I started this blog with one daughter, kept it up with the other, to spend time together doing something we enjoyed.
However, things change and people evolve. My daughters are older, busier, and not as interested in writing.
From now on this blog will be mostly mom with occasional contributions from my daughters and maybe even my husband.
Nothing else will change. We'll still focus on sharing fun places to go, fun things to do, and more, and we would  still love to hear your views too

Sunday, June 30, 2019

Sunday Scoop Week of 6/30/19 - What's Happening This Week or Coming Up Soon

In This Week's Scoop

1)  Historic Philadelphia Summer Events
     Independence After Hours Tours, Military Muster, Storytelling Benches,
     Betsy Ross House Events -Flag Raising, Meet Phillis, Independence Day Bash,
     1st Friday Movies
     Franklin Square Events - Chinese Lantern Festival, Storytime in the Square
     Valley Forge Events - Once Upon a Nation Storytelling Benches, Secrets & Spies
2)  Upcoming at iPlay America
      Christmas in July, Fourth of July
3) Upcoming at State Theatre New Jersey
     Free Summer Movie - Captain America, The First Avenger
4)  Maxine Linehan Announces The Summer Sessions Season 2
5) FREE Summer Theater - "The Bacchae" with Classical Theatre of Harlem
6) Wendy Hillard Gymnastics Foundation Well Balanced Summer Camp for Urban Youth

PR Firm Roundup

7) News from DDPR
   7A) The White Dress, A Genderqueer Coming of Age Tale Begins at Access Theater
   7B) Zayd Dohrn's Dark Comedy, Reborning, to Play Soho Playhouse
   7C) Illuminati Lizards from Outerspace at the New York Musical Festival
8) News from DKC/O&M
    8A) Broadway Podcast The Fabulous Invalid Completes First Season with Hilary Clinton 
    8B) Marvel & Samuel French Team Up to Launch Marvel Spotlight
    8C) Vassar & NewYork Stage and Film's 35th Powerhouse Season
9) News from JT Public Relations
     Dog Man: The Musical Begins Performances
10) News from Karen Greco PR
      Pas De Deux: A Performance Summer Salon at The Wild Project   
11) News from Polk and Co.
      11A) Beetlejuice Releases New Block of Tickets
      11B) The Prom Announces Adds New Cast Members and Announces Closing Date
12) News from Richard Hillman PR
      I Spy A Spy Begins Performances at Theatre at St. Clements July 5

1) Historic Philadelphia 
Summer Events


Now – August 10 (also July 1), Tuesdays - Saturdays: 3:45 pm
Declaration Reading
Behind Independence Hall

Greet the History Makers, favorite characters from the Once Upon A Nation stories come to life, and hear moving readings from the Declaration of Independence.

Now – August 10 Tuesdays – Saturdays, 5:30 pm 
(No tour July 3)
Independence After Hours Tours

Independence After Hours is an evening walking tour visiting some of the landmarks of Philadelphia’s Historic District and immersing the visitor with Colonial characters who bring history to life right in the place where it happened. Created in partnership with Independence National Historical Park, this exclusive opportunity to visit inside Independence Hall at night after public hours shows what those late nights of the summer of 1776 were like for the Founding Fathers. The evening begins with a delicious three-course meal at the Historic City Tavern where Colonial townspeople entertain guests. The Colonial host then “sneaks” everyone into the Pennsylvania State House (Independence Hall), once he talks his way past the vigilant night watchman. Inside the Hall, visitors witness several Founding Fathers deep in discussion over the creation of the Declaration of Independence. 

Departs from the Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. 3rd St. (Tours on July 2 and 4 will depart from the Museum of the American Revolution at 6pm)

Recommended to arrive 30 minutes in advance to pick up tickets.

Now– August 10 (also July 1), Tuesdays - Saturdays: 2 and 3 pm
Military Muster

The Continental Army is looking for a few good kids for fun and entertaining drills in the art of marching and musket etiquette.

Now– August 10 Tuesdays-Saturdays: 11 am - 4 pm 
(also July 1, July 4:1 – 5pm)
ONCE UPON A  NATION STORYTELLING BENCHES

Thirteen one-of-a-kind award-winning Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches are scattered all over Philadelphia’s Historic District, telling riveting stories of our nation’s  history in the places where they actually happened. Specially-trained, uniformed storytellers delight and entertain with free, short 3-to-5-minute stories while sharing the secrets of Philadelphia’s and America’s history. Children can pick up a Story Flag at any storytelling bench, then collect a star from every storyteller on their journey. Flags with all the stars can be redeemed for a History Hero Certificate and a free carousel ride on the Parx Liberty Carousel in Franklin Square. The Once Upon A Nation Frances Delmar Future Storyteller Contest will return on August 3. (Visit historicphiladelphia.org for more information on the Future Storyteller Contest)

The free storytelling benches will be at these 13 locations in the Historic District:
1. Independence Visitor Center
2. Independence Square, behind Independence Hall
3. Signer's Garden
4. Carpenters' Hall
5. The Powel House
6. Museum of the American Revolution
7. Franklin Court
8. Christ Church
9. Elfreth's Alley
10. Betsy Ross House
11. Arch Street Meeting House
12. National Constitution Center
13. Franklin Square


Betsy Ross House Events

Discover the life behind the legend in a new exhibit, Stitching the Story Together: Betsy Ross and the American Flag. This permanent installation explores Betsy Ross and the work that made her one of the most well-known women in American history. From her work in upholstery and flag making to a larger than life painting, explore truths and misconceptions about Betsy Ross and learn how her story grew from an oral tradition to a house museum visited by hundreds of thousands of people every year.

