by Sandi Durell . . .

Danielle Brooks Tests Positive for COVID, Will Sit Out of Broadway’s The Piano Lesson for a week, the role of Berniece will be taken over by understudy Shirine Babb – Ethel Barrymore Theatre.

Public Theater’s A Raisin in the Sun Cancels Weekend of Performances Due to COVID – The official opening, originally scheduled for October 19 in the Newman Theater, will be postponed due to the cancellations. A new date will be announced.

Work has begun on the architect’s vision for a corner site on 8th Avenue and West 46th Street, on what will be a 1,067ft tower housing a hotel, an observation deck — and Manhattan’s first theme-park style “drop ride.”

The concept sketch for the supertall was revealed this week (and reported by YIMBY), as excavators moved in on the site which has previously housed a parking lot, a Christmas market and, until 2008, a four story-building. The unique shape of the 51-story Theater District tower is likely to raise eyebrows. The protrusion at the top will include an observation deck as well as the theme-park style ride, which New York Yimby reported will let thrill-seekers experience a “free drop” during a 90-second experience.

What can they possibly think of next to try to attract more visitors and $$$$ to NYC?

Composer Jason Robert Brown will conduct all seven performances of his Tony-winning score for Parade, City Center’s Annual Gala Presentation opening Tuesday, November 1 through Sunday, November 6. Funds raised by all performances of Parade ensure the future of City Center’s founding mission: to provide all New Yorkers affordable access to world-class performing arts. Directed by Michael Arden, some of the cast includes Micaela Diamond, Eddie Cooper, John Dossett, Ben Platt, Howard McGillan and many more. City Center, 151 West 55 St. NYC (dinner at Ziegfeld Ballroom)