Theater Thursday - Meet Me in St. Louis

What: Meet in St. Louis

Where: Online Stream to purchase go to irishrep.org

Who: All ages

When: Through January 2, 2020

Meet Me in St. Louis was originally a movie starring Hollywood icon, Judy Garland. In 1989, it was turned into a stage musical. Now, the Irish Repertory Theater has created an online shortened version of the musical which will be available through January 2 only. This version includes all the most well-known songs from the show and movie including the title song, The Trolley Song, and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. It also includes a song or two just from the musical plus a couple of additional songs. The show is a great family show except for a little girl who is always talking about her dolls dying and burying them in the backyard which may be disturbing to some children although they do not actually show her burying any dolls or anything like that. It is all just talk.  The show was filmed socially distantly except for the harmony seeming a little off on one song and a little bit of awkward-looking dancing, they did a nice job of it. The acting is good, and the voices are beautiful. The actress who plays the youngest daughter, Tootie, actually has a much better voice than the actress who played her in the original movie as well as the actress who originally played the role on Broadway. If you have previously seen a version of the show or the movie, you may miss some of the parts that were taken out, but this version of the show is still enjoyable. If you have never seen the show or movie before, the show may seem to flow a little better to you because you won't notice anything that is missing. All in all, it's a good way to spend an evening with the family although of course, you don't have to have a family to watch or watch with your family if you do. 

And that's our view. 

For more information or to purchase an online ticket to Meet Me in St. Louis go to irishrep.org

Tune in Sunday for this week's Sunday Scoop.

Where-To-Go Wednesday - The Friends Experience

What: The Friends Experience

Where: 130 E. 23rd St.

             New York, NY

Who: All ages 

When: Previewing Through January 3, 2020

 (To find out more and/or to sign up to be advised of future dates go to   www.friendstheexperience.com.)

Friends the Experience is a dream come true for anyone who is a fan of the TV show, Friends. It is literally like your TV set swallowed you up and spit you out in the world of Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler, and Ross. Even if you are not the biggest fan of the show, but you are familiar enough with it, a visit to the Friends Experience is still a mind-blowing experience. You can walk into Monica's kitchen, sit in one of Joey and Chandler's beloved Barca loungers, or even visit Central Perk. As if all that wasn't amazing enough, there is still a lot more to enjoy at The Friends Experience. There are tons of locations for cool pictures including the wedding chapel where Ross and Rachel got married, and on the couch in front of the fountain from the opening credits. There is a plethora of amazing artifacts including costumes, props from various episodes and scripts even one labeled, Six of One, which was the original title of the show. There is tons of information about the show spread throughout the exhibit including a timeline of any and all relationships all of the characters had during the course of the show, a pie chart of how many lines each character had, a list of the awards the show was nominated for and/or won a and more. There are pictures of some of the many famous guest stars. There is an interactive Friends trivia game for superfans of the show to test their knowledge. There is also so much more including an awesome souvenir store where among other things you can buy clothing, books, and even your very own, Huggsy, the Bedtime Penguin Pal. It is definitely the ultimate experience for any serious Friends fan. 

And that's  our view. 

For more information, visit www.friendstheexperience.com.

Tune in tomorrow for Theater Thursday.

Tips for Tuesday - Books: The Book of Extraordinary Historical Mysteries & MIsc.: Ripple

 We may have been given complimentary copies of any books and/or other products listed below for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Books: The Book of Extraordinary Historical Mysteries

Today we are recommending The Book of Extraordinary Historical Mystery Stories edited by Maxim Jakubowski. This is definitely not a one size fits all book of mysteries. It is an eclectic book of stories set in all different time periods, in all different places, and written by different authors in different mystery genres. There are romantic suspense stories, amateur sleuth stories, stories bordering on horror, and more. They will affect you in different ways some will make you satisfied, some will make you angry, some will make you sad,  some may even horrify and/or disgust you. Accordingly, you may like some stories more than others. However, that is what is so great about the eclectic style of this book.  Even if you don't like one or two of the stories you are sure to find others that are more suited to your taste at least if you are a fan of mysteries. 

Misc.: Ripple

Today we  are talking about Ripple. Ripple is an emergency device that connects to your smartphone. You can use it to contact the Ripple Monitoring team whether you are actually in an emergency situation or even if just think you are in danger of any kind. Click the device once if you are in an uncomfortable situation, and they will assess your situation and stay on the line as long as you need them, connect you to a loved one, or help you in whatever way you need. Click three times in an emergency, and they will send help immediately. Ripple doesn't require charging. It has a battery that lasts for 6 months depending on how much you use it. If you are a monthly subscriber at a cost of $14.95 per month you even will receive a new device at no charge when the battery runs down. It is also water-resistant and shower proof. It's perfect for college students, anyone who has to work alone at night, and more. 

For more information or to sign up for Ripple's safety monitoring service go to https://ripplesafety.com.

