Tips for Tuesday - Books: Crazy Ambulance Tales & The Claimant

We may have been given complimentary copies and/or access for review purposes to any products, and/or visual or audio media mentioned below. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Books: Crazy Ambulance Stories and The Claimant

Today we are recommending Crazy Ambulance Tales by Chris Treece. Although it may seem like a memoir written by someone who worked in an ambulance would be nothing but bleak and depressing, that is not the case. In fact, there are plenty of life-affirming uplifting, and even humorous stories in this book. 

Of course, that is not to say that there aren't any sad parts. We are all aware, as all ambulance crew members know all too well,  that not everyone can be saved. Thus, there are some stories in this book that are quite sad.  

Although Chris does not go into the gory details when describing any of the tragedies he has witnessed, if you find the mere mention of injury and/or death triggering you may want to skip this book. However, if you do not, and you are interested in learning about what it's like to work in an ambulance crew, you will definitely want to read this fascinating and informative book. Doing so will surely give you a new appreciation for these frontline workers whose own lives often take a backseat to the care of others they don't even know.

Today we are talking about The Claimant by Rachel Weinhaus. This is a memoir by a woman who received a package in the mail identifying her as a possible claimant against a university doctor for sexual misconduct. Not only does she have that to deal with, but the event also leads to her recovery of a long-buried memory of a sexual assault in the woods when she was a child. This book is her attempt to process both of these traumas. 

The story is not told in a linear fashion but jumps around in a kind of stream-of-consciousness way. Accordingly, if you find that kind of thing confusing you may not enjoy this book. You also may find reading this book stressful if you don't like reading about sexual assaults or if you have suffered one yourself. 

For many of us, events like these are unimaginable although we know these things happen to numerous people every day. We cannot imagine how we would go on if it happened to us. Rachel Weinhaus bravely sharing her story proves that it is possible to get through such tragedies and you don't need to be ashamed and hide in the corner if it happens to you because you are not at fault.

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

More Theater Monday - Without You

We were given complimentary tickets to Without You for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: Without You

Where:  New World Stages

              340 W. 50th St.

              New York. NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 12 and Up

When: Through April 30, 2023 

Me - Without You is a one-man musical starring Anthony Rapp based on his memoir of the same name. It centers around a few years in his life in the 90s, as he secures his life-changing role of Mark Cohen in the musical, Rent while also grappling with his mother's losing battle with cancer. I'm a big fan of Anthony Rapp and Rent so I was very excited about this show from the moment I first heard about it. I'm happy to say that it did not disappoint. 

Without You is very emotional and can be triggering especially if you are currently struggling with grief. However, ultimately it is a story of love and hope. 

The soundtrack to the show primarily consists of snippets of songs from Rent, along with a radio cover or two, and a few originals written for this show. For someone like me, who's loved Rent for years but never got to see it live, let alone with the original cast, getting to hear Anthony Rapp sing excerpts from What You Own, La Vie Boheme, the title song from Rent, and more in person and in such a small, intimate setting was an incredible experience. Overall, if you're a fan of Anthony Rapp. Rent, theater, memoirs or just moving stories about love and loss I would highly recommend seeing this show.

Mom - Attending Anthony Rapp's one-man show at New World Stages feels like visiting a friend especially if you are a big fan of Anthony's and/or the musical Rent. The small intimate theater makes it feel like you are sitting in his living room listening to his story and not a theater full of people.

If you are in the throes of intense grief, you might not be ready to handle this show as much of it deals with the death of Anthony's mother as well as that of Rent creator, Jonathan Larson. However, the show is definitely not wall-to-wall depressing from start to finish. There are plenty of joyous moments as well including when he talks about getting his role in Rent and how life-changing the show was. Besides, having the opportunity to hear Anthony sing parts of several songs from Rent live is worth the price of admission to this show especially if you didn't have the opportunity to see him when he was in Rent either on or off Broadway. Even if you saw him in the film version of the show, it is not the same as seeing him right there in front of you and hearing him sing these songs live.

There are other songs in the show as well. They are deeply personal songs written by Anthony himself. Only by seeing this show, can you understand the true meaning behind these songs.

Anthony's story was originally told in a memoir with the same title as the show. While you can always just read the book, it is not the same as hearing his story from his own mouth. It is an experience you won't want to miss especially if you're a fan of Anthony and/or the musical Rent.

And that's our view. For more about Without You or to purchase tickets, visit withoutyoumusical.com.

