• Must-See Shows On and Off-Broadway

Memphis If you like blues and rock n roll combined with a heartbreaking but still funny story, this is exactly the kind of musical you will love. The story is set in Memphis during the 1950s and follows the life of Huey Calhoun (Chad Kimball), a white radio DJ and 'the music of his soul' played by black people. This leads to several problems, as due to racial segregation white people don't approve this kind of music. When Huey falls in love with a black singer, Felicia Farrell (Montego Glover), their struggle for acceptance and whether or not their love will survive in a world full of racial hate become a major topic of this musical. Felicia Farrell and Chad Kimball are so terrific that they will win you over within the first few minutes. But also the rest of the cast is definitely worth mentioning as they deliver a perfect performance that is so powerful it will make you want to sing and dance along. This musical will move you in ways words can't describe. For more information visit www.memphisthemusical.com Come Fly Away Frank Sinatra himself would have loved this show. Although this show only uses dance to tell the story of four couples and their up and downs, it will make you cry, laugh and dream more than some plays could. Extremely talented dancers and great choreographies make this show unforgettable and will take you to another world full of romance and passion. Come Fly away features some of Sinatra's most famous songs, including 'Summer Wind,' 'Fly Me To The Moon,' 'My Way,' 'New York, New York' and 'I've Got The World On A String'. American Idiot If you like good rock music and moving stories all performed by a great cast of 19 people and a band of 8, this musical is right for you. All songs of Greenday's acclaimed American Idiot album, but also some of their new songs from the 21st Century Breakdown album are featured in this amazing musical about the struggle of eight teenagers trying to find a meaning in their life. For more information visit www.americanidiotonbroadway.com Million Dollar Quartet Based on the true first-and-only encounter of rock 'n' roll legends Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins when they came together for a record session at Sun Records in Memphis on December 4, 1956, this musical will take you back to the days of great rock 'n' roll. The entire cast convinces with an authentically, funny and dramatic performance that will capture you right from the start. Million Dollar Quartet features famous songs such as "Blue Suede Shoes," "Fever," "That's All Right," "Sixteen Tons," "Great Balls of Fire," "Walk the Line," "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," "Who Do You Love?," "Matchbox," "Folsom Prison Blues," "Hound Dog" and many more. You wont be able to sit still. For more information visit www.milliondollarquartetlive.com Carl Barron Live Hilarious! That's the first thing there is to say about Carl Baron's new comedy show. If you like laughing until the point where you are about to cry, you have to see this show. The Australian impresses with his observational style of comedy and you will notice some of the things he talks about are things you've seen yourself. It's amazing how he puts simple daily situations in a funny perspective and throws great punch lines at the audience. This comedy show will make you crack up. For more information on the comedian and his shows visit www.carlbarron.com Written by: Nicole Hofmann
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• Rock of Ages

Rock of Ages, a musical about the 80's in Hollywood, authentically presents the Rock'n Roll era's fashion and music by staging some of the most famous rocks songs released back then – including songs from Journey, Night Ranger, Styx, Reo Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Asia, Whitesnake, and many more. The story revolves around a small town girl and a rocker who meet in a bar in L.A. I was captivated by what was happening on stage, not only because of the fascinating clothes the actors were wearing, but also due to their amazing voices – especially the ones of the main actor and actress, who managed to impress the audience by their ability to combine powerful dance moves and solid vocals. Also important to mention is that the live band on stage did an extraordinary job. Having watched this musical I have to say it definitely lived up to my expectations, and was one of the best musicals I have ever seen. Rock of Ages is an experience you won't regret, especially if you enjoy rock music and all things 80's. Where can I watch it? Brooks Atkinson Theatre, 256 W 47th St. between Broadway and 8th Ave. When do they run it? Mon 8pm; Tue 7pm; Wed-Fri 8pm; Sat 2, 8pm. For more information visit their website: rockofagesmusical.com
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• Hair

What's the symbolic meaning of long hair in the late 60s??? That's a question I had when I went to see the Broadway show, Hair, a musical very different from Rock of Ages, which I had seen before. Unlike Rock of Ages, this show did not direct a spotlight on only the main characters but on the interaction and stories of all characters. I thought the show did a great job in expressing the worldview of the flower-power generation by having an amazing cast, which fascinated the audience with their great vocal performance and convincing acting. Also, the fact that the audience got embraced in the story made me feel like I was actually in the 60s. Although this show brings up some serious topics such as the Vietnam War, it seemed that getting the audience to laugh was one of the main goals of this show – and they were most certainly successful. Still, the idea of freedom, anti-war campaigns, and love are the center of this musical. By the end of the show the entire audience started singing along and you even got the chance to enter the stage to dance with the cast – an experience that is worthwhile and unique. Despite all the cheerful performances of songs like 'The Age of Aquarius', there were some pretty dramatic and sad moments included, but also those got staged in such a way that the audience could empathize with the characters' struggle. The long hair of the characters is just one out of many expressions of their feelings towards war and society. This becomes clear when Claude, one of the main characters, has to get his hair cut when he is drafted to the army and therefore symbolically loses the struggle for freedom and has to give up his anti-war attitude. So go enjoy this beautiful, funny, but still meaningful musical and don't be shy, just get on stage after the show and start shaking your hair. Let the Sunshine in! Where to watch: Al Hirschfeld Theatre 302 West 45th Street, New York, NY 10036 (212) 239-6200 Show schedule: Tues: 7pm Wed: 2pm & 8pm Thurs-Fri: 8pm Sat: 2pm & 8pm Sun: 3pm For more information visit: www.hairbroadway.com
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• NEED SOMETHING TO HARNESS THAT HOLIDAY MOOD? VISIT THE SPECTACULAR ROCKETTES

Photo by Radio City Music Hall

As it was my first time to see the annual Radio City Christmas Spectacular, I didn't know what to expect, but had only heard about the marvelous, synchronized Rockettes and, of course, seen posters of their eye-level kicks on the Subway and all over New York City. And indeed, I was stunned by their perfect precision in the 'Parade of the Wooden Soldiers' and 'Let Christmas Shine,' wearing their shimmering showgirl outfits. It must be every girl's dream to become one of the famous Rockettes, reminding me of a conversation I overheard between a little girl—who wanted to join the troupe on stage—and her mother, who told her that she could not go on stage even though, of course, she was a pretty little princess. Throughout the show, Santa takes you on a magical ride to his workshop at the North Pole and the Rockettes take you on a sightseeing bus trip through the city, including Central Park and its ice skaters as well as Times Square and its bright illuminated signs. Also worth mentioning is the striking reenactment of the first Christmas, telling the tale of the birth of Jesus and the wise men's journey to Bethlehem; the 'Living Nativity' featured real camels, sheep, and even a mule on the stage! Can you believe that? The Christmas Spectacular is a MUST SEE when you're in the city around Christmas. It made me feel like a child again, giving me goose bumps and putting me in a joyful holiday mood. It's not only great for families, but for EVERYONE who likes Christmas. 'The Radio City Christmas Spectacular' continues through December 30th at Radio City Music Hall. For more information please call (212) 307-1000, or visit www.radiocity.com.Posted by Kathi Hartwecker
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