Events

New York City Opera Presents “Romance in Opera” at Wollman Rink in Central Park

Published

9 months ago

September 2, 2022

New York City Opera will present Romance in Opera on Monday, September 12, 2022 at 7pm at Wollman Rink in Central Park. Stars of the New York City Opera stage bring romance to life, with love stories as passionate as the music itself. Featuring scenes from La Bohème, Tosca, La Traviata, Roméo et Juliette, L’elisir d’amore, The Pearl Fishers, Pagliacci, and Eugene Onegin. The concert will feature performances by baritone Gustavo Feulien, soprano Kristin Sampson, tenor Victor Starsky, soprano Elizaveta Ulakhovich, and tenor WooYoung Yoon. The evening will be emceed by New York City Opera General Director Michael Capasso with music direction and piano accompaniment by Kathryn Olander. Tickets are $15. This is a non-skating event. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit wollmanrinknyc.com/event/new-york-city-opera.

The program will include:

The Pearl Fishers, “Au fond du temple saint”

Gustavo Fuelien, Zurga

Victor Starsky, Nadir

Tosca, Act I duet

Kristin Sampson, Tosca

Victor Starsky, Cavaradossi

Eugene Onegin, “Letter” aria

Elizaveta Ulakhovich, Tatyana Larina

L’elisir d’amore, “Tra-la-la-la”

Elizaveta Ulakhovich, Adina

WooYoung Yoon, Nemorino

Roméo et Juliette, “Nuit d’hyménée”

Kristin Sampson, Juliette

Victor Starsky, Romeo

La traviata, “Un di Felice”

WooYoung Yoon, Alfredo Germont

Elizaveta Ulakhovich, Violetta Valéry

Pagliacci, “Silvio, a quest’ora”

Kristin Sampson, Nedda

Gustavo Feulien, Silvio

La bohème, Act III

Kristin Sampson, Mimì

WooYoung Yoon, Rodolfo

Gustavo Feulien, Marcello

Elizaveta Ulakhovich, Musetta

Kristin Sampson, soprano praised by the New York Times for her “bright, sizable and expressive voice,” Mexican-born American soprano Kristin Sampson’s 2020-2022 engagements include a guest artist appearance and debut with the Kauno Filharmonijain in Lithuania under the baton of Maestro Constantine Orbelian, a company debut with Opera Grand Rapids as Liù in Turandot, role debuts as Marguerite in Faust and Musetta in La bohème with the Washington Opera Society, featured soloist with the Phoenicia International Festival of the Voice, and summer concert performances with New York City Opera. Ms. Sampson is a two-time recipient of a grant from the Olga Forrai Foundation and has performed with the New York City Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Opera Orchestra of New York, Opera Carolina, Dicapo Opera Theatre, Augusta Opera, El Paso Opera, and the National Lyric Opera among others; and internationally with Puccini Festival of Torre del Lago, Teatro del Giglio in Lucca, Teatro Goldoni in Livorno, Teatro Verdi in Pisa, the Magyar Tavak Fesztiválja in Hungary, Opera Society of Hong Kong, Armel Opera Festival, National Theater of Szeged, Teatro Municipal de Santiago, and Teatro dell’Opera di Roma. Signature roles include Minnie in La fanciulla del West, the title roles in Tosca and Madama Butterfly, Mimì in La bohème, Nedda in Pagliacci, the title role in Adriana Lecouvreur, and Liù in Turandot.

kristinsampson.com

Elizaveta Ulakhovich, soprano was born in St. Petersburg, Russia. She attended the Music College N.A.Rimsky-Korsakov and the St. Petersburg State Conservatory. She was a member of the 2017 class of the People’s Artist of the RSFSR E.S. Gorokhovskaya, where she graduated Summa cum Laude. As a Young Artist with the Bolshoi Theatre of Russia, under the direction of Honored Art Worker D.Vdovin, Elizaveta won several awards, including Third Prize of the 9th International Competition S.Monyushko “Ubelskaya swallow” in Minsk, Belarus, and a special award of the 32nd international competition “Ismaele Voltolini” in Buscoldo, Italy. She was also involved in the World premiere productions of the mono-opera Cormorant, Samson and Delilah based on Elena Skulskaya’s novel, and in Tallinn and M. Weinberg’s opera Idiot. Samson and Delilah was broadcasted on Estonian national radio and television. She also performed over 100 concerts on many stages of Russia, including the Beethoven Hall of the Bolshoi Theatre and Philharmonic Hall of St. Petersburg. After moving to New York, Elizaveta was the winner of the III Prize of the Giulio Gari international competition, the finalist of the “Getting to Carnegie” competition, and given a special award of the Opera at Florham competition. In 2020, Elizaveta signed a contract with Lombardo Associates Artist Management. Last summer, she performed the leading soprano role of Matella in Handel’s Silla for Chicago Summer Opera. Elizaveta is excited to make her debut for New York City Opera. She is very thankful for her voice teacher Michael Paul, her many artistic mentors and her family for all of their support.

