Michael Stickle

There’s a reason musicals built around songs you already love hit so hard—you know the songs, you sing along without meaning to, and suddenly, you’re back to a very specific time and place. Hell’s Kitchen, the Broadway show built around Alicia Keys’ biggest hits (plus a few new ones), does all that while doubling as a heartfelt love letter to New York City. It’s 1990-something, and we’re inside Manhattan Plaza, the iconic artist housing complex in NYC’s Hell’s Kitchen. Seventeen-year-old Ali (Amanda Reid) is butting heads with her mom, Jersey (Jessica Vosk), who sets the tone with one line: “Because I’m your mother, that’s why.” From there, the show launches into a high-energy ride through the city as Ali, her friends and family chase identity, purpose and community—set to a soundtrack where “big lights will inspire you,” and yes, the choreography slaps. Sure, Alicia Keys’ name alone is worth the ticket. But here are five more reasons Hell’s Kitchen is the Broadway show to beat this summer. The ’90s fashion Photograph by Marc J. Franklin, courtesy of Hell's Kitchen Dede Ayite's costume design in Hell's Kitchen is a masterclass in ’90s New York streetwear. Drawing inspiration from icons like Lauryn Hill and Missy Elliott, Ayite collaborated with FUBU to recreate vintage pieces, including the standout jersey worn by Maleah Joi Moon. The ensemble features oversized denim, graffiti-tagged Yankees gear and bold gold jewelry, capturing the era's vibrant energy. Ayite's work doesn

When Moulin Rouge! The Musical opened on Broadway in 2019, expectations were high. Adapted from Baz Luhrmann’s cult-classic film—a lush, genre-defying spectacle that became a pop-culture touchstone—the stage production had big shoes to fill. But instead of playing it safe, the show burst onto the scene with a two-and-a-half-hour sensory overload that reimagined what a film-to-stage adaptation could be. Audiences and critics alike took notice: Moulin Rouge! The Musical swept the 2020 Tony Awards with 10 wins, including Best Musical. Five years later, the show is as devastatingly spectacular as ever. Directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, the production is a full-throttle celebration of truth, beauty, freedom and—above all—love. Its heartbeat is a mash-up soundtrack of over 70 iconic songs, representing 160 composers and spanning over 160 years of popular music from Offenbach to Lady Gaga, arranged by music supervisor Justin Levine (who won a Tony for best orchestrations for Moulin Rouge! The Musical). And choreographer Sonya Tayeh’s Tony-winning movement captures the raw, full-body ache of the show’s central love triangle between Satine, Christian and the Duke. It’s more than a musical—it’s a state of mind. A fever dream of romance and risk, set in a Parisian nightclub where nothing is ever too much. Are you on the edge of your seat to find out what else the show has in store? Here are five reasons Moulin Rouge! The Musical is (still) one of the most unforgettable nights

Worried about what the future may hold? Relax. While we here at Time Out New York might not have a knack for divination, we didn’t need a crystal ball to find the best mediums, astrologers, palm readers and psychics working in this fair city. Whether you want to know if love is in your future or to connect with a pet who has passed on, these experienced professionals might amaze you with their intuitive prowess.

These days, you don’t have to trek to your closest stand-up bar to hear some comedy—you can watch mini skits on social media or simply turn on your TV to catch a special from comedians all over the world. What’s harder to find, however, is a consistent and thoughtful curation of really good stand-up shows where every special is sure to have you rolling on the floor laughing. For comedy lovers (and really anyone who likes to laugh), Hulu’s new stand-up vertical, Hularious, is here to provide a regular stream of funny. And this year, the streaming service is rolling out one special every month.  Photograph provided by HuluJim Gaffigan, Hularious The Hularious ball is already rolling—Jim Gaffigan kicked off the slate with Hulu’s very first comedy special, The Skinny, back in November of 2024. Largely considered one of the most prolific comedians working today, Gaffigan’s special gave “the skinny” on everything from appetite suppressants to raising teenagers in a family-friendly set. In December 2024, Ilana Glazer gave an unfiltered look into life’s down and dirty truths (from blue balls to parenthood) in her Hulu special, Human Magic.  Photograph provided by HuluIlana Glazer, Hularious Photograph provided by HuluRoy Wood Jr., Hularious Then, in January 2025, Roy Wood Jr. delivered a special that was equal parts thought-provoking and funny. In Lonely Flowers, the comedian explored how a lack of connection has sent society into a culture full of guns, protests, rude employee