Now – September 2, daily, 10 am 
Flag Raising at the Betsy Ross House
239 Arch Street

Start your day in the charming Betsy Ross House courtyard with Betsy Ross and one of her Colonial friends, raising the thirteen-star flag with pomp and circumstance.

July 4 – November 30, Thursdays – Sundays, noon – 5 pm
Meet Phillis at the Betsy Ross House 

A free African American woman who was born into slavery in Philadelphia, Phillis went to school to learn to read and was then indentured where she acquired valuable domestic skills, such as cooking and laundry, which she used to support herself when she received her freedom at the age of 21. As a free woman of color, she lived in a growing and active community of free blacks in 18th century Philadelphia.

July 4, 11 am - 3 pm
Betsy’s Independence Day Bash

Activities for kids, a children’s naturalization ceremony at 1:30 pm, ceremonial bell ringing at 2 pm. FREE

July 5, 5 pm 
First Friday Movie Under the Stars and Stripes  - 
War of the Colossal Beast
Plus Extended Hours at the Betsy Ross House

$5 admission includes a tour of the Betsy Ross House and a movie in the courtyard. Visitors are encouraged to bring food and a bottle of wine to watch the movie. 


Franklin Square Events

Franklin Square: 6th & Race Streets. Franklin Square opens daily, 7 days a week, at 10 am. SquareBurger is open 7 days a week starting April 19 beginning at 11:30 am until 1 hour before the Square closes. Hours vary by season. All hours are weather permitting.

July 1 – September 2: daily, 10 am - 9 pm; Fri & Sat, until 10 pm 

·    Philly Mini Golf: Putt around the city on this Philadelphia-themed miniature golf course. $10 adults/$8 children (3-12), FREE for children under 2
·      Parx Liberty Carousel: A zebra, a lion, an eagle, horses and more! Hop on this spectacular all-American style carousel with hometown racehorse heroes Afleet Alex and Smarty Jones. $3 per person (adult or child), FREE for children under 2
·    Playgrounds: Slides, swings, and spinners…bring the kids and enjoy two playgrounds! Open year-round and free.
·    Franklin Square Fountain Show (Opens July 31) – Swing along with the sights and sounds of this new free attraction with choreographed “performances,” of fountain jets dancing magically with dramatic lighting and music both day and night. Daytime performances run every 30 minutes from 12 – 2 pm daily. Evening performances begin at 6 pm daily and run every 30 minutes until closing
.·    SquareBurger: SquareBurger has a delicious menu operated by Cooperage. The signature Cake Shake blended with Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpets®, will continue to be a highlight along with a changing Shake-of-the-Month and Burger-of-the-Month.
                                     
2019 Special Events at Franklin Square

All free activities are available during stated times or while supplies last

Now extended until July 14daily, 6 - 11 pm
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square

The spectacular festival in Franklin Square is a celebration of light and culture that features magnificent steel-framed and silk-wrapped giant lighted sculptures, created by hand using traditional Chinese methods. The 2019 Festival will illuminate Franklin Square at 6th & Race Streets in Historic Philadelphia from May 1 – July 14 with 27 larger-than-life illuminated displays made of 2,000 individual lanterns and 20,000 LED lights in brilliant colors. All of the lanterns will be new for the 2019 Festival, including new lighting design techniques. Highlights feature a 200-foot long phoenix, a walk-through dragon tunnel, mythological creatures created from small glass bottles filled with colored water, and a host of interactive installations such as a fortune-telling wheel. The lanterns are installed all around the seven-acre Square, and guests stroll under, around, and through the displays each evening. In addition to the gorgeous light installations, festival-goers will witness authentic cultural stage performances. Visitors can taste Asian cuisine and American favorites, drink a toast at the Dragon Beer Garden open nightly, and shop for Chinese folk artists’ crafts created on site as well as Festival-themed merchandise. Guests can also play Philly Mini Golf, ride the Parx Liberty Carousel (additional tickets required for both), and enjoy Center City’s best play place. The lanterns are able to be viewed for free during daylight hours, while a ticket is required for nighttime entrance (no re-entry). The Festival is open 6 – 11 pm, 7 days a week.

Now – August 26, Mondays, 10 - 11 am 
Storytime in the Square 

Librarian Margaret Bernardi of the Independence Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia reads free stories to children in the Franklin Square Pavilion.

Valley Forge Events

Now – August 11, daily: 11 am - 4 pm
Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches at Valley Forge
3 locations: Visitor Center, Muhlenberg Brigade and General Washington’s Headquarters, FREE

Guaranteed to educate and entertain, these one-of-a-kind Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches are in three locations around Valley Forge National Historical Park.  Storytellers, trained at the unique Benstitute, share riveting stories of the encampment, and how it became a turning point in the Revolutionary War. Short, 3-to-5-minute stories are told for free at one of the signature 13-foot curved benches.  The Once Upon A Nation Frances Delmar Future Storyteller Contest will return on August 11.

