An uptown girl no more.

How many Manolo Blahniks can you buy with $1.59 million? More than a few pairs, but then, Cynthia Nixon was the one who always wore (relatively) sensible footwear on Sex and the City. And we expect Ms. Nixon will put the money from the sale of her Upper West Side co-op to better use than a splurge on designer shoes.

Ms. Nixon has sold her apartment at 169 West 78th Street, not listed publicly, to Kathleen Feely and Richard Lehmann, according to city records.

We don't know how much Ms. Nixon was asking for the apartment, nor is the price she paid originally listed in city records (which indicates that she's owned the place since her HBO days, when co-op sales weren't recorded publicly). The actress and her partner Christine Marinoni relocated to a $3.25 million loft in the Village this February.

Remember the days when making it meant moving uptown? But then, Ms. Nixon, a Barnard College grad, has had sufficient opportunity to take in the charms of the Upper West Side. And her new pad is nice and close to Sarah Jessica Parker's townhouse. Brunch!

kvelsey@observer.com

Al Pacino

“We have a Shakespearean, Elizabethean temper,” Al Pacino informed a seated crowd Monday evening in Central Park. As part of its 50th Anniversary Gala, the Public Theater was honoring Mr. Pacino with an award, in the form of a prop rapier he had once wielded on stage, “I’m a little nervous,” he laughed. “I wish I had water, but I have a sword,”

While the audience of hundreds listened to Mr. Pacino with rapt attention, a secondary scrum gathered across the fence. What appeared to be backup pitchers on a hapless softball team abandoned their game to listen to the famed thespian. Soon, a quintessentially New York amalgam of dog-walkers, skateboarders and bright-eyed Broadway hopefuls paused their iPods, essaying to hear Mr. Pacino over the Central Park din.

Earlier, as guests arrived, many seemed to materialize suddenly from the Where’s Waldo-esque ether of the park. From the throngs of sunglassed and unknowing denizens, Julianna Margulies and husband Keith Lieberthal appeared, followed by Chelsea Clinton and Mac Mezvinsky, Kathleen Turner, Julia Stiles and Lily Rabe.

The red carpet, positioned on the West side of the theater, was situated atop a blind hill. With clipboard in hand, one unlucky PR staffer was tasked with running up and down the escarpment, alerting her superiors when the VIPS arrived—the Public’s own Paul Revere. (Listen, dear readers, and you will hear, her stage-whispering celebrity arrivals from far and near!)

Returning to the Delacorte theater was a sort of homecoming for Ms. Rabe, who acted alongside Mr. Pacino last year in The Merchant of Venice. “Working with Al Pacino was one of the great privileges of my life,” she told The Observer. “He’s a wonderful human being, and being able to spend a year of my life, a very complicated year of my life, with him through all of that was something that I’m very grateful for.”

She insisted she wasn’t nervous when she first met the actor, however, and made no special preparations for the occasion. “I didn’t do anything. I probably, I don’t know, I rolled out of bed and took a shower,” she laughed. (Such élan!) While meeting her idols does not make her ill at ease, other things certainly do: “You know, snakes. Snakes not for me. People, more for me.”

As Ms. Rabe headed toward dinner, Steve Martin appeared wearing a fedora. He rushed towards his seat, and declined to be interviewed, with an unconvincing half-apology. “But I like The Observer!” he called over his shoulder, “It’s a great paper!” God bless you Mr. Martin! Don’t worry, we’ll talk next time.

Bob Balaban, however, proved perfectly chatty when asked which of the Bard’s characters he most identifies with. “Easily Caliban, because no other Shakespearean character is almost my name. It’s the only one!” he exclaimed gaily. “What could it be, Richard III? No. That doesn’t sound like Balaban.” The actor went on to describe his busy summer, which includes a book tour for his upcoming title The Creature from the Seventh Grade. “Its completely autobiographical,” he said. “But in this case the boy turns into an eight and a half foot reptile, which I didn’t do.” Describing himself as “shortest, skinniest, most-incompetent boy in his class,” Mr. Balaban professed that he has “fabulously good and fabulously horrifying memories of the seventh grade.”

At dinner on the Delacorte’s northeasterly lawn, guests toasted the Public’s half-century of free plays. White lanterns bobbled in the slight breeze as Christine Quinn saluted the organization.

