2023 Lucille Lortel Award Nominations – Times Square Chronicles

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This year’s nominations were announced by Lortel winner Victoria Clark and Justin Cooley, both currently starring in the Lortel-winning Kimberly Akimbo on Broadway.
Nominations for Outstanding Musical include New York Theatre Workshop and National Black Theatre’s Dreaming Zenzile, National Theatre Folksbiene’s Harmony, The Public’s SUFFS, Titaníque, and WP Theater’s Weightless.
The Lortels recognize the best in Off-Broadway theatre and are voted on by representatives of the theatrical unions, the Off-Broadway League, theatre journalists, academics, and other Off-Broadway professionals. Produced by the Off-Broadway League and Lucille Lortel Theatre with additional support provided by TDF, the awards will be handed out May 7 at NYU Skirball Center beginning at 7 PM. Tickets go on sale to the public April 7 at Tickets.NYU.edu and at the NYU Skirball box office. Michael Heitzman will return to direct the evening for the 12th consecutive year.
Nominees:
Outstanding Play
A Case for the Existence of God, by Samuel D. Hunter
Dark Disabled Stories, by Ryan J. Haddad
Downstate, by Bruce Norris
Epiphany, by Brian Watkins
Wolf Play, by Hansol Jung
Outstanding Musical
Dreaming Zenzile, by Somi Kakoma
Harmony, music by Barry Manilow, book and lyrics by Bruce Sussman
SUFFS, by Shaina Taub
Titaníque, by Marla Mindelle, Constantine Rousouli, and Tye Blue
Weightless, by The Kilbanes
Outstanding Revival
A Bright New Boise, Signature Theatre
Endgame, Irish Repertory Theatre Company
A Man of No Importance, Classic Stage Company
Merrily We Roll Along, New York Theatre Workshop
A Raisin in the Sun, The Public Theater
Outstanding Director
Zi Alikhan, On That Day in Amsterdam
David Cromer, A Case for the Existence of God
Robert O’Hara, A Raisin in the Sun
Whitney White, soft
Dustin Wills, Wolf Play
Outstanding Choreographer
Andy Blankenbuehler, Only Gold
Warren Carlyle, Harmony
Edgar Godineaux, The Harder They Come
Jerry Mitchell, Kinky Boots
Ellenore Scott, Titaníque
Outstanding Lead Performer in a Play
Kyle Beltran, A Case For the Existence of God
Marylouise Burke, Epiphany
K. Todd Freeman, Downstate
Ryan J. Haddad, Dark Disabled Stories
Bill Irwin, Endgame
Tonya Pinkins, A Raisin in the Sun
John Douglas Thompson, Endgame
Outstanding Featured Performer in a Play
Mia Barron, The Coast Starlight
Susanna Guzman, Downstate
Ryan J. Haddad, american (tele)visions
Dickie Hearts, Dark Disabled Stories
Patrice Johnson Chevannes, Endgame
Maureen Sebastian, The Best We Could (a family tragedy)
Eddie Torres, Downstate
Outstanding Lead Performer in a Musical
Nicholas Barasch, The Butcher Boy
Callum Francis, Kinky Boots
Natey Jones, The Harder They Come
Somi Kakoma, Dreaming Zenzile
Lindsay Mendez, Merrily We Roll Along
Marla Mindelle, Titaníque
Jim Parsons, A Man of No Importance
Outstanding Featured Performer in a Musical
Krystal Joy Brown, Merrily We Roll Along
Darren Goldstein, The Bedwetter
Nikki M. James, SUFFS
Jacob Ming-Trent, The Harder They Come
John Riddle, Titaníque
Reg Rogers, Merrily We Roll Along
A.J. Shively, A Man of No Importance
Outstanding Ensemble
The Nosebleed – Drae Campbell, Ashil Lee, Chris Manley, Aya Ogawa, Saori Tsukada, Kaili Y. Turner
soft – Leon Addison Brown, Biko Eisen-Martin, Dharon Jones, Essence Lotus, Travis Raeburn, Shakur Tolliver, Dario Vazquez, Ed Ventura
Wolf Play – Christopher Bannow, Esco Jouléy, Brian Quijada, Nicole Villamil, Mitchell Winter
Outstanding Scenic Design
John Lee Beatty, Epiphany
You-Shin Chen, Wolf Play
dots, You Will Get Sick
Arnulfo Maldonado, A Case for the Existence of God
Clint Ramos, The Far Country
Outstanding Costume Design
Enver Chakartash, THE TREES
Sarah Laux, Wish You Were Here
Orla Long, Endgame
Qween Jean, soft
Alejo Vietti, Titaníque
Outstanding Lighting Design
Isabella Byrd, Epiphany
Jiyoun Chang, The Far Country
Tyler Micoleau, A Case for the Existence of God
Barbara Samuels, Wolf Play
Cha See, On That Day in Amsterdam
Outstanding Sound Design
Mikhail Fiksel, How To Defend Yourself
Daniel Kluger, Epiphany
Kate Marvin, Wolf Play
Theater Mitu, american (tele)visions
Sinan Refik Zafar, LETTERS FROM MAX, a ritual
