Sunday Scoop Week of 12/18/22 What's Happening This Week and More

A) Beginning Performances 

B) Closing Soon 

C)Extended Run

D) New Cast Members

E) What Else is Happening This Week or Coming Up Soon

A) Beginning Performances

Chicken Biscuits

Chicken & Biscuits is a story of love, forgiveness, and healing in a comedically complex black family. The Jenkins family is coming together to celebrate the life of their now-deceased father — hopefully without killing each other. Any hope for a peaceful reunion is shattered when a family secret shows up at the funeral. This raucous laugh-out-loud comedy will leave audiences wanting a second helping! 

Crossroads Theatre Company, NBPAC (11 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, NJ)

Running 12/21 - 12/31

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Crossroadstheatrecompany.org.

B) Closing Soon 

1776

American Airlines (227 W. 42nd St.)

Closing 1/8

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.roundabouttheatre.org

A Strange Loop

Meet Usher: a Black, queer writer writing a musical about a Black, queer writer writing a musical about a Black, queer writer... 

 

Lyceum Theatre (149 45th St.)

Closing 1/15

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://strangeloopmusical.com.

C) Extended Run

Ain't No Mo

Ain’t No Mo’ dares to ask the incendiary question, “What if the U.S. government attempted to solve racism … by offering Black Americans one-way plane tickets to Africa?” The answer comes in the form of an outrageous and high-octane comedy about being Black in today’s America. From the mischievous mind of Jordan E. Cooper (“The Ms. Pat Show”), Ain’t No Mo’ seamlessly blends sketch comedy, satire and avant-garde theater to leave audiences crying with laughter—and thinking through the tears.

Belasco Theatre (111 W. 44th St.)

Now closing 12/23

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://aintnomobway.com

Underneath the Skin

UNDERNEATH THE SKIN is based on the fantastical life of Samuel Steward (1909-1993), a gay novelist, tattoo artist, author of erotic fiction, and unabashed carnal adventurer who lived a bold life pursuing his physical and erotic desires through his art. A promising novelist and gifted scholar, Steward left the world of academia to reinvent himself as one of the 20th century’s most influential tattoo artists (aka Philip Sparrow), and as a writer of gay erotic fiction (aka Phil Andros). He attracted the friendships of Gertrude Stein and Andre Gide, was lovers with Thornton Wilder, and had trysts with Rudolph Valentino, Lord Alfred Douglas, and Roy Fitzgerald (aka Rock Hudson). An obsessive self-chronicler, he meticulously recorded his intimate encounters in his “Stud File,” and became an unofficial collaborator at The Kinsey Institute in the 1950s.

The Ellen Stewart Theater at La MaMa (66 East 4th Street, between 2nd Avenue and Bowery)

Now closing 2/22

For more information or to purchase tickets, www.lamama.org/shows/underneath-the-skin-2022

D) New Cast Members

Into the Woods

Diane Phelan to play Cinderella beginning 12/26

Sebastian Arcelus returns to the role of The Baker 1/3

Show closing 1/8

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit SeatGeek.com/into-the-woods.

E) What's Happening This Week and More

1) 92NY Presents Music from the Sole Partido 

12/22

2) American  Modern Opera Co. & Cathederal of St. John Divine Present

John Adams El Nino Nativity Reconsidered 12/21

3) Fundaes Arcade Opens in Chesterfield New Jersey

4) Nai-Ni Chen Dance Co. The Bridge Virtual Dance Class

12/19 & 12/21

5) NYC Winter Lantern Festival

12/23 - 1/11

6) State Theatre New Jersey Upcoming Event:

The Queen's Cartoonists Holiday Hurrah Yule Love It 12/23

7) TRU Town Hall: Gender Party, Are We There Yet?

12/20

8) York Theatre Co's Production of

Penelope or How The Odyssey Was Really Written Available on Jay Records

1) 92NY Presents

MUSIC FROM THE SOLE: PARTIDO

Leonardo Sandoval, Artistic Director & Choreographer

Gregory Richardson, Artistic Director & Composer

Naomi Funaki, Orlando Hernández, Leonardo Sandoval,

Lucas Santana, Gisele Silva, Ana Tomioshi - Dancers

José Carlos Cruzata Revé, Josh Davis, Noé Kains, Gregory Richardson - Band

In Person

Thursday, December 22, 7:30 pm ET

Online

Friday, December 23, 12 pm ET – Monday, December 26, 12 pm ET

The 92nd Street Y Harkness Dance Center’s 2022/23 Mainstage Series continues with Partido, an evening-length work of tap dance, body percussion and live music that explores the convergence of percussive dance with contemporary urban dance and music in the US and Brazil. Developed for Music From The Sole, and initially spurred by Leonardo Sandoval’s experience as an Afro-Brazilian immigrant in the United States, the piece celebrates and highlights the deep connections between Afro-rooted culture in both countries, connecting tap with styles like samba and house dance through shared rhythms and footwork. The performance is in 92NY’s Kaufmann Concert Hall and Thursday, December 22 at 7:30 pm ET and available online for 72 hours starting at noon on Friday, December 23. Tickets are available here.

