Where-To-Go Wednesday - Civilian Hotel

What: Civilian Hotel

Where: 305 W. 48th St 

             New York, NY

Who: All ages

If you want to totally immerse yourself in everything Broadway right down to your hotel stay, you couldn't make a better choice than the Civilian. This hotel which opened in 2021 is meant to be a space for theater and the community to come together.  The David Rockwell Group, a firm best known for their theatrical designs, created the concept but, numerous other theater professionals contributed to the design and decor as well. The  hotel contains both a permanent and rotating collection of theater memorabilia and more.

There are numerous pictures throughout the space. They include photos from various productions, Broadway opening  photos, a series of photos of Broadway Theaters taken during the pandemic, and more. Other artwork includes self portraints created by multihyphenate, Tommy Tune, a wall dedicated to the musical Company,  41 sketches of current theaters by top designers, and a rotating display of theatrical set models. 

The bars and restaurants have a theatrical theme as well. The bar is meant to be like a stagedoor canteen where people can come and relax after a show. The rooftop garden, which is actually called The Secret Garden, is reminscent of the roof gardens that were a staple of old theaters. It is popular space for hosting opening and closing night parties. 

The hallways of each floor have a different custom wallpaper. The wallpapers were made from designs for costume sketches from different shows. The elevators have custom wallpaper as well, however, the wallpaper there is actually made up of custom design sketches from different shows.

The theater theme is even carried through to the guest rooms.They are meant to resemble dressing rooms. Each room contains a piece of theatrical art as well.  It might be a costume sketch, or an architechtural drawing, or something else.

The highlight of the hotel is the Blue Room. This room is full of theater memorabilia. Currently, the collection includes one of Lola's Kinky Boots, a Phantom of the Opera mask, costumes sketches from & Juliet and so much more. It is the only permanent location in the City aside from the Museum of Broadway where you can always go and see theater memorabilia.

You don't have to be a guest of hotel to visit the Blue Room, one of the hotel's bars or the restaurant. However, if you need a place to stay in the Broadway area, and you are a theater fan, you are definitely going to want to check out the Civlian.

And that's our view. For more about The Civilian Hotel or to find out how to make a reservation, go to www.civilianhotel.com/about-us/the-civilian-story

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.

Tips for Tuesday - Books: Maria: A Novel of Maria Von Trapp & The Wedding People & Movie: Final Heat

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: Maria: A Novel of Maria Von Trapp & The Wedding People 

Today we are talking about Maria by Michelle Moran. This story is a fictionalized account of the real Maria Von Trapp's negative reaction to Rodgers and Hammerstein's musicalization of her life story and her effort to get them to change the show to more accurately reflect her true story. Most of the book revolves around Maria telling a young woman named Fran, who works in Oscar Hammerstein's office, her true life story and trying to convince her to get Hammerstein to change the show. 

Most, if not all, of what is revealed in the book about the real Maria, and her life could easily be gleaned from her own autobiography (she actually wrote several of them, and there was at least one written by one of her stepchildren too).  She, in fact, devoted a whole chapter in one of her books to The Sound of Music, and she was not that unhappy with the stage show. They allegedly did incorporate some of her suggestions into the show. She had more of a problem with the film because the filmmakers seemed hellbent on making the film they wanted regardless of her feelings and/or opinion. 

Her main problem with both versions was how the Captain was portrayed. She would have appreciated that he is portrayed much kinder and more likably  in this book. Maria, herself,  comes across less likably although her love for the children is clear, and later for the Captain as well.

It is interesting to see the real family come to life in this book. You only see them from Maria's point of view in her books, and you don't see them interacting much if at all. Unfortunately, in this book, they aren't differentiated enough so it's hard to keep them all straight plus some of them are much more a part of the story than others. 

The actual creators of the show barely appear in this book.  Oscar Hammerstein is more a part than any of the others. He is portrayed most lovingly. However, he is mentioned much more than he actually appears, and barely interacts with Maria. Richard Rodgers is not in the book at all. Anybody else involved with the show receives scant mention, if any.  Most of the book revolves around Maria and the made-up character of Fran.

Fran has her own subplot as well. It involves her love life, and her desire to be a writer. She is a highly motivated extremely independent character who is clearly ahead of her time. It might have been nice to read more about her and see her as the primary focus of her own book. Here, her story is shoehorned in around Maria's, and thus only gets limited time and development. 

All in all, the book is disappointing. It is neither a true backstage drama nor a fully developed portrait of the real Von Trapp family. It is a little of both and a lot of neither.