Photo credits: 

All Without You production photos by Russ Rowland

Sunday Scoop Week of 1/29/23 What's Happening This Week and More

A) Beginning Performances

1) Clydes

2) The Fantasticks

3) Shakespeare's Macbeth

4) Unfinished Women

5) Shedding Load

6) The Sign in Sydney Brustein's Window

B) Extended Runs

7) The Wanderers

C) What's Else is Happening This Week and More

8) 92NY Dance Center Presents Johnny Cruise Mercer Revival

2/2

9) A Beautiful Noise Celebrates Neil Diamond's 82nd Birthday

10) BAMkids Film Festival & Free Family Friendly Carnival 

2/4 & 2/5

11) Centenary Stage Co. Young Performer's Workshop

Spring 2023 Session Applications Open Through 2/17

12) Dr. Suzanne Soliman Premieres Instagram Live Show

2/1

13) Braata Productions Presents Jamaica Youth Chorale 

Redemption Songs Tour

14) Broadway Records Announces the Release of The Big One-Oh

15) Garment District & Flat Iron District Free Walking Tours

in February

16) Ice Theatre of New York New Works & Young Artists Series 

17)LAbryrinth Theater Co. Announces 30th Anniversary Season 

18) Matthew Pucket Releases Video from New Musical, Rebel Genius

Featuring Broadway's Corey Cott

19) Nai-Ni Chen Dance Co. Celebrates the Lunar New Year

at Kupferberg Center for the Arts in Queens College 2/5

20) State Theatre New Jersey Upcoming Shows & Events 

21) Theatre Resources Unlimited Community Gathering Via Zoom

1/27

Beginning Performances

In New Jersey

1) Clydes

A slice of life that elevates the soul, Clyde’s is about the healing power of food. Centering around the formerly incarcerated kitchen staff at a truck stop sandwich shop.  

Clyde’s is a story about living with and through your mistakes – and the importance of a shared dream in bringing people together; like the quest for creating the perfect sandwich. 

New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (11 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, NJ)

1/31 - 2/19

Opening Night 2/3

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

2) The Fantasticks

Narrated by the mystical and gallant El Gallo, this poetic and comic musical is a timeless story focusing on two young lovers, their meddling parents and the journey everyone must take through the highs of adolescent passions, the agonies of heartbreak and the hurts of betrayal…to discover how to truly love.  With its most memorable song, “TryTo Remember”, this funny and moving classic will warm your hearts on a cold winter’s night. 

Kelsey Theatre at MCCC (1200 Old Trenton Rd., West Windsor)

Friday - Sunday 2/20 - 2/12

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit kelsey.mccc.edu/shows_current.shtml

3) Shakespeare's Macbeth

Little Theatre on the Centenary University campus (400 Jefferson St. Hackettstown, NJ)

2/2 - 2/6

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

4) Unfinished Women Cry in No Man's Land While a Bird Dies

in a Gilded Cage

March 12, 1955: virtuoso jazz saxophonist Charlie “Bird” Parker is fading away on the final day of his life in the plush boudoir of his wealthy European patroness. Across town, the spirited teenagers in the Hide-a-Wee Home for Unwed Mothers (the “unfinished women”) must decide whether to keep their babies or put them up for adoption. The Bird is trapped in lost dreams of the past, while the young women look to the possibilities of the future. Mixing poetry and live music into a rich tapestry of longing and love, Unfinished Women possesses a rare and haunting lyricism not soon forgotten.

Camden Repertory Theater (445 Mechanic St., Camden)

Previews: 2/1 - 2/4

Performances 2/10 - 3/25

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit camdenrep.com.

In New York

5) Shedding Load

On July 13, 1977, lightning struck three times in the New York area causing a city-wide blackout. In the following hours rioters destroyed multiple city blocks, millions of dollars’ worth of property, and the dreams of one Bushwick family. With their store and livelihood burned to the ground, they rely on each other to stay hopeful among the ruins.

59E59’s Theater C (59 E 59^th St.)

2/2 - 2/18 

Opening Night 2/18

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit  59E59.ORG

6) The Sign in Sydney Brustein's Window

The A Raisin in the Sun playwright invites us into Greenwich Village in the 60s, crafting a razor-sharp portrait of a diverse group of friends whose loudly proclaimed progressive dreams can’t quite match up with reality. At the center are Sidney and Iris Brustein, fighting to see if their marriage—with all its crackling wit, passion, and petty cruelty—will be the final sacrifice to Sidney’s ideals.  Discover the “astonishing force” (The Chicago Tribune) of this stunning drama from one of America’s greatest playwrights when it finally returns to New Yor​k.

Peter Jay Sharp Building (30 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn, NY)

Beginning performances 2/4

Opening Night 2/23

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.bam.org/sign.

B)Extended Run

7) The Wanderers

Orthodox Jews Esther (Freyer) and Schmuli (Klasko) are newly married, and their future is written in the laws of the Torah. Secular Jew Abe (Thomas) is a famous novelist who believes he can write his own future…until an unexpected email from a movie star, Julia Cheever (Holmes), puts his marriage to Sophie (Cooper) to the test and threatens to prove him wrong. From playwright Anna Ziegler (The Last Match) comes the New York premiere of a play that ripples across cultures, challenging two very different couples with the same question: Can we be happy with what we have while we have it?

