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, February 23, 2020

Sunday Scoop week of 2/23/20 What's Happening This Week or Coming Up Soon

In This Week's Scoop

1) Upcoming at Lincoln Center
    Great Performers, American Songbook, Atrium 360, Lincoln Center Moments 2/25 - 3/1
2) Upcoming at Merkin Hall
     Dual Selves, 2/27 Esctatic Music 2/29, Broadway Playhouse 3/1, PREFormance 3/2
3) TADA Youth Theatre Earlybird Summer Camp Registration Through 2/28
4) The Ride Celebrates 1,000,000 Riders
5) Upcoming at Elizabeth Morrow School
     Summer on Sunday Open Houses 2/28
6) Upcoming at iPlay America
    Blogger Free Ride Night 2/28
7) Upcoming at Kelsey Theatre
    Frozen Jr. 2/28 - 3/1
8) Upcoming at Queens Theatre
     Chicken & Biscuits Performances Begin 2/28
9) Upcoming at Harlem Stage
    The Cosmic Synthesis of of Sun Ra and Afrofuturism Series 2/29
10) Upcoming at Symphony Space
        Lucy Kalantari and the Jazz Cats 2/29
11) Upcoming at Two River Theatre
      Radio Golf 2/29 - 3/22
12) Upcoming at BAM Kids
      Movie Matinees 3/1 - 3/29
13) Upcoming at Feinstein's 54 Below
      The Glorious Death of Comrade What's-His-Name Returns 3/2

PR Firm Roundup

14) News from DDPR
     Love Quirks Begins Performance at St. Luke's Theatre 3/28
15) News from DKC/O&M
     Additional theater related posts can also be found in our periodic More Theater Monday posts.
       15A) Drift to Make Off Broadway Premiere at New World Stage Beginning 2/27
       15B) Upcoming at New York Stage and Film
                 A Distinct Societ 2/27, Lovely Day 2/28, Happy Hour Cabatet 2/29
      15C) Nik Walker and Matt Manuel Join Cast of Ain't Too Proud 2/28
16) News from Karen Greco PR
      Mr. O'Toole Make Off Broadway Premiere at 59e59 Theatres 2/28
17) News from Michelle Tabnick PR
     17A) TRU February Panel 2/25
     17B) US Premiere of One Green Bottle 2/29 - 3/8
18 New from Polk and Co.
     18A) The Inheirtance Announces Closing Date
     18B) Wicked Welcomes New Cast Members
      18C) Broadway Records to Release Emojiland Original Cast Recording
19) News from Richard Hillman PR
       19A) J2 Spotlight Musical Theatre Company Presents No Strings 2/27 -3/8
       19B) Off Broadway Alliance Presents What Things Cost Budgeting Your Show 3/1
20) News from Spin Cycle PR
      20A) Building the Wall Begins Performances 2/27
      20B) Taylor Mac's The Fre Begins Performances 2/28
 
1) Upcoming at Lincoln Center

 Great Performers, American Songbook, 
Atrium 360, Lincoln Center Moments

Tuesday, February 25 at 6:30 pm 
Great Performers 
Mahler on Film Conducting Mahler 
This beautifully shot documentary highlights Mahler interpretations by conductors Bernard Haitink, Riccardo Chailly, Riccardo Muti, Claudio Abbado, and Simon Rattle, as revealed through interviews, rehearsals, and performances. Featured are three orchestras that Mahler himself once conducted: The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Berlin Philharmonic, and Vienna Philharmonic. Directed by Frank Scheffer (1996). 7 Duration: 72 minutes. 
Walter Reade Theater, 165 West 65th Street. 
TICKETS start at $15 and are available by calling 212.721.6500 or visiting LincolnCenter.org/Great-Performers.

Wednesday, February 26 at 8:30 pm 
American Songbook 
An Evening with Natalie Merchant 
After rising to fame at the helm of the popular folk-rock band 10,000 Maniacs, Natalie Merchant enjoyed even greater success as a solo artist. She has released seven studio albums, an enduring collection that charts the politically alert, poetic songwriter’s evolving thoughts on female power, motherhood, and the future of our earth. Her literate, socially conscious songs established her among the most respected women in pop, and her solo debut—1995’s Tigerlily—helped pave the way for a number of female performers. From her earliest days with 10,000 Maniacs (formed in college when she was only 18!), Merchant’s indelible vocal style— smoky, lush, wistful, and wise—has won lifelong fans. For American Songbook, she will be appearing as an acoustic duo with her longtime guitarist Erik Della Penna. Merchant is at a point in her career where she wants, in her own words, “unique experiences…not settling for the predictable routing and venues.” 
The Appel Room, 10 Columbus Circle. 
TICKETS for this event are sold-out. For more information regarding ticket availability please call 212.721.6500, or visit LincolnCenter.org/American-Songbook

Thursday, February 27 at 7:30 pm 
Great Performers 
Concerto Köln Concerto 
Köln perform the best of the Baroque on original period instruments, and for this all-concerto concert they shine a spotlight on four virtuoso violin soloists, all concertmasters of the orchestra. 
Alice Tully Hall, 1941 Broadway. 
TICKETS start at $50 and are available by calling 212.721.6500 or visiting LincolnCenter.org/Great-Performers. 8 

