Reimagined classical theater, soul-stirring photography, Harlem's first night market–and more fun you can only find uptown:
Through December 21, Wednesday-Sunday
Aaron Davis Hall, City College of New York, Convent Ave and 135th St
Based on the Charles Dickens novel, this witty retelling of the Christmas classic by the Classical Theatre of Harlem is set in present-day Harlem. Here, Ebenezer Scrooge is a real estate mogul who has gotten rich at the expense of others, but on Christmas Eve three visitors show him the value of family and community. Expect original and classic holiday music infused with the sounds of gospel, hip-hop, pop and R&B.
Saturday, Dec 7; Saturday, Dec 14; Saturday, Dec 21; 4pm-10pm
La Marqueta, 1590 Park Avenue between 115th and 116th Sts
The brand new Harlem Night Market is taking over the recently weatherproofed, block-long La Placita in La Marqueta for the first three Saturdays in December. Expect a mix of local bites, drinks, shopping and beats from some of Harlem's best DJs.
Saturday, Dec 7 6pm-10pm
Ki Smith Gallery, 712 W 125th St between 12th Ave and Marginal St
An open-to-the-public closing reception caps off this weeklong show featuring the work of street photographer Jill Freedman. Curated by her friend and Harlem neighbor Sade Akin Boyewa El, the memorial exhibition (Freedman died in October) is a nostalgic journey through the streets of a simpler but also rawer New York of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s.
Sunday, Dec 8 1pm-6pm
I, Too, Arts Collective at The Langston Hughes House, 20 E 127th St between Madison and Fifth Aves
After three years, the I, Too, Arts Collective has lost its lease at The Langston Hughes House, the 1869 brownstone where the poet spent the last 20 years of his life. The non-profit arts organization will be ending its run on December 31. In the meantime, stop by and say farewell at this open mic featuring a long list of poets and writers who have read at the brownstone. The community open mic starts at 4pm.
