New York is the city that never sleeps, and with so many events and activities each week across all five boroughs, it can be hard to know what’s actually worthwhile. Here are the events New York City actors should have on their radars this week.
O’ night, diva-vine.
Night divine, indeed. In a concert that will take powerhouse vocals to a new level, Tony winner Cynthia Erivo and Shoshana Bean will play a one-night-only holiday concert at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem on Dec. 17. The duo will take on a number of holiday standards including “Santa Baby” and “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” backed by a 15-piece band. Audiences can also expect an appearance from a special guest or two—but really, those voices should be enticing enough. (Tickets start at $78)
Wax on Warhol.
Because Warhol never, ever goes out of style. Through the new year, the Whitney presents “From A to B and Back Again,” the first Andy Warhol retrospective organized by an institution since 1989. See the artist’s work as you never have before, including a bunch of new pieces and research, all meant to illuminate his lasting influence into the 21st century. ($25; $18 for students; free for those 18 and under)
He’s a mean one, Mr. Grinch.
Come on, let your heart grow a few sizes. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” is everything you love about the Dr. Seuss favorite, with the addition of some curmudgeonly song and dance. Tony nominee and “SpongeBob SquarePants” musical alum Gavin Lee takes on the titular Christmas-hater in this new take on the classic, running at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater through the new year. (Tickets start at $36)
A “Dear Evan Hansen” alum gets candid.
Spend an intimate evening with star of stage and screen, Laura Dreyfuss. The original “Dear Evan Hansen” cast member will sit down with “Little Known Facts” host Ilana Levine for a live podcast recording and performance at the Times Square W Hotel. Audiences can expect candid conversation about the ins and outs of breaking into the biz, and first-hand stories from Dreyfuss’ days on “Evan,” “Once,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Glee,” and more. ($25; standing room is free)
Trip back to the ’70s.
Head to the Knitting Factory on Dec. 19 for the Jones Family Retro Show, a “gender-bending rock and roll comedy and variety show.” Starring sisters Maris and Lavinia Jones, the two—with the help of the house band and a few close friends—will perform sketches, comedy, musical acts, and more, all in the spirit of the ’70s variety shows you miss so much (regardless of whether you were actually alive at the time). ($12)
Check out Backstage’s New York City audition listings!