Volume 80, Number 19 | October 7 – 13, 2010
West and East Village, Chelsea, Soho, Noho, Little Italy, Chinatown and Lower East Side, Since 1933
Those lake-dwelling male swans are only in town through Nov. 7. See Swan Lake, page 26.
Just Do Art!
Compiled by SCOTT STIFFLER
CREATING COMICS!
Zap! Pow! Stand in line! Get a book signed! That’s the drill going down on Oct. 14, 7-8 p.m. at the Strand. “Creating Comics!” is a tome that delves into the imaginations of 47 of today’s most respected comic book and graphic artists. At this in-store event, R. Sikoryak, Neil Swaab and Keith Carter will discuss their collaboration on this must-read for all graphic novel enthusiasts. If you can’t be there in person, just go to the Strand website and pre-order a signed copy. Strand Bookstore is located at 828 Broadway, at the corner of 12th St. Call 212-473-1452 or visit www.strandbooks.com.
MERCHANT’S HOUSE MUSEUM
Why go to a “haunted house” full of corporeal folks running around in rubber masks? Merchant’s House Museum, home to decades of genuine paranormal events, offers a scholarly yet stimulating history lesson concerning the building’s previous life as the residence of a prosperous merchant-class family (1835-1865). But come October, they host a few events that play up their well-earned reputation as “Manhattan’s most haunted house.” Through Oct. 30, the “Candlelight Ghost Tour” dishes on what paranormal investigations have uncovered. Through Oct. 24, “From Parlor to Grave: 1865 Funeral Reenactment” recreates the funeral of Seabury Tredwell. Through Oct. 31, “Spine Tingling & True: Ghost Stories of the Merchant’s House Museum” has resident ghost-storyteller Anthony Bellov reading selections from 19th-century horror classics, and recounting highlights from his ongoing research into the supernatural occurrences at MHM. Finally, through Nov. 29, “Memento Mori: The Birth & Resurrection of Postmortem Photography” traces the evolution of postmortem photography in America. At 29 E. Fourth St. (btw. Lafayette & Bowery). For dates, times and reservations, Call 212-777-1089 or visit www.merchantshouse.com. Get your tickets NOW — these events always sell out fast. Boo!
FUNDRAISER: QUEER RISING
“Riot” is an appropriately rebellious name for a fundraiser happening at the flashpoint of America’s modern gay, lesbian, trans, bi, questioning and whatever civil rights movement. With a mouthful like that, maybe the NYC-based activist group Queer Rising should just chuck the bullhorns for one night and let their feet do the talking. That’s exactly what’ll happen, we’re assured, at “Riot.” It’s a coming out party which marks the group’s entry into legitimate not-for-profit status. Translation? Activism costs money and they need your help! So do many others. With that in mind, “Riot” will be a monthly dance party in which sponsor 21st Century Life teams with a grassroots LGBT organization to raise funds and awareness. In this inaugural edition, DJ Executive Realness spins all night long as you dance, without pause, for the lavender cause! The suggested donation ($5) goes directly to Queer Rising. Sat., Oct. 9, 10 p.m. at The Stonewall Inn (53 Christopher St. near 7th Ave.). Visit www.21stcenturylife.fanbridge.com and www.QueerRising.org.
SWAN LAKE
In 1998, director/choreographer Matthew Bourne made Broadway history with his gay interpretation of the classic Tchaikovsky ballet “Swan Lake.” Far from being labeled a heretic, the production won three Tony and five Drama Desk awards. Although the all-male ensemble of swans was the premise that put butts in the seats, it was Bourne’s innovative combination of humor and masculine athleticism that made this an iconic, must-see event. Those who missed it the first time around — or those who are up for a second helping — had better get their tickets now to this limited run. Oct. 13 through Nov. 7, at New York City Center Mainstage (131 W. 55th St.). For tickets ($25-$110), call 212-581-1212.
National Asian American Theatre Company
Last year’s production of “The Seagull” successfully mined laughs from Chekhov’s gloomy, doomy play by turning it into an absurd slapstick endeavor — so we’re confident that the National Asian American Theatre Company’s two upcoming events will be similarly entertaining and ambitious.
One night only, NAATCO tackles Sondheim when they perform “Into The Woods.” This benefit concert happens Mon., Oct. 11 at Engelman Recital Hall at Baruch Performing Arts Center (55 Lexington Ave.). For (tax deductible) tickets ($125, $250, $500 and $1,000), visit www.theatermania.com or call 212-352-3101. Then, NAATCO opens its 21st season with the world premiere of Jordan Harrison’s play “Futura.” Contemplation ensues when a university professor’s search for her missing husband intersects with a dangerous lesson on typography. In preview beginning Oct. 22. Opens Oct. 26 and runs through Nov. 13. At TBG Theater (312 W. 36th St. btw. 8th & 9th Aves.). For tickets ($20 during previews, then $25), visit www.SmartTix.com or call 212-868-4444. Also visit www.naatco.org.
IVAN ULZ IN CONCERT
Why listen to his music on the web when you can see him in person? This concert isn’t just toddler-friendly — it’s toddler-centric! Join Ivan Ulz and bassist Christopher North as they play tunes from Ivan’s soon-to-be-released second album. Ivan’s also sure to play, at least once, his hit song “Fire Truck!” — which kids have been downloading like hotcakes! Sun, Oct. 17, from 12-1pm (doors open at 11:30am). At Bowery Poetry Club (308 Bowery, btw. Bleecker & Houston). Admission is $10. Visit www.ivanulz.com.
GOING BLIND
As you sit in a darkened movie theater and watch a film about people whose lives are transformed when they begin to lose their sight, you’ll probably be too enthralled to fully appreciate the irony of what you’re doing — until the lights come up and you walk out of the theater without the assistance of a cane or a dog. There are powerful moments of realization such as that all the way through “Going Blind” — filmmaker, journalist and glaucoma patient Joseph Lovett’s powerful, audience-deserving documentary. It’s only at the Village’s Quad Cinema (34 W. 13th St.) for one week, beginning Oct. 8, and won’t be available to the general public on DVD for quite some time — so make the effort to see it on the big screen. Visit www.goingblindmovie.com.
ROB ZOMBIE AT FORBIDDEN PLANET
Freakazoid Renaissance man Rob Zombie has seen and done it all. Now bow to the master of film and music at this in-store event happening at another genuine cultural institution — Forbidden Planet. Zombie will be promoting his new album “Hellbilly Deluxe 2” as well Royal Flush Magazine Volume 7 (in which he’s featured). A swarm of fans will likely jam the place to capacity — so visit the Planet website for advance purchase of admission. Mon., Oct. 11, 6 p.m. (signing begins at 6:30 p.m.). At Forbidden Planet (840 Broadway at 13th St.). Call them at 212) 473-1576 or visit www.fpnyc.com. Also visit www.robzombie.com and www.royalflushfestival.com.
