Saturday Special- An Interview With Actor Eric Fletcher of Literally Alive Theatre

Eric Fletcher as Ebenzer Scrooge

Actor, Eric Fletcher has appeared in numerous children's productions at Literally Alive Theatre. His roles have included the Queen of Hearts in Cinderella, the Fish Witch in The Little Mermaid, The evil stepmother in  Cinderella, and Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. We recently had the opportunity to speak with him.

Question : When and how did Eric first get interested in acting?

Answer: When Eric was between 4th and 5th grade his community theatre was having a show. His mom asked if he wanted to go to an audition  for the show so he went, and he got in the show. He loved it. The show was a musical version of The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe (note: there is currently a version of The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe running off Broadway. We will be posting a review and having a ticket giveaway in future posts).

Question. Has Eric had an kind of professional training?

Answer: He went to college for acting, and he has a BFA in acting.

Question: How did Eric end up at Literally Alive Theatre?

Answer: He saw an audition notice for The Little Mermaid in Backstage Magazine when he was first in New York.  He auditioned but didn't get cast. A few months later he read for The Velveteen Rabbit and got a part. He has been working at Literally Alive Theatre ever since.

Question: What is Eric's favorite role he ever played?

Answer: The Phantom in Phantom of the Opera

Question: Who are some celebrities who have inspired Eric?

Answer: Lady Gaga and Ian McKellan

Question: What is Eric's dream role?

Answer:  The Emcee in Cabaret

Question: Would he ever want to be in a TV show or movie or does he prefer live theater?

Answer: He would love to do an hour long drama on TV. However, he loves the experience of live theater that you don't get in film.

Question: Does he have any pre-performance rituals?

He touches his ear and says "Showtime Synergy" something he picked up from the show Jem and Holograms.

Question: What is his favorite thing about acting?

Answer: He loves being able to live the life of someone else for a while and experiencing what that is like.

Question: What advice would he give aspiring young actors?

Answer: Never give up and always give it your all.

You can currently see Eric in Literally Alive Theatre's Production of Alice in Wonderland through November 8.  For more information about that or to order tickets go to http://www.literallyalive.com/shows/alice.html. 
We thank Eric for taking the time to meet with us.

Eric Flecther as The Queen of Hearts

 Tune in tomorrow for this week's Sunday Scoop.

Funitvity Friday - Last Minute Halloween Costumes

Here are some quick last minute Halloween costumes that can probably be put together easily for anyone who literally waited until the last minute to find a costume.

1) Prom Queen -
What you'll need: A nice dress, a pair of heels , a tiara (you can probably get a cheap plastic one in any toy store or dollar store).

2) Beauty Queen-
What you'll need same as above but make yourself a sash that says Miss USA or Miss America or whatever you want.

3) Farmer -
What you'll need a flannel shirt, a pair of overalls and a straw hat

4)  Cowboy or Cowgirl-
What you'll need : Jeans (or a jean skirt for a cowgirl) flannel shirt and boots

5) A ghost -
What you'll need: A sheet with two holes cut out for eyes

6) A jogger:
What you'll need a sweatsuit, sneakers and maybe some sweatbands

7) An Olympic medalist:
What you'll need: same as above but instead of sweatbands a fake gold medal (you may be able to get one in a dollar or toy store or you can make your own)

8) A sleepwalker :
What you'll need: pajamas, slippers

9) A bride or a groom:
What you'll need for a bride - a white dress and a veil ; for a groom - a suit

10) An athlete-
What you'll need: a sports jersey, pants, and sneakers

Happy Halloween!

Enjoy!

Tune in tomorrow for a Saturday Special.

photo credits:
photo credit 1: Butte and a Pumpkin via photopin (license)
 photo credit 2: Kürbis in der Dunkelheit via photopin (license)

Monthly Mash-up for October, 2015: Finding a Halloween Costume and Good Ways to Get Rid of Excess Candy

Me - My topic for this month is finding a Halloween costume. Finding a Halloween costume is so stressful. It is hard to find a costume that I like, that fits, that's unique, and that doesn't cost too much. It is much easier when you are little. There are so many more options, and other people your age don't care so much what you are. When I was little, I had some really cute costumes. I remember being Blue from Blues Clues, a chicken, and Tinkerbelle. I was only Tinkerbelle in school though. When I was a little older my costumes included Elphaba from Wicked, Glinda the Good Witch, and  Hannah Montana. More recently I was Phoebe Buffay from Friends and a Greaser. This year I will either be Rachel Berry from Glee or Brittany Spears. It will be my last year trick-treating because next year I am going to be in high school. Then, I will only dress up to go to Halloween parties.

Mom - My topic for this month is good ways to get rid of excess Halloween candy. Kids love going from house to house and trick-or-treating, but who needs all that candy they collect. Of course, you could throw it all out but that would be a waste. After all, somebody bought all that. One way to get rid of excess candy is to start giving out some of the candy your children collected to the trick-or-treaters that come to your house. This is sort of the Halloween version of re-gifting and as long as you are not giving out candy that has already been opened there is nothing wrong with it. However, that is just moving it from your house into somebody else's. Another way to deal with all that Halloween candy is to dole it out very slowly by allowing each child only a couple of pieces a night. However, doing it that way depending how much candy your children collect, it can take quite a long time to get rid of all the candy. Besides, do you really want your kids eating candy every day for that long? The best way we have found to get rid of excess Halloween candy is to sell it. Every year, dentists from around the county sign-up to be a part of the yearly Halloween Candy Buyback. Participants in the program buy back kids Halloween candy and send it out to the troops overseas. So your kid can make a little money and do a good deed at the same time plus you'll get all that candy out of your house. It is a win-win for everyone. For more information about the Halloween Candy Buyback or to find a participating location near you go to http://www.halloweencandybuyback.com/about.html.

And that's our view. What's on your mind?