Since 2021, LVMH Culture House has brought something unique, meaningful and exciting to the Miami Design District and all who are attending Miami Design Week and Art Basel Miami. It’s grown every year since, and this year you can expect to see the work of a larger array of visual artists and learn from business leaders and cultural changemakers. Photo courtesy of LVMH Culture HouseCorey Smith, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for LVMH North America I had a chance to talk to Corey Smith, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for LVMH North America, and learn about the history and planning that have gone into making this the annual impactful and exciting experience it has become. The 2024 LVMH Culture House pop-up can be found at 151 NE 41st Street, 3rd Floor from December 4–8. Image courtesy of LVMH Culture House This interview has been edited for clarity, length, and flow. While efforts have been made to preserve the intent and meaning of the original conversation, minor adjustments may have been made to enhance readability and coherence. What is the mission of LVMH Culture House, especially as it relates to Art Basel, Miami?LVMH Culture House is a five-day pop-up gallery where we showcase the artwork of artists across the full spectrum of diversity—artists with disabilities, artists of color, women, LGBTQIA+, the full gamut of what diversity is—and use it as an opportunity for them to showcase their incredible talent. Photo courtesy of LVMH

Let’s play L.A. – at the city’s new interactive playground. When we heard about the new Meta Lab pop-up on Melrose Avenue, we were intrigued. So, we went there with one of our favorite Time Out Tastemakers, influencer Drew Tillman, to check it out and we were blown away. When we walked through the front door, we were greeted by a beautiful installation that presented a breakdown of the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses in 3D format. It’s an image of the glasses showing all the hardware that—we found out later—is solidly hidden in these signature Ray-Ban Wayfarers. We immediately wanted to try on a pair, and there are a number of stations where we could do just that. There were different styles with either clear, tinted or sunglass lenses (and prescription lenses can be added). We found a pair of the traditional, timeless black Wayfarer sunglasses, easily hooked them up to the app and we were on our way. Drew shared his take on the pop-up: “Meta Lab is really impressive! I love that they created an entire world where you can fully experience the capabilities of the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses.” Photo by Dominic MaciasThe Lowrider gallery at Meta Lab with photographer Estevan Oriol and Tastemaker Drew Tillman The centering design element (for now, read on) is Lowriders and Lowrider culture. We started at a gallery of photos by the world-renowned photographer, Estevan Oriol. These amazing images tell the story of both the cars and their owners, and show how it has become a movement that’s revered

Ah, Rome: it’s a vibrant city teeming with history and Old World charm, packed with culinary delights and modern culture. From the Vatican to the Colosseum, the grand piazzas to the tiny, winding streets there’s so much to explore. You can do your research and hit the streets to see the city on your own, but there’s nothing like a guided tour or activity to deliver real, local insight into a destination, especially when it comes to food. To learn about and experience the very best of Rome, from pasta to pizza, look to the experts who get to enjoy all that Rome has to offer on a daily basis. And to find the very best tour and travel experiences, look no further than GetYourGuide. Whether you fancy a tour of the charming Trastavere neighborhood, a way to see more of the city in less time or a unique perspective on a popular attraction, GetYourGuide has you covered. You can even book a cooking class with a local chef to learn how to make some of Rome’s best dishes. We did the hard work of narrowing down some of our many favorites into this list of five unforgettable culinary experiences you can find and book on getyourguide.com.