Laura Pels Theater in the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre

(111 W. 46th St., between 6th and 7th)

Now closing 4/2

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

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8) 92NY Harkness Dance Center Presents

JOHNNIE CRUISE MERCER

Revival 2023

 The 92nd Street Y Harkness Dance Center’s 2022/23 Mainstage Series continues with choreographer, educator, and producer Johnnie Cruise Mercer’s ‘to those who have seed in the ground’, bringing together two generations of artists with the intention of calling upon (and embodying) collective inner will.  

Inspired by William McDowell’s 2016 album, Sounds of Revival, Mercer comments “‘to those who have seed in the ground’ is structured as a movement sermon on the parable of the mustard seed. Rooted in the practices, and choreographies of my Black, African, American bloodline, and led by an ensemble of movement artists (both professional and in-process), tonight will happen as a series of meta-physical bouts (works) all rooted and calling onto the spiritual pasts of our ancestors.” He further notes, “my work, my art, is my contribution to my community. It is my way of guiding my people towards understanding and surrendering to history, to our shared epic memory. I am interested in where we are, and through feeling, together, finding out where we will be going next." 

The work includes a collaborative sound score composed by music artists dj Om-Amari (DJ Artist), Young Denzel (Composer), Monstah Black (lyrics), Jay Deamour (vocal artist), performances by TheTRPNYC: Movement Ensemble, and features appearance by youth artists from The Appomattox Regional Governor's School, and Brooklyn Prospect High School.

‘to those who have seed in the ground’ marks Johnnie Cruise Mercer’s third year producing, choreographing, and directing TheREDprojectNYC’s Revival, an annual event curated around communal breath, ephebism, and generational revitalization. 

This year’s Revival was made possible through spatial support from the Harkness Foundation’s 2022 Harkness Promise Award, while in residence at The Appomattox Regional Governor's School during TRPNYC’s 5th Annual RVA Homecoming, and while in partnership/residence with Movement Research’s Dance Maker’s Program.

The Mainstage Series continues 

MAURYA KERR / tinypistol

black calls to dark calls to deep underneath

World Premiere

In Person – Thu, Mar 9, 7:30 pm, from $30 / $10 student

Online – noon Fri, Mar 10 – noon Mon, Mar 13, from $20

Maurya Kerr, Bay Area-based choreographer, poet, performer, educator, and the artistic director of tinypistol brings a world premiere to the 92nd Street Y. Much of Maurya's work—across the disciplines of movement, language, and film—is focused on black and brown people reclaiming their birthright to both wonderment and the quotidian. 

FLOCK & ARTISTS

Somewhere Between

New York Premiere

In Person – Thu, Apr 20, 7:30 pm, from $30 / $10 student

Online – noon Fri, Apr 21 – noon Mon, Apr 24, from $20

FLOCK returns to perform again at 92NY after kicking off our inaugural Harkness Mainstage Series in September 2021 for the New York premiere of their brand-new touring show Somewhere Between featuring a cast of world-renowned dance artists.

*Rescheduled date*

PETER CHU

In Person – Sun, May 14, 7:30 pm, from $30 / $10 student

Online – noon Mon, May 15 – noon Thu, May 18, from $20

Performing artist, educator and choreographer Peter Chu brings the world premieres of two works to 92NY - Conscious Shift and take-off. Chu performs with Roger Van der Poel, a member of his company, Chuthis.

MALEEK WASHINGTON

In Person – Thu, Jun 8, 7:30 pm, from $30 / $10 student

Online – noon Fri, Jun 9 – noon Mon, Jun 12, from $20

Maleek Washington, a 2021 New York Live Arts Fresh Track grantee, who was also nominated for a Bessie as an “Outstanding Breakout Choreographer" in the same year will be closing out our Mainstage Season by bringing his compelling creative voice to the 92nd Street Y, New York stage for the first time.

Visit 92NY.org/Dance for details on all 2022/23 Harkness Mainstage Series events in Kaufmann Concert Hall, and spring 2023 Harkness Studio Series events in our newly renovated Buttenwieser Hall.

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9) A BEAUTIFUL NOISE,

THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL

CELEBRATES MUSIC ICON’S 82^ND BIRTHDAY

WITH AUDIENCE SINGALONG

 

VIDEO OF TONY AWARD^®  NOMINEE WILL SWENSON & CAST

LEADING FANS IN RENDITION OF “HAPPY BIRTHDAY”

Will Swenson and the cast of A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical led the audience at the Broadhurst Theatre in wishing the music icon a happy 82^nd birthday.

 

Footage of Swenson calling Diamond via Facetime and the crowd singing “Happy Birthday” to him is available here with full permission granted for press and social use.

