NYCP Blog - Neighborhood Spotlights

Blue Man Group will have you seeing in blue

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 05:25:14 -0500

I think this was funniest show I’ve ever seen. There are many shows that are fun, exciting, and interesting but Blue Man Group was different. When I went to the theater, I didn’t expect it to be as big as other theaters because it wasn’t on Broadway. But when it started, I didn’t have to worry about the show boring me. I couldn’t stop laughing and they continued making people happy.

The show, Blue Man Group, is more of a circus clown type of performance. There are three actors. They don’t have dialogue; they never talk and act funny. It is different type of show than any other show on Broadway. No singing, speaking, just acting. So if you can’t understand English, you don’t have to worry about that. They display some sentences with signs but even if you can’t understand it, you can enjoy as much as you can. And they play with audiences. They choose someone and they play with them. And most interesting thing is when somebody is late; the camera from the show will now focus on the person who is late. And then they don’t talk they’re late but their face tell us they are late. And they who were late can’t raise up their face and look at the actors because they are embarrassed. If you watch that situation when you watch blue man group, you’re lucky. It will be very funny.

I want to point out a few interesting things I liked about the show. I like how they use a pipe to hit like drum. It sounds weird at first but then I was attracted to the sounds. I think they can use everything for the play. They use marshmallow, pipes, instruments, paints, canvas and so many other things that are very creative and make the show so much fun. This is one of the most original shows I have ever seen and I hope other people that visit NYC, make plans to see The Blue Man Group. It’s so much fun and people won’t be bored or disappointed.

By Byeung Soo Kim (Korea)

Love & The City

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 08:06:20 -0600

Love is in the Air

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

The Marvelous Wonderettes

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:13:04 -0600

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)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! HAPPY 2009!!

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 04:05:55 -0600

It is finally the end of 2008. End of the political elections, stock markets near crashing, new Olympic records, the fight for gay marriages and much more that set the tone for 2009. So to properly ring in the new year of 2009, there are many parties throughout NYC that are being offered and will cost you a lot of money. But none of them can match the fame of the one that's viewed worldwide and that is to watch the ball drop on New Years Eve in Times Square. So here are some Tips, Q's & A's and Info on attending this yearly historic event courtesy of The Times Square Alliance:

Where is the Ball lowered?

The Times Square New Year's Eve Ball descends from a flagpole at the top of One Times Square. It can best be seen along Broadway, from 43rd Street to 50th Street, and along Seventh Avenue, as far north as 59th Street.

What streets will be closed for the celebrations?

The New York Police Department will begin closing down access to Times Square starting at 43rd Street and Broadway and moving north as revelers arrive. The exact times that these blocks close to pedestrian and vehicular traffic will depend on when the revelers begin arriving. It is likely that there will be no vehicular traffic on either Broadway or Seventh Avenue as of approximately 4:00 p.m. Vehicles will most likely have difficulty traveling across town after 6:00 p.m. above 42nd Street as far north as 59th Street. If you are planning to come to Times Square and join in the festivities, you are advised to enter from Sixth or Eighth Avenue. Your chance of getting a viewing spot near the Ball (at Broadway & 43rd Street) increases the earlier you arrive. The blocks will be closed off as they fill up northward, street-by-street, as the police deem necessary.

Will there be areas in Times Square designated for the disabled?

Yes. The police will set aside a viewing area for the disabled, located on the northwest corner of 43rd Street. However, this area will fill up quickly, and it is advised that disabled visitors arrive early in the day. For a listing of the access points from which you can enter Times Square, please click here.

Where is the best view?

The earlier you arrive, the better your view and the closer you will be to the action. The sound system is set up in the Bowtie area (where Broadway and Seventh Avenue cross), and the video screens on One Times Square (where the Ball is lowered) are easily visible. There are additional screens set up at Broadway and 50th Street, Broadway and 52nd Street, Broadway and 54th Street and Broadway and 58th Street.

What is the best way to come to Times Square?

