Highlights this weekend include Neil Patrick Harris’ returns to the stage and EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson decking the halls in Brooklyn.
Plus, you can see a tap dancing take on “The Nutcracker” or a new Cirque du Soleil-styled holiday show.
Theater
“S–t. Meet. Fan.”
Newman Mills Theater at MCC Theater — 511 W. 52nd St., Manhattan (Midtown)
Through Dec. 15. Various times.
Robert O’Hara, the theatrical visionary who helmed Broadway’s history-making “Slave Play,” does double duty as the writer and the director of this star-studded potboiler about how a game night among a group of longtime friends can go horribly wrong.
Based on Paolo Genovese‘s 2016 Italian film “Perfect Strangers,” the play stars Neil Patrick Harris, Jane Krakowski, Michael Oberholtzer, Debra Messing, Constance Wu, Garret Dillahunt, Genevieve Hannelius and Tramell Tillman.
Tensions are already running high when a seemingly successful couple’s teen daughter is discovered with a “value pack” of Magnum condoms ahead of their cocktail party. As the night goes on, a treacherous game of telephone is played where every text, email and call from each person’s phones must be shared aloud. Hard truths, dirty deeds and tawdry sexual details are exposed.
The show — described as a “blistering vulgar satire on Male Toxicity and White Privilege” — surely lives up to its title. A total must see.
Tickets start at $99.
Music
Jennifer Hudson: The Gift of Love — An Intimate Live Experience
Kings Theatre — 1027 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn (Flatbush)
Sun. Nov. 24, 8 p.m.
Jennifer Hudson will bless Brooklyn with her powerhouse vocals ahead of her headlining performance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The EGOT winner kicks off her five-city tour with selections from her recently-released Christmas album, “The Gift of Love.”
Tickets start at $40.
Art
“Flight into Egypt: Black Artists and Ancient Egypt, 1876–Now”
The Met Fifth Avenue, 1000 Fifth Ave., Gallery 899, Manhattan (Upper East Side)
Through Feb. 17. Various times.
Nearly 200 works examining how Black artists have engaged with Egypt are now on display.
Featured among the works are Jean-Michel Basquiat’s “Kings of Egypt II” painting, Fred Wilson’s “Grey Area” Nefertiti sculpture, Renee Cox‘s “Rajé to the Rescue” photograph and even album artwork from Erykah Badu, Miles Davis and Nicki Minaj.
Egypt is also represented in Derek Adom Fordjour‘s “Board Meeting (Brotherhood Smoke)” — a tribute to the legacy of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
Tickets are $30 with discounts available for seniors and students.
Film
“Wicked Brunch”
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Brooklyn — 445 Albee Square West/City Point building, Brooklyn (Downtown)
Sun. Nov. 24, 10:45 a.m.
To add a little more magic to the movie-going experience, Alamo Drafthouse is hosting a “Wicked Brunch” during the film’s opening weekend.
Part one of Jon M. Chu’s much-hyped big screen adaptation of the long-running Broadway musical stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as the young witches from the Land of Oz long before Dorothy and Toto dropped down.
Filmgoing foodies can feast on a special menu created for the occasion with dishes including a Yellow Brick Burger, Shiz University chicken wrap and the alcohol-spiked Defying Gravi-Tea and Witch’s Brew libations. Exclusive merch includes Glinda & Elphaba Cocoa Mugs and a lunch box & thermos set.
Tickets are $18.99 adults, $16.99 kids. Prices do not include food items or merch.
Dance
“Dorrance Dance | The Nutcracker Suite”
New York City Center — 131 W. 55th St., Manhattan (Midtown)
Through Nov. 24. Various times.
Award-winning tap dancers Michelle Dorrance and Josette Wiggan have joined forces with Hannah Heller to craft a remixed take on the holiday tradition featuring Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s jazzy arrangement of the beloved Tchaikovsky classic Nutcracker story.
The show, described as a “bouncing, swinging Christmas party,” is a part seasonal concert and part tap ballet with Aaron Marcellus serving on vocals. Special family matinee performances will include activities before the show such as music-making stations, sensory touch tables and crafts.
Tickets start at $45 (fees included).
Music
“An Afternoon with Heather Headley”
The 92nd Street Y — 1395 Lexington Ave., Manhattan (Upper East Side)
Sun. Nov. 24, 2 p.m.
Heather Headley is returning to the city that made her star over two decades ago when she starred on Broadway in the Disney musical adaptations of “The Lion King” and “Aida.”
The Tony and Grammy winner, who has since charted in the R&B, pop, dance and gospel genres, is set to perform an intimate afternoon of music from her musical theater songbook.
Tickets are $55.
Family
“Yuletide Factory”
New Victory Theater — 209 W 42nd St., Manhattan (Times Square)
Through Dec. 29. Various times.
Cirque du Soleil veteran Chris Lashua has festive flips, powerhouse stunts and high-flying fun on deck for Cirque Mechanics’ return to New York City with its first holiday-themed show. Recommended for ages 5+, “Yuletide Factory” is the sixth show at the venue and a follow-up to its 2023 Drama Desk-nominated “Zephyr.”
Tickets start at $29.
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.
