Beyond the Usual Song and Dance

By Troy Segal

Like the flowers and trees, musical and theatrical events flourish in springtime New York: a dazzling burst before everyone scatters for the summer, perhaps. Among the performing arts activities, here are a baker’s dozen of our picks—premieres or rare performances, uniquely stimulating talks and lectures—that go far beyond the usual song and dance.

To commemorate the centennial of one of the most popular singers of all time, the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts is hosting a Frank Sinatra Singalong Show and Tell in its cozy café: you can peruse sheet music, sketches and other artifacts related to the Chairman of the Board’s career, then gather ‘round the piano to warble some of his greatest hits. Friday, May 15.

Five towns in two hours: The St. Luke’s Chamber Ensemble rounds out a program of city-themed concerts with the world premiere of a commissioned work—NYC Sonic Scores, 2015 by Maria Chavez. Morgan Library & Museum, Friday, May 15.

Musicologist Martha Baird analyzes the Quartet from Beethoven’s Fidelio, showing how the disparate thoughts of individuals can be woven together to create musical magic. Aesthetic Realism Foundation, Saturday, May 16.

Although the Joffrey Ballet decamped to Chicago several years ago, the modern-ballet works of co-founder Gerald Arpino are still danced locally by the Joffrey Ballet Concert Group. To celebrate the 50th birthday of Viva Vivaldi, one of Arpino’s most joyful creations, the troupe is preceding a performance with a wine-and-cheese reception. New York Live Arts, Sunday, May 17.

A conversation between three creative African-Americans—choreographer Bill T. Jones, performance artist Marc Bamuthi Joseph and author Touré—ruminates on what it means to be a black artist today. Their talk is capped by a performance of Joseph’s Black Joy in the Hour of Chaos, a dance/spoken word piece. MIST Harlem, Sunday, May 17.

Legal disputes deprived us of their performances for years, but now the Martha Graham Dance Company is back—and performing the works of a contemporary modern-dance choreographer, Deborah Zall; the choreographer herself performs a dramatic solo, too. Martha Graham Studio Theatre, Thursday-Friday, May 21-22.

For theatregoers, 1963-4 was a very good year, with 14 new musicals—including Hello, Dolly! and Funny Girl—and revivals of West Side Story and My Fair Lady to choose among. Theatre critic/historian Peter Filichia (whose new book The Great Parade covers that rich season) reminisces about the glory days of Broadway. Drama Book Shop, Thursday, May 21.

Though the tango over a century old, its sensual steps and throbbing chords still can quicken the pulse. Lean in as a pianist, accordionist and string quartet present an “Homage to Tango” concert, including works composed by Ástor Piazzolla, the father of Nuevo Tango. Symphony Space. Friday, May 22.

Were the 1980s the Golden Age of New York Radio? A panel of DJs—who were all there at the time—argue that it was, backing up a documentary on those years when a combo of electro, house music and an emerging genre called hip-hop were all simultaneously spinning through the airwaves. Red Bull Studios, Wednesday, May 27.

As the Tony Awards draw nigh, the casts of various shows warm up for the big night with a morning concert in Shubert Alley; hosted by Darren Criss (current star of Hedwig and the Angry Inch), the alfresco show also includes numbers from long-running hits (Chicago, The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked). Wednesday, May 27.

Photo: Gene Schiavone

Artists from American Ballet Theatre (currently celebrating its 75th anniversary at the Metropolitan Opera House) take you on a backstage tour of company life—from toe-shoe fittings to preliminary rehearsals—at a picture-filled lecture. New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Thursday, May 28.

The Valentina Kozlova International Ballet Competition (May 26-30), now entering its fifth year, offers a chance for both classical and modern dancers to strut their stuff—and win scholarships and places in schools and companies; the contest culminates in a gala performance on Saturday, May 30. Symphony Space.

Classical music originally grew out of hymns, songs and prayers composed for religious services and ceremonies. The cantor of the Eldridge Street Synagogue lifts his rich voice in discussion of chazzanut, sacred Jewish music and the art of chanting it, during the Egg Rolls, Egg Creams & Empanadas Festival. Eldridge Street Synagogue, Sunday, Jun. 7.