As the main course was being served, Tony Kushner shared his favorite Shakespearean play. “For various reasons, Midsummer, because I think its about theater itself. So it seems like to me it’s sort of at the center of things.” Sadly, we didn’t have the opportunity to press him further, as we were overwhelmed by hundreds of passing chicken breasts.

After the meal, the crowds sought their seats for the evening’s reading of Romeo and Juliet. Attempting to avoid the clogged corridors, full of chatting and meandering guests, many attendees hoofed it across the lawn, only to find they had to mount a thigh-high fence to access the stage. Revelers young and old, spry and not so spry, heaved legs over the railing in an show of theatric acrobatics. Several sets of unmentionables were unwittingly flashed.

Before finding our seat, we ran into Cynthia Nixon, whose fire-red hair is growing back after her stint as a cancer-stricken professor in the Broadway show Wit. The actress, however, doesn’t know if she will keep her tresses short. “People keep asking me that. I’m getting a lot of positive reinforcement about the length,” she said, pulling at the still downy strands.

Inside the theater, guests rose for a standing ovation as the cast took the stage. Meryl Streep larked a lighthearted vision of Juliet, while Kevin Kline read opposite, as Romeo. Christopher Walken earned the most laughs as a sometimes Queens-inflected Mercutio, and Christine Baranski appeared as the nurse. Throughout the reading, flashing, fluorescent underbellies of passing planes reminded viewers they were sitting beneath the midsummer Manhattan sky.

After the performance, we found Ethan Hawke. Asked what he would ask Shakespeare if he had one question, Mr. Hawke thought for several moments, before offering a response. “What happens when we die?” he concluded. Genius or cheeky (or both), we have not yet decided. We’ll give him the benefit of the doubt.

After the reading, guests returned to the Delacorte’s front lawn, and enjoyed dancing, desserts and drinks. “Can I get champagne and wine? Is that bad?” one guest asked her friend guiltily.

The clock neared midnight. The softball team had long since packed its bats (after yet another loss, it seemed), and the Great Lawn was quiet once more. The party at the Delacorte continued, however. With glasses in hand guests danced into night, ill-chosen spike heels sinking into the new summer sod.

editorial@observer.com

Cynthia Nixon and Christine Marinoni (Getty Images)

The wedding may not have taken place in the park, nor the proposal after a big shop at Duane Reade (turns out some elements of Sex and the City aren't lifelike) but Cynthia Nixon, who played Miranda on the HBO comedy, got married to Christine Marinoni in New York over the weekend. Ms. Nixon, who was previously married to photographer Danny Mozes, "wore a custom dress by Carolina Herrera," per her representative's statement to People; she had been engaged to Ms. Marinoni for three years, and had waited for legal same-sex marriage to tie the knot. It's been quite a spring for Ms. Nixon, who is currently nominated for a Tony for her role in Wit.

Kate Winslet (Getty Images)

With this past weekend's Grammys, producer Scott Rudin became the latest entertainer to earn the ugly, ineffective title of "EGOT"--having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. (His new Grammy was for The Book of Mormon.) He's one of only eleven such winners--and the first in a decade. We demand yet more societal approbation for our most gifted singer/actor/producer/whatevers! Here, in order, are some entertainers who stand a chance of getting the Quadruple Crown (sorry, but a way better term than "EGOT") in the next ten years:

Kate Winslet

Why she could do it: All she needs is a Tony, having immediately jumped to TV once she had an Oscar in hand--and winning an Emmy immediately thereafter. She has the eye of the tiger and is likely training to play Mama Rose as we speak.

Mitigating factor: The Tonys have gotten more sensitive about awarding carpet-bagging movie stars.

Fun fact: She beat the Muppets, among others, to win her Grammy for Best Spoken-Word Album for Children.

Robin Williams

Why he could do it: We haven't heard from Robin Williams in a while, and it'd be a nice little comeback narrative if he were to win the Tony he needs to complete the square.

Mitigating factor: The last time we heard from him was an appearance on Broadway after a long absence in Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, for which he failed to medal.

Fun fact: He probably shouldn't have an Oscar!

Al Pacino

Why he could do it: He just needs a Grammy, and other awards bodies have shown a willingness to hand Mr. Pacino trophies more as a signifier of respect/fear than for a decent performance (c.f.: Scent of a Woman).