The best way to come to Times Square is via public transportation. To get to Times Square, the # 1, 2, 3, 7, A, B, C, D, E, F, N, Q, R, W, V and S shuttle trains all service the Times Square area. Please note that the MTA has advised revelers not to use the 42nd Street Subway Station on New Year's Eve due to crowding conditions - you are advised to exit at one of the surrounding stations and enter Times Square on foot. It is expected that the MTA will keep all subway stations open on New Year's Eve. Some entrances and exits may be closed as crowd conditions require. After 7 p.m. on December 31st, the N and R train station at 49th Street and Seventh Avenue may be closed until after midnight. Trains may also bypass some stations, depending on how the crowds build. For further information nearer the date of the event, please call or visit the MTA at (718) 330-1234 or www.mta.info.

Other useful sources of information:

Port Authority Bus Terminal (212) 564-8484?New York City Transit Authority (Local Bus Service) (718) 330-1234?Amtrak (800) 523-8720?Metro North (212) 532-4900?Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) (718) 217- LIRR

For questions on New Year's Eve about access, please contact the NYPD sub-station at (212)-239-9803 or the Times Square Alliance Dispatch Office at (212)-452-5218. Please call ONLY on New Year's Eve.

How do I enter Times Square on New Year's Eve?

Please click here for a list of all access points.

When should I get there?

Revelers begin to gather in the late afternoon on New Year's Eve, December 31st. The best advice we can give is to get there as early as possible. We cannot predict how quickly the viewing areas will fill up. Prime viewing areas may fill up early in the afternoon.

At approximately 6:00 p.m. EST the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball will be raised to the top of the 77-foot flagpole at One Times Square (Broadway at 43rd Street) and lit. At exactly 11:59 p.m. EST, the Ball will make its 60-second descent down the flagpole to signal the start of the New Year.

Please Note: Revelers who arrive very early in the day, before the police have established viewing areas, may be moved by the NYPD when barricades are put in place.

Here is the timeline for last year's street closures and viewing areas. This information may be helpful for planning your trip to this year's event:

3:45pm - 7th Avenue & Broadway closed to vehicular traffic from 43rd Street to 49th Street (cross streets were closed at 3:30pm).

5pm - All cross streets closed to vehicular traffic except 57th Street, 58th Street & 59th Street. 42nd Street closed to vehicular traffic.

5:30pm - Viewing areas filled north to 48th Street, south to 40th - 41st Street.

6pm - Viewing areas filled to 52nd Street.

10pm - Viewing areas filled to 58th Street, south to 38th Street.

10:30pm - Viewing areas filled to 59th Street.

Will there be portable public restrooms available?

No.

Is alcohol or champagne allowed?

No. Public drinking is illegal in New York City. Police will confiscate alcohol.

Will there be food and drink vendors in the square?

No. There will be no licensed food and beverage vendors in Times Square. However, there are hundreds of restaurants in and around Times Square (see below).

Will there be restaurants open in the area? Can revelers return to the same viewing areas after dining?

Many restaurants located in the Times Square area will be open on New Year's Eve - be sure to consult our Interactive Map and Guide to locate a restaurant - and make your reservations well in advance. Please remember that if you dine at a local restaurant, you will not simply be able to come out and watch the Ball lowering at midnight. Revelers will arrive in Times Square early in the day, and while you are dining, designated viewing areas will fill up on a "first come, first served" basis. Furthermore, no one is allowed to stand in the emergency lanes or on sidewalks. Please remember that if you leave your viewing area to dine in a restaurant, you will not be able to return to your spot in a viewing area.

Are theaters, stores and restaurants going to be open?

Some Broadway theaters will be open on New Year's Eve. The TKTS booth will open at 10 a.m. on New Year's Eve. You can check the schedules for Broadway and some Off Broadway shows at www.telecharge.com or www.ticketmaster.com, and check out our Interactive Map and Guides. Stores and restaurants will be open at their own discretion, so please call them ahead of time. Please remember that if you leave your viewing area to dine in a restaurant, you will not be able to return to your spot in a viewing area.

Which Times Square restaurants and hotels have a view of the Ball?

Renaissance New York

DoubleTree Guest Suites

Marriott Marquis

TGI Fridays

Bubba Gump Shrimp Company

Sbarro Pizza

Olive Garden

2 Times Square

Please check out our Interactive Map & Guides for contact information for the above venues.

What security procedures are in place?

The New York Police Department will control all access points to Times Square. No bags or backpacks are permitted. Emergency Service squads, drug and bomb sniffing canine units and counter-terrorism personnel will be present in Times Square on New Year's Eve.