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10) BAMkids Film Festival &

 Free Family Friendly Carnival 

BAMkids Film Festival 2023 

In association with International Film Festival and Melbourne International Animation 

Festival 

In-Person: BAM Rose Cinemas (Peter Jay Sharp Building, 30 Lafayette Ave) 

Feb 4 & 5 starting at 9:30am 

Tickets: $10 for children (13 & under), $14 for adults, and $9 for members 

Ages 3–11 

 

Video On Demand: BAM.org 

Feb 4—12  

Tickets: Full Festival Pass Pay-what-you-wish starting at $30 and Single Programs Pay-what-you-wish starting at $5 

Ages 3—11 

Highlighting the best shorts and features from around the globe, the 25th annual BAMkids Film Festival returns with US and New York premieres available in-person and video on demand. This year's festival highlights over 50 animated and live-action short films from around the globe that encourage kids to embrace their dreams, follow their hearts and let their imaginations soar. Plus, we've got a great line-up of activities—including dance and circus performances, creative experiential activities, and the Young Filmmakers Showcase. Visit bam.org/kids for the full schedule.  

 

BAMkids Film Festival Shorts Programs 

Cute & Cozy 

Sat, Feb 4 at 10am, 11:40am & Sun, Feb 5 at 10am                        Ages 3—5       (60 min) 

On Demand Feb 4—12  

T-Rex (Germany), Mel Fell (United States), Who is it: Who is singing? (Taiwan), Soon May the Musifants Come (Germany), Blewish (United States), Desa Timun (The Cucumber Village) (Indonesia), Don't Be Scared (United States), Between Wings and Swings (Canada), The Ant March (Russia), Spuffies (Slovenia), Robots Don't Tell Jokes (United States), Winter in a Day (United States). From Northwest Film Forum. 

Adventure Awaits! 

Sat, Feb 4 at 1:20pm & Sun, Feb 5 at 1:20pm                      Ages 6—8       (71 min) 

Video On Demand Feb 4—12  

The Fox & The Pigeon: Narrative Neighbours (Canada), Operation Frankenstein (Spain), And Then (Switzerland), Idodo (Switzerland), Sockz Studio’s: I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly (United States), Hello Stranger (Germany), I'm Not Afraid! (Norway), Swop – Dentist (Netherlands), Spirits of the Forest (India), Brave Girl: The Future of Wyoming (United States). From Northwest Film Forum. 

From the Heart 

Sat, Feb 4 at 12:20pm & Sun, Feb 5 at 11:40am                  Ages 6—8       (65 min) 

Video On Demand Feb 4—12  

Squirrel (Germany), Balloom (Canada), Marea (Switzerland), The Most Boring Granny in the Whole World (Germany), Wonderment (France), Peter the Beetle (Estonia), Rachel (United States), Pete (United States), She Dreams at Sunrise (United States), Cupids (United States). From Northwest Film Forum. 

Finding My Way                                                                    Ages 9+          (95 min) 

Sat, Feb 4 at 1:40pm & Sun, Feb 5 at 1pm 

Video On Demand Feb 4—12  

Rocks 4 Sale! (United States), Arctic Song (Canada), Salvador Dali (Kyrgyzstan), Generation Impact: The Coder (United States), The Winner (Iran), Meta (Germany), Room Rodeo (United States), Julieta and the Turtles in the Plastic Soup (Netherlands). From Northwest Film Forum. 

Imagine That!                                                                        Ages 3—5       (60 min) 

Sat, Feb 4 at 10:20am & Sun, Feb 5 at 10:20am, 11am 

Video On Demand Feb 4—12  

Hi (China), Hypnotidoo (Italy), Sign Up (Philip Watts), Early Birds (Canada), Sum of its Parts (United States), Blocks (Germany), Topapa (Taiwan), Meta (Germany), Mouse House (Slovenia), Swing (Spain), The Ordinary (Netherlands), Suzie in the Garden (England). From Melbourne International Animation Festival. 

Reach for the Stars                                                              Ages 6—8       (67 min) 

Sat, Feb 4 at 11am, 12:40pm & Sun, Feb 5 at 10:40am 

Video On Demand Feb 4—12  

Wonderfully Made (Australia), Andy, A Dog's Tale (United States), Apart (Australia), Cél (Australia), Hide (Canada), Nobody Stands Nowhere (United Kingdom), Up You Go (Singapore), Scribblings (Canada), Arlo Sings the Blues (United States), Candlelight (United Kingdom), Papirola (Spain), Cool for You (United States), Luce and the Rock (Belgium, the Netherlands, France). From Melbourne International Animation Festival. 

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11) APPLICATIONS FOR SPRING 2023 SESSION 

OF CSC’S YOUNG PERFORMERS WORKSHOP OPEN NOW 

Centenary Stage Company is now accepting applications for the Young Performer’s Workshop 2023 Spring Session, running February 18 through June 4 and the deadline to apply is February 17. The Young Performer’s Workshop is a 15-week theatre training program for performers ages 8-18. Each session culminates with a Festival of Shows performed by the students. New applicants must complete an interview with the director of the program, Michael Blevins, before registering. The price for the first student is $425.00, a second student is $395.00, and a third student is $300.00. For more information, or to schedule your interview, call the Centenary Stage Company box office at (908) 979-0900 or visit Centenary Stage Company online at centenarystageco.org 

The Young Performer’s Workshop is a 15-week intensive musical theatre program designed to teach kids ages 8-18. This is a hands-on program designed to meet the needs of beginning, intermediate, and advanced performers interested in working in theatre. Throughout the fall session, students have the opportunity to learn about multiple facets of theatre arts from acting, singing and dancing, to stage management, props, and costuming. Each session concludes with a weekend Festival of Shows.  