Outstanding Projection Design
Alex Basco Koch, The Orchard
Yee Eun Nam, ONCE UPON A (korean) TIME
Kameron Neal, Dark Disabled Stories
Theater Mitu, american (tele)visions
S Katy Tucker, LETTERS FROM MAX, a ritual
Honorary Awards
Lifetime Achievement Award: Stephen McKinley Henderson
Playwrights’ Sidewalk Inductee: Ntozake Shange
Body of Work: A.R.T./New York
The awards will be handed out May 7 at NYU Skirball Center beginning at 7 PM. Tickets go on sale to the public April 7 at Tickets.NYU.edu and at the NYU Skirball box office. Michael Heitzman will return to direct the evening for the 12th consecutive year.
The Glorious Corner
Monet’s Garden The Immersive Experience will host a festive Easter Egg hunt as a family-friendly activity.
Suzanna, co-owns and publishes the newspaper Times Square Chronicles or T2C. At one point a working actress, she has performed in numerous productions in film, TV, cabaret, opera and theatre. She has performed at The New Orleans Jazz festival, The United Nations and Carnegie Hall. She has a screenplay and a TV show in the works, which she developed with her mentor and friend the late Arthur Herzog. She is a proud member of the Drama Desk and the Outer Critics Circle and was a nominator. Email: suzanna@t2conline.com
Broadway Forever Returns With Free Star-Studded Pop-Up Concerts
Ken Fallin’s Broadway: Harmony and Barry Manilow
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G.H. Harding
WENNER TAKES A DOWN —Jann Wenner always speaks his mind and this week he may have overstepped just a bit. In an interview that ran in the New York Times about his new book called Masters, he quite openly said that there were no black or R&B artists in it, because they were not able to articulate properly. I know, I felt the same way reading that. Minutes later, he was let go by the board of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which he helped start with Ahmet Ertegun way back in 1983.
Ahmet Ertegun
His Like A Rolling Stone autobiography book was quite an indulgent read last year, but Wenner has in the last several years suffered several health set backs and it was pointed out that he may not be in his right mind. Still, he should have spoken way more carefully. I’ve known Wenner for decades and trust me, he feels he’s way entitled, and that said, you can rest assured that there were dozens and dozens of people (and former employees) waiting to take him down.
The sad fact is that most of the accusations are true. That said, let’s face it Rolling Stone magazine in it’s heyday was a miraculous outlet for so much music and terrific journalism – from Ben Fong-Torres to Hunter Thompson and Jann himself .. it was distinguished. Now, he may have killed it all.
Rolling Stine magazine Monday posted this – essentially disowning his from the magazine: “Jann Wenner’s recent statements to the New York Times do not represent the values and practices of today’s Rolling Stone. Jann Wenner has not been directly involved in our operations since 2019. Our purpose, especially since his departure, has been to tell stories that reflect the diversity of voices and experiences that shape our world. At Rolling Stone’s core is the understanding that music above all can bring us together, not divide us.”
Here’s the report from Deadline: https://deadline.com/2023/09/jann-wenner-removed-rock-and-roll-hall-fame-foundation-board-1235548690/comment-page-1/#comment-3858649
FILE – Drew Barrymore attends the Time100 Gala, celebrating the 100 most influential people in the world, at Frederick P. Rose Hall, April 26, 2023, in New York. The National Book Awards dropped Barrymore as the host for this year’s ceremony, Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023, a day after her talk show taped its first episode since the Hollywood writers strike began. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)
DREW’S BLUES — Boy, what did Drew Barrymore ever do to deserve the treatment she’s been through with the media. Sure, her ideas to bring back her daily-chat fest was a good one, for the right reasons, but everyone from Rosie O;’Donnell to the trade papers have bounced on her like madmen. I never met her, don’t hate her, but really … let’s get back to something real, like these Russell Brand-accusations!
