A scene from February House

February House, a new musical now playing at The Public Theater, tells the true story of one George Davis, a struggling writer and bon vivant, who invited poet W.H. Auden, writer Carson McCullers, composer Benjamin Britten and his partner, singer Peter Pears, and burlesque legend Gypsy Rose Lee to live under one roof in an "artists' menagerie" in Brooklyn Heights 

The group lived together at 7 Middagh Street (in a house that has sadly since been destroyed) at the brink of America's entry into World War II. With music and lyrics by Gabriel Kahane, who has performed with Sufjan Stevens, the musical is a beautiful blend of a lively script and contemporary melodies.

The ensemble cast, under the direction of Davis McCallum, does a wonderful job of portraying the intense friendships and hardships of the now iconic artists. Actress Kristen Sieh, who plays McCullers, studied her unusual Georgian accent to get into character, and as a result really captures McCullers’ childlike nature and allure. Actors Stanley Bahorek and Ken Barnett, who respectively play Britten and Pears, are a great pair; their song "Bed Bugs!" is ridiculously funny. One of the overall highlights of the show is Lee's appearance in a striptease during a fundraising party for the house. Actress Kacie Sheik fully commits to Lee’s routine. Sitting in the audience it was easy to imagine what a treat it must have been to see an actual performance by Lee, whose burlesque was, in actuality, a combination of sexuality and stand-up comedy. More serious issues, like the artist's responsibilities during wartime, are approached with passion and accuracy.

Overall, February House is a well-written musical with lovely songs and sensitive acting. It's a remarkable true story that explores the meaning of friendship and the shenanigans that occur when you get a hoard of gigantic egos living under one roof. In other words, it’s a show with a lot of heart. Through June 10.425 Lafayette St., 212-539-8500

FROM LEFT: Astrid Munoz and Lara Stone; Jessica Chastain, Naomi Watts, and Ludivine Sagnier at the IFP Euphoria Calvin Klein party

Cannes, France
Thursday, Calvin Klein invited Dispatches to the sumptuous Villa St. Georges for the IFP Euphoria Calvin Klein fête, celebrating Women in Film at the Cannes Film Festival. Ten minutes from the Croisette, the dreamy Belle Epoque mansion on Avenue Roi Albert features a curved stone staircase with balustrades that sweeps up to the property. The pool has one serpentine edge and craggy olive trees at the far end; verdant gardens with palms overlook the bay.

The famous beauties in attendance, dressed by Klein, looked like color-coordinated art pastels. Shailene Woodley wore peach; Jessica Chastain had on a shorter pink number; Naomi Watts’ tan dress pooled an inch or two on the carpet; and Diane Kruger had her girls pushed way up in a sparkling, ankle-length pink gown.

And the buttons on Joshua Jackson’s shirt looked as if they might pop. “I don’t want to bust out," he quipped as Kruger pulled his jacket shut.

“It’s the most beautiful place,” said Naomi Watts of Cannes. “We just arrived and had a Bellini on the terrace,” she continued. “I met my darling Liev while wearing Calvin Klein.”

“I play a jaguar in Madagascar 3,” mentioned Jessica Chastain, her red hair pulled back tight, "and I’m also in Lawless. You hear about this festival your whole life.”

By the pool, tall, thin gas-burning pyramids warmed the air, and fuchsia flower petals floated on the water. Dispatches also spotted Ben Stiller and Jada Pinkett-Smith. Just in from Portofino was Euphoria model Lara Stone, with her husband, David Williams, the tall Swiss dude with bright blue eyes from Dinner with Schmucks.

Saturday, a hirsute Shia LaBeouf took his mom to the Lawless party, hosted by Harvey Weinstein and Johnny Walker Blue Label at Cannes’ Baoli Beach. Chastain had her hair down and wore a gold sequined chiffon number.

