Dose of COLOR

The PORT AUTHORITY BUS TERMINAL on 42nd Street and 8th Avenue is all covered up with artist TATTFOO TAN's NMS-Nature Matching System mural. I made these images of the temporary public art installation made of vinyl when I was in the area two weeks ago.

From http://www.timessquarenyc.org:

As part of the ongoing transformation of 8th Avenue and the 42nd Street area, a new work of public art by New York artist Tattfoo Tan was unveiled today in Midtown Manhattan through a partnership between the Fashion Center Business Improvement District and the Times Square Alliance.

The giant grid of color, inspired by fresh fruits and vegetables, is one of largest public art projects ever at the Port Authority Bus Terminal, which is located in the Fashion District. Through the “NMS - Nature Matching System”, the thousands of daily visitors can visually learn the colors that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. The vinyl mural is 13 ft high and 180 ft wide and will run in the street-level windows on 8th Avenue between 41st and 42nd Streets and along 42nd Street.

“Community projects like this are a welcome addition to the Port Authority Bus Terminal and another example of our continued commitment to our neighbors,” said Steve Napolitano, Bus Terminal Manager for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. “This impressive work of art will help to further integrate the Port Authority Bus Terminal into the boldly-colored and brightly-lit environment of New York City.”

The “Nature Matching System” project on the bus terminal boldly reminds New Yorkers “to take your daily dose of color.” Tattfoo Tan precisely matched the healthy colors of 88 fresh fruits and vegetables through Photoshop software into a Pantone or paint chip display system. He wrote: “The shades of color displayed at farmers’ markets are more than skin deep, reflecting the inner potential of every fruit and vegetable; intense colors might even be called nature’s nutrition labels.”

“This latest public art project is another example of the continued Renaissance of the 8th Avenue corridor,” said Barbara Randall, Executive Director of the Fashion Center BID. “The addition of a work by such a respected artist, further serves to enhance the pedestrian experience and the cultural value of the Fashion Center and Times Square areas.”

“8th Avenue is already emerging as an Avenue of Architecture, and thanks to projects like this one at the Port Authority Bus Terminal, it’s also starting to stake a claim as an Avenue of Art,” said Times Square Alliance President Tim Tompkins. “This is a great example of the ways in which the creative energy of both Times Square and the Fashion District is making its mark on Eighth Avenue.”

Jewels and Butterflies at Tiffany

Gorgeous butterfly displays are currently featured by Tiffany & Co. on Fifth Avenue in their instore display windows. The beauty of these butterflies certainly compliment Tiffany's magnificent, one of a kind jewelry. I made these photos on March 7 at Tiffany & Co. which is located at 725 Fifth Avenue, betwee 56th and 57th Streets. (Phone 212-755-8000; Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 12pm-6pm)

The New Look of the JUILLARD SCHOOL

This is the newly renovated JUILLARD SCHOOL, New York's famous performing arts conservatory that trains in drama, dance and music. With about 800 undergraduate and graduate students, the school is consistently ranked among the top 2 or 3 most selective institutions of higher learning in North America. A three-storey high glass facade that looks on Broadway is the new face of Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall, which opened this week after a US$159-million, 22-month renovation - with great acoustics and African wooden walls that glow amber in the dark. The concert hall is inside a building that houses the Juilliard School, which has been expanded by 4,200 square meters, with more rehearsal and practice rooms for music, dance and theatre.

DYLAN'S Candy Bar

A few blocks from where I live is the colorful DYLAN'S CANDY BAR flagship store. Located at 1011 Third Avenue across from Bloomingdale's, the popular candy store features its own line of candies and chocolate, and stocks other brands as well, including M&Ms, PEZ, Dubble Bubble, Wonka, and Jelly Belly. In addition to candy and chocolate, ice cream or ice cream floats, as well as candy-themed clothing can be purchased here. The store is owned by Dylan Lauren, daughter of designer Ralph Lauren. (Store Hours: Mon-Thurs 10 AM - 9 PM, Fri & Sat 10 AM – 11 PM, Sun 11am – 8 PM Tel 646-735-0078).

The ORCHID SHOW (Brazilian Modern) at the NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN

This year's ORCHID SHOW at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx features a contemporary Brazilian garden designed by RAYMOND JUNGLES. The famed landscape architect used fountains, pools and mosaics and art reproductions of Brazilin artist and landscape architect ROBERTO BURLE MARX to combine with the thousands of orhids as well as palms, bromeliads and other native plants of Brazil. I made these images when I visited the New York Botanical Garden's Enid A. Haupt Conservatory to see the beautiful orchids. The orchid show runs through April 12.

WEST SIDE STORY Broadway Revival

JOSEFINA SCAGLIONE (Maria)

KAREN OLIVO (Anita)

CODY GREEN (Riff)

Video posted by photoggirl

Last Saturday, I attended the matinee performance of the new Broadway revival of the landmark musical WEST SIDE STORY at the Palace Theatre. This new revival is directed by two-time Tony Award winning librettist ARTHUR LAURENTS. The show transports Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet to the turbulent gang-ridden streets of the Upper West Side in 1950's New York City. Two star-crossed teen lovers, Tony (played by MATT CAVENAUGH) and Maria (JOSEFINA SCAGLIONE), find themselves caught between the rival street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds, the Puerto Rican Sharks versus the Anglo Jets. Tony and Maria are torn between ethnic loyalty and their intense love for one another. The Leonard Bernstein (music)-Stephen Sondheim (lyrics) score includes memorable songs like "Tonight," "Somewhere," "Maria," "I Have a Love" and "Something's Coming." The original Jerome Robbins choreography is retooled by Tony Award nominee Joey McKneely. This wonderful production boasts a huge onstage cast. In this revival, Spanish is selectively woven throughout the dialogue and songs. The song "I Feel Pretty" is sung in Spanish in its entirety. I think that this idea really worked in conveying the authenticity of the story. I guess familiarity with this classic will not make the audience clamor for subtitles. In Argentina native JOSEFINA SCAGLIONE, a star is born. She has a beautiful singing voice and has a strong presence on stage. Although MATT CAVENAUGH is a little old for the role, he too has a great voice and I enjoyed his interpretation. But KAREN OLIVO's performance as Anita in my opinion can be be singled out as the most genuine. A compelling actress, she shines in her acting, singing and dancing. There were memorable dance numbers beautifully executed by CODY GREEN and the ensemble cast. Although the scenic and lighting designs did not show anything unique and extraordinary, this revival for me is worth seeing again. If you're visiting New York and planning to see a Broadway show, see West Side Story. Reserve your tickets...TONIGHT! (as the ad goes).

WEST SIDE STORY is now in previews and is doing quite well at the box office. It plays the Palace Theatre which is located at 1564 Broadway. The show officially opens on March 19.

I made the images of some cast members at the stage door yesterday, March 7 as they sign autographs after the performance.