Mitigating factor: Not known for a mellifluous voice, and a spoken-word album for children is probably out of reach.

Fun fact: He was nominated for a Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Any Given Sunday, which he lost to Tom Hanks.

Elton John

Why he could do it: He's missing an Emmy, and given the spotty state of his career (recently picking a fight he couldn't hope to win with Madonna over a song from Gnomeo and Juliet) is about five minutes from a PBS special or self-aggrandizing 30 Rock guest spot.

Mitigating factor: Has probably picked fights with half the television Academy; was not amazing on Saturday Night Live last year.

Fun fact: Is already a knight and summarily probably doesn't care about the Emmys.

Trey Parker and Matt Stone

Why they could do it: If and when The Book of Mormon comes to the screen, it could give the South Park creators the Oscar they need.

Mitigating factor: Failed to win an Oscar for their song from the South Park movie, and are probably better-remembered among Ernest Borgnine's contemporaries for dressing in drag at the ceremony.

Fun fact: Really wacky guys!

Cynthia Nixon

Why she could do it: She's such a Miranda! (By which we mean: Hardworking.)

Mitigating factor: The award she needs is the hardest one to get (the Oscar), and she was passed over for the Rabbit Hole role that got Nicole Kidman nominated last year.

Fun fact: Actually defines herself as "more of a Cynthia."

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon, perhaps best known as Carrie's dowdy lawyer friend Miranda on Sex and the City, is no stranger to the limelight of late. She shaved her head for a Broadway play and courted controversy by saying she had "chosen" to be in a gay relationship, drawing the ire of the gay community. She later clarified the comments to The Advocate that her sexuality remained in-grained from birth.

And good thing she did, or her new neighbors from Noho and the Village might have picketed outside her door!

Ms. Nixon and her partner Christine Marinoni have purchased a new loft home at 10 Bleecker Street, city records show, which means she'll be just a few blocks from her buddy Sarah Jessica Parker. Ms. Nixon paid $3.25 million for the place.

The move is a big one for Ms. Nixon and Ms. Marinoni who, according to the deed, currently live way up on West 78th Street. Their new Noho home, however, will have all the features they've come to expect of uptown living.

The four-bedroom, four-bath loft was recently renovated, according to broker Benjamin Glazer, who held the listing with fellow Prudential Elliman broker Darren Sukenik. "It's a great sized, stunning apartment," Mr. Glazer said. While he wouldn't speak about Ms. Nixon, he said that the buyers were drawn to "the size and location" of the loft.

Spanning 2,500 square feet, the home has a central kitchen flanked by the bedrooms and a 300-square-foot living room. And if the "architecturally important floorplan" didn't have you hooked, "This truly turnkey loft is Magazine Quality," according to Mr. Glazer and Mr. Sukenik. Someone get those guys a raise!

Ms. Nixon and Ms. Marinoni bought the place from photographers Brian Hagiwara and Brett Baughman, who purchased the apartment in 2007 for $2 million.

eknutsen@observer.com

Nixon (Getty Images)

Cynthia Nixon returns to Broadway in a play that--unlike her Tony-winning turn in Rabbit Hole, which went on to win a Pulitzer--is already Pulitzer-anointed. Ms. Nixon is to play Dr. Vivian Bearing, an English scholar dying of cancer, the Manhattan Theatre Club announced today. (It's a familiar topic for Ms. Nixon, who's currently in the Showtime cancer comedy The Big C.) Could this be Tony number two for Ms. Nixon after the show opens on January 26, 2012--and could it be Tony number one for the show, which has never played on Broadway?

ddaddario@observer.com :: @DPD_

Fresh off batting away scathing reviews for Sex and the City 2, the erstwhile Miranda will play the best friend to Laura Linney's cancer stricken lead in a recurring guest star role, which will mark the first time since Sex and the City that Nixon has appeared on cable television. Her casting also makes The Big C even more of a must-see. Besides Linney and Nixon, the new series also features Idris Elba, Oliver Platt, Gabourey Sidibe and Brian Cox.

