I started this blog with one daughter, kept it up with the other, to spend time together doing something we enjoyed.
However, things change and people evolve. My daughters are older, busier, and not as interested in writing.
From now on this blog will be mostly mom with occasional contributions from my daughters and maybe even my husband.
Nothing else will change. We'll still focus on sharing fun places to go, fun things to do, and more, and we would  still love to hear your views too

Sunday, December 31, 2023

Sunday Scoop Week of 12/31/23 What's Happening This Week and More

A) Beginning Performances 

1) Aristocrats

2) Bacon

3) Esther’s Revenge

4) It’s a Motherf**king Pleasure 

5) The Mikado

B) Cast Changes

6) A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond 

C) What Else is Happening This Week and More

7) Bowne & Co. Opportunities to Explore Letter Press Printing in Action

8) Clemente Solo Velez Center Annual Three Kings Day Celebration
1/6

9) Children's Museum of Manhattan Celebrates Three Kings Day
1/6  & 1/7

10) MCC Theater Presents The Pressure on the Press
1/8

11) Motion/Matter Dance Festival 
at PAC NYC 1/5 - 1/14

12) South Street Seaport Museum Free Monthly Sing-Along Online and In-Person
1/7 

13) South Street Seaport Museum Family Activity Weekends

A) Beginning Performances

1) Aristocrats

Set in Ballybeg Hall in County Donegal, Brian Friel’s Chekhovian masterpiece chronicles the decaying home of District Justice O'Donnell, where the family congregate for a wedding, but stay to attend a funeral. Friel's tale of three sisters and their “eccentric” brother reveals the way in which the ache of one family becomes the microcosm for the ache of a society.

Irish Repertory Company (132 W. 22nd St.)
1/11 - 3/2
Opening 1/21

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


2) Bacon

Bacon is an unflinching and unexpectedly humorous look at masculinity, sexuality and power, through the dizzying lens of youth. We follow Mark and Darren on Year 10’s first day back at school. Mark is new and too scared to make friends; Darren is out of control and too scary to make friends. The two of them need each other – but neither would ever admit it. This production contains depictions of physical and sexual violence, references to self-harm and abuse, haze and strobe lighting. Recommended for ages 16+.

Soho Playhouse (15 Vandam St.)
1/4 - 1/28
Opening Night 1/8

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit 

3) Esther’s Revenge

Esther’s Revenge, written and directed by Kenneth Uphopho, and produced by Tope Sanni for PawStudios Africa, is an experiential play inspired by true life events of Esther who was reported to have murdered her white lover in 1953. The sentence is death by hanging. This participatory play as devised, explores themes around race, colonization, sexual abuse, violence against women, and political and social injustice. Esther takes us on a journey through time into the events leading up to the death of Mark. The jury, consisting of 12 audience members, is given the responsibility to vote in favour or against a stay of execution.

Soho Playhouse (15 Vandam St.)
1/6 - 1/19
Opening Night 1/12

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit 

4) It’s a Motherf**king Pleasure 

Usually disabled people just want to do the right thing. But what if they don’t? What if they were out to make as much money as possible from the guilt of non-disabled, anxious people (like you)? Hot off the back of their smash-hit run at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, multi-award-winning disability-led theatre company FlawBored present It’s a Motherf**king Pleasure; a smart, scathing satire on the monetisation of identity politics that spares no-one. Written by FlawBored with Josh Roche, and directed by Roche.

Soho Playhouse (15 Vandam St.)
1/4 - 1/21
Opening Night 1/9

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit 

5) The Mikado

The show abounds with absurdity and astounding wit, clever wordplay, memorable tunes and endearing characters. The romantic love story follows Nanki-Poo, the son of the Mikado (the Japanese emperor), who has fled his father's court in disguise as a "Wand'ring Minstrel" to avoid marrying Katisha, an elderly suitor, and to find and marry his own beloved, the delicious maiden Yum-Yum, one of "Three Little Maids From School". Yum-Yum, however, is the ward of Ko-Ko, the "Lord High Executioner", and has become betrothed to him against her will. As usual in a Gilbert & Sullivan imaginative plot, the tangled web unravels and everyone (well, almost everyone) lives happily ever after.

Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College (68th Street between Park and Lexington Aves.)
1/6, 1/7, 1/3 & 1/14

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

B) Cast Changes

Photo by Michaleah Reynolds

6) A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond 

Amber Ardolino joins the cast as Marsha Murphey 1/2

For more information or to purchase or to purchase, visit www.abeautifulnoisethemusical.com

C) What Else is Happening This Week and More


7) South Street Seaport Museum

Bowne & Co. Announces Opportunities to

Explore Letterpress Printing in Action

South Street Seaport Museum’s 19th century-style letterpress printers, Bowne & Co. offers two monthly opportunities for you to learn about letterpress printing and get hands-on with the Museum’s working printing history and graphic arts collection–– the Fresh Prints open houses and Print Your Own Stationery workshops––at 211 Water Street in the South Street Seaport Historic District.


Resident printers at Bowne & Co. create bespoke designs produced using the Seaport Museum’s extensive working collection of historic printing presses, moveable type, illustrations, and additional equipment. Bowne & Co. is a prime example of how the Seaport Museum is dedicated to preserving New York’s history as well as the skills and expertise it took to run a turn-of-the-century business like this. bowne.co


Fresh Prints Open House | First Thursday of Every Month | 6–7:30pm | 211 Water Street | Free

Come to Bowne & Co. for a one-of-a-kind New York experience! These monthly open houses will feature a breadth of printing equipment that you will be invited to use. You’ll get to see how the designers at Bowne lock up limited edition designs that showcase some of the more eccentric parts from the Seaport Museum’s printing and graphic arts collection. 


Advanced registration is encouraged for these workshops but walkups will be accommodated as possible. Anyone ages 12 and up is welcome. All participants get to take home the items they print during the afternoon. Can’t stay the full 90-minutes? No problem! Leaving a bit early is fine, but you might miss out on taking home something special. seaportmuseum.org/fresh-prints


Upcoming 2024 Open Houses:

Thursday, January 4, 6pm

Thursday, February 1, 6pm

Thursday, March 7, 6pm

Thursday, April 4, 6pm


Print Your Own Stationery Workshops | 12–3pm | 211 Water Street | $100

If you would like to be even more hands-on, or are looking for a fun experience to share with your friends and family, join the immersive three-hour “Print Your Own Stationery” workshop. The designers of Bowne & Co. invite you to set type, mix ink, cut paper, and print your own edition of 35 note cards using the Seaport Museum’s collection of historic printing type, equipment, and presses. Anyone ages 12 and up is welcome. Tickets are $100 per person. Registration is required. All participants get to take home the items they print. seaportmuseum.org/stationery-workshop


Upcoming 2024 Workshops:

Saturday, March 30, 12pm

Saturday, April 27, 12pm


Open houses and workshops will continue through Fall 2024.


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8) The Clemente Soto Velez Cultural Center

Breaks Ground on Accessibility Project

During Annual Three Kings Day Celebration

Saturday, January 6, 2023 at 3pm


The Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural and Educational Center, a cornerstone of Puerto Rican, Latinx, and multicultural arts in New York's Lower East Side, proudly announces the commencement of a significant accessibility project. This initiative, launching on January 6, 2024 during the company’s annual Three Kings Day celebration, marks a historic moment for the 1897-built, six-story, 100,000 square foot building. Elected officials, community leaders, and The Clemente's artistic community will gather at 3pm to celebrate this milestone, symbolizing our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.


The day will include the organization’s annual Three Kings Day (Dia de los Tres Reyes Magos) block party and toy giveaway from 3-5pm at The Clemente Center, 107 Suffolk Street, NY. The Three Kings Day event is presented by The Clemente and Teatro SEA, one of its resident theater organizations. The event has been celebrated for the past 20 years. This isn't just a party, it's a journey into Hispanic culture and traditions with live music, puppetry, vibrant atmosphere, and free gifts for hundreds of children. It's a perfect outing for families, friends, and everyone looking to experience a unique cultural event. Experience the magic, learn, and bond with the community at the Three Kings Day celebration. Don't miss out! For more information, visit https://www.theclementecenter.org/calendar/3-kings-day.


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9) Celebrate Three Kings Day

at the Children's Museum of Manhattan!


Come celebrate Three Kings Day at the Childrens Museum of Manhattan (CMOM), from Saturday, January 6 - Sunday, January 7, 2024! Three Kings Day is celebrated through many traditions worldwide, from Spain to Mexico, the Caribbean, and even Bulgaria and India. Explore some customs associated with this holiday as we find inspiration in family, storytelling, and extraordinary journeys. Sculpt bread out of clay and learn about the courageous camel. For more information, please visit https://cmom.org/cmom-programs/.


