Manhattan Digest

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

ENTERTAINMENT

An Interview with Justin Sayre: Holidays, Politics, & Ashtrays

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Shaping the gay agenda can be an exhausting job and few are up to the task. Yet eight  years ago, a leader emerged who proved that wit, determination, and fine talent is what it takes to forge a homosexual revolution. Justin Sayre has been spearheading the charge with his monthly gatherings called The Meeting of the International Order of Sodomites. It’s a cup of cabaret, a splash of story-telling, a dollop of diva worship, and a thimble of thought-provoking calls to action, all of which combine to create outrageously fun evenings.

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Lips “Christmas Spectacular” Sashays This Holiday Season

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With the chilly weather coming through louder than Mariah Carey’s sad vocal efforts, it is a great time for us Manhattanites to go inside and experience the warmth in many ways… including our love of the drag community.  Lips, New York’s ultimate drag show palace, has now launched a weekly “Christmas Spectacular”, which will be happening every Tuesday night this December.  I took a friend there this week, and had an absolute blast in so many ways. [Read more…] about Lips “Christmas Spectacular” Sashays This Holiday Season

Performance Review: Mark Morris’ “The Hard Nut”

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Many Holiday themed shows have become NY Traditions: The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, and numerous productions of A Christmas Carol.   The Hard Nut, by the Mark Morris Dance Group can also be added to that list. Sadly, the production at BAM’s Howard Gilman Opera House-now playing through Dec 18th-will mark the end of its 25 year run.  With that in mind, you should score a ticket to this delightfully re-imagined ballet before it dances away, for it is well worth the time you’ll otherwise spend at yet another dull cocktail party. [Read more…] about Performance Review: Mark Morris’ “The Hard Nut”

Theater Review: Thea Sharrock’s “The Bodyguard: The Musical”

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There’s an old rule in show business: “If you start big and finish big, the audience will forgive everything in between.” Clearly, the creative team behind The Bodyguard: The Musical have adhered to this principle as the jukebox tuner makes it North American debut at the Paper Mill Playhouse.

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Equinox Celebrates Bond Street Opening with Big Celebs!

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Last week, Equinox celebrated the opening of Bond St. with Club Zero produced by Voss Events, a multi-level musical experience that explored Manhattan’s musical history through a 2017 lens. Each floor represented a different music genre including, hip hop, punk and disco fused old and new hip-hop throughout the evening and guests went wild during a surprise performance by Kiiara who sang her hit single, “Gold.” [Read more…] about Equinox Celebrates Bond Street Opening with Big Celebs!

One on One With Rising Music Star Merideth Puckett

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Getting discovered to be the next big talent sure has taken some different directions as the internet has evolved.  Merideth Puckett is a true testament to that as her rise to fame was simply by a friend recording her singing Adele, and the rest is history.  Last year, a video of Merideth singing Adele’s massive hit “Rolling In The Deep” went completely viral, garnering close to 20 million views internationally.  With her viral fame behind her, Merideth is focusing on becoming a big star in the music world and being known for her own music moving forward. [Read more…] about One on One With Rising Music Star Merideth Puckett

“A Merry Little Christmas with Megan Hilty” at Joe’s Pub- Review

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Megan Hilty is not fat. After opening with a spirited Jingle Bell Medley (“Jingle Bells”, “Jingle Bell Rock”, and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”) at Joe’s Pub on Saturday night, Hilty remarked, “Wow! That was a lot of Christmas just now,” and proceeded to break the ice by explaining her pronounced mid-section. “Can we address the baby bump?” she said. “I know some of you might think that Megan has really let herself go, but in fact, I am expecting a baby boy in March!” [Read more…] about “A Merry Little Christmas with Megan Hilty” at Joe’s Pub- Review

Todd Michael Makes a Racket With “The Big Uncut Flick”

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He is a failed comedian whose career never took off. She is an actress whose attempts at fame also took a turn on Dead End Street.  They both need each other, but they both hate each other. Together, this 1950s married couple, “Mr. and Mrs. Matinee”, host a mid-day movie show. The current, fictitious picture is Say Your Prayers, Ya Mug!  and through December 17th at Off Broadway’s Theater, this tribute to Hollywood classic films, written by and starring Todd Michael will  spring to life in a stage parody called The Big Uncut Flick. [Read more…] about Todd Michael Makes a Racket With “The Big Uncut Flick”

One on One with Top Chef Star Gail Simmons

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As someone who grew up a foodie his entire life, primarily due to my mother being a big chef out on Long Island, I have always had a love for the culinary world and what it entails.  My love for that has grown over the past couple of years as I have taken a ride into the journalism aspect of the industry, and have enjoyed every step of the way with each restaurant and chef I highlight.  One person who has done an amazing job at both the culinary and journalism side is Gail Simmons, who has been a mainstay of Bravo’s “Top Chef” since its inception over a decade ago, as well as being a huge part of the best food magazine in the world, Food & Wine. [Read more…] about One on One with Top Chef Star Gail Simmons