Compiled by Scott Stiffler
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOSHING: A BENEFIT FOR GVSHP
They preserve our history — but they can’t preserve your dignity as you go for that very last smoked salmon appetizer. Hey, you paid for it, right? Nobody’s going to judge…certainly not at the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation’s “Much Ado About Noshing” benefit. Enjoy those aforementioned appetizers while Calvin Trillin and the Russ & Daughters family discuss food, history and community. Each guest will receive a copy of Trillin’s new anthology (“Quite Enough of Calvin Trillin: Forty Years of Funny Stuff”). Mon., Nov. 7, 6-8pm. At Astor Center (399 Lafayette St., at E. 4th St.). Tickets are $250 each. To purchase via credit card, visit gvshp.org.
FREESTYLE SKATEBOARDING ART NYC Don’t miss the waning days of this dynamic exhibit co-curated by Rick Krieger and Jim Furlong. “Freestyle Skateboarding Art NYC” gives gallery recognition to a group of contributing artists working in the mediums of paint, sculpture and skateboards decks — to convey the grace and skill of skateboarding in the concrete jungle. The featured artists (all fair game for an informative trip to the gallery, and Google) include David Bowles, Dwayne Caprietta, Cecile Chong, Sarah Coffman, Dedleg, Roberto De Jesus, El Hase, Dylan Goldberger, Claire Gottfried, Christopher Goutos, Gillie Holme, Charles Kopelson, Peter Leitch, Meryl Meisler, Nino B., Danielle Poletto, Robert Poletto, Michel Poulin, JJ Rudisill, Matt Ryan, Wank Longboards and William USA. At Hudson Guild Gallery, Elliot Center (441 W. 26th St., btw. 9th & 10th Aves.). Through Nov. 19. The viewing hours are Tues.-Fri., 10am-7pm and Sat., 1-4pm. For info, visit hudsonguild.org.
WESTBETH: “BARGAINS GALORE” Housed on the site that once hosted Bell Laboratories, Westbeth Artists Housing is the largest building in the world renovated for artists and their families. It’s also home to their annual indoor “yard” sale. Hundreds of donated items (lovingly screened for aesthetic appeal) are up for grabs — including clothing, jewelry, dinnerware, glassware, vases, home furnishings and appliances, electronics, books music and art. The proceeds will help preserve the building and its surrounding public areas. Admission to the event is free. Once inside, items are for sale at reasonable prices. At 55 Bethune St. (one block south of W.12th St., btw. Washington & West Sts.). From 10am-9pm on Tues., Nov. 8; 11am-6pm on Fri., Nov. 11 and Sat., Nov. 12; 11am-5pm on Sun., Nov. 13. For more info, visit westbeth.org.
CHELSEA OPERA: “THE MEDIUM” Chelsea Opera’s season eight opener is a mainstage production of “The Medium” — a dark drama set during a bogus séance. Frightened by a pair of hands around her neck, the titular character dismisses her clients and begins a search for the truth that leads to murder. The composer Virgil Thompson (a former Chelsea Hotel resident) called it the most gripping operatic narrative he has witnessed in many a year, declaring it to be “deeply touching and terrifying.” Thurs.-Sat., Nov. 10, 11, 12 at 7:30pm (also Nov. 12, at 4pm). At St. Peter’s Church in Chelsea (346 W. 20th St., btw. 8th & 9th Aves.). For tickets, call 866-811-4111 or visit chelseaopera.org (in advance, $35 preferred seating, $30 general admission, $20 for seniors and students — all prices higher at the door)
BEST OF STRIPPED STORIES It’s as reliable as a trip to your local free clinic — but slightly less embarrassing. Every month, Giulia Rozzi and Margot Leitman invite a few shameless but sexy comedians to tell tall, true, titillating tales of their sexual exploits. This time around, they’ve gathered the best of the best — for a special New York Comedy Festival edition. Your randy hosts will perform, so to speak, along with Brandy Barber and Jon Fisch (plus, music from Thin Skin Johnny). Wed., Nov. 9, at 9:30pm. At The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (307 W. 26th St., at 8th Ave.). For tickets ($5), call 212-966-9176 or visit ucbtheatre.com. Get more info at strippedstories.com.
DANCING AT LUGHNASA The Irish Repertory Theatre’s 24th season continues, with this 20th Anniversary production of Brian Friel’s “Dancing at Lughnasa” (which opened on Broadway in October 1991 and won the 1992 Tony Award for Best Play). Set in a modest cottage in Donegal as the autumn of 1936 approaches, the play finds five unmarried sisters entwined with the fate of eight-year-old love child, Michael, and the Mundy brother priest, Uncle Jack (recently returned from 25 years in a leper colony in Uganda). Ancient tribal customs and Christian beliefs clash, as the sisters dance in a wild, final celebration of their way of life before it changes forever. Through Dec. 11. Wed-Sat., 8pm; matinees on Wed., Sat., Sun. at 3pm. At the Irish Repertory Theatre (132 W. 22nd St., btw. 6th & 7th Aves.). For tickets ($65, $55), call the Irish Rep box office at 212-727-2737 or visit irishrep.org.
2nd NY CHINESE FILM FESTIVAL Not so long ago, American audiences were bemoaning the fact that Jet Li’s entrance into mainstream U.S.A.-made action cinema was a waste of their time, and his talent. They were right. Good to know that the fine Li vehicle, “The Sorcerer and the White Snake” — already a hit in China and at the Venice Film Festival — is opening the 2nd NY Chinese Film Festival. Other North American premieres include the comedy “Sleepless Fashion,” the Sino-French urban romance “Perfect Baby” and the black comedy “Hello! Mr. Tree.” Also on the schedule is a Jackie Chan adventure/comedy: “Little Big Soldier.” On November 9 and 11, directors and actors will participate in Q&A sessions. The fest runs from Tues., Nov. 8 through Sun., Nov. 13. For a schedule of events, and to order discounted $6 movie tickets for shows at the AMC Village VII Theatre (66 3rd Ave., btw. 11th & 12th Sts.) and $25 tickets for the black-tie Red Carpet Opening Night Gala at AMC Lincoln Center’s (10 Lincoln Center Plaza btw. W. 62nd & W.65th Sts.), visit nycff.org/en.
