7 Things to do in NYC this weekend May 17-19

This week’s noteworthy events include a new play that takes on diversity, equity and inclusion in a predominantly white workplace; a museum exhibition on hip-hop jewelry, new works presented by Parsons Dance, and a comedy show from one of Broadway’s biggest stars.

Theater

“Jordans”

The Public Theater — 425 Lafayette St. New York, N.Y. 10012

Through June 19. Various times.

Public Theater newcomers Naomi Lorrain and Toby Onwumere star in the world premiere of Ife Olujobi‘s “Jordans,” which takes the workplace comedy and flips it on its head.

Attendees won’t walk out of the theater the same way they entered with this much buzzed about romp described as “a piercing exploration of assimilation, racial capitalism, success and survival.”

There’s much more than meets the eye in this New York City-set production directed by Whitney White and starring “Grey’s Anatomy” alum Kate Walsh as a boss with ice water running through her veins. She makes “Devil Wears Prada” antagonist Miranda Priestly look like a shrinking violet in this biting commentary on culture, identity and diversity.

If that’s not provocative enough, the show veers into gory Jordan Peele territory during its jaw-dropping second half. It’s definitely worth checking out.

Tickets are $60. Limited availability.

Music

“Battle of the Big Bands: New Orleans Jazz Orchestra and Captain Black Big Band”

Jazz at Lincoln Center — 10 Columbus Circle, New York, N.Y. 10023

Fri. May 17 and Sat. May. 18, 8 p.m.

Wendell Pierce, known for roles on Broadway in “Death of a Salesman” and TV’s “The Wire,” hosts a classic big band battle as part of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s season-ending events.

Representing the birthplace of jazz, the 18-piece New Orleans Jazz Orchestra with artistic director Adonis Rose faces off against the Grammy-nominated Captain Black Big Band with Orrin Evans for a musical showdown at Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater. Reimagined classics from Count Basie, Sun Ra, Stevie Wonder and more are expected.

A preconcert lecture, held by Swing University leader Seton Hawkins, precedes each performance at 7 p.m.

Tickets range from $40.50 – $175.50.

Comedy

“Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares”

Audible’s Minetta Lane Theatre — 18 Minetta Lane, New York, N.Y. 10012

Through June 2

Laura Benanti, known to theatergoers for acclaimed productions such as “Gypsy,” “Into the Woods” and “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown,” has proved to be a comical force, impersonating Melania Trump on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.” The Tony winner, who performed three soldout shows in February, returns to celebrate the audiobook release of this concept, featuring all-new music created with music director Todd Almond. Annie Tippe directs the funny storytelling about the self-described “middle-aged white woman” and her journey from ingenue to recovering ingenue.

Tickets range from $52 – $122

Family

“I Wish”

New Victory Theater — 209 W. 42nd St., New York, N.Y. 10036

Through May 19

English actor Jordan Laviniere stars as fairy godmother Effie in this solo musical that tells what happens after wishes come true. Le Gateau Chocolat, Rachel Bagshaw and Seiriol Davies have crafted a new type of reality-based fable, featuring stories about a boy who wants to fly and stay forever young, a woman who desperately wants to be beautiful and a Cinderella who wants to go to the ball. All of the wish-granting stories are told through songs with the goal of teaching young audiences about the power of altruism and mutual support.

Tickets start at $28.

Art

“Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry”

American Museum of Natural History — 200 Central Park West, New York, N.Y, 10024

Though Jan. 2025

“Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” photojournalist Vikki Tobak‘s 2022 coffee table book celebrating rap royalty’s extravagances, inspired this new exhibit at the Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals.

The exhibit’s 68 creations on display include Slick Rick’s crown, T-Pain’s “Big Ass Chain” necklace, Nicki Minaj’s Barbie pendant (made with 54.47 carats of diamonds) and A$AP Rocky’s diamond-encrusted, 14-karat gold Lego pendant.

Tickets are $28 for adults with discounts for children, students and seniors available.

Dance

“Parsons Dance”

The Joyce Theater — 175 Eighth Ave., New York, N.Y. 10011

Through May 25

Parsons Dance kicks off its annual two-week residency with three world premiere performances.

The first is “The Shape of Us,” set to the music of Son Lux.

“Thick As Thieves,” a new work from American Repertory Ballet alum Penny Saunders features a commissioned score by Michael Wall that’s performed live.

Finally there’s “Juke” from choreographer Jamar Roberts — one of the brightest stars to come out of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Eight dancers move to Miles Davis‘ “Spanish Key” from the jazz great’s 1970 masterpiece “Bitches Brew.”

Speaking of Ailey, the company’s artistic director Robert Battle‘s 1999 solo, “Takademe,” will also be featured, alongside beloved Parsons pieces such as the New Orleans-inspired “Whirlaway” and his signature solo, “Caught.”

Tickets range from $52 – $122

Free

SUBMERGE Marine Science Festival

Pier 84 at Hudson River Park — 555 12th Ave, New York, N.Y. 10036

Sat. May 18, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Marine science comes to life with the interactive festival that’s free and open to the public. Hudson River Park’s River Project team worked with more than 40 experts in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics sector to educate the public about the city’s coastal waters in a fun way.

Aside from experiments and science stations, attendees can engage in catch and release fishing, take up kayaking and get an up-close look at local wildlife such as turtles, raptors and seahorses.

Free

If you have an upcoming weekend event you’d like to submit for consideration in an upcoming roundup, please email: nycevents@nydailynews.com with the details. Consideration does not guarantee inclusion.