By Barbara Morris
One writer, a young fellow who chose to be anonymous in order to avoid peer ridicule, confessed that he loves Broadway musicals. Good for him! He listed a few he had seen: “The Sound of Music,” “The King and I,” “Carousel,” and “West Side Story.” That young man has class, and I hope that someday he won't have to feel ashamed of his interest, because he certainly doesn't appear to be alone,
Another writer, Fan Yi Mok (a very attractive young lady), produced what seems to be a complete guide for the young who are interested in the arts, and partaking of opportunities that are either free or may be discounted. She gave high praise to “High 5 Tickets to the Arts” for 13 to 18-year-old students, and why not? Tickets for Friday, Saturday and Sunday events may be purchased for $5, while Monday through Thursday tickets are $5 for two – one of which can be shared with someone of any age.
High 5 catalogues giving further details may be obtained at Ticketmaster, in schools, in the lobby of the High 5 office at 1 East 53rd St., Manhattan, as well as public libraries while supplies last.
Other good opportunities for that age group and college students, are Student Rush Tickets and TKTS booths, at Broadway and 47th Street and at 2 World Trade Center. For same-day seats, TKTS gets you up to 50 percent off tickets to Broadway, Off-Broadway, dance and music events.
I couldn't help thinking how nice it would have been to have the same opportunity when I was in school. Those days are long past, but, as the saying goes, “Patience has its own reward.”
The city Department for the Aging has announced that if you are at least 60 years old and live in any of the five boroughs, you can register to purchase tickets to many events for $10 a ticket. Participating events include the New York City Opera Company, Alvin Alley Dance Company, Ballet Hispanic, the Radio City Music Hall's annual Christmas Spectacular, a theatrical reading of “A Christmas Carol,” a performance of the Brooklyn Philharmonic, “Dinner with Friends,” and a piano recital by Alicia de Larrocha.
To register, call toll free 1-888-424-4685. It's not required that tickets be bought in advance, but it's a good idea to do so since many of the performances sell out quickly.
Another plus for seniors is the new Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance program which will become effective Jan. 1. State residents 65 years or older may apply now. For complete information and an application, call toll-free 1-800-332-3742.
The Department for the Aging's Alzheimer's Center and Long-Term Care Services will hold its 17th Mayoral Conference on Alzheimer's Disease on Nov. 2
For more information and a registration from, call (212) 442-7086 during business hours.