FROM LEFT: Jennifer Connelly and Dustin Lance Black at a screening of Virginia; Betty White and Uggie the dog at the White's Friars Club roast 

Virginia Screening, TV Upfronts, and the Friars Club Roast of Betty White
Back in New York, at the Cinema Society fête for Virginia, starring Jennifer Connelly, Jane Lynch said she was in town for the Fox Upfronts. Travie McCoy of Gym Class Heroes was holding hands with Juliette Lewis. She said that he was on tour and that they were thrilled that he got to take a break. “I enjoyed being brain-fucked for an hour and a half,” McCoy said of Virginia. “And I mean that in the best way possible.”

On Tuesday, The Gersh agency celebrated the TV Upfronts at Lilium, a dimly lit bar off Park Avenue South. I must have arrived early, because Kyle MacLachlan and I both said we were the only ones we knew at the whole party. Nice guy. My friend Liz Durand Streisand from UsWeekly was with her husband, who is apparently related to Barbara, but both MacLachlan and I thought he looked exactly like Matt Damon.

At the Friars Club roast for Betty White on Wednesday at the Sheridan, White told Dispatches: “I’m just going to listen and try to be a lady . . . I said try!” Gilbert Gottfried turned up the heat on the red carpet, saying that he and White do it, "she’s in an orthopedic bed with an IV attached . . . if she were 50 years younger, she’d be 1,000!”

At the USA Network Upfronts on Thursday, WWE wrestler CM Punk claimed that he doesn’t know how to tie a tie. I had recently caught Ellen Burstyn (Political Animals) in Same Time, Next Year, and then there she was walking the carpet. She said she had her dog with her in the car. Love that. And Carla Gugino (Political Animals) claimed that she punked her publicist by saying that she had her dog and that he needed a bone and water. 

New to Lexington Avenue, Ultimate Spectacle specializes in luxury eyeglasses and sunglasses from designer brands including Oliver Peoples, Tom Ford, Linda Farrow, Dior, Miu Miu, and more.

“Instead of creating our own private label frames, we worked to curate our product lines from exclusive private designers,” said owner Jaclyn Edelstein. “This way, we remain on trend with the latest in eyewear fashion.”

If you can't wait for the glasses to hit the shelves, there's an extra perk. Ultimate Spectacle offers a concierge optical program where consultants will make house calls for private viewings of new collections. In addition to the incredible selection, customers can receive a comprehensive eye and vision exam. 789 Lexington Ave., 212-792-8123

Atera

For adventurous New York foodies, Atera is the summer reservation to get. The 22-course omakase tasting menu has been on the to-do lists of restaurant critics and gastronomes alike. And since the restaurant opened in March, the reviews have been highly complimentary. What can you expect to eat? Wild greens, lichen, fish cheeks, root beer foam, freeze-dried cake, bone marrow, and other unusual treats.

The brainchild of chef Matthew Lightner, formerly of Portland's Castagna, Atera focuses on foraged ingredients and avant-garde, El Bulli-esque techniques: the sleight of hand chef has been known to serve pleasantly deceptive creations like "razor clams" made of dry bread painted in squid ink. But although Lightner’s philosophy may be experimental and unconventional, the result is delicious. With just seventeen seats, you’ll want to book your reservation far in advance. The omakase menu is available at $150 per person, with an optional $90 beverage pairing. 77 Worth St., 212- 226-1444

Now, after a big sale, auctioneers and patrons at Sotheby's will no longer have to go in search of Champagne. The auction house debuted a Champagne label of its own, which will be served in its auction houses in New York, London, and Hong Kong, this week. Made from 100 percent Chardonnay grapes grown in the Grand Cru vineyards of Chouilly, the new Sotheby’s Champagne is bottled by sixth-generation Champagne family R&L Legras, who supply bubbly to Michelin-starred restaurants all over the world. You don't have to be in the auction house to enjoy this champagne, either. It's available online and at the Sotheby's retail store ($29.95). 1334 York Avenue, 212-606-7000