The deadline to register is February 17 and the course will run February 18 through June 4. Those interested in joining the program must call the Centenary Stage Company box office at (908) 979-0900 or email boxoffice@centenarystagecol.org to schedule an interview with the director of the program, Michael Blevins. For more information about the program visit centenarystageco.org or call the box office at (908) 979-0900. 

For more information, visit centenarystageco.org or call the Centenary Stage Company box office at (908) 979-0900. The Centenary Stage Company box office is open Monday through Friday from 1:00-5:00 pm and two hours prior to performances. The box office is located in the Lackland Performing Arts Center on the campus of Centenary University at 715 Grand Ave. Hackettstown, NJ. Centenary Stage Company can also be found across social media platforms; Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter. Like and follow to receive the latest in CSC news and special offers. 

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12) BERGEN COUNTY'S PHARMA MAMA,  DR. SUZANNE SOLIMAN PREMIERES HER INSTAGRAM LIVE SHOW ON   WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1ST AT 9:30AM FIRST WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH @drsuzannesoliman

Due to popular demand, Bergen county's Pharma Mama, Dr. Suzanne Soliman, launches a monthly Instagram live show about trending pharmaceutical topics for everyday living and an opportunity for people to ask questions that will premiere Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. and, after that, the first Wednesday of each month.

Pharma Mama will be sharing her straightforward, down-to-earth, no-nonsense everyday pharmaceutical advice. As a pharmacist, The Pharma Mama a.k.a Dr. Soliman is uniquely positioned to prevent medication errors and drug interactions minimizing side effects and adverse medication events. She is informational, friendly, and everyone's favorite social media pharmacist!

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13) BRAATA PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS JAMAICA YOUTH CHORAL FINAL LEG OF THEIR REDEMPTION SONGS TOUR IN NYC   Featuring choral works by African American & Jamaican Composers BRAATA PRODUCTIONS, in association with St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, is pleased to present the JAMAICA YOUTH CHORAL in the final leg of their REDEMPTION SONGS tour. REDEMPTION SONGS will be performed on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at 4:00 pm at St. Augustine's Episcopal Church (4301 Avenue D, Brooklyn, NY 11203). Tickets are $25 in advance ($30 at the door) and purchasable at https://www.betterunite.com/BraataProductions-redemptionsongstour.  Journalists are encouraged to attend by RSVPing to press@kampfirefilmspr.com. XXX 14) Broadway Records announces release of   THE BIG ONE-OH! Ultimate Cast Recording, Now Available Digitally

Broadway Records announces the Ultimate Cast Recording of The Big One-Oh. The new musical by Dean Pitchford, Doug Besterman and Timothy Allen McDonald is now available on all digital outlets and at www.broadwayrecords.com.

Charley Maplewood has never been one for parties – that would require friends, which he doesn’t have. Well, unless you count his monster friends, but they’re only imaginary. But now that he’s turning ten—the big one-oh—he decides to throw a birthday party for himself, complete with a “House of Horrors” theme. Of course, things don’t work out as he plans. Will Charley be able to pull it together before the big one-oh... becomes the big OH-NO!?

Based on the beloved book, The Big One-Oh! features lyrics by Academy Award-winner Dean Pitchford (author of the novel, Footloose), music by the acclaimed Tony-nominated Doug Besterman (Elf, Young Frankenstein), and a book by iTheatric's award-winning playwright Timothy Allen McDonald (Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka, James and the Giant Peach).

The cast of the Ultimate Cast Recording includes two-time Tony Award winner Christian Borle, Derek Klena, Patti Murin, Brittney Mack, Michael James Scott and introduces Jaxon Daniel and Emmy Woodard. Rounding out the cast are Claudia Bennett, Hatty King, Scott Nelson, Mason Risser, Amber Trottman, Elle Wesley, Riley West and Emma Rose Williamson.

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15) Garment District & Flat Iron District

Free Walking Tours 

For February 2023

Garment District NYC Educational History Tour.

One Garment District Virtual tour on 1/26/23 at 7:pm;;  Zoom Link Below

Topic: FREE Garment District Educational History Virtual Tour

Join Zoom Meeting

Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting

Three Garment District Walking Tours at 10:30; NE Cor. 7th Av. and W39th St.; Look For a Giant yellow button and Needle Sculpture.

Thursday, Feb. 02, '23

Thursday, Feb. 16, '23 

Monday, Feb. 27, '23

Two Flatiron District Walking Tours at 11:am ; At point of Flatiron Bldg, Broadway and 23rd St. NYC

Sunday, Feb. 5th, '23

Sunday, Feb.26th '23

For more information. visit Mike's NYC Tours

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16) Ice Theatre of New York, Inc ®

Announces

2023 New Works and Young Artists Series Outreach Programming

Ice Theatre of New York (ITNY) announces 2023 New Works and Young Artists Series (NWYAS) outreach programming at Wollman Rink, Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park Ice Rink, and rinks in Prospect Park and Long Island City. Each year through NWYAS, ITNY brings free ice dance performances and ice skating lessons to New York City public school students at rinks throughout multiple boroughs.

