As you’re reading this column, chances are you’re doing one of three things: (1) traveling to do some last-minute shopping, (2) wrapping/unwrapping presents or (3) returning gifts for what you really want or what’s left.
Hopefully recipients of my generosity won’t have that problem. I think I did alright by going with the sure shots: tickets. Living in the mecca of entertainment that has established institutions such as Broadway, as well as the many shows about to sweep through the tristate area, it’s only right.
Truthfully, I would have had campers if I handed out tickets to what has been one of the most talked about shows on the Great White Way—again. Seems that the revival of “The Color Purple” has the city abuzz, and rightfully so. We’re all familiar with the Alice Walker’s classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about a young woman, Celie, who overcomes oppressive and violent behavior in her home, which rivals that of the segregated South, where the story is set. Despite the seemingly insurmountable odds, she discovers her true self-worth; as she sheds her imbedded inhibitions and fears, she shines. Much like we follow the trajectory of the character of Celie in the story, in real/reel life, we need to monitor the career of the actress Cynthia Erivo, who shows and proves that her talent is world class. In the near future, look for Erivo’s popularity, much like that her of her costars, “Orange Is the New Black” star Danielle Brooks as Sofia, and superstar Jennifer Hudson, in her Broadway debut as Shug Avery, to match her vast talent. Speaking of Hudson, patrons at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre just may be witnessing history in the making as she embarks on the entertainment equivalent of the grand slam. Having Academy and Grammy awards already on her mantle, is it that far beyond the realm to consider Tony and Emmy awards becoming additions to the collections? Late spring will determine if a Tony is in the future, but we do know that the next major piece of hardware she’s in contention for is Best Supporting Actress for Spike Lee’s “Chi-Raq,” at the 47th NAACP Image Awards. Hope that adds incentive to trek to Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre (242 W. 45th St.)
Back to gift ideas, tickets are now on sale for what’s looking like an event-filled February. Check out what’s coming down the pike.
Feb. 7: Babyface/After 7, NJPAC
Feb. 14: “An Evening of Love: The Valentine’s Day Show,” featuring Stephanie Mills and Will Downing, the Beacon Theatre
Feb. 19: Chaka Khan/Vivian Green, the Kings Theatre
Feb. 25: Future/Ty Dolla $ign, The Grand Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino
In terms of diversity though, on paper the livest show looks like it’s gonna be at the Prudential Center on Feb. 15. On the cusp of the 20th Anniversary of his genre-defining first album, “Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite,” two-time Grammy Award-winning R&B star Maxwell will take the stage at Prudential Center for the first time Monday, Feb. 15 as part of his return to the New York Metro. Supporting acts are Emeli Sande and Nas. Wait. Nas?
If you need an immediate fix, however, you can’t go wrong with the Dec. 29 Jazmin Sullivan show at the Gramercy Theatre.
Over and out. Happy holidays, my people. Holla next week. Until then, enjoy the nightlife.