*FREE Thursday, February 27 at 7:30 pm 
Atrium 360° 
Imani Uzuri: Conjure Woman Imani 
Uzuri, raised in rural North Carolina, is an award-winning vocalist, composer, librettist, and improviser called “a postmodernist Bessie Smith” by the Village Voice. She creates interdisciplinary works and performs at international venues and festivals. Her ritual performance Wild Cotton was recently cited as one “with subtlety and vision” by the New York Times. In 2018, Uzuri was a commissioned composer for Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. Uzuri is a former Park Avenue Armory Artist-in-Residence and was a 2019 Jerome Foundation Composer-in-Residence at Camargo Foundation in Cassis, France. Uzuri and ensemble will share an intimate concert of compositions from her various works for voice, strings, flute, and piano, including music from her large music work Placeless, her cantata Conjure Woman, the world premiere of her Chamber Music America New Jazz Works commission, and selections from her forthcoming chamber opera Hush Arbor (The Opera), a mercurial musical meditation exploring themes of death, transcendence, rebirth, impermanence and “liminality” (standing at the threshold). 
David Rubenstein Atrium, Broadway between 62nd and 63rd Streets. 
FREE Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For questions about accessibility or to request an accommodation, please contact access@lincolncenter.org or 212.875.5375. For more information, please visit LincolnCenter.org/Atrium

Thursday, February 27 at 8:30 pm 
American Songbook 
Kalani Pe’a 
The words and music of Hawai‘i make their joyous American Songbook debut with a visit from singer-songwriter Kalani Pe‘a, a two-time Grammy Award winner for Best Regional Roots album. The classically trained tenor with a charming and dynamic onstage presence has won praise for his dedication to Hawaiian language fluency, and a musical range that runs from traditional chant to Hawaiian classics, original songs to R&B. Pe‘a’s Grammy wins have led to sold-out concerts in Hawai‘i, Japan, and the West Coast. Now American Songbook is proud to invite him to a rare East Coast appearance. 
The Appel Room, 10 Columbus Circle. 
TICKETS start at $55 and are available by calling 212.721.6500, or visiting LincolnCenter.org/AmericanSongbook

Friday, February 28 at 8:30 pm 
American Songbook 
Ali Stroker
An unstoppable star, Ali Stroker made history as the first Broadway actress to use a wheelchair when she re-conceived the role of Anna in Deaf West’s acclaimed 2015 revival of Spring Awakening. Her Broadway follow-up was even more groundbreaking: Stroker won instant acclaim and a devoted following for her stunning turn as Ado Annie in Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic Oklahoma! The high-spirited, vocally glorious performance earned her the 2019 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. Whether the New Jersey native is wowing the judges of The Glee Project or captivating crowds at the Kennedy Center or Town Hall, Stroker is a force to be reckoned with. With her unbridled spirit and powerhouse pop soprano, she now makes her American Songbook and Appel Room debut in a dazzling evening of song. The American Songbook presentation of Ali Stroker is sponsored by Accenture 
The Appel Room, 10 Columbus Circle. 
TICKETS start at $90 and are available by calling 212.721.6500, or visiting LincolnCenter.org/AmericanSongbook

Saturday, February 29 at 8:30 pm 
American Songbook 
Martin Sexton 
Martin Sexton has come a long way since his days as a street performer in Boston, selling his self-produced cassette recording from an open guitar case. The Syracuse native launched his own label, Kitchen Table Records, and his diverse musical talents have carried him from the sidewalk to landmark venues such as Carnegie Hall. Best known for his untamed and unpredictable voice, Sexton seamlessly mixes folk, rhythm and blues, jazz, and rock in his tracks, intertwined with bluesy guitar and soulful grooves. Sexton has influenced a generation of contemporary artists—from John Mayer to Dave Matthews—but continues to keep his music fresh and relatable. His “blue-eyed soul” sound has also gone out to countless listeners worldwide through inclusion on soundtracks for Scrubs, Parenthood and HBO’s Brotherhood. The Appel Room’s intimate stage provides the perfect setting for this dynamic singer-songwriter whose honest lyrics and vocal prowess will have audiences hooked. 
The Appel Room, 10 Columbus Circle. 
TICKETS start at $85 and are available by calling 212.721.6500, or visiting LincolnCenter.org/AmericanSongbook

*FREE Monday, March 2 at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm 
Lincoln Center Moments 
Best of Broadway: Exploring the Great American Songbook
Lincoln Center Moments is a free, performance-based program specially designed for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Students from the Juilliard School share the history of show tune classics and discuss how they’ve been interpreted by musicians over time. The performance includes works by Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, and more. Presented in collaboration with the Juilliard school. 
FREE Seating is free, but registration is required. For questions about accessibility or to request an accommodation, please contact access@lincolncenter.org or 212.875.5375. For more information, please visit LincolnCenter.org/Lincoln-Center-Moments
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2) Upcoming at Merkin Hall
Kaufman Music Center
129 W. 67th St.