This year’s dates include:

February 2 at Riverbank State Park at 10:30am

February 9 at Riverbank State Park at 10:30am

February 14 at Wollman Rink at 11:50am

February 16 at Riverbank State Park at 10:30am

March 2 at Riverbank State Park at 10:30am

Dates at Lakeside in Prospect Park and City Ice Pavilion in Long Island City are TBD. ITNY will also continue its virtual programming for NYC school students who are not able to participate in the live programming because they are not close to a rink.

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17) LABYRINTH THEATER COMPANY

ANNOUNCES ITS 30^TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON 

 LAByrinth Theater Company (Aaron Roman Weiner, Artistic Director) will launch into its 30^th Anniversary season with the return of The Barn Series 2023, an annual festival featuring a full roster of new plays, and Día Y Noche, a world premiere production written by David Anzuelo (Shared Sentences) and directed by Carlos Armesto (The Who’s Tommy). The Barn Series 2023 will begin performances in Theater B at 59E59 Theaters (59 E 59^th St, New York, NY 10022) on January 31 and run through February 12, 2023. Día Y Noche begins previews in Theater B at 59E59 Theaters on March 18, 2023, with an opening night set for March 26, for a limited run through April 15, 2023.

 

The schedule for The Barn Series 2023 is as follows:

 

January 31 at 7:15 PM

No Easy Way to be Free

Written by Sidney Williams

Directed by Ross Klavan

Run Time: 85 minutes

 

Peter, a restaurateur and chef, finds his world crumbling away under the pressures of a global pandemic shutdown and intractable business concerns, culture conflicts and dissolving relationships. After a long life of fully committing to and adopting a character armor fashioned on his worship of Anthony Bourdain, Peter feels there is no raft to float him. Does he go all the way in his private narrative, or can he find one drop of hope in the rolling sea that is his life and work?

 

February 1 at 7:15 PM

Diary Play

Written by Madeline Barr

Directed by Adrian Wattenmaker

Run Time: 60 minutes

 

Diary Play is a one woman show constructed almost entirely of old diary entries from the playwright's teenhood interwoven with current day reflections. Through looking back, the playwright is able to answer questions about why she is the woman she is today and create a newfound sense of hope for the woman she might eventually become in the future.

 

February 2 at 7:15 PM

Fun with Shame

Written by Florencia Lozano and Paul Martinez

Run Time: 60 minutes

 

A Ritual. A Roast. A Raga.
A Ceremony. A Circle of Jerks.
What are you Ashamed of?
An Examination of what Isolates Us
and a Surrender to the Rhythm that Connects us.

 

February 3 at 7:15 PM

Love Lake

Written by Dipti Bramhandkar

Directed by Padraic Lillis

Run Time: 100 minutes

 

Things are changing in Nikhil’s hometown, Love Lake. Ex Silicon Valley darling and Nikhil’s childhood friend, Mateo, has started a “values-based community” there called Mela, which has swept up old friends and neighbors into their new way of living, including Nikhil’s father. Is it a cult or is it what people really need? Nikhil returns to find out.

 

February 4 at 7:15 PM

Still

Written by Lia Romeo

Directed by Charles Goforth

Run Time: 60 minutes

 

Thirty years ago, Helen and Mark broke up. Now he's running for Congress, and she has a secret that could derail his bid. A play about reproductive rights, political divisions, and the ways people change... or don't.

 

February 5 at 7:15 PM

The Spaces in Between

Written by Paula Pizzi-Black

Directed by John Gould Rubin

Run Time: 160 minutes, 15-minute intermission

 

New York City, December 2008. Jobs are scarce, morale is low but in this traditional Italian American household, you would never know. All the ordinary structures are in place, God, family, country, faith at the helm. Meet the Razzos. A not so ordinary family with a passion for everything that tastes good, feels good and looks good. If only life weren't so messy. If only curveballs wouldn't cut so deep. If only faith held.

 

February 7 at 7:15 PM

Spin

Written by Jake Brasch

Directed by Padraic Lillis

Run Time: 100 minutes

 

Birthday clowns, park rangers, and barn owls- oh my! Jumping wildly through time, Spin kaleidoscopically charts the interconnected lives of a misfit band of humans (as well as a flock of horny barn owls). These strange bedfellows may struggle to see the big picture, but we don't. We relish in how freakishly, frighteningly, hilariously, their lives are hopelessly entwined.

 

February 8 at 7:15 PM

Silence in the Mountains

Written by Lyle Kessler

Run Time: 120 minutes

 

A Family of Holocaust survivors find hope in the arrival of a mysterious Stranger. An epic journey into the Heart of Darkness.