Victor Starsky is a native of Richmond Hill, New York, where he has learned and practiced his craft as a teacher, martial artist, and professional musician. Mr. Starsky was a participant of the 2019 Merola Opera Program and a 2020 San Francisco Opera Adler Fellow where he gratefully received the prestigious Shoshana Foundation’s Richard F. Gold Career Grant. Victor performed the role of Lt. B.F. Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly with Long Island Opera and made his role debut as the Duke in Verdi’s Rigoletto at Opera Modesto. In February 2020, he performed the role of Don José in his company debut with Opera Tampa. Opera Today writes: ”Victor Starsky’s Don José is terrifying and compelling, with a voice that performs vocal acrobatics with strength and beauty that remains undiminished through his final line.” Victor made his Carnegie Hall debut in April 2019 as the tenor soloist in Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass. In 2018, he traveled to Italy to perform the role of Alfredo in La Traviata, conducted by Audrey Saint-Gill. Victor sang Il Postiglione in La Fanciulla del West and Rodolfo in La Bohème with New York City Opera, and Tony in West Side Story with Opera North. In 2014, Mr. Starsky received the honor of a lifetime to perform the role of The Celebrant in Leonard Bernstein’s MASS with its premier conductor, Maestro Maurice Peress. Victor is blessed beyond expression to be a proud father and husband.

Korean tenor WooYoung Yoon recently made his role debut in Berlioz’s Le Damnation de Faust with the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de Costa Rica with Maestro John Nelson. Recently he also debuted as Tonio (The Daughter of the Regiment) in the Merola Grand Finale on the stage of San Francisco Opera. In the spring of 2019 he returned to San Francisco Opera for a recital in the Schwabacher Recital Series. His debut at Stern Auditorium in Carnegie Hall performing Mozart’s Regina Coeli with Mid America Productions will be made in the summer of 2022. This season WooYoung performs Almaviva in Rossini’s The Barber of Seville with Knoxville Opera, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with the Lubbock Symphony, and returns to the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de Costa Rica for Christus am Oelberg with Maestro John Nelson. Mr. Yoon has distinguished himself in a variety of major competitions, most recently as the 2019 Orpheus Competition Grand Prize winner.

Hailed by the New York Times as “rich voiced” and by Opera News for his “interesting and convincing portrayal of Scarpia, most impressive in Te Deum” in Tosca, Argentinian-American baritone Gustavo Feulien continues his career with great success. Most recently, Gustavo performed as Scarpia in Tosca with Maryland Symphony Orchestra and this season he will return to the role with Gulfshore Symphony. For his New York City Opera debut as Silvio in Pagliacci, critics hailed his performance as “…a most imposing Silvio with sharp, powerful gestures in both his acting and singing; his duet…was both ardent and tender” and “…the love scene with Silvio, rakishly sung by Gustavo Feulien, drew bravos from many in the audience.” This season, Gustavo will sing Silvio with Boheme Opera in New Jersey. Gustavo made his role debuts as Marcello in La bohème with Wichita Grand Opera, as Scarpia in Tosca with Loft Opera, and as Sharpless in Madama Butterfly with Gulfshore Opera. Gustavo Feulien had a successful European debut as Belcore in L´elisir d´amore and as Count Almaviva in Le nozze di Figaro with Theater Bremen in Germany.

Michael Capasso is the General Director of the New York City Opera. He has pro- duced, directed, and toured opera and musical theater productions in the U.S. and abroad for over 30 years. In June of 2014, he led the successful effort to bring the New York City Opera out of bankruptcy. The revitalized New York City Opera re- turned to the stage in January 2016 with a celebratory production of Tosca. In 1981, he, along with Diane Martindale, founded New York”s Dicapo Opera Theatre. Over the 30 years of his leadership, Dicapo Opera Theater presented a diverse program- ming to the New York public. In addition to his work with the Dicapo Opera Theatre, Mr. Capasso has directed operas at l’Opéra de Montréal; Mallorca Opera; Toledo Opera; Connecticut Opera; New Jersey State Opera; Opera Carolina; and Orlando Opera among others. Mr. Capasso founded the National Lyric Opera in 1991, a tour- ing company that has brought fully staged operas to communities in the American Northeast.

Recently hailed by Opera News for her “impressive playing,” Kathryn Olander is a frequent assistant conductor/pianist with New York City Opera as well as many regional opera houses. In addition to coaching privately she has held coaching positions with the Juilliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music, and Chautauqua Institute. An avid recitalist, highlights include performances at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Hall and Zankel Hall, The Appel Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Bryant Park’s concert series, the Hungarian Consulate of New York and the Polish Consulate of New York, and Bechstein Hall. Ms. Olander is a regular pianist with Reaching for the Arts and Opportunity Music Project, specializing in bringing music to underserved communities and Creative Stage. Ms. Olander began teaching piano at Northeastern University while earning her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance at New England Conservatory and has since maintained a studio of private piano students.

Since its founding in 1943 by Mayor Fiorello La Guardia as “The People’s Opera,” New York City Opera (NYCO) has been a critical part of the city’s cultural life. During its history, New York City Opera launched the careers of dozens of major artists and presented engaging productions of both mainstream and unusual operas alongside commissions and regional premieres. The result was a uniquely American opera company of international stature.

