Good afternoon, this is W42ST Lifestyle Editor Sarah Beling with “Make Way For The Weekend” — your curated guide to the best of New York events in one convenient newsletter!
While I’m sometimes a dead-eyed h8r when it comes to Main Character Syndrome, I have a confession: put me in a setting like the lobby of the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center and I too am twirling around under the softly undulating lights, a glass of prosecco in hand, feeling like the lead in some epic Oscar-bait feature about my life in New York. Looks like (as usual) I’m full of contradictions!!!!
It’s not our fault, Main Characters — New York makes it too easy to cast yourself as the lead in the movie of your own life. F*** it, roll the credits!!!
❓Quick Question
Where have you experienced your most cinematic New York moment?
💃 beer and beats
The lovely folks at the Hudson Yards Bronx Brewery are hosting a free salsa class followed by DJ-ed dancing at Una Noche de Salsa on Friday March 10. The beer will give you courage!!
🍿 inside the actors studio film fest
Forget those TriBeCa festival pass prices (sorry, De Niro)!! The Actors Studio opens its doors to the public for their free 75th Anniversary Short Film Festival Saturday February 25, where you can enjoy creations from studio members as well as moderated talkbacks about the movies.
🖼 who’s afraid of
It’s your last chance to catch Virginia Woolf: A Modern Mind at the New York Public Library through Sunday March 5, celebrating the life, work and legacy of the talented and troubled novelist.
🎭 deserves a treat!
One of my favorite recent Broadway performances was by Kevin Del Aguila, who I thought was delightfully charming and strange in Some Like It Hot. Imagine my delight to learn that Del Aguila is the brains behind the book and lyrics of Dog Man:The Musical, an all-ages theatrical adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s beloved book series beginning performances Saturday March 4 at New World Stages. The New York Times declares it funny for kids and adults, which frankly, is something to bark about.
🧹 street sweep
We recently compiled a mega-list of worthy local volunteer organizations. One of our showcased groups, the Litter Legion, is hosting a neighborhood cleanup this Sunday February 26 in Hell’s Kitchen. Supplies provided!
🎨 it’s so dreamy
Did you know there’s an immersive NYC celebration of Pantone’s 2023 Color of the Year, Magenta? Now you do!!! Head to the basement of Chelsea Market between now and May 29 and groove out.
🍿 meet me at the Edge
Experience the sweeping romance of Love Affair, playing in collaboration with MOMA’s Movie Night Saturday February 24 at The Edge observatory in Hudson Yards. Admission includes a ticket to MOMA and views of the Empire State Building (featured prominently in the movie!). Staying in? Watch one of our Hell’s Kitchen-themed movies!
looks fun(gi)
The Fountain House Mushroom exhibit is hosting a grow-your-own workshop Tuesday February 28. Join in if you want to elevate your skill level beyond accidentally growing mushrooms in your overwatered houseplants (just me?!).
🎭 parade is not over yet
I was one of those very annoying people who couldn’t stop talking about Parade at City Center, even though my lazy ass didn’t even secure the hard-snag tickets (thank you, TJ!!!). It was a life-changing production that has now transferred to Broadway, and if the absolute horror of Neo-Nazis showing up to the first preview this week tells you nothing else, it’s that this production is needed now more than ever.
🎭 the trees are growing
“We say we’re all in it together — but are we, all in the same way?” asks The Trees by Agnes Borinsky, playing now through Sunday March 19 at Playwrights Horizons. Based on the last couple of years of Twitter alone and the above events, I would say we’re not all in it together??? Will report back, though.
🎭 the salon is open
If you’re longing for the halcyon days of 18th century French salons — congrats on living to 300!!! And also, there is a 21st century salon happening through the Bluebird Theatre Company Friday March 3, where you can hear new works and enjoy a beverage or two in a joyful, relaxed setting.
🧩 tumbling down
I’ll spare you the lengthy personal essay on why I take Jenga as seriously as my own life and the feeling of all the pieces falling down is representative of my hopes and dreams, and tell you instead that you can win 10 THOUSAND DOLLARS if you come out on top at the National Blocker’s Association Jenga Tournament at the TWA Hotel (yes, by JFK) Saturday February 25.
🎭 not so frigid
Make a day of it in the East Village and catch a few shows at the Frigid Fringe Festival showing now through Sunday March 5 and featuring fairly amazing play titles like A Scar is Born, Thank You, Ex and I Am My Own MILF. Grab a cannoli from Veniero’s afterward!!
🎭 dark disabled stories
Writer and performer Ryan J Haddad (of Netflix’s The Politician and New York copious theatrical credits) tells his own Dark Disabled Stories of navigating other people and the city with cerebral palsy, beginning Sunday February 28 at The Public Theater.
🪴 roots
Celebrate Black History Month at the New York Botanical Garden through February 28, where you can check out Rooted in Plants, an interactive, all-ages exhibit honoring the “ways in which people of the African Diaspora have contributed to our understanding and uses of plants around the world.”
🔥 Hot tip
In the spirit of honesty, I sometimes hesitate to share the “free things around NYC” pop-ups because, well, they can frankly get insane (see: ten-gazillion people lining up around Bryant Park for a free bagel with lox). But this free, nostalgic Y2K pop-up from Casetify running now through Sunday February 26 in Soho promises not only to showcase early aughts phone case designs from local fashion students but also will be distributing free custom airbrushed tote bags and Dunkaroos!!!! I can’t resist that frosting!!!!
⚠️ Omg I forgot to tell you
The MOTH Story Slam returns to The Bell House Monday March 6
There’s a Black History Month Pop Up Shop Sunday February 26 at the Content House in Brooklyn
Remy Ma plays Sony Hall Saturday February 25
Friday February 24 is Free Night at The Frick
Jennifer Holliday plays 54 Below this weekend!!!
That’s it for now! Call me beep me if you want to reach me! (sarah@w42st.com)
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