Theater Thursday - Calf Scramble & A "Confessional" of a Recovering Catholic the Musical

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

What: Calf Scramble

Where: 59E59 Theatres

             59 E. 59 St.

             New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 13 and Up

When: Through April 12, 2026

Calf Scramble is a touching coming-of-age story about five girls growing up in East Texas. Bonded by their membership in Future Farmers of America, the group is raising and training the calves they won in the recent Calf Scramble together as they grapple with issues related to faith, indentity including sexual identity, and more. These things also make the show inappropriate for children and perhaps triggering to some people. As does some violence, the appearance of a gun onstage, and the sound of gunshots, although the latter happens offstage. 

The five-member cast (a sixth cast member does not appear on stage but is only heard in voice-overs as a radio announcer and a person giving a grooming tutorial) not only plays the girls but also the calves in this cleverly staged show. Although this may sound kind of hokey, it really works quite effectively within the show, highlighting how the girls are as symbolically confined by expectations as the animals are physically confined.  The incredible set, which really makes you feel like you are in a cow barn, enhances believability and rapid transitions from girl to cow and back again, emphasizing the connection between the two. 

The show is sometimes darkly funny, sometimes heartbreaking. Anchored by excellent writing and nuanced performances, it really captures what it's like to be a young girl on the cusp of womanhood. 

And that's our view. For more about Calf Scramble or to purchase tickets, visit www.59e59.org/shows/show-detail/calf-scramble

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We received complimentary tickets to A "Confessional of a Recovering Catholic" the Musical for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: A "Confessional" of a Recovering Catholic the Musical

Where: Under St. Marks

             94 St, Marks Pl.

             New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 16 and Up

When: Through April 18. 2026

A "Confessional" of a Recovering Catholic the Musical is the flipside of growing into womanhood. This one-woman musical is about looking back and questioning what you were taught, particularly regarding religion.  Even if you aren't Catholic,  anyone who can see the hypocrisy inherent within organized religion can relate to this witty but sincere show. Full of amusingly rewritten hymns that audiences are invited to sing along to and frank talk about sex, abortion, and mental health, among other things, this show is definitely not for the kids. Nor is it likely to please anyone who takes their religion strictly seriously. However, if you've ever had questions yourself, you're sure to enjoy it.

And that's our view. A "Confessional" of a Recovering Catholic the Musical is a part of the New York City Fringe Festival. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit frigid.nyc/festivals/new-york-city-fringe.

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Photo credits:

All Calf Scramble production photos by James Leynse

All A "Confessional" of a Recovering Catholic the Musical photos supplied by the production. 

All images used in this post were sent by publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms and are used by permission.  Address any concerns regarding image usage here.

Where-To-Go Wednesday - Art X Fashion

What: Art X Fashion

Where: Museum at FIT

             227 W. 27th St.

            New York, NY

Who: All ages

When: Through April 19, 2026

The current exhibit at the Museum at FIT, Art X Fashion, examines the intersection between art and fashion and how one influences the other. It includes artists who also create fashion, as well as fashion designers who also create art. There are even collaborations between artists and fashion designers. 

Yet another section of the exhibit displays famous works of art appropriated as fashion, including a handbag adorned with a picture of the Mona Lisa. Among other things, the exhibit also delves into whether fashion can be considered art in and of itself. 

For more about this fascinating exhibit, go to www.fitnyc.edu/museum/exhibitions/art-fashion/index.php

Tune in tomorrow for Theater Thursday.

All pictures used in this post are our own. Address any concerns regarding image usage here.

Tips for Tuesday - Books: Year of the Mer, Dog Person & King the Wonder Dog and Other Stories; Movie: Proud Princess

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: Year of the Mer, Dog Person & King the Wonder of the Dog and Other Stories 

Me -Year of the Mer by L.D. Lewis is a dark reimagining of The Little Mermaid, following Arielle's descendant Yemi, who is forced into exile after discontent within her kingdom causes her to be ripped from her throne. If she wants to take back her place as heir, she may have to seek out the only person with enough power to help her: the sea witch Ursla.

This book has a really interesting concept. Arielle's decision to become human impacting multiple kingdoms for generations due to a political divide involving war and devastation is unique and intriguing. However, the execution of this concept left much to be desired.

First of all, there was a fair amount of made-up terminology thrown around as early as the first page. Some terms were explained right away, while others were not. Either way, there was so much of it that it was difficult to understand what any of it meant, or what was happening much of the time, especially while at the same time trying to understand brand new characters, locations, politics, etc.

Additionally, the book was very slow-paced. Oftentimes, it felt like nothing was happening or there were pages full of extensive info-dumping. This made it difficult to remain invested even though the plot itself was compelling.

Still, other portions of the book were entertaining, and Yemi was an enjoyable character to follow. There was also a sapphic romance between her and her bodyguard, Nova, which was a bit underdeveloped but still cute.

If you love fairy tale retellings and you don't mind slow pacing and somewhat convoluted worldbuilding, you might really love this book. Otherwise, it's probably not the best fit for you.

Mom - Today, I recommend Dog Person by Camille Pagan. Ever since the love of his life, Amelia, died, Miguel has barely been able to function. He hardly ever even goes out, not even to the bookstore he and Amelia owned together, which is now in danger of failing. It's up to Harold, Amelia's aging dog, to keep a promise to his late owner and help Miguel move on with his life and find love again.

This is a truly beautiful, deeply emotional book. It is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. The characters are fully drawn, good-hearted, and extremely likable. There are lots of found-family vibes, and the relationships between the characters are extremely touching.  Not only are there touching relationships between people, but between people and dogs, and even between two dogs, as Harold becomes a role model for a puppy. If you love a book that makes you happy cry and sad cry, especially one that is centered around the world of books, you should love this one. 

Mom again - Today, I recommend King the Wonder Dog and Other Stories. These slice-of-life stories are about people dealing with the issues of aging and loneliness. While dogs and other animals figure in each of the tales, they are not always central to the story. However, the stories in which the animals figure more prominently are, for the most part, the more interesting stories in the collection.  In any case, if you are of a certain age yourself, you can definitely relate to at least certain aspects of these stories. If not, it's a glimpse at what may be to come and a reminder of the importance of human connection.  

Today, we recommend Proud Princess, a family-friendly film about a prince who disguises himself to woo a reluctant princess. Even though much of the story is cliched, there are enough new elements to keep it fresh. If you enjoy this type of film, you will probably like it. On the other hand, if you are not a fan of princess movies, this film is not likely to change your mind. 

And that's our view. Year of the Mer, Dog Person, and King the Wonder Dog and Other Stories were published today. Proud Princess is available On Demand starting today. 

All images except 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.