Where can I find information on Times Square New Year's Eve parties?

There's no more electrifying place on the planet than Time Square on New Year's Eve. Check this page for details on New Year's Eve parties you can attend at the Crossroads of the World. More >>

What is the history of the Times Square New Year's Eve event?

Revelers have been celebrating New Year's Eve in Times Square since 1904. To learn more about the celebration's history, check out our History of New Year's Eve in Times Square.

What can you tell me about the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball?

Plenty. Check out this page: About the New Year's Eve Ball.

What should I wear and what should I bring?

Dress warmly. Remember that you could be spending an extended period outdoors in potentially below-freezing conditions. You should be well-prepared and well-insulated. Many layers, synthetics (such as Goretex and polypropylene), wind-resistant and water-repellant outerwear and a good hat are the keys to staying warm.

Finally, remember to drink lots of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Not only is public drinking illegal in New York City, but both caffeine and alcohol will dehydrate you. Dehydration is very common and can sneak up on you in cold weather.

Are tickets needed for this event?

No. This event is open to everyone. However, to get the best view, arrive early in the afternoon.

Will there be a Webcast?

TBD - check back for more info.

Are there still hotel rooms available in the Times Square area?

There are more than 16,000 hotel rooms in the Times Square neighborhood - ranging from large hotel chains, to small quiet retreats or suite hotels for extended stays. There are also several youth hostels situated in and around the Times Square area. Book your stay now to avoid disappointment. For a complete listing of hotels in the area visit our Interactive Map and Guides. You can contact the hotels directly about rates and availability, or contact your travel agent for more information and reservations.

How much confetti is dropped in Times Square on New Year's Eve?

More than 1 ton of confetti.

Can I volunteer to help prepare for New Year's Eve?

Absolutely. There are many opportunities to help the Times Square Alliance prepare for New Year’s Eve. Once you’ve signed on, you will be contacted with specific information about the various volunteer projects that you can participate in. Projects include helping with mailings, putting together gift bags, general office support, and much more. There will be weekday, evening and weekend volunteer dates throughout November and December. If you would like to help out, please email us at volunteers@timessquarealliance.org. Please be sure to include your name, phone number, email address, and general availability (evenings, weekends, or weekdays.)

Nightmare: Bad Dreams Come True

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 05:22:02 -0500

Just when you thought the economy hasn’t already given us enough scares this month, there’s more scares to be had with unnatural creatures of horror in a fun way. When you are going to a place that begins with the dreaded word ‘nightmare’, one must know what to expect and yet, what not to expect when visiting your fears. Every year around this time, many of us thrill-seeking adventurers go looking for monsters & ghouls to give us the adrenaline rush of death and fear thus creating what is known as the mid-october crisis.

If you are one that itches and yearns to cure your mid-october crisis, and you want something to do this weekend, then start by visiting NYC’s most horrifying Haunted House. Nightmare has been scaring up some interactive experiences to record-breaking crowds for the past 5 years on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Expect this attraction to be packed with a lot of people. My friends and I went on a Tuesday night and it was packed with very eager and enthusiastic thrill seekers. I didn’t expect a turn out like this. Once we were finally at the front of the doors, the rules are explained to you. They can slightly mention what to expect without giving away what’s inside there. But the main thing to remember is to not touch the actors and the actors can’t touch you. No photography and no flashlights. You heard correct, no flash lights not even the light from your cell phone. In other words, you have to enjoy the darkness.

I can’t tell you what awaits you in the darkness, however, I can mention to expect a whole bunch of scares, unique characters and very innovative and creative paths to take within the house that is bone chilling. There are two paths within the house and of course my friends and I opted for the unconventional and yet, scarier path. All in all, I had a lot of fun, it’s a great way to interact and meet new people and bond with the friends that toughed out this spooktacular event with you.

Met Opera Season Begins on 125th Anniversary

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 06:02:38 -0500

Renée Fleming Stars in Opening Night Gala on September 22 in first performance of Met’s 125th Anniversary

Gala performance to be transmitted live in HD to 600 theaters in North and South America as well as to Times Square and Fordham University’s Lincoln Center Plaza, and broadcast live on Metropolitan Opera Radio SIRIUS channel 78; Music Director James Levine, Marco Armiliato, and Patrick Summers conduct, with Ramón Vargas, Thomas Hampson, and Dwayne Croft singing leading roles in scenes from La Traviata, Manon, and Capriccio; Legendary designers John Galliano, Christian Lacroix, and Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel create costumes for Fleming.

