Theater Thursday - Pen Pals

We received complimentary tickets to PenPals for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: Pen Pals

Where: Theatre at St. Clements

             432 W. 46th St.

              New York, New York

Who: Recommended for Ages 12 and Up

When: Through February 9, 2025

Pen Pals is the deeply touching story of a friendship of over 50 years between two women who live on opposite sides of the world and have never met. Yet, when paired up in a high school pen pal exchange, they form such a strong bond that they continue to correspond long after both have graduated living through births, deaths, and everything that life throws at them vicariously together.

The show currently stars Nancy McKeon and Joanna Day. If you only know, McKeon from her teenage sitcom days, she is a revelation here. Her days as Jo on The Facts of Life only hinted at the depths of her acting ability. Joanna Day's performance is equally strong. Plus the pair's immense chemistry further enhances the emotional impact and really draws the audience into the play. It is just a really heartfelt and beautiful show.

McKeon and Day will be in the show through December 22, and later they will return for the end of the run from February 5 through February 9. Their roles will played in the interim by a rotating list of equally impressive stars including Kate Burton, Sharon Lawrence, and Mary Beth Peil. For a complete list of performers and dates, see below:

• Dec 5 – Dec 22, 2024: Johanna Day & Nancy McKeon

• Dec 26 – Dec 29, 2024: Catherine Curtin & Sharon Lawrence

• Jan 2 – Jan 12, 2025: Nia Vardalos & Gail Winar

• Jan 20 – Jan 26, 2025: Ellen McLaughlin & Mary Beth Peil  

• Jan 29 – Feb 2, 2025: Kate Burton & Pauletta Washington

• Feb 5 – Feb 9, 2025: Johanna Day & Nancy McKeon

And that's our view. For more about Pen Pals or to purchase tickets, visit penpalsplay.com.

Tune in Sunday for this week's Sunday Scoop.

Photo credits:

All Pen Pals production photos by Russ Rowland

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

Where - To-Go Wednesday - Hall of Reptiles and Amphibians

We received complimentary tickets to the American Museum of Natural History for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own. 

What: Hall of Reptiles and Amphibians

Where: American Museum of Natural History

             Central Park West & 79th St.

             New York, NY

Who: All ages

If you are a fan of snakes, frogs, lizards, and other related creatures, you'll want to visit the American Museum of History's Hall of Reptiles and Amphibians. Find out the difference between reptiles and amphibians. Learn interesting facts about them. Learn about specific animals like Giant tortoises, Komodo Dragons, Poison Dart Frogs, and more. 

In addition to the numerous taxidermied specimens on display, there are some live animals. Occasionally, in connection with the Hall of Reptiles and Amphibians, there are extra special exhibits like a display of live alligators and crocodiles.

And that's our view. For more information about the Hall of Reptiles and Amphibians, go to www.amnh.org/exhibitions/permanent/reptiles-amphibians. For more about the American Museum of Natural History in general or to purchase a ticket to visit go to www.amnh.org

Tune in tomorrow for Theater Thursday.

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

Tips for Tuesday - Books: Attorney to the Stars & Designing Broadway; Movie: Cheat

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

Books: Attorney to the Stars & Designing Broadway

Today we are talking about Attorney to the Stars by Clair Burrill. Burill is a former entertainment lawyer. This book details some of his professional exploits. It contains fascinating stories about getting The Rolling Stones out of a legal jam, successfully prosecuting copyright infringement cases for several songwriters including Bill Withers and Bob Merrill, and other absorbing reminiscences from his legal career. However, there are also much less engaging chapters about his military career plus long-winded chapters containing detailed descriptions of golf and/or poker games that may not be very exciting for people who are not fans of these things. Thus, those who are less interested in the latter than in learning about Burrill's exciting career may find this book a mixed bag.

Today we are recommending Designing Broadway by Derek McLane and Eila Mell. McLane is an acclaimed set designer for theater, movies, and more. This book is not an autobiography but an extensive look at the thought processes behind many of his designs for the theater. Plus, it provides details about how the sets were actually created. 

