"The Bells are Ringing" with book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green and music by Jules Styne stars Faith Prince and Mark Kudisch. The musical comedy is the story of an unconventional switchboard operator who falls in love (over the phone) with one of her clients, a successful playwright. The play opens April 12, 2001 at the Plymouth Theatre, 236 West 45^th Street.

"Blast" is a Musical Celebration that evolved from the outdoor pageantry of the drum corps Star of Indiana, adding the artistry of sophisticated musicianship, exciting showmanship and dynamic choreography. It is an energy packed performance sure to get you up on your feet. The production is scheduled for a limited run in New York City. Performances begin April 5, 2001 and the expected closing date is June 10, 2001. At the Broadway Theatre, 1681 Broadway at 53^rd Street.

"George Gershwin Alone" is a solo play spotlighting the beloved music of George and Ira Gershwin. The incomparable performer Hershey Felder stars as George Gershwin and throughout the play he reminisces about the composers life and creative process. Felder is featured on the piano, playing many of the Gershwin favorites. The play is being performed at the Helen Hayes Theatre beginning April 17, 2001. For more information, please go to their web-site at www.GeorgeGershwinAlone.com.

"Stones in His Pockets" by Marie Jones is a comedy set in an Irish Village where a Hollywood film is being shot. This wonderful comedy stars two versatile actors, Sean Campion and Conleth Hill who play 15 different characters on the film set. "Stones in His Pockets" won the 2000 British Evening Standard Award and the 2001 Olivier Award, both for best comedy. The play is being performed at the John Golden Theatre, 252 West 45^th Street.

"King Hedley II" is the eighth of playwright August Wilson’s series of plays chronicling African-Americans in each decade of the twentieth century. The play depicts the lives of residents of Pittsburgh’s Hill District as they attempt to rise above their impoverished surroundings. The play stars Brian Stokes Mitchell, Leslie Uggams, Viola Davis, Charles Brown, Lou Myers, and Monte Russell and opens in previews on April 10, 2001. The play is being performed at the Virginia Theatre, 245 West 52^nd Street.

"One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest" is a drama based on Ken Kasey’s novel about a struggle for personal freedom under the most dire of circumstances. A free-thinking loner stuck in a mental hospital leads a rebellion of patients against a controlling nurse who will resort to anything to stamp out independent thought and action among her patients. The plays stars Gary Sinise and opens in previews on March 16, 2001. The play is being performed at the Royale Theatre, 242 West 45^th Street.

L’Occitane is a truly wonderful store selling incredibly indulgent bath and body products and elegant scented accessories for the home. The intoxicating aroma when you enter the store will carry you away on a cloud of relaxation. Open Monday - Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Located at 146 Spring Street (between West Broadway and Wooster Street.) For information, please call the store at (212) 343-0109 or go to their web-site at www.loccitane.net.

Shabby Chic is a home accessory and furniture store that is based on the famous interior design concept that has inspired many to incorporate simplicity and purity into their home designs. For ideas of how to incorporate the shabby chic style into your home watch the television show "Rachel Ashwell’s Shabby Chic" on the Style network. You will learn from Shabby Chic originator Rachel Ashwell how the charm and mystique behind this ever growing design concept can benefit you. Then come visit the New York store to implement your ideas. Located at 93 Greene Street (between Prince and Spring Streets.) Open Monday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. For information, please call the store at (212) 274-9842.

After the Rain will take you from the ordinary to the extraordinary with decorative arts and hand crafts from around the world. Their handmade kaleidoscopes are a perfect example of true craftsmanship. Located at 149 Mercer Street (between Houston and Prince Streets.) Open Monday - Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m and Sunday at 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. For information, please call the store at (212) 431-1044.

Distant Origin is a fabulous store for antique furnishings, reproductions and accessories from Mexico. Their unique candleholders and lovely handmade wind chimes make the perfect gift. They also have hand pressed paper embelished with exquisite dried flowers that are inexpensive and when framed make a beautiful addition to any room. Located at 153 Mercer Street (between Houston and Prince Streets.) Open Monday - Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. and Sunday 11:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. For information, please call the store at (212) 941- 8502.

New York Open Center Bookstore sells great books for those seeking information on any kind of holistic and spiritual healing. During your visit be sure to pick-up a class schedule of seminars on anything from Chinese Herbs to Yoga. Located at 83 Spring Street (between Broadway and Crosby Street.) Open Monday - Saturday 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. For information, please contact the store directly at (212) 219-2527 extension 109 or go to their web-site at www.opencenter.org

Rizzoli Bookstore is the quintessential New York City book seller and always a place worth visiting when in SoHo. You will find an incredible array of fine literature, art books, and magazines. Located at 454 West Broadway (between Houston and Prince.) Open Monday - Saturday 10:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. For information, please call the store at (212) 674-1616.

Smith and Hawken is more than just a garden supply store it caters to anyone who admires the beauty of the plant and flower world. Find fabulous gifts for people of all ages and just marvel at all the accessories that one can purchase for their garden. It is the perfect spring store and will definitely help you get over the winter blues. Located at 394 West Broadway (between Spring and Broome.) Open Monday - Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. For information, please call the store at (212) 925-0687 or go to their web-site at www.smithandhawken.com.

The Enchanted Forest is a gallery of beasts, books and handmade toys celebrating the spirit of animals, the old stories and the child within. All ages are welcome to go and play or just be awestruck at the tremendous array of furry creatures. Located at 85 Mercer Street (between Spring and Broome Streets.) Open Monday - Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. For information, please call the store at (212) 925-6677 or go to their web-site at wwwsohoforest@aol.com

Chow Bar specializes in eclectic Asian, from Thai beef to Shanghai noodles, in an attractive cafe setting of dark wooden booths or pillowed banquettes. The busy bar serves potent libations. Main courses run about $15.00. Located at 230 West 4^th Street. For reservations, please call the restaurant at (212) 633-2212