For more than seven decades, New York City Opera has maintained a distinct identity, adhering to its unique mission: affordable ticket prices, a devotion to American works, English-language performances, the promotion of up-and-coming American singers, and seasons of accessible, vibrant and compelling productions intended to introduce new audiences to the art form. Stars who launched their careers at New York City Opera include Plácido Domingo, Catherine Malfitano, Sherrill Milnes, Samuel Ramey, Beverly Sills, Tatiana Troyanos, Carol Vaness, and Shirley Verrett, among dozens of other great artists. New York City Opera has a long history of inclusion and diversity. It was the first major opera company to feature African American singers in leading roles (Todd Duncan as Tonio in Pagliacci, 1945; Camilla Williams in the title role in Madama Butterfly, 1946); the first to produce a new work by an African-American composer (William Grant Still, Troubled Island, 1949); and the first to have an African-American conductor lead its orchestra (Everett Lee, 1955).

A revitalized City Opera re-opened in January 2016 with Tosca, the opera that originally launched the company in 1944. Outstanding productions during the four years since then include: the world premieres of Iain Bell and Mark Campbell’s Stonewall, which NYCO commissioned and developed, legendary director Harold Prince’s new production of Bernstein’s Candide; Puccini’s beloved La Fanciulla del West; and the New York premiere of Daniel Catán’s Florencia en el Amazonas — the first in its Ópera en Español series. Subsequent Ópera en Español productions include the New York premiere of the world’s first mariachi opera, José “Pepe” Martinez’s Cruzar la Cara de la Luna, Literes’s Los Elementos, and Piazzolla’s María de Buenos Aires. In addition to the world premiere of Stonewall, the productions in NYCO’s Pride Initiative, which produces an LGBTQ-themed work each June during Pride Month, include the New York premiere of Péter Eötvös’s Angels in America and the American premiere of Charles Wuorinen’s Brokeback Mountain. New York City Opera has presented such talents as Anna Caterina Antonacci and Aprile Millo in concert, as well as its own 75th Anniversary Concert in Bryant Park, one in a series of the many concerts and staged productions that it presents each year as part of the Park’s summer performance series. City Opera’s acclaimed summer series in Bryant Park brings free performances to thousands of New Yorkers and visitors every year.

New York City Opera continues its legacy with main stage performances at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater and with revitalized outreach and education programs at venues throughout the city, designed to welcome and inspire a new generation of opera audiences. City Opera’s acclaimed summer series in Bryant Park brings free performances to thousands of New Yorkers and visitors every year.

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Suzanna Bowling

Suzanna, co-owns and publishes the newspaper Times Square Chronicles or T2C. At one point a working actress, she has performed in numerous productions in film, TV, cabaret, opera and theatre. She has performed at The New Orleans Jazz festival, The United Nations and Carnegie Hall. She has a screenplay and a TV show in the works, which she developed with her mentor and friend the late Arthur Herzog. She is a proud member of the Drama Desk and the Outer Critics Circle and was a nominator. Email: suzanna@t2conline.com

Broadway

The New Dramatists’ 71st Annual Benefit Luncheon and You are There

Published

4 hours ago

June 1, 2023

Suzanna Bowling

On Tuesday the New Dramatists’ 71st Annual Benefit Luncheon was held at the New York Marriott Marquis, 1535 Broadway, Broadway ballroom 6^th floor.

Suzan-Lori-Parks photo by Michael Hull

Tony® Honor recipient and the nation’s premier playwright development laboratory, was honored with its 2023 Distinguished Achievement Award at their 71st Annual Spring Luncheon Tribute

Kenny Leon photo by Michael Hull

Tony Award winner, Kenny Leon, director of Parks’ recent revival of Topdog/Underdog lead the tributes.

photo by Michael Hull

In Attendance were:

Ben Platt (Parade) photo by Michael Hull

Annaleigh Ashford (Sweeney Todd) photo by Michael Hull

Brandon Uranowitz (Leopoldstadt) photo by Michael Hull

J. Harrison Ghee (Some Like It Hot) photo by Michael Hull

Kevin Cahoon (Shucked) photo by Michael Hull

Natasha Yvette Williams (Some Like It Hot) photo by Michael Hull

Wayne Cilento (Dancin’) photo by Michael Hull

Betsy Wolfe (& Juliet) and Linedy Genao (Bad Cinderella) photo by Michael Hull

Justin Cooley (Kimberly Akimbo), Ben Platt (Parade) and Colton Ryan (New York, New York) photo by Michael Hull

Justin Cooley (Kimberly Akimbo), Brian Stokes Mitchell, Suzan-Lori Parks, Victoria Clark (Kimberly Akimbo) and Bonnie Milligan (Kimberly Akimbo) at The New Dramatists Spring Luncheon. photo by Michael Hull