The Metropolitan Opera opens its 2008-09 season on September 22 with a gala performance that kicks off its 125^th anniversary, starring Renée Fleming in three fully-staged scenes, including some of her most acclaimed portrayals. Costumes for Fleming have been specially created for each of the scenes in the Opening Night Gala by three of the world’s legendary fashion designers: John Galliano, Christian Lacroix, and Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel.

The program opens with Act II of Verdi’s La Traviata, and continues with Act III of Massenet’s Manon, and the final scene of Richard Strauss’s one act opera, Capriccio. Met Music Director James Levine conducts the second act of La Traviata, which has two scenes: the first at Violetta’s country house and the second at a grand Parisian mansion in the elaborate staging by Franco Zeffirelli. Ramón Vargas sings the role of Alfredo Germont, and Thomas Hampson that of his father, Giorgio. Christian Lacroix has designed two costumes for Fleming, one for each scene.

The Manon act is also in two parts: the first is the spectacular “Cours-la-Reine” scene featuring the heroine’s famous “Gavotte,” followed by the searingly dramatic scene in the church of St. Sulpice. Ramón Vargas is Manon’s lover, the Chevalier des Grieux, Dwayne Croft her cousin, Lescaut, and Robert Lloyd the Chevalier’s father, the Comte des Grieux, with Marco Armiliato conducting. Fleming’s costume for scene one and an additional cloak for the second scene are by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel.

The musically transcendent finale of Capriccio, conducted by Patrick Summers, music director of the Houston Grand Opera, concludes the evening, with Fleming in a costume created by John Galliano.

For the first time, The Met: Live in HD, the highly successful series of performances transmitted live in high definition (HD) into movie theaters, will carry the Met’s opening night. It will be transmitted to 600 theaters in North and South America, including Mexico City’s Auditorio Nacional, and Buenos Aires’ Teatro 25 de Mayo --- both new additions to the Met’s HD network. American mezzo-soprano Susan Graham hosts the evening, the red carpet, and live backstage interviews. The HD director for this performance is Gary Halvorson, who directed five out of the eight HD programs last season. Last season, the series of eight HD operas was attended by over 935,000 people worldwide. This season, the series has been expanded to eleven Live in HD transmissions, including the Met premiere of John Adams’s Doctor Atomic and five other new stage productions. The Met’s HD series is generously supported by the Neubauer Family Foundation. Information on theaters carrying the series is available at the Met’s web site, www.metopera.org.

Live transmissions of Opening Night Gala to Times Square and Fordham University at Lincoln Center and broadcast live on SIRIUS

As a highlight of its 125^th anniversary celebration, the Met will transmit the opening-night performance onto multiple screens in Times Square and Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus, where thousands of people can experience it for free. In Times Square, multiple giant screens will carry the live performance, including the Astrovision (Panasonic), Reuters, Nasdaq, and MTV screens. The opera will be broadcast live on Metropolitan Opera Radio on SIRIUS channel 78. The performance will also be streamed live on the Met’s website, www.metopera.org. The free outdoor airings of the Met’s opening have proven a popular attraction for thousands of New Yorkers since the new tradition was begun with General Manager Peter Gelb’s first season in 2006.

Due to construction on Lincoln Center Plaza, the Opening Night Gala will be presented in a live plazacast on the North Meadow at Fordham University at Lincoln Center. The Fordham plazacast is free admission, but tickets are required. Approximately 1700 tickets will be distributed beginning Sunday, September 21 at noon at the Met Box Office, with a maximum of two per person.

End of Summer Weekend

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 10:06:11 -0500

As the beginning of fall comes this Sunday, most of the summer time events will now come to a close. Some of NY’s most historic places have already closed forever such as Coney Island Astroland Park. But another landmark will close forever, a yearly event ends and some are weekend events worth checking out as well as new beginnings for NYC. Enjoy the last days of summer weekend.

