. Even if you have not seen the movie, there is no doubt that you can enjoy the musical with the fascinating storyline and the outstanding characters that cannot stop grabbing the audience’s hearts, young to old alike. In addition, I would like to say that I am definitely one of the people who got a big impression by the fairy tale characters.
After the brilliant musical, I was feeling as if I’d just gone back to my childhood. To be honest, it’s because the musical was far more enjoyable than I’d expected. If you want to have a good time with your friends or children or sweep away your daily stress, nothing seems to be better than watching Shrek, The Musical. Take time out to enjoy the brand-new Broadway show “Shrek”, and laugh a lot with the funniest characters you’ll ever see.
By Ami Liyama (Japan)
The 39 Steps is a well-known Hitchcock 1935 thriller. When I was studying English literature in my university, I read the book and watched the movie, The 39 Steps. At that time, I enjoyed the story and it was one of my favorites. Seeing the play in New York City on Broadway was a great experience. The movie and book really came to life keeping a lot of Hitchcock’s mystery with unexpected added humor. It was so funny. While I was seeing the play, I laughed till I cried. Because all of the main characters were good at acting and their gestures and movements made us more amused. I especially loved the actor who played the main role named Richard Hennay.
Moreover, there were some interesting parts. First thing was the clothing the characters wore. It was a symbol of British fashion of the 1930’s. I felt that those clothes could be popular again and the suit for the character Richard Hennay was fitting for him. Even though the costumes were not colorful, it was simple. While I was seeing the characters in their costumes, I really wanted to try it on for myself. Another part of the show that caught my attention was that one of the scenes showcased a puppet show for a short time to show the scene which Richard Hennay crossed the river and climbed the high mountain when he was being chased by the police. It kept with telling the story visually and the audience was never bored. I also loved the plot of the show. I thought the story was well organized and all actors and actress played their parts if not, more than they had to. They switched their roles quickly and played another part. Their effort and passion could make many audiences laugh loudly and feel impressed until the show ended. Overall, the actors are so talented and unbelievable and they make the show a lot of fun to watch.
By Hyun Jung Kim (Korea)
I was looking forward to seeing Stomp for the first time after getting a ticket. If I had to describe it with one word, that one word would be amazing. It was unbelievable. When I entered the theater, I was surprised how quickly audiences filled the theater. The size of audience is proof of how successful this show is after 14 years of performances worldwide. While I was watching the show, I never got bored.
Can you imagine the actors and actress were making beautiful sound just by using their own hands? They were making sounds by using not only their own body parts but, unique instruments that add such a kind of amazing acoustic sound, it’s so simple and yet something I never thought about with the basic sounds and use of just your hands or your body. They used many things such as tubes, mops, sand, wastebaskets, washboard, water, drums, sink and much more. The actors really captivated their audience by creating all kinds of sounds with those elements.
There were a lot of interesting parts in the show. One of actors invited his audience to participate in the show when he played solo. Once he clapped his hands and then he let us clap right after him. We repeated it. While I was doing that, the audience, including myself was getting excited. I felt the interaction between performers and the audience. This show was much closer with their audiences than many other shows I’ve seen. Lastly, Stomp would entertain people all of ages because I saw a variety of age groups and all of them were enjoying the show and did not stop laughing or clapping. I think everyone should make time to see this show while visiting New York City. Not only is it worth it, it’s an essential part of New York Theater.
By Hyun Jung Kim (Korea)
Billy? Billy who? I’m talking about Billy Elliot, the new Broadway musical hit that had Broadway buzzing long before previews began. Adapted from the popular movie back in 2000, and featuring music by the legendary Elton John, Billy Elliot the musical has proven to be nothing short of amazing.
After a huge success in London and Melbourne, Australia, the production spent three years casting for the role of Billy for the Broadway Production of Billy Elliot. I really give the casting directors a lot of credit in finding not one, but three talented kids to play the main role of Billy as well as finding many more talented kids for the supporting roles. I’m not usually into huge productions, but so many people have recommended that I see Billy Elliot and when the chance came, I am glad I saw this show.
I’ve only seen part of the original movie, so it helps to know the storyline. Set within a working-class mining town during the infamous miner’s strike in Northern England in the 80’s, Billy, the youngest of a blue-collar family, is a depressed boy who recently lost his mom. In the midst of a violent life changing strike in his town, and forced to learn boxing by request of his father, he comes across a local ballet class and discovers his new passion and gift for ballet with hopes of becoming a dancer.