Also Artistic Director Emily Morse and Executive Director Joel Ruark,

Executive Director Joel Ruark photo by Michael Hull

Jeannie Tessori photo by Michael Hull

Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi), Betsy Aidem (Leopoldstadt), Steven Boyer (Kimberly Akimbo), Faye Castelow (Leopoldstadt), Rashad Chambers (Topdog/Underdog), Ben Davis (New York, New York), Eisa Davis (New York, New York), Micaela Diamond (Parade), Delia Ephron (Love Loss & What I Wore), Corey Hawkins (Topdog/Underdog), Jessica Hecht (Summer, 1976), Amy Herzog (A Doll’s House), Robert Horn (Shucked), Mark Jacoby (A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical), LaChanze (Here Lies Love, Kimberly Akimbo), event co-chair Caissie Levy (Leopoldstadt), Judith Light (Other Desert Cities), David Lindsay-Abaire (Kimberly Akimbo), Neil Meron (Some Like It Hot), Alli Mauzey (Kimberly Akimbo), Lauren Mitchell (A Bronx Tale), Arian Moayed (A Doll’s House), Casey Nicholaw (Some Like It Hot), Linda Powell (A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical), Daryl Roth (Kinky Boots), Sarah Ruhl (in The Next Room), Stark Sands (& Juliet), Miriam Silverman (The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window), Marcel Spears (Fat Ham), Katy Sullivan (Cost of Living), David Stone (Wicked), Jeanine Tesori (Kimberly Akimbo), Paula Vogel (How I Learned To Drive), Sharon Washington (New York, New York), Scott WIttman (Some Like It Hot), Kara Young (Cost of Living), David Zayas (Cost of Living).

Performing were:

Suzan-Lori-Parks photo by Michael Hull

Daniel Fulton, Orville Mendoza, Suzan-Lori-Parks, Lauren Molina and Leland Fowler photo by Michael Hull

Brandon and Jason Dirden photo by Michael Hull

New Dramatists resident playwrights at The New Dramatists Spring Luncheon. photo by Michael Hull

Suzan-Lori-Parks and New Dramatists resident playwrights at The New Dramatists Spring Luncheon. photo by Michael Hull

Suzan-Lori-Parks New Dramatists resident playwrights at The New Dramatists Spring Luncheon. photo by Michael Hull

Suzan-Lori-Parks photo by Michael Hull

Tony Kushner photo by Michael Hull

NYC Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams, Suzan-Lori-Parks photo by Michael Hull

Stay tuned for our interviews.

Events

Tribeca Festival Announces ‘Expressions of Black Freedom’

Published

4 hours ago

June 1, 2023

ElizaBeth Taylor

“Expressions of Black Freedom”, sponsored by Indeed, is an evolution of the Tribeca Festival’s Juneteenth programming that gives a curated look at stories that embody what it means to be free. This year’s theme is Black Music, which ties into the festival-wide celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop. To help us craft the celebration, Tribeca brought in a curator-in-residence, Fab 5 Freddy. The full experience includes films, Talks, lounge discussions, musical performances, immersive experiences, and a Masterclass.

Examples of programming includes: the world premiere of All Up in the Biz, a documentary about New York hip-hop legend Biz Markie; the world premiere of Cinnamon, directed by Bryian Keith Montgomery Jr. and starring Damon Wayans and Pam Grier; the world premiere of For Khadija, starring French Montana and executive produced by Drake and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs; Misty Copeland’s Flower; Gloria Gaynor will perform following the world premiere of Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive; Charlie Ahearn, Lee Quiñones, Fab 5 Freddy, and Grand Wizzard Theodore reunite for a special 40th anniversary celebration of Wild Style, and Tribeca Talks with artists like Billy Porter.

Program combines films, immersive experiences, panels, and events including:

FEATURES:

ALL UP IN THE BIZ

SPOTLIGHT DOCUMENTARY, WORLD PREMIERE | FEATURE | UNITED STATES | 100 MINUTES | ENGLISH

New York native Biz Markie remains a hip-hop icon despite his untimely death in 2021. Best known for his 1989 Top 40 hit “Just a Friend”, Markie was a rapper, beatboxer, songwriter, and producer who was fondly referred to as the clown prince of hip-hop. Markie performed all over the world and made cameo appearances in TV shows like SpongeBob SquarePants, In Living Color, and The Tonight Show, and films including Men in Black II and Sharknado 2.

ANTHEM

“The Star-Spangled Banner”, written in 1814 using the melody of an old British tune, is a song that evokes a range of emotions from patriotic pride to cynicism and terror. But what would the national anthem sound like if it was based on American music? Anthem follows composer and pianist Kris Bowers and producer Dahi as they journey across the country to find out.

Choir singing the new anthem after the screening, followed by a Q&A

BAD LIKE BROOKLYN DANCEHALL

Bad Like Brooklyn Dancehall explores the ‘80s and ‘90s emergence of dancehall as Jamaican immigrants brought the music, dancing, and vibes of their home to New York City. Nicknamed the 15th Parish of Jamaica, New York City became home to an influential movement that saw dancehall rise alongside hip-hop and eventually spread across the country.

After the Premiere: Performance by Dancehall legends.

CHOIR

TRIBECA TV WORLD PREMIERE | UNITED STATES | 93 MINUTES |

For the Detroit Youth Choir, everything changed when they entered the spotlight on America’s Got Talent. They’d come a long way from rehearsing in a church basement with a handful of kids, but now their past achievements are old news and the new kids need to step up. With new talent and auditions underway, can the DYC stay relevant both in their hometown and on the national stage?

After the Screening: A conversation with Artistic Director of the Detroit Youth Choir Anthony White, director Rudy Valdez, executive producer Sara Bernstein, and members of the choir, plus a special performance by the Detroit Youth Choir.