Today we are recommending The Wedding People by Alison Espach except we would not recommend it for anyone who has had suicidal thoughts, attempted suicide, or has otherwise experienced suicide in their lives who may find it triggering. The story revolves around a young woman named Phoebe. When she can't get pregnant, her life falls apart. She books herself a stay in a fancy hotel intending to kill herself. The only others in the hotel are there for a wedding, and Phoebe quickly finds herself immersed in their lives. 

This is a surprisingly moving book about how people can unexpectedly affect each other's lives. Phoebe starts off as a hopeless and desperate character. The more she becomes involved with the wedding people the more she thrives and finds herself. 

The characters in the story are all so fully rounded. They have shades to their character and are neither all good nor all bad. Thus, they feel very realistic and relatable.

This is also a story about change. As the characters in the story learn, change can be good and necessary, and it can take us places we never imagined we would ever go but that is exactly where we need to be in our lives. 

Movie: Final Heat

Today we are talking about Final Heat. This movie is about a couple who own a functional fitness gym and put together an elite team to compete for a cash price to save their gym. It is surprisingly unpredictable and manages to mostly avoid the usual sports movie cliches. However, that is not completely a good thing as sports movies are usually ultimately inspirational and uplifting whereas this movie definitely is not.  

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

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

More Theater Monday - The Rosenberg/Fresh Fruit Project

We received complimentary tickets to the Rosenberg/Fresh Fruit Project for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What:  The Rosenberg/Fresh Fruit Project

Where: 59E59 Theaters

             59 E59 St.

             New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 12 and Up

When: Through August 11, 2024

The Rosenberg Fresh/Fruit project is a one-man tour de force for actor and playwright, John Jiler punctuated by the smooth stylings of Lee Odom on the clarinet and drums. Jiler takes on quite a variety of roles in this treatise on the story of the Rosenberg spy case, which he also wrote. With just the barest hint of a costume: a pair of glasses; a scarf; a hat and a cane, he effortlessly drifts in and out of various characters including Ethel Rosenberg, her son, his adoptive father, the judge who presided over the Rosenberg case, even Billy Holiday, and more.

At its heart, the show is not merely about the Rosenberg case. Accordingly, it doesn't even go into the matter that deeply. It is about so much more than that. It is about how society shapes our beliefs and then we in turn shape society for better or worse in a perpetuating cycle.  Things don't change as much as we think they do or as much as we'd like them to. Thus, even though the show is set in the past, it is a scary harbinger of the present time.

And that's our view. For more about The Rosenberg/Fresh Fruit project or to purchase tickets, go to 59e59.org/shows/show-detail/the-rosenbergstrange-fruit-project.

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Photo credits: 

All The Rosenberg/Fresh Fruit Project production photos by Carol Rosegg

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, please contact us  here , and we will look into the matter.

Sunday Scoop Week of 7/28/24 What's Happening This Week and More

A) Additional Tickets on Sale 

1) Dungeons & Dragons Twenty Sided Tavern

B) Beginning Performances 

2) Life and Trust

3) Once Upon a Mattress

4) The Oyster Radio Hour

5) Red Ink

C) New Recordings

6) Grumpy Old Men

7) Lifeline

D) What Else is Happening This Week and More

8) BAAND Together Dance Festival

7/30 - 8/3

9) Broadway Barks 2024

8/3

10) Butoh musings with Vangeline New Podcast

11) Fathom Events Present Man and Witch: Dance of a Thousand Steps

7/28 - 7/30

12) Jaime Lozano & The Familia Return to Lincoln Center

7/31

13) Limefest 2024

14) NJ Lyric Opera Summerfest

15) South Street Seaport Museum Monthly Sing Along Chantey 

and Maritime Music 8/4

16) Two River Theater 13th Annual Crossing Borders Festival

8/1 - 8/4

17) Urban Bush Women Celebrate 40th Anniversary

18) Works & Process Fall 2024 Season

A) Additional Tickets On Sale

1) Dungeons & Dragons Twenty Sided Tavern

At DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern, the audience is not just a viewer but the "fourth player," influencing key decisions via Gamiotics, a browser-based software that allows you to vote on where the story will go — what characters appear, what experiences they explore, and more. With a cast of five actors and over 30 playable characters, audiences will experience an expansive fantasy world set in the Forgotten Realms, and face riddles, puzzles, combat, and more, to help shape the story. Laughter flows like ale and with the audience in full control and exciting reveals around every corner, no two shows are alike! For those seeking a more daring experience, there are opportunities to join the action onstage and test your strength (or dexterity, or wisdom, or charisma) through a variety of rollicking games, including trivia, charades, and the ever-popular Fantasy Beer Pong. Featuring behind-the-scenes talent from popular theatrical shows such as Dimension 20, Marvel’s Rogers: The Musical, Beavis and Butthead and more, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern is the game you know and the experience you love but bigger and better than ever.

