A DAY IN NEW YORK: Culture

SHOWS:

· "In the Heights" (Richard Rodgers Theatre, 226 W. 46th St., 212-307-4100, http://www.intheheightsthemusical.com), a musical about three days in the life of a Latino community in Washington Heights, is irresistible. Tickets are $110.

· Maude Maggart performs at the Oak Room at the Algonquin (59 W. 44th St., 212-419-9331, http://www.algonquinhotel.com) through May 10. Shows are Tuesday through Saturday at 9 p.m., with additional late shows Friday and Saturday at 11:30. There is a cover charge of $65 per person plus a $30 food and beverage minimum, or a $70 prix-fixe dinner (dinner is required at the early weekend shows).

SHOPPING:

· The Shop at the Rubin Museum of Art (see above) has hand-embroidered pillows, hand-woven wall hangings, shawls and scarves, lacquerware trays and bowls, mini-Mongolian masks, jewelry and toys.

· Pippin Home (112 1/2 W. 17th St.), in a 19th-century house tucked down an alley between two office buildings in Chelsea, has a good selection of vintage furniture and home goods, priced to move.

· Angel Street Thrift Shop (118 W. 17th St.) sells used clothing, furniture and artwork in support of New Yorkers with HIV/AIDS. Great selection of old LPs for $1 each.

-- K.C.S.