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

Monthly Mashup for December, 2020 Good Things About 2020 and Things to Look Forward

Me- My topic for this month is things I enjoyed this year. I got to see The Lightning Thief on Broadway one more time before it closed. I went to New York with my Mom on her birthday. That was fun, but the show we saw wasn't good. I did get to see a few good Off-Broadway shows before the pandemic including Mack and Mabel at CityCity Center. I went to BroadwayCon for the 4th time. I reread some of my favorite books.  I accumulated a lot of new books, and I can't wait to read them. I had a lot of reading parties with my sister. I watched Brooklyn Nine-Nine for the first, second, and third time. The third time I actually got my Mom to watch with me, and she seemed to enjoy it too. It is now one of my favorite shows. I started watching New Girl. I hung out with my Mom. I also took walks with Mom. I don't always like the walking, but I enjoy taking walks. I liked having school online, but I would prefer not to have school at all. I liked spending time with our cat, Callie, and once in a while with our cat. Pippi although Pippi is usually with my Mom though and doesn't like other people to touch her. I enjoyed eating fried rice, tacos, and ice cream whenever I had the chance.I enjoyed going to little museums around our state with my Mom and Dad although I don't remember most of them now. I enjoyed going to the drive-thru at Great Adventure, the Turtleback Zoo, an Alpaca Farm, and a Wolf Farm.  I didn't like anything else that I can think of. 

Mom -  My topic for this month is things to look forward to. It is hard to know what to look forward to in 2021because after this crazy messed up year it's hard to know what 2021 is actually going to be like. However, there are a few things I am looking forward to. I am looking forward to having a new President, one who cares about people and respects them. I am looking forward to celebrating the 10th anniversary of our blog. It's hard to believe that it will be 10 years already, and yet, it feels like it has been a part of us always, and I can't imagine my life without it. I'm looking forward to going to more  museums and historic places around my state, and hopefully eventually beyond again.   I'm looking forward to spending more time with my husband and kids even if we are not forced to by a pandemic. I'm looking forward to watching more and reading more. I'm especially looking forward to seeing the movie version of Everybody's Talking About Jaime even if I have to watch it at home instead of in a movie theater.  It is supposed to be coming out this February, and I hope that doesn't change.  I;m looking forward to seeing more shows even if they are online (although I would prefer being able to go back to seeing shows live) I'm looking forward to taking more walks with my daughter when the weather gets warmer and the days are longer again.  I am looking forward to more people being vaccinated including myself and life hopefully getting back to more normal.  It would really be good if that could happen. That alone would definitely make 2021 way better than 2020.

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

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

photo credit: wuestenigel Open notebook with Bye bye 2020 Hello 2021 text via photopin (license)

Sunday Scoop Post of 12/27/20 Live and Virtual Events Coming Up This Week or Soon Thereafter and More

1) Chonbru International Hotel & Butterflu Club Available Worldwide on Audible Theater 12/29

2) iPlay America Family-Friendly New Year's Eve Celebration

3) Ratatouille the TiKTok Musical Benefit 1/1

4) South Street Seaport Virtual Sea Chanteys and Maritime Music Sing-Along 

5) Story Pirates New Year's Eve Party

6) Susan NYC Walkabouts Offers Virtual Belmont & Bronx Tour 1/6

7) Voting Rights Play to Be Seen in Atlanta During George Senate Run-Off

8) York Theatre's Broadway's Great American Songbook Holiday Gala Encore 12/31

1) CHONBURI INTERNATIONAL 

HOTEL& BUTTERFLY CLUB

WORLD PREMIERE WRITTEN BY SHAKINA NAYFACK

DIRECTED BY LAURA SAVIA

 

PRESENTED AS PART OF THE

2020 WILLIAMSTOWN THEATRE FESTIVAL SEASON

ON AUDIBLE THEATER

 

IS AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29 AT 3 AM ET

ON AUDIBLE PLUS

The Williamstown Theatre Festival (Mandy Greenfield, Artistic Director) and Audible Theater (Kate Navin, Artistic Producer) world premiere presentation of Chonburi International Hotel & Butterfly Club is available worldwide Tuesday, December 29 at 3 AM ET within the Audible Plus catalog. Chonburi International Hotel & Butterfly Club is part of the 2020 Williamstown Theatre Festival summer season produced on Audible, the leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling.

In Shakina Nayfack’s world premiere play, a vibrant, international group of transgender women band together at a hotel in Thailand to confront the challenges and joys of gender confirmation surgery. Despite the group’s warm welcome, Kina (Shakina Nayfack) prepares for her life-altering operation all alone. But a caring nurse (Ivory Aquino), a wise couple (Kate Bornstein and Annie Golden), and a karaoke-loving bellhop (Telly Leung) may be exactly who she needs to ignite her truest sense of self. WTF Associate Artistic Director Laura Savia directs this spirited comedy about one woman who tests the bonds of an unlikely sisterhood.

Special access to all seven titles in the WTF Season on Audible will be made available to eligible WTF donors; visit www.wtfestival.org/support for more information.