Tune in tomorrow for Funtivity Friday

Where-To-Go-Wednesday - Alice Live and Literally Alive Theatre's Alice in Wonderland

This years marks the 150th anniversary of  Alice in Wonderland. Accordingly, a number of theatres and  museums having been having related exhibits and/or shows. We spoke about one of these exhibits which took place at the Morgan Library and Museum in a recent post. That exhibit has since closed. This week we will be speaking about another museum exhibit marking this milestone as well as a new production of the story. We will share our own views of the classic tale in a future post.

 

What: Alice Live

Where: New York Public Library for the Performing Arts

              40 Lincoln Center Plaza

              New York, N.Y.

When: Now through January 6, 2015

Who: All ages

Mom's view:  Although Alice Live sounds like a theatrical production, it is actually an exhibit at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. The exhibit focuses on various productions of Alice in Wonderland over the years. It features not only stage productions, but television productions, puppets shows and other types of productions as well even including an underwater production of the show. Along with the various artifacts including picture, books and scripts which will appeal more to older children and adults, there are several interactive aspects of the exhibit which children will love. There is a giant chess board. There is a tree which children can sit under and look at the available Alice in Wonderland books. There is even a table with a key and a tiny little door just like in the book and movie.  There are also several stations where there are headphones available to listen to songs from various productions of Alice in Wonderland as well as songs related to Alice in Wonderland  and Alice in Wonderland stories. The best part is the exhibit is all completely free. For more information go to http://www.nypl.org/events/exhibitions/alice-live

 

 

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We were given free tickets to Literally Alive Theatre's production of  Alice in Wonderland for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: Alice in Wonderland

Where: Literally Alive Theatre

              Players Theatre

              115 MacDougal

              New York, NY

When: Now through November 8, 2015

Who: All ages

Mom's view:  Literally Alive Theatre is one of our favorite children's theatres. We love the pre-show talks where children are given the opportunity to hear from members of the cast and/or crew to prepare them for the show they will be seeing. We also love the opportunity that they they are given after the talk to create an art project related to the show. This helps them to feel even more a part of the show. For the current production of Alice In Wonderland, children have the opportunity to make their own Mad Hatter hats. Afterwards, it's time to sit back and enjoy the show. Although some productions at Literally Alive are very different from the familiar versions of the stories since they are taken from the original books and not the well-known movies, this production is much more similar to the move in a lot of ways. There are, as always, completely new songs which were written for this version. I wouldn't say that the songs stuck in my head as well as those of some other productions we've seen at Literally Alive Theatre. However, they  were enjoyable to listen to during the course of the show. The show was well performed by the enthusiastic cast highlighted as usual by the always hilarious Eric Fletcher, who this time appears in the role of the Queen of Hearts. For an interview with Eric Fletcher, see this week's Saturday Special. As always, another highlight of the show is the opportunity for young children to meet and take pictures with cast members following the show. This interaction with the cast is one of the main reasons kids love Literally Alive Theatre and won't want to miss any of their children's productions. For more information or to order tickets go to http://www.literallyalive.com/shows/alice.html

And that's Mom's view. Tune in to Monday's Talking Topics post for more about Alice Live and Literally Alive Theatre's Alice in Wonderland. Tune in to tomorrow's Talking Topics post for this month's Monthly Mash-up.

Tips for Tuesday - Misc.: FotoJet and Andrea Bocelli Cinema

Me - Today I am recommending FotoJet from Pearl Mountain Technology. FotoJet is a free on-line collage maker. It is good to use, if you want to make a simple picture collage. It is quick and very easy to use. However, just be aware that you can only use pictures that the software offers or that are uploaded to your computer. For more information about Fotojet go to http://www.fotojet.com/

I participated in the Andrea Bocelli “Cinema” album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided an album to review but all opinions are my own.

Mom - Today I am recommending Andrea Bocelli's album Cinema. In this album, Bocelli sings classic movies songs. Some of the songs are sung in Italian; some in English. All of them are sung beautifully. Even if you do not understand Italian, and you don't usually like to listen to music when you can't understand the words, you will still like this abum. It is that good. Bocelli makes songs that I normally like anyway, such as, Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany's sound even better and songs that I normally don't care about, such as, Nelle Tune Mani (Now We Are Free) from Gladiator equally enjoyable to listen to. You can listen to the latter below. Not only does Bocelli sound wonderful himself, he makes his collaborator's sound even better too as shown by a couple of highlights of the album a duet with Ariana Grande and and a duet with Nicole Scherzinger.  Bocelli and Grande duet on E Piu Ti Penso from Once Upon a Time in America/Malena while Bocelli and Scherzinger duet on No Llores Por Mu Argentina (Don't Cry for Me Argentina) from Evita. Although, you would not immediately think of either Grande or Scherzinger as a suitable duet partner for Bocelli not only do the colloborations work, I have never heard either Grande or Scherzinger sound better. Accordingly if you are a fan of Andrea Bocelli, Ariana Grande, Nicole Scherziner, movie music in general or just really beautiful music, you will want to get this album.





Cinema Track Listing:
1) MARIA from ‘West Side Story’
2) LA CHANSON DE LARA from ‘Doctor Zhivago’
3) MOON RIVER from ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’
4) E PIU' TI PENSO duet with Ariana Grande from ‘Once Upon a Time in America /Malèna’
5) BE MY LOVE from ‘The Toast of New Orleans’
6) THE MUSIC OF THE NIGHT from ‘The Phantom of the Opera’
7) BRUCIA LA TERRA from ‘The Godfather’
8) POR UNA CABEZA from ‘Scent of a Woman’
9) NO LLORES POR MÍ ARGENTINA duet with Nicole Scherzinger from ‘Evita’
10) L'AMORE È UNA COSA MERAVIGLIOSA from ‘Love is a many splendored thing’
11) MI MANCHERAI from ‘Il Postino’
12) CHEEK TO CHEEK duet with Veronica Berti from ‘Top Hat’
13) SORRIDI AMORE VAI from ‘La vita è bella’
14) HISTORIA DE AMOR from ‘Love Story’
15) OL' MAN RIVER from ‘Show Boat’
16) NELLE TUE MANI (NOW WE ARE FREE) from ‘Gladiator’

To purchase the abum go to   I-Tunes: http://bit.ly/BocelliCINEMA or Amazon http://bit.ly/CINEMABocelli

You can also follow Bocelli at the web-sites below

Official Andrea Bocelli website: http://www.andreabocelli.com

Twitter -   https://twitter.com/andreabocelli

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andreabocelli

YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/user/andreabocelli

 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andreabocelliofficial/

And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday.

