What They’re Saying: live arts in Brooklyn this week, Sept. 24

September 25, 2024 Evan Rosen

Foliage in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Photo: Daniel Avila/NYC Parks.

Safety Not Guaranteed @ BAM

Theatre, Music, Live Performance

BAM Strong, Harvey Theater, 651 Fulton St., Fort Greene

Sept. 18 to Oct. 20

Safety Not Guaranteed is a new indie-rock musical about second chances, adapted from the 2012 film of the same name. This production features original songs by Guster’s Ryan Miller, a book by Broadway veteran Nick Blaemire and will be directed by two-time Obie Award-winner Lee Sunday Evans.

With Nkeki Obi-Melekwe (“Tina—The Tina Turner Musical”) as a young journalist investigating a bizarre classified ad seeking a time-traveling companion, and Taylor Trensch (“Dear Evan Hansen”) as the mysterious man behind the ad, the show delves into questions of ambition and hidden motives.

“Chance meetings with Ryan Miller and Peter Saraf and a lunch with Lee Sunday Evans sparked fast friendships and playful collaborations, and this wonderful cast and band have elevated the show beyond my wildest dreams. They’re all at the top of their game, and to be performing in the BAM Harvey, my favorite theater in the world, is a dream come true. I can’t wait to show New York what we’ve made.” — Nick Blaemire, via Playbill

“This new musical reimagines Derek Connolly’s award-winning film with new songs by Ryan Miller of alt-rock group Guster. The story follows Darius, a low-level journalist who is assigned to report on a local classified ad offering the opportunity to go back in time, and the complicated relationship that ensues.” — Darryn King, Broadway.com

Instagram will load in the frontend.

Death Cafe: Climate Week Edition @ Green-Wood Cemetery

Community, Death, Awareness

Green-Wood Cemetery, 500 25th St., Greenwood Heights

Sept. 25 @ 6:15 p.m.

Instagram will load in the frontend.

Green-Wood Cemetery is bringing people together to discuss the concept of death in their new Death Cafes. This week’s meeting will focus on ecological grief and climate anxiety as communities continue to confront the ongoing effects of climate change.

Death Cafes are currently running with thousands of chapters in more than 26 countries around the world and aim to “increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their lives.” At this event, tea and pastries will also be provided.

“Climate anxiety relates to the fear and uncertainty surrounding the future of our planet. It is widespread and growing — and increasingly compounding with the wider crisis in mental health among young people worldwide.” — The World Economic Forum

“Brooklyn’s sprawling Green-Wood Cemetery, which lists Boss Tweed and Jean-Michel Basquiat as permanent residents, has been named New York’s most underrated landmark by travel company Viator.” — Adam Daly, Brooklyn Paper

The Naked Comedy Show: Best Stand-up Comedy Show without Pants in Bushwick

Comedy, Stand-up

Bushwick (Location hidden until confirmation email)

Thurs., Sept. 26 @ 7 p.m.

The Naked Comedy Show is celebrating their two-year anniversary this month, with another show in a secret location in Bushwick (to be emailed to ticket-holders). This show is BYOB and 21+, with the first two rows considered nudity-optional.

Comedians include David Mills (Netflix), Emma Dalenberg (TikTok), Julia Desmond (New York Comedy Festival), Lauren LoGiudice (Veep), Sandeep Sen (New York Comedy Festival) and more. Audience members are not allowed to use their phones during the performances and all sexual activity is prohibited.

“The Naked Comedy Show promises ‘New York’s nakedest stand-up comedians in Brooklyn’s sexiest venue.’ Yes, the comedians are legit naked—and you can be, too! The first two rows of seating will be considered a clothing optional space.” — Time Out

“Bushwick took over from Williamsburg as the hip neighborhood some years back (a designation that has since moved on), one known for new music, cutting-edge art and great nightlife.” — NYCTourism.com

Instagram will load in the frontend.

Prospect Park Wellness Walk

Community, Nature, Health & Fitness

Points of Interest—Boathouse + Audubon Center, Prospect Park

Fri., Sept. 27 @ 10 a.m.

Instagram will load in the frontend.

The Prospect Park Alliance invites you to take part in their Wellness Walks, held every Friday through September at the Prospect Park Audubon Center. These guided morning walks offer an energizing experience along scenic trails, including the Lullwater, Peninsula, Midwood or Waterfall.

The walk begins promptly at 10 a.m., at the Audubon Center. Registration is required through Eventbrite, and participants should check their email for any updates or changes to confirm the walk has met the minimum number of attendees.

“The Alliance’s founding mission is to ensure that the park is accessible to everyone, and that all feel welcomed and able to make the most of all that Brooklyn’s Backyard has to offer. Key to this goal is having park destinations like our new fitness area, which is an intergenerational destination for wellness and allows our community to be their happiest, healthiest selves and know that the park is a place for all,” — Prospect Park Alliance President Morgan Monaco, via Patch.com

“The next time you have a check-up, don’t be surprised if your doctor hands you a prescription to walk. Yes, this simple activity that you’ve been doing since you were about a year old is now being touted as ‘the closest thing we have to a wonder drug,’ in the words of Dr. Thomas Frieden, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” — Harvard Health

PICTURE DAY by Levon Hawke

Theatre, Performance

Coffey Street Studio, 153 Coffey Street, Red Hook

Performances from Sept. 20 to Oct. 6

Instagram will load in the frontend.

Quick and Dirty Theatre Company, based in Red Hook, Brooklyn, proudly presents the world premiere of Picture Day, a new play by Levon Hawke. After a successful year of one-act plays and staged readings, the company is excited to debut its first full-length production.

Picture Day delves into the hidden lives we all lead, following five roommates as they navigate complex dynamics, explore their identities and sexuality and confront the intricacies of modern male friendships. Writer and director Hawke is also known for his roles in Apple TV’s The Crowded Room and the upcoming films Blink Twice and The Thicket. The cast features Booth McGowan, Rocco Gagliarducci, Ian Edlund, Dante Billups and Ari Dalbert.

“Red Hook is known for its creative spirit, hardworking communities and growing art scene. This September, at Coffey Street Studio, the Brooklyn neighborhood becomes home to Picture Day, the directorial debut of actor Levon Hawke. Picture Day focuses on masculinity, family dynamics, and hidden secrets.” — Roderick Thomas, The Red Hook Star-Revue

“Levon Hawke — the son of Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke — is making his theater directing debut with “Picture Day,” Page Six has exclusively learned. The production is also the first full-length play from Quick & Dirty Theatre Company, which was founded last year by artistic director Booth McGowan.” — Ian Mohr, Page Six