LINCOLN CENTER — American Ballet Theatre announced on Monday, Dec. 9, that Gillian Murphy, an internationally celebrated principal dancer since 2002, will take her final bow in July 2025 at the Metropolitan Opera House. 

Murphy will take her final bow in the iconic role of Odette/Odile in “Swan Lake” on Friday, July 18, at the Metropolitan Opera House in Manhattan. Murphy has also performed at BAM in ABT’s production of “The Nutracker.” To commemorate the occasion, the post-performance toast will be held on the Grand Tier of the opera house. Ticket holders will get the chance to join the toast with the purchase of an additional reception ticket. ABT will also honor Murphy at the Golden Circle Council Luncheon. 

“Gillian’s contribution to the ballet world is deep and wide. Her intelligence and artistry, coupled with the strength of her technique, her authentic feminine presence and her versatility have inspired all of us for many  years,” ABT Artistic Director Susan Jaffe said. “I can say with the utmost conviction that her performances will be dearly missed by everyone. Still,  the beauty of her essence will live on in our hearts forever.” 

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BUSHWICK — Park Slope native and playwright John N. Frank is bringing a taste of his Italian-American upbringing to North Brooklyn with “It’s My Brooklyn, Too!” 

“This is my family’s story, but it’s also the story of every immigrant family that’s come to America,” says Frank. “It deals with their struggles to achieve the American dream, looking at what families must sacrifice along that road.”

The play is set in a 1960s Park Slope row house on New Year’s Eve, where an Italian-American immigrant family is wrestling with the American Dream. Frank hopes that immigrants from any background will relate to this play as it deals with themes of family, culture and Brooklyn life. 

The show will take place in a row house in Bushwick, where eight actors — Giacoma Bonello (also directing), Jeffery Brabant, Caroline Cassidy, Lizzy Jarrett, Oliver Palmer, Pasquale, Sarah Elizabeth Spagnuolo and Loretta Toscano — immerse an audience in the experience of attending a New Year’s Eve party. Hannah Lewis is serving as an assistant director and stage manager. 

The dates for the play are Dec. 6 to 8 and Dec. 13 to 15, and showings will be at 350 Cornelia Street in Bushwick. Get tickets starting at $45.

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