Urban New York
Urban New York - Spring 2010
Welcome to the Office of Student Development and Activities Urban New York program! We provide a opportunity to win free tickets to exciting trips around the city as well as provide an opportunity for students and faculty to interact in a social setting.
Urban New York is supported by generous contributions from the Columbia College Class of 1954, SEAS, and Barnard College with approximately 400 free tickets to various events in the metropolitan area are available to undergraduate students of these schools each semester.
Lottery Registration
The spring 2010 registration will open on Friday, Feb 5 and close at noon on Tuesday, Feb 9. Simply click on the link below and follow the instructions.
Registration (Only for CC/SEAS Students)
The lottery will be run immediately following the close of registration. You will be informed of the lottery results shortly after that.
Barnard students must register in person at Barnard. Contact College Activities at (212) 854-7013 for more information.
Lineup of Events
*Please note that the meeting time for each event will be roughly an hour before the start time
Fela! (Columbia Students Only)
Wednesday, February 10th @ 8pm
Meeting Location: Lerner Hall
A provocative hybrid of dance and Broadway musical, FELA! features the Afrobeat music of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, a book by Jim Lewis and the direction and choreography of Tony Award winner Bill T. Jones. FELA! uses stirring Afrobeat music (a blend of jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies), to tell the story of Kuti's controversial life as artist, political activist and revolutionary musician. Featuring many of Fela Kuti's most captivating songs and Bill. T. Jones's visionary staging, FELA! is the most original new musical on Broadway.
Swan Lake
Friday, February 12th @ 8pm
Meeting Location: Lerner Hall
Based on Russian folk tales and an ancient German legend, "Swan Lake" tells the story of a princess that is turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer. One of the world's most famous ballets, "Swan Lake" is set to a fantastic score composed by Tchaikovsky. The NYC Ballet - one of the most respected ballet companies in the world - will perform a version of the ballet choreographed by the eminent George Balanchine.
A View from A Bridge
February 12th @ 8pm
Meeting Location: Lerner Hall
Written in 1955, Arthur Miller's "A View from a Bridge" is an engrossing play filled with familial drama, sexual jealousy, and betrayal. Starring Scarlett Johansson and Liev Schreiber, this production is a limited engagement, only running for 14 weeks. Schreiber plays Eddie Carbone, an Italian-American Brooklynite who becomes obsessed with his teenage niece, Catherine (played by Johansson.) When Catherine falls in love with a young Italian immigrant, Eddie's jealousy drives him and his family into a state of total crisis.
In the Heights
Tuesday, February 16th @ 7 pm
Meeting Location: Lerner Hall
In the Heights tells the universal story of a vibrant community in Manhattan's Washington Heights – a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open, and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It's a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind.
Amateur Night at the Apollo
Wednesday, February 17th @ 7:30pm
Meeting Location: Lerner Hall
Amateur night, the world's most original and enduring amateur talent competition continues in its 75th year every Wednesday night at 7:30 pm. Apollo Wednesday night alumni are an impressive, ever-expanding roster of world class talent including legends such as Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, the Isley Brothers, Michael Jackson, Fat Joe, Lauryn Hill, and many others discovered on the stage!
Fela! (Barnard Students Only)
Thursday, February 18th @ 7pm
Meeting Location: Barnard Hall Lobby
Based on the novel by Jim Lewis, Fela! tells the story of the famous Nigerian composer and activist Fela Anikulapo Kuti and his brave resistance to his country’s military efforts to quiet his performances. Incorporating the contagious Afro-beat music of Kuti himself, this uplifting musical is set to the dance styling of Tony-Award winner Bill T. Jones.
Avenue Q
Thursday, February 18th @ 8pm
Meeting Location: Lerner Hall
As the show's creators describe it, "Avenue Q is the story of Princeton, a bright-eyed college grad who comes to New York City with big dreams and a tiny bank account. He soon discovers that the only neighborhood in his price range is Avenue Q; still, the neighbors seem nice." Sound familiar? Life after college might loom like a dark cloud each of us, but a visit to Avenue Q just may show you that the real world isn't so bad after all. Often described as "Sesame Street for adults," this Tony award-winning musical will remind you that it's the little things in life that make the darker things worth it.
Wicked
Tuesday, February 23rd @ 7pm
Meeting Location: Barnard Hall Lobby
Based on the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire, Tony Award winning Wicked tells the story of Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West and her relationship with Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. Their friendship struggles through their opposing personalities and their reactions to the Wizard's corrupt government. Impressive costumes and sets and even more stunning voices have amazed audiences across the world.
God of Carnage
Friday, February 26th @ 8pm
Meeting Location: Barnard Hall Lobby
Winner of the 2009 Tony Award, God of Carnage follows two couples who meet to discuss a playground fight between two of their children. As the evening goes on, the meeting digresses into irrational arguments, outrageous tangents, and hilarious chaos ensues!
Avenue Q
Wednesday, March 3rd @ 8pm
Meeting Location: Barnard Hall Lobby
As the show's creators describe it, "Avenue Q is the story of Princeton, a bright-eyed college grad who comes to New York City with big dreams and a tiny bank account. He soon discovers that the only neighborhood in his price range is Avenue Q; still, the neighbors seem nice." Sound familiar? Life after college might loom like a dark cloud each of us, but a visit to Avenue Q just may show you that the real world isn't so bad after all. Often described as "Sesame Street for adults," this Tony award-winning musical will remind you that it's the little things in life that make the darker things worth it.