CINNAMON

Aspiring singer Jodi Jackson (Tony nominee Hailey Kilgore) has a big voice and dreams to match but struggles to make ends meet as a gas station attendant whose boss (Damon Wayans) may not be on the up and up. Enter charming small-time crook Eddie (David Iacono). He would do anything to make her dreams come true. The two lovers hatch a plan to change their lives, but as the old proverb goes, “We plan, God laughs.” What follows is a journey in which they both must use their wits to survive.

DE LA CALLE

TRIBECA TV, WORLD PREMIERE | UNITED STATES | 87 MINUTES | ENGLISH |

De La Calle is a docu-series that takes a journey into the Latino diaspora to explore the evolution of Urbano music and cultures that ignited the musical revolution of Rap, Reggaeton, Bachata, Latin trap, Cumbia and other sounds that are influencing music and culture worldwide.

After the Screening: A conversation with series host Nick Barili and additional special guests.

FOR KHADIJA: FRENCH MONTANA

French Montana is many things, including an entrepreneur and Grammy-nominated rapper. But what did it take for a hungry talent from Africa to reach those lofty heights? The Moroccan-born and New York-bred multi-platinum artist behind hits such as Pop That, Unforgettable, and No Stylist is giving us a deeper look through his lens. This globe-spanning showcase provides views of French we haven’t seen, including the unbreakable bond he shares with his single mother, Khadija.

After the Premiere: A performance by French Montana, Triplets Ghetto Kids, and Very Special Guests.

GLORIA GAYNOR: I WILL SURVIVE

Gloria Gaynor forever cemented her place in popular culture with the disco classic “I Will Survive”. In the four decades since, her career has been stalled by health issues, as well as abuse and mismanagement from her now ex-husband. Yet in keeping with the title of her most famous song, Gaynor struggles onward as she works to release a new gospel album in her seventies.

After the Premiere: A performance by the one and only Gloria Gaynor.

HOW STELLA GOT HER GROOVE BACK

RETROSPECTIVE | FEATURE | 125 MINUTES |

Through good times and bad, Stella (Angela Bassett) and Delilah (Whoopi Goldberg) have always had each other. Now, Stella’s so busy building a life that she’s forgotten to really live. But Delilah is about to change all that. What starts as a quick trip to Jamaica, ends as an exhilarating voyage of self discovery as Stella learns to open her heart and find love – even if it’s with a man 20 years her junior. Directed by Kevin Rodney Sullivan. Written by Terry McMillan, Ron Bass. Produced by Deborah Schindler. With Angela Bassett, Taye Diggs, Whoopi Goldberg, Regina King. A 20th Century Fox release.

After the Movie: A panel with Kevin Sullivan and Angela Bassett, moderated by Torell Shavone Taylor.

INVISIBLE BEAUTY

SPOTLIGHT DOCUMENTARY, NEW YORK PREMIERE | FEATURE | UNITED STATES | 114 MINUTES |

Frédéric Tcheng, the director of 2019’s Halston, returns to Tribeca with another documentary about a fashion world titan: co-director Bethann Hardison. Featuring in-depth interviews with Hardison herself, Invisible Beauty is an elegant account of the model-turned-fashion industry insider’s life and career, culminating in her tireless advocacy for more diversity both on the runway and off.

LOST SOULZ

Sol (Sauve Sidle) is an aspiring young rapper living with his best friend Wesley (Siyanda Stillwell), whose family has embraced him as a brother. After a raucous night causes Wesley to overdose, Sol abandons him at a house party, and eventually chooses to leave home for good and join a touring group of hip-hop artists. As they travel across Texas creating and performing, he discovers who he is as an artist and person.

MELODY OF LOVE

Clad in slim jeans and a leather jacket, with his electric guitar strapped to his back, jazz musician Michael (Elijah Reid) cuts an effortlessly cool figure as he moves through the streets of Addis Ababa. Playing the nightclubs of his beloved city and excited by the promise of an upcoming tour, Michael is every bit the working musician. When his mother asks him to join her in Brussels, the guitarist falls into deep existential dread at the thought of leaving and becoming part of the diaspora in a continent defined by its history of white entitlement and mistreatment. Michael sets out to bid loved ones goodbye, enjoying the simple pleasures of the city one last time. He comes to find a deeper purpose and a revolutionary reason for being in this jazzy, intimate look at the emotional toll of colonialism and the forced displacement at its cruel center.

NEW JACK CITY

RETROSPECTIVE | FEATURE | 100 MINUTES |

New Jack City, (United States). Wesley Snipes stars in this hard-edged film based on a frightening true world as Nino Brown, an American success story – with a twist. He’s young, handsome, smart, rich, successful, and prominent in his community. But Nino Brown is a big-time drug baron. Determined to end the remorseless evil of Nino’s drug empire, two street-smart policemen will stop at nothing to destroy his organization. Directed by Mario Van Peebles. Written by Thomas Lee Wright, Barry Michael Cooper. Produced by George Jackson, Doug McHenry. With Wesley Snipes, Ice-T, Mario Van Peebles, Judd Nelson. A Warner Brothers release.

After the Movie: A panel with Mario Van Peebles, Michael Michele, and Fab 5 Freddy.

PLANET B-BOY
FREE & OUTDOOR EVENTS | FEATURE | 101 MINUTES |

A powerful documentary about the vibrant global resurgence of break-dancing, Planet B-Boy goes inside the underground hip-hop dance scenes around the world.