Kings' Bread Sculptures

Create a sculpture inspired by Kings' Bread, a traditional Día de Reyes treat. Learn about the traditions behind this uniquely shaped pastry and design a royal crown sculpture inspired by the bread's round shape and candied fruit decorations.

Saturday & Sunday, January 6 & 7 | 10:30 am – 4:45 pm | All ages| 1st Floor


Sculpting a Journey in Clay and Stories

Sculpt a journey of the Three Wise Men's magical trek using mixed media materials and delve into the significance of the gifts they presented: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Saturday & Sunday, January 6 & 7 | 10:30 am – 4:45 pm | All ages| 1st Floor


Caravan of Camels: Puppet Making

Camels are very important to Día de Reyes. Learn more about these amazing animals as you perform stories of travel and trade with your camel puppets.

Saturday & Sunday, January 6 & 7 | 11 am and 2 pm | Ages 4 & younger | 3rd Floor 


Children's Museum of Manhattan

The Tisch Building, 212 West 83rd Street, New York, NY 10024



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10)

 

A close up of a sign

Description automatically generated

 

 

PRESENTS

 

THE PRESSURE ON PRESS

A SPECIAL ONE-NIGHT EVENT FOR THE CONNECTOR

 

WITH

DIEP TRAN

(Editor-In-Chief of Playbill)

 

AND

 

BRITTANI SAMUEL 

(Co-Editor, 3Views on Theater)

 

MONDAY JANUARY 8, 2024, AT 6PM

AT MCC THEATER

 

TICKETS TO THE PRESSURE ON PRESS

ARE FREE WITH REGISTRATION:

mcctheater.org/tix/theater-criticism-journalism-advocacy-evening/book/72801


A special one-night only public engagement event ahead of the upcoming production of the World Premiere of The Connector. This event is the next installment of MCC Theater's year-long public engagement season aiming to uplift visibility and support for individual artists.

The Pressure on Press will feature a conversation with Playbill Editor-in-Chief Diep Tran and 3Views on Theater co-editor Brittani Samuel about theater journalism, criticism, and advocacy, discussing different types of press, the importance of diverse voices, and the role of theater publications and criticism within the theater community.

 

The Pressure on Press will take place at MCC Theater (511 W 52nd Street, New York, NY 10019) on Monday, January 8, 2024, at 6pmThe event is free and open to the public; registration is required at 

mcctheater.org/tix/theater-criticism-journalism-advocacy-evening/book/72801.

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11) MOTION/MATTER: STREET DANCE FESTIVAL
at
PAC NYC
Perleman Performing Arts Center

A celebration of the multitude of street dance movements emerging from New York City and from around the world.


January 5-14


Motion/Matter is a celebration of the multitude of street dance movements emerging from New York City and from around the world including legendary DJs, epic battles and concert dance premieres. The performances in Motion/Matter will draw on styles emerging from New York City, Asia, Africa and Europe, illustrating the reach of the forms themselves across a spectrum of disciplines and culture. In addition to the dance program, PAC NYC will open with two of NYC’s most beloved DJ’s – DJ Spinna and Rimarkable - to celebrate the dance music that helped to create the conditions for the array of street dance forms. Complementing the series will be an All-Styles Dance Battle. The battle format has been used as a development space for street dancers across the globe. It is both a training ground, a space to build skills, network and hone one’s craft. PAC NYC will bring the battle form to the stage for a special one-night event featuring a grand prize and several guest judges.

 

January 5-7

Afrikan Party

Supa Rich Kids by Oulouy

Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Spain

Oulouy and his crew Supa Rich Kids invite you to a celebration of life, highlighting each milestone in an African child’s journey from birth to death through dance, theater, and fashion.

Afrikan Party is a futuristic ode to Africa seen through the eyes of an African child born in the year 2090 and raised in the United States of Afrika. It is a celebration of the countless cultures, traditions, and rituals connecting this child to his past, his present and his future. An open window to an infinite field of possibilities for new generations. Join the party and experience the rich, multicolored, polyphony of the African continent through the eyes of a child in this kinetic swirl of street dance, mime, performance, and fashion.