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2) iPlay America's Family-Friendly

New Year's Celebration

Ring in the New Year at New Jersey family-friendliest celebration! Exciting Rides! Broadwalk-style games! Laser tag! Go-Karts! Arcade, great food, and much more! All at a great value!

For more information or to purchase New Year's Eve Passes, visit

www.iplayamerica.com/nye-2020

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3)RATATOUILLE: 

THE TIKTOK MUSICAL

A ONE-TIME STREAMING EVENT

TO BENEFIT THE ACTORS FUND

ON NEW YEAR’S DAY

 

TICKETS NOW ON SALE

EXCLUSIVELY ON TODAYTIX.COM

Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical, to benefit The Actors Fund. Presented in association with TikTok and TodayTix Presents, Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical will begin streaming on Friday, January 1, 2021 at 7:00pm ET for 72 hours only. Tickets for this one-of-a-kind presentation are now on sale exclusively at TodayTix.com.

Working in conjunction with and featuring content created by members of TikTok’s #RatatouilleMusical Community, whose collective work has earned the engagement of more than 200 million fans around the globe, this one-time performance of Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical will be performed by a cast of Broadway stars and the 20-piece Broadway Sinfonietta orchestr

Tickets are $5 and are available exclusively on TodayTix by visiting TodayTix.com or downloading the TodayTix app.

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4)  South Street Seaport Museum Announces Virtual Sea Chanteys and Maritime Music Sing-Along Broadcast Sunday, January 3, 2021 at 2pm ET

South Street Seaport Museum's monthly sea-music event, Sea Chanteys and Maritime Music, continues virtually on Sunday, January 3, 2021 at 2pm ET. From our living rooms and kitchens join a round-robin of shared songs featuring members ofThe New York Packet and friends. Listen in, lead a song, and belt out the choruses for your neighbors to hear on the first Sunday of every month. The event is FREE. Sign up here to receive the Zoom link 24 hours prior: southstreetseaportmuseum.org/chanteysing.

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5) DJ Squirm-a-Lot To Host Story Pirates New Year's Eve Party
with Podcast Hosts

Story Pirates fans will ring in the New Year with DJ Squirm-a-Lot and Peter, 

Meghan, Rachel, Nimene, and Eric from the Story Pirates Podcast.

The Zoom party starts at 3pm ET on New Years' Eve. Ticket holders receive 

a downloadable VIP party pass that doubles as a coloring sheet to commemorate 

the celebration.

A family pass to the party is $15, or families may sign up for the 3-day Creator Camp where kids go on an adventure to help DJ Squirm-a-Lot plan the party and stop Yorma the ice dragon’s schemes. Story Pirates Creator Club members are eligible for discounts.

Tickets and more information are available HERE

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6) Susan NYC Walkabouts Offers Virtual Belmont 

& Bronx Tour Janaury 6, 2020

Want to explore the Belmont area of the #Bronx from the comfort and safety of your couch? Check out Susan NYC Walakabout newest virtual tour, "Belmont, Bronx - From NYC's "Real" LittleItaly to the Bronx Zoo"! She'll be presenting it  live through a new awesome host @NewYorkAdventureClub on Wed January 6 @ 1pm ET. Register today at  https://lnkd.in/gavachv Learn about the history of the New York Botanical Garden #BronxZoo, Fordham University, Edgar Allan Poe's Cottage & so much more.

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7) Food For Thought Productions

Celebrating Its 20^th Anniversary

Presents

In Collaboration With

National Action Network (NAN)

 

A Special Taped Presentation In Atlanta

On The Day Of Georgia’s Senate Run-Off Election

January 5^th, 2021 At The Atlanta Chapter Of NAN

 

A Play About Voters’ Rights That Is More Relevant Than Ever

 

When Truth Is Not Enough

by Susan Charlotte

 

Featuring Sean Dougherty, Ebony Jo-Ann,

Angela Pierce and Dominique Sharpton

Directed By Antony Marsellis

 

Excerpts from Oscar® Nominee Liz Garbus’ film

All In: The Fight For Democracy with Stacey Abrams

and Rigged will also be part of the program

 

Followed By An Audience March To The

Ebenezer Baptist Church

And Voting!

