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

Thursday, June 29, 2023

Theater Thursday: In Corpo

We were given complimentary tickets to In Corpo for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own. 

What: In Corpo 

Where: Theater Row 
             410 W. 42nd St. 
             New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 13 and Up

When: Through July 8, 2023



In Corpo is a dystopian musical.  From the moment you arrive in the theater and see the futuristic set, you know you are in a different world than the one we know.  In this world, we are told that the outside world is nothing but endless snow and cold. Yet a group of workers think they are happy stuck inside their big corporation working and living inside their little pods until an outsider gets in and makes them realize that they are not.  The whole idea of a dystopian world may be triggering for some people after the reality of the last few years, however, the show is interesting. The ending is not quite satisfying, however, it leaves you wanting to know more, but perhaps the whole idea is to leave you with questions.



And that's our view. For more about In Corpo or to purchase tickets, visit www.assemblytheater.org/in-corpo

Tune in Saturday for Still More Theater Saturday.

Photo credits:
All In Corpo productions photos by Bjorn Bolinder

Images used in this post have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms.
If there is a problem with the rights to any image, please contact us 
hereand we will look into the matter.

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Where-To-Go Wednesday - Like a Local Tours: Greenwich Village Food Tour

We were given complimentary tickets to Like a Local Tour's Greenwich Village Food Tour for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own. 


What: Greenwich Village Food Tour
            Like a Local Tours 

Where: Tour Starts at the Arch at Washington Square Park

Who: All ages



Like a Local Tour's Greenwich Village Food Tour is one of their newer tours. However, it is already just as enjoyable as any of their older tours. It is just as full of tasty food to try, interesting places to visit, and fascinating facts to learn.  If you want to taste foods like pork buns, enchiladas, Bronx donuts, and more or visit places like Washington Square Park, The Stonewall Monument, the world's smallest individually-owned property and more you're definitely going to want to take this delicious and delightful tour.



And that's our view. For more about Like a Local Tours:  Greenwich Village Food Tour or any of their other tours or to book a tour visit www.likealocaltours.com You can also learn more about Like a Local Tours:Williamsburg Bites: A Brooklyn Foodie Adventure, here



Tune in tomorrow for Theater Thursday.

All pictures used in this post are our own. If there is a problem with any image, please contact us here and we will look into the matter.

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Tips for Tuesday - Books: The Shadow Sister & Film: South Beach Shark Club

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.

Book: The Shadow Sister


Today we are talking about The Shadow Sister by Lily Meade. Casey and her sister, Sutton have an extreme case of sibling rivalry. Then Sutton disappears, and there is a part of Casey that is jealous because it is still all about Casey even when she is not there. When Sutton suddenly returns, she is not at all the same as she was before. The only one she claims to remember is Casey, and Casey is convinced  Sutton is just faking the whole thing for attention, but just maybe she is not.

This is an extremely absorbing story that moves along at a rapid pace to its shocking conclusion. Anyone who's ever experienced any degree of sibling rivalry can relate to this story. However, the book doesn't only deal with issues regarding sibling rivalry. It also delves into traumatic family history as well as slavery and racism. If you don't mind a story with an aura of supernaturalness about it, you may enjoy this one. If you like your stories strictly rooted in the reality of the everyday world we know, you may not.

Film: South Beach Shark Club


Today we are talking about  South Beach Shark Club. This documentary film is a fascinating look at the men obsessed with hunting sharks for sport. Of course, the very idea of hunting for sport is something that is going to trigger animal rights activists, and even if you are not an animal rights activist, but you don't like the idea of seeing dead animals you are definitely not going to want to watch this film.

However,  even for the men engaged in the sport, it is not about the killing. It is more about the thrill of the hunt.  In fact, in more recent years, these men have become more sensitive to the idea of conservation, and they no longer kill their catches but let them go again instead. However, that is probably not going to appease the most ardent of animal activists. Besides, other smaller fish are still being used for bait. Those other fishes are living creatures as well and to the true animal conservationist, their lives matter too.

Still, there is a whole other side to the South Beach Shark Club. It is more than just about a group of men loving the thrill of hunting sharks. It is even more than about the tradition being passed down from father to son. These men are often able to engage the attention of young aimless, impoverished boys as well who would otherwise have seen no choice but to turn to a life of crime.  They get these boys interested in something else and turn their lives around and keep them off the streets. So, in that sense, the club serves an important service. Because when it comes down to it if even one person's life is saved because these boys get turned on to shark hunting rather than crime at an early age, it is worth it.

