Walter’s World: Weekend Picks- Art Tour, Musical Theatre and Burlesque

By Walter Rutledge

After two weeks of working outside my beloved city I return to find “the city that never sleeps” in full insomnia.

This weekend there is an art tour, a new musical and a review honoring the art of burlesque abounding throughout the city and neighboring communities. Here are a few of the many events taking place in and around the city.

For the first time, ArtCrawl Harlem™, New York’s only guided trolley-bus tour dedicated to exposing galleries and “hidden” art spaces throughout Harlem, will take its passengers “across the pond” to Newark, New Jersey’s creative community, to explore the city’s art scene and connect the dots between Newark (America’s third oldest city) and New York’s village of Harlem.  The Next ArtCrawl Harlem™ installment is scheduled for Saturday, August 11, from 12:30pm to 6:30pm. It will treat participants to a guided tour of the Newark’s art community, making stops at the Newark Museum’s critically acclaimed exhibit, Romare Bearden: Southern Recollections, followed by stops at the Iandor Gallery where guests will have the rare opportunity to view the works of Norman Lewis from his estate, and other galleries including City Without Walls and Arlington Works.

The tour’s final stop will be at Newark’s own Barat Foundation. Visitors will be treated to an up close look at the organization’s “Animodules” – 8 foot mobile animal-themed sculptures created by local artist and teacher Terry Berwin and painted by collaborations between NJ school children and artists in residence. The tour will culminate with a delicious meal featuring Newark’s legendary Portuguese/Spanish cuisine complete with wine and music.

Tickets are $55 in advance, optional roundtrip transportation is available from New York City for $20.  Tickets can be purchased by telephone at 800-838-3006 or online at www.artcrawlharlem.com. Tour buses depart from the Newark Museum, and as always, knowledgeable tour guides, as well as participating artists, gallery owners and directors will provide expert commentary and context about the various works on display as well as Newark’s history.

Dream Babies is a new musical at the Theatre at St. Clements located at 423 West 46th Street, NYC, between 9th & 10th Avenue. The musical is about the teenagers living in foster care at St. Mary’s Home for Girls and St. John’s Home for Boys. These young people share their joys and growing pains while attending Royal Academy, a Charter School in Brooklyn, NY. This powerful musical is a testimony to the faith and determination of these teenagers to make it in life against all odds with the loving support of their teachers, counselors and friends. The musical features book, music, lyrics and direction by Van Dirk Fisher, choreography by David Robertson, and music direction by Rob Keiser.

A preview performance on Thursday August 9 at 8pm begins the limited engagement preview tickets are $20. Friday August 10 at 8pm is the opening night performance tickets are $25.00 with premium seats at $40. Opening night tickets including after-show party are $50.00. On Saturday, August 11th at 8pm there will be a special tribute to Tony Award nominated choreographer Louis Johnson with a 
pre-show reception at 6:30pm
Tickets are $42.50. There is also a Sunday matinée performance at 3pm.

Simone Sobers Dance presents Visions of Grandeur: An Evening of Burlesque on Sunday August 12^th two performances at 7pm and 8:30pm at Theater 54 at 244 West 54th Street (between 8th Avenue and Broadway) 12th Floor. The evening will feature work excerpts from Simone Sobers Dance evening length work, Visions of Grandeur, a work that explores lust, men, and relationships through the eyes of three black burlesque dancers. The evening will also feature live music, and variety acts in a show guaranteed to tickle your fancy. Jakeith “JaPoet” will be the master of ceremonies and host with guest performances by Kamaria Dailey and Alisa Fendley. Tickets are $12 online by visiting http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/263654 and are $16 at the door. Seating is limited!

As always thank you for letting me share my world with you.

In Photo and Images: 1) Romare Bearden- Gospel Morning 2) Norman Lewis – Untitled 3) Terry Berwin- Animodules 4) Dream Babies-  promo art 5) Louis Johnson 6) Simone Sober Dance

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