Dual Selves, Esctatic Music, 
Broadway Playhouse, PREFormance 

Thursday February 27, 7:30 PM
Parlando Presents: Dual Selves

This concert explores the relationship between music and dual identities with works by Arnold Schoenberg, Gabriela Lena Frank and Franz Schreker.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit 

Saturday February 29, 7:30 PM
Ecstatic Music: Missy Mazzoli  & Kelly Moran

New Sounds co-presentation hosted by John Schaefer
“Brooklyn’s post-millennial Mozart” (Time Out New York), teams up with acclaimed composer/keyboardist Kelly Moran for an evening of solo sets and the world premiere of their new collaboration.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.kaufmanmusiccenter.org/mch/event/ecstatic-music-missy-mazzoli-kelly-moran

Sunday March 1, 11:00 AM
Broadway Playhouse: Stephen Schwartz

Introduce kids to Schwartz's hit musicals WickedGodspell and Pippin with mini-productions, medleys, sing-alongs and interactive games. Ages 4-11

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit 

Monday March 2, 7:00 PM
PREformances with Allison Charney

LIKE THE WIND
Featuring Errin Brooks, tenor; Elizabeth Mann, flute; Marya Martin, flute; Donna Weng Friedman, piano and actor Jordan Charney
.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.kaufmanmusiccenter.org/mch/event/preformances-with-allison-charney-3-2-20
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3) TADA! Youth Theater Open Registration for Summer Camps

Early Bird Special 10% Ends 2/28
Code: EARLYBIRD

June, July & August:
Musical Theater Minis for Ages 4 – 5;
Rising Star for Ages 6 – 8 and 6 – 10;
Broadway Bound for Ages 9 – 12

Each week your child can create and perform a musical with new friends; receive daily training in singing, dancing and acting; gain expert ensemble-based instruction; attend camp in a structured, nurturing and playful environment; benefit from social emotional life skills.  Locations in Flatiron and Upper West Side.

For more information and to register, please visit https://www.tadatheater.com/2020-summer-camps.
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4) The Ride Celebrates 1,000,00 Riders

On Tuesday, February 25, 2020, THE RIDE, the experiential sightseeing theatrical tour/phenomenon, will welcome its one millionth RIDER on its 28,545th performance.

As the iconic audience member boards the 4:45pm RIDE, CEO/CCO/Author/Director, Richard Humphrey, will be there to welcome them into the Times Square and Broadway neighborhood history books.
 
The 1,000,000th RIDER will receive a customized RIDE for themselves and forty-eight (48) of their chosen friends, relations and/or business associates.

Overseen by Mr. Humphrey, the CUSTOMIZED RIDE will be available to be redeemed for one year by the 1,000,000th RIDER.  

For more information or to purchase tickets to The Ride, visit 
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5) Upcoming at Elizabeth Morrow School
435 Lydecker St.
Englewood, NJ

Summer Explorations
“Summer on a Sunday” 
Open Houses 

12 Noon - 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 28, 2020 
1 p.m. - 3 p.m., Sunday, March 8, 2020  

The Elisabeth Morrow School, located at 435 Lydecker St. in Englewood, N.J., will host two “Summer on a Sunday” events. They are scheduled from noon to 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 23 and 1-3 p.m., Sunday, March 8.

Families will participate in the summer fun and learning activities that happen each week during our Summer Explorations program. Their experienced and certified teachers will share exciting hands-on activities, science projects, games, cooking and more! Program information and tours with our program director will also be available. 

The Elisabeth Morrow School’s Summer Explorations program offers a unique blend of camp and school, with a wide variety of choices and opportunities for students ages 3 through ninth grade. The program will run from June 22 through Aug. 7, 2020.

For more information, visit www.elisabethmorrow.org
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6) Upcoming at iPlay America
110 Schank Rd.
Freehold, NJ

 Blogger Free Ride Night

Friday March 21, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Join iPlay America in Freehold, NJ for the Blogger Night FREE ride night on Friday, February 28, 2020 from 5-8 pm.

FREE UNLIMITED RIDE BANDS

Plus take advantage of:

• 2-Level Lazer Tag Arena
• Over 250+ Arcade Games
• Indoor Boardwalk with Food
• 4D Theater

• Full Service Bar & Grill

MUST DOWNLOAD PASS IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THIS SPECIAL OFFER

To download pass visit https://www.iplayamerica.com/blogger
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7) Upcoming at Kelsey Theatre
1200 Old Trenton Rd.
West Windsor, NJ

Frozen Jr.

Friday February 28, 7:00 PM
Saturday February 29, 4:00 PM
Sunday March 1, 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM

For more information or to purchase tickets, 
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8) Upcoming at Queens Theatre
14 United Nations Avenue South
Flushing Meadows, Corona Park

Chicken and Biscuits

Queens Theatre is proud to announce, in arrangement with EclayRossie Productions, Blue Vista 725, Akous Entertainment and The Directors Company, the New York premiere of CHICKEN & BISCUITS, a new comedy by Douglas Lyons (Beautiful, OCM) and directed by Zhailon Levingston (Tina…associate director). CHICKEN & BISCUITS will begin performances on Friday, February 28, 2020 at Queens Theatre (14 United Nations Avenue South in Flushing Meadows, Corona Park) for a limited run through Sunday, March 22. 

In CHICKEN & BISCUITS, Baneatta and Beverly attempt to put their sisterly differences aside to bury their father, Bernard. All is well at the funeral . . . until it's revealed that Bernard had not just two daughters, but three. Wig pins loosen, as truths emerge, leaving this African-American family to confront their skeletons head on; naturally with lots of love, shade, and prayer along the way.

The following is the performance schedule for CHICKEN & BISCUITS:

Tickets CHICKEN & BISCUITS are $25 ($20 QT Members, discounts for seniors/students) and are available at queenstheatre.org or by phone at (718) 760-0064.

