Still More Theater Saturday - Chain One-Act Festival

We received complimentary tickets to the Chain One-Act Festival for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: Chain One-Act Festival

Where : Chain Theater

              312 W. 36th St.

              New York, NY

When: This event took place from February 6 through March 1, 2026

We recently had the opportunity to attend the Chain One Act Festival and see the following shows:

The Fusion Experiment

Written by John Arthur Long 

Starring David Rey and Christina Elise Perry 

A futuristic show about a couple of strangers that find themselves part of mysterious experiment. This is an intriguing show that leaves you wanting to know more.  

Sh*t Kickers

Written by Lyle Kessler

Starring Carol Kane and Margaret Ladd among others

A very short show about a group of woman trying to defy death. These fierce, feisty, tough talking women are hilarious and the show is a hoot. 

Sweet Tart

Written by Jeryl Brunner

Starring Ralph Macchio, Julia Macchio and Jeryl Brunner

Partly an amusing taking on internet dating gone wrong, partly a reminsence about childhood trauma. This show seemed very disjointed, and it was unclear how the two parts related. In the end, you didn't know whether to laugh or be sad. Allegedly, the show is a part of a series of shows about the main character. Maybe, it would make more sense if the separate shows were put together. 

And that's our view. To find out about what is coming next at the Chain, go to www.chaintheatre.org

Tune in tomorrow for this week's Sunday Scoop.

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

Theater Thursday: Night Side Songs

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

What: Night Side Songs 

Where: Claire Tow Theater 

              150 W. 65th St.

              New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 15 and Up

When: Through March 29, 2026

According to Susan Sontag, "illness is the night side of life." The line between the night side and the other side is thin and tenuous. One minute you're perfectlly healthy, the next you're fighting for your life trying to stave off a potentially fatal illness you never knew you had. 

This idea is explored through one woman's experience. Yasmine is stirringly played by Brooke Ishibashi, who particularly shines in the character's darker moments. Her fellow cast members, most of whom play several characters, are also quite talented and equally skillful in their roles. 

Upon description the show seems very dark and depressing. Although it definitely isn't by an means light and happy, it's not about wallowing in sadness and grief either. It focuses more on the way illness makes people come together and be there for each other. 

In that spirit, the audience is very much a part of the proceedings. At the beginning of the show every member of the audience is given a song book so they can sing along. That is nowhere near as terrifying as it may sound. Not every song is a sing along song.  Plus, any line the audience is expected to sing is  first sung by cast members so the audience can learn the tune. If despite these things, you still have no interest in singing along, you don't have to. It's not a requirement for attending the show.

The songs are like poetry but not the light and fun kind  rather the dark and serious kind. This does not mean that the songs are all like funeral dirges. There are more up tempo songs but there are no frivolous songs. They are all meaningful and some are quite relatable. One particulalry relatable song is about how we are always looking for a reason why bad things happen to people as if there's is an answer that will not only make sense but will keep the bad things from happening to us. 

The show obviously may be triggering for anyone dealing with serious illness, whose loved one is dealing with serious illness, or who lost a loved one to serious illness. However, anyone interested in exploring the healing power of song and human connection may enjoy it. 

And that's our view. For more about Night Side Songs are to purchase tickets, visit www.lct.org/shows/night-side-songs.

Tune in Saturday for Still More Theater Saturday. 

Photo credits:

All Night Side Songs production photos by Marc J. Franklin

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 - On Location Tours: Central Park TV & Movie Sites Tour

We received a complimentary On Location Tours: Central Park TV & Movie Sites Tour for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: Central Park TV & Movie Sites Tour

            On Location Tours

Where: Tours starts at Fifth Ave & Central Park S.

Who: All ages

If you have always wanted to take in some of the iconic Central Park locations where some of your favorite TV shows and movie were filmed, this is the tour for you. Stand outside the plaza where among other things Home Alone 2 and Eloise took place. Visit the Bow Bridge where Finn tried to get back together with Rachel on Glee. 

Other locations you'll visit on this engaging tour include the Dairy Farm, the Bethesda Fountain, Sheep Meadow and more. You'll see the spot where Blair and Chuck got married, the location immortalized in the Harry Met Sally poster art, and numerous locations where they filmed the movie Enchanted among other things. You'll also visit iconic park locations not necessarily associated with a particular film like Strawberry Fields. Whether you want to relive your favorite Central Park moments on the big screen, the small screen, or both, you can't beat this fun and informative tour. 

And that's our view. For more about On Location Tours: Central Park & Movie Tour or to book a tour go to onlocationtours.com/new-york-tv-and-movie-tours/central-park-tv-movie.

Tune in tomorrow for Theater Thursday.

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