July and August are ripe with free and inexpensive things to do in New York City and especially Times Square. Here are some of our favorites.
Theatre: The Public Theater is thrilling audiences this summer. First was the delightful “As You Like It,” and now musical theatre lovers are swooning with delight with Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods.” The casting brings back original “Baker” Chip Zien as the “Mysterious Man,” Amy Adams as “The Baker’s Wife,” Denis O’Hare as “The Baker,” Jessica Mueller as “Cinderella” and Donna Murphy as “The Witch.” “Into the Woods” begins previews on July 23 and continues for five weeks through 
Aug. 25, with an official opening of Aug. 9. Tickets to Shakespeare in the Park are free and are distributed, two per person, at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park the day of the show. The Public Theater also offers free tickets through a Virtual Ticketing lottery www.shakespeareinthepark.org on the day of the show.
The ninth annual New York Musical Theater Festival (NYMF) runs from July 9th to the 29th and runs the gamut in musical theater tastes. NYMF is the launch pad for a culturally diverse array of new musicals, blending the economy of scale while showcasing new works and emerging talent. With 30 productions there’s something for everybody. T2C is looking forward to: BABY CASE about Charles Lindbergh, Jr. with the talented, Melissa van der Schyff (Bonnie and Clyde) and Anika Larsen (Ave Q and Xanadu). REQUIEM FOR A LOST GIRL A chamber musical about homelessness, “A LETTER TO HARVEY MILK,” with Broadway favorite Leslie Kritzer and PICTURE INCOMPLETE, A ONE MAN MUSICAL! with the amazing Trent Armand Kendall.
See the shows before they move to Broadway. “Next to Normal,” “Title of Show” and the upcoming “Chaplin,” all started at this festival. Tickets are $25 for most main productions with readings all free. Become a member and see 20 shows with a tax deduction. To find out more about NYMF 2012, visit www.nymf.org.
Street Fairs: They may cause traffic delays but many a bargain can be found. It is also a great place to catch some mouthwatering treats and stock your cupboards with seasonings or find that special souvenir. So whether you are trying to avoid the crowds or shop to delight here are where to find the fairs in July and August.
Saturday, July 14th: MTN Explores Club Spring Block Party: Broadway between 47th and 57th Street.
Saturday, July 21st: The Motion Picture Club Movie Day Festival: Broadway between 47th and 57th Street.
The Sierra Club and Children’s Leukemia Research Assoc. Fair: Broadway between 35th and 39th Street.
Earth Awareness Fair at Herald Square: Broadway between 35th and 39th Street.
Saturday, July 28th: Festival of the Americas: Ave of the between 47th and 57th Street.
Saturday, August 20th Ancient Order of the Hibernians- The Great Irish Festival: Ave of the between 42nd and 56th Street.
Concerts: The Today Show’s morning concerts heat up in the summer. The 2012 Today Show Summer Concert Series take place Friday mornings (and on some special additional dates) on the plaza at Rockefeller Center (between 49th and 50th St. near 5th Ave.). The Friday shows start at 7:00 A.M., but plan to arrive no later than 6:00 A.M. if you want a decent view. Viewing is on a first-come, first-served basis.
July 20th: Hot Chelle Rae
August 24th: Train
August 31st Jason Mraz with Christina Perri
The Good Morning America Summer Concert Series also take place on Friday mornings in Rumsey Playfield in Central Park (near the park entrance at Fifth Avenue and East 69th Street).
The free concert line-up for 2012 kicks off with Robin Thicke on May 25 and also features LMFAO, Demi Lovato, Robin Thicke, Brad Paisley, Counting Crows, Beach Boys, No Doubt, and more. All concerts are free and open to the public and will take place live during “Good Morning America,” Fridays from 7 to 9 A.M. Although the shows start at 7 A.M., plan to arrive no later than 6:00 A.M. if you want a decent view. Entrance is on a first-come, first-served basis.
July 20 – Karmin and Dragonette
July 27 – No Doubt
August 3 – Ne-Yo
August 10 – OneRepublic
August 17- Neon Trees
August 24 – The Wanted
August 31 – Backstreet Boys
Posted by Suzanna Bowling
on July 15, 2012. Filed under ENTERTAIMENT,FAMILY,Family,Movies,Music,NEWS,Secrets of Times Square,Theatre.
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