After four months of bringing you NYC virtually, it’s so excited to be able to celebrate what’s opening, which includes our zoos, the aquarium, the NY Botanical Garden, Governor’s Island, and the NYC Public Library!!! Woo hoo. Broadway sadly remains closed, but our Broadway Babe has our covered. But if you’re missing Broadway, Valerie Smaldone says head to the Berkshires for a live performance of Godspell. And we salute Time Out New York’s “Love Local” campaign to support our restaurants and Broadway.

Love Local

We salute Time Out NY which renamed themselves Time In when we were in lockdown, for their continued support of everything NYC, but especially for the Love Local Campaign they launched in May supporting two crucial initiatives—New York Cities’ restaurants, and Broadway. As they wrote, if we don’t take action right now, countless venues will close forever. Here’s how you help:

First off, they’re supporting ROAR (Relief Opportunities for All Restaurants). Second, they’re working to raise funds for Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund. Show your support!

The NY Public Library is Now Open

The New York Public Library, the Queens Public Library and the Brooklyn Public Library all officially reopened 22 branches between them for grab-and-go service on Monday after a nearly four-month-long closure. Here’s what you need to know.

Governors Island is Now Open

The 172-acre island will return with limited capacity for passive recreational activities which include hiking, running, biking, picnicking, and birding throughout the sprawling green space. Get the details.

July 24. City Zoos and the Aquarium Open

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) zoos and aquarium announced plans to reopen the Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo and Queens Zoo on Friday, July 24. From July 20 to 23, there will be special preview days for WCS members only. Learn more here.

July 28. New York Botanical Gardens Reopens

The spectacular gardens and collections across 250 acres are reopening. You can walk the shaded trails of our old-growth forest. Relax near a sparkling natural waterfall in the Bronx River. Stroll along the Native Plant Garden’s breezy promenade and meadow. They will actually open July 21-26 for members, Bronx neighbors, and Bronx health care heroes. The general public access begins July 28th.  Get the details.

Broadway Nostalgia

Our Broadway Babe, Randie Levine Miller has unearthed some wonderful gems from other decades. There’s Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli Live at the Palladium in 1964; A 1988 White House Salute (who was president?); Boston Pops does Broadway in 1990 and more!! And earlier this week, thanks to Randie, we posted a fabulous interview with the Mrs. Maisel cast.

The Nance

A delightful comedy starring Nathan Lane, with the most perfect supporting cast including Cady Huffman, Andrea Burns and Lewis J. Stadlen, written by Douglas Carter Beane played on Broadway in 2013…  it involves the lives of burlesque performers during the 1930s …. an excellent antidote to today’s world.

Barbara Cook and Mandy Patinkin in Boston–1989

This is from 1989 …a very special Boston Pops (John Williams conducting) Broadway concert with Barbara Cook and Mandy Patinkin.

Evening at Pops, Broadway Originals

This is a real find… From 1990, PBS… Evening at Pops …Broadway Originals… with musical theater greats Brent Barrett, Judy Kaye, Jason Graae,  Rebecca Luker, Paige O’Hara, Davis Gaines… Special guest conductor: John McGlinn.  Hosted by Kitty Carlisle Hart… A must-see!

In Performance at The White House (A Salute To Broadway) 1988

This program from PBS, 1988, is a nostalgic gem… In Performance at the White House, A Salute to Broadway..with President and Mrs. Reagan (remember them?  Both so elegant) …Starring Jerry Orbach, Pearl Bailey,Pamela Myers, Judy Kuhn, Larry Kert, and Jerry Herman playing the piano while singing his songs… The musical director for the evening was Marvin Hamlisch… And no, they didn’t play any of his music that night!

Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli – Live at the London Palladium 1964

Wow! Two of the greatest of the greats…Judy and Liza… This is legendary!  As a young girl, I played the album until it was totally worn out, mostly watching myself in the mirror imitating Judy… but never saw the video until now… Enjoy!

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