Manhattan Digest

All you need to know about Manhattan culture and so much more...

Ryan Leeds

Brooklyn Ballet Keeps on Movin’ with Live Version of ‘The Nutcracker’

by

Even Covid couldn’t break a stalwart like The Nutcracker. Brooklyn Ballet, like countless other arts organizations, had to nimbly change their programming in 2020. Yet they pulled off the Herculean feat this weekend by being the only company in New York City to perform a live production of the beloved Christmas classic.   [Read more…] about Brooklyn Ballet Keeps on Movin’ with Live Version of ‘The Nutcracker’

Travel Idea! Settle Into Poconos Comfort at The Settlers Inn

by

Well, here we are…eight months into the pandemic with nothing but Manhattan pavement to trod. Right? Think again. Thanks to the wise actions of Pennsylvania’s state government, they’ve managed to flatten the curve and keep COVID at bay, allowing for indoor dining and other activities. So off we go to The Poconos for a fun getaway. [Read more…] about Travel Idea! Settle Into Poconos Comfort at The Settlers Inn

Cafe Fiorello Brings Italian Taste to Grounded New Yorkers

by

It seemed like a good idea in March. When the country faced lockdown and dining at our favorite restaurants was no longer an option, many of us took to the kitchen. We committed ourselves to finally learning how to cook and bake instead of using our oven as a storage unit. But summer is here now and only a masochist will spend time layering a pan of pasta into the stove. [Read more…] about Cafe Fiorello Brings Italian Taste to Grounded New Yorkers

Acclaimed Stars Unite for MCC Theater One act Play ‘The Sentinels’ Today

by

MCC Theater will present the one act play The Sentinels, written by Matthew Lopez as part of their new Live Labs: One Acts today, Wednesday, May 20th at 5:30 pm EST.  It will be presented live on the MCC YouTube Channel.  Under the direction of Tony award winner  Rebecca Taichman, the cast features Jane Alexander (Alice), Katrina Lenk (Christa), Denée Benton (Kelly) and Priscilla Lopez (Waitress).  Act readings will be between 25 and 45 minutes in length are read and streamed free to the MCC Theater audience.

[Read more…] about Acclaimed Stars Unite for MCC Theater One act Play ‘The Sentinels’ Today

The Melody of Marriage: An Interview with Annastasia Victory & Michael O. Mitchell

by

“How Do You Keep the Music Playing?” the 1982 song written by husband and wife team Alan and Marilyn Bergman has become an anthem for keeping the joy in long-term relationships. For Annastasia Victory, a Russian-born pianist and her husband, Michael O. Mitchell, the song is quite literal. [Read more…] about The Melody of Marriage: An Interview with Annastasia Victory & Michael O. Mitchell

‘Girl From the North Country’ Spins an Endless Yarn

by

I should have cared. I should have been fully invested in the depression era tale about Nick Laine (Jay O. Sanders), his wife, Elizabeth (Mare Winningham), and the visitors that inhabit their Duluth, Minnesota boarding house.  And yet, after 2 1/2 seemingly endless hours at the Belasco Theatre, all I really cared about was leaving.

[Read more…] about ‘Girl From the North Country’ Spins an Endless Yarn