Are you ready for the summer?

Best bets for Chelsea arts events

Published: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 11:35 AM CDT

BY SCOTT STIFFLER

E-mail

Comment (No comments posted.)

Rate

Text Size

Who in their right mind would ever want to escape the city for overhyped, overplayed, undeserving destinations like the Hamptons? If it’s a pleasant diversion you want, why go anywhere else? There’s a reason the world flocks to NYC (and it’s not that new pedestrian mall in Times Square). No, it’s the culturally enriching, good times to be had by all — much of it happening within walking distance of the place you call home.

Whether you’re a restless resident on the prowl for something to occupy your already overstimulated urban mind — or charged with the daunting task of showing your out-of-town guests the best our city has to offer — summertime arts activities in Chelsea are sure bets in the quest to be enlightened and/or entertained.

To that end, here’s our totally biased, not nearly comprehensive (but still worth your while) compilation of Chelsea-centric summertime activities. They’re not arranged according to genre or date, though; some aren’t even happening in what any reasonable person would consider part of Chelsea; and a select few have been lifted wholesale from last week’s edition of The Villager. Drives you nuts, doesn’t it? Well, stop nitpicking and focus on something palpable to complain about — like NYC’s relentlessly oppressive July heat. Then, remind yourself that, all things considered, you live in one NYC’s craziest, sexiest neighborhoods — and resolve to enjoy that rare privilege to its fullest.

Although we’ve put together what we feel are some of Chelsea’s best events, some of your favorite artists, activities or venues may be conspicuously absent. That’s why we’re encouraging our readers to submit their suggestions for worthy arts events to be featured in our mid-summer through Labor Day “Summer in the City” arts edition (coming to you around mid-July). Email Scott@chelseanow.com. In the meantime, though, consider these artful offerings; and stay cool. You know how to do that.

COMEDY: GRAMERCY THEATER

Still don’t believe good things come in threes? Summer comedy at Gramercy Theater makes a good case. On June 27th, “Dixie’s Tupperware Party” breezes into town. See a drag queen combine a QVC-style sales pitch with her own outrageous, occasionally slutty take on life. You’ll soon be sold on the concept; and you just might end up buying some Tupperware, too. June 26th and 27th, get your Gay Pride on with bitter, bitchy, larger than life drag artist Jackie Beat. Her show, “Without Me, You’re Nothing,” is as funny as it is lewd; and it’s plenty lewd! On June 25, legitimate comedy legend Joan Rivers mops up the floor with deserving targets ranging from Hollywood to reality TV. If you’ve never seen her live, you’ve not yet lived. This lady is the real thing; rare, opinionated and machine-gun-paced funny. The Gramercy Theater, 127 East 23rd Street at Lexington Avenue. For tickets call 212-352-3101 or visit www.SpinCycleNYC.com.

ART: PROTEST AND CELEBRATION

“On the Wall: Four Decades of Community Murals in NYC” is an insanely comprehensive, lovingly researched, beautifully rendered work which deserves a summertime place on your coffee table and a permanent place of honor on your bookshelf. The authors, Janet Braun-Reinitz (predsident of Artmakers Inc) and writer Jane Weissman will be joined by Amy Goodman (host of Pacifica Radio’s “Democracy Now”) for “Protest and Celebration: Community Murals in New York City.” It’s an evening which promises to delve deep into how NYC’s murals educate, organize, beautify and motivate action. Tuesday, June 9th, at Bluestockings; 172 Allen Street (between Stanton and Rivington); call 212-777-6028 or vist www.bluestockings.com.

