Kick off this holiday WEEK AHEAD with a free night at the museum…more “American Idol” to hold you over till next season…free Broadway!...and, we’re off to see the wizard by the river.
There's no place like home,
Blake
Saturday, July 3 
GO (FREE)? On the first Saturday of every month, the Brooklyn Museum opens its doors for Target First Saturday, a host of free arts and entertainment programs open to the general public. On the docket this month is a screening of the original high-school musical, “Fame,” and a slew of Andy Warhol-inspired events, including an ’80s-styled dance party. (“Fame” screening begins at 6pm, the Warhol dance party starts at 9pm, Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11238, Click here for a full schedule of events)
Sunday, July 4 
BEFORE IT CLOSES? Geoffrey Nauffts' Tony-nominated gem of a show Next Fall is a story about relationships—with lovers, with God, with family and with the community. If you haven’t yet seen this show (and by the looks of the weekly grosses, I know some of you haven’t), I implore you to do so before this beautiful work closes July 4. (Helen Hayes Theatre, 240 West 44th St., btwn Broadway and 8th Aves., Click here for Playbill Club discount tickets)
WATCH? Live from New York, it’s fireworks at night! Macy’s Annual 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular will feature performances by teen pop-sensation Justin Bieber, Enrique Inglesias and LeAnn Rimes. Nick Cannon and Alison Sweeney host. (9pm ET, 8pm CT, on NBC)
Monday, July 5 
GO? Savion Glover brings his fancy footwork set to soulful tunes to the Joyce in SoLE PoWER. (Through July 10, The Joyce Theatre, 175 8th Ave., at 19th St., $10-$59, info/tickets)
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Tuesday, July 6 
GO? Oscar and Emmy Award-winning actress Helen Hunt heads to Grover’s Corners in the acclaimed Off-Broadway production of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town. (Hunt can be seen through August 1, The Barrow Street Theatre, 27 Barrow St., at 7th Ave., South of Christopher St., $45-$95, info/tickets)
GO? Come on, you know you love her! The queen of drama, Lady Gaga, comes to NYC. And who loves drama more than us theatre people? (Through July 9, Madison Square Garden, info/tickets)
KICKING OFF? The undergroundzero Festival of Theater Artists kicks off its annual parade of avant garde and experimental theatre at the downtown performance space known for cultivating new, fresh and exciting talent, PS 122. Experimental theatre groups like terraNOVA and East River Commedia join international theatre companies from Italy, Ireland, Spain and Germany, to present dozens of shows in this fest that claims: “risk-taking is encouraged and expected.” (Through July 25, PS 122, 150 1st Ave, at 9th St., general admission $20, student/senior specials available, Click here for a full schedule of festival performances)
Wednesday, July 7 
GO? Has the recent Broadway influx of “American Idol” alums left you hankering for more over-the-top, pop music goodness? Then head over to Jones Beach to catch American Idols Live, featuring the Top 10 finalists from the popular show’s 10th season. “Idols” in the concert include: Aaron Kelly, Andrew Garcia, Casey James, Crystal Bowersox, Didi Benami, Katie Stevens, Lee DeWyze, Michael Lynche, Siobhan Magnus and Tim Urban. (7:30pm, Nikon at Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, NY, $50.50-$70.50, info/tickets)
Thursday, July 8 
GO (FREE)? Sum-Sum-Summertime in NYC= lots o’ free theatre! One summer tradition that brings Broadway talent to a park just east of the ‘way is Broadway in Bryant Park. The casts of Promises, Promises, In the Heights and Off-Broadway’s STOMP and Nunsense, kick off this favorite summer pastime. (12:30pm-1:30pm, Bryant Park, btwn. 40th and 42nd Sts. & 5th and 6th Aves., info)
Friday, July 9 
GO (FREE)? “The Wizard of Oz” was one of the first movies I ever saw, and it helped turn me into a lifelong lover of musicals (and nice shoes!). Bring your kids to this lovely, riverside, free screening of the famous Judy Garland movie musical. Popcorn is free, but bring your own chairs and blankets. (Pier 46, West Side Highway at Charles Street, info)