               Friday, Februay 28, 8pm
               Saturday, Feb. 29 at 2pm
               Saturday, Feb. 29 at 8pm
               Sunday, March 1 at 3pm
               Friday, March 6 at 8pm (Opening Night
               Saturday, March 7 at 6pm
               Sunday, March 8pm
               Monday, March 9 at 7:30pm
               Friday, March 13 at 8pm
               Saturday, March 14 at 2pm
               Saturday, March 14 at 8pm
               Sunday, March 15 at 3pm

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9) Upcoming at Harlem Stage
150 Convent Ave.
New York, NY

The Cosmic Synthesis of Sun Ra and Afrofuturism: Nona Hendryx and Disciples of Sun Ra in the Temple

Saturday February 29, 7:00 PM

Presented in collaboration with The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Presented as part of the yearlong, citywide, Harlem Stage WaterWorks commissioned celebration of Sun Ra and his legacy, The Cosmic Synthesis of Sun Ra and Afrofuturism series, comes a special performance on February 29 at 7pm, in collaboration with The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Taking place at The Met’s Temple of Dendur in The Sackler Wing, rock goddess Nona Hendryx has created a multisensory tribute to Afrofuturism pioneer, Sun Ra. The performance features Nona Hendryx with music direction by Craig Harris, costume and set design by Virgil Ortiz, choreography by Francesca Harper, and invocations by Carl Hancock Rux. This program is made possible in part by The Lavori Sterling Foundation, Inc. 

For tickets and information visit Metmuseum.org/performances
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10) Upcoming at Symphony Space
2537 Broadway
New York, NY

Lucy Kalantari and the Jazz Cats

Saturday February 29, 11:00 AM

Lucy Kalantari is a songwriter, composer, and producer based in Brooklyn, making jazz age inspired music for families. Lucy's swingy band and music have been featured on "Snug's House" (formerly Sprout House), the musically-infused programming block on Universal Kids television. Her songs are on steady rotation on SiriusXM Kids Place Live and other family radio programs around the country. Kalantari’s latest album, All the Sounds, was the winner of the Best Children’s Album in the 61st GRAMMY® Awards.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.symphonyspace.org/events/type/just-kidding
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11) Upcoming at Two River Theatre
21 Bridge Ave.
Red Bank, NJ

February 29 - March 22

Radio Golf

Director Brandon J. Dirden (King Hedley IISeven Guitars) returns to Two River to direct our sixth production from The American Century Cycle—Radio Golf, the Cycle’s 10th and final play, set in 1997. Real-estate developer Harmond Wilks is determined to become the first black mayor of Pittsburgh, and to revitalize the Hill District. Starbucks, Barnes & Noble and Whole Foods are ready to move in. But one particular house on the development site, at 1839 Wylie Avenue, must be torn down, a casualty of urban blight. And that house belonged to Wilson’s legendary Aunt Ester—forcing Harmond, and the Hill District itself, into a battle between the past and the future.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://tworivertheater.org/whats-on/augustwilsonsradiogolf
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12) Upcoming at BAMKids
Brooklyn Academy of Music
Peter Jay Sharp Building
30 Lafayette Ave.
New York, NY

BAM Movie Matinees

March 1 - May 29

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit bam.org/film/2020/bamkids-movie-matinees.
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13) Upcoming at Feinsteins/54 Below
254 W. 54 St.
Cellar
New York, NY

The Glorious Death of Comrade What's-His-Name 

After a sold out debut, get ready to grab another shot glass and toast the end of tyranny at one more concert of The Glorious Death of Comrade What’s-His-Name on Monday, March 2, 2020, at 7.00pm, at Feinstein’s/54 Below (254 West 54th Street).  Doors are at 5.00pm. 

Set in Stalin’s brutal Soviet Union, Semyon, an unemployed grumbler, becomes convinced that suicide is his ticket to fame and glory. Before long, friends and neighbors are plotting to exploit his impending death for fun and profit, and while they’re at it, topple an entire regime. The story is based on a farce, The Suicide, written by Nikolai Erdman in 1928. Stalin hated it, banned it, and sent its author to Siberia for twenty years. Critically acclaimed playwright Bridel creates a timely adaptation of this black comedy that crackles with wit and snowballing insanity. The score by Gray and Bokhour (both recipients of BMI’s Harrington Award for Outstanding Creative Achievement) is potent and exciting, filled with one killer song after another.

isit http://bit.ly/ComradeTix32 to purchase tickets, priced $45-90.  Note there is a $25 food and beverage minimum.
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PR Firm Roundup

14)News from DDPR

LOVE QUIRKS, A NEW MUSICAL FABLE
WILL MAKE ITS OFF-BROADWAY PREMIERE 
IN AN OPEN-ENDED RUN 
AT ST LUKE’S THEATRE
PREVIEWS BEGIN FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28th
Love QuirksA New Musical Fable will be making its Off-Broadway premiere in an open-ended run at St. Luke’s Theatre (307 West 46thSt.) later this month. Based on actual events, Love Quirks spotlights a group of thirty-somethings (gay and straight), as they explore the bizarre tribulations of love, friendship, and all the blurry lines in-between. The production features an original score of quirky, neurotic, and poignant songs by composer/lyricist Seth Bisen-Hersh and a script by Mark Childers filled with laughter, pathos, and an abundance of sexual tension. Previews begin Friday, February 28th and the official opening night is slated for Monday, March 16th. Performances are on Mondays and Fridays at 8:15pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00pm.  Tickets range from $39-$69 and are available at Telecharge.com, by calling 212-239-6200, or by visiting the St. Luke’s box office. 
Four broken hearts must confront the past and look to the future as they march through the strange and often hilarious world of love within the island of Manhattan.  In all the forward movement, what they discover is never what they expect - facing up to their individual Love Quirks!
For further information visit wwLoveQuirks.com
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15) News from DKC/O&M

