Theater Thursday: La Cage Aux Folles

We received complimentary tickets to La Cage Aux Folles for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own. 

What: La Cage Aux Folles 

 Where: New York City Center

             131 W. 55th St.

             New York NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 12 and Up

When: Through June 28, 2026

The musical, La Cage Aux Folles, with its themes of love and acceptance, couldn't be more timely or necessary. The show also has a delightful score loaded with extremely fun, meaningful, and memorable songs. Many of them have become quite popular outside of the show, having been recorded by numerous artists and/or featured in numerous concerts and revues. These include the anthemic "I Am What I Am" and the lovely "The Best of Times".  The music is particularly gorgeous in this iteration of the show. City Center's full orchestra can and does take advantage of the complete orchestrations, which have not been heard since the original production. 

The show has been updated somewhat to reflect changes in the world since it premiered in 1983. A lot of that has to do with the way we now look at gender. For the most part, the changes are positive and reflective of more enlightened and accepting ways of looking at the world and its people. However, one aspect of the plot's resolution no longer makes sense since the setup that would explain it no longer exists. 

Even so, the show is still quite enjoyable, full of brilliant, funny performances and great singing. Particular standouts include Wayne Brady, who radiates charm as Georges, and Michael McElroy and James Jackson Jr., who are quite amusing in supporting roles. The latter particularly chews up the scenery. All in all, the show is a joyous celebration of being who you are and living the life you were meant to lead, not the one others may expect of you. 

And that's our view. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.nycitycenter.org/events-tickets/2026-encores-series.

Tune in Sunday for this week's Sunday Scoop.

Photo credits:

All La Cage Aux Folles production photos by Joan Marcus.

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: Belle da Costa Greene Study

We received complimentary tickets to the Morgan Library & Museum. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own. 

What: Belle Da Costa Green Study

Where: Morgan Library & Museum

             225 Madison Ave.

             New York, NY

Who: All ages

Belle da Costa Greene was a librarian, bibliographer, and rare book expert who was the first director of the Morgan Library. She was the one who transferred Morgan's private collection into a major public research institution. 

Her namesake study at the museum is a small rotating display gallery dedicated to her life and career. While it does not have a permanent display, it features materials,  correspondence, and photos related to her life and work. Recently, a larger exhibit devoted specifically to her was located there, but it is no longer open, although some materials related to her remain on display.  Books and other objects related to the current museum exhibit are also often housed here.

The study contains three floors of books and is a good area for quiet research. However, there are not many seats as it is not really an area for public browsing. Therefore, it's best to check with the library as to hours, reservation requirements, and availability if you are interested in studying or researching here.

And that's our view. For more about the Morgan Library and/or the Belle da Costa Greene Study, visit www.themorgan.org.

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: Liberty Street & The Last Time We Saw Her; Movie: A Crime Story; Misc: iSense FlexiCool Adjustable Pillow

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: Liberty Street & The Last Time We Saw Her

Today, we recommend Liberty Street by Heather Marshall. In 1961, Emily is an editorial assistant at the women's magazine Chatelaine, which hides surprisingly hard-hitting articles among fluff pieces about recipes, makeup, and how to please your man and the like. When she gets a tip about the conditions in the nearby Mercer Women's Prison, she senses an article that can make her career, so she gets herself locked up there. Decades later, Detective Rachel Makenzie is put on the case of a body found in an unmarked grave, which may be associated with the by then long-shuttered prison, which stirs up her own dark memories.

This book is an absolute gut punch. The characters and story are extremely well-written, and both will break your heart. Although it is not strictly biographical, it is based on a real prison and real events, which gives it even more emotional impact. 

The story covers important issues that make it extremely relevant to the current world, including mental health and inequality. It also serves as a reminder of what it was like when women were considered second-class citizens who didn't have the same rights, even over their own selves, as men, and a cautionary tale of what can happen if we continue on the road that some would have us on, where once again women don't even have control over their own bodies. 

Today, we recommend The Last Time We Saw Her by Jaclyn Goldis. A group of campers on a heritage trip in the Azores gets caught up in a hunt for an alleged treasure when one of them ends up dead. Years later, they reunite and return to participate in a documentary that will hopefully solve the mystery of what happened to her, but then another of them turns up dead.

Although certain aspects of this story are a bit clichéd there is enough originality in the plot to keep it interesting, particularly the deeper you get into it. None of the characters are always likable, which not only makes them feel more realistic but also adds to the suspense because you are not always sure exactly whom to root for. The gist of the solution to the main mystery is not only surprising but also makes sense in terms of the plot and is not too convoluted, making this book a fairly satisfying read.

Movie: A Crime Story

Today, we are recommending A Crime Story. A group of people running a hotel finds themselves in the crosshairs of criminals when they find a briefcase filled with drugs and use it as an opportunity to get themselves out of debt. This film starts out a bit confusing, even with subtitles explaining who the various characters are, but it does get easier to follow as it goes along. At first, it seems like this is just another violent action picture with very little substance; however, the touching found-family vibes that develop among the assorted hotel employees give it a warmth that elevates it to a whole other level. It is still quite violent, however, and definitely not for children.

Misc.: iSense FlexiCool Adjustable Pillow

Today, we recommend the iSense FlexiCool Adjustable Pillow. This unique and innovative pillow enables the user to adjust its firmness to their personal comfort level by adding or removing foam. It also has advanced cooling technology, which is supposed to help keep it at the optimal sleep temperature throughout the night. However, while the general comfort of this pillow is quite nice, the cooling aspect only works well depending on the kind of pillowcase you use.  

And that's our view. Liberty Street and The Last Time We Saw Her were published last Tuesday, June 16. A Crime Story will be available for purchase and rental digitally next Tuesday, June 30.

Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday. 

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.