January 11

Motion/Matter: Mmmmm

DJ Spinna and Rimarkable

NYC

 

NYC legends DJ Spinna and Rimarkable are taking over the turntables in PAC NYC’s Vartan and Clare Gregorian Lobby to celebrate all that is Motion/Matter. Get into the groove with the official party of the festival. Mix, mingle, and move to a mesmerizing flow of hip-hop, deep house, jazz, soul, and funk that transcends boundaries and generations. Mmmmm…This is going to be a party!

January 11-12

BreAking P is For Pop and D is For Dip

 

BreAking

Korea National Contemporary Dance Company

Choreographed by Lee Kyungeun

South Korea

 

“Don’t fit myself into the world. Do it the other way around!” Contemporary dance, street dance and traditional Korean music combine to break the rules.

Korea National Contemporary Dance Company and next-gen choreographer Lee Kyungeun urge you to break away and be the creator of your own rhythm. BreAking brings together a virtuosic team of artists who imagine, play, and deconstruct the world as they break-up, mix-up, and shake-up the status quo. With music by Lee Ilwoo, of the traditional Korean folk, post-rock band Jambinai, and featuring five contemporary dancers and three top street dancers (including the amazing DROP of Go Junyoung/ Uptown Family), BreAking will transport you to a fantastic new reality where rules are made to be broken.

 

P is For Pop and D is For Dip

By Kia LaBeija

Original Score by DonChristian Jones

Creative Direction by Taína Larot

Produced by MusmGftshp

NYC

A PAC NYC Commission

 

Pop, Dip and Spin, referred to as The Old Way, is the original art form known as Voguing.  P is For Pop and D is For Dip, a theatrical work created by Artist Kia LaBeija, honors the legacy of Voguing. Creative direction by Taína Larot and original score by multimedia artist DonChristian Jones. This is a World Premiere work commissioned by PAC NYC for Motion/Matter.

 

January 13

All Styles Dance Battle

 

Get ready to feel the rush of adrenaline as leading dancers invited from the NYC Club Scene and beyond compete for a cash grand prize in the Motion/Matter: All-Styles Dance Battle. Competitors will go toe-to-toe demonstrating a wide range of street dance styles chosen by the Battle DJ including Breaking, Waacking, Locking, Voguing and more. The champion will be determined by a panel of guest judges including Princess Lockerooo, Ken Swift, Omari Wiles, and Lorenzo HarrisMotion/Matter: All-Styles Dance Battle is more than a competition — it’s a celebration of passion, a testament to dedication, and a showcase of the transformative power of street dance.

 

January 13-14

The Barefoot Diva | P is For Pop and D is For Dip

 

The Barefoot Diva

Choreographed by Nicolas Huchard

France

 

Five divas. Five women. Five Black women. Five women united in their fight and their faith in the power of dance.

 

The dawn comes gently; everything seems to be cleansed of what might have happened the day before. It is with this sense of renewal that the divas stand up and take the stage. The essence of each of the five performers is revealed as one by one they assert themselves with increasing urgency. Urgency to be heard. Urgency to be seen. At dawn, consciences must be awakened. It is time for this magical, hopeful morning to bring wisdom, peace and harmony.

 

Embodying the ethos of choreographer Nicolas Huchard’s internationally acclaimed company, The Barefoot Diva is an exploration of boundaries —gentle yet forceful, feminine and masculine, spanning continents and disciplines. It’s a political terrain where dance inscribes activism in bodies. And it is contagious.

 

 

P is For Pop and D is For Dip

By Kia LaBeija

Original Score by DonChristian Jones

Creative Direction by Taína Larot

Produced by MusmGftshp

NYC

A PAC NYC Commission

 

Pop, Dip and Spin, referred to as The Old Way, is the original art form known as Voguing.  P is For Pop and D is For Dip, a theatrical work created by Artist Kia LaBeija, honors the legacy of Voguing. Creative direction by Taína Larot and original score by multimedia artist DonChristian Jones. This is a World Premiere work commissioned by PAC NYC for Motion/Matter.

 

Tickets for all three programs are on sale now at PACNYC.org. 



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12) South Street Seaport Museum

Free Monthly Sing-Alongs

Sea Chanteys and Maritime Music 

Online and In-Person

January 7, 2023


The South Street Seaport Museum’s monthly Sea Chanteys and Maritime Music program—which began over 5 decades ago—continues on the first Sunday of every month. This Winter, the free program will be presented in a hybrid format, both indoors at the Museum and online.


