Sometimes a Trip to the Bronx is Fabulous! The Orchid Show at the Bronx Botanical Garden is a winner! An exquisite collection of over 2200 varieties of the lovely flowers awash with color and with an aroma that is as sweet and powerful as the most fragrant perfume. The show runs through April 21; call for special classes and romantic weekend event. Info: 718 817-8700, nybg.org
Theater: A Raisin in the Sun has a limited run production of Lorraine Hansberry’s classic play starring Denzel Washington. Ms. Hansberry’s play is of a working class black family who, while facing tensions and prejudice, somehow works its way into purchasing a home in an all white neighborhood (with an insurance check after the family patriarch expires.) The huge draw, of course, is Denzel Washington, and he does not disappoint. His mother is expertly portrayed by LaTanya Richardson Jackson, (in real life she is Samuel L. Jackson’s wife). Closing is posted for June 15, and available tickets are scarce, expensive, and going fast. It’s playing at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, 243 West 47th Street, 212-239-6200. info at broadway.com/shows/raisin-sun/.
Theater: All the Way—just a quick note, Bryan Cranston’s tour de force portrayal of LBJ has posted a closing date for June 29 at the Neil Simon Theatre. Be sure to check on performance times as they are subject to change. Another note: the performance runs 3 hours without an intermission. Neil Simon Theatre 250 West 53nd Street, Info: 800 276-2392
Theater: A Night With Janis is good news for all Janis Joplin fans. Mary Bridget Davies is opening Thursday, August 10 Off Broadway at the Gramercy Theatre. The tickets will be less than they were on Broadway, but her amazing performance will be just as captivating. If you haven’t seen Davies, you are in for a treat. 127 West 23rd Street, Info at 800-901-4092
Dance: Alvin Ailey II at the Joan Weill Theatre offers an evening with a stage filled with stunning muscular bodies of rising stars. The performances vary from All New on one evening to Old Favorites the next, but are as strong as the original Alvin Ailey company, which will be at Lincoln Center in June. This season ends Sunday, April 13, so check the details before you get tickets. 405 West 59th Street, Info: 212-405-9083.
Jazz: The Heath Supper Club at the McKittrick Hotel, (In name only, don’t try to book a room here.) is home of the Off Broadway hit, Sleep No More. The Heath opened in December, and this club resembles a downtown version (jazz wise) of Minton’s in Harlem. The food has a British flare, and the club has a charming hostess, excellent jazz, and a dance floor! It turns into a dance party at midnight with music by the Heathens. 542 West 27th Street, Info: 212 564-1662