July 4: 12:30 & 2:00 pm  July 6, 13, 20, 27, August 3, 10 & 17: 12:30 pm
Valley Forge Secrets & Spies
Tour departs from the Train Station at General Washington’s Headquarters

George Washington needs help! There’s rumor of a plot to have him kidnapped at Valley Forge. Be the first to enlist and join a spy network to uncover the traitors involved. Learn 18th-century spy techniques including invisible ink, counterespionage, and looking for secret messages as young guests work with operatives to foil the plot. FREE

Check www.historicphiladelphia.org for complete schedule
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2) Upcoming at iPlay America
110 Schank Rd.
Freehold, NJ

Christmas in July, Fourth of July

July 1 -31 Christmas in July

 Park and Online Offer July 1, 2019- July 31, 2019
  • Purchase $50 in Gift Cards, Receive $10 in Bonus Play ($10 Bonus valid Aug 1st 2019 - October 31st 2019 only).
  • Purchase the Premium All Season Pass for just $99 and the Gamer All Season Pass for just $79.99.
  • Book your upcoming holiday party by August 31st and receive $750 towards next booked event.
July 4 Fourth of July

Free, unlimited ride pass with purchase of game card of $10 or higher. Valid only on July 4, 2019.

All Day
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3) Upcoming at 
State Theater New Jersey
15 Livingston Ave.
New Brunswick, NJ

Free Summer Movie - 
Captain America, The First Avenger

Wednesday July 3, 6:30 PM

For more information or to reserve tickets, visit www.stnj.org/event/captain-america
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4) MAXINE LINEHAN - 
THE SUMMER SESSIONS SEASON 2
LIVE FROM THE STUDIO 
AT STRAWBERRY FIELDS LANE

 Internationally acclaimed concert and recording artist and Manchester resident Maxine Linehan returns with the second season of the popular summer seriesTHE SUMMER SESSIONS LIVE FROM STRAWBERRY FIELDS LANE. Every Friday July 5th – August 23rd, Maxine will release an acoustic cover, performed, recorded and filmed live at The Studio at Strawberry Fields Lane. Featuring an eclectic mix of music and starring world-class guest musicians including Andrew Koss, Taconic Chamber Players, Eric Hangen, Will Seeders Mosheim and Felix McTigue, the series will be available to watch on Maxine’s Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/maxinemusic/ and her YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/maxinelinehan
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5) FREE Summer Theater - 
"The Bacchae" 
with Classical Theatre of Harlem

A Decadent Tale About the Dangers of Dichotomies 
FREE Outdoor Theater Production in 
Harlem’s Marcus Garvey Park Directed by Carl Cofield 
with Choreography by Tiffany Rea-Fisher

Previews: July 6-7 and 9-10, 2019 Opening Night: Thursday, July 11, 2019 Closing Night: Sunday, July 28, 2019 Performances: Tuesday – Sunday at 8:30PM

The Classical Theatre of Harlem (Ty Jones, Producing Artistic Director) presents “The Bacchae” inspired by Bryan Doerries’ new version of Euripides’ classic Greek tragedy. Back for its seventh season of free theater performances and affectionately known as the “Uptown Shakespeare in the Park,” the Classical Theatre of Harlem (CTH) is thrilled to return to Marcus Garvey Park this summer presenting a work that continues the company’s investigation of the current political and social climate via the Greek classics.

Set in the modern era, Dionysus (God of wine and ecstasy) returns to his hometown in order to clear his mother’s name and punish the insolent city for not allowing its citizens to worship him. The clash between Dionysus, played as a modern-day rock star and his cousin Pentheus, the uncompromising and moralistic king of the city, examines the consequences of a general public that blindly follows two vastly different leaders. Dionysus represents unbridled freedom and excess while on the other end of the spectrum, Pentheus epitomizes excessive law, order and rigidity. As society slides into fear and tribalism, its citizen’s rationale becomes clouded as they blindly take orders and pick sides rather than seek moderation and rationality.

CTH’s interpretation is a lush and modern version of the classic Greek tragedy that tackles the ills of a culture obsessed with celebrity worship, social media and fear of the other, causing people to lose the ability to see the truth — that people in power are fallible…until it’s far too late.

An updated version that is suitable for older children (10 and up), CTH’s adaptation of “The Bacchae” accomplishes a fidelity to the original while giving the company the flexibility to showcase the ways in which ancient ideas have taken center stage in the current political and social climate. Calling on the cultural landscape of African American traditions, while adhering to the Greek tragic form, this fresh reimagining of the classic story will captivate, stun and inspire audiences from all backgrounds.