The award-wining theatre company, Food For Thought Productions, and the National Action Network, a not-for-profit civil rights organization founded by the Reverend Al Sharpton are presenting WHEN TRUTH IS NOT ENOUGH, a compelling play about voter suppression. FFTP and NAN will present a filmed version of the play with Sean Dougherty, Ebony Jo-Ann, Angela Pierce and Dominique Sharpton, directed by Antony Marsellis at the NAN chapter in Atlanta, Georgia on Jan. 5, 2021 (Election day for the Senate run-offs). Excerpts from Oscar® Nominee Liz Garbus’ film “All In: The Fight For Democracy” with Stacey Abrams and “Rigged” will also be part of the program. A Q & A will follow with Dominque Sharpton, Director Antony Marsellis, and Susan Charlotte. The audience which will consist of approximately 15 people who have not voted, will leave NAN headquarters and go to the Ebenezer Baptist Church—Martin Luther King was its most famous member. Rev. Raphael Warnock has been the senior pastor of the Church since 2005 and is running for the Senate. Rev. Sailor, the Southeast Regional Director for the National Action Network, will speak for a few minutes at this site which is considered the spiritual home of Dr. Martin Luther King. This will be followed by  audience members going  to the different polling sites to vote. Rev. Sailor, Dominque Sharpton, Antony Marsellis and Susan Charlotte will then go to Rev. Sailor’s polling site where Rev. Sailor will vote

When Truth Is Not Enough takes place on Election Day in an old rural town in the South. An elderly black woman, Margaret, has come to vote. She has been voting all her life. But today is different. Today she must show a picture ID. As she says, "I don't have no passport.  But that doesn't mean I can't vote. And they lost my birth certificate. But that don't mean I wasn't born!"

Originally produced in 2012 by Susan Charlotte’s Cause Celebre, a not-for-profit theatre company that connects theatre and film with causes, this play was part of a Project called the “Rosa’s Registration Ride” in honor of Rosa Parks.  The RRR, which first presented the play, offers audience members a chance to vote on site, has travelled throughout the country — from Macon, Georgia to Washington D.C. to New York City. Students registered over 100 people in the field after it was presented at the Democracy Prep HS in Harlem. FFTP recently presented the play in New York City in October just before the November 2020 election.

Tickets for the January 5^th presentation are free, but extremely limited, by calling +1.678.732.0405 and speaking with Edith. The National Action Network’s Atlanta Chapter is based at 632 Peoples Street, Atlanta GA 30310. The event starts at 2:00pm and will run through, 4:00pm followed by the March to the Ebenzer Baptist Church (101 Jackson St NE, Atlanta, GA 30312), and then to Reverend Sailor’s Polling site at 4:45pm.

 

National Action Network, one of the leading civil rights organizations in the Nation, has chapters throughout the United States. Founded in 1991 by Reverend Al Sharpton, NAN works within the spirit and tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to promote a modern civil rights agenda that includes the fight for one standard of justice, decency and equal opportunities for all people regardless of race, religion, nationality or gender. For information visit www.nationalactionnetwork.net.

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8) RING IN THE NEW YEAR!
ENCORE PERFORMANCE ADDED BY POPULAR DEMAND

THE YORK THEATRE COMPANY
AND RIKI KANE LARIMER
PRESENT
BROADWAY’S GREAT AMERICAN 

SONGBOOK: THE HOLIDAY GALA

AN ONLINE CABARET EVENING OF HOLIDAY SONG
HOSTED BY GRAMMY AWARD NOMINEE MICHAEL FEINSTEIN
WITH MASTER OF CEREMONIES GERRY McINTYRE
DIRECTED BY MAC AWARD WINNER BARRY KLEINBORT

FEATURING
GEORGE ABUD, KLEA BLACKHURST, ROBERT CREIGHTON, KAREN MASON,
LEE ROY REAMS, BEN VEREEN, ALTON FITZGERALD WHITE, AND LILLIAS WHITE

WITH SPECIAL GUESTS
JEREMY BENTON, KYLIE AND KAYDIN KUIOKA, CHERYL STERN, HALEY SWINDAL,
THE SKIVVIES (NICK CEARLEY AND LAUREN MOLINA) FEATURING DONNA McKECHNIE,
LEGENDARY SONGWRITING TEAM RICHARD MALTBY, JR. AND DAVID SHIRE, AND MORE!

ENCORE PERFORMANCE!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 BEGINNING AT 3:00PM

ALL PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT ONGOING PROGRAMS AT THE YORK THEATRE COMPANY

Following its premier, last evening and due to popular demand, The York Theatre Company (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director; Evans Haile, Executive Director) and Riki Kane Larimer will present an encore performance of the special holiday benefit cabaret Broadway’s Great American Songbook: The Holiday Gala, hosted by 5-time Grammy Award nominee Michael Feinstein with Master of Ceremonies Gerry McIntyre, York’s Associate Artistic Director. Under the direction of MAC Award winner Barry Kleinbort, the festive evening of song features performers from the York’s recent cabaret series, which included Tony Award winners Ben Vereen and Lillias White, cabaret and York stalwart Klea Blackhurst, and Broadway veterans George Abud, Robert Creighton, Karen Mason, Lee Roy Reams, and Alton Fitzgerald White. Special guests include Jeremy Benton, Kylie and Kadyn Kuioka, Cheryl Stern, Haley Swindal, The Skivvies (Nick Cearley and Lauren Molina) featuring Donna McKechnie, legendary songwriting team Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire with the premiere of a new holiday song, and more! Video Editor is Matthew Gurren and Audio Engineer is Dan Gonko. All proceeds from this event will go to benefit the ongoing programs of The York Theatre Company.

