Good news for Melissa Etheridge fans—Valerie Smaldone reports she’s bringing her world premiere solo show to New World Stages. What’s better than a picnic in Central Park? A picnic that’s catered. We’ve got the scoop on free Broadway concerts next week, a new off-Broadway show, the history of NYC’s water towers, and a special birthday invite. And our roving photographer is enjoying the lake life in Canada and shares some envy inducing photos.  PS. Our 3T Wine Trip is sold out, with a waiting list.

Central Park Picnics to Go

Central Park is offering several picnic packages, from 1 to a family. Reserve ahead online and pick up on your way to Central Park! The store is conveniently located just one block across from the park’s entrance at 100th Street.

Here’ what you get with the Classic Picnic

It’s serves 2 and for $35 you get a signature European Style Picnic.

-2 locally produced cheeses

-2 cured meats from Salumeria Biellese

-1 fresh baked baguette

-Marinated olives

-Black tea and fig jam

-2 chocolate chip cookies

-2 bottles of spring water

Get the details.

Aug. 23-26. Free Broadway Concerts

“Broadway Forever” is sponsoring four pop-up concerts at plazas throughout the city. The event includes performances from Shoshana Bean, Matt Doyle, Ashley de la Rosa, and Jelani Remy. Plus, every concert includes a surprise opening act from the local community. Shows start at 3:30 PM and end at 5 PM.

Here’s the schedule:

• Tuesday, August 23: Shoshana Bean at Cooper Square Plaza in Noho
• Wednesday, August 24: Jelani Remy at Diversity Plaza in Jackson Heights
• Thursday, August 25, 3:30 pm: Ashley de la Rosa at Quisqueya Plaza in Inwood
• Friday, August 26, 3:30 pm: Matt Doyle at Albee Square in Downtown Brooklyn

No reservations or tickets are needed.

Now – Sept. 10, macitches

This sounds like such an intriguing play now at the Chain Theater. Playwright Sophie McIntosh says, “macbitches makes use of biting humor and a unique subversion of the classic Mean Girls tropes to pose larger questions about the misogyny and abuse that run rampant within institutions of theatrical education. Come see macbitches if you enjoy chaotic drunken debauchery, drama queens on an ego trip, and very loose (but very loving) riffs on Shakespeare’s bloodsoaked classic.”

When a freshman acting major is unexpectedly cast as Lady Macbeth, a few upperclassmen invite her over to celebrate. As the Fireball and Svedka flow, the girls interrogate their own sense of ambition as well as the power structures that have shaped their education.

Limited Engagement, August 19 – September 10, 2022 at Chain Theatre. Tickets On Sale Now at Chaintheatre.Org

The history behind NYC’s water towers

We’ve always been fascinated with the water towers and stumbled on this great article about them from 6SqFt.  They write: “For over 100 years, water towers have been a seamless part of New York City’s skyline. So seamless, in fact, they often go unnoticed, usually overshadowed by their glassy supertall neighbors. While these wooden relics look like a thing of the past, the same water pumping structure is still built today, originating from just three family-run companies, two of which have been operating for nearly this entire century-long history. With up to 17,000 water tanks scattered throughout NYC, 6sqft decided to explore these icons, from their history and construction to modern projects that are bringing the structures into the mainstream.” Read more.

Oct. 13. A Renaissance Birthday Party

You’re invited to the beautiful forever young, Carol Sue Gershman’s birthday party – and evening of music and birthday cake too. Carol Sue is a former Tomatoes Got Talent Show finalist, and one of the sexiest octogenarians you will ever know. Get the details.

Gone Fishing!

Our roving photographer, Nicole Freezer Rubens is enjoying the simple life:

“I’ve gone fishing! I am on vacation living the simple life. I enjoy spending a few weeks every August with my family, taking it slow and basking in the glow of the clouds off the lake, and the dancing orange glow of a campfire. Cottage life is a welcome contrast to the constant hustle and bustle big city living. I will keep the sounds and serenity of the lake with me all year long. ”  Nicole is the author of The Long Pause and the Short Breath.  Follow her on Instagram@nfrconsult.