and, thanks to lavish costumes by William Ivey Long, still has them (and their mommies) swooning in the aisles; and Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark (Foxwoods Theatre, 213 W. 42nd St., 877.250.2929), the comicbook-to-stage epic in which a superhero’s aerial stunts are daring enough to raise goose bumps. Although the air conditioning is purposely turned off for portions of Off-Broadway’s The Gazillion Bubble Show: The Next Generation (New World Stages, 340 W. 50th St., 212.239.6200), there’s no need to fan yourself with a Playbill during the 70-minute spectacle, assures performer Deni Yang. That’s because a strong breeze, created by six electric fans, blows waves of tiny bubbles—made from a proprietary formula of water, glycerin, baby shampoo and dishwashing liquid—directly into the audience. Hands reach out to touch the weightless iridescent orbs, which create a refreshing burst as they land on heads, faces and arms. While many a New York show offers glowing performances, only one glows in the dark. Bedecked in bright, multicolored neon lightup suits, a gymnastic crew of performers—who shot to fame two years ago on TV’s America’s Got Talent—blend dance, music and technology in a 55-minute, eyedazzling event called iLuminate: Artist of Light (New World Stages, 340 W. 50th St., 212.239.6200). Sipping and Supping Sidewalk cafés and rooftop restaurants certainly have their charms, but when you’ve been traipsing around the steamy or rainy city with tykes in tow, a climate-controlled interior becomes most desirable. Moms and daughters (as well as dads and sons) are joined by Kit, McKenna and other beloved dolls at American Girl Café (American Girl Place New York, 609 Fifth Ave., 877.247.5223), a fanciful eatery, where gracious service and classic eats are extended to both animate and inanimate diners. At brunch, lunch, high tea and dinner, pink lemonade can quench underage thirsts, while the over-21 set may prefer cold beer, wine or champagne. Nutrition is a consideration at Landmarc in the Time Warner Center (The Shops at Columbus Circle, 10 Columbus Circle, 3rd fl., 212.823.6123). Executive Chef/owner Marc Murphy’s kids’ menu, one of the most popular in the city, features several items prepared in accordance with MyPlate, the USDA’s dietary guidelines for healthy eating, including green eggs and ham (scrambled eggs with spinach- and basil-pesto and cheesy whole-wheat toast) and whole-wheat quesadillas with chicken, cheese and vegetables. “Each item includes grains, dairy, vegetables and protein, along with sliced apples and bananas for fruit,” says Chef Murphy. “I’ve always said that we shouldn’t underestimate our kids when it comes to their palates. They should be exposed to as many different foods as possible.” Still, Landmarc serves “kids’ staples, such as mac ’n’ cheese, pigs in a blanket, burgers and chicken fingers.”
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Cool treats for dining dollies and their mommies at American Girl Café (left). A world of books and related games and toys is on offer at The Scholastic Store (above).
IN New YORK | july 2013 | innewyork.com
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