From now to April 2024, you are invited to join the lively chantey experience either in-person at the Seaport Museum’s introduction galleries or virtually via Zoom, allowing you to join from anywhere. Each sing will be hosted by a local artist who will lead the sea-song sing-along that will feature a variety of traditional maritime work songs and ballads. Attendees are encouraged to sing along with the chorus or just sit back and enjoy the music. Throughout the event, both in-person and virtual attendees take the stage for this round-robin where you can sing and share the chantey of your choice.


Singers of all levels, as well as listeners, are welcome to attend and can lead or request a traditional maritime work song or ballad. The program will offer a round-robin where anyone can sing and share the chantey of their choice, join in the choruses throughout the event, or just listen. 


The January hybrid sing will be hosted by Hannah Livant.


Hybrid dates include:

Sunday, January 7, 2024, 2–4pm ET

Sunday, February 4, 2024, 2–4pm ET

Sunday, March 3, 2024, 2–4pm ET

Sunday, April 7, 2024, 2–4pm ET


The hybrid event is free, and registration is encouraged.

seaportmuseum.org/hybrid-chantey-sing


In-Person Registration

Advanced in-person registration to join the event in the 12 Fulton Street introduction galleries, is encouraged for this event but walkups will be accommodated as possible. Any in-person attendee is welcome to lead a song during the round-robin; if you have a specific song in mind, please inform us of the song title when you register.


Zoom Registration

For all Zoom attendees, advanced registration is required. Please note that due to capacity limitations, only a limited number of online participants will be able to lead a song during the event. If you wish to lead a song on Zoom, please provide the song title when you register. You can register to join the Zoom event until the start of the program, but registration for leading a song on Zoom closes one week in advance.


Can’t decide whether to join in-person or via Zoom? All registrants will receive the Zoom link in their confirmation email, regardless of their registration choice. If there’s a chance you might attend in-person, please sign up for an in-person ticket to help us with our planning.


Extend Your Visit

Access to the introduction galleries at 12 Fulton Street is included with your free event ticket. Before or after your event, anytime between 11am–5pm, get Pay What You Wish General Admission tickets to see more of the Museum. General Admission includes access to the 1885 tall ship Wavertree and free timed tickets for a tour of the 1908 lightship Ambrose are available separately at no additional cost. seaportmuseum.org/general-admission


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13) South Street Seaport Museum Family Activity Weekends

January 2024: Ring in the New Year

Saturdays and Sundays | 11am–5pm

Free with General Admission


Every weekend in January, the Seaport Museum invites kids, families, and visitors of all ages to explore the fascinating world of bells. Discover the centuries-old maritime technology of ships’ bells, which played a crucial role in marking time aboard vessels and facilitating communication between passing ships. seaportmuseum.org/family-activity-weekends


In the Museum’s introduction galleries at 12 Fulton Street, we’ll learn about the divisions of the working day utilized by ship crews known as a 4-hour watch system. Visitors can actively participate by using a hand-held bell to ring for specific times of the day.

We will then venture aboard the lightship Ambrose to understand the pivotal role its bell played in ensuring the visibility and audibility of this floating lighthouse in all weather conditions. The visit on board will culminate with an opportunity for guests to hear the bell ring first-hand. Don’t miss this hands-on and educational experience that brings maritime history to life.


This family activity is free with General Admission and will be offered every weekend from January 6–February 4. No registration required. Stop by anytime from 11am–4:30pm to participate in this maritime-inspired experience. seaportmuseum.org/general-admission


For those interested in a comprehensive tour of Ambrose, secure your space on a tour in advance. seaportmuseum.org/ambrose


1908 Lightship Ambrose

Lightship LV-87, also known as Ambrose, was built in 1907 as a floating lighthouse to guide ships safely from the Atlantic Ocean into the Lower New York Bay. Occupying her station from 1908–1932, she guided mariners to the nation's busiest port, and welcomed over six million immigrants into New York Harbor. On guided tours of Ambrose, Seaport Museum visitors learn the special features that allowed this floating lighthouse to stay on station, be seen, and heard, and learn about the significant influence of the immigrant experience on the city's growth. seaportmuseum.org/ambrose


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And that's the scoop. More Theater Monday/Talking Topics is closed this week. Tune in Tuesday for Tips for Tuesday.

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