by Diane Malone
24th Sept 2008

   The Metropolitan Opera opened its 2008–2009 125th anniversary season in grand style on Monday, September 22nd, 2008 despite the surrounding construction that is taking place at Lincoln Center Plaza. So far, in his third year as General Manager, Peter Gelb has presented another star-studded red carpet event kicking off the new season at the famed opera house.

  The Metropolitan Opera had mezzo soprano Susan Graham out on the plaza hosting the live transmission of the opening night to the various movie houses, Times Square and Fordham University. Soprano Diana Damrau joined Susan Graham briefly during the live broadcast. Surprise appearances popped up on the red carpet like Yo-Yo Ma and Helen Mirren. Supermodel Christie Brinkley was delayed in traffic but eventually appeared and dazzled the crowd twirling and posing with her timeless beauty.This years lineup of celebrities included the returning fans of opera such as Barbara Walters and Rufus Wainwright, as well as opera newcomers such as Helen Mirren, Christie Brinkley, Joel Grey, Faye Dunaway, James Taylor, Martha Stewart, John Lithgow, and Taylor Momsen among others.

  The Metropolitan Opera’s opening night program featured its star soprano Renee Fleming performing three acts from three different operas wearing designer fashions from Christian Lacroix, Karl Lagerfeld, and John Galliano. Renee Fleming skipped the red carpet festivities since she was engaged inside the Metropolitan Opera House promoting the launch of her new cologne from Coty, La Voce.

All Photos: (c) Caroline P. Digonis 2008 

by Diane Malone
24 September 2008 

    The New York City Ballet presents the classic holiday favorite, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, for 45 performances only beginning Friday, November 28, through Saturday, January 3, 2009. The beloved New York City Ballet production is seen by more than 100,000 people annually and last season passed its 2000th performance mark. Held at the New York State Theater (soon to be renamed the David H. Koch Theater) at Lincoln Center the production is set to Peter Ilyitch Tschaikovsky’s glorious score and features choreography by Balanchine, scenery by Rouben Ter-Arutunian, costumes by Karinska, and lighting by Mark Stanley, after the original design by Ronald Bates. This classic holiday family event will delight all with the sweepingly beautiful set designs, hundreds of elaborate costumes, and includes the highlights of a one-ton Christmas tree that grows from 12 to 40 feet and a magnificent onstage snowstorm. 
    Ticket prices range from $35–$125 for prime peak performances, $30–$115 for peak performances, and $20–$100 for standard performances. Visit the New York City Ballet online at www.nycballet.com or call to learn more about Sweet Seat VIP Packages where every two Sweet Seat tickets purchased, audience members will receive a coupon for one complimentary keepsake photo taken with a character from George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Tickets may also be purchased by calling Center Charge at 212-721-6500 or by visiting the theater box office located at the New York State Theater. 

Photo: (c) Paul Kolnik 2008

by Chris Hale

• Judy Collins will be signing copies of Born To The Breed, on 11/05/08 (1:00 pm) at Borders Books on Park Avenue, New York, NY.
• Roger Moore (star from The Saint & James Bond) will be signing copies of My Word Is My Bond, on 11/07/08 (12:30 pm) at Barnes & Noble on Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. 
• Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul & Mary) will be signing copies of Favorite Folk Songs, on 11/08/08 (2:00 pm) at Barnes & Noble at Lincoln Triangle, New York, NY.    
• Tommy James will be signing copies of I Love Christmas, on 11/11/08 (12:30 pm) at J&R Music on Park Row, New York, NY.
• Media mogul Ted Turner will be signing copies of Call Me Ted, on 11/11/08 (7:30 pm) at Barnes & Noble on Broadway, New York, NY.   
• Music Legend Quincy Jones will be signing copies of The Complete Quincy Jones, on 11/12/08 (7:00 pm) at Barnes & Noble at Union Square, New York, NY. 
• Singer/Songwriter Paul Simon will be signing copies of Lyrics 1964-2008, on 11/13/08 (7:00 pm) at Barnes & Noble at Union Square, New York, NY. 
• Actor John Lithgow will be signing copies of I Got Two Dogs, on 11/18/08 (11:00 am) at Barnes & Noble on Warren Street, New York, NY. 
• Actress Gwyneth Paltrow & Mario Batali (Iron Chef America) will be signing copies of Spain: A Culinary Road Trip, on 11/19/08 (7:00 pm) at Barnes & Noble at Union Square, New York, NY. 
• Brian Wilson (from the group The Beach Boys) will be signing copies of That Lucky Old Sun, on 11/21/08 (Noon) at J&R Music on Park Row, New York, NY. 

Cast Notes:

Category: 
Dark Comedy

Length of Show:
90 mins., no intermission

Started Previews:
October 3, 2008

Opening Night:
October 23, 2008

Closing:
February 22, 2009

Official Website:
http://speedtheplowonbroadway.com/

At This Theatre:
Ethel Barrymore Theatre
243 West 47th Street
New York, NY 10036

Cast Notes:
Scarlett Strallen as Mary Poppins
Adam Fiorentino as Bert
Daniel Jenkins as Mr Banks
Rebecca Luker as Mrs Banks
Katherine Doherty & Delaney Moro as Jane Banks
Henry Hodges & Alexander Scheitinger as Michael Banks

Category: 
Musical

Length of Show:
2 hrs 45 mins., 1 Intermission

Started Previews:
October 14, 2006

Opening Night:
November 16, 2006

Closing:

Official Website:
http://disney.go.com/theatre/marypoppins/#/home/

At This Theatre:
New Amsterdam Theatre
214 West 42nd Street (between Broadway & 7th Avenue)
New York, NY 10036