Shakespeare in the Park 2011 ends… Hairspray goes Hollywood… Carrie resurrected!... and Judy! Judy! Judy!
Blake
Saturday, July 30 
LAST CHANCE? One of New York’s most beloved summer institutions — Shakespeare in the Park — closes out its 2011 season with the Bard’s classic about politics, religion and mistaken identity, Measure for Measure. Starring Jon Cullum, Tonya Pinkins, Danai Gurira, Michael Hayden, André Holland, Lorenzo Pisoni, Reg Rogers and Annie Parisse. As always, admission is free! (8 PM, Delacorte Theater, Mid- Central Park at 80th St, info)
Sunday, July 31 
LAST CHANCE? Rain, the Beatles tribute show, closes on Broadway and heads to Johannesburg. The show spans the fab four’s career from their renowned appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1964 to their last studio album. Includes hits like "I Want To Hold Your Hand," "Hard Day's Night," "Yesterday," "Twist and Shout," "With A Little Help From My Friends," "Eleanor Rigby," "Strawberry Fields," "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," "Hey Jude," "When I’m 64," "I Am The Walrus," "Revolution" and "Come Together." (Brooks Atkinson, 256 W. 47th St., btwn. Broadway & 8th Ave., Click here for Playbil Club discount tickets)
Monday, August 1 
GO? MCC Theatre has taken on the ambitious task of bringing Carrie (one of Broadway’s biggest bombs) back to the stage. Before its January 2012 bow, the theatre will host a sneak preview of what will be the new (and hopefully improved) version of the musical based on the Stephen King novel about a young girl with telekinetic powers. The show’s stars Molly Ranson (Carrie) and Marin Mazzie (Carrie’s mother, Margaret) will perform. Director Stafford Arima, librettist Lawrence D. Cohen, composer Michael Gore and lyricist Dean Pitchford will be on hand to discuss how they hope to transform this infamous flop into a hit. (7PM, Lucille Lortel Theatre,?121 Christopher St., btwn. Bleecker & 8th Ave., info/tickets)
GO? Playwright Jon Robin Baitz (Other Desert Cities, "Brothers & Sisters") will host a special conversation with Tony and Oscar winner Joel Grey. The talk will touch upon Grey's career from Cabaret to his newest hit performance in the revival of Anything Goes, as well as his other talent as a photographer. (6:30 PM, Museum of the City of New York, 1220 5th Ave.,$15-$20, info/tickets)
Tuesday, August 2 
GO? The Film Society of Lincoln Center and the Paley Center for Media team up to celebrate the films of Judy Garland in Judy Garland: All Singin’, All Dancin’, All Judy. On Tuesday, expect "Girl Crazy," the MGM film adaptation of the classic Gershwin musical starring Garland with Mickey Rooney. The fest continues with screenings of other Garland classics such as “Easter Parade,” “Meet Me in St. Louis,” “Strike Up the Band,” and of course, “The Wizard of Oz.” (Through Aug. 9, multiple locations, click here for schedule and tickets)
Wednesday, August 3 
AUDITION? The kids of Camp Broadway will perform at the 84th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The troupe is looking for talented tots ages 12-16 to perform an original song on the NBC telecast. There is no fee for auditioning, but there is a fee for participating (if accepted). Be prepared with sheet music and dressed to move! (6:30 PM, Pearl Studios, 500 8th Ave., btwn. 35th an 36th St., info)
Thursday, August 4 
GO (FREE)? Broadway in Bryant Park continues with performances from the casts of Jersey Boys, The Lion King, Rent, Wicked and the new Maury Yeston musical Death Takes a Holiday. (12:30 PM, Thursday afternoons through Aug. 11, Bryant Park, 40th and 42nd Sts. btwn. 5th & 6th Aves., info)
Friday, August 5 
GO (CA)? Tony winners Harvey Fierstein and Marissa Jaret Winokur will reprise their roles as Edna and Tracy Turnblad, respectfully, for the Hollywood Bowl’s concert version of Hairspray directed by Tony winner Jerry Mitchell. The all-star cast of this Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman hit also includes Nick Jonas, Corbin Bleu, Drew Carey, Diana DeGarmo, Nick Jonas and John Stamos. (Through Aug. 7, Hollywood Bowl, 2301 North Highland Avenue?Hollywood, CA 90068, info/tickets)
