We are so excited to say we have TWO LIVE 3T events returning this fall (see below and SAVE THE DATES.). It’s a glorious time of the year to be outside. Our Roving Photographer has wonderful photos of the Cosmic Nature art exhibit at NYBG. And Long Island’s Westbury Gardens are in full bloom and the 3T’s Roni Jenkins shares her photos from a recent hike. Marilyn Maye fans will love Sandi Durell’s conversation with the marvelous songstress. Two Broadway casts reunite this month backstage and unrehearsed. Valerie Smaldone saw signs of Broadway awakening this week! And happy 90^th Birthday to the Empire State Building.

Celebrate the Empire State Building’s 90^th Birthday

One of the most iconic buildings in the world, made its debut on May 1, 1931. Built in just 1 year and 45 days, the Empire State Building has stood the test of time and remains a modern marvel to this day. There will be a year long celebration and if you haven’t been to the top in eons, hurry before the tourists return.  Get the details. And watch the awesome video tribute.

May 8. ZOOM at Noon: Songwriter Event

Early bird newsletter readers can catch the  16th Annual Songwriter Event, produced by Sandi Durell, for American Popular Song Society features Benjamin Scheuer (The Lion, 2021 Kleban Prize Winner), father and son writing team ER Dr. Jeff and Jacob (university student) Foy, Grammy nominated Nicole Zuraitis, Musical Theater composer/lyricist (Jonathan Larson Grant +) Sam Willmott, Alan Schmuckler (TV’s Showtime, Kleban prize winner +), Jamie de Roy (7 time Tony Winning Producer) with Tony Winner Christiane Noll, New York Theatre Barn’s Joe Barros, Douglas Cohen (Drama League Award Nominee, much more) + surprise guests!  Hear what’s new in music!

Join ZOOM program here FREE:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88170919279?pwd=SHNoMXBxVlFwU0d6ZWhRRVBFeXVnQT09  Meeting ID: 881 7091 9279 Passcode: 064155

Cosmic Nature at New York Botanical Garden

Nicole Freezer Rubens (aka our roving photographer) says Yayoi Kusama’s current exhibition Cosmic Nature at the New York Botanical Garden is sensational. The world renowned contemporary Japanese artist’s lifelong exploration of color, obliteration, and infinity are planted throughout the gardens in a beautiful and engaging way. The show is up through October 31st and she highly recommends getting a ticket and escaping to this beautiful and unique show. 

Our roving photographer, Nicole Freezer Rubens is the author of “The Long P:ause and the Short Breath,” photos and poetry from NYC’s pandemic.

Take a Hike at Westbury Gardens

The 3T’s Roni Jenkins loves hiking all over Long Island and her most recent hike was through the beautiful grounds of Westbury Gardens which are in full bloom right now.  Check out the photos.

Must Watch: The Broadway Cast Reunions of My Fair Lady & Come From Away

Here’s a totally fun way to connect to the Broadway stars you’ve been missing since March 2020. The Broadway Cast Reunion Series, offers LIVE, virtual visits with Broadway casts “backstage” and unrehearsed. On May 12^th the cast of My Fair Lady will reunite, and May 26^th will feature the cast reunion of Come From Away. You’ll hear personal, hilarious, unscripted stories and gossip – as the casts really let their hair down about what it’s like to be in a show, onstage and offstage! Tickets are $15, and can be purchased via: www.BroadwayCastReunion.com.

Coming up: Wednesday May 12^th at 8PM EST: My Fair Lady featuring: LAURA BENANTI (Eliza Doolittle), SHEREEN AHMED (Eliza/Tour), ROSEMARY HARRIS (Mrs. Higgins), JORDAN DONICA (Freddy Eynsford-Hill) and SAM SIMAHK (Freddy/Tour). On Wednesday May 26^th at 8PM EST: Come From Away, Featuring:  PETRINA BROMLEY (Bonnie & others), JENN COLELLA (Beverley/Annette & others), KENDRA KASSEBAUM (Janice & others), Q. SMITH (Hannah & others), ASTRID VAN WIEREN (Beulah & others), SHARON WHEATLEY (Diane & others).

See an excerpt from a previous episode of the Broadway Cast Reunion Series: BCRS Lion King             BCRS Dear Evan Hansen