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.

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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.

More Theater Monday - Midlife Catharsis & Crosswords

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

What: Midlife Catharsis

Where: Under St. Marks

             94 St. Mark Pl.

             New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 17 and Up

When: Through April 7, 2026

Midlife Catharsis is one of several shows from this year's New York City Fringe Festival that we will be covering over the next several weeks. This show is Kelly Dwyer's one-woman musical about a pivotal point in her life when she reevaluated her life and began to make changes, even taking up surfing. She does not consider it a midlife crisis, but more a purging not only of negative emotions but also of the negative aspects of her life, and she named her show accordingly. 

The show starts with Ms. Dwyer singing to very loud background music, which pretty much drowns out her vocals, but luckily, this issue disappears after the first song. Her voice is loud and clear thereafter. The singing is not always the best, but it seems stronger and more melodious on songs she is particularly passionate about, including a song about her loyal husband. The latter is a highlight of the show. Kelly's brave and clearly devoted husband actually makes an appearance in the show, even though he is allegedly not a performer. He does not sing, but he does dance a little.

The songs on the whole are not especially memorable. They are mostly very specific to Ms. Dwyer and her life. A few are more relatable, however, and thus more enjoyable.  One of the best is a particularly relatable song about how you can't outrun your problems. 

The show skips back and forth in time quite a bit, occasionally making it hard to follow. The subject matter, which includes sex, out-of-wedlock pregnancy, and abortion, is not appropriate for children, and anyone ultra conservative will not enjoy it either. However, others may find it comforting to learn that there is a way to get through midlife without a full-blown crisis but rather with a quiet reckoning.

And that's our view. For more about Midlife Catharsis or to purchase a ticket to the remaining performance, visit tickets.frigid.nyc/event/6897:1354.

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

What: Crosswords

Where: Chain Theatre

             312 W. 36 St.

             New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 16 and Up

When: Through April 11, 2026

Crosswords is another show from this year's New York Fringe Festival. The show is purportedly about a couple who find that a serial killer's cypher has been printed in their newspaper, and they set about solving it, hoping to help the police expose the criminal and end the killing spree.  And it is about that, but that is only a part of it.  Mostly, the show is about the disintegration of a marriage. Therefore, if you are interested in the mystery aspect, you will likely be disappointed, as that is never delved into beyond the solving of the cipher. 

If you are more interested in learning about the couple at the center of the story, you still may be disappointed. You never really get to know enough about them to care. Also, the two actors lack any chemistry. Thus, it might have been better and more interesting if the show had actually been more related to the serial killer mystery.  The story as it currently exists isn't really that interesting at all, just kind of sad and depressing. 

For more about Crosswords or to purchase tickets to one of the remaining performances, visit tickets.frigid.nyc/event/6897:1340

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

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