TICKETING INFORMATION
The Classical Theatre of Harlem’s production of “The Bacchae” will be showing at:
18 Mt Morris Park W, New York, NY 10027
Enter the park at 124th Street & Fifth Avenue and walk south to the venue.
Tickets: FREE to general public, no reservations required.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
The Classical Theatre of Harlem’s Uptown Shakespeare in the Park production of “The Bacchae” runs in preview July 6-7 and 9-10. Opening Night is Thursday, July 11, 2019. The show closes on Sunday, July 28, 2019. Performances are held Tuesday - Sunday at 8:30pm.
Previews:  July 6-7 and 9-10, 2019
Opening Night:  July 11, 2019
Closing Night: July 28, 2019

*Note: In event of inclement weather, notice of show cancellations will be made via The Classical Theatre of Harlem’s website and social media pages, please refer to below for web addresses.
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6) From the Balance Beam to a Well-Balanced Diet, 
Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics 
Foundation Camp 
Offering More than Just Sport This Summer

Harlem’s only Gymnastics Camp for NYC Youthpartners with Citywide Organizations to provide children with enhanced New York City experience and exposure to healthy habits and lifestyles

 It’s not just about the balance beams for the Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation (WHGF), it’s also about the bites.  WHGF, a nonprofit organization that provides free and low-cost quality gymnastics programs for urban youth, is adapting to meet the needs of its students this summer by teaming up with community partners to expand its camp offerings to include a variety of programs that enhance students’ general wellbeing.  Throughout its 23 years of existence in Harlem, WHGF has attracted more and more youth from Washington Heights, the Bronx and beyond, as a preeminent organization unlike any other program the City has to offer. 

In an effort to educate its participants beyond just the sport of gymnastics, WHGF camp will offer workshops in partnership with Hospital for Special Surgery’s (HSS) Super Nutrition Education for All Kids to Eat Right (SNEAKER©) and Sports Safety. Educators of the HSS Sports Safety team will be on-site to teach athletes motor learning and how to reduce the risk of injury. Above and beyond the WHGF camp policy of bringing a healthy lunch, HSS Clinical Nutritionists will educate students on the importance of athletic nutrition by leading interactive workshops.

With more than a quarter of the WHGF student population hailing from the Bronx, WHGF has partnered with Bronx Bound Books, a unique mobile bookstore on wheels, which travels throughout neighborhoods to bring literature to people of all ages. Bronx-native Latanya DeVaughn, founder of Bronx Bound Books, will host workshops on poetry and reading during WHGF summer camp encouraging children, teenagers, and parents to read. 

WHGF camp will run for six weeks beginning Monday, July 8 for ages 7 to 17 at the historic Harlem Armory, which is managed by the Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ).  The HCZ partners with the WHGF to provide gymnastics programs to their students as well as the community throughout the year.  For more information on the WHGF, or to sign-up for summer camp, please visit: www.wendyhilliard.org
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PR Firm Roundup

7) News from DD PR


7A) WHITE DRESS - A Genderqueer Coming of Age Tale for the They/Them Generation Begins Previews 

July 5 at Access Theater


JULY 5-20, 2019 AT THE ACCESS THEATER


THE WHITE DRESS, written by Roger Q. Mason and directed and choreographed by Adin Walker will have a limited engagement Summer run, July 5-20 at the Access Theater, 380 Broadway. Based on the playwright’s true-life experience, this is a genderqueer coming-of-age tale for the they/them generation.  www.thewhitedressplay.com


Meet the Howard family: Theo is a busy black attorney; Hazel is his dutiful Filipina wife; and their son is bright, promising Jonathan.  No, fuck that - here’s the Howard family:Theo has been pushed in the closet; Hazel’s Tiger mom tactics have kept him there; and all Jonathan wants to do is kiss Winnie, wear femme clothes, and love themself. Part religious rite, part dance/performance, THE WHITE DRESS is Jonathan Howard’s genderqueer coming-of-age journey through familial shaming, peer bullying, and unrequited love to redefine what male looks, sounds and feels like.  Underscored live by Brooklyn-based DJ SunSon PDX and directed and choreographed by Adin Walker, THE WHITE DRESS features a music and movement score that accentuates Jonathan’s odyssey to be free in their own skin. 


Performances of THE WHITE DRESS are on Wednesdays through Sundays at 8 pm.


Tickets for THE WHITE DRESSare $25 for general admission and $35 for reserved seating. For tickets and more info, visit: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4252699


**
7B) Zayd Dohrn's Unsettling Dark Comedy REBORNING at SoHo Playhouse

The Vancouver, BC-based theater company Reality Curve & Soho Playhouse invite you to the strictly limited engagement of Zayd Dohrn’s REBORNING, an unsettling dark comedy that explores love, loss, trauma and the power of creation through the lens of the unusual art of reborning. REBORNING features CW star Emily Bett Rickards (Arrow, Brooklyn), Paul Piaskowski (Unspeakable, The Twilight Zone), and Lori Triolo (Riverdale, The 4400) who also directs. Performances begin on Friday, July 5th  and run through Saturday, August 3rd at the SoHo Playhouse, 15 Vandam Street. The official opening night is set for Friday, July 12th


Kelly is a Reborning artist, she creates lifelike dolls. These dolls are often based on real babies – sometimes for collectors, other times for mothers dealing with the loss of their infants. Kelly lives with her boyfriend Daizy who is a sculptor of a different variety. Things take a dramatic turn for them both when new client Emily commissions baby dollEva. The dark comedy that ensues takes an unsettling look at love, loss, trauma, and the power of creation.