Theater: STUCK

June 3rd through June 14th, catch the world premiere of John Bale’s “Stuck.” As the title implies, it’s all about the holding patterns we get into when we lose our professional ambition around the same time our will to go on dissipates. Claude Canny (Michael Sorvino, of the Sorvino family acting dynasty) is a sculptor and cartoonist who’s lost the desire to create. Jacqueline Brookes (known for her signature soap opera roles) is next door neighbor Uta. A Holocaust survivor and homeopathic healer, Uta tries to broker the marital conflict between Claude and wife Connie. When her touchy feely intervention fails, Claude shows Uta the door and shows Connie the bedroom. The result? A set of triplets who grow up to become artists with issues and struggles of their own. June 3rd through 14th; At Center Stage NY, 48 W. 21st Street, 4th Floor. $18 general admission, $13 for students/seniors. For tickets, call 347-230-2388.

Theater:

IN THE SILENCE OF THE HEART

Created for the inmates in Sing Sing Correctional Facility (and first produced there by Rehabilitation Through The Arts), this family drama penned by Joanna Chan is presented in English/Spanish with Chinese subtitles. Yangtze Repertory Theatre’s Production boldly tackles the murky moral issues surrounding revelation, conflict and kinship. Ten years ago, a Chinese boy was adopted by an African American family (whose patriarch worked with the boy’s father — who was killed on duty). Soon after that tragic accident, the patriarch leaves home. He finally returns on Labor Day weekend, 2008 — throwing the tightly knit family into turmoil. Thursday through Saturday, 7:30p.m. and Sundays at 3:00p.m., through June 14th; at Theater for the New City, 155 First Avenue. $20 general admission; seniors/students: $15.00. To purchase tickets, 212-254-1109; visit www.theaterforthenewcity.net and www.yangtze-rep-theatre.org.

Art: LOVE ARMOR

The traveling exhibition “Love Armor” began as a way to show compassion and concern for those (ours and theirs) in the war zones of Iraq and Afghanistan. Like most good ideas, though, the project quickly morphed into “a profound message of hope” meant to expand its timely message into a timeless meditation on the lasting power of community. Proving that the best defense is an offense backed by love, artist Shirley Klinghoffer and collaborative partner Sarah Hewitt have transformed a war icon (the Humvee) into a symbol of peace and comfort — by rendering the destructive behemoth with materials and techniques which reference feminist textile and anti-war art of the 1960s and 70s. Through June 27th, at Brenda Taylor Gallery, 511 W. 25 Street, #401. Call 212-463-7166 or visit www.brendataylorgallery.com.

BENEFIT: CHELSEA OPERA

The movers and shakers who’ve kept Chelsea Opera alive let their hair down and do some moving and shaking of their own — thanks to the lubricating powers of the modest margarita. The resulting shenanigans (be they liquid or lampshade-based) are all for a good cause, though. Their “Mid-Summer Margarita Madness II” event benefits the Opera’s production fund. Raise a glass, beat the summer heat, support the arts and take a chance on their 50/50 raffle! The $25 ticket includes 2 standard margaritas, chips and a $12 tax deductible donation. To purchase tickets, see the July events page at www.NYCharities.org. See the good things your money does at www.ChelseaOpera.org. Wednesday, July 22nd, 6:00p.m. at the Caliente Cab Company, 61 Seventh Avenue South at Bleecker Street.

MUSIC & THEATER: DIXON PLACE

Since 1986, Dixon Place has provided a space for literary and performing artist to create and develop new works—while the audience sat in a patchwork collection of reliably comfy chairs and couches. Now in a new home and not yet officially relaunched, they’re still providing a respectably full calendar of events until the big reveal this fall. Access the full schedule at www.dixonplace.org; and consider these two safe bets: June 14th at 8:00p.m. and June 15th at 8:00p.m. and 10:00p.m., Martha Wainwright performs the songs of Edith Piaf (while multitasking by recording the shows for her new album and video). From July 9th through 25th, downtown performance legend Penny Arcade premieres “Old Queen,” a work commissioned by and for Dixon Place’s 18th Annual HOT! Festival (the world’s oldest continuing queer performance festival). For Penny’s specific dates and times, and for more festival information, call 212-219-0736 or visit www.hotfestival.org. Dixon Place is located at 161A Chrystie Street.