15A) DRIFT

A NEW PLAY WRITTEN BY

WILLIAM FRANCIS HOFFMAN

WORLD PREMIERE PRODUCTION

DIRECTED BY ACADEMY AWARD® WINNER

BOBBY MORESCO

STARRING EMMY AWARD® WINNER

JOE PANTOLIANO


PERFORMANCES BEGIN FEBRUARY 27

AT NEW WORLD STAGES

Drift, a new American drama written by William Francis Hoffman, will have its World Premiere off-Broadway at New World Stages, Stage 5 (340 West 50th Street), in a production directed by Academy Award® winner Bobby Moresco and starring Emmy Award® winner Joe Pantoliano (“The Sopranos,” Bad Boys For Life in movie theaters now). The limited engagement will begin performances on Thursday, February 27, with an official Opening Night set for Monday, March 16.

Set in the blue collar, urban landscape of the 1950’s, Drift is the hard-hitting new drama where secrets come to a head, difficult choices must be made, and devastating consequences must be faced. 

Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.Telecharge.com; on the phone by calling 212.239.6200; or in person at New World Stages box office, open Monday-Friday, 1-8pm, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-7:30pm.

For more information, please visit www.DriftThePlay.com


**

15B) Upcoming at 

New York Stage and Film


Thursday, February 27 at 3:00pm
A Distinct Society
by Kareen Fahmy
directed by Taylor Reynolds

A quiet library that straddles the border of the U.S. and Canada becomes an unlikely crucible for five people from around the world. When an Iranian family, separated from one another by the "Muslim ban," use the library as a meeting place, the head librarian, a U.S. border patrol officer, and a local teenager have to choose between breaking the law and saving themselves.

Lovely Day
by Leslie Ayvazian
directed by Max Mayer
Friday, February 28 at 3:00pm

As Fran and Martin celebrate their wedding anniversary, they learn of a military recruiter's visit to their only son's high school. Faced with the prospect of his enlistment, they find themselves on opposite sides of one of the most profound questions any mother or father can face. Initially produced in 2003, Leslie will revisit the text within the context of the present.

Happy Hour Cabaret
Featuring songs by Migguel Anggelo, Khiyon Hursey, Jaime Lozano, Madeline Meyers, Brian Quijada, Christina Quintana (CQ), Zoe Sarnak, and Rona Siddiqui
Saturday, February 29 at 5:00pm

A 75-minute acoustic concert of songs-in-process by some of today’s most exciting emerging songwriters for the theater. Join us for a drink and the stories behind their newest compositions.

Tickets are free and can be reserved by visiting www.NewYorkStageAndFilm.org/NYCProgramming


**
15C) HAMILTON ALUM

NIK WALKER

AND

DETROIT NATIVE

MATT MANUEL

TO JOIN

AIN’T TOO PROUD – 

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE

TEMPTATIONS

The producers of Broadway’s Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations announced today that they will welcome Hamilton alum Nik Walker and Detroit native Matt Manuel to the smash hit musical as Otis Williams and David Ruffin, respectively, beginning Friday, February 28, 2020. Derrick Baskin and Ephraim Sykes, the Tony Award® nominated original Temptations actors, will depart the production on Wednesday, February 26, 2020.
Tickets for Ain’t Too Proud, now on sale through November 29, 2020, are available by visiting www.Telecharge.com, by calling 800-447-7400, or by visiting the Imperial Theatre Box Office (249 West 45th Street). For groups of 10 or more, visit www.BroadwayInbound.com or call 866-302-0995.
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16) News from Karen Greco PR

MR. TOOLE makes Off Broadway premiere at 59E59 Theaters
 

On the 40th anniversary of the publication
of The Confederacy of Dunces comes a deeply

 personal story about John Kennedy Toole when

 he was writing his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel

59E59 Theaters (Val Day, Artistic Director; Brian Beirne, Managing Director), welcomes the Off Broadway premiere of MR. TOOLE, written by Vivian Neuwirth and directed by Cat Parker. Produced by Articulate Theatre Company, in association with Lagniappe ProductionsMR. TOOLE begins performances on Friday, February 28 for a limited engagement through Sunday, March 15Press Opening is Wednesday, March 4 at 7:30 pm. The performance schedule is Tuesday -  Saturday at  7:30 pm; Sunday at 2:30 pmThere is an added performance on Saturday, March 7 at 2:30 pm. Performances are at 59E59 Theaters (59 East 59th Street, between Park and Madison). 

The teacher a student will never forget becomes a legend the world will always remember.

Before he was a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, John Kennedy Toole (The Confederacy of Dunces) was a teacher. That's how Lisette, one of his students at an all-girls college in New Orleans knew him and loved him. Through her eyes, amid the music, magic, and mystery of the Big Easy we, too, learn to love "Mr. Toole.” 

Playwright Vivian Neuwirth was one of Tooles’ students when he taught literature at St. Mary’s Dominican High School in New Orleans, during which time he was writing what would be his first and only novel. “He was an amazing teacher,” says Neuwirth. “He had such theatrical flair.” 