McLane also graciously shares the thoughts of others who participated in the projects he's worked on including other designers like costume and lighting designers as well as actors and directors. He even allows other set designers to share insights regarding their work. Accordingly, the book is a great example of the collaborative nature of working in theater.

There are plenty of pictures too. Thus, this is a book that any theater fan especially those interested in a career in theatrical design will want to have in their library.

Movies: Cheat

Today we are talking about Cheat. Cheat is the story of a woman who cheats on her husband and is then kidnapped and tortured. While the film does have some unique twists and turns, it is also extremely violent. Thus, if you do not enjoy that sort of thing you will not like it. It is, of course, also completely inappropriate for children as in addition to the violence it also contains sexual situations and brief nudity. 

Cheat is available digitally for purchase or rental.

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

All images except film images used in this post are our own.  Film images have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, contact us here, and we will look into the matter.

More Theater Monday - Love in Idleness

We received complimentary tickets to Love in Idleness for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own 

What: Love in Idleness 

Where: The Actor's Temple Theatre 

            339 W. 47th St.

            New York, NY

When: This event took place from November 21 - November 24, 2024

Love in Idleness is a modern musicalization of A Midsummer Night's Dream. In this version, A scientist invents a drug to make his husband fall back in love with him but things go awry when a couple of characters ingest it by mistake causing several mismatched pairs. A right-wing group hoping to get a hold of the drug to convert gay people makes the show extremely timely and gives it a little bit of gravitas. That particular plotline notwithstanding, the show is mostly harmless fun. The standout performers in the production were the quintet of actors who made up the contemporary Greek chorus moving the story along through song and dance. They were a particular delight.

And that's our view. 

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Photo credits:

All Love in Idleness production photos courtesy of the production

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

Giveaway: Win a copy of Don't Worry Be Ha in the Dashing December Giveaway Hop!

 Welcome to the  Dashing December Giveaway Hop

hosted by Mama the Fox

The holidays can be stressful. Sometimes, we just need to sit back, relax, and put a little pun in our lives. Okay, you may be groaning now. but you have to admire a person who can easily come up with unique and original puns at least a little bit. If you do appreciate a good one, you may enjoy Maria Saba's fun book. Don't Worry Be Ha, a book loaded with clever food puns. For more about this book see our previous post Tips for Tuesday: Don't Worry Be Ha. Enter to win a copy below:

Giveaway Dates 12/16 - 12/31

Giveaway Open to Ages 18+ US

a Rafflecopter giveaway Once you have entered our giveaway, hop around to the blogs listed below to see what other great prizes you can enter to win.

Disclaimer: Hosts and participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors and self-sponsoring bloggers who do not fulfill prize obligations. Please also note that we have been having a huge problem with people not following giveaway entry requirements and/or claiming to follow our blog and/or any of our social media and not actually doing so. Accordingly, please remember that following all instructions for any and all giveaway entries is mandatory in order for that entry to count. Entries will be checked and those that do not follow all instructions will be disqualified. Please do not claim entry for following our blog, Twitter, or whatever if you do not actually do so. If you consistently enter our giveaways claiming to be a follower of our blog and/or social media and you are not you will be disqualified not only from any chance of winning our current giveaway but also from any chance of winning any future giveaways. If you do follow our blog and/ or social media, don't let your entry be disqualified be sure to leave your follower name and/or the exact name you commented under. 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.

Note Regarding Future Giveaways: Although there may be fewer giveaway hops to join and fewer opportunities to enter to win prizes,  we will continue to give away at least one book a month even if there are no more monthly giveaway hops. Keep following our blog for more information.