Stage 42 (422 W. 42nd St.)

Tickets available through April, 2025

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

B) Beginning Performances 

Photo by Stephanie Crousillat

2) Life and Trust

Life And Trust is a site-specific theatrical experience that realizes the Faustian legend in New York on the eve of the Great Crash. Audiences roam throughout the sprawling world of Life And Trust at their own pace as the lines between reality and performance blur. Life And Trust is located in Conwell Tower, an iconic skyscraper in the heart of the Financial District that is also home to Conwell Coffee Hall. 

Conwell Tower (69 Beaver St.)

Opening Night 8/11

For more information or to purchase tickets. visit lifeandtrustnyc.com.

Photo courtesy of Vivacity Media Group

3) Once Upon a Mattress

An uproarious update of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Princess and the Pea,” Once Upon A Mattress sets an unapologetic free spirit loose in a repressed kingdom, where Winnifred the Woebegone charms, delights, and dances her way to the top… of a stack of mattresses.   Full of gloriously catchy melodies like “Shy” and “In a Little While,” the musical first premiered in 1959, with music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer, and book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer.

Hudson Theatre (141 W. 44th St.)

7/31 - 11/30

Opening Night 8/12

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

4) The Oyster Radio Hour

The Oyster Radio Hour is a live, three-act family-friendly radio show combining science, story and song that celebrates the resilience of oysters and their crucial ecological roles. Alongside Broadway vocalists Amber Gray and Amber Iman and with original music, Sarandon engages with audio interviews from scientists, historians, and artists, as their voices bring the world of oysters to life on stage. Beginning at 8PM each evening, the show blends hope and interconnectedness, spotlighting the humble oyster’s journey of revival.

Susan Sarandon will host The Oyster Radio Hour, featuring performances by Tony Award® nominees Amber Gray (Hadestown) and Amber Iman (Lempicka),

Little Island Amph (1 11th Ave.)

7/31 - 8/4

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

Courtesy of Print Shop PR

5) Red Ink

While Cecilia Gentili was an atheist, God won't give up on her. Unfortunately, neither will the Devil. In Red Ink, the “Pose” star navigated the hilarity of growing up in rural Argentina during the 19(redacted)s. Part stand-up, part camp and (almost) all true, Red Ink is a night of unforgettable stories about searching for faith while trans.

Performing the solo show in rotation, Red Ink will be led by Jes Tom (“Life & Beth”) from Tuesday, July 30 through Sunday, August 4, Angelica Ross (“Pose”) from Tuesday, August 6 through Sunday, August 11, and Peppermint (“Survival of the Thickest”) from Tuesday, August 13 through Sunday, August 18. All three actors will perform with a script in hand in tribute to Gentili. 

Rattlestick Theater (224 Waverly Pl.)

7/30 - 8/18

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.btb-nyc.com/red-ink.

C) New Recordings

6) Grumpy Old Men

GRUMPY OLD MEN is the story of two aging men, Max (Ed Dixon) and John (Mark Jacoby), neighbors who have been feuding for most of their lives. Invigorated by their shared affection for their new neighbor across the street, the beautiful, eccentric, and charming Ariel (Leslie Stevens), they face-off as romantic rivals until their hilarious shenanigans finally bring about a resolution to their long-standing differences. Based on the 1993 film, which starred Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, and Ann-Margret, this stage adaptation captures the lovably crotchety characters through twinkling humor, great songs, and the affectionate depiction of a small town that feels like home to everyone.

The recording features performances by Ed Dixon, Mark Jacoby, Leslie Stevens, Sally Struthers and Hal Linden.

 

The album is now available at www.CenterStageRecords.com and at all digital outlets.  

7) Lifeline

The musical Lifeline, written by Becky Hope-Palmer with music and lyrics by Robin Hiley, takes audiences on a captivating journey into the life of Alexander Fleming, the Scottish scientist whose discovery of penicillin revolutionized medicine. Beginning in 1928, the story unfolds as Fleming stumbles upon a mold that would change the course of history. Featuring a Scottish folk-influenced score, the musical brings to life the struggles, triumphs, and impact of this groundbreaking scientific achievement.

Lifeline goes beyond the historical narrative of Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin. The musical weaves together two parallel stories, intertwining Fleming's journey with that of Jess, a present-day doctor. Jess' childhood sweetheart, Aaron, is battling cancer, adding an emotional layer to the narrative. The audience witnesses Aaron's desperate desire to resume a normal life and rekindle their romance, all while his fate hangs in the balance. The musical delves into the timeless themes of hope, resilience, and the human spirit.