While she had heard about his death, she never realized he had written a book, until she stumbled on A Confederacy of Dunces in the window of a bookstore. “His name leaped out at me,” she says. “I dove into the store, bought the book, took it home and devoured it. It was like I had him back again.” After reading the book, Neuwirth was inspired to write a play about this extraordinary man. 

Single tickets are $25 ($20 for 59E59 Members). Tickets are available by calling the 59E59 Box Office at 646-892-7999 or by visiting www.59e59.org. The running time is 120 minutes, including intermission.
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17) News from Michelle Tabnick PR


17A) Theater Resources Unlimited

February Panel

Festivals: Working Hard to Give Your 

Show a Chance

February 25, 2020
Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) presents the February Panel,
Festivals: Working Hard to Give Your Show a Chance, on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at The Actors Temple Theatre, 339 W. 47th Street, NYC. Doors open at 7pm for networking and the panel starts at 7:30pm.

If you think it's daunting to produce yourself in a festival, take a moment to consider the complexity and challenge of running the festival itself. Here's a behind the scenes peek at the history and evolution of a range of these safe havens for developing new work ... why and how they came into being ... what their mission is (and whether it is in sync with your own goals) ... and how they may need to evolve and adapt to changes in our cultural and political environment. One of the major festivals just closed its doors, and others have gone on hiatus to regroup and redefine themselves. What changed? It isn't easy, and they need you to be a part of their producing community. So come and learn all the basics about the submission process, deadlines, what's expected of you and what you can expect from them.

With confirmed panelists Suzanna Bowling, producing manager for NYTheaterfest (Summerfest, Winterfest); Cate Cammarata, literary manager TRU Voices Reading Series; Gene Fisch, Jr., festival director New York New Works Theatre Festival; Lou Lopardi, executive director and Dennis Corsi, artistic director of Fresh Fruit Festival; Valerie Novakoff, producing artistic director Rave Theater Festival; Michael Scott-Price, curator Dream Up Festival at Theatre for the New City; Lenore Skomal, festival director Broadway Bound Theatre Festival.

Doors open at 7:00pm for networking and refreshments, roundtable introductions of everyone in the room will start at 7:30pm - come prepared with your best 30-second summary of who you are, and what you need. Free for TRU members; $13 for non-members in advance ($16 at door). Please use the bright red reservation box on our web page, https://truonline.org/events/what-it-takes-to-run-a-festival-and/, or email or phone at least a day in advance (or much sooner): e-mail TRUStaff1@gmail.com / phone 833-506-5550.

**
17B) La MaMa
in association with Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre
and NODAMAP
presents
the U.S. Premiere of
One Green Bottle
written and directed by Hideki Noda
English Translation adapted by Will Sharpe
February 29 - March 8, 2020


La MaMa, in association with Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre and NODAMAP, presents the U.S. Premiere of One Green Bottle from February 29 through March 8, 2020 at The Ellen Stewart Theatre, La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club, 66 E. 4th Street, NYC. Performances: Mon and Wed-Sat at 7pm, Sun at 5pm. Tickets are $35 ($30 for students and seniors) plus a $1 facility fee, and are available online at www.lamama.org, by phone at 212-352-3101.


An absurdist gender-bending farce, One Green Bottle artfully illustrates our current selfie society's relationship with consumerism and modern technology through one night in the life of a disordered family on the road to ruin: Bo, Boo and Pickle all have plans, but someone must stay home to care for their pregnant dog, Princess. Trivial disputes and slapstick mischief quickly morph into family feuds and also, possibly, to the end of the world.

Artistic Director of the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Hideki Noda - renowned Japanese playwright, director and performer - brings One Green Bottle to NYC after the 2018 London premiere. 

For more information, visit www.lamama.org.
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18) News from Polk and Co.

18A)THE INHERITANCE
ANNOUNCES FINAL WEEKS --
PERFORMANCES THROUGH MARCH 15 ONLY

Producers Tom Kirdahy, Sonia Friedman Productions, and Hunter Arnold announced today that Matthew Lopez’ acclaimed play, THE INHERITANCE, directed by Stephen Daldry, will conclude its Broadway run on Sunday, March 15th.  

In contemporary Manhattan, Eric and Toby are 30-somethings who seem to be very much in love and thriving. But on the cusp of their engagement, they meet an older man haunted by the past, and a younger man hungry for a future. Chance meetings lead to surprising choices as the lives of three generations interlink and collide—with explosive results.

TICKETING AND SCHEDULE INFORMATION

Tickets for THE INHERITANCE are available by calling 212-239-6200 or by visiting Telecharge.com.

THE INHERITANCE is performed five times a week – on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 1pm and Thursdays and Fridays at 7pm. A second chapter that continues the story, THE INHERITANCE Part 2, is performed three times a week – on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday evenings at 7pm. Audience members do not need to purchase tickets to both plays.

For more information, please visit TheInheritancePlay.com.

**
18B) Wicked 
Welcomes New Citizens of Oz
This Month

Lindsay Pearce & Sam Gravitte

The Broadway blockbuster WICKED will welcome new cast members to the Gershwin Theatre this month.  Beginning Tuesday, February 25, Lindsay Pearce will assume the role of Elphaba and Sam Gravitte will assume the role of Fiyero.

For more information about WICKED, please visit www.WickedTheMusical.com.