SHORT TAKES — We finally caught David Bryne and Fatboy Slim’s Here Lies Love and absolutely loved it. I remember it well when it premiered at the Public Theater way back when and knew they were trying to get it to Broadway. Honestly, I never thought twice about the Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos story, but the play was riveting then and it remains now. They’ve outfitted NYC’s magnificent Broadway Theater with disco-balls galore and club-lighting and the immersive experience is terrific. Here’s a great re-cap of the play’s evolution from Theatre Guide: https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatre-news/news/how-the-music-of-here-lies-love-evolved-on-the-way-to-broadway …
Chris Carter and Micky Dolenz – Breakfast With The Beatles
Micky Dolenz appeared on Sunday’s Breakfast With The Beatles with Chris Carter (on KLOS) and talked about his new Dolenz Sings R.E.M. on Glenn Gretlund’s 7a Records. He also talked about his time with The Beatles and John Lennon. Carter also played a mash-up of Monkees and Beatle-songs which was done in England and it was superb. Here’s a shot from the event at LA’s Hard Rock Cafe on Highland and Hollywood Blvd. … SIGHTING: PR-pasha David Salidor and Benny Harrison at Monday’s Cutting Room tribute to Burt Bacharach … RIP Sammy Ash …
Jimmy Buffet
I’ve been thinking the best way to describe Jimmy Buffet and I saw this headline in LA Magazine: leisure evangelist– and it fits perfectly …
Happy Bday Donnie Kehr and Richard Branciforte.
NAMES IN THE NEWS — Dan Mapp; Brad Auerbach; James Clash: Robbie Robertson; Carol Ruth Weber; Randy Alexander; Tom & Lisa Cuddy; Andrew Gans; Kathy Brown; Roger Clark; Chris Boneau; Tricia Daniels; Dan Zelinski; Benny Harrison; Steve Walter; Gil Friesen; Donna Dolenz; Dan Mapp; Brad Auerbach; James Clash; and ZIGGY!
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Jackie Weld Drake, longtime chair of Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education, opened her Upper East Side residence to celebrate the upcoming Fiesta! Gala at The Plaza Hotel on October 10.
Two days of entertainment began with a cocktail party, September 13th, which she hosted with George Corton, Darlyn Portes, and Sissi Fleitas.  The next day was a luncheon for the Fiesta! Gala’s junior committee, affectionately called the Pachanga’s.
Guests included Board Members Martha Bograd, Michéle Gerber Klein, Alberto Mariaca, Ben Rodriguez-Cubenas, and Jean Shafiroff, as well as Estrellita Brodsky, Susan Cheever, Anencia Dixon, Lee Fryd, Susan Gutfreund, Ann Nitze, Marc Rosen, Victor Roquette, Daisy Soros, and Barbara Tober, joined by Casita Maria Executive Director Felix Urrutia and Artistic Director Gail Heidel.
Casita Maria creates a safe and welcoming community, enriching and uplifting youth and families towards success, through shared cultural, art and educational experiences and programs. Headquartered in the South Bronx, Casita Maria was established in 1934 by Claire and Elizabeth Sullivan as the first charitable organization to serve Latinos in New York City. Operating from a five-room tenement apartment in East Harlem, the Sullivan sisters, public school teachers who were also relatives of TV personality Ed Sullivan, had a primary mission to offer after school enrichment and recreational activities for the children of newly arrived families from Puerto Rico. Today, Casita Maria remains dedicated to its original mission, delivering services to the mostly Latino youth, and families of the Hunts Point community it serves in the Bronx. In 2009, Casita Maria inaugurated a state-of-the-art facility encompassing performance spaces, exhibition gallery, dance, and music studios, and more on its Simpson Street campus. This 90,000 square foot, six-story educational and cultural facility in collaboration with the Department of Education has enabled Casita Maria to expand its scope and capacities as a beacon of excellence.
Casita Maria’s 89th anniversary Fiesta! Gala will honor Grammy winning producer Nelson Albareda, Dr. Ramon Tallaj, the founder of SOMOS network, and Ambassador David and Jennifer Fischer. For tickets email fiesta@casitamaria.org.
 