The encore performance begins on Thursday, December 31, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. and will be available for viewing until midnight only. Suggested donation begins at $30. Reservations may be made by visiting web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/1035563. A link to the encore performance of The Holiday Gala will be sent on the day of the event.

Here is a link to a sneak peek video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=su5Sla946ZE

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And that's the scoop. Tune in tomorrow for this month's Monthly Mashup.

Holiday Clean Up with Biz and KidsNPets

This is a sponsored post. We will be compensated for this post. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Although this year may be a little different and your holiday celebration may not have been as crowded as usual that doesn't mean there isn't any cleaning up to do. There may not be any way to making cleaning up fun, however, there are ways to make it easier. You can start by using Biz and KidsNPets, two great products that make removing stains and odors in your laundry and around your house much easier.

Biz is a powerful stain fighter and detergent booster. It's unique blend of enzymes quickly dissolve stains and get rid of odors. In head to head tests, it's been proven that Biz fights the toughest stains much better than any of the other leading brands. Biz comes in liquid and powder form. It also comes in liquid booster forms that doesn't require any measuring. You just toss one in with your wash. It couldn't be easier!

KidsNPets can also be used as a laundry booster but it does much more than that. This all-purpose cleaner is natural and non-toxic so it's safe to use all over your house just about anywhere your kids and pets can possibly leave a mess.  It both cleans stains and removes odors. 

With Biz and KidsNPets, your home and your family will be looking and smelling cleaner in no time at all. Why would you want to use anything else?

Theater Thursday - Virtual Impossibilities

What:  Virtual Impossibilities

Where: Zoom

Who: Tweens and Up

When: Go to www.ericwalton.com/virtual-impossibilities for show dates and times

Virtual Impossibilities is a an interactive mind reading and mentalism performance by Eric Walton, who previously had a long running show Off-Broadway called Esoterica. This show, however, takes place entirely on Zoom. The smaller audience does allow for more people to have the opportunity to be a part of the show. So if you do want to participate, most likely you will have the chance. If you see a lot of these types of shows like we do, you won't really see anything you've never seen before. However,  that doesn't make the things that happen in the show any less fun or amazing. You will definitely have a good time and leave the show scratching your head and wondering how he does the things he does. All in all, the show is another little bright spot in the middle of the dark time we are all still in right now. 

And that's our view.

For more information or to purchase tickets for any upcoming show, go to www.ericwalton.com/virtual-impossibilities

Tune in Sunday for this week's Sunday Scoop.

Where-To-Go Wednesday Frederic Uribe's Animalia and More Animal Art at the Montclair Art Museum

What: Montclair Art Museum

Where:3 South Mountain Ave.

            Montclair, NJ

Who: Tweens and Up

When: Frederico Uribe's Animalia will be on display through January 3, 2020 only

Me - The Montclair Art Museum was really great. I loved the exhibit with animals made out of all kinds of random objects. It was really interesting. The artwork was amazing. I can't believe that anybody can just look at random materials and think up these incredible things to make out of them, and then have the talent to actually make them. Some of the pieces were really detailed too. They were so cool! There one even one that was a  person.  From the back when you weren't really close to it, it looked real. That kind of freaked me out. That whole exhibit was my favorite part of the museum. There was another animal related art on exhibit as well. I liked most of those artworks too. One thing I particularly enjoyed was a really cute picture of a Koala. The whole museum was fun.   The Montclair Art Museum was definitely one of my favorite art museums that I have ever been to. I liked it way more than I expected to. Sometimes, I am not much of a fan of art, but I really enjoyed the exhibits currently on display in the Montclair Art Museum. 

Mom -  Even if you don't usually like art, you may like the current exhibit at the Montclair  Art Museum especially if you love animals.  Unlike most art exhibits which may not be appealing to all ages, Federico Uribe's incredible three-dimensional animal art creations can be truly be appreciated by all ages. They absolutely pop with bright colors. Children (as well as adults) will really enjoy being able to get right up close to the artworks and trying to see what each one is made of.  The talented Mr. Uribe it seems can make the most stunning creations out of anything. He takes everyday objects including measuring tapes, colored pencils, detergent bottles, and more, and makes them into the most awesome works of art quite unlike anything you have ever seen before. The exhibit is not recommended for anyone who is too young to be able to resist trying to touch everything, but everyone else will probably enjoy and appreciate it.

In keeping with the animal theme, there are also other animal-related works of art currently on display at the museum. They include paintings, photographs, and sculptures. Some standout objects include a human being made out of old toys, a sculpture of a man and his dog, and even a balloon animal.

If you are interested in visiting the museum timed tickets must be purchased in advance, and you will be given a one hour window of time in which to visit the museum. Tickets are $15.00 for adults, $12.00 for students and seniors, and free for children under 12. Mask wearing and social distancing are required while visiting the museum, and your temperature will be taken upon entry. If you want to catch Frederic Uribe's Animalia exhibit, don't hesitate to plan your visit as it will only be on display through January 3 and the museum is only open Friday through Sunday, and they may not be open this Friday or next Friday due to the holidays. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.montclairartmuseum.org. We may also talk about other current exhibits at the museum in future posts as well.

