Random Happenings - January 2014

New mayor sworn in NYC and NJ Governor Christie deals with bridge scandal. Boy Scouts ban on gay members ends. Marijuana becomes legal in Colorado. Spider-Man, most expensive show in Broadway history, ends run after 1200 performances. Aspiring Hell's Kitchen playwright Daniel McClung tragically dies in Strand fire. The controversial playwright Amiri Baraka fades. Hackers successfully steal millions of credit cards numbers from retailers. 30K pound rotating  Machinal set stops on opening night; show goes on when stagehands unite and manually push set. Later that night after attending Machinal opening, journalist found in pool of his own blood after being beaten for bumping into a woman. The wives of former NY governors Spitzer and Patterson file for divorce and French president splits with girlfriend. First Lady turns 50 and the Apollo Theater turns 80.