The South Beach Shark Club is available now on video and On Demand. 

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

The above photo is our own, the below photo has been given to us by a publicist, artist, or PR firm. If there is a problem with the rights to either image, please contact us 
hereand we will look into the matter.

Monday, June 26, 2023

More Theater Monday - The Trouble With Dead Boyfriends

We were given complimentary tickets to The Trouble With Dead Boyfriends for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

 What: The Trouble With Dead Boyfriends

Where: The Players Theatre 
            115 MacDougal
             New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 15 and Up

When: Through July 16, 2023




This story about three girls in love with a vampire, a ghost, and a zombie respectively is strictly for fans of the monster genre and those who don't really mind a little gore and a lot of physical comedy. The acting is mostly good. Stephanie Hawkins and Patrick Swailes Caldwell do a particularly nice job in a  variety of roles. The actors in the roles of the three lead female characters, Heather Swayer, Alia Cuadros-Contreras, and Zoe Dean, have really nice singing voices, and their harmonies were a highlight of the show. Yet, on the whole, the songs were not that memorable, and the plot mostly revolves around a lot of stupid humor. However, if you don't mind the latter, you may enjoy this show.




And that's our view. For more about The Trouble With Dead Boyfriends or to purchase tickets,visit  deadboyfriendsmusical.com.

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Photo credits:
All The Trouble With Dead Boyfriends production photos by Sean Salamon

Images used in this post have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms.
If there is a problem with the rights to any image, please contact us 
hereand we will look into the matter.

Sunday, June 25, 2023

Sunday Scoop Week of 6/25/23 - What's Happening This Week and More

A) Beginning Performances

In New Jersey

1) State Fair

In New York

2) Back to the Future: The Musical

3) Le Bijou de Paris

4) The Saviour

B) Closing Soon

5) Fat Ham

6) Life of Pi

7) Primary Trust

C) Extended Run

8) The Gospel According to Heather

D) What Else Is Happening This Week and More

9) Austen's Pride in Concert at Carnegie Hall 
6/29

10) Ballet Hispanico Presents Instituto Coreográfico
Showcasing Mark Travis Rivera 6/29

11) Emerson Resort & Spa in the Catskills
Summer Experiences & Extended Hours

12) Ice Factory Festival
7/28 - 8/12

13) Kimberly Akimbo Book Now Available

14) Notre Dame De Paris Announces Rush Policy 

15) Opera Saratoga Summer Festival Lineup

16) Pixar Putt Coming to Philadelphia
Staring 7/1

17) Queer Butoh 2023

18) Robbie Rozelle Solo Show, Bring Me Giants
at Birdland Theater 6/29

19) Surflight Theatre Upcoming Events

20) Wicked and Partnership for NYC Team Up With NYC Parks
on Summer Volunteer Event Series

A) Beginning Performances

In New Jersey

1) State Fair

R+H’s only musical written directly for the screen is now a Broadway musical! Set against the colorful backdrop of an American heartland tradition, State Fair travels with the Frake family as they leave behind the routine of the farm for three days of adventure at the annual Iowa State Fair. Mom and Pop have their hearts set on blue ribbons while their daughter and son find romance and heartbreak on the midway. Featuring your R+H songs and an Academy Award-winning score including A Grand Night For Singing, It Might As Well Be Spring,, plus spectacular choreography and a dollop of Americana, State Fair is a
nostalgic kind of warm-hearted family entertainment only Rodgers & Hammerstein could deliver!

Surflight Theater (201 Engleside Ave., Beach Haven, NJ)
Through July 8 

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.surflight.org/mainstage

In New York


2) Back to the Future: The Musical

Marty McFly is a rock ‘n’ roll teenager who is accidentally transported back to 1955 in a time-travelling DeLorean invented by his friend, Dr. Emmett Brown. But before he can return to 1985, Marty must make sure his high school-aged parents fall in love in order to save his own existence.

Winter Garden Theatre (1634 Broadway)
Beginning performances 6/30
Opening Night 8/3

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.backtothefuturemusical.com/new-york


3) Le Bijou de Paris

Le Bijou de Paris is a high-energy pop-theater show which tells the tale of a fashion boutique housing eleven living mannequins. Hiding from a war created by humans, the mannequins must never leave the boutique, for fear of being captured and killed. Having never seen the outside world—or anyone besides each other—they are forced to struggle with very human problems: loneliness, love, the nuances of sexuality and the LGBT+ experience, friendship, forgiveness, and finding their purposes in life. With electrifying original pop music and dance, Theater Company della Luna creates a celebration of human life and all of its absurdities.

