NY SCOPE: What's On in NY This Spring

New looks at classics by Tennessee Williams, Eugene O’Neill and Jackson Pollock — and some fresher fare, as well.

By Jennifer Schiavone

Jackson Pollock: A Collection Survey, 1934–54

Through May 1

When you think of Pollock, your head is probably filled with the paint splatters with which he turned the art world on its head, but he explored many avenues of expression over the course of his career. This exhibition is a survey of his career from his early work (with figures loosely based on mythical themes, pictured, above) through the time when the oeuvre for which he became famous was fully developed. It’s worth noting that MoMA’s collection of Pollocks is unmatched by any other art institution in the world. moma.org

Fully Committed

Previews April 1; opens April 25

If you can’t get enough of Jesse Tyler Ferguson on Modern Family, dial up a reservation for Fully Committed, the Broadway show in which the actor embodies over 40 comic characters. Ferguson stars as Sam — the man behind the reservation line at one of Manhattan’s hottest restaurants, but he also plays the deluge of name-droppers, socialites and divas jockeying for reservations, plus the restaurant’s staff, which seems intent on driving Sam batty. The show promises to hilariously send up every suspicion you’ve ever had about what’s behind the glitz and glamor of an au courant eatery.
fullycommittedbroadway.com

A Streetcar Named Desire

Opens April 23

The Tennessee Williams masterpiece arrives at
St. Ann’s Warehouse helmed by innovative Aussie director Benedict Andrews. The production features Gillian Anderson as Blanche DuBois and an unusual rotating set of steel beams and curtains. Ben Foster (pictured) has been hailed by critics as rivalling Marlon Brando’s iconic turn as Stanley. stannswarehouse.org

Long Day’s Journey Into Night

Previews March 31; opens April 27

Jessica Lange stars as a woman struggling with addiction in Eugene O’Neill’s autobiographical masterwork coming to the American Airlines Theatre. Gabriel Byrne plays her husband as a lifetime of secrets threatens to consume their entire family. roundabouttheatre.org

Paramour

Previews April 16; opens May 25


Cirque du Soleil has become known around the world for shows that blend high-flying acrobatics, dance, clowning, trapeze and other circus arts with gorgeous costumes, fanciful sets and inspired music. Now the company sets its sights on the Great White Way: Paramour will be Cirque’s first Broadway musical, offering the story of a young poet forced to choose between her art and her heart in Hollywood’s Golden Age — along with a company of uniquely gifted performers. cirquedusoleil.com/paramour

Sakura Matsuri

April 30–May 1


There’s no more beautiful time to visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden than this celebration of spring, when over 100 cherry blossom–bearing trees are in full, bright pink bloom. bbg.org

Fleet Week NYC

May 25–31

The United States Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps annually converge on NYC for festivities that include a Parade of Ships in the Hudson River and a series of special events celebrating our nation’s brave seafarers, many of which will take place at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. But New Yorkers know that the real main event is seeing the streets of our fair city generously sprinkled with men and women in uniform. intrepidmuseum.org