**
18C) BROADWAY RECORDS TO RELEASE
ORIGINAL CAST RECORDING OF
EMOJILAND THE MUSICAL

PRE-ORDER NOW
AVAILABLE DIGITALLY EVERYWHERE 
FEBRUARY 28, 2020

The original cast recording of EMOJILAND THE MUSICAL is now available for pre-order at www.BroadwayRecords.com. The album will be available digitally on Friday, February 28, 2020 and available physically at www.Amazon.com beginning March 13, 2020.

Not to be confused with, and very much unlike The Emoji Movie, EMOJILAND is an electric ensemble piece about a diverse community of archetypes who take one another at face value: a smiling face dealing with depression; a princess who doesn’t want a prince; a skull dying for deletion; a nerd face too smart for his own good; a face with sunglasses who can’t see past his own reflection; and a police officer and construction worker who just want to work together. When a software update threatens to destroy life as they know it, Emojiland faces the most fundamental questions a society – and a heart – can face: Who are we? And who matters?

To learn more, visit BroadwayRecords.com.
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19) News from Richard Hillman PR

19A) J2 SPOTLIGHT MUSICAL THEATER COMPANY
INAUGURAL SEASON CONTINUES
WITH
NO STRINGS
BOOK BY SAMUEL TAYLOR
MUSIC AND LYICS BY RICHARD RODGERS
CHOREOGRAPHY BY DEIDRE GOODWIN
MUSIC DIRECTION BY GRANT STROM
CO-DIRECTED BY DEIDRE GOODWIN AND ROBERT W. SCHNEIDER
SPECIAL BONUS “LAGNIAPPES” SERIES ADDED
FEBRUARY 27 – MARCH 8, 2020
AT THEATRE ROW
(410 WEST 42ND STREET – NYC)
The newly formed J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company (Jim Jimirro, Executive Producer/Co-Founder; Robert W. Schneider, Artistic Director/Co-Founder) has announced the cast and creative team for the second of the three productions in the company’s inaugural 2020 season: the 1962 hit musical, No Strings, with book by Samuel Taylor, and music and lyrics by Richard Rodgers. Performances begin on Thursday, February 27, 2020 at 7:30pm and continue through March 8, 2020 at Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street – between 9th and Dyer Avenues). No Strings is presented through special arrangement with R & H Theatricals: www.rnh.comOpening Night is Thursday, February 27, 2020 at 7:30pm.

The second production in J2 Spotlight Musical Theatre Company’s inaugural season is the 1962 hit musical No Strings, with book by Samuel Taylor and music and lyrics by Richard Rodgers, the only musical for which he wrote both music and lyrics. No Strings explores the allure of Paris and its seductive embrace. A successful high-fashion model from Harlem meets and falls in love with an American writer who has made Paris his home. Convinced that their love only needs one another to survive, they embark on a romantic adventure through Europe, clinging to the City of Lights as the harsh reality of America threatens their union. Songs include: “The Sweetest Sounds,” “No Strings,” and “Nobody Told Me.” No Strings opened on Broadway in 1962 starring Diahann Carroll and Richard Kiley and ran for 580 performances. It received 9 Tony Award nominations including Best Musical, and received 3 Tony Awards for Best Lead Actress, Best Score and Best Choreography.

The J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company series will play the following performance schedule: Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m.

NOW ON SALE: Single tickets are priced at $55 and may be purchased at telecharge.com, or by calling 212-239-6200$25 Student Rush tickets will be available on the day of performance.

SPECIAL ADDED BONUS: Free and open to ticket holders, Lagniappes, from the Louisiana French meaning a bonus or a gift, are designed to enhance audience appreciation of classic works with cast talkbacks, visits with the producers, and interviews with the cast and personnel of the original productions.

THE LAGNIAPPES SCHEDULE FOR _NO STRINGS_:
• FRIDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 27: THE SWEETEST SOUNDS
Join Ted Chapin, President of the Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization,
in a Q&A about the development of No Strings.
Moderator: Artistic Director and Co-Founder Robert W. Schneider
• SATURDAY AFTERNOON, FEBRUARY 29 AT 2:00PM: BEHIND THE CURTAIN
A Post-Show Talk Back with the cast and creatives of No Strings.
Moderator: Associate Artistic Director Benjamin Nissen.
• SUNDAY AFTERNOON, MARCH 1 AT 2:00PM: THE STORY OF NO STRINGS
Richard Rodgers after decades of working with Oscar Hammerstein and Larry Hart, goes it alone. This talk will be presented by Executive Producer and Co-Founder Jim Jimirro.
• THURSDAY EVENING, MARCH 5 AT 6:30PM: Q&A WITH YVONNE CONSTANT
Yvonne Constant, who played Jeanette in the original Broadway production of No Strings,
will be on hand to look back on the show and the creative process.
• SATURDAY AFTERNOON, MARCH 7 AT 2:00PM: BEHIND THE CURTAIN
A Post-Show Talk Back with the cast and creatives of No Strings.
Moderator: Associate Artistic Director Benjamin Nissen.
**
19B) THE OFF BROADWAY ALLIANCE
PRESENTS
"WHAT THINGS COST"
BUDGETING YOUR OFF BROADWAY SHOW