Bonjour Tristesse

The Paris Review Interview Series: James Fenton
Thursday, May 16, 7 PM
The Paris Review revives original editor and founder George Plimpton's practice of interviewing writers in front of a live audience this Thursday at The New York Public Library. Poetry editor Robyn Creswell will interview poet James Fenton, the result of which will become part of TheParis Review's Art of Poetry series. Following the interview there will be a Q&A session with the audience. The Stephen W. Schwartzman Building, South Court Auditorium, Fifth Avenue at 42nd St; nypl.org

Bonjour Tristesse at Film Forum
Friday, May 17, 4:35 PM or 6:30 PM
Otto Preminger's classic 1958 film, Bonjour Tristesse, has been digitally restored and re-released by Sony Pictures. The movie tells the story of Cécile (Jean Seberg), whose relationship with her father (David Niven) is threatened when he brings a new girlfriend (Deborah Kerr) to their summer villa on the Riviera. Lucky New Yorkers can catch this classic film on the big screen at Film Forum, which has extended its run until May 24. 209 West Houston St., 212-727-8110; filmforum.org

The Great GoogaMooga
Saturday, May 19 and Sunday May 20, all day
The first-ever GoogaMooga is a gigantic food and drink festival taking place in Prospect Park this Saturday and Sunday. In addition to the many food and drink vendors (75 food vendors, 35 brewers, 30 wine makers), there will be music by Hall & Oates, The Roots, and 20 other live acts. General admission is free, but there are special VIP tickets, Extra Moogas, available for $249.50. Nethermead Meadow, Propect Park, Brooklyn; googamooga.com  

Orpheus, Remixed
Sunday, May 20, 1:30 PM
Catch the last show of The New York City Opera's racy version of the 1726 Baroque opera Orpheus. The opera was only recently rediscovered, and focuses on Orasia, the Queen of Thrace, who conspires to bring Eurydice to the underworld. This opera is performed in three languages, with texts drawn from Handel and Lully. Tickets from $60 to $150. El Museo del Barrio, 1230 Fifth Ave., 212-831-7272; nycopera.org

Hotel Chantelle

Mixologists Regan Moloney (Hotel Chantelle) and Jim Ciacci (Ravel Hotel's Penthouse808) have introduced new cocktail menus for spring at their respective bars. At Penthouse808, Ciacci's Creamsicle is an ode to the summery treat it’s named after. The sweet and frothy drink is a blend of Svedka Orange Vodka, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, vanilla sorbet, and fresh oranges. 

Moloney's South of Delancey at Hotel Chantelle goes in a different direction, with a Southern-inspired mixture of Ketel Citroen, Firefly sweet tea vodka, crème de pêche, and fresh lime. If you're in the mood for something with a kick, try the spicy Ludlow, a fiery blend of Hendrick’s Gin, muddled cucumber, lime, and peppercorn. These drinks are offered in addition to the bars' signature cocktails, which you can take advantage of any time of year. Hotel Chantelle, 92 Ludlow Street, 212-254-9100; Penthouse 808, 8-08 Queens Plaza South, Long Island City, 718-289-6118

"Eleven is better than ten," and tennis superstar Venus Williams is all about being better than the best, even when it comes to fashion. One of the most talented and beloved tennis players in the game, Williams is also among the world’s most recognizable female athletes. However, in recent years she has struggled with Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disorder—but she hasn't let it slow her down. Case in point: Williams’ transition into the fashion world. Her new EleVen collection was inspired by "a spirit of triumph over adversity" and features secrete, inspirational messages like "You got it!" and "Let 'em Have It!" sewn into the clothes to give her fans a competitive push. New Yorkers can get a first look at the collection at the EleVen showroom, located at 141 West 36th Street. 

