Like so many of us who love New York City, Valerie Smaldone is concerned on many levels, and especially for our restaurant industry. By the end of this month alone, a total of 11% of New York City restaurants have either closed or are expected to close. We are in a dire circumstance, and it is up to us, everyday New Yorkers, or those who love New York and are out of town, to make a difference. That’s why she’s joined the coalition One 4 All, All 4 New York, and you can too. But in the midst of all of this, we’re happy to report a new opening of a very unique restaurant in Harlem and we continue to salute restaurants with beautiful outdoor dining. Longing for some green space? If you head to the South Street Seaport you can rent your very own backyard. The beautiful Brooklyn Botanical Garden is now open. And our Broadway Babe has some wonderful oldies but goodies to share.  

Now Open: Brooklyn Botanical Garden

The beautiful garden is open (with restrictions) and now is a great time to visit. The roses, waterlilies, and meadow flowers are among the many beautiful blooms to see during summer. Get the details.

Rent a Backyard at the South Street Seaport

This is so brilliant! Head The Greens at Pier 17, South Street Seaport where you can rent a mini-lawn, that 14×14 feet of green space, with canaban-style lounge chairs, a sun umbrella, UBS charging phone, and a built in cooler. There’s also a 32 feet wide LED screen to watch sports and movies on and incredible food and drink options that you can get delivered right to your mini lawn.  You must reserve in advance, but reservations are free.  https://thegreens.pier17ny.com/

A New Restaurant Opening

With so many restaurants closing, it’s great to hear about one opening and with such a novel idea. The Baylander Steel Beach is located on the deck of Baylander IX-514, a former aircraft carrier which served in the Vietnam War and is now docked at West Harlem Piers, on 125th Street on the Hudson River.  And the prices are great –  a lobster roll for $16! Check it out.

GET THE BOOK.

Oldie but Goodies

Our Broadway Babe, Randie Levine Miller, has unearthed some wonderful programs from the annals of history.  They include a documentary about The Mike Douglas Show, an Evening with Marvin Hamlisch (who died eight years ago), and a Kander and Ebb tribute that aired on the Dinah Shore Show.

 THE MIKE DOUGLAS SHOW: Moments & Memories

 I’m sure that most of the tomatoes, especially the baby boomers, remember the “Mike Douglas Show,” the popular daily talk and variety show that ran for 20 years. His show was never controversial… And attracted some of the bigger stars in show business. Mike died in 2006. This is a documentary about his life and times in television that aired in 2007

Kander and Ebb TV Tribute

This special Kander and Ebb Tribute aired on The Dinah Shore Show in 1975. Featuring Liza Minnelli, Chita Rivera, John Kander and Fred Ebb…with Kander at the piano and Ebb, Liza, Chita and Dinah  seated around the piano, telling stories and singing some of the best songs ever written!

Leonard Bernstein

 This 2 hour “Leonard Bernstein: Reaching For The Note,” a documentary about the maestro’s life and death aired on American Masters on PBS in 1998. Bernstein was one of the most beloved musical directors and composers who successfully bridged the classical and musical theater worlds: ”West Side Story,” “On The Town,” “Candide”…  this is, indeed, a very special “Special.”

An Evening with Marvin Hamlisch – Up Close & Personal

It’s eight years since extraordinary composer, Marvin Hamlisch died…In “An Evening with Marvin Hamlisch- Up Close and Personal,” Marvin shares some great behind the scenes stories about his many works. This is an excellent conversation with Marvin and the very knowledgeable Michael Kerker, head of Musical Theater at ASCAP that was done at the Kennedy Center.

All of the performers singing Marvin’s songs are the best of the best in musical theater:  Karen Ziemba, Liz Callaway and Kevin Early along with much lauded Alex Rybeck musical directing…  Marvin was much more than “A Chorus Line”…In the interview, he shares the fact that the New York Times disliked his music for this show…It was also not my favorite score of his, though I liked it,  but I know his music going all the way back to camp Geneva in the 60’s!

KISMET

Here’s a link to a kinescope of the 1967 TV version of KISMET starring Jose Ferrer, Anna Maria Alberghetti, Barbara Eden (Who shows her belly button in the show… I dream of Jeannie anyone?). George Chakiris and Hans Conried. Something I think our tomatoes will enjoy!