In 2011, Amy Sherman-Palladino, the writer-creator of the beloved TV dramedy Gilmore Girls, saw the Broadway revival of Anything Goes starring Sutton Foster and realized she’d found the perfect lead actress for her newest series, Bunheads. That series gained an enthusiastic fanbase, but was short-lived. Sherman-Palladino and Foster’s relationship endured however. So when Foster signed up to play the gawky but formidable Princess Winnifred, a.k.a. Fred, in a revival of the 1959 musical Once Upon a Mattress—now playing on Broadway at the Hudson Theatre through November 30—who better to give the script a 21st-century spruce-up than Sherman-Palladino, fresh off an award-winning five-season run of her hit series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel? “The first person I thought of was Amy,” Foster said in an interview on The Broadway Show. “She’s the funniest lady I know—and in many ways, she’s a Fred.” Photograph: Emilio Madrid; courtesy of Once Upon a Mattress Though Mattress is 65 years old, Fred was very much ahead of her time: She travels alone from her kingdom, a far-off swampland, and swims through a moat to compete to marry the big-hearted mama’s boy Prince Dauntless (Michael Urie). “I’ve heard all the amazing things about being a bride,” Fred tells everyone at court. “Your life is so different. You get new socks—you can play board games. And you get to climb trees and ride horses and do gymnastics. And you get a pal. Someone who thinks you’re funny and calls you a nickname.” Those

If you’re heading to Paris anytime soon, there are probably some incredible meals and restaurants already on your radar. After all, the City of Lights has long been known as one of the world’s epicenters for incredible food and wine. But did you know you can also find some of the best culinary tours on earth in and around Paris? GetYourGuide, a leading platform for travel experiences around the globe, has combed the capital city for some of the very coolest activities and expeditions on offer. But we weren’t surprised to find that some of the most memorable excursions here were either focused on eating and drinking, or at the very least included copious opportunities to eat and drink–and below you’ll find some of our very favorite of the bunch. Discover your next unforgettable experience at getyourguide.com.

London, a city steeped in history and brimming with hidden gems, offers more than just the typical tourist attractions. Although Big Ben and Buckingham Palace certainly draw immense crowds, travelers looking to venture off the beaten path will find plenty of options, thanks to GetYourGuide, a leading travel experience provider that allows savvy tourists to book unforgettably immersive adventures around the world. GetYourGuide’s curated selection of unique London walking tours promises to reveal the city’s quirky character, forgotten histories and local haunts that even longtime residents might overlook. From exploring the atmospheric alleyways of East London's street art scene to uncovering the macabre tales of the city's medieval past, there is truly a walkable tour fit for any type of traveler—whether they’re into John, Paul, George and Ringo, true crime, or pints of ale. Whichever the walking tour, what sets them apart is their focus on authenticity and intimate experiences. Led by knowledgeable local guides, groups are kept small, which allows for a more personalized journey through London's labyrinthine streets. Way better than your standard sightseeing! Ready to make memories and discover your next unforgettable experience in London? Visit getyourguide.com or sign yourself up for one of these top London walking tours.

With its luxury beaches, breathtaking waterways and world-class oceanfront restaurants, Miami, Florida is one of the world’s most captivating coastal cities. And the best way to take in all of the marine majesty the Magic City has to offer is by hitting the water for a private boat tour, sightseeing cruise or ocean excursion, all of which you can easily charter on GetYourGuide. GetYourGuide is a travel experiences platform where you can book a wide variety of locally-vetted, expertly-curated experiences, including unforgettable guided tours and excursions, fun immersive activities and access to otherwise hard-to-book attractions in destinations around the world, including major U.S. cities like Miami. We’ve combed through the myriad of offerings and found five that we think you should not miss the next time you want to escape to the sparkling beaches, sizzling nightlife and sensational architecture of the city of Miami. Use GetYourGuide as a one-stop experiences shop to pad out your vacation and make incredible memories with scenic recreations around The 305, such as wildlife-focused airboat tours, wine-and-cheese sunset cruises, celebrity-home sightseeing experiences, sporty parasailing adventures and more. Here are the five fun-ready experiences you should add to your future Miami travel plans, stat. Discover your next unforgettable experience at getyourguide.com, and happy sails!