Guest Post: Top Health Benefits of Using Pregnancy Pillows

 

Your body encounters a lot of changes during pregnancy. Not only your tummy grows big to accommodate the growing size of the baby, there are several lifestyle changes you also have to cope with. Getting pregnant is definitely a source of happiness to you and your partner, but you also must prepare yourself for some bouts of challenges associated with pregnancy.

Not Just For Comfort, Pregnancy Pillow Is Used Because Of The Health Benefits It Gives

One of the complaints of most mothers-to-be is sleep deprivation. When the tummy grows big and the body gains weight, a good night sleep becomes rather difficult to achieve. It is because during pregnancy, the expanding uterus (womb) pushes the bladder which makes you urinate frequently. It is also during this stage when you find sleeping difficult because you cannot sleep on the lying position you have become accustomed with. Further, pregnancy causes some parts of your body to ache, particularly the back, hips and legs, and the pain makes you uneasy. Good thing there are innovative products that help pregnant women deal with sleeping difficulties, one of which is the pregnancy pillow.

Pregnancy pillow is designed to deliver comfort during the times when a good sleep is elusive. This is a kind of pillow meant to cushion the whole body, providing comfort and easing the pain of the body. Pregnancy pillows make use of soft and safe-to-the-skin fabrics so you have nothing to worry when it comes to rashes, itch, and other skin reactions. Additionally, these pillows are long and flexible enough to adopt to whatever sleeping position you desire. What’s great about sleeping pillow is that apart from the comfort it gives, health benefits are also achieved by using it. Some of the top health benefits of using pregnancy pillows are the
following:

Body aches and pains: When you use a pregnancy pillow in sleeping, the level of your body pain significantly decreases due to the cushioning and comfort the pillow brings. The pregnancy pillow is said to work wonders, as it effectively takes away the sore and ache associated to weight and body changes during this stage of your pregnancy.

Blood circulation: Experts agree that side-sleeping is the best position during pregnancy. As you sleep on your side using a pregnancy pillow, ease in blood circulation is achieved. Consequently, an uninterrupted blood circulation aids in the fast and smooth delivery of nutrients to the baby.

Uninterrupted sleep: Pregnancy can easily make you feel exhausted, fatigued and overly-tired. Due to this, you deserve to have long hours of rest and relaxation and pregnancy pillow is designed to give you the kind of sleep you deserve. Sleeping well also prevents you from getting cranky and moody.

Overall health:  Sleep deprivation results to binge-eating which is not healthy during pregnancy. You need all the energy you can get, and if you have the right amount of sleep, you are helping your body achieve a safe and worry-free pregnancy. Pregnant mothers like you must maintain a strong and healthy body in preparation for the coming of the baby and pregnancy pillow helps you in achieving that.*

*The above is a guest post by Arya Mullens of imperialreviews.com.

Sunday Scoop Week of 10/25/15 - What's Happening This Week or Coming Up Soon

Alice in Wonderland

presented by Literally Alive Theatre

Players Theatre

115 MacDougal

New York, NY

Now through November 8



For more information or to order tickets go to http://www.literallyalive.com/shows/alice.html



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Coming Soon Kids Night on Broadway
  
KELLI O’HARA

Currently Starring in Broadway’s

Tony Award^®- Winning Musical The King and I

 and

MARLEE MATLIN

Currently starring in Deaf West Theatre’s

Spring Awakening on Broadway

 

NAMED NATIONAL AMBASSADORS OF

KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAYâ 2016

Presented by The New York Times 

KidsNightonBroadway.com

 

The Broadway League announced today that Kelli O’Hara and Marlee Matlin will serve as the 2016 KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY® National Ambassadors. Details about the 20^TH Kids’ Night on Broadway will be announced at a press event on Wednesday, October 28, 2015.

KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY is an annual event when kids ages 18 and under can see Broadway shows for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult. A KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY ticket includes restaurant discounts, educational programs, and some very special events still to be announced! 

KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY will also take place in multiple cities around the country, with different shows and venues putting their own spin on the event, on numerous dates throughout the year. Check kidsnightonbroadway.com for specific dates and locations.

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iPlay America's Spooky Spectacular Halloween

The Final Chapter

October 30 & 31

110 Schank Road

Freehold, NJ 

Spooky Spooktacular Halloween! An event so massive, so monstrous, so amazing, it dare not be missed! In short, iPlay America is thrilling Halloween enthusiasts of all ages this season! But all good things must come to an END! And what a glorious end this will be with iPlay America Halloween: THE FINAL CHAPTER!

No matter what your Halloween plans are, they can only be made better by visiting iPlay America on Friday and Saturday of Halloween weekend! Nothing makes Trick-or-Treat sweeter than a visit to iPlay America to EAT and PLAY! Get the party started by taking advantage of the FULL MOON AFTER DARK DEAL on Friday! For just $10.30 get UNLIMITED Rides AND a $10 Game Card! A value of $39.95! This is the type of deal that actually turns the dead into zombies and gets them up on their feet and headed towards iPlay America.

Spooky Spooktacular Halloween! The fun STARTS at 7 p.m.! Plus from 6 p.m., kids meals are ½ price at Game Time Bar and Grill! And speaking of FUN, the radio revelers from FUN 107.1 FM will be onsite at iPlay America from 7 p.m.! To get in on this truly SPOOKTACULAR DEAL just go to  iPlayAmerica.com/Halloween and print your COUPON!