Kelly is a Reborning artist, she creates lifelike dolls. These dolls are often based on real babies – sometimes for collectors, other times for mothers dealing with the loss of their infants. Kelly lives with her boyfriend Daizy who is a sculptor of a different variety. Things take a dramatic turn for them both when new client Emily commissions baby dollEva. The dark comedy that ensues takes an unsettling look at love, loss, trauma, and the power of creation.


Performances of REBORNING are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00PM; Sundays at 7:00PM and there is a 2PM matinee on Saturday, July 27. There are 27 performances in total. 


For more information or to purchase tickets, visit 

**
7C) Illuminati Lizards From Outerspace Will Descend Upon New York 
July 8-13 at NYMF

At the Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre

Sci-Fi fans and conspiracy theorists are getting their very own musical comedy this Summer, as ILLUMINATI LIZARDS FROM OUTER SPACE descends upon Manhattan – as part of the New York Musical Festival, July 8 – 13th at the Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre. 


When beauty-pageant contestant Tina Lyons is cheated out of her rightful first place in the finale of a Ms. Beautiful World competition, she admits herself into the Savra Wellness Centre for Spiritual and Mental Wellbeing to rebalance her life. Little does she know, she’s accidentally checked-in to a top-secret operation run by Illuminati-lizard Overlords using the hospital as a cover. They’re on a mission to colonize the planet. The problem is – they’re awful at their job and they’re running out of time before the mission is canceled and planet earth is annihilated.


Believing these lizard aliens to be yet another symptom of her own overworked psyche, Tina decides to help her new friends ‘conquer the earth’ by staging their very own Beauty Pageant, using their DNA altering ‘human cream’ as first prize. As it tracks the rise, fall, then rise again of Tina Lyons, ILLUMINATI LIZARDS FROM OUTER SPACE dances us through passionate, catchy, rock & roll all of which describes the striking music of Illuminati Lizards from Outer Space. Not to mention a theme that crawls inside your head like an intergalactic ear-worm and refuses to let go of your mind. 


Performances of ILLUMINATI LIZARDS FROM OUTER SPACE are on Monday, July 8, 2019 at 7:00 pm; Thursday, July 11, 2019 at 5:00 pm; Thursday, July 11, 2019 at 9:00 pm; Friday, July 12, 2019 at 1:00 pm and on Saturday, July 13, 2019 at 9:00 pm.


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8) News from DKC/O&M

8A) BROADWAY PODCAST “THE FABULOUS INVALID” COMPLETES SEASON 1 
WITH EXCLUSIVE HILLARY CLINTON EPISODE — SEASON 2 TO LAUNCH THIS SEPTEMBER


The Fabulous Invalid, featuring co-hosts Jamie Du MontLeslie KritzerRob Russo, and Jennifer Simard, launched on September 19, 2018 and has released a new episode every Wednesday since.

Select Season One episodes were recorded from the group’s usual table at the famed theatre-district restaurant Orso.

Season Two of The Fabulous Invalid will launch this September.


SE ASON ONE EPISODES

September 19, 2018:
Tony, Academy Award winner, and theatrical legend, Joel Grey

September 26, 2018:
Two-time Tony Award winner Donna Murphy

October 3, 2018:
Eric Schaeffer and Maggie Boland of the Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA

October 10, 2018:
Actress and Director Marsha Mason

October 17, 2018:
Tony Award honoree, photographer Joan Marcus

October 24, 2018:
Lucille Lortel and Outer Critics Circle Award-winning actor and playwright Jocelyn Bioh

October 31, 2018:
Olivier Award winner and Tony Award nominee Tracie Bennett

November 7, 2018:
Six-time Tony Award-winning lighting designer Natasha Katz

November 15, 2018:
Actor, singer, and comedian Jackie Hoffman

November 21, 2018
Architect and Tony Award-winning designer David Rockwell

November 28, 2018:
Tony Award-nominated actor, writer, director, arts educator and theater maker Arian Moayed

December 5, 2018:
Tony Award-winning playwright, librettist, screenwriter, and activist David Henry Hwang

December 12, 2018:
Actor and playwright Eric Ulloa

December 19, 2018:
Tony Award nominated actress Ashley Park

December 26, 2018:
Rob’s Top Ten Favorites of 2018

January 2, 2019:
Broadway showstopper, and 2019 Theatre World Award winner, Bonnie Milligan

January 9 & 16, 2019
A very special two-part episode with Tony Award nominated book writer and playwright Rick Elice

January 23, 2019:
Actor Noah Galvin

January 30, 2019:
Tony Award nominated actress Christine Andreas

February 6, 2019:
Jon Hoche and the voodoo puppeteers of King Kong

February 13, 2019: 
Aladdin’s Jacob Dickey, discussing being an understudy.

February 20, 2019:
American Theatre Wing President Heather Hitchens and author Patrick Pacheco, discussing the American Theatre Wing’s centennial book

February 27, 2019:
Tony Award nominee Mary Testa and 2019 Tony Award winner Ali Stroker of the Tony Award-winning revival of Oklahoma!

March 6, 2019:
Spring Forward!