And that's our view. 

Tune in tomorrow for Theater Thursday.

Tips for Tuesday - Books: Zen Cats & Movies: Adam Sandler: Funny Guy

 We may have been given complimentary copies of any books or other products mentioned below and/or access to any movies or shows mentioned for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Books: Zen Cats

Today we are recommending Zen Cats. Yet another book of words to live by punctuated by cute animal pictures. This time it's more  pictures of cats. Could there possibly be too many of these books? Not if you're an animal lover or if you need some encouraging words to live by. Either way. this book and the others like it fit the bill perfectly.

Movies: Adam Sandler: Funny Guy

Today we are recommending Adam Sandler Funny Guy. As you can probably tell from the title, this movies is by no means an expose. In fact, it is more of lovefest focusing on Adam Sandler's life and career. About the worst thing mentioned in this film is that the critics tend to hate Adam Sandler's films which we all know is true. If you are a fan, you will probably enjoy reminising about Adam Sandler's movies and learning a little bit about his personal life in this short feature.

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

More New Shows to Watch This Holiday Season

Recently we posted about The Nice List, a new holiday svirtual musical. If you missed that post go here. Here are some additional family-friendly shows to watch if you've already cycled through all the tried and true favorites this season.

All is Calm: The Truce of 1914 - This beautiful Acapella musical is the true story of how opposing troops came together in the middle of World War I to celebrate the holidays with song. This is not really a show for young children, but it's fine for teens. This show is available for free on the PBS website through December 31. For more information or to watch go to pbs.org.

Hansel and Gretel - This is not the familiar Grimm Brothers' version of the story. It is the 19th Century, Engelbert Humperdinck opera presented here entirely in English,. Although, it may be too scary for very young children, older children may enjoy it's crazy characters, outrageous sets, and the heaps and heaps of mouthwatering props.  This show is available for free on the Metropolitan Opera's website through today only. For more information or to watch go to metoperafree.

Peter Pan A Musical Adventure - This is not the Disney version of the classic story nor the well-known version which originally starred Mary Martin, but a more recent version by Stiles and Drewe. The songs are all new and some of the plot details may be different, but the gist of the story is the same beloved tale we all know. This show is available from The Chicago Shakespeare Company for free through December 1 . For more information or to watch go  to chicagoshakes.com/plays_and_events/explore_season/peterpan.

The Railway Children - This is another classic children's book that has been turned into a theatrical production.  This show is not musical and is best for tweens and up. If you are a subscriber to BroadwayHD you can watch it anytime. However, for 48 hours only starting today, anyone can watch it for free on YouTube as part of The Show Must Go On series offering limited free availability of various stage musicals. For information or to watch go to  youtube.com/watch?v=d6JS1RfMf4w

You're A Green One Mr. Finch - This new musical adventure is all about teaching how to keep our planet green. It features a handful of favorite holiday songs as well as appearances by a number of beloved Broadway stars. The show is available for free on YouTube, but donations to the Broadway Green Alliance are strongly encouraged. For more information or to watch go to youtube.com/watch?v=gY5MHzzLgS0

There are also numerous new versions of A Christmas Carol available.

For some newer editions of the musical version go here

For some newer editions of the nonmusical version go here

And that's our view. What are you watching this holiday season?

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Sunday Scoop Post of 12/20/20 Live and Virtual Events Coming Up This Week or Soon Thereafter and More

1) The Actors Fund Announces Inaguraal 2020 Gift Guide

2) Animals Part of  Williamtown Theatre Festival 2020 on Audible Now Available Worldwide

3) Ballet Hispanico Holiday Celebration Club Havana Watch Party Benefit 12/23

4) Broadway Workshop Casting Workshop 12/29

5) Israela Margalit's Crossroads Receives Encore Presentation 12/24 - 12/31

6) New York City Center's An Evening with Audra McDonald Extended Through 1/3

7) Story Pirates Sleep Squad Extended Through 2/21

8) TRU Networking Panel Art and Activism: How Theater Can Open and Change Minds 12/22

1) THE ACTORS FUND

ANNOUNCES

THE INAUGURAL

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

 

PORTION OF ALL PROCEEDS TO

SUPPORT THOSE IN NEED IN

PERFORMING ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

The Actors Fund, a national human services organization for everyone in performing arts and entertainment, is proud to announce their inaugural Holiday Gift Guide, including gift ideas for lovers of Broadway, theater, fashion, sportswear, skincare, beer and wine, and much more. A portion of the proceeds for each item and experience will be donated to The Actors Fund and will go to those in need in the performing arts and entertainment. A perfect way to find gifts for everyone on your list, while giving to those who need extra support this holiday season!

