When the weather is frightful, diversions are delightful

When I woke Monday morning it was with the long anticipation of attending “Inspirational Broadway,” a one-night concert at B.B. King Blues Club and Grill in the heart of Times Square. The evening’s agenda was to celebrate “Broadway Inspirational Voices” — a multi-racial gospel choir group whose mission, since its 1984 inception under the guidance of founder/director Michael McElroy has been to give hope, inspire and change lives with the universal power of inspirational music.” And the evening’s performers were prime examples of the soul of Broadway, who surely would further McElroy’s passion to inspire and transform youth in need through music and the arts.

Performers on the program were a who’s who of the heart of Broadway: Tony winner Billy Porter (“Kinky Boots”), Tony nominee Norm Lewis (“Phantom”) and their glorious ilk: Adam Pascal from “Rent,” Telly Leung from “Allegiance” lending their talents to a fundraiser where all who attended would surely benefit from this grand evening of the best from Broadway musicals delivered by it’s icons!

When I looked out my window early Monday morning the ground was already covered with snow and dire predictions of more to come, followed by dangerous driving conditions through the night. When I had to call renowned publicist Dan Fortune my only consolation was I would now be able to watch the Grammys for the first time — in truth solely for a much ballyhooed feature of those awards! Lin Miranda (yes, that Miranda, as in wonder) had been honored with a request to tape the opening number from his now and forever: “Hamilton” and have it presented “live” to Grammy-watchers around the world.

The presentation of the taping to a star-studded audience of “who’s who” in the world of popular music through the decades proved as thrilling for the multitude of 2016 Grammy Award nominees, the evening’s iconic honorees and every Grammy-goer! Lady Gaga’s David Bowie tribute had the celebrity throng on their feet, and this critic had an unexpected golden chance to not only revel in the tributes to venerated veterans of musical fame but to gain an awareness of such contemporary icons as Kendrick Lamar, the hip-hop rap-artist whose 11 nominations, including his rousing winner “Alright,” which topped even Taylor Swift’s “take homes!” And when Lionel Richie was serenaded as Music Cares Person of the Year with a soaring rendition of “Hello” by Demi Lovato there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

Lamar’s medley of songs from his winning “To Pimp a Butterfly” brought out his jazz influences to this longtime fan of the above. And also an unexpected connection with Miranda’s “hip-hop” musical as “Hamilton” (not unexpectedly) took home the Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album, and to the audience’s delight even rapped his acceptance speech! This may have been my first visit to the Grammys, but introduced to some likely successors to the Beatles and Rolling Stones of “yore and forever,” and maybe even getting to know the music. I know it won’t be my last tune-in!

‘The Prodigal Son’ grips your heart
A full review of John Patrick Shanley’s exquisitely wrought “The Prodigal Son” next week, but make it a MUST to visit the Manhattan Theatre’s Club’s intimate City Center Stage for a nonpareil memory trip back to the playwright’s own troubled youth. “The Prodigal Son” takes us from Jim Quinn’s (aka Shanley) arrival at a prestigious preparatory school in the years 1965-1968; and his experiences there during which Shanley explains in his preface “was the time period when my whole life was being decided. It is mostly a true story he shares “or only slightly altered, to simplify or make a point.” “I only wish you could have been there,” Shanley winds down — further wishing we could have shared his whole life — so we could discuss and compare.” And he concludes: “These plays are the best I can do to make this possible.” If any of the above was written tongue-in-cheek try to plan a performance that includes a post-play talkback, which will certainly prove even further enlightening!

A magnificent cast that has Timothée Chalamet as the unforgettable as the teenager who must grow up. Get tickets now at 581-1212 or at the box office at 131 West 55th Street.

Attention parents and grandparents! Warm the hearts of your youngsters with a visit to “The Woodsman” in its unprecedented demand return engagement at New World Stages. With spectacular life size puppetry and original music the play is based on the writing of beloved story-teller Frank Baum, and brought back from the Land of Oz and re-installed to share the tale of the tin Woodsman, the woman he loved and the witch who would stop at nothing to keep them apart.

Sure to warm everyone’s heart with tickets now at (212) 239-6200, http://thewoodsmanplay.com or the box office at New World Stages, 340 West 50th Street.