Here are some exciting things to look forward to when we can safely go out again. First, there’s a new park coming to NYC. It’s called Little Island at Pier 55. And this summer, Yankee Stadium will host drive in movies and drive in entertainment. But while we’re still home, you can enjoy virtual tours of Governors Island and Randie Levine Miller has more original Broadway shows you can watch this weekend too. If you’re in need of some humorous reading, Valerie Smaldone suggests Bill Bogg’s new book. And our virtual Renewal Summit is now LIVE and the first two videos are available to watch right now, right here. And make sure to enter our fabulous raffle. We over $3,000 worth of prizes.

Now Playing

Dr. Nicole Saphier kicks off our Renewal Summit with a very informative discussion on the health of Americans, and chronic illnesses that can be prevented with lifestyle changes. And our panel on Life After Covid discusses overcoming grief, trauma, and job losses. Wach Now

A New Park is Opening

Now here’s something to look forward to. Little Island” at Pier 55 is an offshore public park that will sometime in 2021. It’s two acres and resembles a leaf floating on water. It will be a maritime botanic garden with 35 species of trees, 65 species of shrubs, and 270 varieties of grasses, perennials, vines, and bulbs, many of which have been selected for their fragrance and attractiveness to birds and pollinators. It will have a 700-seat amphitheater, a stage with the feel of a secret garden, and a playground with food and beverage options. The park is funded by billionaire Barry Diller and the Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation and run by the Hudson River Park Trust. 

Governors Island at Home

While Governors Island is closed to the public, you can enjoy all that the jewel of New York Harbor has to offer from home! Explore the Island’s history and natural wonders, connect with public art and cultural programming digitally, and discover science and environmental learning. One of our favorite things was learning about the lives of Governors Island’s four working dogs (Max, Quinn, Chip and Aspen) who keep the island free of geese that can harm the landscape and introduce invasive species.  Explore now.

Uptown Drive-In

Well here’s a great concept to safely get us entertained this summer. ‘Uptown Drive-In Experience’ is a festival that will take place each weekend this summer in the parking lot outside Yankee Stadium. Starting in July, there will be movies played, live concerts to watch, car-side dinner service provided by local street vendors as well as live interactive games, raffles and giveaways. 

According to Time Out New York, New Yorkers can get onboard to join the waiting list here. 1000 Earlybird tickets will be released this coming Sunday (May 31) at 10am. Uptown Drive In says only those who have signed up on the waiting list will have access.

Randie’s Broadway Picks

Our Broadway Baby Randie Levine Miller, who may hold the record for the number of Broadway shows she has seen (and remembers details about too) has picked some of her favorites that you can now watch in your leisure.

Sondheim’s Passion – Original Cast

This is definitely very professionally videoed with a gorgeous naked Marin Mazzie as the curtain goes up, singing in bed with her lover played by Jere Shea starring Donna Murphy playing the love obsessed “meeskite,” Fosca..

Randie’s Sidebar: “The first time I met and connected with Donna Murphy was in the ladies room at an event. Out of my mouth came ‘Oh my God, you’re so beautiful and yet you play ugly so well.’ I caught myself and said, ‘But then again only a beautiful woman who is a great actress could play against type!’  We were quite friendly throughout the years. She was also the best dolly Levi I’ve ever seen. She was standing by for Bette Midler and playing a few performances a week.

Sunday in the Park with George

Another gem, featuring the 1986 Original Cast at the Booth Theatre. Stars Mandy Patinkin and  Bernadette Peters.

Gypsy the Musical

This is a real find—the 2008 Broadway revival starring Patti LuPone with Laura Benanti and Boyd Gaines. It was not professionally recorded but you can hear everything and these three performers are fantabulous, as is the rest of the cast with the show stopping Tony Yazbeck as Tulsa singing and dancing to “All I need is the girl.“ He and Laura have both become major stars  in the last 12 years ..

Hairspray is Now Streaming

This is NBC’s 2016 broadcast of Hairspray Live! which is now streaming, featuring Harvey Fierstein.