The Actors Fund Holiday Gift Guide can be found at actorsfund.org/HolidayGiftGuide.

The Actors Fund Holiday Gift Guide can be found at actorsfund.org/HolidayGiftGuide.

 

Highlights include:

 

·         “Hooray For 2021” t-shirts from Anna & Amanda Kloots

·         Broadway Roulette Mixer: Mix online with B’way talent! 

·         Broadway Wine Club

·         Broadway World—Theatre Shop: select designs will benefit The Fund

·         “Heart of Green” hoodies

·         Jim Brickman and Brickman for Broadway Christmas Album

·         Kendra Scott shopping and virtual styling event

·         LE At Home unique in-home experiences

·         Download Tony Award-winner Lea Salonga’s new song “Dream Again”

·         MaskUpCurtainUp theatrical logo face masks

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2) ANIMALS

WORLD PREMIERE WRITTEN BY STACY OSEI-KUFFOUR

DIRECTED BY WHITNEY WHITE

 

PRESENTED AS PART OF THE

2020 WILLIAMSTOWN THEATRE FESTIVAL SEASON

ON AUDIBLE THEATER

 

IS AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE TOMORROW AT 3 AM ET ON 

AUDIBLE PLUS

The Williamstown Theatre Festival (Mandy Greenfield, Artistic Director) and Audible Theater (Kate Navin, Artistic Producer) world premiere presentation of Animals is now available worldwide tomorrow within the Audible Plus catalog. Animals is part of the 2020 Williamstown Theatre Festival summer season produced on Audible, the leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling.

Lydia (Aja Naomi King) and Henry (Jason Butler Harner)’s dinner guests (Madeline Brewer and William Jackson Harper) are about to arrive when Henry’s spontaneous marriage proposal threatens to burn the evening to a crisp. Wine bottles and years of unspoken tensions are uncorked, and, before the evening is through, Lydia must confront her long-held fears and feelings if she’s going to commit to a future with Henry. Directed by Whitney White, Stacy Osei-Kuffour’s world premiere comedy marches into the muddy intersection of romantic entanglement, identity, pride, and survival.

Forged during and in response to a fraught moment in history, the unprecedented collaboration between Williamstown Theatre Festival and Audible Theater preserves the Festival season in a different format, provides continued work for the artists involved in the Festival season, and produces a body of work that will be made available for global Audible listeners to enjoy and experience. It also marks the first time that a theatrical season of work will be produced on Audible.

Animals’ running time is approximately 90 minutes. Special access to all seven titles in the WTF Season on Audible will be made available to eligible WTF donors; visit www.wtfestival.org/support for more information

For more information about Williamstown Theatre Festival, please visit www.wtfestival.org. For more information about Audible, please visit www.audible.com.

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3) Ballet Hispánico Holiday Celebration  Club Havana Watch Party Benefit Featuring Special Guests from the Past 20 Years December 23, 2020

Ballet Hispánico, the nation's renowned Latinx dance organization recognized this year as one of America's Cultural Treasures, invites audiences to the 

Ballet Hispánico Holiday Celebration of Club Havana on Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at 7:30pm, available on YouTube and Facebook.

Ballet Hispánico's signature work Club Havana is a celebration of Cuban music and dance with the Afro-Cuban legacies of the conga, rumba, mambo, and cha cha rhythms. The work is the centerpiece of Ballet Hispanico's fundraiser "BUnidos Our Artists Our Future." The evening is a celebration of the many artists who have made this work a staple of Ballet Hispánico's repertory. 

Host Artistic Director & CEO Eduardo Vilaro chats with special guests who have been a part of the two decades-long history of the work since its 2000 premiere: choreographer Pedro Ruiz, who had a twenty-year tenure as a Ballet Hispánico dancer; alumni Company dancers Natalia Alonso, Rodney Hamilton, and Nicholas Villeneuve and current Company dancers Laura Lopez, Lyvan Verdecia, and Melissa Verdecia; Kate Lear, Board Chair, Ballet Hispánico; and Dr.

AnaMaria Correa, former director of the School of Dance, who incorporated the work as a part of the Company's education program.

Memorable video clips add a bit of holiday spice to the show, sharing Club Havana through the years and from presentations around the world, from the World Premiere in 2000 through the aughts and teens, culminating in a screening of a spectacular recent performance from last year's Vail Dance Festival.

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4) Broadway Workshop Casting Workshop

with L.A. Casting Director, Howard Meltzer

 Casting Workshop with Howard Meltzer

Tuesday, December 29th, 2020 (Holiday Break)

1:00pm – 3:00pm ET (Eastern Time)

Ages 10-16

Zoom Online Workshop

$125

Each student will have the opportunity to work one on one with Mr. Meltzer on scenes and sides from his past TV & Film projects! Students will receive feedback and coaching to help bring their performances to the next level.

The last 20 minutes of the workshop will culminate in a Q&A where both parents and students can come together to ask questions and get more information about the casting process and what they can do to help guide their child’s career.

