Still More Theatre Saturday - The Distraction

We received complimentary tickets to The Distraction for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own. 

What: The Distraction 

Where: The Actor's Temple Theatre

             339 W. 47th St.

             New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 12 and Up

When: Through May 31, 2025

If you were a child in the early 2000s or were raising a child around that time, you may remember The Upside Down Show. This very imaginative show starring Australian comedians Shane Collins and David Dudas, also known as the comedy duo The Umbilical Brothers,  featured a strange apartment with numerous unusual rooms. Green screen work was a prominent aspect of the series. 

The show surprisingly developed from the pair's very adult comedy. Although the TV show only lasted one season, the latter continues.  Now, their act has arrived in New York City and will play two final performances at The Actor's Temple Theatre this afternoon at 3:00 PM and tonight at 7:00 PM. 

Much like the TV series, green screen work is a major focus of the show. In fact, the majority of the show revolves around green screen work. The collection of amusing sketches that populate the show includes one about a man who stows away on a space mission, one about a man teaching his son to say Daddy, and more. Refreshingly, the show does not rely on vulgarity and offensive language for its humor. Although there is some cartoonish violence and a mild amount of profanity, for the most part, this is a show you can attend and enjoy with anyone, even your teenage children, without feeling uncomfortable.

And that's our view. For more about The Distraction or to purchase tickets to one of the remaining performances, go to www.umbilicalbrothers.com.

Tune in tomorrow for this week's Sunday Scoop.

Photo credits:

All The Distraction production photos supplied by the production

Images used in this post have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms and are used by permission. If there is a problem with the rights to any image,  contact us here, and we will look into the matter.

Theater Thursday - Goddess

We received complimentary tickets to Goddess for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: Goddess 

Where: The Public Theatre 

              425 Lafayette St. 

              New York, NY 

Who: Recommended for Ages 5 and Up

When: Through June 8, 2025 

Goddess is a dynamic new musical about the goddess of music, Marimba, who brings music to the earth and falls in love with a mortal. Amber Iman, in the title role, is absolutely stunning. Her voice is so potent that at least one song, the soaring power ballad  "Fire," feels as if it alone could literally raise the roof. The music, a mix of jazz, pop, Afrobeats, and more,  is generally effervescent and delightful. It makes you want to get up out of your seat and dance even if you've never had the inclination to do so before. The number "Boom Boom", in particular, is a showstopper. However, plenty of other incredible songs worth listening to again populate the exuberant score. Among them are the opening number "Mombasa, Mombasa" and the opening of the second act "The Fate of Madongo," to name just a couple.

Iman is not the only one who particularly stands out in the cast. Nick Rashad Burroughs is an irresistible joy in the role of Ahmed. His efforts to win over the reluctant Rashida, played with snarky delight by the equally brilliant Arica Jackson, are a highlight of the show. Although these three especially shine, the entire cast, including the small but lively and energetic chorus, is terrific. You won't want to miss this jubilant new show!

And that's our view. For more about Goddess or to purchase tickets, visit publictheater.org/productions/season/2425/goddess/

Tune in Saturday for Still More Theater Saturday.

Photo credits:

All Goddess production photos by Joan Marcus

Images used in this post have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms and are used by permission. If there is a problem with the rights to any image,  contact us here, and we will look into the matter.

Where-To-Go Wednesday - Rolling Stone Presents Amplified:The Immersive Rock and Roll Experience

We received complimentary tickets to Rolling Stone Presents Amplified: The Immersive Rock and Roll Experience for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.  

What: Rolling Stone Presents Amplified: The Immersive Rock and Roll Experience 

Where: Artechouse

             439 W. 15th St.

             New York, NY

Who: All ages

If you are a rock and roll fan, you are definitely going to want to catch the new exhibit, Rolling Stone Presents Amplified: The Immersive Rock and Roll Experience, now at Artechouse at Chelsea Market. This extremely comprehensive exhibit offers an overview of the entire history of rock. It covers the basic aspects of the genre, including what a band is, the function of the recording studio, and more. It also covers more peripheral elements, including the fans, the indisputable connection between cars and rock and roll, and hair as an expression of artists' personalities.

Numerous pictures, videos, Rolling Stone covers, and rock and roll posters flash across floor-to-ceiling screens throughout the 60-minute experience. These include rare live performances, backstage footage, exclusive portrait sessions, and more, which are the work of more than 500 photographers and film directors. A vast selection of songs covering every era of rock plays as a soundtrack to this visual display, along with some narration from actor Kevin Bacon.

Obviously, due to the nature of its subject matter, the exhibit is quite loud. There are also numerous flashing lights and rapidly changing images.  Thus, if you have a particular aversion to any of these things, you are going to want to avoid it. Otherwise, if there is any aspect of rock and roll that interests you or if you want to know more about it in general, you won't want to miss this new and exciting exhibit!

And that's our view. For more about Rolling Stone Presents Amplified: The Immersive Rock and Roll Experience or to purchase a timed ticket to visit, go to www.artechouse.com/program/amplifiednyc.

Tune in tomorrow for Theater Thursday.

All pictures used in this post are our own. If there is a problem with any image, contact us here and we will look into the matter.