CABARET: CYNTHIA CRANE

Show your support for two great neighborhoods that go great together in this special evening of entertainment, food and amiable schmoozing. The Greenwich Village-Chelsea Chamber of Commerce presents internationally-acclaimed, award-winning cabaret performer Cynthia Crane, performing her show “I am confused, therefore I am.” That performance happens at 7:00p.m.. The event begins at 6:00p.m. and ends at 9:00p.m. — and by the time you leave, you’ll have some snacked on some Hors d’oeuvers, lifted a glass in celebration of the impending June 15th opening of The Highline, and made a $50 or $75 donation for the benefit of the sponsoring organization. Thursday, June 11th; at Arium (31 Little West 12th Street). For information, call (212) 337-5923

MUSIC: NY MEGAPHONICA

Recently, Avi Wisnia brought his bossa nova sounds to 92Y Tribeca. Now, Wisnia celebrates the first day of summer with the debut performance from his “New York Megaphonica.” Appearing as part of Make Music New York 2009, this experimental, genre-bending group presents improvised and arranged pieces performed solely with the human voice (and a megaphone). Comprised of local NYC band members, singers, artists and their friends, the group takes the megaphone out of the realm of protests and emergency situations and bends it to the whims of pop, hip hop and spoken word arrangements. Audience participation is encouraged, and passers-by will receive free limited edition T-shirts and megaphones commemorating “the largest-ever all-megaphone performance.” Free; Sunday, June 21st, 12:00p.m. and 12:40p.m. at Union Square Park. Visit www.myspace.com/megaphonica.

CULTURE: FRESH FRUIT FESTIVAL

Now in its seventh year, the Fresh Fruit Festival (July 9th through 27th) still manages to shock with its revelation that there are lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgendered people working in the arts. Soak up this unexpected revelation by bearing witness to sassy, provocative LGBT-themed takes on theater, comedy, variety, literature, music, dance, poetry and visual and performance art.

July 24th and 25th, Joel Ensana’s “The Coronation” finds Grannie living in the Haight-Ashbury with her gay grandson and his two lesbian friends. July 14th and 15th, “Miss Mary Dugan” (by playwright Manuel Igrejas) concerns Joe Azzopardi—who, as Miss Dugan, is the center of social life in Cedar Chips, New Jersey.

July 17th through 20th, Devan Hite’s “Since Psychopathia Sexualis” looks at the Mormon Church’s anti-gay policies and politics — through the eyes of a college-age Mormon student at the University of Utah who realizes he was sexually aroused when his two best friends saved his life. Yikes!

July 26th, take a “Journey Through the Rainbow” — and bring the kids. This puppet show, created by Nick Curto and Hal Rainbow for kids ages 5-9, observes two families who picnic in the park after watching the Gay Pride Parade. Needless to say, they’ve got lots to talk about.

On July 19th, David Gaard’s “Happy New Year, Lady Lou” finds the titular character (a much-loved NYC drag king) nursing a secret which can only be revealed and resolved by his fellow desperadoes, divas, drag queens, trannies and dykes.

All shows described above can be found at the Hudson Guild Theater; 441 W. 26th St. (btwn. 9th and 10th Avenue; details on times and prices (plus a complete schedule of festival events), visit www.freshfruitfestival.com.

ART: FOUR ARTISTS IN CONCERT

Presented by The Chelsea Art Museum and The Project Room for New Media, “Four Artists in Concert” is a collection of visual art by Morgan Russell, Mark Wiener, Fedele Spadafora, and Stephan Fowlkes. The exhibit arose out of “Music & Art,” a concert series that highlights new music ensembles and visual artists. Relying on technology to create the exhibition’s immersive environment (in which art and music intersect), the Internet was a vital part of the creative process. The artists listened to music samples online and uploaded their work on the website www.artlog.com. Further results can be seen from June 23rd through 27th at The Chelsea Art Museum, 556 West 22nd Street (Tuesday-Saturday, 11:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.; Thursday, 11:00am to 8:00p.m.). Call 212-255-0719 or visit www.chelseaartmuseum.org.