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

Sunday Scoop Week of 12/15/25 What's Happening This Week and More

A) Beginning Performances 

In New Jersey 

 

1) A Christmas Carol

2) Kelsey Holiday Extravaganza Remixed

In New York

3) Bashevis's Demons

4) Breakin' NYC

5) Francis' Patrelle's The Yorkville Nutcracker

6) Gestating Baby Volume 9: Rawya El Chab & Adin Lenahan

7) Nut/Cracked

8) The Prior 55

B) Run Extension

9) Swept Away

10) True Love Forever

C) What Else is Happening

11) 11th Annual Flatfoot Flatbush

12/21

12) A Night of Drama: The Great Christmas Tragedy

at Brooklyn Haus 12/21

13) Brooklyn Children's Museum Celebrates Milestone 125th Anniversary

14) Renault Winery Transforms Into Vinter Wonderful Festival

Through 1/20

15) Sound & Sight Pete Turner's Jazz Album Covers Exhibit

at the Bruce Silverman Gallery through  1/18

16) South Street Seaport Museum Offers Stamp a Dreidel Activity 

12/29

17) Vangeline Theater/New York Present Nerys Johnson:Disability and Practice

at Laing Art Gallery Opening 12/21

A) Beginning Performances 

In New Jersey 

 

1) A Christmas Carol

McCarter Theatre Center (91 University Pl., Princeton)

Through 12/29

Arrive early to enjoy the sounds of talented local choirs, setting a joyful tone for select performances. Caroling performances begin 45 minutes before curtain.

• Tuesday, December 10, 2024: Kindred Spirit Acapella
• Friday, December 13, 2024: Stuart Country Day School
• Saturday, December 14, 2024 (5:30 PM): Allentown High School
• Wednesday, December 18, 2024: Princeton Girlchoir
• Friday, December 20, 2024: Princeton Boychoir

Holiday Giving: Partnering with Local Nonprofits
McCarter is proud to collaborate with long-standing nonprofit partners to inspire generosity this holiday season. These partnerships provide opportunities for spontaneous acts of kindness and generous giving, inspired by the transformed Ebenezer Scrooge. Donations support vital community services, including:

• HomeFront: Helping end homelessness in Central New Jersey by providing housing and resources to families in need.
• Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK): Offering meals, educational programs, and workforce training to enhance self-sufficiency.
• The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey (CHSofNJ): Supporting child welfare, maternal health, and education across the community.
• Mercer Street Friends: Operating Mercer County’s Food Bank and offering family services to transform lives.
• Stage Door Access. Gifts to this program support McCarter’s Stage Door Access initiative, providing free and discounted tickets to community members facing socioeconomic barriers. Together, we can ensure that everyone has access to the magic of the performing arts. 

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

Courtesy of Kelsey Theatre

2) Kelsey Holiday Extravaganza Remixed

Get ready to experience the ultimate holiday celebration like never before at The Kelsey Holiday Extravaganza (Remixed) coming to Kelsey Theatre for three nights this December! Dive in as Off-Centre Stages presents an electrifying concert-style show that brings together the magic of the season. From the heartwarming melodies of Christmas to the vibrant tunes of Hanukkah and beyond, our lineup of sensational singers will deliver an unforgettable mix of classic and modern holiday hits that will have you dancing and singing along!  

Kelsey Theatre (1200 Old Trenton Rd., West Windsor, NJ

12/20 - 12/22

For more information or to purchase, tickets. visit www.purplepass.com/events/296508-the-kelsey-holiday-extravaganza-remixed-dec-20th-2024

In New York

3) Bashevis's Demons

The tales featured in BASHEVIS’S DEMONS serve up demons, saints, sinners, hope, despair, and at least two chickens, all in Isaac Bashevis Singer’s original Yiddish with full English supertitles projected overhead. In The Mirror, a young woman – ignored by her husband the traveling salesman – steps through a mirror into the world of demons, where she can at last be the center of attention. In The Last Demon, a Jewish demon fails to bring down a shtetl rabbi. Exiled to the small town as Satan’s punishment, he witnesses the destruction of the Jewish community, including his nemesis the rabbi, by forces far crueler than his own and remains stuck there for eternity with nothing but the Yiddish word to console him. Lastly, in Kukeriku (yes, that’s how a cock crows in Yiddish!), we hear a rooster’s tale of hope on the eve of a great slaughter.