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2) American Modern Opera Company (AMOC)

with The Cathedral of St. John the Divine

presents

John Adams’ El Niño: Nativity Reconsidered

Concept by Julia Bullock

December 21, 2022

American Modern Opera Company (AMOC) and The Cathedral of St. John the Divine present contemporary composer John Adams’ El Niño: Nativity Reconsidered with libretto by Peter Sellars and concept by Julia Bullock on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at 7:30pm at The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Avenue, (at 112th Street) in Manhattan. Tickets are $5-45 (choose-what-you-pay) and are available online at https://www.stjohndivine.org/calendar/42514/el-nino-nativity-reconsidered or in person at the Cathedral’s box office.

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3) Fundaes Arcade Opens

Fundaes Arcade, a new arcade and ice cream parlor is now open in Chesterfield, NJ. Fundaes Arcade boasts a multitude of interactive games featuring e-claw machines, virtual reality, a variety of racing games and so much more. Plus, the ultimate prize-picking experience that will have guests saving up tickets to take home their dream prize!

Fundaes is delighted to offer over 14 hard ice cream flavors, vanilla and chocolate soft serve, cherry, and pineapple Dole Whip, jaw-dropping sundae options and an array of toppings. The parlor will also offer a candy wall, snacks such as warm pretzels and churros, ICEES and Pepsi products. 

The new business will be open Wednesday-Sunday with specified hours listed at www.fundaesarcade.com.
 
Location: 105 Saddle Way, Chesterfield, NJ 08515

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4) Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company

Announces

The Bridge

Virtual Dance Institute

of boundary-breaking dance experiences

Free One-Hour Company Classes on Zoom and In Person

Open to All Dancers at an Intermediate to Advanced Level

December 19 & 21, 2022

 In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company established a new dance institute through Zoom, The Bridge. Now, classes are also being offered in person. The Institute’s aim is to bring together dancers, choreographers and directors around the world to experience the master teachers of color whose practices are embedded in the community and are focused on advancing the art of dance that transforms the personal, environmental and metaphysical spaces. Dancers interested in attending the virtual session can join the class by registering here.

The Bridge is now hybrid, with special classes being offered simultaneously in-person and online. These classes are aimed at professional dancers, and interested participants can register here for the live, in-person experience.

As a dance institute, The Bridge will invite world renowned as well as up and coming dancers and choreographers to come to guest teach the class. Advanced/Intermediate level professional or pre-professional dancers who are looking to explore beyond their own boundaries and looking for new dance experiences are encouraged to participate. The core program is based on Nai-Ni Chen’s Kinetic Spiral, which is a cross-cultural dance vocabulary that integrates the Chinese martial arts philosophy in TaiChi with contemporary dance practices she studied in America. Guest artists will cover a wide range of folk and classical dance styles.

The Bridge Class schedule:

Monday, December 19, 2022 | Rio Kikuchi (Gyrokinesis) at 10am ET

Tapping into the creative energy of the universe through Kinetic Spiral. Nai-Ni Chen's signature technique is based on the principle of ever-changing universal forces of Yin and Yang. Dance phrases from Nai-Ni Chen's repertory will be taught.

Wednesday, December 21, 2022 | Greta Campo (Kinetic Spiral) at 10am ET

Hybrid; In person at Ballet Hispánico, 167 W 89th St., NYC

Tapping into the creative energy of the universe through Kinetic Spiral, Nai-Ni Chen's signature technique is based on the principle of ever-changing universal forces of Yin and Yang to cultivate the dancer’s vital energy Chi (Qi) allowing the dancer to achieve higher performance with less effort. By focusing on breathing and images, Kinetic Spiral also balances the spiritual, mental and physical energy of the dancer. The Kinetic Spiral Technique forms the foundation of Nai-Ni Chen’s style of cross-cultural movement and embodies her efforts to work in the intersection of culture and race, advocating for equity with grace and power.

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5) This Holiday Season Kids Go FREE at NYC Winter Lantern Festival’s Location at 

SIUH Community Park in Staten Island

Starting now, this holiday season Kaleido Arts & Entertainment Group, the creators of the NYC Winter Lantern Festival, and the Staten Island Advance/SILive.com are gifting FREE admission to kids 12 and under to “Journey to the East” at SIUH Community Park. Kids 12 and under when accompanied by a paying adult can attend the festival of lanterns for FREE just by using the code SIAKids at checkout.

The spectacular show of lights at the ballpark features over 1,000 handmade Chinese Lanterns created by over 100 artists. Lanterns are illuminated by LED lights than can reach up to 30 feet high across a total of more than 5 acres. Visitors can wander through a world inspired by Chinese myths and legends, including a larger-than-life handmade lantern display of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King. In addition, lantern displays will include an animal kingdom, sea world, multiple illuminated tunnels, illuminated rideable swings and more - perfect for the whole family!

