Theater Thursday - Miracle on South Division Street

We received complimentary tickets to Miracle on South Division Street for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed. 

What: Miracle on South Division Street

Where: Sheen Center for Thought and Culture

              Frank Shiner Theater 

             18 Bleeker St.

              New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 10 and Up Due to Language and Adult References

When: Through May 10, 2026

Miracle on South Division Street is the story of the Nowak family. Years ago, their grandfather witnessed a miracle in his barbershop and built a shrine to the Virgin Mary. The family has been tending to it and holding fast to the family legend ever since, until a deathbed confession changes everything and shakes the family to its core. 

This show is in equal parts heartfelt and extremely amusing. The actors who portray the four Nowak family members have nice chemistry and are really believable as a family. They may not always be nice to each other, but you can tell there's real love between them. Liz McCartney, as Clara, the mother of the clan, is a particular standout. Although she is as tough as nails and somewhat overbearing on the outside, her love for her children is fierce, and you just know she'd go all mama bear protective for any of them if necessary.

The show's plot is unique and interesting. It moves along quickly and never lags in pace or interest level. It is also satisfyingly full of surprising revelations and shocking plot twists. Each one just makes the show that much funnier and that much more enjoyable. All in all, the show is a pure delight. 

And that's our view. For more about Miracle on South Division Street or to purchase tickets, visit www.sheencenter.org/events/detail/miracle-on-south-division-street

Photo credits:

All Miracle on South Division Street production photos by Rainer Delalio

Images used in this post were sent by publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms and are used by permission.  Any Concerns regarding image usage can be addressed here.

Where-To-Go Wednesday Macy's Flower Show

 

What: Macy's Flower Show

Where: Macy's Herald Square, New York City, as well as some other Macy's locations

Who: All ages

When: Through May 10, 2026

One of Macy's most popular events, other than the beloved Thanksgiving Parade and 4th of July Fireworks, is their annual Flower Show, which occurs for several weeks around this time of year and is, indeed, going on now. The theme of this year's show is America's Greenhouse. Among other things, it features birdhouse displays that include the flowers of all 50 states divided by area. 

Sponsored exhibits include Effy's Jewelry's Stained Glass Sunset, featuring illuminated panels of each state's flower; Legos Blooms and Beyond, featuring flower-themed Lego Sets; and Valentino's Born in Roma Palazzo, a floral sensory experience. There is also a flower show gift shop.

Valentino is also offering a free floral workshop. Their other special offers and events are only available with qualifying purchases. These include a monochrome bouquet giveaway and custom charms. 

Free tours are also available for a complete overview of the event. Tours are limited to small groups to keep them intimate and must be registered for in advance. The tours are quite popular, so only a few spots remain available. Thus, if you are at all interested, you should sign up as soon as you can.

And that's our view. For more about Macy's Herald Square Flower Show, go to www.macys.com/s/flower-show/nyc

Tune in tomorrow for Theater Thursday.

All pictures used in this post are our own.  Any concerns regarding image usage can be addressed here.

Tips for Tuesday - Books: I, Spy & Where the Water Meets the Sky; Movie: Extinction: Animals Unite

We may have been given complimentary copies and/or access for review purposes to any books, products, and/or any other visual or audio media mentioned below. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Books:  I, Spy & Where the Water Meets the Sky

Today, we recommend I, Spy by L.M. Kemp. After four years out of the spy game following the birth of her daughter, Kendal is drawn back in after their lives are put in danger. She is tasked with spying on the dad of one of her daughter's classmates, whose company may be involved in nefarious activities that might be even more dangerous than originally suspected. At the same time, she has to navigate the politics of the school community and, most importantly, ensure her daughter's welfare.

This book is the perfect blend of a domestic drama and a high-octane thriller. The juxtaposition of the two is what makes the story unique and interesting. Kendal is a strong-willed, admirable, and capable heroine who does not need some man to rescue her, and she is not the only strong female character in the story. The plot doesn't get overly complicated,  the but there are still enough surprising twists and turns to keep things exciting. All in all, it's a satisfying read.

Today, we are talking about Where the Water Meets the Sky. As a child, Abby was found fleeing from the fire that killed her mother with a book of matches in her hand. Years later, while working with her uncle on an environmental study, she tries to reconcile the past she doesn't remember while helping a troubled girl with an abusive ex who has more in common with Abby than may first appear.

The story of Abby's  brave journey to recover her memories of the night of the fire and what role she may have played is intriguing, and there are some interesting twists and turns along the way. However, the book starts out slow and remains that way throughout.

Also, the environmental messaging can feel heavy handed at times like the book is a public service announcement or something. This does not, of course, mean that the message that the author is trying to get across is not important, however. Perhaps, it just wouldn't feel so preachy in a faster paced less draggy story. 

Movie: Extincton: Animals Unite

Today we are talking about Extinction: Animals Unite. This nonsensical film about a young boy who fancies himself a super hero and goes on a quest to save a rare tiger is strictly for the little ones.  Although they will likely enjoy its fast pace and lively characters, the entire plot is an important lesson about conservation told in a fun way kids can relate to. 

And that's our view.   I, Spy and Where the Water Meets the Sky were published today, May 5, 2026. Extinction: Animals Unite is available for purchase on DVD or digitally for purchase or rental.

Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wedneaday.

All images other than film images used in this post are our own.  Film images have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms. Address any concerns regarding image usage here.