As the center of the film industry, Los Angeles has more glitz and glamor in a single neighborhood than the entire rest of the country combined. But don’t let the hype leave you starstruck. Hollywood and its film studios are just a tiny fraction of what this sprawling metropolis has to offer. Close to 500 square miles in size, L.A. is a patchwork of golden hills, sandy beaches, and impressive landmarks full of incredible food, beautiful people and unbelievably good weather. But with the traffic being what it is (terrible), and so much ground to cover between Malibu and Pasadena, the easiest way to get a closer look is to let a local guide show you the way. Thankfully, we’ve got GetYourGuide, a website that transforms your travel with unforgettable tours and activities not only here in L.A., but across the globe. Whether you want to immerse yourself in film and celebrity culture, dig into the city’s history and architecture, or see everything from the Hollywood Walk of Fame to the Griffith Observatory, these five curated GetYourGuide tours will take you behind the scenes of iconic Los Angeles. (Side note, reader: Narrowing it to five wasn’t easy, but it was fun—and amazing—seeing all the adventures available here in L.A.)

Smack in the middle of Times Square—two blocks from Madison Square Garden and perfectly perched with panoramic skyline views—Vue 180 is a rooftop bar that brings elevated energy to the heart of NYC. True to its name, the turf-furnished terrace offers sweeping, 180-degree views: Hudson Yards and the Hudson River to the west, the Empire State Building to the east, Midtown skyscrapers to the north, and downtown’s shimmering skyline to the south. You can soak it in year-round thanks to a climate-controlled indoor lounge that connects seamlessly to the outdoor space, complete with high-end seating, flat-screen TVs and winter-ready perks like space heaters and cozy igloos. Free entry for guests 21+ keeps the vibe accessible, while live music on select nights and ticketed open-bar events add a little extra buzz. The food and drink menu comes courtesy of a Manhattan-based chef, which means elevated cocktails and light bites that actually hold their own against the view. Planning a big night? The rooftop can be reserved for private events, from polished corporate mixers to just-because-it’s-NYC celebrations. Expect customizable spaces, cocktail and beer towers, top-tier AV setups and all the skyline you can handle. And if you’re not ready to call it a night, don’t. The DoubleTree Times Square South sits just downstairs, making it wildly easy to transition from rooftop party to hotel suite to bottomless mimosa brunch in one elevator ride.

The Upper East Side actually has something cooler than a Botox membership: The Herbal Care. Opened in January 2024 as the Upper East Side’s first legal dispensary, The Herbal Care instantly upgraded the neighborhood’s offerings from “wine bar or blowout?” to something with a little more edge. This isn’t your average transactional cannabis stop. It’s a curated experience with rotating product drops, weekly deals and just enough insider cool to make you feel like you discovered something—without the gatekeeping. Bonus: they won’t judge you for asking what “solventless” means. Inside, you’ll find a sleek shop that doubles as an art gallery, because buying pre-rolls under bad lighting is over. They’ve hosted events with NYC legends like Havoc of Mobb Deep and Tony Yayo of G-Unit, so don’t be surprised if your weed run includes a live DJ set. The staff knows what they’re talking about, and they’re not trying to upsell you on a $90 eighth you’ll regret later. Whether you’re there for flower, edibles or just need to vibe out before a dinner you didn’t want to go to, they’ve got you covered. More than a dispensary, The Herbal Care has planted itself firmly in the culture—hosting art shows, performances and generally giving the UES a reason to loosen its collar a bit. It’s approachable, it’s elevated and yes, it smells amazing inside. In a city full of overpriced options and underwhelming vibes, The Herbal Care is local and legit. You don’t need a password or a plug—just a plan to sto