Also on Friday, all of the little ghosts and ghouls will have a great time on the from 3 to 9 p.m. for just Trick-or-Treat Trail $5! It's six spooky stations of fantastic Trick-or-Treat Fun designed to delight all of our little creatures of the night. Purchase a map in the Welcome Center and get it stamped at every candy giveaway location and enter a completed map for a chance to win a fantastic

iPlay America Birthday Party! Trick-or-Treat Bags are on sale in the Welcome Center for $5

Then on Halloween, October 31, the MADNESS continues! The Trick-or-Treat Trail is FREE for ALL kids from noon until 8 p.m.! Registration is required via iPlayAmerica.com/Halloween. Plus, every child dressed in a costume gets a FREE kids meal with the purchase of an adult entrée at Game Time Bar & Grill ALL day long! The good times will be plentiful at Game Time Bar & Grill too with all sorts of Spooktacular food and drink specials to tantalize your taste buds! There's even a special Halloween menu created just for kids.

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Upcoming at the New York Historical Society

170 Central Park West

New York, NY

Holiday Express: Toys and Trains from the Jerni Collection
October 30, 2015 – February 28, 2016
This holiday season, the New-York Historical Society will be transformed into a magical wonderland with a dynamic installation from its renowned Jerni Collection of model trains, scenic elements, and toys from a bygone era. Featuring several treasures exhibited for the first time since New-York Historical acquired the collection, Holiday Express will unfold over a broad swath of the first floor and continue throughout the lower-level DiMenna Children’s History Museum. With the aid of theatrical lighting, an ambient audio “soundscape,” and other visual effects, visitors will be engaged in all-new and captivating holiday experience. Organized by New-York Historical’s Mike Thornton, Assistant Curator of Material Culture

For more information go to http://www.nyhistory.org/exhibitions/holiday-express-toys-and-trains-jerni-collection-0

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Upcoming at the Strand Center for the Arts

400 Clifton Avenue

Lakewood, NJ

R Kelly's TRAPPED IN THE CLOSET - By Remember Jones

Saturday, October 31, 2015 at 8PM

REMEMBER JONES presents R. Kelly's Rated X, TRAPPED IN THE CLOSET - LIVE! For the first time EVER attempted LIVE, REMEMBER JONES, called "soul sensation" by The Asbury Park Press, will present R. Kelly's infamous R&B soap opera TRAPPED IN THE CLOSET with a 20-piece orchestra and other surprises. Written and produced by pop/R&B sensation R. Kelly, the series tells a story of a one-night-stand which sets off a chain of events, gradually revealing a greater web of lies, sex, and deceit. It has spawned record and DVD releases, Internet success, and countless pop-culture parodies. REMEMBER JONES and company will present the first 12 chapters, note for note, in their entirety with an orchestra of 20. This has never been performed live and will make it's debut on Halloween night! Costume dance party and giveaways to follow with special guest bands TBA. (Plus $5 fee per ticket.) NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN UNDER 18!

For more information or to order tickets go to http://www.strand.org/events/event-listing/

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Galli Theater's Halloween Show

151 W. 26th St

7th Fl

New York, NY 

Get dressed up and come out for Galli Theater's  first ever Halloween show!

Saturday, October 31st at 4pm

They will treat you to the U.S premiere of: "The Little Vampires" 

Suggested donation $10 per person

For more information go to http://www.gallitheaterny.com/welcome.html



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TADA! Youth Theater's High School Audition Intensive

139 W. 29th St

2nd Floor

New York, NY

Grades 8+

Tuesday Nov 3 10:00 AM- 5:30 PM

1 Day Audition Intensive!

Work with two professional teaching artists/performers to sharpen your audition skills in preparation for Performing Arts High School

ONLY 14 SPOTS AVAILABLE

For more information or to register go to http://www.tadatheater.com/schoolbreakcamps&workshops.asp

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CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF THE ARTS

ELEVENTH ANNUAL ART AUCTION AND COCKTAIL PARTY

Venue: Dream Downtown, 355 East 16th St. NY, NY 10011

Sunday November 4, 2015, 7:30-9:30 PM (VIP Preview 6:00-7:30 PM)

Artist Co-Chairs: Meghan Boody, Rico Gatson, and Elissa Levy & Adam Ames

Host Committee Co-Chairs: Katelijne de Backer, Delphine de Causans, Mary Gail Parr, Elizabeth Fearon Pepperman & Richard C. Pepperman II, Julie & Paul Rudd, Sabrina & Michael Rudin, Kelly Rutherford, and Jane Sutherland 

Live and Silent Auctions featuring work by over 90 artists including: Donald Baechler, E.V. Day, Michael De Feo, Gail LeBoff, Ryan McGinness, Jack Pierson, Cindy Sherman, Mickalene Thomas, and many more established and emerging artists.

CMA's Art Auction & Cocktail Party, attended by CMA's top donors and members, art collectors, and downtown personalities, will include a live and silent auction powered by Paddle 8, delicious hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, and music by DJ Paz. CMA is proud to honor three important supporters of the CMA Community during the VIP hour: CMA Inclusive Program Co-Founder Mindy Nam Dehnert, Installation Artist Christine Sciulli, and CMA Community Supporter Goldman Sachs Gives.

All proceeds support CMA’s free Community Arts Educational Programs, which bring high-quality arts education to vulnerable children throughout New York City. 

Click here for more information

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Tim Kubart, Sprout Channel Host and Postmodern Jukebox’s

‘Tambourine Guy’, Celebrates  ‘Home’ with Concerts  Farmingdale School on November 10^th

Brooklyn Bowl on November 14^th

 Tim Kubart, Sprout Channel host and Postmodern Jukebox’s ‘Tambourine Guy,’ will celebrate the release of his new album Home by returning to his own hometown school, Woodward Parkway Elementary in Farmingdale, NY, on Tuesday, November 10th. Woodward Park students  will be singing along when the hometown-boy-turned-star returns for two interactive performances. 

