The Broadway Collection News for April
April in New York
After a brutal winter in New York, it’s finally time for locals to peel themselves off the sofa, go outside and feel the warm sun on their faces! For visitors to New York, it’s the perfect time to arrive now that the bitter cold has disappeared, leaving spring in its wake. Events to catch in the Big Apple this April focus on gastronomy, horticulture and the arts.
Recently opened in East Village NYC is Izayaka, a new Japanese restaurant. Far from your average eatery, it is quickly becoming the talk of the town. Japanese chef Dai Watanabe studied cuisine in Naples, Italy and adds his own Italian twist to classic Japanese dishes. From cheese risotto croquette with special tomato sauce, to miso marinated tofu, foodie travelers will be sure to find a dish that combines Asian and European flavors at this fusion cuisine hotspot.
After your meal take a ride on the Roosevelt Island Tramway! For the price of a Metro ride you get to experience aerial views of the NYC skyline, the Queensbridge, the East River and arrive at Roosevelt Island. For directions and hours of operations visit: http://www.rioc.com/transportation.htm
Roosevelt Island is an island in between East Manhattan and West Queens that is considered to be part of the Manhattan borough. Active travelers will be happy to learn they can stay fit while visiting by participating in the NYCRUNS Race on April 18 on Roosevelt Island. Funds raised from this campaign will go to the Pin Down Bladder Cancer organization, which supports Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center’s bladder cancer Translational Science Program. For more information visit: https://nycruns.com/races/?race=pindown-spring-fling-2015
For those who prefer relaxation and entertainment while traveling, The Tribeca Film Festival is a fantastic option. It arrives to downtown NYC on April 15 and runs until April 25. With over 6,000 submissions from all over the globe, it is safe to say there are a variety of films to watch. In addition to film screenings, travelers will enjoy interactive activities including: Q&A’s with director, cast and crew, a family street fair and free panels for working and aspiring filmmakers. Tickets can be purchased in advance at: http://tribecafilm.com/festival/tickets.
On April 22 Earth Day will be celebrated internationally. This year marks the 25th anniversary of New York’s Earth Day, reminding locals and travelers alike to be conscious of the planet where we live and explore. Check out the events online.
Also of interest, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden will hold Sakura Matsuri, its annual celebration of Japanese culture and the cherry blossom season, on April 25 and 26 of the month. This New York City celebration of spring is held in respect of Japanese culture and the diverse collection of flowering cherry trees concentrated in the gardens. Travelers from Japan should also plan travel around a special exhibition of sculptures by renowned Japanese-American artist, Isamu Noguchi, scheduled for September of 2015. These events are part of the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden’s 100th anniversary at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens.
In Broadway News
Calling all jazz lovers around the globe, the Lincoln Center of Performing Arts presents six unique jazz performances in New York City throughout April. These will explore the sounds and rhythms of North, Central and South America. Performers include Joe Temperley, a 25 year veteran saxophonist and clarinetist, and vocalist Cecile McLorin Salvant who was trained in Aix-en-Provence, France by Jean-Francois Bonnel.
Vocal talent will also be celebrated at the 40th anniversary season of Live From the Lincoln Center. Billy Porter, alumni of Broadway Collection member Kinky Boots will perform in the American Songbook series on April 3rd. Phantom of the Opera star Norm Lewis and six time Tony Award-winning actress and singer Audra McDonald will host on April 10th. The concert series has evolved since it launched in 1999 and now presents Latin music, indie rock, folk and country as well as the classic sounds of the Gershwin brothers etc.
Of particular interest to Japanese audiences, Japanese actor Ken Watanabe will star in Broadway Collection member The King and I officially opening April 16. To English-speaking audiences Watanabe is known for his performance in both The Last Samurai and Inception. In Japan, Watanabe is known for playing samurai in Dokuganryū Masamune, a television series, and won the Japan Academy Prize for Best Actor twice. Be sure to catch his performance with lead actress Kelli O’Hara in the Broadway revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic.
Broadway Collection Shows which began previews last month are scheduled to open this April:
• An American in Paris (Official opening April 12, 2015.)
• Finding Neverland (Official opening April 15, 2015.)
• The King and I (Official opening April 16, 2015.)
• It Shoulda Been You (Official opening April 14, 2015.)
• SOMETHING ROTTEN! (Official opening April 22, 2015.)
• Dr. Zhivago (Official opening April 21, 2015.)