'Tis the season

The stage is set to say farewell to another year. Don those party hats and make way for 2020.

A Sinatra-ish celebration
     Ring in the New Year in Sinatra-style, with Sinatra interpreter Cary Hoffman, at the Madison Theatre, on Dec. 31, at 6 p.m.     
     In this concert version of his off-Broadway hit “My Sintra” Hoffman shares his love and idolization for the legendary crooner.  He captivates the audience with his intimate musical journey of what it was like growing up fatherless with three musician uncles, who played on some of Sinatra’s greatest recordings, turning Sinatra into a fantasy father. Hoffman authentically sings Sinatra, incorporating more than 20 classic Sinatra songs, creating a musical score about his lifelong obsession, accompanied by the South Shore Symphony Orchestra.

     His tribute to his hero is a compelling blend of vocal performance, along with true stories of him evolving from a lonely teen singing along to Sinatra in his bedroom to performing with some of the best symphonies. This led to “My Sinatra” and a national PBS TV special, which has aired in over 80 cities around the country and was viewed by more than a million people (his is the only Sinatra television special starring somebody other than Frank Sinatra himself).
     “It’s a sweet little show,” says Angelo Fraboni, the Madison Theatre’s artistic director. “Cary sings and talks about what Sinatra meant to him throughout his life. It’s sentimental, highlighting all his standards and a great way to spend New Year’s Eve.”
    The festive atmosphere begins upon arrival at the theater, when everyone is greet with a celebratory glass of champagne or non-alcoholic beverage, prior to show time. “If you want to do something local on New Year’s Eve, this is where you should be,” says Fraboni.           
     “We’re doing this early so people can go out after and continue celebrating after if they want. We enjoy doing our New Year’s Eve show for our patrons. It’s our way of giving back and it’s fun for everyone involved.”
     Tickets are $50-$65 and can be purchased by phone at (516) 323-4444 or online at www.madisontheatreny.org. The Madison Theatre is located on the Molloy College Campus, 1000  Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre.

For the kids
    If you’re looking for a family-friendly celebration, New Year’s Eve arrives at Long Island Children’s Museum (LICM) in the form of “Noon Year’s Eve,” its annual kid-style celebration. Beginning at noon on Dec. 31, LICM gets ready to ring in a new year with a busy afternoon that concludes with the traditional Times Square-style ball drop.
    This year “LICM will be putting a twist on the theme of ‘roaring’ 20s,” says Aimee Terzulli the museum’s Director of Education and Visitor Experience. “We’re weaving the king of the jungle, the lion, into our activities so kids can truly ‘roar’ into 2020.”
    During the afternoon, leading up to the museum’s finale two “ball drops,” families can participate in themed crafts, face painting and try out their best moves at a dance party with DJ Mike.
    Kids can design Mane Event New Year hats, Hear Me Roar noisemakers, Tick Tock! Lion Clocks and Lions Rule necklaces, chomp into some “I Ain’t Lion” cookies and spring into the Ferocious Feline face painting station.
    “The event allows visitors to take part in all the traditional elements of the holiday, including confetti and counting down to the New Year, on a schedule designed for children — and exhausted parents,” explains Maureen Mangan, the museum’s Director of Communication.  “Many parents tell us that they don’t make it till midnight anymore, so the LICM ball drop is the way for the family to welcomes in the New Year.”
     Countdown to 12, beginning at 12 p.m., is free with museum admission. LICM is located on Museum Row, in Garden City. For additional information, contact (516) 224-5800 or visit www.licm.org.

 Festive dining at City Cellar
     Leave the kitchen behind and enjoy the season with delightful gourmet meal. Among the many local eateries offering up some holiday inspired meals, City Cellar in Westbury, is all dressed up for the holidays and eager to welcome everyone to enjoy their acclaimed cuisine in the merry setting.
    Spend Christmas Eve at the popular restaurant, with seatings until 8 p.m., or usher in 2020 with a tasty New Year’s Eve celebration, with seatings until 11 p.m.  Chef Mike’s acclaimed menu is available, along with holiday specials. Keep the celebration going on New Year’s Day with seatings from 11 a.m.- 8 p.m., featuring a holiday brunch menu all day. The extravagant brunch menu that day will include Nutella crepes, wild berry French toast, lump crab Benedict, filet mignon Benedict, lobster quiche and wild mushroom frittata, among other many other items.
    The combination of City Cellar’s New American fare with upscale bar food and Italian-inspired creations continues to draw rave reviews from foodies, critics and patrons. The varied menu is highlighted by hearth-baked thin crust pizzas, dry aged steaks, house-made fresh pasta and seafood.     The menu also features a daily selection of hard to find artisanal cheeses and charcuterie. Enticing desserts are all house-made. City Cellar is known for its extensive award-winning wine collection that can be sampled by the bottle, glass or flight, along with a wide selection of signature cocktails and other beverages.
    City Cellar is located at 1080 Corporate Dr. in Westbury. Call (516) 693-5400 for reservations or visit www.citycellarny.com.