The Broadway Collection News for October

© NYC & Company/Will Steacy

It’s already October! Pumpkin flavored everything please; after all, it’s an American tradition. If you plan on visiting NYC this autumn, there are a few activities in which you should be involved, and just about all of them involve the very best in fresh fall fruits and veggies!

Spooky to start, The annual Haunted Pumpkin Garden at New York Botanical Garden will take place throughout the entire month of October. Days which are particularly exciting include October 18 & 19, when Ray Villafane will work his carving magic to create intricate pumpkin sculptures, along with October 25 & 26! At that time, the largest pumpkins from North America will once again call the Garden home. There is an admission fee for these events, so please visit the website for more information.

Another awesome vegetable themed event is pickle day on the lower east side. This event is sure to be a blast! After all, it’s kind of a big dill! Check out the site for more details. http://pickleday.nyc/

Savory and delicious, beer and cider are arguably best enjoyed in the autumn as the foliage changes colors and the air cools. This fall, visitors to the city and surrounding boroughs can visit any of the various locations involved with Oktoberfest for two full weeks of Bavarian beer indulgence. The itinerary of events is available courtesy of Time Out New York .

Last but not least, travelers to New York just have to visit a preserved patch of farm right outside of our bustling metropolis. Queens County Farm dates back to 1697 and occupies New York City’s largest remaining tract of undisturbed farmland. Set on 47-acres, their American flag “Amazing Maze” is as patriotic as it gets, and could be the highlight of your trip. The farm also hosts countless other fall events, so go to whichever you please!

Looking to take in some theater before heading to a Broadway theater? There’s no better place to go than 54 Below. This October, the cabaret style eatery will feature a night of music dedicated to Carole King, a performance by the four new Matildas on Broadway, and more. So be sure to check out Broadway’s Supper Club when you’re in town!

In Broadway News:

The Broadway Collection is welcoming a host of new cast members. First off, Matilda the Musical has 5 new cast members! Alison Luff has spent the last year starring as Elphaba in the first national tour of Wicked. She joins the cast of Matilda in the role of Miss Honey.

Matilda’s 4 other new cast members are Tori Feinstein, Eliza Holland Madore, Brooklyn Shuck, and Fina Strazza. Each young lady is under the age of ten and already a Broadway star! You can read about these talented young Matildas courtesy of Theater Mania.

Pippin the Musical is also welcoming a new character! The newest Pippin on Broadway is making his debut on the Great White Way for a limited engagement of two months. From November 4, 2014 to January 4, 2015 you can see the 2014 Winner of NBC’s The Voice, Paul Kaufman carve out a new “corner of the sky” at the Music Box Theatre. Broadway veteran Lucie Arnaz is also joining the cast in the role of “Berthe”, Pippin’s spunky grandmother.

Some shows that boast entirely new casts, since they are only just opening include: The Last Ship, and the revivals of Side Show and On the Town. On the Town officially opens October 16. The Last Ship opened for previews Monday September 29th, and officially opens October 26th. Rounding out the month, the 2014 revival of Side Show will open for previews October 28th at the St. James Theater.

Finally, we’d like to announce a marvelous milestone of an achievement. The Associated Press has announced that Broadway Collection member The Lion King is the highest grossing among Broadway shows past and present. Here’s to many more years of box-office magic for Disney’s The Lion King. A special thank you to the happy theater audiences around the world and on Broadway for making this classic show such a success!

Tags: Matilda, On the Town, Pippin, SIde Show, The Last Ship, The Lion King, Wicked