After the Movie: A free entry-level breakdancing tutorial led by the instructors of Wondrous – Studio Of Breaking in Brooklyn.

SUNDAY BEST

Ed Sullivan is rightly considered to be one of the great figures of American television. For 23 years, The Ed Sullivan Show broadcast some of the biggest musicians into millions of homes, including Nat King Cole, Elvis Presley, and The Beatles’ record-breaking first appearance in 1964. Sunday Best affectionately recounts Sullivan’s show business career with an emphasis on his support of Black American artists, including his friendship with Bill Robinson.

THE BLACKENING

SPOTLIGHT NARRATIVE U.S. PREMIERE | FEATURE | UNITED STATES | 96 MINUTES

Seven Black friends reunite at a cabin in the woods to celebrate Juneteenth. They ignite in friendly banter as they arrive, referencing old jokes like they just saw each other yesterday. But as night falls, things begin to go awry in the picturesque cabin. Lights go out and a masked archer stalks them from outside. Once they’re trapped in a room, the group must play the ultimate game: figure out who among them is the Blackest — or else they all die. So, who exactly is the Blackest of them all? And who will make it through the night?

WILD STYLE

RETROSPECTIVE | FEATURE | 82 MINUTES |

Wild Style, (United States). Universally hailed as the classic hip hop movie, Wild Style tells the story of Zoro, played by the graffiti legend Lee Quiñones, in his subway art romance with the graffiti queen Sandra “Lady Pink” Fabara. Fab Five Freddy, who helped Charlie Ahearn create Wild Style from its inception, stars as the smooth impresario Phade. Following the outlaw artists through the train yards to the clubs, Wild Style climaxes at a massive outdoor jam, definitely the most famous hip hop party in history! Directed, written and produced by Charlie Ahearn. With Lee Quiñones, Lady Pink, Fab 5 Freddy, Patti Astor, Andrew Witten, Busy Bee, Grand Wizzard Theodore.

After the Movie: A panel with Charlie Ahearn, Lee Quiñones, Fab 5 Freddy, and Grand Wizzard Theodore, moderated by Pitchfork staff writer Alphonse Pierre.

SAY IT LOUD! SHORTS PROGRAM

Freedom of Black expression is explored in these short docs:

BLACK GIRLS PLAY: THE STORY OF HAND GAMES

SHORTS, WORLD PREMIERE | UNITED STATES | 18 MINUTES | ENGLISH |

An illuminating look at the influence that hand games played by Black girls has had on the American creative landscape.

CRUZAN COWBOYS

A short documentary chronicling the horse jockey community in Saint Croix, US Virgin Islands – through the perspective of a young aspiring jockey, native to the island.

GOODBYE, MORGANZA

A property dispute led to one family’s displacement from their ancestral home. Today, their youngest daughter is left to pick up the pieces—all of them fitting within two storage units.

LIZZO “SPECIAL”

In Lizzo’s music video, visuals, empowering lyrics, and energetic performances celebrate self-love, body positivity, and individuality. Bold, colorful, and full of positive energy.

MERMAN

SHORTS, WORLD PREMIERE | UNITED STATES | 11 MINUTES | ENGLISH |

A 58 year-old Black queer man speaks about his life as an emergency nurse, leather titleholder and civil rights advocate.

SAVI THE CAT

SHORTS, NEW YORK PREMIERE | UNITED STATES | 18 MINUTES | ENGLISH |

When a devoted Kenyan husband surprises his new Black-American wife with an adorable kitten, neither are prepared for the destruction it wields upon their home, their life, and ultimately, their marriage.

SHORTS

CUARTO DE HORA

Alex (25), is a young Haitian man living in Chile who is undocumented and does not speak Spanish. After a car accident he is helped and translated by Daniela (50), a passerby with whom he is going to live what could be his last 15 minutes of life.

FLOWER

WORLD PREMIERE SPECIAL EVENT | 28 MINUTES |

The World Premiere of Misty Copeland’s Flower will screen as a special event at Spring Studios. Flower is a poignant take on community, belonging and intergenerational equity, directed by Lauren Finerman, in which Copeland stars and serves as producer. This film also marks the return to performance for Copeland after a multi-year hiatus. Following the screening, the premiere event will feature live performances by Copeland’s co-star Babatunji Johnson and a group of NYC hip hop dancers choreographed by the legendary choreographers Rich + Tone Talauega, who also worked on the film, and a Q&A with Copeland and the filmmakers.

IN THE SHADOWS OF PALMS

In the Shadow of Palms is an intimate portrait of three lives on the outskirts of Los Angeles and the creative ways they find hope in this cinematic documentary.

LUNARCODE: THE LIGHT (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

A powerful music video by award winning rock band Lunarcode.

IMMERSIVE

COLORED

NEW VOICES COMPETITION, NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE FRANCE, TAIWAN R.O.C. | 30 MINUTES | ENGLISH, FRENCH |

Colored is an immersive mixed-reality installation adapted from a biographical essay written by Tania de Montaigne. It’s the story of Claudette Colvin, a 15-year-old Black girl who, in Alabama in the 1950s, refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white woman. A Rosa Parks ante litteram whose revolutionary gesture did not receive the same public recognition as that of her elder a few months later, condemning her to oblivion. At 83 years old, Claudette still lives in New York. Published sixty years after the fact, this biography, winner of the 2015 Simone Veil Prize, plunges us into a moment in American civil rights history that keeps resurfacing in our time. The feeling that to be Black is to be an inferior race, especially for a woman.