SIUH Community Park is located near the Empire Outlets and the ballpark which makes for accessible parking and easy travel by car or ferry. Parking is available on-site for $10, as well as on-site VIP parking.

The NYC Winter Lantern Festival at SIUH Community Park will be open Fridays to Sundays 5 pm to 9:30 pm, then from December 23, 2022, to January 1, 2023 the show will be available daily (5-9:30 pm). The NYC Winter Lantern Festival will also be OPEN at all locations on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Tickets are priced $28.99 plus service fee for adults and $17.99 plus service fee for kids. But, for you 12-and-under kids, use the code SIAKids and they’ll be admitted FREE!

For more information, visit www.winterlanternfestival.com and follow on social media at @winterlanternfestival for additional news and announcements Facebook | Instagram | TikTok #NYCWinterLanternFestival and #WinterLantern.

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6)State Theatre New Jersey 

Upcoming Event:

The Queen's Cartoonist's 

Holiday Hurrah

Yule Love It

Friday December 23, 2022 8:00 PM

Live Music & Cartoons! See musical ensemble The Queen’s Cartoonists in this hilarious holiday special the whole family will enjoy! This one-of-a-kind event features the traditional holiday music that you love, paired with festive animated holiday cartoons and films. The Queen’s Cartoonists have found the best of the best (and best of the worst) classic holiday-related cartoons, films, and music and they even throw in silly props, sound effects, and a holiday-themed game show!

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.stnj.org/event/queens-cartoonists

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7) Theater Resources Unlimited

TRU Town Hall:

Gender Parity. Are We There Yet?

Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at 6:30 pm ET

Theater Resources Unlimited presents a TRU Town Hall, Gender Parity. Are We There Yet?, on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at 6:30pm ET, at Polaris North Theatre, 245 W. 29th Street, 4th Floor, 10001, NYC. Marking TRU’s return to live monthly panels and discussions, this event will have a simultaneous streaming for our friends outside of New York City. (Everyone should receive the Zoom link upon registration. If you don't receive it, email TRUnltd@aol.com to request link.) Networking begins at 6:30pm and The Open Forum begins at 7pm - come prepared with your best 20-second summary of who you are, and what you need. The event is free for TRU members; $15 for non-members, with a $5 “Starving Artist” option for those in post-shutdown financial need. For more information and to register, visit truonline.org/events/gender-parity.

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8) A NEW CAST RECORDING
OF
THE YORK THEATRE COMPANY
WORLD PREMIERE PRESENTATION OF
PENELOPE, OR HOW THE ODYSSEY WAS REALLY WRITTEN
A NEW MUSICAL COMEDY
BOOK AND LYRICS BY PETER KELLOGG
MUSIC BY STEPHEN WEINER
MUSIC DIRECTION AND ORCHESTRATIONS BY DAVID HANCOCK TURNER
VOCAL ARRANGEMENTS BY DAVID HANCOCK TURNER, STEVE DELEHANTY, AND STEPHEN WEINER
DIRECTED AND CHOREOGRAPHED BY EMILY MALTBY

AVAILABLE NOW ON JAY RECORDS 

The York Theatre Company (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director; Evans Haile, Executive Director), is delighted to announce the release of the original cast recording of its 2022 world premiere presentation of Penelope, or How the Odyssey Was Really Written, a new musical comedy, with book & lyrics by Peter Kellogg (York’s Desperate Measures), music by Stephen Weiner (The Rivals), directed and choreographed by Emily Maltby (York’s Lolita, My Love), with music direction and orchestrations by David Hancock Turner (York’s Cheek to Cheek, Desperate Measures) and vocal arrangements by David Hancock Turner, Steve Delehanty, and Stephen Weiner. Produced by John Yap on Jay Records, the recording is currently available on all digital music platforms and the physical CD is being released today, Friday, December 9. For more information, visit www.jayrecords.com/recording/penelope/.

Penelope is married to Odysseus, the rightful King of Ithaca. For the last twenty years, she’s been waiting for him to return from the Trojan War. Meanwhile, a bevy of suitors have gathered, each wanting to marry her and take over the kingdom. Since they have little else to do but eat and drink, they decide to form an a capella group. (The acoustics in the great hall are terrific.) To stall them, Penelope writes letters to herself and pretends they’re from Odysseus saying he’s on his way. Little does she know, her letters gathered together are creating the story of The Odyssey. (Since no one knows who really wrote The Odyssey, this theory is as good as any other.) It's funny, it’s fierce and, above all, it's epic!

Penelope is funny, feminist, and fully relevant to today because it’s about a woman who lives through and for her husband for 20 years, only to realize when he returns that her life, her journey is just as important as his. Book and lyrics are by Peter Kellogg, who wrote the award-winning Desperate Measures; music is by Stephen Weiner, two-time Richard Rodgers Award winner. Penelope was given a Developmental Reading at The York under the previous title Dear Pen.

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