The Chain Theatre (312 West 36th St. between 8th & 9th Ave. 3rd Fl)
7/29 - 8/1

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/le-bijou-de-paris-the-theater-show-tickets-63214433973

4) The Saviour

On the morning of her 67th birthday, Máire sits up in bed enjoying a cigarette. She has recently been swept off her feet by a stranger and hasn’t felt this alive in years, but a visit from her son with dark revelations challenges the euphoria.

Irish Rep’s Francis J. Greenburger Mainstage (132 West 22nd St.)
7/1 - 8/13
Opening Night 7/13

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

B) Closing Soon


5) Fat Ham

Juicy is a queer, Southern college kid, already grappling with some serious questions of identity, when the ghost of his father shows up in their backyard, demanding that Juicy avenge his murder. But here’s the rub! Revenge doesn’t come easy to Juicy, a sensitive and self-aware young Black man in search of his own happiness and liberation. From an uproarious family cookout emerges a compelling examination of love and loss, pain and joy.

American Airlines Theatre (227 West 42nd St.)
Closing 7/2

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



6) Life of Pi

The Tony and Olivier Award-winning hit LIFE OF PI is an epic tale of adventure that is "giving new life to Broadway” (The Today Show).  After a shipwreck in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, a sixteen-year-old boy named Pi survives on a lifeboat with four companions— a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a Royal Bengal tiger.  This remarkable story of hope, faith, and perseverance speaks to every generation. Told through incomparable puppetry and exquisite stagecraft, LIFE OF PI creates a visually breathtaking journey that will leave you filled with awe and joy.

Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre (236 West 45th St.)
Closing 7/23

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.LifeOfPiBway.com

7) Primary Trust

William Jackson Harper (“The Resort”) returns to the stage as Kenneth, a 36-year-old bookstore worker who spends his evenings sipping mai tais with his best friend Bert at a local tiki bar. When he's suddenly laid off, Kenneth is encouraged by a quirky waiter, played by Obie Award winner April Matthis (Toni Stone), to face a world he's long avoided – with transformative and even comical results. Directed by Knud Adams, Eboni Booth’s Primary Trust is a touching and inventive world-premiere play about new beginnings, old friends, and seeing the world for the first time.

Laura Pels Theater Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre 
(111 West 46th St.)
7/2

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

C) Extended Run

8) The Gospel According to Heather

In The Gospel According to Heather, Heather Krebs just wants a boyfriend. But how can she even navigate her way through high school if she might be the New Messiah? A small town in Ohio grapples with politics, religion, and teenage romance in this eclectic pop musical.

Theatre 555 (555 West 42nd St.)
Now closing 7/16

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit 

D) What Else Is Happening This Week and More

9)

IN STERN AUDITORIUM / PERELMAN STAGE 
AT CARNEGIE HALL
ON THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023 AT 8 PM

Beloved Broadway veteran Mamie Parris will star as Jane Austen in the one-night-only concert presentation of the new musical Austen’s Pride at the prestigious Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 8 PM. Featuring a book, music, and lyrics by Lindsay Warren Baker and Amanda Jacobs and orchestrations by Amanda JacobsAusten’s Pride is directed by Igor Goldin with musical direction by Matt Perri, who will also conduct the evening, and choreography by Lisa Shriver


The concert cast of Austen’s Pride will also include Olivia Hernandez as Elizabeth Bennet, Andrew Samonsky as Fitzwilliam Darcy, Etai Benson as Charles Bingley, Delphi Borich as Lydia Bennet, Kaitlyn Davidson as Mary Bennet, Katie Dixon as Kitty Bennet / Georgiana Darcy, Carson Elrod as Mr. Collins / Mr. Gardiner, Jason Gotay as George Wickham / Tom Lefroy, Marina Kondo as Caroline Bingley / Mrs. Gardiner, Emilie Kouatchou as Jane Bennet, Cait Martin as Cassandra / Charlotte Lucas, Kevyn Morrow as Mr. Bennet, Michele Ragusa as Mrs. Bennet, and Tony Award-winner Beth Leavel as Lady Catherine de Bourgh. The ensemble will include Matt GibsonCameron LoyalAngel Lozada, and Lucas Thompson.