 

February 9 at 7:15 PM

the title of the play is 'untitled’

Written by Justin Reinsilber

Run Time: 60 minutes

 

“Behind every beautiful thing, there's some kind of pain.” - Bob Dylan

 

February 10 at 7:15 PM

Shoe Story the Musical

Books and Lyrics by Ben Snyder

Developed with Ken-win Jung

Music by Will Stone

Directed by Heidi Marshall

Run Time: 45 minutes

 

An urban fairytale about love, loss, dialectical materialism, and the cultural significance of a fresh pair of kicks.

 

February 11 at 7:15 PM

Planet Mirth

Written by Jen Cook—Ortiz

Directed by John Ortiz

Run Time: 60 minutes

 

A peek into the lives of 2 sisters who’ve weathered many storms through the decades, but always manage to cling to laughter as an antidote.

 

February 11 at 8:30 PM

Hidden

Written by Margaret Ladd

Directed by Erica Gould

Run Time: 65 minutes

 

An old woman has been searching for a missing child all her life. The little girl ran away in terror because she thought she might have committed a crime. But the little girl isn’t sure if the crime was committed by her; or done to her; or if there was a crime at all. Three strangers meet the old woman who is searching through old letters from her great uncle Abrasha whom she had loved as a child. Two strangers in an old restaurant in Greenwich Village see her and help her search her memories in search of the hidden child.

 

February 12 at 7:15 PM

Next Stop Broadway

A musical by Victor Almanzar and Melisa McGregor

Run Time: 60 minutes

 

A homeless veteran and NY subway drummer confronts the challenges to keep his home and his pet Pigeon safe, during the New York City Homeless crackdowns. Encountering and offering wisdom and hope to each character that passes through the underground and also exposing the struggles of homelessness and survival in New York City.

 

For more information and to reserve complimentary tickets to The Barn Series, visit 59e59.org/barn-series.

 

Following the festival, LAByrinth Theater Company will present the world premiere of its next play of the season, Día Y Noche written by David Anzuelo and directed by Carlos Armesto. Previews will begin on March 18 in 59E59’s Theater B, with an opening night set for March 26, and a final performance set for April 15, 2023.

 

Sex, drugs, queerness, and punk-rock. Welcome to border city life in El Paso, Texas, 1984.

 

Día Y Noche is an unfiltered coming-of-age story about class struggles and the search for acceptance between two unlikely friends. Danny is a lower middle-class Chicano punk-rock kid who thinks he might be an artist. Martin is a Black upper-middle class band nerd who is gay and in the closet. Danny and Martin double-date, watch X-rated movies, go to concerts and try to overcome great odds as they navigate the racism and corruption greeting them at the doors to adulthood.

The performance schedule for Día Y Noche is as follows: Tuesday through Friday at 7:15pm, Saturday at 2:15pm and 7:15pm, and Sunday at 2:15pm.

 

Tickets for Día Y Noche begin at $25 and are now on sale at www.59e59.org/shows/show-detail/dia-y-noche-2023.

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18) MATTHEW PUCKETT RELEASES A NEW MUSIC VIDEO FROM THE NEW MUSICAL REBEL GENIUS FEATURING BROADWAY'S COREY COTT

Peabody Award-winning composer, Matthew Puckett has released “671,000,000 MPH,” a new music video featuring Broadway’s Corey Cott, from his new musical Rebel Genius inspired by the early life of Albert Einstein and Mileva Maric. The song will be released on all streaming platforms on Tuesday, February 7, 2023. 

Physics and love collide in Rebel Genius as a young, and highly ambitious, Albert Einstein falls madly  in love with Mileva Maric and risks everything he has to find the perfect Unified Theory. The acclaimed  new musical is an exploration into the heart and mind of a flawed icon and scientific genius. Max  Planck, Niels Bohr and the Atomic Bomb all play a part in the journey and choices of a brilliant human  being who is torn between a passionate love for the people in his life and a wild ambition to understand the universe.  

For more information, please visit RebelGeniusTheMusical.com   

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19) Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company

Celebrates the Lunar New Year: Year of the Water Rabbit

at Kupferberg Center for the Arts in Queens College

Sunday, February 5, 2023

Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company will begin its NY celebration of the Lunar New Year: Year of the Water Rabbit on Sunday February 5, 2023 at 3pm at the Kupferberg Center of Queens College in NYC, followed by two days of performances for K-12 schools in Queens on the following Monday and Tuesday, February 6 and 7, 2023 (sold out).

The celebration will begin at Colden Auditorium in Queens College on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at 3pm. Tickets are $15, and are available for purchase at https://kupferbergcenter.org/event/lunar-new-year-of-the-water-rabbit/.