New York Knicks v. Detroit Pistons
Wednesday, March 3rd @ 7:30pm
Meeting Location: Lerner Hall
Come watch the New York Knicks take on the Detroit Pistons at the world-famous Madison Square Garden. Come watch the fast-paced NBA action between these two storied franchises!
New York Rangers vs. Buffalo Sabres
Sunday, March 7th @ 7pm
Meeting Location: Lerner Hall
Want to see New York on ice? Well come on down to the famous Madison Square Garden and watch the exhilarating New York Rangers battle it out on home turf. This game promises to be a night of fast-paced, body-checking action. Come cheer on or root against the New York Rangers as they play in another hopeful season.
Hair
Tuesday, March 9th @ 7pm
Meeting Location: Barnard Hall Lobby
This Tony-award winning revival follows a tight-knight group of long-haired hippies living the Bohemian life style in New York on the cusp of the Vietnam War. Containing scenes of nudity, Hair is risqué even today as it explores the “sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll” youth culture of the times. Let your own hair down and come see the rock musical that defines the energy of the 60s!
Jersey Boys
Wednesday, March 10th @ 8pm
Meeting Location: Barnard Hall Lobby
Jersey Boys is based on the real-life events of one of the most successful rock n’ roll groups of the 60s, Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons. The musical follows the rags-to-riches journey of four kids from the streets of Newark to their rise to stardom. In many ways the rock equivalent of Mama Mia, Jersey Boys features the group’s hits such as “Sherry” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You.”
West Side Story
Tuesday, March 23rd @ 7pm
Meeting Location: Barnard Hall Lobby
This musical offers an urban twist to the famous story of Romeo and Juliet by transporting it to the streets of New York City in the 1950's. As the plot unfolds, lovers are caught between rival street gangs. The performance includes scores by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Soundheim.
Leisure Time Bowl
Friday, March 26th @ 6pm
Meeting Location: Lerner Hall
Let's face it: Bowling alleys were never meant to be cool. Which is why those flashy downtown alleys, with their DJs, high prices, and precious décor, can't hold a candle to classic Leisure Time. Thanks to recent renovations, this twenty-eight-lane bowler's dream boasts all the up-to-date bowling innovations (like computerized scoring and waitresses who bring chicken fingers and wings directly to the lane), but keeps the ambiance of a suburban childhood staple. Leisure Time is also a great place to eat and drink, with reasonably-priced, standard choices and specials. This is no typical bowling alley -- come enjoy a night of fun!
Banana Shpeel: Cirque du Soleil
Wednesday, April 7th @ 8pm
Meeting Location: Lerner Hall
Don't miss the World Premiere of Banana Shpeel, from Cirque du Soleil, with performance styles inspired by vaudeville that blends comedy with tap, hip hop, eccentric dance and slapstick, all linked by a hilarious narrative that ignites a succession of wacky adventures. Propelled by crazy humor and intense choreography, Banana Shpeel plunges us into the world of Schmelky, a brash, ambitious producer who is trying to put together a spectacular variety show. His world is populated with sidekicks, dancers, singers and novelty acts - and a trio of badly-behaved clowns who crash the auditions spreading chaos in all directions.
Yankees vs. Los Angeles Angels
Wednesday, April 14th @ 1pm
Meeting Location: Lerner Hall
Come see baseball at its very best, as the New York Yankees face the Los Angeles Angels in an afternoon game at the new, beautiful Yankee Stadium. Everything is special about an afternoon with your local team—the sun will be shining, and history will be teeming everywhere as the franchise with 27 World Series championships and 40 American League pennants plays the Angels at home.
The New York Philharmonic - Riccardo Muti Conducts Mozart and Schubert
Friday, April 16th @ 8pm
Meeting Location: Lerner Hall
Riccardo Muti will conduct Mozart (Symphony No. 34), Boccherini (Cello Concerto in D), and Schubert (Symphony No.4). Riccardo Muti is a world famous Italian conductor who was recently named the director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Schubert, the great Austrian composer, wrote this symphony (nicknamed "Tragic") when he was only 19 years old.
The New York Philharmonic performs Stravinsky
Wednesday, April 21st @ 7:30pm
Meeting Location: Lerner Hall
Come hear one of the world's greatest orchestras perform the works of Igor Stravinsky, one of the greatest composers of the 20th century. Featured works will be Les Noces, Symphonies of Wind Instruments, and the complete Firebird Suite. This will be a concert to remember, featuring the New York Philharmonic, pianists, vocal soloists, and a full chorus. Please note that this is a formal event and concert attire should be worn.
New York Mets v. Chicago Cubs
Thursday, April 22nd @ 7pm
Meeting Location: Lerner Hall
The Big Apple versus the Second City! The Mets will play the Cubs in a National League showdown at the beginning of the season. Plus, they'll be playing in the new Citi Field, just off the 7 train in Queens.
Register (Only for CC/SEAS Students)
Special acknowledgement is given to Dr. Arnold I. Kisch, CC '54, and to his wife, Victoria L. J. Daubert, Ph.D., for fully endowing all opera tickets.
The Urban New York Program is sponsored by Barnard College, Columbia College, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the Class of 1954 Urban New York Fund.
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