In this extraordinary new musical of “Pride and Prejudice,” Jane Austen enters her most famous love story and embarks upon a journey of self-discoveryAs the compelling story of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy unfolds, Austen learns to see both the story and herself in a new light. Austen’s Pride is an extraordinary new musical feast bound for the world’s stages. 

Tickets for this one-night-only performance $22.50 - $127 and are available online at carnegiehall.org | CarnegieCharge 212-247-7800 | Box Office at 57th and Seventh. For group tickets, please contact groupsales@carnegiehall.org or call 212.093.9705.

For more information on Austen’s Pride, please visit austensprideamusical.com.
XXX


10) Ballet Hispánico Presents
Instituto Coreográfico: 
Showcasing Mark Travis Rivera
June 29, 2023

Ballet Hispánico presents Instituto Coreográfico: Showcasing Mark Travis Rivera on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 6:30pm at Studio 10 at the Arnold Center, 167 W. 89th Street, NYC. This free event offers a peek into the process of the creation of a new work! Doors open at 6pm, with a public showing at 6:30pm. Advance reservations required here, and seating is general admission. For more information, visit https://www.ballethispanico.org/company/performances/instituto-coreografico.

XXX


11) Emerson Resort & Spa in the Catskill Mountains Announces Extended Hours Starting this Summer Season and Introduces New Outdoor, Nature-Inspired Experiences Available for all Guests

 

The 20-Acre Luxury Boutique Property Will Operate Seven Days a Week at Full Capacity Starting in July through October 2023


With spring and summer on the horizon, the award-winning Emerson Resort & Spa will operate seven days a week at full capacity from July 1 to October 31, 2023, just in time for the summer season as well as for fall foliage and leaf peeping season. From November 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, the Emerson will resume operating from Thursdays to Mondays. In addition, the Emerson is adding onto its diverse list of on-site activities and workshops, ranging from Reflexology classes to nature-based journaling, embracing the Emerson’s location in the tranquil Catskill mountains located only about two hours from New York City.

New, upcoming, & highlighted Emerson Resort experiences include:

  • Reflexology Workshop for Couples at the Emerson Spa (NEW) – The ancient ritual of Reflexology focuses on pressure points in the hands and feet, opening up energy pathways in the body to relax. In the intimate group class that caps at six couples, guests can learn how to share Reflexology with their partner at home with a 90-minute lesson. The pricing for the lesson is $175 per couple.

·         Restorative Yoga (NEW) – During the two-hour class, Restorative Yoga will help to balance the mind and body, relieve tension and anxiety, improve the immune system, stretch deep fascia, and increase flexibility. As a great introduction to yoga, the class is perfect for all experience levels and works to pave the way for relaxation and meditation. The class is $35 per participant.

·         Learn Suminagashi, the Art of Marbling (NEW) – The simple practice of Suminagashi involves just water, dye, and paper, but results in endlessly fascinating art! In this class, guests will learn the ancient art of Japanese marbling and create truly one-of-a-kind works of paper art, culminating with making a set of marbled coasters. This class is a chance to slow time down through immersion in art with a group of only eight people. This class is free for overnight guests, or $25 per participant.

·         Nature-Based Journaling Workshop (NEW) – Armed with a small sketchbook and a set of watercolor pencils, guests will be led through trails, gardens, and fields of the Emerson, recording their observations in a relaxed and engaging workshop. Classes will be available starting in June and will include basic instruction on sketching techniques and the use of watercolor pencils. No artistic skills are required. The class includes a sketchbook, watercolor pencils, and eraser, which can all be taken home to continue the practice. Price for this class is $35 per participant.  

·         Posie’s Pesto Garden (NEW) – Take home a jar of the perfect self-made pesto!  Join the Emerson’s Creative Projects Coordinator, Posie Strenz, in the Emerson Gardens. Pick fresh basil and learn a variety of pesto variations in this outdoor workshop that will run on select dates in July and August. This class is free for overnight guests, or $25 per participant.

·         Brookside Wander Project & Scavenger Hunts (RETURNING) – In partnership with the Catskill Streams Buffer Initiative, guests can learn about native plant species, pollinating meadows, streamside ecology and flood mitigation during an outdoor stroll through the Emerson’s Brookside Wander path. Guests can also enjoy other fun activities along Brookside Wander and the Emerson grounds including scavenger hunts for families, or guided nature walks upon request – all free of charge.

