Manhattan Digest

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

ARTS

‘Nellie and The Women of Blackwell’ is a Little Known, Intriguing Journey

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Think you’ve lived an exciting life? If you’re comparing it to journalist Nellie Bly, there’s a good chance that it will pale. At the tender age of 21, Bly headed to Mexico to observe the customs and traditions of the Mexican people. After that, she feigned insanity in order to be checked into the Women’s Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell’s Island (now known as Roosevelt Island).  Her goal: to investigate the abuse and horrid conditions that were rampant in the facility. After writing her expose in the New York World, it was later published it in book form.  Still thirsty, she convinced her editor to travel around the globe—which she successfully did on her own. [Read more…] about ‘Nellie and The Women of Blackwell’ is a Little Known, Intriguing Journey

Stars Unite for Holocaust Memorial Concert

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“In remembrance, lies the secret of redemption.” These words, attributed to Baal Shem Tov, were spoken last evening at Temple Emanu-El by its Senior Rabbi, Joshua M. Davidson. Hundreds packed the massive synagogue on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 65th for A Concert Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz.  Leaders of several Jewish organizations, along with celebrity guest artists gathered for two poignant reasons: To remember the l.3 million lives that were lost at the Polish concentration camp and to honor the survivors, their families, and members of the Russian army who came to the rescue. [Read more…] about Stars Unite for Holocaust Memorial Concert

‘Das Barbecu’ is One Helluva Hootenanny

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You might not get the plot, but you’ll get a fabulous dinner—along with a hoot n’ hollerin’ good time at On Site Opera’s current production of Das Barbecü at Hill Country Barbecue Restaurant. Book writer and lyricist Jim Luigs and composer Scott Warrender’s spoof on Wagner’s Ring Cycle and Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings has been kickin’ around for nearly 30 years. It first premiered in 1991 at Seattle Opera. That was followed by out of town runs at Goodspeed Opera and Baltimore’s Center Stage Theater. Eventually, it blew into town and took up residency Off-Broadway the Minetta Lane Theater.

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‘Romeo and Bernadette’ is a Fresh Take on an Old Tale

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Bada Bing! Bada Boom! Is it possible that lightning has struck twice in one week in the world of Off Broadway Musical Theater? Apparently. On Sunday evening, the silly but socially relevant musical Emojiland opened Off Broadway at the Duke Theater. Last night, the equally giddy and soulful Romeo and Bernadette opened at the Mezzanine Theatre of A.R.T./New York Theatres space. [Read more…] about ‘Romeo and Bernadette’ is a Fresh Take on an Old Tale

‘Grand Horizons’ is a Star-filled Night of Comedy and Pathos

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If Bess Wohl has a fan club, I want to be a member. For this talented, young American playwright seems to strike gold with every play she’s written. She first nudged us into the beauty of silence with Small Mouth Sounds.  After that, she gave the eighties generation an introspective look into our childhood with Make Believe. Now, she’s gifted us with a poignant comedic drama in her Broadway debut, Grand Horizons, presented by Second Stage Theater. [Read more…] about ‘Grand Horizons’ is a Star-filled Night of Comedy and Pathos

‘A Soldier’s Play’ Offers Big Stars in a Lukewarm Revival

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There is so much potential to be had in Roundabout Theater Company’s Broadway debut of A Soldier’s Play. When it initially premiered in 1981 Off Broadway at the Lucille Lortel Theater, it ran for an impressive 486 performances and clinched the 1982 Pulitzer prize for drama. It was later turned into a critically acclaimed film with original stage star Denzel Washington. [Read more…] about ‘A Soldier’s Play’ Offers Big Stars in a Lukewarm Revival

Concert Against Bigotry Draws a Starry Cast

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Jewish stars of stage and screen, along with giants in the Klezmer and classical music worlds will unite on Monday January 27th for an evening commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. The event, titled An Extraordinary Concert Against Bigotry will take place in the Streicker center of Temple Emanuel on Fifth avenue and 66th Street. [Read more…] about Concert Against Bigotry Draws a Starry Cast

‘The Thin Place’ is a Gripping Place to Be

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Welcome to death. Not exactly a sentiment to end 2019 with, nor one that will usher in the new year with a cheerful demeanor. Nonetheless, it’s a theme that Playwrights Horizons has chosen to explore through Lucas Hnath’s mind-bending play, The Thin Place. The second show of the Off-Broadway’s company 2019-2020 season opened on December 11th to understandably rave reviews. Consequently, it has been extended through January 26th. [Read more…] about ‘The Thin Place’ is a Gripping Place to Be