Softly baked, comforting, and completely essential Tucked away in the Turnstyle Underground Market in the Columbus Circle subway station—no MetroCard or swipe required—Criollas Baked Empanadas is a hidden gem serving up handcrafted Argentine empanadas. With a softly baked crust that's packed with bold, fresh flavors, these empanadas are the perfect mix of gourmet and comfort food. And, because they're always baked, they're a healthier option than the usual empanada you find down the block. (Bonus: they're more delicious, too.) Founded in 2020 during the pandemic, Criollas was built on the idea of bringing people together through the warmth of homemade food. Using only the freshest ingredients sourced from local farms, this traditional bakery stays true to its Argentine roots while catering to the fast-paced NYC lifestyle.   Whether you’re new to Argentine cuisine or craving a nostalgic bite, Criollas delivers. Their empanadas are ideal for lunch, a quick snack before or after a long commute or a leisurely stroll through Central Park. Planning something bigger? Their party sets are guaranteed crowd-pleasers for picnics, office gatherings or casual get-togethers—and yes, they offer catering too, if you’re feeling ambitious or just really hungry. Criollas isn’t just about food; it’s about experiencing a moment of joy in a flaky, golden package. So, the next time you’re near Central Park, skip the overpriced pretzels and grab an empanada (or three). Your taste buds will thank yo

By day, Original Barbershop in the East Village is a classic (and well appointed) place to get a solid haircut. By night—at least on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays—it's host to an intimate, hot AF comedy show called "Live at the Barbershop." While it's easy to think of this as a comedy speakeasy, it's actually a well-established, well-regarded show that's been around for nearly a decade, draws a consistent sold-out crowd and doesn't require a secret password to get in. Here's what you need to know before you go. Each night's lineup of comedians is a surprise, but they rarely disappoint. There's a very limited number of seats (and they're packed in pretty tightly), so make sure to buy your tickets in advance. This arrangement allows the comics to engage with the crowd more too. Speaking of tickets, they're amazingly affordable for a New York comedy show. No food or drinks are available. It's BYOB, so there's no minimum drink requirement (which is often a buzzkill) and no service that interrupts your view or your experience. The crowd tends to be young and engaged, so don't be boring.

At some point in adulthood, “What are we doing tonight?” stops sounding like an exciting question and starts feeling like a group project with no leader and even less motivation. That’s where the apps come in (fingers crossed). I already use Time Out to find the best restaurants and things to do in whatever city I’m in—because obviously—but sometimes I want something even more niche or spontaneous, especially when I’m traveling and trying to find something that I could share with (and impress, if I’m being honest) that city’s Time Out editor. So I downloaded a bunch of apps promising to help. Some focused on live music. Others wanted me to “connect with my community,” even when I was just passing through. One kept pushing EDM yoga. I tried a few more than what you'll see, but those didn’t make the cut—and these are the ones that actually delivered. Whether I was in San Francisco, Brooklyn or killing time in a random airport-adjacent suburb, these apps surfaced events and experiences I wouldn’t have found on my own. This isn’t about “maximizing joy” or “rediscovering wonder.” It’s about having plans when you don’t know the city, don’t know the people and still want to do something better than stare at your phone on a hotel bed. And at home, it’s about never hearing the words “We should’ve just stayed in” ever again. Geocaching Geocaching turns any city into a low-key treasure map, using GPS to lead to hidden containers called caches. It’s the perfect mix of outdoorsy and nerdy

Booking dinner used to involve talking to another human. Now, it involves avoiding one. Because apps. You open OpenTable or Resy, pick your time slot and let the algorithm decide your night. Congratulations, you’ve made a reservation without accidentally speaking to a human being. Restaurant reservation apps have fully embedded themselves into the American going-out experience, especially among people who flinch at the idea of calling someone. Gen Z and Millennials live on these apps. Gen X uses them too, but mostly to avoid being the one stuck making the call. Boomers still ask, “Can’t we just walk in?” Restaurants love the crowd control but hate the fees. And the apps themselves? Useful, yes. But like everything in late-stage capitalism, they come with strings—fees, flakiness and an ongoing contribution to the death of human interaction. Let’s see how it all breaks down. OpenTable – Reliable with Boomer-proof buttons Best for: Group dinners, date nights, or booking a place your parents pickedWho uses it: Boomers, group organizersWhy we love it: OpenTable is the Toyota Camry of reservation apps; it’s everywhere, it’s reliable, it’s easy to use and it looks just dated enough to make it feel legit. You can rack up points, modify reservations easily and the confirmation emails arrive faster than you can text “on my way.”Room for improvement: It’s the Amazon of dining apps—ubiquitous and super convenient, but a little too transactional.Use it if: You're booking for people who st

