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.
Neil Patrick Harris takes the wig down from the shelf.
Emmy and Tony Award winner NPH, along with his husband David Burtka, will revive the once-dead Wigstock. The annual outdoor drag show, which began around 1984 in Tompkins Square Park and then shuttered in 2001, is making a glittering comeback on Sept. 1. Held at the (decidedly less grunge) Pier 17 at South Street Seaport, audiences can see performances from Lady Bunny, Taylor Mac, Peaches Christ, Justin Vivian Bond, Alex Newell, Harris, of course, and many others including former “RuPaul’s Drag Race” competitors. (Tickets start at $95)
A ’70s classic gets a big screen restoration.
As part of BAMcinématek, “Sweet Sweetback’s Badasssss Song” will be screened in a brand new 4K restoration beginning Aug. 31. The landmark of black independent cinema from Melvin Van Peebles, set in seedy ’70s Los Angeles, will be running at the Peter Jay Sharp Building through Sept. 6. ($15)
Welcome two new plays to Broadway.
As we reach Labor Day, the end of summer is officially upon us, which means so, too, is the fall theater season. This week marks the beginning of performances for two new productions. First, the Roundabout Theatre Company production of “Bernhardt/Hamlet,” a new play starring Janet McTeer, begins performances at the American Airlines Theatre Aug. 31. Then, on Sept. 4, Manhattan Theatre Club presents another new play, “The Nap,” running at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. (Tickets for “Bernhardt/Hamlet” start at $49; tickets for “The Nap” start at $79)
Celebrate a “Younger” star’s poetry debut.
“Younger” lead Nico Tortorella is an accomplished actor, but they are also an accomplished poet, who wants you to join them for “All of It Is You.” The evening will be a celebration of Tortorella’s debut poetry collection and will be held at the Bell House in Gowanus Aug. 31. ($30)
A Lady reclaims her stage.
Joe’s Pub favorite Lady Rizo will return to the iconic stage with a brand new show. Appropriately titled “Lady Lady Lady,” the Sept. 5 concert will feature exclusively female-penned songs by artists including Björk, Peggy Lee, Sia, and beyond. Attendees can also expect the beltress to be joined by surprise guests. ($30)
Ready to get to work? Check out Backstage's New York auditions!