Out of the Box Theatre (154 Christopher St.)

12/18 - 1/5

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

Courtesy of Hillman PR

4) Breakin' NYC

Experience the pulse of Hip Hop culture like never before in this electrifying off-Broadway show. BREAKIN' NYC takes you on a high-energy journey through the culture of Hip-Hop and Street Style dancers — featuring Breaking, Lite Feet, Popping, Locking, House, Step, and more— all brought to life by eleven dynamic performers. An MC guides the story of Hip-Hop’s rise from the “Boogie Down Bronx” to a global movement, while a DJ keeps the beats thumping and the audience bumping in their seats for a 75-minute, high-octane performance.

Theatre 555 (555 W. 42nd St.)

12/14 - 12/30

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.theater555.venuetix.com.

Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

5) Francis Patrelle's The Yorkville Nutcracker

Enjoy a magical tour of 1895 New York City with Dances Patrelle. Your journey begins with a Christmas Eve party at Gracie Mansion attended by dignitaries from around the world - including our new police commissioner, Theodore Roosevelt. Thrill as you behold a battle with life-sized mice! Then go for a bracing midnight skate on the ponds of Central Park. Finally, take a sleigh-ride to the Grand Conservatory of the Bronx Botanical Gardens in time for a beautiful sunrise buffet of sweets, hosted by the Sugar-Plum Fairy. New York City Ballet's Miriam Miller and Tyler Angle lead the Dances Patrelle cast in this magical and whirlwind seasonal confection, with rich delights for ballet lovers of every age

Gerald W. Lynch Theatre (524 W. 59th St.)

10/19 - 10/22

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

Courtesy of The Brick 

6) Gestating Baby Volume 9: Rawya El Chab & Adin Lenahan

Gestating Baby is a semi-regular series of split bill performances that presents new and unpredictable works across the spectrum of theatrical performing arts. It began in 2013 at The Silent Barn and is now revived at The Brick in Brooklyn, 

Featuring: 

Crossing the Water

Crossing the Water is a solo performance written and performed by Rawya El Chab that weaves together Lebanon’s turbulent history from the 1978 occupation through the 1982 invasion of Beirut. Through interviews with resistance fighters and family members, El Chab reconstructs history from marginalized perspectives, crafting a layered narrative that explores three distinct yet interconnected journeys across water. The performance draws poetic parallels between desperate immigrants crossing seas in search of safety, armies traversing borders to occupy foreign lands, and the mythological crossing of the river Styx into the underworld. By intertwining these narratives, El Chab creates a powerful meditation on displacement, invasion, and mortality, revealing how personal and political histories ripple through generations. The piece challenges audiences to consider the profound implications of crossing boundaries—whether driven by survival, power, or fate.

Doom Scroll

Doom Scroll borrows the deliciousness and compulsivity of TikTok to create theatrical brain rot. An endless parade of TikTokers ranging from Disney Adults and viral preachers to true crime enthusiasts and ASMR Reiki practitioners, even Nicole Kidman, all speak in no more than three minute intervals, converging for a tale of extremism, celebrity worship, the perverse, and the stupid.

For more information or ro purchase tickets, visit www.bricktheater.com/event/gestating-baby-volume-9-rawya-el-chab-adin-lenahan/2024-12-21

Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

7) Nut/Cracked

Nut/Cracked — The Bang Group’s beloved, witty response to The Nutcracker — has enthralled audiences for more than two decades. Choreographer David Parker draws inspiration from across the dance spectrum, blending tap, ballet, disco, and even bubble wrap to create a unique performance that reimagines Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. With renditions ranging from Duke Ellington to Glenn Miller, Nut/Cracked transforms the familiar into something delightfully unexpected

The 92nd St. Y (1395 Lexington Ave.)