Tim and his band The Space Cadets will also perform a gala all-ages concert at the Brooklyn Bowl (61 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn, NY) on Saturday, November 14^th  at 11:00 a.m. Tickets are $10 and are available now via Ticketfly , some may still be available at the door.  Children 2 and under are free admission.  The concert marks the NYC release party for Home, Tim Kubart's  pop celebration of the small moments in life, the ones that matter most. Tim and his band will premiere songs and tell stories alongside guest musicians, a horn section, and a tap-dancing sidekick named Jumpsuit Alex. A special guest performance by Mario the Magician will open the show, and DJ Natalie from Baby DJ School will be spinning the after party. Every kid will receive a free Home CD with admission.

On the new album Home, Tim and special guests sing about all new adventures: the kind you can find in your home and in your heart, with your friends and with your family, in the little moments we live every day. Tim created these 14 mostly original songs in partnership with songwriter Matt Puckett (Mother Falcon) and long-time producer Dominic Fallacaro.

Home reflects Tim’s uncanny ability to climb inside a child’s mind. The dance-pop “Breakfast Club” is the perfect wake-up song, and it features Sprout colleague and friend Carly Ciarrocchi. For “Sunday Crafternoon,” Drue Davis (Postmodern Jukebox) joins Tim for a soaring and inspiring song celebrating DIY creativity. Indie family artist Laurie Berkner guest stars on the ballad about togetherness: “Better.” “We aim to meet kids where they are right now, both thematically and sonically,” notes Tim. “The lyrics reflect what I’ve learned performing live with thousands of children, and with my work on Sprout.”

Visit TimKubart.com for updates on these shows and others in Tim’s fall concert tour.

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News from Michelle Tabnick Communications

Big Apple Circus presents

Circus of the Senses

specially adapted performances of The Grand Tour at Lincoln Center

that enable children and adults with vision or hearing impairments
and other disabilities to experience the joy and wonder of the circus

Wednesday, October 28 and
Thursday, October 29, 2015 at 11am

 

Big Apple Circus returns to the Big Top at Lincoln Center for the company's 38th season with the World Premiere of its all-new show, The GrandTour, and presents Circus of the Senses:a specially adapted performance that enables children and adults with vision or hearing impairments and other disabilities to experience the joy and wonder of the circus. Through the use of audio headsets, Braille descriptive programs, American Sign Language interpreters, and a special "touch session" after the show, anyone and everyone can enjoy Big Apple Circus' The Grand Tour!

Matinee performances of Circus of the Senses will be presented (75-minute abbreviated shows):

• Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at 11am
• Thursday, October 29, 2015 at 11am

A "touch session" after the performances offers a unique opportunity for pre-selected groups of visually impaired children to go into the ring to meet the artists and literally feel a clown nose, a juggler's clubs, or the silky coat of a performing dog.

 

SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH VISION OR HEARING IMPAIRMENTS

Wireless audio headsets, which utilize a state-of-the-art infrared transmission system, feature a play-by-play description of the action in the ring by Big Apple Circus Founder Paul Binder and Creative Director Karen McCarty. American Sign Language interpreters are strategically positioned in spotlights to translate the auditory aspects of the performances. Audience members also have their choice of a large-print or Braille descriptive program, each of which describes the acts and environment in detail.

Tickets for Circus of the Senses are $12.50 ($10 for groups of 10 or more). To get tickets, please visit www.bigapplecircus.org/circus-of-the-senses to fill out a ticket application form. Please note that submitting the ticket application form does not guarantee tickets. Tickets will be distributed on a first come, first served basis to eligible groups. Priority is given to children with vision and hearing impairments and their chaperones. No ticket requests will be taken by telephone.

There will be an evening performance of the full show on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at 6:30pm, at which audio headsets, Braille descriptive programs, and American Sign Language interpreters will also be offered. Tickets to the Wednesday evening performance are available at bit.ly/BACCOS-E15.

Circus of the Senses is also offered at performances in Queens and Boston.

For more information about accessibility at every Big Apple Circus performance, please visit: www.bigapplecircus.org/accessibility.

** 

Big Apple Circus

World Premiere of The Grand Tour

featuring

Halloween Guest Ringmaster

Best-Selling Author R.L. Stine

October 31, 2015 at 4:30pm at Lincoln Center

Big Apple Circus welcomes Halloween Guest Ringmaster, R.L. Stine (author of the best-selling children's series Goosebumps) to a special Halloween performance on October 31, 2015 at 4:30pm. At this special performance, children who arrive in costume will receive a free cotton candy or popcorn voucher.  The show will be followed by a costume contest and parade; the winner will receive a special prize.

For more information, visit www.bigapplecircus.org

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News from Waldmania PR

ROLIE POLIE GUACAMOLE

IN A

DAY-AFTER-HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY SHOW

WHAT: Rolie Polie Guacamole's Day-After-Halloween Costume Party!

WHERE: Jalopy Theatre & School of Music, 315 Columbia St., Brooklyn, NY 11231

WHEN: Sunday, November 1. 3:30 p.m. (Doors open at 3:00 p.m.)

ADMISSION: $10 in advance. $12 at the door. $35 for a family of four, in advance.

INFO: 718-395-3214 or the Jalopy Theatre website

Holy Guacamole! Brooklyn's beloved kindie band, Rolie Polie Guacamole, declares that Halloween should last just a little bit longer! They're planning a rocking Day-After-Halloween Costume Party Show for families at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 1 at Jalopy Theatre and School of Music, 315 Columbia St., Brooklyn, NY. Kids and adults alike are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite Halloween finery.

