Film
Film Forum pays homage to Woody Allen with a retrospective of 28 films. “Essentially Woody,” featuring movies from 1966’s “What’s Up, Tiger Lily?” to 1999’s “Sweet and Lowdown,” runs Dec. 22 - Jan. 11. (Film Forum, 207 W. Houston St., (212-727-8110)
Dance
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, whose season is underway at City Center, presents two evenings of all-new works this week, including the world premiere of Karole Armitage’s “Gamelan Gardens” and the company premiere of Twyla Tharp’s “The Golden Section.” For those with a more traditional palate, classics such as “Revelations” are also on the menu. (City Center, W. 55th St., (212-581-1212)
Theater
A musical about teenagers in 19th-century Germany that rocks? It’s true—“Spring Awakening,” based on Frank Wedekind’s 1891 play and directed by Michael Mayer, is quickly becoming one of the season’s biggest—and sexiest—hits. With music by Duncan Sheik, book and lyrics by Steven Sater and choreography by Bill T. Jones, it’s hard to go wrong. (Eugene O’Neill, 230 W. 49th St., (212-239-6200)
Art
“Picasso and American Art,” on view through January 28 at the Whitney Museum of American Art, illustrates the fundamental role Picasso played in the development of American art in the 20th century. With Picasso’s works juxtaposed with those of artists such as Jasper Johns, Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock and Roy Lichtenstein, a stunning picture of the Spanish master’s vast influence emerges. (Whitney Museum of American Art, 945 Madison Ave., 1-800-WHITNEY)
Music
Danny’s Grand Sea Palace, which is closing this month after 31 years, continues its “Last Hurrah Concert Series” with an all-star cabaret performance dedicated to owner Danny Apolinar. The lineup of “Critics Choice Revisited, Part II” includes Tom Andersen, Baby Jane Dexter, Maude Maggart and Julie Wilson, among others, plus a few surprise guests Dec. 21. (The Skylight Room at Danny’s Grand Sea Palace, 346-348 W. 46th St., 212-265-8130)
Books
Hard to believe it’s been 10 years since the phrase “it takes a village” entered the American lexicon. In honor of the milestone, author and U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton will be on the Upper West Side Dec. 18 to read from the newly released 10th anniversary edition of “It Takes a Village.” (Barnes & Noble, 1972 Broadway, 212-595-6859)