·         88th Annual Emerson Resort & Spa Woodstock Open (RETURNING) –The Emerson Resort & Spa is thrilled to host the 88th Annual Open on Monday, July 31, 2023. The Woodstock Open is the nation’s longest running golf tournament for both professionals as well as top amateurs.

·         Fairy Door Workshop (RETURNING) – Craft a very special Fairy Door with help from the Emerson’s fairy design team. Take the door home or add it to the enchanted Emerson Fairy woods.  Meant for those of all ages. Pricing for this class is free for overnight guests, or $25 per participant.

·         Build a Mason Jar Terrarium (RETURNING) – Create a tiny ecosystem to take home and cultivate with this Mason Jar Terrarium Workshop. Instruction and materials are included – all guests need to bring is their creativity! Using natural materials and native plants, guests will have a tiny garden in a jar to grow for days to come. Pricing for this class is free for overnight guests, or $25 per participant.


In addition, the Emerson offers various booking specials, including the Midweek Escape Package, available July 2 through October 29, which takes 20% off a two-night midweek stay.

The Emerson Resort & Spa features 53 rooms and suites, a luxury destination Spa, the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope, on-site shops/boutiques, and more.

For more information on workshops, hours, and booking specials, visit http://emersonresort.com. Follow the Emerson on Facebook at Emerson Resort & Spa, Instagram @EmersonResort and TikTok @EmersonResort


The Obie Award-winning New Ohio Theatre has announced that it will conclude its acclaimed 30-year run with the last ever Ice Factory Festival, featuring Artistic Director Robert Lyons’ ULTRA LEFT VIOLENCE as the final show.

ULTRA LEFT VIOLENCE reunites playwright Robert Lyons with director/performer Daniel Irizarry, whose Fall 2022 hit My Onliness was called “a welcome gust of weird” (New York Times) and “the most insane show now playing in New York City” (TheaterMania). Their earlier collaboration Yovo has been performed in NYC, Poland, Cuba and South Korea; and has been translated into Spanish and American Sign Language. Both plays are included in My Onliness and Others, a collection of six plays by Lyons published in Fall 2022 by Mercer Street Books. Ultra Left Violence will be further developed in residencies at Mercury Store and NACL in Fall 2023.

The festival will once again be a hybrid model that includes live in-person performances, as well as livestreams and on-demand. Ice Factory 2023 features seven new works over seven weeks, June 28 – August 12, at New Ohio Theatre (154 Christopher St.) in New York City.

Live in-person performances are Wednesdays - Saturdays at 7pm. All Thursday night performances are livestreamed at 7pm ET and then available on-demand through the end of the festival. Tickets are $20 and $18 (students and seniors). Purchase livestream and on-demand tickets at https://watch.eventive.org/icefactory2023 and in-person tickets at https://newohiotheatre.org.

XXX




Theatre Communications Group (TCG) is pleased to announce the publication of Kimberly Akimbo: A New Musical, book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, music by Jeanine Tesori. This musical had its world premiere at Atlantic Theater Company in 2021. It transferred to the Booth Theatre on Broadway in 2022.

New Jersey, 1999. Kimberly is about to turn sixteen and has recently moved with her family to a new town in suburban New Jersey. Suffering from a disease that causes her to age four and a half times faster than her high school peers, surrounded by a dysfunctional family (and possible felony charges), Kimberly is also navigating her first teenage crush. Ever the optimist, Kimberly is determined to find happiness against all odds and embark on a great adventure.



14) THE INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL PHENOMENON

NOTRE DAME DE PARIS

 

ANNOUNCES TODAYTIX RUSH POLICY


JUNE 22- JULY 16

AT THE DAVID H. KOCH THEATER

AT LINCOLN CENTER

 

The international musical and dance sensation Notre Dame de Paris announced a new rush policy today in partnership with TodayTix for its upcoming run. Following its long-awaited New York City debut last year, which was seen by over 30,000 people in just 12 performances, the production returns to the David H. Koch Theater (20 Lincoln Plaza) at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts this summer to celebrate its 25th Anniversary. Featuring an international 30-member cast, Notre Dame de Paris will begin performances tomorrow, June 22, 2023, and will run through July 16, 2023. The original French production will be performed with English supertitles and a live orchestra. Notre Dame de Paris is presented by Nicolas & Charles Talar and Adam Blanshay Productions.