Frank Gallo and Andrew Tuzhilin have been entertaining families for almost a decade as Rolie Polie Guacamole. They'll bring their irresistible energy, impeccable musicianship, and wacky humor to the Palisades Center, playing tunes like "Bird Bellyful," "Wake Up Shake Up," "Apples," "Always Brush Your Teeth," and, of course, "Rolie Polie Guacamole."

Set for release on September 25, Chips and Salsa continues the Rolie Polie Guacamole tradition of bouncy, fun, high-energy songs all done up in folk, funk, rock, Latin and country styles, about eating healthy, staying active, and places the band loves to go, with a sprinkling of animal tunes thrown in for good measure.

 Chips and Salsa will be available on the Rolie Polie Guacamole website HERE and at CDbaby, iTunes, and other digital retailers.

 Check out Rolie Polie Guacamole's website HERE

Rolie Polie Guacamole on Facebook

Rolie Polie Guacamole on Twitter

**

THE RISE AGAIN TOUR COMES TO PHILADELPHIA!

SINGALONG CONCERTS CELEBRATE PUBLICATION OF

RISE AGAIN: A GROUP SINGING SONGBOOK

LONG AWAITED COMPANION TO RISE UP SINGING

WITH ANNIE PATTERSON & PETER BLOOD,

TOM CHAPIN, JOHN FLYNN, KIM & REGGIE HARRIS, CHARLIE KING & TWO OF A KIND

TWO CONCERTS: 4 PM (FAMILY MATINEE) & 7 PM

  

WHAT: RISE AGAIN SINGALONG CONCERTS!

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 1. Two shows: 4:00 p.m. family matinee and 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: Race Street Quaker Meetinghouse, 1515 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

TICKETS: 4:00 p.m. (family matinee): $10 all ages. 7:00 p.m.: $25 adults, main floor. $15 adults, balcony. $10 children under age 18.

INFORMATION: 215-848-6246

TO PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE: The Rise Up and Sing website

NOTE: Tickets at the door will be on a "suggested donation" basis. No one will be turned away because of inability to pay the full amount suggested. Donations entered at checkout will go toward this particular concert and the projects it supports, as well helping others with fewer resources attend.

After more than a quarter of a century, the long wait is over! From the creators of the beloved songbook Rise Up Singing, comes its much-anticipated companion Rise Again: A Group Singing Songbook. In celebration, The Rise Again Tour will hold two festive singalong concerts on Sunday, November 1 at 4:00 p.m. (family oriented matinee) and 7:00 p.m. at Race Street Quaker Meetinghouse, 1515 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA.

At all Rise Again Tour concerts, the creators of Rise Again, folk singers Annie Patterson & Peter Blood, will teach and lead songs from the new book. In Philadelphia they will be joined by Tom Chapin, Kim & Reggie Harris, and Two of a Kind at the 4:00 p.m. family matinee and by Tom Chapin, John Flynn, Kim & Reggie Harris, and Charlie King at the 7:00 p.m. show. All of these artist have songs in the book.

Rise Again: A Group Singing Songbook may be purchased in advance of Rise Again Tour concerts from the Rise Up and Sing website and picked up at the concerts. Songbooks may also be borrowed or purchased at the concerts (while supplies last).

 

Check out the Rise Up and Sing website HERE

Rise Again on YouTube

Rise Again on Facebook

Rise Again on Twitter

** 

EMMY® AWARD-WINNING

ALEX & THE KALEIDOSCOPE

LIVE IN BROOKLYN!!

WHAT: Alex & The Kaleidoscope Live in Brooklyn!

WHERE: Dweck Center, Brooklyn Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11238

WHEN: Saturday, November 7, 2015. 1:00 p.m.

ADMISSION: Free

INFO: 718-230-2100 or the Brooklyn Library websiteWith 18 national awards in their hip pocket, including a 2014 New York Emmy® Award for Best Children's Programming, Alex & The Kaleidoscope, with Alex Mitnick at the helm, has a splendid itinerary of colorful musical adventures in store for an all-ages concert at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 7 at the Dweck Center in the Brooklyn Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY.

For more than a decade, Emmy® Award-winning children's entertainer Alex Mitnick and his group of fun-loving musicians, Alex & The Kaleidoscope, have been captivating kids and adults alike with his fresh approach to music for young audiences. Alex is known for his dynamic Alex & The Kaleidoscope shows overflowing with kid-friendly interactivity and a boatload of hand-clapping, foot stomping, just plain fun.

 Full episodes of the award-winning Alex & The Kaleidoscope TV show can be seen on YouTube, Kidoodle.TV, AmebaTV, Toon Goggles, and Battery Pop.

Alex & The Kaleidoscope's new album, Get On Board!, was released in September. Get On Board! is available at iTunes, Amazon, CDBaby, Pandora, Spotify, and on the Alex & The Kaleidoscope website, HERE.

Check out Alex and The Kaleidoscope's website HERE

Alex and The Kaleidoscope on Facebook 

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News from O & M Co.

**THE BIG EASY MEETS

THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS**

THE McKITTRICK HOTEL,

HOME OF SLEEP NO MORE,

WELCOMES BACK

PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND

FIVE NIGHTS ONLY

OCTOBER 27^th – 31^st

The McKittrick Hotel (530 West 27^th Street), home of Sleep No More, is thrilled to welcome back the iconic, New Orleans-based Preservation Hall Jazz Band who return to The McKittrick’s intimate dining and concert space The Heath for five evenings of live music and dancing, October 27-31, 2015.  This marks the return of the famed jazz band following their 2013 eleven-day, sold-out residency at The McKittrick.  Tickets for the concerts range from $65 - $125 and are on sale now at http://events.mckittrickhotel.com/preshall2015/.  A specially-crafted menu of seasonal cuisine and cocktails will be available inside the venue at each performance.

