Celebrate New Year's Eve with the "Broadway Divas," accompanied by the stirring sounds of the Long Island Philharmonic, at a fun-filled symphonic Pops concert. With Maestro David Wiley, Music Director and Conductor at the helm, five Broadway leading ladies join the Philharmonic to perform the best of Broadway.The program features many show-stopping favorites, from such beloved shows as "Les Miserables," "Dreamgirls," "My Fair Lady," "Funny Girl," "Hello Dolly," "Cabaret," "Annie," and "Chicago." The Broadway Divas are Anne Runolfsson, who is currently appearing in Phantom of the Opera; Christine Pedi, also known as "Mrs. Bobby Baccala" from HBO's "The Sopranos"; Kathleen Murphy Jackson, who has appeared on Broadway and in film; Cara Johnston; and Jenny Rose Baker, who made her debut with Bernadette Peters in "Annie Get Your Gun." They are all versatile artists who have performed in musical theater, cabaret and opera.It takes place at the Tilles Center, Dec. 31, 7:30-9:30 p.m., opening with pre-concert champagne (which is also served during intermission), Tickets are $55, $90 and $100, and can be purchased from the Tilles Center box office, (516) 299-3100 or (631) 293-2222. The Tilles Center for the Performing Arts is located on the C.W. Post Campus, Rte. 25A, Brookville.
Theater
The region's theater companies are all featuring special New Year's Eve "champagne" performances. Arena Players Repertory Theatre: Pajama Tops, a comedy by Mawby Green and Ed Feilbert, at the Main Stage Theatre, Dec, 31, 9:30 p.m. The madcap play tells the story of a philandering couple who invite the same women to spend a weekend at their home. At 296 Rte. 109, East Farmingdale. Or see Any Wednesday, by Muriel Resnik, Dec. 31, 8 p.m., at the Second Stage Theatre. This production deals with four people - a millionare businessman, his innocent mistress, the hoodwinked wife, and an irate victim, whose paths cross under unexpected circumstances. The Second Stage Theatre is located at 294 Route 109, East Farmingdale. Tickets are $40; with wine, champagne and dessert. For reservations or further information, call (516) 293-0674 or www.arenaplayers.org.BroadHollow Theatre Company: The Amorous Ambassador takes to the stage, Dec. 31. The wacky comedy tells the tale of the ambassador to Great Britain, and his wife, each of whom have "secret" weekend plans. Hilarity ensues as the embassy is sealed off in the wake of a bomb threat. At the BayWay Arts Center, 265 E. Main St., East Islip. Or see Cheaters, a rollicking romantic comedy by Michael Jacobs. The story concerns a young couple, who are living together, whose mother and father have been dating each other. The parents meet the young couple at dinner and the fun begins. At the Studio Theatre, 141 S. Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst. Tickets are $50; with wine and cheese before the show, champagne, toast and musical revue to ring in the new year. To purchase tickets or for further information, call (631) 581-2700.Hofstra University's The Gray Wig: And The World Goes 'Round, is performed Dec. 31, 7 p.m. The alumni theater group presents a musical revue featuring the songs of John Kander and Fred Ebb from beloved musicals such as "Cabaret," "Chicago," "New York, New York," "Funny Lady," "Kiss Of The Spider Woman," and others.Tickets are $39, available from the Hofstra Box Office, (516) 463-6644. The performance takes place at Monroe Lecture Center Theater, Hempstead.
Dinner Theater
Dinner along with a show is another option. Gala celebrations are being presented at these dinner theater showcases.Murder Mystery Dinner: New Year's Eve Mystery Party, is comic celebration with some mayhem mixed in, Saturday, Dec. 31. It's performed by Murder Mystery Players at Dave & Busters, 261 Airport Plaza Rd., Farmingdale. For reservations or further information, call (631) 249-0708. The Killing Company: Murder By Midnight, a comedy murder mystery, Saturday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m. Be part of the show and find out why "2006 promises to be a killer and this year it just may be time for the garden of evil!" Tickets are $100. At Papa Razzi, 1500 Jericho Tpke, Westbury.. For reservations or information, call (516) 877-7744.
Comedy
Laugh the night away at area clubs.The Brokerage Club features a night of great comedy, with four comedy stars, Dec. 31, 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $55 or $50 in advance. The price includes two drinks, champagne toast, coffee and danish after midnight. At Merrick Rd. and Bellmore Ave., Bellmore. For reservations and information, call (516) 785-8655 or 785-9349.Governor's Comedy Cabaret offers a New Year's Eve Extravaganza with Bob Nelson and special guests, Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. and 11:15 p.m.Just Show admission: $55, 7:30 p.m.; $75, 11:15 p.m. Dinner/Show package: $80.00, 7:30 p.m.; $99, 11:15 p.m. Hempstead Tpke. and Division Ave., Levittown. For reservations and information, call (516) 731-3358 or www.govs.com.
Set Sail
Celebrate in style at a dinner cruise aboard the Nautical Princess, a 100 foot luxury yacht. The evening features an open bar, hors d'oeuvres, formal sitdown dinner, music and dancing. Dance the night away while cruising around Baldwin Harbor, Point Lookout, Lido Beach, and the Five Towns area. Boarding begins at 8:30 p.m.; with sailing from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. $99.99 per person. The ship sails from Woodcleft Canal, Freeport. For reservations, call (516) 623-5712.
