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.
Get inside (Marvin’s) room where it happens.
Days before the 2016–17 Broadway season culminates with the Tonys, an addition to the new season will hit the boards. “Marvin’s Room,” the late Scott McPherson’s familial drama, is making its Broadway debut and is now in previews at Roundabout’s American Airlines Theatre. The drama will star Lili Taylor and, also in a Broadway debut, Jeneane Garofalo. Anne Kauffman directs the piece, running strictly through Aug. 27. (Tickets start at $47)
Do the Tonys downtown.
Everyone knows it’s way more fun to simply watch the Tony Awards (preferably while imbibing) than it is to attend them. While others get all gussied up and head to Radio City Music Hall for this year’s ceremony on June 11, you can head about 25 blocks south to the Metropolitan Room for a festivity that’s slightly less glam but just as celebratory. The venue once again hosts a viewing party, featuring its very own red carpet prior—hosted by Joan Rivers impersonator Dorothy Bishop—and then a big-screen Tonys viewing, featuring live music and other Broadway entertainment. ($25 menu minimum)
And then soothe your Tonys hangover with Phillipa Soo.
Jason Robert Brown, a Tony winner himself for “The Bridges of Madison County” and more, returns to Greenwich Village’s SubCulture with his third annual Post-Tonys Extravaganza. This year’s special guest will be none other than 2016 Tony nominee Phillipa Soo (she was in a show you may have heard of called “Hamilton”), who will accompany Brown on some of his most acclaimed material as well as selections from in-development works. General admission tickets are sold out, but standing room is still available—and an even better deal! (Tickets: $40)
Alvin Ailey pliés back to Lincoln Center.
Ailey at Lincoln Center, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s multi-evening presentation, returns to the Upper West Side venue on the 14th with three new programs: Musical Inspirations, Global Voices, and Bold Visions. Ongoing through June 18, each of the three programs will have two–three separate performances and will each culminate with Ailey’s own beloved “Revelations” for its finale. (Tickets start at $25)
Fight for human rights, with film.
The Human Rights Watch Film Festival is back in New York June 9–18 with several films, intended to “bring to life human rights abuses through storytelling in a way that challenges each individual to empathize and demand justice for all people.” With screenings at both the IFC Center in Greenwich Village and the Film Society of Lincoln Center on the Upper West Side, this year’s pieces include the documentaries “Complicit,” about a Chinese migrant worker-turned-activist, “No Dress Code Required,” about a gay couple in Mexico whose desire to get married caused a legal firestorm, and “Lost in Lebanon,” depicting four Syrians attempting to advocate for themselves. (Tickets start at $14)
See Shakespeare in a different park.
As a New York actor, you’re likely aware of the Public Theater’s annual Shakespeare in the Park productions, but did you know there’s another park in another borough, also presenting top-tier works by the Bard (that are also free)? Smith Street Stage has been staging Shakespeare’s plays since 2010, and now employs more than 30 performers each summer in Brooklyn’s Carroll Park, specializing in new ways to tell classic stories. This year, from June 7–23, the company will be giving their signature once-over to “Richard III,” with direction by Jonathan Hopkins. (Free)
Inspired? Check out Backstage’s New York City audition listings!