PORGY AND BESS, GODSPELL, GHOST, et al. Set for Intrepid Fleet Week, Beg. 5/23

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, along with the City of New York and the United States Navy, celebrates the 25th annual Fleet Week, to be held from May 23 – May 28, 2012. Fleet Week is America's premier tribute and "thank you" to the men and women who serve in the armed forces.

Many fan-favorite Fleet Week activities will be held at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum on Pier 86 (46 Street and 12 Avenue, Manhattan). This year's special events and performances include:

Wednesday, May 23:
To kick-off the annual Fleet Week events, watch a special "Parade of Sail" commemorating the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 from Intrepid's Pier 86 as vessels carrying visiting members of the Armed Forces and tall ships sail up the Hudson River from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Museum is open from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Thursday, May 24:
Celebrate the 50th anniversary celebration of the Mercury-Atlas 7 Mission, when Intrepid served as the primary recovery vessel for the Mercury-Atlas 7 space mission and sent its helicopters to pick up astronaut Scott Carpenter. Join Carpenter and others at the free ceremony at 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Museum is open from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

Friday, May 25:
Enjoy a Fleet Week Broadway showcase hosted by Teddy Bergman and Greg Hildreth of Broadway's Peter and the Starcatcher with performances by: "The Gershwins' Porgy & Bess," "Ghost," "Godspell," "Priscilla Queen of the Desert," "Rock of Ages," "Sister Act," "Chicago," "Anything Goes" and "Memphis" from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM. Also featuring performances by "Potted Potter" -The Unauthorized Harry Experience-A Parody by Dan and Jeff at 2:00 PM, "Traces" at 2:30 PM, and the "Gazillion Bubble Show" at 3:00 PM. Demonstrations of military skills and various interactive displays will take place on the pier from 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM. Museum is open from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

At 7:30 PM, the Intrepid Summer Movie Series kicks off its series of free public film screenings on the flight deck with a screening of the classic film Top Gun. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors are encouraged to bring food and beverages to the screening; however, alcohol is not permitted.

Saturday, May 26:
Cheer on visiting members of the Armed Forces as they compete in tug of war tournament from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM on Pier 86.

Join "Sesame Street" Muppets Elmo, Rosita and Gordon for a live musical performance at 12:15 PM.

Demonstrations of military skills and various interactive displays will take place on the pier from 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM. Museum is open from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

Sunday, May 27:
Travis and the Longhorns will perform at 12:00 PM, followed by musical performances by Sistas at 2:00 PM and George Gee Swing Orchestra at 4:00 PM. Demonstrations of military skills and various interactive displays will take place on the pier from 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM. Museum is open from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

Monday, May 28:
Honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while servicing in the United States Armed Forces by attending the annual Memorial Day commemoration ceremony at 11:30 AM. The ceremony will include the unfurling of a 100-foot American flag, the playing of Taps, a ceremonial wreath laying, 3-volley rifle salute and a military flyover. Free with price of admission to the museum. Visitors can also climb aboard the US Army Corp of Engineers Hayward, a 124-foot-long boat that will be free and open to the public on Pier 86 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Demonstrations of military skills and various interactive displays will take place on the pier from 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM. Museum is open from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

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