Highlights this weekend include LaChanze‘s directorial debut with a revival of a rare yet timely work from late playwright Alice Childress. Meanwhile, Lillias White is serving up a Sarah Vaughan tribute and “Game of Thrones” star Natalie Dormer hits the big screen as a trailblazing hidden figure in the fight against pediatric cancer.
Plus, free activities include a festival dedicated to neurodiverse media makers, a vintage pop-up shop and a concert headlined MacArthur “Genius” Mx Justin Vivian Bond.
Theater
“Wine In The Wilderness“
Classic Stage Company — 136 East 13th St., Manhattan (East Village)
Through April 13. Various showtimes.
If you can’t pony up the $900 for a ticket to see Denzel Washington on Broadway in “Othello,” the new play starring his youngest daughter is the Off-Broadway production to see this season.
Tony Award-winning actress and producer LaChanze makes her directorial debut with a rare treasure by acclaimed actress, playwright and novelist Alice Childress. Written in 1969, the play — about a painter who gets more than he bargained for when seeking out a subject to complete his triptych representing “Black womanhood” — has aged well throughout the years.
Grantham Coleman, a young journeyman who turned out standout performances on and off-Broadway over the past decade, stars as Bill Jameson playing opposite Olivia Washington in a career defining role.
As the brash outsider Tomorrow “Tommy” Marie, the Tisch School of the Arts alum is a force of nature.
“Olivia Washington is one of the most dynamic and talented actors, I believe, of her generation,” LaChanze tells The Daily News. “I was fortunate enough to see her in a reading of a play, and when I saw her, I immediately saw Tommy… She was captivating, powerful, and it was obvious to me that she had a range of emotions that would perfectly suit the depth of Tommy. And as we see, my instincts were right.”
While the chemistry between Coleman and Washington is undeniable in the Harlem 1964-set drama, co-stars Brooks Brantly, Lakisha Michelle May and Milton Craig Nealy all deliver in this potent work that packs a punch throughout its 85-minute span.
“I studied Alice Childress’ works in college at Morgan State University when I was a theater major there, so I’m a supporter of her plays, and the advocacy part of me wanted to also be a part of uplifting this Black female playwright who was largely ignored during her time,” LaChanze said.
Tickets start at $80.
Music
“Divine Sass: A Tribute to Sarah Vaughan”
54 Below — 254 West 54th St., Manhattan (Midtown)
Through March 29, 7 p.m.
Lillias White returns to the elegant cabaret club underneath Studio 54 after a recent run of shows on the West Coast.
The Tony winner known for roles in “Dreamgirls,” “The Life” and “Hadestown” will pay homage to jazz legend Sarah Vaughan with a preview of her forthcoming album, “Divine Sass: A Tribute to Sarah Vaughan.”
Out of all the material she could’ve chosen for her sophomore album, White tells The Daily News, “I chose her because not enough has been said about her, not enough has been written or said about her, and I love the music that she has put out over the years, and it’s time.”
Vaughan’s vast repertoire of songs include renditions of jazz standards “The Man I Love,” “Love Dance” and her signature “Misty.” Accompanied by music director Mathis Picard, White will sing the known works and even a song the late Newark native never recorded before — one she co-wrote with Alan Bergman called “Anytime.”
Tickets start at $68, plus fees.
Art
4th Annual Marvels of Media Festival
Museum of the Moving Image — 36-01 35th Ave, Queens (Astoria)
March 27-29, various times.
The three-day festival shines a light on work created by autistic media-makers of all ages and experiences with screenings, panel discussions, workshops and an exhibition of video art, experimental film and virtual reality.
Matthew Baltar’s “Late-Diagnosed” short — exploring what living with auditory processing disorder can feel like — is among a diverse selection of 22 new films, five video games, and two virtual reality experiences created by neurodiverse artists.
In an effort to expand its accessibility efforts for visitors with autism, the Museum offers a temporary sensory relief space, which provides complimentary sensory kits.
Free. RSVP here.
Dance
“Friday Night Rat Catchers“
New York Live Arts Theater — 219 West 19th St., Manhattan (Chelsea)
Through March 29, 7:30 p.m.
Experimental choreographers Lisa Fagan and Lena Engelstein return to Live Arts with their latest work bridging dance and theater.
Actress Marianne Rendón join the dancers in the Italian pop music-driven piece about gameplay at a wild 1976 dancehall party gone awry. The work is inspired by Bernard-Marie Koltès’ “Night Just Before the Forests” and Jorge Luis Borges’ “The Lottery in Babylon.”
Tickets start at $30 with limited Pay-What-You-Wish options.
Film
“Audrey’s Children“
LOOK Dine-In Cinemas West 57th — 657 West 57th St., Manhattan (Midtown)
Opens March 28. Various showtimes.
The new film from Ami Canaan Mann tells the untold true story of British physician Dr. Audrey Evans, who gained prominence in 1969 as the first female Chief of Oncology.
“Game of Thrones” star Natalie Dormer portrays the visionary medical trailblazer known as the “Mother of Neuroblastoma” for her pivotal breakthrough with pediatric cancer. She was also the co-founder of Ronald McDonald House Charities, which provides accommodations for families with hospitalized children around the world.
Clancy Brown, Jimmi Simpson, Evelyn Giovine and Brandon Micheal Hall round out the cast of the 110-minute biographical drama.
Tickets are $15.95, plus fees. Discounts available.
Shop
Annual Select Vintage NYC Spring Pop-Up
NeueHouse Madison Square — 110 East 25th St., Manhattan (Madison Square)
Sat., March 29, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Vintage fashion aficionado Justine DeRosa is back again hosting her annual spring pop-up. The curated offerings include designer and one-of-a-kind pieces as well as elevated basics like suiting and button-ups. Light bites and refreshments will also be available.
The community-driven brand combines the “circularity-driven ethos of vintage with carbon neutrality and plastic reduction to support a better fashion industry and planet.”
Free, RSVP here.
Free
“Origins of Love”
Great Hall at The Cooper Union — 7 East 7th St., Manhattan (East Village)
Fri., March 28, 7 p.m.
MacArthur “Genius” Grant recipient Mx Justin Vivian Bond joins the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus to celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility on Friday.
Singing in a multitude of styles — from classical to pop, Broadway to gospel — the 260-plus member chorus and the Tony-nominated cabaret star will celebrate self-love, visibility, and acceptance in an effort to uplift trans and non-binary voices.
Free, register here.
If you have an upcoming weekend event you’d like to submit for consideration in an upcoming roundup, please email: nycevents@nydailynews.com with the details. Consideration does not guarantee inclusion.