In a world where making friends as an adult often feels like scheduling a dentist appointment—necessary but mildly anxiety-inducing—Les Amis arrives with a refreshing proposition: what if finding meaningful connections didn't involve endless scrolling, awkward small talk or the dreaded "we should hang out sometime" that never materializes? Anna Bilych, the 27-year-old Estonian tech founder (and former PayPal product manager), co-created Les Amis with Oleg Pashinin after moving for work and realizing what we all know deep down: making new friends in a new city is somehow harder than canceling a gym membership. So, in January 2022, they built the thing she wished existed: a way to meet like-minded women through shared interests and curated hangouts that don’t feel like forced fun. Les Amis—French for “the friends,” because yes, it’s trying to class things up a bit—isn’t just an app, it’s a low-key movement. Now live in 19 European cities and recently launched in Austin, Texas, it’s already hosted over 4,000 events and connected thousands of women who were just looking for a better way to hang out. A smarter way to make actual friends Les Amis takes the chaos of adult friendship-making and gives it structure—without killing the vibe. It starts with a short but surprisingly insightful application where you share the usual details (age, job, interests) and a few personality-driven prompts that help match you with people who might actually get your references. The app’s algorithm t

Traveling as a writer/editor is a delicate balance of packing light while still bringing everything I need to keep the words flowing and the deadlines met. Sure, I always toss in the non-tech essentials like big binder clips (because hotel curtains never close properly), bamboo utensils (because I’m not a monster) and a Sharpie that never ever seems to run dry. But let’s be real—those things don’t help me hit “send” on a 1,000-word feature while sitting in a noisy airport. That’s where my tech arsenal comes in. These are the compact, medium-priced gadgets that keep me sane, productive and occasionally entertained while I’m on the move. They’re not just tools—they’re lifelines. From noise-canceling headphones that drown out screaming toddlers to a foldable keyboard that turns any café table into a workspace, these items are the unsung heroes of my carry-on. So, if you’re a fellow worker-on-the-go (or just someone who likes to pretend they’re working while scrolling Instagram), here’s my ultimate list of tech travel essentials. iPhone 15 Pro Max Let’s start with the obvious. My iPhone is my lifeline. It’s my camera, my GPS, my inbox and occasionally my therapist. The 15 Pro Max’s battery life is solid enough to survive a long-haul flight, and the camera is so good it makes me feel like a National Geographic photographer when I’m really just snapping pictures of my overpriced airport burger. AirPods Pro These little guys are a godsend. Whether drowning out the sound of a crying

The future of dining is looking a lot more like a sci-fi movie, and honestly? We’re here for it, so long as we don’t lose sight of the human touches—think recipe invention, taste and care. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics in the U.S. restaurant industry is shaking up the food scene, making service faster, smarter and maybe even cooler. Restaurants are dealing with labor shortages and rising costs, and tech is swooping in to save the day—one robot at a time. Case in point is also one of the hottest trends: AI-powered customer service. Chatbots, like the ones used by Domino’s, are basically your new pizza BFFs, helping you place orders, track deliveries and even vent about your missing extra sauce (we’ve all been there). These bots work 24/7, giving human employees more time to focus on things that require, well, actual human skills. Meanwhile, McDonald's self-service kiosks use machine learning to personalize menu suggestions—so if you always get fries with that, they’ll know. AI is also getting deep into data, tracking customer behavior like a digital Sherlock Holmes. Starbucks’ Deep Brew AI remembers your go-to latte and recommends menu items based on your past orders (finally, a system that gets you). Over at Chipotle, AI helps monitor ingredient freshness, cutting down food waste and increasing sustainability. This environmental aspect of AI can help restaurants decrease their purchasing expenses while appealing to those of us for whom saving the plane