Restoration Hardware is exhibiting two colossal pieces of graffiti art in The Gallery at Flatiron, located in the brand’s 22nd Street store, this month. The two 12- by 24-foot pieces, specially commissioned by Restoration Hardware chairman and CEO Gary Friedman, are a collaboration between graffiti artists CMENTONE (Matt Boal) and GE-OLOGY. Works are emblazoned with Japanese Sumi-inked tags of inspirational quotes written by Friedman to reflect the Restoration Hardware brand. “When we are open and giving of our light, we create an endless reflection that outlives our human existence,” reads one the two quotes, titled Endless Reflection. Edge and inspiration, isn’t that what all New York City abodes need more of? 935 Broadway, 212-260-9479

FROM LEFT: Tablescape and guestbook at Sir Mark Lyall Grand dinner party in the Queen's apartment

A Dinner Party at the Queen’s Apartment
On Saturday of last week, Sir Mark and Lady Sheila Lyall Grant held an intimate dinner party in an apartment fit for a queen. Sir Mark is the permanent British ambassador to the UN and the chichi dinner party on Beekman Place benefited Great Dixter House.

Actually, the party location was the Manhattan residence of Queen Elizabeth II. The Warhol portrait of her should have been the giveaway. Sir Mark and Lady Sheila have the dreamy pad with views of the East River on loan from Her Majesty.

Also at the dinner and perched on petite ballroom chairs were Nicole and Matthew Mellon, Hugo Guinness, Timo Weiland, and Aaron Bertelsen, house manager of Great Dixter, the family home of late, great English gardener Christopher Lloyd.

The soirée raised funds to conserve Great Dixter House & Gardens, and to assist a scholarship for gardeners. Cuisine ran the gamut from ginger-crusted Arctic char to mini pot au chocolate and raspberries in a brandied basket. Yum.

FROM LEFT: Beyoncé; Amy Adams and Giambatista Valli at the Met Gala

The Met Gala
On Monday, it wasn’t exactly back down to earth for Dispatches at the Met Costume Institute gala. I was close enough to Billy Norwich that when he asked Rihanna to turn for his live-streaming camera, I heard her snap back at him, “Why? Is that your good side?” I like her sass.

I clipped one of my wife's Schiaparelli earrings onto my tie. And, wouldn’t you know it, three quarters of the way up the stairs, I heard Janelle Monáe say, “Did anyone lose an earring?"

Designer Giambatista Valli, who wears the biggest pearls and jewelry you’ve ever seen, kindly brought Amy Adams over to chat. “I know her style very well,” said Valli, who dressed Adams.

And Jimmy Fallon had me in stitches. “There is Velcro on the pants, and this tux is really a T-shirt,” he kidded. “It’s my spring break outfit.”

When every last swell, including Mick Jagger and Scarlett Johansson, had gone into dinner, 20 minutes passed before former Gotham cover girl Beyoncé arrived. The dress was Givenchy and sheer enough that the bottom half of her derriere was showing. Schiaparelli would have loved it.

What to Expect When You're Expecting
The next night, Dispatches covered a screening of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. The event was a fundraiser for Jessica Seinfeld’s great charity, Baby Buggy.

Chris Rock was hilarious on the red carpet. Reporters were asking him if his wife in the film, Jennifer Lopez, still wanted kids. He shot back, “I might get her pregnant . . . you never know. I put some sperm in a tube and gave it to her—chilled!”

Chace Crawford said he might eventually want kids, noting that while they were filming he learned “that the umbilical cord stays on; you have to cut it.” 

FROM LEFT: Jay-Z; Solange Knowles at Bacardi D'USSE launch

Bacardi D’USSE Launch
On Wednesday, Dispatches hit the Top of the Standard for the Bacardi D’USSE luxury cognac launch. All the little mirrored tables had big snifters and bottles of D’USSE (produced in Chateau de Cognac), including Jay-Z’s.

Solange and mama (Tina) Knowles stopped by to pay homage, as did Jake Gyllenhaal. And in the back, they had these machines that printed out Instagrams tagged to #D’USSE. Photo booths are now obsolete.