T: Is for things to do

Summertime is a wonderful thing in NY as there is so much to do for free that is fun. My favorite one is Shakespeare in the Park. Starting AUGUST 7 - SEPTEMBER 9 at 8:00PM you can catch Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Spelling Bee) and Martha Plimpton (The Coast of Utopia) reenact Midsummer's Night Dream. For those of you who don't know the plot: Four lovers flee to forest, unaware that their romantic squabble and parental difficulties will soon be overshadowed by magic. The King and Queen of the Fairies, Titania and Oberon, are also fighting and Oberon cast a spell that has Titania falling in love with an ass. The course of true love has never run smooth. Talk about a perfect place to see this piece. You can pick up free Shakespeare tickets on the day of the performance beginning at 1pm at The Delacorte Theater in Central Park or from 1 to 3pm at The Public Theater Box Office, 425 layfette. Get there early as they are sought after.

Are movies under the stars your thing? A bottle of vino, fresh bread, cheese, a blanket and of someone to cuddle with as a classic film plays. Hmmm! Talk about a romantic date that will leave your wallet in tact. In Bryant Park Monday nights here's what you can catch: August 6 – Bus Stop Marilyn Monroe plays a cynical singer who falls for a naive cowboy. August 13 – Casablanca, Sigh. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. August 21 – Psycho Hitchcock's classic thriller about a man with mother issues and a woman who takes a fateful shower. All films begin at dusk (usually between 8 pm and 9 pm), but the lawn opens at 5 pm for blankets and picnicking. Get there early and stake out a spot if you want a good view of the screen.

What about opera? The 2nd Annual Little Italy Soprano Vocal Competition is scheduled for August 11 and 12th. Talented vocalists from the metropolitan area at the intersection of Mulberry and Hester Streets will convene so that music can fill the air. Soprano Cristina Fontanelli will host the Soprano Vocal Competition. David Maiullo, an acclaimed vocal coach and conductor will provide the piano accompaniment for all the contestants. Approximately one-dozen talented sopranos are expected to take part in the competition on Saturday, August 11, at 3:00 PM on the Sorrento Cheese Performance Stage. A panel of judges, will select the top two who will return the next day at 4:00 to perform a free concert. This is your chance to see what the future holds in store for you at the Met.

Well here's a list to start you on the way. I will add more next week. Before I go street fairs are a staple of New York living. Here are the ones coming up: Sunday, August 5 Columbus Avenue from 66th to 72nd Streets and July 18-August 10 Harlem Week
West 135th Street between 5th and St. Nicholas Avenue. Summer adds to the flavor of big city living and that is a F.A.C.T.