PHOTOS BY ANNIE WATT AGENCY/JOHN SANDERSON
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The legend is back baby, and it is here to stay! Three Big Apple cheers for the epic revival of Delmonico’s.
The iconic restaurant known for its culinary excellence and historical significance hosted the best ribbon cutting ceremony that downtown Manhattan has ever witnessed.
On September 15, hundreds of attendees came out in grand style to pay tribute to the beloved venue that has a beautiful history that stands longer than the city’s fair and lovely lady, The Statue of Liberty, herself.

At 56 Beaver Street, the ceremony started with a rousing speech by Mayor Eric Adams to honor the world-famous hotspot.  Esteemed guests and influential figures from the culinary and hospitality industry were on hand for the tony affair including Dennis Turcinovic, owner and operator of Delmonico’s Restaurant Group, and Max Tucci, Partner and Global Brand Officer of Delmonico’s, media personality, and author of the cookbook, The Delmonico Way; Sublime Entertaining and Legendary Recipes from the Restaurant that Made New York!.
Delmonico’s has been a prominent figure in the NYC culinary landscape since its inception in 1837. With a rich heritage of over 186 years, the iconic restaurant has become synonymous with unparalleled dining experiences, famed dishes such as the Delmonico’s Steak, exceptional service, and a commitment to culinary innovation.
The newly redesigned Delmonico’s will continue its tradition of offering patrons a curated menu that showcases classic dishes and contemporary creations. Guests can expect an exquisite dining experience that combines the restaurant’s timeless elegance with a modern twist.
 
 
Photos Courtesy @delmonicosnewyork
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So many colorful events took place over New York Fashion Week.
Heart Wrench Collective hosted a sassy sip session with cocktails at VICTORIA!
Limited edition wearable art was on display with exclusive pieces by artists James Concannon, Casey Kauffmann, and Anna Nguyen. There were also Sarah Potter  tarot readings and custom bedazzling as a special guest DJ had guests gushing with joy on the dance floor.
The brand is more than just a creative agency and streetwear brand. We are the bridge that connects visual artists directly to consumers. Our mission is to foster a vibrant community and unleash the power of collaboration. Through our bespoke, limited edition works, we create a profound and lasting impact on individuals and partners alike. By championing artistry and individual expression, we redefine the boundaries of fashion by embracing the transformative power of art.
 
(Bombay Sapphire / Stephanie Pistel)
Bombay Sapphire Gin and Christian Siriano debuted the first-ever cocktail couture gown, inspired by the iconic Bombay Sapphire bottle and Bombay French 75 cocktail at the designer’s 15th anniversary NYFW show. Taking center stage at  Siriano’s Spring/Summer show at The Pierre Hotel on Friday afternoon, the gown dazzled a celebrity-studded front row (Janet Jackson, Kesha, Quinta Brunson, Laverne Cox, Adrienne Bailon, Avril Lavigne, Laura Linney, Harvey Guillén, and Sarah Hyland). Designed to capture the essence of the time-honored cocktail, the gown featured a sleek silhouette akin to the cocktail’s flute glass, chiffon fabric to hearken back to the effervescence of the drink, and custom Bombay Sapphire gin-dyed accents.
During the after-party hosted at The Ned NoMad this evening, a well-heeled crowd including Janet Jackson, Lil Nas X, Sarah Hyland, Coco Rocha, Harvey Guillén, Shaun Ross, Alicia Silverstone, Sasha Colby, Quinita Brunson, Audrina Patridge, and Scott Barnes toasted with celebratory cocktails.
And lastly, Kimberly Pucci’s 2023 Amalfi Collection exhibited at New York Fashion Week, one of the few runway shows by an accessories designer. Pucci’s show was unique in its holistic portrayal of effortless elegance and global wanderlust celebrated by the brand, particularly summering in Italy in the 1960s.

Models embodying the modern affluent jet-setter were adorned in elevated casual resort-wear in neutral tones as a canvas for Pucci’s immaculate accessories to shine.
 
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C’est Magnifique!
This week in New York City the grand Dîner en Blanc returned in grand style. Four thousand people dressed in elegant head-to-toe white gathered in the trendy Meatpacking District for a one-night celebration of food, wine, and friendship.
The night was special affair that is beloved in the city and this year had the incredible bonus of being a first-of-its kind collaboration with the Meatpacking District Management Association and the Street Activity Permits Office.  It was a landmark moment that even had Mayor Eric Adams in attendance.
Over the course of the evening, guests dined and danced under the stars, entertained by Broadway soloists Margot Siebert and Allison Blackwell, a quartet on stilts, a DJ and more.  New York City’s Mayor Eric Adams stopped by to enjoy this remarkable event that has been embraced by New Yorkers for over a decade.

With co-founder and President of Dîner en Blanc International Sandy Safi at the helm, the French-inspired urban picnic Dîner en Blanc has become a fantastic culinary event around the world. Launched in France 35 years ago, the global phenomenon has become a tradition across 6 continents, with each location injecting its own culture and culinary voice. There are more than one million people on waiting lists worldwide.
Three cheers for another successful year!
Photos by Eric Vitale Photography
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