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20) State Theatre New Jersey 

Upcoming Shows & Events

15 Livingston Ave.

New Brunswick, NJ 

Menopause the Musical

Thursday February 2 8:00 PM

Four women at a lingerie sale have nothing in common but a black lace bra AND memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex, and more! This hilarious musical parody set to classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles! See what more than 17 million women and fans worldwide have been laughing about for over 20 years! It’s the Hilarious Celebration of Women and The Change!®

Queen Nur

Milk & Cookies

Saturday February 4 10:00 AM & 12:00 PM

In “Folklore, Friends, & Fun,” storyteller Queen Nur—accompanied by international jazz drummer, Dwight James—doles out a basket full of folktales toted on a band of vibrant rhythms. Children will clap their hands and stomp their feet while singing along in this highly engaging performance. The interactive audience will have an immersive experience, participating in call and response all while learning valuable lessons.

Milk & Cookies is a lively, interactive storytelling and music series for families. This program, which takes place in our Studio, is the perfect way to introduce children ages 3-9 to live theater. Plus, includes a cookie and a carton of milk for every child after the show. The 12pm show is a Sensory-Friendly Performance, specially designed to provide a safe, welcoming environment for kids on the autism spectrum or with sensory sensitivities.

The Machine Performs Pink Floyd 

Saturday February 4 8:00 PM

The Machine has forged a 30+ year reputation of extending the musical legacy of Pink Floyd. The New York-based quartet performs a diverse mix of The Floyd's extensive 16-album repertoire, complete with faithful renditions of popular hits as well as obscure gems.

With stellar musicianship and passionate delivery, The Machine explores collective improvisation rivaling that of an early 1970's Pink Floyd, while their use of expanded theatrical elements and elaborate stage displays and lighting continues The Floyd spirit of the 1980's. The band is also known for recreating entire albums as a part of their show, accepting requests from fans, and for taking an A–Z approach in which one song is played for every letter of the alphabet. 

Llama Llama Live

Sunday February 5 1:00 PM

Families can join in the fun when Llama bursts into his bedroom looking frantically for his favorite red pajamas. Mama, hearing the commotion, comes upstairs with Llama’s pajamas in the laundry basket to ask about his day—his very first day at school—and put him to bed. But when she goes downstairs to do the million things that busy mothers have to do at the end of the day, Llama is too wiggly to fall asleep, and besides, he’s thirsty. He howls for Mama to come back up, but she doesn’t arrive. Will she ever return?

Award-winning playwright-composer-lyricist Austin Zumbro (Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site the Musical) has written a panoply of clever tunes in a variety of styles to create a fun-filled, contemporary musical that expresses the imagination of childhood for both children and adults to enjoy, including a song about the history of sleepwear through the ages.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.stnj.org/events.

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21) Theater Resources Unlimited

Upcoming TRU Community Gather via Zoom

Something British Our Way Comes: Meet a Key UK Player

Friday, January 27, 2023 at 5pm ET

 

A dependable haven for artists in isolation, Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) is now into its second year of non-stop weekly Community Gatherings this Friday, having offered to date over 100 conversations and unlimited camaraderie since April 17, 2020. TRU hosts their Community Gatherings every Friday at 5pm ET via Zoom, to explore the creation of art and theater in the time of COVID-19, and to ensure that these crucial conversations continue going forward as theater reopens. Ask questions, bring answers, be part of a community – it’s an opportunity to network with theater professionals and talk about how we kept theater alive during shutdown, and what we are doing now, going forward.

To receive the Zoom invitation for future meetings, email TRUnltd@aol.com with “Zoom Me” in the subject header. These gatherings are free for TRU members, non-members are asked to make an optional tax-deductible donation – or consider joining TRU at truonline.org/membership to support the organization during these challenging times.

Friday 1/27 - Something British Our Way Comes: Meet a Key UK Player. In the room: Louis Hartshorn of UK's Hartshorn-Hook Productions, a theater and live entertainment group of companies, producing world-class immersive as well as traditional theater and providing services to the live entertainment industry. Having produced over 100 productions since 2007, with an emphasis on immersive, site-specific and musical works, Louis Hartshorn is about to make his mark on the New York theater scene. Hear about his soon-to-open immersive Great Gatsby transferring from a successful run in London, as well as his company's efforts to create new off-Broadway venues, and new opportunities. Click here to register and receive the Zoom link.

Upcoming:

Friday 2/3 - Music to Your Ears: More Opportunities for Development. In the room: Cate Cammarata, literary manager of TRU and founder of CreateTheater.com and host Bob Ost talk about upcoming programs for the development of new works for the musical theater. TRU continues offering a musical feedback lab with dramaturgical guidance and new financial support for writers, as well as looking forward to the live return of the TRU Voices Musicals Series. CreateTheater.com offers development programs and a New Works Festival. And most of all, they both offer communities you can be a part of. Click here to register and receive the Zoom link.

Check back at TRU’s web page for the 2023 schedule: truonline.org/tru-community-gathering.

Videos of past Community Gatherings may be viewed on TRU’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/channel/UC43rsChi4fA23dNLeloaF_A/. And a new podcast series, TRU Talks About Theater featuring 2023 Community Gathering conversations is now available wherever you get your podcasts; or tune in at ElectraCast: https://electracast.com/?s=Theater+Resources

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