Whether you are taking pictures or going to a game, regardless, this is the last weekend to see enjoy one last game at good old Yankee Stadium fully operational before closing it’s doors on Sunday, September 21^st. So enjoy the trip down memory lane where players such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gerrig, Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra and even the players of today have made history and the stadium a legendary cathedral that will now vanish. And soon to come will be the end of Shea Stadium so stay tuned.

This is also the last weekend to enjoy the most popular street fair, The San Gennaro Festival. The hours of the festival is from 11:30am until 11:30pm, rain or Shine. The festival runs along Mulberry Street starting on Houston Street all the way down to Canal Street. This is a great way to enjoy Italian food, music, games and much more on the streets of Little Italy.

Feel like getting out of the city? Head out to the Queens Farm Museum and check out the 26^th Annual Queens County Fair. A traditional county fair with blue ribbon competitions in livestock, produce, home crafts, arts and crafts, and more. Enjoy the Amazing Maize Maze, pie-eating and corn-husking contests, Big Apple Circus Variety Acts, make-your-own-scarecrow, hayrides, petting zoo, carnival rides, and midway. Visit our Bavarian Garden, Irish and German bands, craft and food vendors. Fun for the entire family! Check out the website for directions, time and admission prices.

Enjoy culture and pride and at African American Day Parade. Venture up to Historic Harlem and enjoy the rythym and sounds of the African American Parade. Parade begins at 111^th street & Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard all the way up to 142^nd Street. Parade is a rain or shine event and will begin at 1pm.

Looking to tap into your artistic or creative spirit? This weekend, a new exhibit at the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) will open. Experience the works of Van Gogh and the Colors of Night that will start this weekend all the way through to January. This exhibition will present new insight into Van Gogh's depictions of night landscapes, interior scenes, and the effects of both gaslight and natural light on their surroundings. Representing all periods of the artist's career, the exhibition will comprise over two dozen works of superlative quality—several of which have never been seen together, even though they were very clearly conceived with each other in mind. This is a rare opportunity to see the masterpieces of Van Gogh in this traveling special exhibition.

San Gennaro Festival

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 10:14:53 -0500

The 81st Annual Feast of San Gennaro, New York City’s oldest, biggest and most famous religious street festival, will be celebrated in 2008 started on Thursday, September 11 and continuing for 11 days through Sunday, September 21.

Presented annually since 1996 by Figli di San Gennaro, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, this year’s Feast will again attract more than 1-million people to the streets of historic Little Italy in the annual salute to the Patron Saint of Naples – San Gennaro. The street festivities – including religious processions with the statue of San Gennaro, parades. Free entertainment, food stands and a cannoli and a cannoli eating contest – are capped on Friday, September 19 – the Official Feast Day -- with a celebratory Mass honoring San Gennaro, followed by a candlelit procession as the Statue of San Gennaro is carried from its permanent home in Most Precious Blood Church on Mulberry Street through the streets of Little Italy.

“Each year the beloved Feast of San Gennaro brings the world to Little Italy, and Little Italy to the world,” said Joseph Mattone, President of Figli di San Gennaro, Inc. “The Feast is a time for remembrance and reconciliation, and a time for celebration. The excellent food, the free musical entertainment and the excitement will all be there again this year, bigger and better than ever. On behalf of Figli di San Gennaro, I invite people of all backgrounds and ethnicities to join us in September in New York City’s Little Italy to help celebrate Italian culture and heritage.”

The New Broadway Esplanade

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:18:35 -0500

For the past month I have noticed the construction of this Esplanade before I knew what it was going to be. As the construction was coming along I saw they had paved a green path with a bicycle symbol and I thought, that’s great a bike path at last. Now all these delivery guys and messengers on bikes can stop nearly plowing us to the ground due to being in such a hurry. I even thought I would start skating to work using the bike path. But as construction progressed even more with the sight of gravel shrinking that wonderful bike path, I was really beginning to think, “what are they doing with this?” It wasn’t until last Friday as I was walking past there that I saw the benches and chairs and tables with red umbrellas.

My first thought was that I felt a bigger bike lane was more useful. Then came the thought of, “I thought the city was broke. Of all the things we had to cut back on, we couldn’t save our money to use for something else more useful instead of this esplanade.” And then my final thought was that it’s pretty but I don’t think it’s safe.