March 13, 2019:
Actor Jose Llana

March 20, 2019:
Chief Creative Officer of the Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization, Ted Chapin

March 27, 2019:
Tony and Drama Desk Award winner Beth Leavel

April 3, 2019:
Ted Sperling and John Miller of the NYU Broadway Orchestra

April 10, 2019:
The Jungle playwright Joe Robertson, on location at Curran theater, San Francisco

April 17, 2019:
Tony Award-winning choreographer Warren Carlyle

April 24, 2019:
Two-time Tony and Olivier Award-winning director Des McAnuff

May 1, 2019:
Casting Director Tara Rubin

May 8, 2019:
Dear Evan Hansen’s Michael Park and Jennifer Laura Thompson

May 15, 2019:
A peek inside the Shubert Archive

May 22, 2019:
2019 Tony Award winner André de Shields

May 29, 2019:
Tony Award Predictions

June 5, 2019:
Tony Award-winning Broadway producer Tom Hulce

June 13, 2019:
Live from The Carlyle at 11th annual O&M Tony Party


**
8B) MARVEL

AND

SAMUEL FRENCH

TEAM UP TO LAUNCH MARVEL SPOTLIGHT, 

A ONE-ACT 

PLAY COLLECTION

Samuel Frencha Concord Theatricals company, and Marvel Entertainment announce the launch of Marvel Spotlight, a collection of stage plays featuring Marvel characters in relatable situations, with storylines that explore relevant contemporary themes.

Starring the iconic Super Heroes Ms. Marvel, Squirrel Girl and Thor, these one-act plays are now available for retail purchase as well as licensing within the educational theatre market atmarvelspotlightplays.com. Designed specifically for the high school demographic, the Marvel Spotlight plays explore universal challenges facing 21st century young adults, including self-image, understanding vulnerability, adjusting to change, the importance of responsibility, and being true to oneself.

The first set of plays released in the Marvel Spotlight collection are: Mirror of Most Value: A Ms. Marvel Play by Masi Asare, where Kamala Kahn has to accept herself just as she is—imperfections and all—if she is to become the hero of her dreams; Squirrel Girl Goes to College: A Squirrel Girl Play by Karen Zacarías, which follows Doreen Green as she attempts to reinvent herself and make “normal” human friends at a new school; and Hammered: A Thor & Loki Play by Christian Borle, where teenage Thor and Loki compete for the favor of their parents through Asgardian rites of passage.

The Marvel Spotlight plays have been created with all types of educational institutions in mind, aiming to be easy to produce on any budget and in a variety of spaces, from a cafetorium to a full-scale theater. The one-act plays are licensed at $75/performance for one play or $125/performance for two or more plays.

For more information on licensing Marvel Spotlight plays, or to purchase retail copies, visit marvelspotlightplays.com.


**
8C)VASSAR & NEW YORK STAGE AND FILM’S
35TH POWERHOUSE SEASON

The  Powerhouse Season will feature two main stage productions in the Powerhouse Theater:

the bandaged place (Now – July 7)
by Harrison David Rivers
directed by David Mendizábal

Jonah is a dancer.
Jonah is injured.
Jonah has an ex-boyfriend

When a former lover resurfaces, re-opening a painful wound, Jonah is forced to turn to his funny, precocious daughter and tough-love grandmother for support. A brutal and lyrical portrait of the things we hang on to and the price of moving forward, this Relentless Award-winning play tells of one man’s attempt to free himself from the abuses of his past.

Lightning (or The Unbuttoning) (July 18-28)
by Beth Henley
directed by Mark Brokaw
In a cabin high on a peak surrounded by the blue mountains and a vibrant, swirling sky, a young woman is visited by a traveling salesman as a lightning storm brews. A mysterious, mystical visitor, he awakens in her the promise and the peril of something more. Pulitzer Prize-winner Beth Henley returns to Powerhouse with this story of resilience and determination in an unforgiving world.
The musical workshop presentations, in the Vogelstein Center for Drama & Film’s Martel Theater will include three exciting new projects:


Annie Salem: An American Tale (July 5-7)
adapted from the novel by Mac Wellman
book by Rachel Chavkin
music by Heather Christian
lyrics by Heather Christian and Rachel Chavkin
directed by Rachel Chavkin

An otherworldly journey into the jagged heart of rust-belt Ohio, where blue monkeys play in the wreckage of post-industrial America, and where high school boy Jack Scan is in love with the prettiest girl in town. This timely adaptation of Mac Wellman’s wry, surrealist coming-of-age story, adapted by Tony Award-winner Rachel Chavkin (HadestownThe Great Comet) and Obie Award-winner Heather Christian (Animal Wisdom), travels through time and space, to Mars and back again as it tries to make sense of the forces lurking in the American woods.