12/20 -12/22

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.92ny.org/dance/nut-cracked#tickets

8) The Prior 55

In a rural part of southeastern Louisiana, Mahala, raised by her parrain Takoda, became an upwardly-mobile professional and upon losing him realizes all she has worked so hard to achieve has not satiated her. Wanting to connect on a deeper level and live the values he instilled in her, she became a psychiatric nurse and set her sights on a French Quarter bluesman she realizes is unhoused and wants desperately to help. But as she seeks to get to the bottom of his trauma, what does one do when they realize the one helping them needs help too?

Theatre for the New City (155 First Ave.)

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit theaterforthenewcity.net/shows/the-prior-55

B) Run Extension

9) Swept Away

In Swept Away, crew of sailors embark on a whaling expedition, braving the long days with hard work and strong whiskey. But when the ship capsizes, they’re forced to look deep within themselves to help each other survive.

Longacre Theatre (220 W. 48th St.)

Now closing 12/29

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

Courtesy of Spincycle NYC

10) True Love Forever

Scattered with kitsch and classic notions of love, TRUE LOVE FOREVER is where the broken-hearted find comfort and camaraderie, exploring the risky nature of love that attracts us like moths to a flame, from euphoric beginnings to heartbreaking ends. After the show’s emotional ride, will you step off with an open heart, holding your lover closer or ready to meet someone new?

ART XNYC (409 W. 14th St.)

Performances added 2/13 - 2/15

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.trueloveforever.show

C) What Else is Happening

11) Flatfoot Flatbush Year 11!

Free and Participatory Flatfooting Parade 

with Live Music and Dance

Saturday, December 21st, 2-5pm around North Flatbush Ave

between Sterling Place and Dean Street

(Prospect Heights/Park Slope/Pacific Park)

Afterparty indoors with Music and Dance @ 5:30pm

Celebrate the Winter Solstice with Porch Stomp, Make Music New York and the

North Flatbush Avenue Business Improvement District! Flatfoot Flatbush is Brooklyn’s first-ever flatfooting parade, celebrated as part of Make Music New York’s Winter Solstice Celebration. Now in its eleventh year in 2024, the North Flatbush Avenue Business Improvement District (BID) teams up with Make Music New York and Porch Stomp to bring you another exciting year of music and dancing to ring in the holiday season.

During Flatfoot Flatbush, dancers, fiddlers and pickers parade down Flatbush Avenue in Park Slope/Prospect Heights playing old-time tunes while flatfooting, a form of percussive dancing from Appalachia. The evening begins with a warm-up and quick flatfooting workshop hosted by Megan Downes (City Stompers), which will take place outdoors at 2pm at Flatbush Avenue and Sterling Place

(southwest side of the street, right outside the M&T Bank).

Immediately following, the flatfooting parade will kick off and traverse Flatbush Avenue, moving North toward Dean Street, and then looping back towards 6th Avenue, stopping at local businesses to bring holiday cheer.

This year’s parade will feature some exceptional performances, including from Brooklyn Contra, City Stompers, and a rendition of the mystical Abbots Bromley Horn Dance by Ring o'Bells Morris and Half Moon Sword. The parade will finish at 4pm at the 6th Avenue Triangle (intersection of Flatbush, 6th, and St Marks Avenues), with participatory contra and square dances.

Starting at 5:30pm, the fun continues at an indoor after-party at Lips Cafe @ 333 Lounge (333 Flatbush Avenue) featuring more music and dance-an open jam led by the Flatfoot Flatbush Band, and a special performance from a Brooklyn-based step team. The after-party doubles as the North Flatbush Avenue

BID merchant holiday party and will bring together businesses in the district to share in holiday cheer.