Knowing that storyline, and how long it took to find the kids for this role, the three-year wait for this show is well worth it. The talent that radiates from these kids blew me away. There was a lot of humor, some tear jerker moments and the best tap/ ballet dancing Broadway has seen in a while. All of which comes from the most amazingly skilled kids I have ever seen. The songs range from sad to uplifting and gives it’s audiences so many emotions to encounter on Billy’s ambitious journey. My favorite scene is when Billy is dancing with his older self and envisioning himself as a professional dancer. From the set to the music to the spectacular dancing, so many aspects of this show is mesmerizing. I can honestly say that is has been a while since I have seen a show so captivating and reaching out to everyone young and old. Literally, I wanted to go home with a tutu after seeing this show as a memento for several reasons: 1) I like to dance 2) I like to dress up 3) I loved this show and wanted something to remind me of how wonderful this show is and last but never the least and probably the most important reason, 4) Be Billy! Follow your heart and your dreams that can make you happy for those are the things that never die. This is the best show of the season!
I was under the impression that everyone loves art, especially teenagers. You know, trying to find themselves, adapting to new things and such. Art is very interesting and personally, I love it. If you’re an art lover and you are between the ages of 10 and 18 or you know someone that may be interested that is within that age range, please pass this along.
Image provided by: www.lgreyhot.com
Event: Art Classes for Teenagers (Ages 10-18)
Date: Starting February 25th, 2008 (10 after school or weekend classes)
Organization: Educational Alliance
Location: 197 East Broadway between Jefferson & Clinton Streets.
Contact: 212-782-2300 ext 378 or educationalalliance
- think24seven
I must confess that Valentine's Day is my least favorite holiday. I find that it doesn't bring people together like Thanksgiving and Christmas. It comes across as a tattered holiday and often a filler to produce more money in cards, candies, flowers, etc during the quiet months. However, New York City tends to be a hopeless romantic around this time of year offering sights, events and other happenings worth being a part of. So whether you are a local or a tourists, here are some romatic ideas for you and your special someone:
The 2009 City Bakery Hot Chocolate Festival - Stay warm with the many exotic flavors of Hot Chocolate this bakery has to offer including a Love Potion Flavor. Check out details of this event at www.hot-chocolate-festival.com
Art & Love in Renaissance Italy - What better way to re-discover the essence of love by going back to the time period that enhanced it the most. See art work of venus & cupid and other art works that celebrate love & marriage. Exhibit ends Feb. 16th. www.metmuseum.org
Empire State Building - Every year at the Empire State Building, 14 couples walk down the aisle on Feb 14th. This is an event you have to plan in advance if you are considering marriage. Otherwise, relive the moments of "Sleepless in Seattle" or "An Affair to Remember" by heading up to the Observation Deck and being on top of the world with a loved one. www.esbnyc.com
Valentine's in Times Square - If you looking for love then look no further at the cross roads of times square. From the temporary "Valentine to Times Square" heart sculpture being exhibit from Feb 13th - 22nd at Duffy Square, to a series of Love Banners created by 12 top graphic designers and don't forget the discounted deals on restaurants and hotels or even seeing a Broadway Show in Times Square. Love will be everywhere in this area. For further details on the various events in Times Square visit www.timessquarenyc.org
This musical really showcases how marvelous the singers really are and there is no wonder as to how they came up with the title of this musical. The show consisted of four actors and their energy was huge without any special stage effect. I’ve seen a lot famous Broadway musicals and I have never heard of this show. However, it was fantastic and I am so glad I chose to see The Wonderettes.
The four characters in this show reminded me of the time I have spent with my friends in Korea. The characters love each other but sometimes they are jealous of each other and they sometimes fight. The plot of this story takes place at the Springfield High School prom in 1958 and each of the four girls wanted to be prom queen. They sang classic 50’s and 60’s hit songs that reflect their hope and love stories. These songs were fantastic. I wasn’t born in 50’s or 60’s but it was really familiar songs to me because my parents loved and listened to it too. I already knew most of the songs. The most interesting part of the show was when I get to pick the queen. Before the show started, a staff worker gave us a small paper that is written the four girl’s name so I could really pick who should be the queen of prom. It was fun!
When one of them was singing, she gave me goose bumps. I don’t think I can’t forget that amazing moment in my life. I don’t usually stand up for clapping after show however as soon as the curtain fell, I stood up and gave them clap until I felt pain on my hands. They were that great! I think the marvelous wonderettes is perfect to enjoy with your family and friends. It will remind your parent’s young life and maybe even your own in our modern time. I guarantee your mother; grandmother and even your kids are going to love this show.
By Yoomi Lee (Korea)
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