MASTERCLASS

MASTERCLASS: THE DREAM TEAM – CAREERS IN TALENT REPRESENTATION

TRIBECA TALKS | 75 MINUTES |

Hosted by: The Blackhouse Foundation and Diverse Representation
Discover the unique career paths to the value-added role of Talent Representative with our distinguished panel of agents, managers, attorneys, and publicists. This conversation is about getting in the room to have a seat at the table while building a community of savvy negotiators to help talent realize their dreams. Moderated by Diverse Representation Founder, Jaia Thomas.

About the Blackhouse Foundation

The Blackhouse Foundation was founded in 2007 to expand career opportunities for Black multi-platform content creators and build an enhanced pipeline for executives within film, television, digital, and emerging platforms.

About Diverse Representation
The mission of Diverse Representation is to increase the hiring and exposure of Black agents, attorneys, managers, and publicists in the sports and entertainment industries.

This year the Tribeca Film Festival collaborates with the Blackhouse Foundation and Diverse Prepresentation to provide space for behind-the-scenes discussions on career advancement and thought-provoking conversations with creators and executives.

TALKS

STORYTELLERS – CHANCE THE RAPPER WITH THELMA GOLDEN

TRIBECA TALKS | 60 MINUTES |

Multi-Grammy award winner Chance the Rapper has built a multi-faceted career across music, film, television, and art. His new body of work, Star Line Gallery, has premiered at art institutions around the world including Art Basel and Los Angeles’ Museum Of Contemporary Art (MOCA).

STORYTELLERS WITH BILLY PORTER WITH IDINA MENZEL

TRIBECA TALKS | 60 MINUTES |

Billy Porter is an Emmy, Tony and Grammy award-winning actor, singer, director, producer, composer, and playwright, best known for FX’s Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated drama “Pose” and Broadway’s Kinky Boots.

STORYTELLERS: JANE FONDA RECEIVES THE HARRY BELAFONTE VOICES FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARD

TRIBECA TALKS | 60 MINUTES |

Jane Fonda is a two-time Academy Award-winning actor, producer, author, activist, and fitness guru with a career spanning over 50 years. Her body of work includes over 45 films as well as advocacy on behalf of political causes such as women’s rights, Native Americans, and the environment. She is a seven-time Golden Globe winner and was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2021, Stanley Kubrick Excellence in Film Award as part of BAFTA’s Britannia Awards in 2019, AFI Life Achievement Award winner in 2014, and Honorary Palme d’Or honoree in 2007. Fonda also continues to lead the charge on Fire Drill Fridays in partnership with Greenpeace USA, and launched the Jane Fonda Climate PAC last year. The award will be presented by Grammy-winning artist Alicia Keys. Fonda will be joined in conversation by Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts.

SPRING STUDIOS LOUNGE PANELS

HIP-HOP DANCE TUTORIAL WITH WONDROUS STUDIO

Join us for a free entry-level breakdancing tutorial led by the instructors of Wondrous – Studio Of Breaking in Brooklyn.

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Events

A Golden Night at InterContinental New York Barclay

Published

4 hours ago

June 1, 2023

ElizaBeth Taylor

On May 31, the InterContinental New York Barclay hosted a very special and intimate soiree called Veuve Clicquot Terrace. Kicking off the summer season in style at a luxurious soiree, invited guests enjoyed bubbles and VCP burgers, which were served throughout the evening.

Located just off Park Avenue in midtown Manhattan, The Barclay is one of New York’s most storied hotels, originally built in 1926. Fresh from an extensive renovation, the property seamlessly integrates urban history with modern comforts and amenities.

If you are out to visit this lovely hotel this summer you must check out The Parlour restaurant for Jazzy Wednesdays, featuring live music from Café Society Jazz Band.

Events

The 2023 Excellence in Theatre Education Award

Published

4 hours ago

June 1, 2023

Writer

The Tony Awards and Carnegie Mellon University announced today that theatre director/teacher Jason Zembuch Young of South Plantation High School in Plantation, Florida, will receive the 2023 Excellence in Theatre Education Award.

The Excellence in Theatre Education Award was co-founded in 2014 by the Tony Awards and CMU to recognize top K-12 drama teachers and to celebrate arts education. Zembuch Young will receive his award at The 76^th Annual Tony Awards on Sunday, June 11, at the historic United Palace in New York City’s Washington Heights.

Making theatre accessible for all audiences has been the hallmark of Zembuch Young’s 20 years as a drama teacher. Each year, he produces two full-length mainstage productions, a play and a musical, in both voice and American Sign Language (ASL). As an advocate for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) population, Zembuch Young has reshaped policies to provide interpreters during and after school to teach his hearing and DHH actors and crew how to communicate and perform.

“As a high school theatre teacher, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many students from different backgrounds with varying exceptionalities. When we are inclusive in the theatre, everyone is better for it. Everyone deserves to have a voice,” said Zembuch Young. “It is in the theatre that we have an opportunity to give our students a platform to use that voice, regardless of who they are, where they come from, or what language they use to communicate.”