A limited number of $32 rush tickets for Notre Dame de Paris will be available through TodayTix, beginning with the first performance on June 22 and running daily through the final performance on July 16. Tickets for that day’s performance(s) will be available on the TodayTix app at 9am each day on a first-come, first-served basis. Users can download the app and “unlock” rush tickets by sharing the program on social media ahead of their desired performance day. Ticket buyers will be able to purchase up to two tickets. Seating locations and ticket quantities are subject to availability.

Telling the timeless story of the disfigured bell ringer Quasimodo and his devotion to the beautiful Esmerelda, Victor Hugo’s 1831 classic and beloved novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame has inspired generations of readers and has been adapted for films, operas, ballets and television shows.

The performance schedule is as follows:

  • Week of June 19: Thursday at 7:30pm; Friday at 8pm; Saturday & Sunday at 2pm & 8pm.
  • Week of June 26: Wednesday at 2pm & 8pm; Thursday at 7pm; Friday at 8pm; Saturday at 2pm & 8pm; Sunday at 3pm.
  • Week of July 3: Wednesday & Thursday at 7pm; Friday at 8pm; Saturday & Sunday at 2pm & 8pm.
  • Week of July 10: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday at 7pm; Friday at 8pm; Saturday 2pm & 8pm; Sunday at 2pm.

 

Tickets begin at $39 and can be purchased in person at the David H. Koch Theater box office, online at www.davidhkochtheater.com/tickets-and-events/notre-dame-de-paris or by phone at 212-496-0600.


XXX


15) Opera Saratoga Announces 2023 Summer Festival Lineup at Universal Preservation Hall


Opera Saratoga is delighted to share a 2023 summer festival season that will be anchored in the heart of Saratoga Springs. "We are excited to be partnering with Universal Preservation Hall this season for our MainStage performances and look forward to introducing our audiences to this amazing space right in downtown Saratoga Springs” says Managing Director, Amanda Robie. The season will also feature concert performances in the beloved Spa Little Theatre, The Mansion of Saratoga, and at Caffè Lena. 

This season is a celebration of the immense talent of our Festival Artists, comprised of sixteen Festival Artist singers, two conductors, a pianist, and two directors, capstoned by two distinguished guest artists, Andy Papas and Eric McConnell (both of whom are alums of Opera Saratoga’s celebrated training program). "I am particularly excited about this season” says Head of Music Staff, Laurie Rogers, "as it is cast completely from either current or former members of our prestigious Young Artist program. Additionally, this year's talented singers, drawn from an application pool of over 900, will be showcased in our Broadway and Stars of Tomorrow concerts.” 

The festival season provides something for all, featuring three productions: the Tony-award winning A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Donizetti’s bel canto masterpiece Don Pasquale, and a world-premiere of a new children’s opera based upon Oscar Wilde’s short story The Selfish Giant with music by Clarice Assad and libretto by Lila Palmer and additional festival concerts. Each performance will feature production elements that leverage the unique site-specific features of UPH.

A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder is a delightfully devilish musical comedy, with book by Robert L. Freedman and music by Steven Lutvak. The four time Tony-award winning show opened on Broadway at the Walter Kerr Theatre in 2013,  winning a Tony for "Best Musical”. Opera Saratoga is excited to share a new presentation of this musical comedy, with themes of love, deception, and trickery woven throughout both festival MainStage performances. The Italian "opera buffa" Don Pasquale is one of Gaetano Donizetti's most celebrated works as a musical comedy in three acts. Enjoy this bel canto classic as the scheming Dr. Malatesta and Norina's plot unfolds, much to the surprise of her beloved Ernesto and the wealthy Don Pasquale. 

In a different thematic context, Opera Saratoga shares the story of Oscar Wilde's The Selfish Giant. The Selfish Giant was developed at American Lyric Theater under the auspices of the Composer Librettist Development Program in New York City with leadership support from The Mellon Foundation and the New York State Council on the Arts. With great timeliness, this opera addresses themes of empathy, compassion, and togetherness as the selfish giant learns to share his bountiful garden with neighboring children - this show is suitable for the entire family! Opera Saratoga presents this work in the summer as an extension of our touring school production, Opera-to-Go which will visit schools throughout the greater Capital region and free performances will occur throughout the summer festival season. A full recording of this work, and comprehensive virtual lesson plan were shared with teachers, free of charge throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

2023 Festival Performances:
A Gentleman’s Guide — June 30, July 2 (matinee), 6, & 8, 2023, Universal Preservation Hall
Don Pasquale — July 1, 7, & 9 (matinee), 2023, Universal Preservation Hall
The Selfish Giant — July 1 (matinee) & 8 (matinee), 2023, Universal Preservation Hall

More information can be found at www.operasaratoga.org.