THEATER: THE RIVALRY

Think political sniping is a relatively new development? See where it all began in “The Rivalry.” Although their exchanges were civilized compared to what passes for discourse on today’s cable news shows, the debates between presidential candidates Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas set the wheels in motion way back in 1858. Long before radio or television, these charismatic orators captured the nation’s attention with nothing more than personality and opinion. You’ll see all of that, plus plenty of behind the scenes drama. But to see it, you’ve got to turn off the television and trek to The Irish Repertory Theatre, 132 W. 22nd Street. Through July 5th; Wednesday through Saturday at 8:00p.m.; Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday at 3:00p.m. For tickets ($65 and $55), call 212-727-2737; visit www.irishrep.org.

ART: ABSTRACT ART SHOW

The Chelsea Hotel, that “rest stop for rare individuals,” has been praised in song and film; but the art that hangs on the walls is at the heart of the hotel’s lasting legacy. A potent part of that legacy is much-missed former manager Stanley Bard. This exhibit pays tribute to Bard — who, turning 75, is being acknowledged for “his lifelong contribution to the arts.” Artist Susan Olmetti, who lived at the hotel during the Bard era and benefitted from Bard’s support, pays tribute to his generosity with her one-night-only “Abstract Art Show.” July 16; 5:30p.m. to whenever; at Art Studio 219, at the Chelsea Hotel; 222 W. 23rd Street. For more information, visit www.susanolmetti.com.

DANCE: THE WORKS

The 35th Anniversary Season of Jennifer Muller’s contemporary dance company “The Works” is part of The Joyce Theater’s 25th anniversary commissioning initiative. Program A, happening June 9th, 10th, 12th, 13th and 14th, features a revival of their classic work “Tub” plus 2005’s “Momentum and the world premiere of “Bench.” Program B, on June 11th, 13th and 14th features 2007’s “Edge,” a Joyce premiere of 2008’s “Aria,” and the world premieres of “Tangle” and “Walk It Off.” For information on the content and concepts behind those provocative titles, visit www.jmtw.org. For ticket prices and times, visit www.joyce.org or call JoyceCharge at 212-242-0800. At The Joyce Theater, 175 Eighth Avenue (at 19th Street).

ART: IMAGINARY ENEMY: LIAO YIBAI

Don’t miss your chance to see the first New York exhibition from Chinese artist Liao Yibai — who lives and works in Beijing and Chongqing. A unique voice among Chinese contemporary artists, his stainless steel sculptures explore how the Chinese imagined the myth and threat of America during and immediately following the Cultural Revolution. This collection of new works, “Imaginary Enemy,” contains many pieces whose whimsical titles are balanced out by ominous imagery and messages. “Top Secret Hamburger,” for example, recalls the artist’s first taste of an American hamburger. Considered an icon of American capitalism, he bit into the burger and discovered it was rancid. That’s just one of the potent metaphors you’ll discover. Through August 15th, at Mike Weiss Gallery, 520 West 24th Street (btwn. 10th and 11th Aves.). Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Saturday; 10:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.; Call 212-691-6899 or visit www.mikeweissgallery.com.


		Lonely lunar worker: gone looney?

Home > Arts

Top of Page ^

Article Rating

Reader Comments

The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of chelseanow.com.

You must register with a valid email to post comments. Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.

Registered users sign in here:

Become a Registered User

*Member ID:
*Password:
Remember login? (requires cookies)
	Forgot Your Password?

Do not use usernames or passwords from your financial accounts!

Note: Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required!

*Create a Member ID:
*Choose a password:
*Re-enter password:
*E-mail Address:
*Year of Birth:
	(children under 13 cannot register)
*First Name:
*Last Name:
Company:
Home Phone:
Business Phone:
*Address:
*City:
*State:
*Zip Code:

Archives > Arts