** 

 

TONY AWARD-NOMINATED ACTOR

JONATHAN GROFF

WILL BE NEXT SUBJECT OF

“CURRAN: UNDER CONSTRUCTION” SERIES

“GROUNDBREAKERS WITH KEVIN SESSUMS”

CONVERSATION

ONSTAGE AT THE CURRAN

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7

8:00 P.M.

 

  Carole Shorenstein Hays announced today that for the next subject of Groundbreakers, the Curran’s Editor-at-Large Kevin Sessums will sit down with Tony Award-nominated actor Jonathan Groff, who is currently starring in the smash hit musical Hamilton, for a special conversation and performance.  Tickets for this event, taking place on stage at the Curran (445 Geary Street) at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, can but purchased for $25 via Eventbrite by visiting www.SFCURRAN.com.  Groundbreakers with Kevin Sessums is Curran: Under Construction’s recently announced occasional on-stage series of conversation and performance featuring today’s most compelling thought leaders and artists.

 

Kevin Sessums began his career as Executive Editor for Andy Warhol's Interview magazine before serving as contributing editor at Vanity Fair for fourteen years where he was also the Fanfair Editor.  He has been a contributing editor for Allure and Parade magazines and his work has appeared in Marie Claire, Elle, Playboy, Out, and Travel+Leisure.  For several years, he was a regular contributor to The Daily Beast.  His Facebook page has a large and loyal following.  Sessums's two memoirs, Mississippi Sissy and I Left It on the Mountain, have both been New York Times bestsellers. He lives at the top of Telegraph Hill in San Francisco with his dogs, Archie and Teddy.  

“Curran: Under Construction” features an array of wildly inventive and diverse works, each with ties to the Bay Area. This ground-breaking festival began with The Events (September 23 – 26) and The Object Lesson (October 14-18) and continues this Friday with Ghost Quartet (October 23-25 & 28-31), Steve Cuiffo is Lenny Bruce (November 19-21), Stew - Notes of a Native Song (December 3-5), Story Pirates’ Greatest Hits Show (December 12-13 & 19-20) and Taylor Mac’s 24-Decade History of Popular Music (January 17-31). Tickets for “Curran: Under Construction” offerings are priced from $25 to $50 and can be purchased by exclusively via Eventbrite by visiting SFCURRAN.COM, where you can also find all the latest information about “Curran: Under Construction” and plans for the new Curran theatre.

  

Built in 1922, the Curran has housed some of the most important productions in theater history and has maintained a reputation over the course of its life as one of the most prestigious live entertainment venues in North America.  Now, nearly 100 years after it welcomed its first Bay Area audiences, the Curran is undergoing a major restoration and renovation.  Under the curation of eight-time Tony Award winner Carole Shorenstein Hays, the Curran will reopen as a 1,600 seat venue in late 2016 with the new mission.  Inspired by the unique entrepreneurial spirit of the Bay Area, as well as Ms. Shorenstein Hays’s lifelong passion for creatively daring, cutting-edge material, the Curran will provide a home for a handpicked selection of the most exciting stage works being conceived and created anywhere in the world. 

 **

BROADWAY’S BEST GATHER TO PERFORM

THE WORKS OF WOMEN SONGWRITERS

THE LILLY AWARDS FOUNDATION

PRESENTS

“THE LILLY AWARDS BROADWAY CABARET”

DIRECTED BY LEIGH SILVERMAN

MUSIC DIRECTION BY GEORGIA STITT

ONE NIGHT ONLY!

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2015 AT 8:00PM

AT THE CUTTING ROOM

VIP RECEPTION BEGINS AT 5:30PM

DOORS OPEN AT 7:45PM 

 The Lilly Awards Foundation (Marsha Norman, President) proudly presents The Lilly Awards Broadway Cabaret, an evening of musical showstoppers written by women and performed by Broadway’s best to benefit The Lilly Awards Foundation whose mission is to promote gender parity at all levels of theatrical production, and develop and celebrate the work of women in the theater.

 The Lilly Awards Broadway Cabaret, directed by Leigh Silverman, and with musical direction by Georgia Stitt, is set for Monday, November 9, 2015 beginning at 8:00 p.m. at The Cutting Room (44 East 32^nd Street).  VIP Reception begins at 5:30 p.m. Doors open at 7:45 p.m. Tickets range from $75 to $400 and may be purchased at http://www.thelillyawards.org/ or https://www.artful.ly/store/events/7125.   Corporate Sponsorship Tables are also available for $2,500 for 4 seats, and $5,000 for 8 seats.

From legendary Broadway women songwriters to the brightest new stars, the one-night only cabaret will include show-stopping musical numbers from Beautiful - The Carole King Musical, Kinky Boots, Fun Home, The Color Purple, The Drowsy Chaperone, Runaways, Dr. Zhivago, It Shoulda Been You, and more.

The concert will feature the works of women songwriters Kristen Anderson‐Lopez, Barbara Anselmi, Carmel Dean, Lisa DeSpain, Bridget Everett, Jenny Giering, Julie Gold, Micki Grant, Amanda Green, Carole King, Lisa Kron, Lisa Lambert, Cyndi Lauper, Amy Powers, Lauren Pritchard, Brenda Russell, Lucy Simon, Jenny Stafford, Georgia Stitt, Elizabeth Swados, Shaina Taub, Jeanine Tesori, and Allee Willis. 

Featured performers will include Kate Baldwin (Big Fish, Giant, Finian’s Rainbow), Kelly Barrett (Dr. Zhivago, Wicked), Bridget Everett (Rock Bottom, Inside Amy Schumer), Gina Ferrall (She Loves Me, Mamma Mia), Amanda Green (Hands on a Hardbody, Bring It On, The Musical), Julie Gold (Grammy Award-winner for “From a Distance”), Joshua Henry (The Scottsboro Boys, Violet), Joaquina Kalukango (The Color Purple, The Wild Party), Chilina Kennedy (Beautiful - The Carole King Musical), Lesli Margherita (Matilda, Dames At Sea), Kenita Miller (The Wild Party, The Color Purple), Bonnie Milligan (Jasper in Deadland), Tam Mutu (Dr. Zhivago, Les Misérablés), Billy Porter (Kinky Boots), Emily Skeggs (Fun Home), Shania Taub (Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812), and Sally Wilfert (Assassins) who will be joined by  Young Broadway stars Grace Capeless (The Lion King), Bonale Fambrini (The King and I), Akira Golz (Matilda), Sydney Lucas (Fun Home), Jake Lucas (The King and I), and Alexandria Suarez (On Your Feet) who will perform a number together.  Additional singers and songwriters will be announced shortly.