For more information or to register, visit www.broadwayworkshop.com/program/casting-workshop-with-howard-meltzer/

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5) Moonlight Theatre Productions 

Presents an Encore of 

 

CROSSROADS

Six Short Plays about love, pain, passion, and joy

Conceived and written by Israela Margalit

 

Streaming during Christmas Week

December 24-31, 2020

Moonlight Theatre Productions  will present award-winning writer, director, producer Israela Margalit's  acclaimed newest work  CROSSROADS  in an encore streaming presentation between December 24- 31, 2020. The show is  FREE . To sign up for your link, please visit

Eventbrite .

CROSSROADS is about love, passion, past regrets, and new beginnings. Featuring six short plays, both drama and comedy, they include Drenched, Stuck, Tissues, The Lecture, California King Size,  and Birthdays. 

In  Drenched,  Anna, a happily married woman, is revisited by a long-gone younger lover. This piece, a finalist in the Tennessee Williams Fiction Contest, is a psychological drama about obsession and the eternal question of what kind of love is real. (Features  Matthew Boston, Christian Conn, Jennifer Dorr White, and Rita Rehn; Directed by Israela Margalit.)

Stuck  follows a young woman who has nothing and expects nothing but, faced with losing the man she loves, begins to recognize her self-worth. (Features  PJ Johnnie and Keona Welch .  Directed by John-Martin Green.)

In Tissues, A woman recites the history of love and betrayal in 50 seconds. (Featuring Rita Rehn.)

In The Lecture, Martha meets Barnard fifteen years after their separation and learns about the cruel irony of time in a psychological drama about past and present. (Featuring Jennifer Dorr White, Ranata Hinrichs, and Sturgis Warner, directed by Israela Margalit.)

In  California King Size ,  a finalist of the Glimmer Train Press Very Short Fiction Competition, a woman grapples with her guilt for not wanting to die with her beloved husband. (Featuring  Lynda Gravatt.)

In  California King Size ,  a finalist of the Glimmer Train Press Very Short Fiction Competition, a woman grapples with her guilt for not wanting to die with her beloved husband. (Featuring  Lynda Gravatt.)

Streaming  encore presentation 

December 24-31, 2020 

Tickets are FREE and can be reserved by visiting  Eventbrite 

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6) New York City Center's 

An Evening with Audra McDonald 

Extended Through January 3, 2021

 by Popular Demand

An Evening with Audra McDonald is now available on demand through January 3. Treat yourself to more than an hour of classic songs from Broadway’s golden age and “the intimacy of Audra as if she’s singing just for you” (New York Stage Review) as often as you like through the new year.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.nycitycenter.org/pdps/2020-2021/audra

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7) Story Pirates Sleep Squad Extends Ticket Sales

through February 21st;

Featured Song '30 Moons' Releases This Friday

 

View the SLEEP SQUAD trailer HERE

By popular demand, The Story Pirates and Tony Award-winning producer Eva Price announce today that tickets are now available through February 21, 2021 for SLEEP SQUAD. 

This family-friendly, interactive, virtual audio-visual theater experience turns the viewer’s home into a rocket ship launching kids into their dreams. Family pass tickets start at $35, and are available via Stellar. The show’s featured original pop song, “30 Moons” (written by Ellen Winter) will be released on December 18th. Like all Story Pirates media, the song is inspired by a kid’s original idea.

SLEEP SQUAD stars Tony Award Nominee Lilli Cooper (SpongeBob SquarePants, Tootsie) as the Dream Queen, who guides adventurers through three different enchanting virtual experiences, adapted from stories written by real kids. These include a visit to a desert island, a dinosaur’s birthday party, and an intergalactic nightclub, allowing kids to take ownership of the imagination-powered storytelling. SLEEP SQUAD concludes with soothing music that will help lull adventurers to sleep.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.storypiratessleepsquad.com/ and https://www.storypiratescreatorclub.com/.

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8) Theater Resources Unlimited

Networking and Panel

Art and Activism: How Theater 

Can Open (and Change) Minds

Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at 6:00pm

Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) announces their monthly panel Art and Activism: How Theater Can Open (and Change) Minds on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at 6pm via Zoom. The Zoom session will open at 6pm for roundtable introductions of attendees, and the program will start at 6:30pm - come prepared with your best 20-second summary of who you are, and what you need. Reserve a spot on the event page athttps://truonline.org/events/art-and-activism/ or by emailing TRUStaff1@gmail.com  - you will be put on a list to receive the Zoom link.

Guest speakers include Jane Dubin, chair of the board of directors of Houses on the Moon Theatre Company; Adam Hyndman, associate at Octopus Theatricals, board of Broadway For Racial Justice, co-founder of The Industry Standard Group;  Ludovica Villar-Hauser, founder/artistic director of Parity Productions; actor and activist Dominique Sharpton; and Gayle Waxenberg, co-founder and executive director of NewYorkRep.

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And that's the scoop. Tune in tomorrow for More Theater Monday.