WHEN & WHERE:

2:00 PM: Meet at Flatbush and Sterling for a flatfooting warm-up with Megan Downes

2:15 PM: Parade kicks off at Flatbush and Sterling

2:15 PM – 4 PM: Parade makes its way around the North Flatbush Avenue district, stopping at local

businesses along the way, finishing at the 6th Avenue Triangle (6th Avenue and St Marks Avenue, at

Flatbush).

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Courtesy of DD PR

12) A NIGHT OF DRAMA:
THE GREAT CHRISTMAS TRAGEDY
 
Fresh Off the Heels of a Sold Out Run at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Cult Classic is Set to Perform a Special Holiday
Themed Edition in Both the UK and the US Next Month 
December 7^th at the Rosemary Branch Theatre & Pub in London
December 21^st at Brooklyn Art Haus in Brooklyn

Silent nights? Not so much with this show. Jack & Zoe Comedy, the comedic duo comprised of Jack Grossman and Zoe Wohlfeld today announced A Night of Drama: The Great Christmas Tragedy, a special holiday-themed edition of the outrageous theatrical experience and cult classic that will perform on both sides of the pond this December. Fresh off the heels of a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the production will perform in London on Saturday, December 7^th at The Rosemary Branch Theatre & Pub (2 Shepperton Road, London, N1 3DT) at 9:30pm, and in New York City on Saturday, December 21^st at 7:30pm at Brooklyn Art Haus (24 Marcy Avenue, Williamsburg). https://jackandzoecomedy.com

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13) Brooklyn Children’s Museum Celebrates its Milestone 125th Anniversary as World’s First and Oldest Children’s Museum with a Fun-Filled Weekend for All

 

BCM is offering FREE Admission to its Birthday festivities on Saturday, December 21 and Sunday, December 22 

On Monday, December 16, 2024, Brooklyn Children’s Museum (BCM) will turn 125 years old, marking a milestone anniversary for the world’s first children’s museum. To celebrate, BCM is throwing a birthday party for the visiting public throughout the weekend of Saturday, December 21 and Sunday, December 22, when the Museum will throw open its doors for a free, fun-filled extravaganza.

 

From 10 am to 5 pm on both days, children, families, and caregivers will enjoy moving and grooving at dance programs, sliding around BCM’s ArtRink skating rink, meet-and-greets with the artists behind BCM's newest exhibit, In The Works, screenings of birthday episodes from fun throwback Saturday morning cartoons in BCM’s movie theater—plus art-making, photo ops, animal programs, and more.

Admission is free for the birthday party weekend. All programs and experiences will be free as well, with the exception of entry to ArtRink, which is $5 per person. Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP online at www.brooklynkids.org/125. Walk-ins on the day of the event are welcome.

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14) RENAULT WINERY TRANSFORMS INTO SCENE FROM A HALLMARK MOVIE WITH RETURN OF VINTNER WONDERLAND - FEATURING FAMILY FUN, SKATING, NEW HOLIDAY MARKETS, GRINCH BAR, SANTA VISITS, FESTIVAL OF TREES, MORE 

Renault Winery announces the magical return of Vintner Wonderland, now through January 20, 2025. The South Jersey winery (72 North Bremen Avenue) has been transformed into a scene from a Hallmark movie with the entire estate decked out for the holiday season - and beyond. America's Most Historic Winery invites families from the tri-state region and East Coast to experience centuries-old European holiday traditions, reimagined across Renault's sprawling vineyard estate, with festive vibes and decor around every turn. Guests are invited to gather outdoors around cozy fire pits, dine inside wintery igloos, sip hot spiced wine, indulge in decadent hot chocolate and enjoy sweets and treats - all while soaking in the sights, songs and flavors of the season. Highlights this year include the Vintner Ice Skating Rink, Vintner Village, the Vintner Barrel Train, the unique Vintner Wonderland Barrel Tree, Cookies and Cocktails, Festival of Trees, Rudolphi Run and much more. Family fun will include Breakfast with Santa, Stories with Santa, crafts and activities, face painting, family skate nights and more. New this year are Grinch's Lair Pop-Up Holiday Bar, Santa's Workshop, Louie's Lounge Wine Bar, Buddy's Sweet Shoppe and new Holiday Pop-up Market Weekends. Look for special events throughout the season, and make sure to take home a bottle of the winery's festive award-winning Blueberry Champagne for your midnight toast. New this year, Renault now offers a Renault Passport Vintner Edition with premium seasonal perks designed to enhance the guest experience. For a full schedule, passport details and the full calendar of events, please visit renaultwinery dot com/vintner-wonderland-2024/