The Elementary Spacetime Show (July 12-14)
music and lyrics by César Alvarez
book by César Alvarez with Emily Orling
directed by Sarah Benson
You can die, you just have to answer a few crazy questions first. And sing. And dance.
A young girl attempts suicide and wakes up trapped in a cosmic vaudevillian game show that she must win in order to enter the void of death. But the more she wants to die, the harder she has to work. A new musical of why to exist when you no longer want to, with up-tempo genre-bending songs and a healthy dose of the absurd from the creators of Futurity.
Goddess (July 26-28)
conceived by Saheem Ali
music and lyrics by Michael Thurber
book by Jocelyn Bioh
additional lyrics by Mkhululi Z. Mabija
directed by Saheem Ali

A young man returns home to the African coastal city of Mombasa, Kenya, to marry his betrothed and step into his family’s political dynasty. But when he visits Moto Moto – a steamy afro-jazz club and the stomping ground of his youth – he finds himself drawn to a beautiful, mysterious new singer. Soon, he must decide whether to fulfill the legacy of his lineage, or give in to his love of music and a newfound attraction. A story of love, destiny, the spirit world, and the power of passion, inspired by the ancient myth of Marimba, the goddess of music.

This summer’s ‘Inside Look’ Workshops to be presented in the Martel Theater and Susan Stein Shiva Theater are:

…and the horse you rode in on (June 20-22)
by Zach Helm
directed by Kate Whoriskey

The story of Ben, a young hacktivist federally incarcerated for digital civil-disobedience, who attempts to bring the entire US Judiciary to its knees from the inside. While he creates computer code he thinks will combat totalitarianism, his mother attempts to negotiate for his freedom and mental health. The first of a cycle of plays by celebrated theater, film, and television writer Zach Helm set in the world of international cyber-espionage and the human lives it has torn apart.

The Best We Could (a family tragedy) (July 25-27)
by Emily Feldman
directed by Daniel Aukin

A daughter’s road trip with her father becomes a theatrical journey across more than just state lines. This funny, wise, and heartbreaking debut from an exciting new writer will be brought to vibrant life by director Daniel Aukin.

This summer’s readings will include free public presentations of works in progress, including:

Sanctuary City by Martyna Majok, directed by Rebecca Frecknall (July 13 at 5pm)
   Becky Nurse of Salem by Sarah Ruhl (July 19 at 8pm)
              Delusion by Proxy by Brooke Adams, directed by Ethan Silverman (July 20 at 12pm)
  The Paper Dreams of Harry Chin by Jessica Huang, directed by Lee Sunday Evans
  (July 20 at 5pm)
  The Excavation of Mary Anning by Ian August, directed by Sammi Cannold (July 21 at 4pm)

Additional projects and artists in residence include Williamsburg, book by Jason Katims, music by Tom Kitt, lyrics by Marcy HeislerLike Water For Chocolate, a new musical adaptation of Laura Esquivel’s novel by Lisa Loomer and La Santa Cecilia, directed by Michael Mayer; and the Lark Play Development Center.

Members of the noted Powerhouse Theater Training Program will present William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet (July 12-14) adapted and directed by Devin Kawaoka, and The Winter’s Tale (July 19-21) adapted and directed by Andrew Willis-Woodward, both at the Environmental Cooperative at the Vassar Barns. Members of the Training Company will presentKeep Your Head Above Water so as Not to Sink: A Soundpainting Performance
(July 4, 11, 18, 25), composed and directed by Max Reuben, at the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center; Workshop Performances of From One to Another: Rites of Passage for our Times(July 21-22), created and directed by Emily Mendelsohnwith members of the Training Companyas well as the New Works Play Festival (July 27), written and directed by members of the Training Company. Young actors, playwrights, and directors from around the country and internationally, along with an exceptional faculty of artists, comprise this important component of the Powerhouse artistic community. For updated Training Company production and workshop information, please visit powerhouse.vassar.edu/apprentices. 
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9) News from JT Public Relations


TheaterWorksUSA’s
DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL

Lucille Lortel Theatre
Beginning June 28; Opening Night is Monday, July 8, 2019

TheaterWorksUSA is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated World Premiere of Dog Man: The Musical. Based on the worldwide bestselling hit series by Dav Pilkey, this production will begin performances on June 28 and end its limited run on August 4; opening night is set for Monday, July 8, 2019, at the Lucille Lortel Theatre (151 Christopher Street). Tickets are available by visiting twusa.org/DogMan or by calling (866) 8114111.

Dog Man: The Musical is a hilarious and heartwarming new production following the chronicles of Dog Man, who with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Can he catch Petey, the world’s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggy do-gooder? And will George and Harold finish their show before lunchtime?? Find out in this epic musical adventure featuring the hilarity and heart of beloved characters from Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants.

Performances:
Saturdays at 11 am / 2 pm / 5 pm; Sundays at 12 pm / 3 pm]
ADDED SHOWS: Thursday, July 4 at 11 am / 2 pm

Tickets for weekend performances are $29 - $85 (VIP) and can be purchased online at twusa.org/DogMan or by calling (866) 811-4111
For full performances schedule, please visit twusa.org/DogMan
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10) News from Karen Greco PR

What's On at The Wild Project

July 4 - July 6
PAS DE DEUX: A PERFORMANCE SUMMER SALON curated by Oxana Chi & Layla Zami
In the realm of the Creative Partnership Program
Schedule: Thursday at 7pm; Friday & Saturday at 7:30pm
Tickets: $20 (Attend two programs for $30)

A summer festival celebrating the power of love, friendship and collaboration on- and off-stage. Three nights of collaborative performances by gifted artists who work together as couples, sybillines, and friends. A beautifully diverse program of dance, poetry, theater, art, and live-music.

