Returning to New York for a holiday visit — and want to try new things? We asked Julian Rozzell Jr. to select a handful of choice alternatives.
Rozzell, 39, is an actor, painter and musician who has lived in New York City — Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens — 15 years. He has appeared in the HBO series “Boardwalk Empire,” a recent New York production of T.S. Eliot’s “Murder in the Cathedral” and curated “Core,” an art show at Brooklyn’s Under Minerva Gallery. Rozzell, a graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, also worked at Barter Theater at Abingdon, Va., and has taught Shakespeare at New York’s Rikers Island jail.
SHOWS TO CATCH ON BROADWAY
“One that has moved me the most is ‘Fela!’ at the Eugene O’Neill Theater. It’s a mystical show about Fela Kuti, a Nigerian entertainer influenced by James Brown who died of AIDS in the 1980s. It’s very political and deals with genocide, but in a way that’s kind of family-oriented. ‘Fela’ is choreographed by the famous Bill T. Jones but has an improvisational feel.
” ‘Scottsboro Boys,’ also a black musical, is now at the Lyceum. It’s an edgy production about young African- Americans in Alabama in 1931 convicted of a rape they didn’t commit. The story is told in an abstract way that’s visually dazzling.”
COOL MULTIMEDIA
“The Rubin Museum of Art, in Chelsea, covers Asian-Himalayan art and has a very unusual show that covers the traditional and contemporary. On Fridays, their K2 Lounge — it’s named after the mountain in the Himalayas — has a film/DJ and concert night. The shows feature great music and, usually, guest celebrity DJs. It’s awesome stuff in an opulent, Asian and modern atmosphere. The music and experience aren’t overpowering. It’s popular with young folks but still great if you just want to chill. By day, admission is $10; Fridays are free from 6 to 10 p.m.” 150 W. 17th St; 212-620-5000;
GREAT TUNES
“Go to Local 269, down in the Lower East Side, where on Fridays from 4 to 8 they have jam sessions — with some of the best old blues cats around. The sessions have been around for at least 10 years; it’s just a party with great live music in a friendly, dive-bar setting. If you’re a musician, of course, you can get up and do your thing.” 269 E. Houston St.; 212-228-4269
“Also Webster Hall, mostly a pop venue, with some jazz. It’s a beautiful place. I saw Elton John there for $20.” 125 E. 11th St; 212-353-1600;
EATING WELL OUTSIDE MANHATTAN
“Astoria, in Queens, has some of the best food you can get in the city — great restaurants that are 15 minutes from northeast Manhattan. On Ditmars Boulevard is a crowded Greek place worth checking out called Taverna Kyclodis.” 33-07 Ditmars Blvd.; 718-545-8666
“One of the best Greek restaurants for fish in New York, Elias Corner, is also in Astoria (24-02 31st St.; 718-932-1519), and is close to Astoria Park, which is beautiful.”
“The Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden is a popular Czech place and a block away. It has an indoor and an outdoor area with a European atmosphere. They serve hundreds of different beers.” 29-19 24th Ave.; 718-274-4925;
EATING EXTREMELY CHEAPLY IN MANHATTAN
“There’s a spot at 627 Ninth Ave., close to the 42nd Street Port Authority, called Rudy’s that opened in 1933. It’s a dive bar that attracts mostly actors — performers and others — because it is across the street from what used to be the film center. Right in front of it is a sculpture of a huge pig. You can’t miss it.
“It has free hot dogs. It also has one of the best jukeboxes in Manhattan for jazz, pop and old R&B.”
ALTERNATIVE TO CENTRAL PARK
“There’s no skating at Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, but it’s more down- home than Central Park and not as touristy. It’s also close to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens and the Brooklyn Museum is a couple blocks away. Prospect Park is in a family-oriented but hip neighborhood. I love going down there and just hanging out.” ; ;
GREAT PLACE TO TAKE KIDS
“If you’re from out of town, you take them to Times Square to see the lights. But also consider the American Museum of Natural History. This legendary museum is an absolute playground for the imagination. It is a fascinating, interactive place to learn about Earth’s history and is in the heart of Manhattan. Central Park West at 79th Street; 212-769-5192;
“Another attraction, not so frequented, is the Bronx Zoo — arguably one of the best zoos in the world. The gorilla exhibit is one of the greatest!” Fordham Road and the Bronx River Parkway; 718-367-1010;
IF ROASTED CHESTNUTS DON’T STRIKE YOU AS SEASONAL FARE
“Fall is a romantic season to be in New York, especially around Central or Prospect Park. Right by Prospect Park is Junior’s, which is famous for cheesecakes and pecan and pumpkin pies. P-Diddy frequents it a lot.” 386 Flatbush Ave. Ext.; 718-852-5257;
SHOPPING DEALS IN MANHATTAN
“If you want a hat, go see the street vendors in SoHo’s West Village area. You can get a nice leather cap for $15. I actually got one for $12! The area is lined with vendors; try Prince Street or Houston Street. You can also get jewelry, scarves, knit sweaters and designer sunglasses there. Go to Prince Street for stuff from Peru, like knit hats and scarves.
“If you want fake designer stuff, go to Chinatown, which is popular with tourists. SoHo is just more hip.
“Street vendors on Wall Street are known for leather — high-quality leather jackets, cheap, on the street. You can get a nice one for $100 to $150. … It’s amazing what you can get down there.”