17) Vangeline Theater/ New York Butoh Institute
in collaboration with The Brick Theater
presents
Queer Butoh 2023

Vangeline Theater/ New York Butoh Institute collaborates with The Brick Theater to present the seventh annual Queer Butoh, with performances from June 28-30, 2023 at 8pm at The Brick, 579 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn. Tickets are $25 and available for purchase at https://ci.ovationtix.com/122/production/1163537. The shows will feature Abby Howard and Lela Besom (Arkansas) in Doll House; Scoop Slone in Origin (New York); Kori Koolman in Har Addam (New York/Israel); and Yazmin Gonzalez & Andres Mauricio Sepulvda in Posturas (New York). The running time is approximately two hours with an intermission. For more information, visit https://www.bricktheater.com/event/queer-butoh-2023/2023-06-28/.



18) ROBBIE ROZELLE ANNOUNCES NEW SOLO SHOW “BRING ME GIANTS”
AT BIRDLAND THEATER

BroadwayWorld Award-winner Robbie Rozelle has announced his return to the historic nightclub Birdland with an all-new show, “Bring Me Giants” on June 29, 2023 at 8:30pm.

Birdland Theater is located at 315 West 44th Street, NYC.
Tickets are available at https://www.ticketweb.com/event/robbie-rozelle-in-bring-me- birdland-theater-tickets/13252878



201 Engleside Ave.
Beach Haven, NJ 

Comedy Nights: 
June 26 at 8:30pm, July 17 at 8:30pm, and August 28 at 8:30pm
June 26 at 8:30pm
Comedians: Host Joe Bublewicz; Headliner: Chris Roach; Feature: Brendon Donnegan
July 17 at 8:30pm
Comedians: Host: Joe Bublewicz; Co-Headliners: Gary DeLena & Vanessa Hollingshead
August 28 at 8:30pm
Comedians: To be announced

The Little Mermaid: ]June 28, 29, 30, July 1, 2 August 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 at 6:00pm
Your favorite children's story with our own twist. Fun with the spirited and adventurous mermaid princess!
Geared for children 3-10.

Family Comedy Night with Taylor Mason: July 3 at 6:00pm
Taylor Mason brings his one-of-a-kind persona to Surflight. Taylor is a ventriloquist, musician, comedy magician and stand-up comedian who blends observational humor, keen musicianship and state-of-the-art ventriloquism. Taylor Mason will present a positive, hilarious, unforgettable program that connects people thru
those things that bond us: laughter, music, magic and the shared experience of something special, something original, and something unforgettable. The audience will not be mere spectators; rather they will participate in an interactive experience that will entertain all, from young children to parents and grandparents.


20) WICKED AND PARTNERSHIP FOR NEW YORK CITY TEAM UP WITH NYC PARKS ON SUMMER VOLUNTEER EVENT SERIES TO SUPPORT "LETS GREEN NYC” INITIATIVE

Recently, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi, and NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue joined President and CEO of the Partnership for New York City Kathryn Wylde and the Broadway musical Wicked to announce a new volunteer event series where New Yorkers will have the chance to volunteer alongside Wicked company members and members of the Broadway Green Alliance. The partnership will support NYC Parks' ambitious goal to reach a record number of volunteers: Let's Green NYC! 

Through Let's Green NYC, Parks is building on its long legacy of volunteerism and public-private partnerships with groups who actively care for greenspaces to make it easier and more fun for everyone to beautify their parks, connect with fellow New Yorkers, and build stronger neighborhoods. This summer's partnership with Wicked will bring theater and park lovers together to pitch in and show their parks some love at events in Riverside Park in Manhattan (June 22), Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens (July 9), and Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx (August 11). Over the course of the summer, this partnership is expected to engage an estimated 600 volunteers!   

With the WE❤NYC campaign, Parks is partnering with Wicked to help incentivize volunteering, attract new audiences, and make giving back an enjoyable way of connecting with neighbors and fellow New Yorkers. 


Tune in tomorrow for More Theater Monday.

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