As I am reading in the NY Times today, it turns out that this newly featured esplanade is an overnight instant hit for the surrounding office workers and especially tourists who feel that this is part of the NY experience. It’s only been a few days and it’s already a jammed packed spot filled with people brave enough to deal with oncoming heavy traffic of Broadway and the exhaust that comes from it. While some of the locals are a bit weary of accidents waiting to happen for example, a cab or a truck was to loose control and plow into the esplanade and onto the sidewalks. Other locals and tourists are embracing the idea of a new lunch spot in the middle of the street. The $700,000 esplanade reduced the Broadway street traffic lanes by two and extends from 42^nd street to 35^th street. The Times Square Alliance, The Fashion B.I.D and the 34^th Street Partnership have agreed that they will be maintaining the esplanade.

The esplanade is part of a new project by the Transportation Department on making the streets better for pedestrians and bicyclists. Traffic is also being monitored to see if this new esplanade has had an effect on traffic and making sure traffic risks are reduced to a minimal. So what seems to be a short time to enjoy the new and somewhat less enthused esplanade as summer comes to a close it will still be around throughout the winter and ready for people to experience and enjoy next spring and summer.

Nature Matching System

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:33:22 -0500

Remember to take your daily dose of color!

The giant grid of color, inspired by fresh fruits and vegetables, is one of the largest public art projects ever at the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Through the "NMS - Nature Matching System" developed by Tattfoo Tan, thousands of daily visitors can visually learn the colors that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. The "Remember to take your daily dose of color" vinyl mural covers 180 feet of Windows at the intersections of 8th Avenue between 41st & 42nd Streets. The mural will be on display until fall 2008.

Opening of Exhibit Event

Join us this Thursday, July 17th at 1pm on 41st Street & 8th Avenue (Port Authority Bus Terminal) to meet the artist, Tattfoo Tan, and hear the music that kicks off the Port Authority popular "Tunes in the Terminal" series, also sponsored by the Times Square Alliance and Fashion Center BID. While supplies last, attendees will receive free fruit with Nature Matching Systems stickers.

Blue Man Group

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Thu, 08 May 2008 09:14:52 -0500

By now everyone has heard of the Blue Man Group. They have shows at various locations in the U.S.A and overseas. If you still haven't heard of them by now, I recommend you see their show no matter where you are. I have seen the Blue Man Group on some commercials in my country before I came to New York. And now I finally get to see their performance with my own eyes.

The Blue Man Group is composed of three men, who painted their own face with blue paint and wear latex bald caps and black clothing. They play music with a variety of pipes and each pipe made an interesting sound. Moreover, the bluemen don't speak a word. They use their body and lots of instruments as their language and a way to communicate to the audience. Sometimes they walk around to a few seats to entice people to take part in their act. Although they didn’t say anything, the gestures make the audience understand what they want to show us. And it is hilarious more than anything else.

Every audience participated in this performance one way or another and it made a lot of people laugh. I enjoyed it. It was a totally different kind of performance compared to general broadway shows. And it can be one of the best valuable experience in NYC to anyone who visit and/or lives here.

Written by Sekwan Chung (Korea)

Fuerzabruta

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Thu, 08 May 2008 07:21:26 -0500

Have you seen DE LA GUARDA new show? You have to watch “Fuerzabruta”. It is a group of performers from Argentina. They are awesome! It was such an imaginative and creative performance. I don't think anybody can imagine the scenes until they see the show.

There is no acting. No speech or dialect. There is no seating. You are standing the entire time and just enjoying the interactive show and each other. For the longest time, I really wanted to see De la Guarda, but I couldn’t. It was my part of dream. But dreams can come true.

In my opinion, this is one of the most original performances ever seen Off-Broadway. I will admit I didn't understand what the story line is or if there was a meaning to the show. However, we don’t need worry about that too much. In my opinion, I think they want to tell us something which is related to an instinct within us as they reflect on human life.

Can you imagine they are swimming in the theater? Moreover, they were swimming overhead. They are just few feet over my head. I really thought that the cover might break over our heads. But, soon afterwards I was exposed to the water coming from somewhere else. Many people enjoyed that moment.