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15) Sight and Sound: Jazz Album Cover 

at the Bruce Silverstein Gallery

Pete Turner was a pioneering force in color photography, known for his bold use of vibrant colors and strikingly surreal compositions. In the pre-Photoshop era, his innovative approach revolutionized the visual landscape of jazz album covers, transforming over seventy iconic records. His images perfectly captured the improvisational spirit and dynamic energy of jazz music.

When you visit, you can explore the stunning visuals and hear the music from each album, giving you a deeper sense of Turner's artistic vision and how his photography beautifully complemented the sound. Don't miss this chance to experience the intersection of music and photography in a truly immersive way.

For more information, brucesilverstein.com

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Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

16) South Street Seaport Museum

Announces

Stamp a Dreidel Activity

December 29, 2024, 3–5pm

South Street Seaport Museum announces Stamp a Dreidel Activity on Sunday, December 29, 2024, from 3pm to 5pm, at 207 Water Street. Presented as part of the neighborhood menorah lighting at the Seaport, celebrate Hanukkah with the Seaport Museum by hot-foil stamping your own wooden dreidel with special letterforms developed by the professional printers at Bowne & Co.

Foil stamping is similar to letterpress printing, in that a raised surface is used to transfer the image, but rather than ink, a heat-activated metallic gold foil is used. The talented printers at Bowne & Co. drew these letterforms based on scans of a German 15th century Ashkenazi Haggadah from The British Library. Those designs were then made into the magnesium dies used for this foil stamping activity.

Registration is encouraged for this free drop-in activity but walkups will be accommodated as possible. You are welcome to visit anytime between 3pm and 5pm, and you don’t have to stay for the full event. seaportmuseum.org/dreidel-activity

Not able to make it to Bowne & Co. for the activity? No worries! You can purchase your own hot-foil stamped dreidel on bowne.co!

About the Neighborhood Celebration

The Seaport’s annual Chanukah Menorah Lighting is hosted by the Jewish Learning Experience. All are welcome at this family-friendly holiday celebration, which will include face painting, popcorn, chocolate and other traditional treats, and a musical performance by the FiDi Hebrew School. The pinnacle of the afternoon will be the traditional Menorah lighting ceremony, featuring this year’s grand Menorah made from chocolate. We hope you’ll join us for these sweet holiday celebrations with our downtown community. theseaport.nyc/events/chanukah

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Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

16) Vangeline Theater/New York Butoh Institute

announces

Nerys Johnson: Disability and Practice

at Laing Art Gallery

Opening December 21, 2024

A new exhibition at the Laing Art Gallery will celebrate the life and work of local artist and curator Nerys Johnson (1942-2001). The exhibition explores Johnson’s lived experience of rheumatoid arthritis and the subsequent impact of disability on her artistic practice. The works on display have been chosen from a large body of Johnson's work, which was donated to the Laing by the Estate of Nerys Johnson in November 2022.

As part of the exhibition, the Laing Art Gallery has commissioned Surface Area Dance Theatre, a live performance organisation that works at the interface between sign language, D/deaf culture, and dance, to develop and produce a performance to camera in response to the Nerys Johnson archive, titled Down Amongst the Plants.

Down Amongst the Plants pays tribute to Johnson’s engagement with the rhythms of nature through Butoh, a form of Japanese dance. The choreographer of the performance, Vangeline, is the artistic director of the internationally acclaimed New York Butoh Institute, based in New York, USA.

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