THEATER
“The Coast of Utopia, Part Two: Shipwreck,” the second chapter of Tom Stoppard’s trilogy about a group of 19th century Russian intellectuals, is now playing at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater. The trilogy spans 30 years and features 44 actors—among them Billy Crudup, Jennifer Ehle, Josh Hamilton, Ethan Hawke, Amy Irving and Martha Plimpton—in 70 roles. (150 W. 65th St., (212) 239-6200)
If you’re searching for a theater experience with some holiday flavor, head to The Flea Theater for “’Twas the Night Before,” an evening of one-acts in which playwrights such as Christopher Durang, Elizabeth Swados and Mac Wellman put their own spins on Clement Clark Moore’s seasonal classic. (41 White St. between Franklin Place and Church Street, (212) 226-0051)
MUSIC
“New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” not your thing? Ring in the New Year with Indie darlings and (mostly) Brooklyn natives Clap Your Hands Say Yeah at Hammerstein Ballroom. Bob Mould is the opener. (311 W. 34th St. at 8th Avenue, (212) 564-4882)
ART
“Africa Comics,” the first-ever exhibition of comic art from Africa, is on view now at The Studio Museum in Harlem. Featuring 32 artists and two-person artistic teams from all over the continent, the exhibition runs through Jan. 22. (144 W. 125th St., (212) 864-4500)
FILM
For those who won’t be singing carols at the spinet on December 25, Makor offers a cinematic alternative with Chinese Food and a Movie. Come for the kosher Chinese buffet, stay for the films: Screen one will feature a tribute to Charlie Kaufman, with “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” and “Being John Malkovich,” and screen two is all about Will Ferrell, with “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” and “Old School.” Show times are 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. (35 W. 67th St. between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue, (212) 601-1000)
OPERA
Julie Taymor’s production of “The Magic Flute” has been abridged into a 100-minute version for The Metropolitan Opera’s first holiday family opera presentation. The performance features all the spectacular visual effects of Taymor’s original production, including flying birds, dancing bears and the star-shimmering Queen of the Night; the cast includes young Met stars Ying Huang as Princess Pamina and Nathan Gunn as Papageno, the birdcatcher. Performances run Dec. 29-Jan. 4. (between W. 62nd and 65th Streets and Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues, (212) 362-6000)