Between The Big C, Weeds (which added Jennifer Jason Leigh and Alanis Morrisette to the cast once again this season) and Nurse Jackie, you have to wonder why Showtime seems to have cornered the market on strong, female roles, while other cable channels (think: HBO) have not. Whatever the reason, it'll probably be a good idea to re-subscribe to Showtime before too long. The Big C premieres August 16.

Sex and the City 2

What's the story: Also known as Ishtar in Manolo Blahniks. Sex and the City 2 finds Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha (Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon and Kim Cattrall) headed to Abu Dhabi for a vacation. Because, sure. Needless to say, cocktails are imbibed, shoes are purchased and old friends—in the form of Carrie's ex-boyfriend, John Corbett's Aidan—show up to cause problems. Plus, Liza Minelli sings "Single Ladies." As you can guess, the reviews for Sex and the City 2 have been so vitriolic that you would think they were complaint letters to BP. Our Rex Reed begins his review thusly: "The only thing memorable about Sex and the City 2 is the number two part, which describes it totally, if you get my drift." Needless to say, he wasn't a fan.

Who should see it: Every woman in Manhattan.

The Price of Persia: The Sands of Time

What's the story: Jerry Bruckheimer is nothing if not resourceful. After building a blockbuster franchise out of a theme park—Pirate of the Caribbean, if you had forgotten—the über-producer heads to the world of video games for his latest hopeful smash, The Prince of Persia. Sadly, Johnny Depp isn't around this time; the swashbuckling hero is played by Jake Gyllenhaal and his 24-pack abs. Anyway, there is a dagger, and a princess, and lots of swordplay. If you're predisposed to this sort of thing, you'll like it; for the rest of us, it'll just be an excuse to find some air-conditioning.

Who should see it: Jack Sparrow.

Also opening this weekend: Jean Pierre-Jenaut (Amelie) brings his whimsy back to theaters with Micmacs; George A. Romero brings his zombies back to theaters with Survival of the Dead.

Hosted by a bubbly Alan Cumming, recently cast as Gutsy in the upcoming Smurfs film, the awards were honoring actress Cynthia Nixon and View host Joy Behar.

"Barbara Walters would have been here tonight," quipped Ms. Behar during her acceptance speech, "but she's signing her book at Chuck-E-Cheese." 

"I've been straight, and I've been gay, and gay is better!" Ms. Nixon said. "Not because it's more fun, or more edgy or more attention-getting, although it's all of those things. As a gay person ... I'm a better parent, person and citizen. As a gay person, I can't take things for granted; I have to reinvent the wheel."

Presenting the first award for Outstanding TV Movie or Mini-Series was Rosie Perez, who revealed that if she "ever became a carpet muncher," Cynthia Nixon and Beyoncé "would be first in line!" which earned her whoops and catcalls from the audience. Sigourney Weaver accepted an award on behalf of the Lifetime movie Prayers for Bobby, wearing a simple, sparkling knee-length black dress.

"I love you," she said to the audience with great emotion. "You are on the front lines fighting for our common humanity,"

Presenting the award for outstanding television journalism for a CNN segment about Will Phillips, the 11-year-old boy who refused to stand up for the Pledge of Allegiance because he felt that gay Americans were not receiving the liberty and justice they were entitled to, were Sandra Bernhardt and Sarah Paulson.

"Don't forget the story of a seventh-generation celeb that began his life as Chastity, and found himself as Chaz," Ms. Bernhardt said. "This is why we must idolize everything that comes out of Cher. I don't know who wrote that line, but it's funny!"

Master Phillips surprised the audience with a speech that he seemed to have written himself. "I wanted people to expand their minds and look outside their tiny mind boxes to see that even 10-year-olds have logical opinions and that I am an intelligent person like most people," he said.

The after-party, located on the sixth floor of the Marriott (rockin'!), featured model Ronnie Kroel, Hair star Gavin Creel and Dustin Lance Black, the Academy Award-wining screenwriter of Milk. "He has amazing taste in shoes," Mr. Black remarked of Master Phillips. "He had on this little tux with white Converse. People were coming up to me and asking why I didn't wear my matching shoes." He glanced down in mock sheepishness at his white K-Swiss sneakers.

"I usually do," he said.

"A hundred percent of every dollar you contribute will go directly to taking anti-equality senators out of office," Nixon says. The ad doesn't mention Monserrate directly, but the group has gone after him before, and it's being released days before the election.