Good news for UWS Tomatoes. Wegman’s is coming your way! Along with the omnipresent smell of pot in the city, it looks like “to-go” cocktails, allowed during the pandemic, will now become a permanent fixture as well. AMC Theaters are celebrating Black History month with $5.00 tickets. Beatrix Potter is coming to the Morgan Library. We’re celebrating two of our Tomatoes today—Jane Goldman’s art exhibit, and Helene Galek’s play which opens at the Chain Theater One Act Winter Festival! Our roving photographer captured our first snow in NYC in two years. And our Broadway Babe, Randie Levine-Miller, has four historical entertainment finds, perfect for a winter weekend.

Wegmans to Open UWS Store

Wegmans Astor Place

The beloved supermarket, that recently landed in New York City, first opened at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in 2019 and then last year the Astor place location opened to great fanfare. The new store is reported to be opening at 932 Broadway between 64th and 65th Streets. The opening date has yet to be announced. The chain that has been around since the early 1900s is a cult favorite because of it’s great customer services, outstanding variety of products, high quality, reasonable prices and beautifully designed stores.  Learn more about Wegmans.

Requiem for a Bench: A New One Act Play

We are so excited for the premiere of Helene Galek’s play “REQUIEM FOR A BENCH” which opens as part of the Chain Theater One Act Winter Festival! This is only the second play she has written so it’s a big deal to have been chosen along with several playwrights! Her play is in Program #14, and the show will run Saturday, February 24th at 8 pm; Tuesday, February 27th at 8:30 pm; Saturday, March 2nd at 8 pm. It takes place at the Chain Theatre, 312 W. 36^th St. NYC. Get the details.

The Chain Theatre is a not for profit 501(C)3 production company whose goal is to create artistic work that is accessible, relatable, and invokes a visceral response in the audience through the mediums of theatre and film. We provide opportunities for New York based artists to experience challenging subject matters and universal themes.

Now – Feb. 29. Jane Goldman’s Art on Exhibit

And in more Tomato news, Jane Goldman, a retired corporate attorney, author, sculptor, piano player, and artist (a true Renaissance woman) has six of her beautiful paintings on display, including the one pictured here. These paintings are hanging in the company of about 10 talented artists all different styles and forms of expression which are sure to ignite your imagination. The exhibit is housed on the first floor of what was formerly the New York Health and Racquet Club located at 18 East 50th Street.  The entrance to the art gallery is through the building lobby. The show is open from 11 to 4 through February 29th with the exception of February 17thth and 18thth. Jane is also the author of the best-selling book, “With No Regrets…Getting Older: Face It, Live It, Love It.”

Let it snow!

Our roving photographer, Nicole Freezer Rubens captured these beautiful images in Central Park. Here’s what she says about them.

At long last New York City got some snow that stuck and blanketed Central Park in a movie set fashion. Although only 3” were recorded, it looked and felt like the pristine winter wonderland I’ve been waiting for since 2022.

The pictures below appear to be in black and white, but they are indeed taken in color, adding to the natural drama of the scenery. The larger-than-life snowman photo was taken a day later. @skyskrible has built several of these gigantic creations in the same spot at the gates of Sheep’s Meadow after past storms.

For me there is always a certain amount of nostalgia that a crisp white sheet of snow brings, reminding me of the gift of school being cancelled and a bonus day of freedom to go sledding with my friends. Long before the world of remote work, there were simply serendipitous snow days to make lifelong memories and hot chocolate.

~Nicole Freezer Rubens is the author of poetry/photo book, “The Long Pause and the Short Breath.” Follow her on https://www.instagram.com/nfrconsult/

Broadway Babe’s Picks: Four Historical Finds

 Our Broadway Babe, Randie Levine-Miller, has four nostalgic historical finds to share this week including: The original “Bye Bye Birdie” stars, Chita Rivera and Dick Van Dyke performing songs they did decades earlier; a show stopping event for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS saluting the 50th anniversary of “West Side Story”; the American Film Institute salute to Fred Astaire; and Ethel Merman and Dinah Shore performing together. This is a perfect group of videos to watch while staying indoors during the cold weather. WATCH NOW.

AMC Theaters Celebrates Black History Month with $5 tickets.

AMC theaters across the country are honoring extraordinary African American stories now through 3/2! Enjoy THE COLOR PURPLE and select $5 Fan Faves all month.  Check it out.

Feb. 23-Beatrix Potter Comes to the Morgan

The Morgan Library & Museum in Manhattan, New York City, is hosting an exciting exhibition titled “Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature”. This exhibit, which runs from February 23 to June 9, 2024, celebrates the life and work of Beatrix Potter, the beloved author and illustrator of children’s fiction. Her charming stories with unforgettable animal characters like Peter Rabbit, Mr. Jeremy Fisher, and Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle have left an indelible mark on children’s literature.

The exhibit explores how Potter’s fiction draws inspiration from the natural world. Her love for animals and keen scientific observation shaped her imaginative storytelling. Through her art and writing, she transported readers into enchanting realms inhabited by whimsical creatures. The exhibition also brings together a rich collection of artifacts, including original artwork, manuscripts, books, and related items. Visitors can explore the intersection of Potter’s creativity and her deep connection to nature.

Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the magical world of Beatrix Potter at the Morgan Library & Museum! 📚🐇🌿 For more information, you can visit the official exhibition page.