Zembuch Young runs a one-person, zero-budget public school theatre department with upwards of 150 students participating in performances. He also operates a six-week summer-stock theatre camp for elementary and middle school students, using high school drama students as counselors and mentors. With his South Plantation School students, he participates in International Thespian district and state competitions and is an eight-time South Florida CAPPIE winner for Best Play or Musical. Zembuch Young fundraises annually to provide four $1,000 scholarships to help graduating seniors.

Helping others overcome disability or life circumstances doesn’t stop when the school bell rings for Zembuch Young. He and his husband Michael have fostered more than 35 abused and underprivileged children. He’s facilitated the adoption of foster kids in his care and became an adoptive parent himself. He offers free admission to all performances for foster families so that they can experience live theatre.

A panel of theatre experts from the American Theatre Wing, The Broadway League and Carnegie Mellon University selected Zembuch Young from a nationwide call for entries.

“We are thrilled to present the 2023 Excellence in Theatre Education Award to Jason Zembuch Young,” said Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League, and Heather Hitchens, President and CEO of the American Theatre Wing. “Jason’s exceptional commitment to empowering every student to make and be part of theatre has won the hearts and appreciation of his local community and now the Broadway community, as well.”

The Excellence in Theatre Education Award recognizes a K-12 theatre educator in the U.S. who has demonstrated exemplary impact on the lives of students and who embodies the highest standards of the profession. Zembuch Young will receive $10,000 for South Plantation High School’s theatre program and tickets to The Tony Awards and Gala. Zembuch Young’s students will also receive a visiting Master Class taught by CMU Drama professors.

“New trails are blazed when teachers challenge paradigms in the name of art, expression and accessibility,” said Carnegie Mellon University President Farnam Jahanian. “Jason Zembuch Young is an extraordinary educator who has used the power of theatre to profoundly impact the lives of his students. CMU is proud to present this award to Jason in recognition of his positive influence and remarkable achievements.”

The American Theatre Wing’s 76th Annual Tony Awards, presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing, will air LIVE on Sunday, June 11, 2023 from the historic United Palace in Washington Heights in New York City from 8:00-11:00 PM, ET/5:00-8:00 PM, PT on the CBS Television Network, and streaming live and on demand on Paramount+.

Events

Summer of June

Published

4 hours ago

June 1, 2023

ElizaBeth Taylor

It’s going to be going to be a splendid June with so many grand events.

Fashion brand AMBUSH and Terminal 27 hosted a pop-up event lfor AMBUSH’s SS23 collection with the help of Volcan Tequila.

Lauren Jauregui attends the AMBUSH x Termianl 27 Pop-Up Event with Volcan Tequila (Doug Krantz/BFA.com)

Jon Batiste and COKE STUDIO released an original track, the “Be Who You Are” anthem and music video. In celebration of the power of staying true to yourself, the song reflects on the idea that it is when people are their authentic selves and accept each other’s differences, the ‘Real Magic’ happens.

Penned by Jon Batiste, he has collaborated with the global breakout group NewJeans, pushing the boundaries of K-Pop; Latin Grammy-Award winning pop artist from Colombia, Camilo; British, chart-topping singer and ‘BRIT Award & Ivor Novello-nominated, chart-topping singer songwriter’ Cat Burns and Atlanta-born eclectic rapper J.I.D.

On June 1, NoMad neighborhood’s CRISP & GREEN is finally bringing its “Living Crisp” movement to NYC and is slated to officially open.Founded by a wellness-industry veteran Steele Smiley, the company not only serves healthy, scratch-made food in a convenient setting, but also provides regular complimentary fitness programming to its guests by partnering with instructors from each community it opens in. Through its mix of healthy meals and physical exercise, the brand aims to promote a culture of living and eating well, or “Living Crisp.”

To kick off their Grand Opening, CRISP & GREEN plans to celebrate with a ribbon cutting, complimentary fitness class by Brianna Joye Fitness, free food and more.

And coming up, the Jackie Robinson Museum is set to have a special night. As part of the I LOVE NY campaign, the season in the sun will take off in a grand way. The Jackie Robinson Museum celebrates the enduring legacy of one of the most important Americans of the 20th century. The exhibition chronicles Jackie Robinson’s trailblazing achievements against the backdrop of United States history, from his birth in 1919 to today. Invoking Robinson’s role as a champion for racial, social, and economic equality, the Museum’s programming places an emphasis on dialogue around critical issues that continue to challenge our society.

Endless ideas for travel adventures in our state are set to also be explored such as trips from Manhattan to Cooperstown where the world-famous home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is located. Here too is where you can have special tastings from the Cooperstown Distillery .

More fun can be found on June 10 at the New York Rum Festival, hosted by TheRumLab.com. Over 100 rum expressions from around the world, including rare and exotic varieties, will be available to sample, and attendees can learn about the latest trends and developments in the industry. Three tasting session times are available, starting at 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm, with tickets starting at $88. The event also offers VIP and trade industry sessions with exclusive perks. This event kicks off a week of spirit-focused events in NYC, including the New York Rum Congress and The Brooklyn Bar Convent.