Follow @thelillyawards and https://www.facebook.com/TheLillyAwards.   

** 

NEW YORK STAGE AND FILM

WILL HONOR

STAR OF STAGE AND SCREEN

B I L L   P U L L M A N

& TONY^® AWARD-WINNING LIGHTING DESIGNER

D O N A L D   H O L D E R

AT THEIR ANNUAL WINTER GALA

JULIE TAYMOR, ED HARRIS & AMY MADIGAN

TO SERVE AS CO-CHAIRS

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2015

AT THE PLAZA HOTEL

New York Stage and Film (Johanna Pfaelzer, Artistic Director; Thomas Pearson, Executive Director; Mark Linn-Baker, Max Mayer, Leslie Urdang, Producing Directors) is thrilled to announce that its annual Winter Gala will honor star of stage and screen Bill Pullman, whose decades-long career includes starring roles in the blockbuster film Independence Day, While You Were Sleeping and Broadway’s The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?;  as well as 2-time Tony^® Award-winner and 11-time nominee Donald Holder, lighting designer of Broadway’s The Lion King, The King & I, and the upcoming Fiddler on the Roof revival, among countless others.  The Winter Gala will be held on Sunday, November 15, 2015 at The Plaza Hotel (770 Fifth Avenue, New York City).  For more information on New York Stage and Film, please visit http://www.newyorkstageandfilm.org/. 

** 

EPIC THEATRE ENSEMBLE

PRESENTS THE WORLD PREMIERE OF

“PIKE ST.”

A NEW PLAY

WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY

OBIE AWARD-WINNER

NILAJA SUN

ARTIST'S FIRST NEW SOLO WORK SINCE INTERNATIONAL HIT

"NO CHILD…"

PREVIEWS BEGIN NOVEMBER 10 

IN THE EXPERIMENTAL THEATER

AT ABRONS ART CENTER

OPENING NIGHT SET FOR NOVEMBER 15

 Epic Theatre Ensemble is proud to announce the world premiere production of Pike St., Nilaja Sun’s first solo show since her international hit, the OBIE Award-winning No Child…. Pike St., written and performed by Ms. Sun and directed by Epic’s Executive Director Ron Russell, will begin performances on Tuesday, November 10, 2015 in the experimental theater at Abrons Art Center (466 Grand Street). Opening Night is set for Sunday, November 15^th at 8:00 PM.

In the shadow of the Manhattan Bridge, a struggling family prepares to ride out the next big storm.  Unable to move her teenaged daughter Candace—whose mysterious aneurysm has rendered her unable to move or breathe on her own—out of their crumbling tenement, Evelyn plans for more than just survival: she fights for healing and redemption. With Pike St., Nilaja Sun uses her trademark humor, political incisiveness, and virtuosity to bring to life the entirety of the Lower East Side, from decorated Puerto Rican war veteran Manny, to octogenarian downstairs neighbor Mrs. Applebaum, to Candace herself.  Pike St. also marks Sun’s return home to the Abrons Arts Center, where she took her first acting class and began her extraordinary artistic journey.

 For ticket information, performance schedule and further information, please visit PikeSt.nyc or call Abrons Art Center at (212) 598-0400

** 

 

CELEBRATING A LIFETIME OF ACHIEVEMENT IN MUSICAL THEATRE

THE YORK THEATRE COMPANY

TO HONOR BROADWAY AND HOLLYWOOD LEGEND

ANGELA LANSBURY

24^TH OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN AWARD GALA

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2015

AT GUASTAVINO’S

DIRECTED BY KURT STAMM

MUSIC DIRECTION BY ANDREW GERLE

SPECIAL GUESTS INCLUDE BROADWAY’S

LEN CARIOU, JAMES EARL JONES, ALAN MENKEN,

BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL, BRAD OSCAR, TOM RHOADS, KAREN ZIEMBA,

 --AND MORE!

The York Theatre Company (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director; Evans Haile, Interim Director) will honor Broadway Executive y and Hollywood legend Angela Lansbury with the 2015 Oscar Hammerstein Award for Lifetime Achievement in Musical Theatre on Monday, November 16, 2015 at Guastavino’s (409 East 59^th Street). 

The Reception begins at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:00, with concert and award ceremony at 8:00 p.m.  Benefit Committee Co-Chairs are Joan Ross Sorkin, Riki Kane Larimer, and Charlotte Rosenblatt. For additional information, pricing, and reservations, please visit www.yorktheatre.org, - call Julie Griffith at (212) 935-5824, ext 213, or via email at jgriffith @yorktheatre.org.

**

DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND HUNTINGTON THEATRE COMPANY EXTENDS
“A CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES” TO DECEMBER 20

Due to popular demand, the Huntington Theatre Company announces the addition of one week of performances to its run of the world premiere production of A Confederacy of Dunces. The show will now play through December 20, 2015 at the Boston University Theatre. Previews begin Wednesday, November 11; Opening Night is Wednesday, November 18. A new block of tickets are now on sale.

 A Confederacy of Dunces is adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher from the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by John Kennedy Toole, directed by David Esbjornson (Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner and All My Sons) and featuring Nick Offerman of NBC’s “Parks and Recreation.”   

For more information, visit huntingtontheatre.org

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And that's the scoop. Tune in tomorrow for another Talking Topic.