The music was a nocturne, but it had an attractive beat. First time, many people were a little confused about that song. But as time passes, I can now dance to that song. The performance is only 70 minutes long. I wanted it to go on for a bit longer than that and I was sad that it was over so quickly since I was having such a good time. I want more Fuerzabruta! I will definitely go back and see this show again.

Written by Hae Jin Han (Korea)

Rent

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Thu, 08 May 2008 05:17:49 -0500

“Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes.” It’s the time of convert one year and the lyrics of "Seasons of Love" that the main theme music in musical RENT.

The long-running broadway hit musical RENT is one of the famous musical in the world. It’s also famous due to the story being based Puccini’s opera La Bohem and how this 19^th century opera changed popular rock musical in broadway .

It tells the story about the youth of New York living of under the shadow of society. The young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York's Lower East Side. So, you can see the traditional social problems, as the drug and AIDS in U.S.A. But all of the story isn’t always dark. Because there is love and hope even that can’t through the most difficult part of life. “Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes/ Measure, measure you life in love”. This lyrics is simple, but it has an aftereffect.

Unfortunately, this great musical is going to close. According to website, their last performance is September 7^th. After that, we can’t see the RENT on Broadway anymore. But the story of RENT remains fresh in our memory. So if you are still missing this show, make sure you catch it quickly since tickets sell fast and before you know it, September comes and RENT is over.

Written by Sekwan Chung (Korea)

Disney’s The Lion King still roars 10 years later

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:07:45 -0500

Disney’s Lion King on Broadway is celebrating it’s 10^th anniversary. And in the 10 years I have been in and out of NYC, this was the first time I finally went to see the Lion King. The whole production was nothing short of breathtaking. Just the beginning intro, “The Circle of Life” was so incredible as my jaw dropped in amazement. The costumes are so elaborate and it transforms the actors into the animals that is portrayed in the story – it was beautiful and the set design is so stunning, the audience is really whisked away to the deserts of Africa. From the swaying grass to the other animals and the colors of the costuming really had me studying everyone and wondering how they did it. It is so imaginative and innovative.

As for the story line and music of The Lion King, this has been one of my favorite Disney stories of all time. And the way it was interpreted on stage was by far much more imaginative and mesmerizing. I really felt an impact on some of the scenes, I honestly thought I was going to cry. Besides the introduction being one of those impacting scenes, the death of Mufasa was another one that was very dramatic and also when Simba finds himself through the memory of his father, Mufasa. I can sense the emotions of these actors running deep within these scenes. The acting and singing was truly amazing and the choreography and movements of how to be a lion or a giraffe or gazelle is brilliant. Some of the old songs really brung back memories and some of the new songs I haven’t heard before and I fell in love with now. But still my all time favorite song is ‘Hakuna Matata’. The worry free philosophy song still has me humming that tune and saying that phrase since the movie came out. This is a show that is perfect for family entertainment. It gives the kids the music they love to hear and the characters they love to see and perfect for adults to enjoy the same details with a different and deeper meaning. For my friend and I, it was pure joy to be able to watch this amazing production that I hope will last another great 10 years on Broadway.

Here’s another thing to not miss. In honor of celebrating The Lion King 10^th year celebration, there is a special exhibit taking place at The Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle. The exhibition will display the evolution of the groundbreaking production of Disney’s The Lion King. Behind-the-Scenes photographs, costume sketches and costume displays, puppets and even wax figures will be featured in the exhibit. The exhibition is open to the public from 9am to 9pm daily. This is definitely an exhibit you should see since it’s a once in a lifetime exhibit that will occur honoring Disney’s The Lion King 10^th anniversary. I personally will be going to this since I am really interested in the costumes. The exhibit will end on April 27^th.

Team Work Helps!

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 04:27:28 -0500

If you haven't catch BODIES- The Exhibit, then this is your chance. If you were thinking to take a little cruise out on the Hudson, this is your chance too because Bodies and Circle Line have teamed up for a 2 4 1 deal.

When:: Daily 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. (ends May 31)

Event Phone Number:: 1-888-926-3437

http://ticketpro.net/USA/bodies/...

Neighborhood: Financial District

South Street Seaport Exhibition Centre

11 Fulton St.

New York, NY 10038

Now you can do both for the price of ONE. It's a nice day!! Go have some fun.