The program includes: Oxana Chi & Layla ZamiElena Notkina & Victoria Sames, Sheldon Raymore & Tony EnosOnliest (Ganessa James & Tiffany James), du.O (Aimée Niemann & Charlotte Munn-Wood), Mooncake Collective (Sophia Mak & Bex Kwan), Te Ao Mana (Kaina Quenga & Anthony Aiu). Exhibition program: Kerry Downey and more.

Oxana Chi and Layla Zami are a German-French couple collaborating since 2010 in the fields of performing arts, visual arts, higher education and event curation. The duo tours internationally, and is much appreciated in Berlin, Germany and in New York City for their inspiring creativity and uplifting energy.
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11) News from Polk and Co.

11A) BEETLEJUICE THE MUSICAL
NEW BLOCK OF TICKETS ON SALE NOW 

FOR PERFORMANCES THROUGH JANUARY 5, 2020



BEETLEJUICE is based on the 1988 Academy Award-winning Geffen Company motion picture with story by Michael McDowell and Larry Wilson. The smash hit comedy was directed by Tim Burton and starred Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Jeffrey Jones, Catherine O’Hara and Winona Ryder.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets for Broadway’s Beetlejuice range from are available at www.telecharge.com (212.239.6200) and www.BeetlejuiceBroadway.com. The playing schedule for BEETLEJUICE is: Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 8pm, with matinees Wednesday and Saturday at 2pm, and Sunday at 3pm. 


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11B) BEST MUSICAL DRAMA DESK AWARD WINNER
THE PROM

ANNOUNCES NEW CASTING AND 
FINAL PERFORMANCE DATE OF SUNDAY, AUGUST 11
AT BROADWAY’S LONGACRE THEATRE

As of this past  Friday, June 28, Michael Genet (Choir Boy, Wicked) has assumed the role of Mr. Hawkins in Broadway’s Drama Desk Award-winning Best Musical THE PROM at the Longacre Theatre (220 West 48th Street). Michael Potts originated the role and played his final performance on Friday, June 21. Additionally, Brittany Conigatti and Nick Eibler will join the ensemble beginning Tuesday, July 16.

THE PROM will play its final performance on Sunday, August 11, 2019 at the Longacre Theatre (220 West 48th Street). As previously announced, the National Tour will launch in Providence, Rhode Island in February 2021.

Tickets for THE PROM are on sale at www.telecharge.com (212.239.6200) and the Longacre Theatre box office (220 West 48th Street) and range from $59 – $179 (including the $2 facility fee).

A $40 general rush tickets (including the $2 facility fee) will be available at the Longacre Theatre box office when it opens for that day’s performance(s). Limited to two tickets per person, tickets are subject to availability. Cash and major credit cards are accepted.

For more information visit ThePromMusical.com
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12)News from Richard Hillman PR

ERIC KREBS 
PRESENTS 
THE NEW YORK OFF BROADWAY PREMIERE OF 

I SPY A SPY
A NEW (DECLASSIFIED) MUSICAL COMEDY 
BOOK & LYRICS BY JAMIE JACKSON 
BOOK & MUSIC BY SoHEE YOUN 
MUSIC DIRECTION BY DAN PARDO 
DIRECTED & CHOREOGRAPHED BY BILL CASTELLINO
THE THEATRE AT ST. CLEMENT’S
(423 WEST 46TH STREET – BETWEEN 9TH & 10th AVENUES)
PREVIEWS BEGIN SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2019
OPENING NIGHT SET FOR THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2019
PERFORMANCES THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21, 2019T
The Off Broadway premiere of I Spy A Spy, a new (declassified) musical comedy, with book and lyrics by Jamie Jackson and book & music by SoHee Youn, directed and choreographed by Bill Castellino (Cagney, Desperate Measures) with musical direction by Dan Pardo (Amazing Grace) will begin a limited engagement (through September 21) at The Theatre at St. Clement’s (423 West 46th Street – between 9th & 10th Avenues). Previews will begin on Friday, July 5th and the show will have its official opening on Thursday, July 18th at 7pm.In a "melting pot" neighborhood in Hell's Kitchen, José Rodriguez, an undocumented Mexican delivery guy, has an American Dream - to become "a someone." Alina Orlova, a beautiful but inept Russian spy, also has an American Dream – to bring down America and to save the family's "Fluff N' Fold!" Speeding though one preposterous and hilarious plot twist after another, Jose and Alina embark on a wild adventure to fulfill their destinies. I Spy A Spy is a musical roller coaster ride on which our duo encounters Mexican thugs, Russian spies, a Pakistani pizza proprietor, a Korean deli owner and the Department of Homeland Security!

The performance schedule will be as follows: Tuesday at 7pm, Wednesday at 2pm and 7pm, Thursday at 2pm and 7pm, Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm and 8pm. There are no Sunday or Monday performances.

Tickets are priced at $79 ($99 premium) and can be purchased (beginning June 10) at www.OvationTix.com and at the theatre box office beginning June 25.
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And that's the scoop. Tune in Monday for More Theater Monday. 

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