A PANEL DISCUSSION SEMINAR
THE THEATER CENTER
(210 WEST 50TH STREET, NYC)
SUNDAY, MARCH 1 AT 11AM
ADMISSION IS $5
PRE-REGISTRATION IS MANDATORY
COMPLIMENTARY BAGELS AND COFFEE FOR ALL REGISTERED ATTENDEES
The Off Broadway Alliance, the organization of Off Broadway producers, theaters, general managers, press agents, and marketing firms, will hold the next event in its Seminars series focused on the Off Broadway producing process on Sunday, March 1, 2020

The seminar, titled “What Things Cost: Budgeting Your Off Broadway Show." Industry experts will discuss the ins and outs of budgeting for Off Broadway plays and musicals of all sizes; in theatres with 99 to 499 seats, from one to eight performances a week. They will also share their insight on where to spend and where to save, and how to stretch the dollars and get the biggest bang for your buck. The panelists will include Lisa Dozier King (Be More Chill, A Letter to Harvey Milk), William Franzblau (Say Goodnight Gracie, David Mamet’s American Buffalo), and Evan Bernardin (Afterglow, We Are the Tigers). Robert Driemeyer (La Cage aux Folles, Tennessee Williams’ The Two-Character Play) will moderate.

“What Things Cost: Budgeting Your Off Broadway Show." will be held on the 3rd floor of The Theater Center (210 West 50th Street). Check-in will begin at 10:30am for networking and complimentary coffee and bagels. The panel discussion will take place from 11am to 12:30pm with additional time allotted afterward for conversation with fellow attendees.
Admission for the seminar is $5 (to partially cover the costs of presenting the seminar), and pre-registration is a must. Attendees are encouraged to pre-submit questions for the panelists when they submit their reservations. Questions will be asked live at the seminar.

For information, visit  www.OffBroadwayAlliance.com
*********************************************************************
20) News from Spin Cycle NYC

20A) Costa Rica’s Teatro Espressivo Makes US Debut
with Internationally Acclaimed Production

BUILDING THE WALL
** by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Robert Schenkkan **
Performances begin February 27

After sold out runs in Costa Rica, El Salvador and Spain (where it won the Audience Award at the Miteu International Theater Festival),  Teatro Espressivo’s critically acclaimed production of BUILDING THE WALL by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Robert Schenkkan  (The Kentucky Cycle, All the Way, Hacksaw Ridge) arrives in the US. Performances begin February 27 at Teatro LATEA @ The Clemente in Lower Manhattan. Presented in Spanish with English subtitles, this translation by Gerardo Bolaños G. is directed by Natalia Mariño, winner of Costa Rica’s prestigious Premio Nacional a Mejor Dirección de Teatro.

BUILDING THE WALL is set in the not-too-distant future. The mass round-up of millions of undocumented immigrants has led to overflowing private prisons and camps reminiscent of another century. The former warden for one facility, Rick, is awaiting sentencing for what happened under his watch. In a riveting interview with Gloria, a historian who has come seeking the truth, he gradually reveals how the unthinkable became the inevitable. The play exposes the effects of hatred against immigrants from Central America that flee from violence and poverty.  What they encounter across the border is a dystopic panorama, the effects of which might be more real than the public cares to accept.

BUILDING THE WALL runs February 27 to March 15 at Teatro LATEA @ The Clemente, 107 Suffolk Street in Lower Manhattan. Performances are Thursday – Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 3pm. Running time is 80 minutes. Tickets can be bought online at www.teatrolatea.org for $20 (general public) and $15 (students/seniors) or at the door for $25 (general public) and $15 (students/seniors).  For more information call 212-529-1948.

**
20B) New Play by Taylor Mac Makes World Premiere 
THE FRE
Previews begin February 28 at The Flea

The Flea Theater presents the World Premiere of THE FRE by MacArthur Genius Grant Recipient and Tony Award® nominee Taylor Mac. This production is a homecoming for Taylor, who was once a member of The Bats, The Flea’s resident acting company.  The Flea’s Artistic Director and frequent Taylor Mac collaborator, Niegel Smith (Hir, A 24 Decade History of Popular Music and Taylor Mac’s Holiday Sauce) will direct. THE FRE runs February 28 through April 12 in The Sam with opening slated for Sunday, March 15. 

In the land of two bridges, THE FRE, a rambunctious group of fun-loving anti-intellectuals spend their days cavorting in the mud.  Into their midst descends Hero, a dandy aesthete, who longs to cut the bridge and finally escape the mud pit.   But first he must convince the leader Frankie Fre and the other fatuous inhabitants that there is a better life outside of the swamp.  In this queer love story, audiences will literally and figuratively jump into the mud with the Fre to hash out the current cultural divide.  The play is set in a giant ball pit with audience seating inside and out and is appropriate for “all ages.”

THE FRE runs February 28 - April 12. Performances are Monday, Thursday, & Friday at 7pm; Saturday at 3pm & 7pm; and Sunday at 3pm with an added performance Wednesday, March 4 at 7pm.  The Flea Theater is located at 20 Thomas Street between Church and Broadway, three blocks north of Chambers, close to the A/C/E, N/Q/R/W, 4/5/6, J/M/Z and 1/2/3 subway lines. Tickets for The Fre are on sale to the public January 20 with member pre-sale beginning January 7. Tickets are $25 for performances through March 14 and $40 thereafter. Members have access to limited $15 tickets during the member pre-sale January 7 through 20 on a first-come, first-served basis. Purchase tickets by calling 212-352-3101 or online at www.theflea.org 
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And that's the scoop. Tune in tomorrow for this month's Monthly Mashup.

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