Featuring an all-star cast including Drama Desk Award nominee Aaron Lazar (The Last Ship), Arielle Jacobs (Here Lies Love), Nathan Salstone (Sweeney Todd), Drama Desk winner Jay Armstrong Johnson (Parade), Mia Gerachis (Pretty Woman), as well as original cast members Richard Lounds, Sarah Haddath, Graham Richardson, Steph Strachan, Rhian Ferrigan and Jess Barker.

The album is available at www.CenterStageRecords.com and at all digital outlets. It can be pre-saved now at https://orcd.co/lifelineconcept.

D) What Else is Happening This Week and More

Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

8) Five of New York’s Most Celebrated Companies,

Ballet Hispánico, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater,

American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet,

and Dance Theatre of Harlem,

Return for Five Shows as Part of Summer for the City at Lincoln Center

 

July 30-August 3, 2024

Made possible by CHANEL

Five of NYC’s most iconic dance companies—Ballet Hispánico, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, and Dance Theatre of Harlem—return for the fourth annual BAAND Together Dance Festival, sharing the spotlight and a stage as part of Lincoln Center’s third annual Summer for the City. The Festival began when the performing arts were coming back after the height of the pandemic in 2021 as a new form of collaboration in celebration of the return to live performance.

From July 30–August 3 and this year moving indoors to the David H. Koch Theater, audiences will be treated to five exceptional performances of beloved programming curated collaboratively by the artistic directors of the companies, featuring repertory favorites. Performances: Tue-Fri at 7:30pm, Sat at 4pm.

Program:

New York City Ballet - Duo Concertant by George Balanchine

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater - Solo by Hans Van Manen

Ballet Hispánico - Sombrerísimo by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa

American Ballet Theatre - Night Falls by Brady Farrar

Dance Theatre of Harlem - Blake Works IV (The Barre Project) by William Forsythe

Each afternoon, one of the companies brings its unique teaching style to participants of all ages with free dance workshops in the David Geffen Hall lobby. The series will offer a variety of teaching styles and dance forms, appropriate for all ages and abilities.

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Courtesy of Katz PR

9) 26^TH ANNUAL BROADWAY BARKS 

Saturday, August 3^rd - Shubert Alley

 

Hosted by

Bernadette Peters and Sutton Foster    

 

Produced by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS

BROADWAY BARKS announces celebrity participants for its 26^th annual dog and cat adoption event on Saturday, August 3^rd, 2024 in Shubert Alley. The animal adoption event begins at 3:00 p.m.with a “meet and greet” of all adoptable pets; 5-6:30 p.m. adoptees make their Broadway debut on stage alongside some of Broadway’s favorite stars for the celebrity presentations. Shubert Alley is located between West 44th and 45th Streets, and between Broadway and Eighth Avenues in the heart of New York City’s Theater District.  

This star-studded dog and cat adoption event hosted by Bernadette Peters and Sutton Foster is produced by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and benefits New York City area animal rescue groups. The event is free and open to the public. Broadway Barks is sponsored by Fetch, Project Pure Heart, Tito’s Vodka and Oliver’s Fund among others. 

The afternoon will feature the following celebrities of the stage who use their star power to help find loving homes for adoptable animals from 25 participating rescue groups and shelters.  

Celebrity participants include:

Eric Anderson (The Great Gatsby)

Philippe Arroyo (& Juliet)

Jeannette Bayardelle (& Juliet)

Shoshana Bean (Hell’s Kitchen)

Dan Berry (The Outsiders)

Maya Boyd (& Juliet) 

Stan Brown (Water for Elephants)

Andréa Burns (The Notebook The Musical) 

Andrew R. Butler (Stereophonic)
John Cardoza (The Notebook The Musical)

Gabriela Carrillo (Six) 

Victoria Clark (Kimberly Akimbo)

Jenn Colella (Suffs)

Joe De Paul (Water for Elephants)

Olivia Donalson (Six) 

Gregg Edelman (Water for Elephants)

Jordan Fisher (Hadestown)

Jasmine Forsberg (Six) 

Sara Gettelfinger (Water for Elephants) 

Dorian Harewood (The Notebook The Musical)

Nikki M. James (Suffs) 

Jeremy Jordan (The Great Gatsby)

Sky Lakota-Lynch (The Outsiders)

Storm Lever (Six)

Isabelle McCalla (Water for Elephants)

Wade McCollum (Water for Elephants)

Paul Alexander Nolan (Water for Elephants) 

Brad Oscar (Wicked) 

Emma Pittman (The Outsiders) 

Maryann Plunkett (The Notebook The Musical) 

Eddie Redmayne (Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club)

Jelani Remy (Back to the Future)

Didi Romero (Six) 

Adi Roy (Aladdin)

Austin Scott (& Juliet)

Christopher Sieber (Death Becomes Her)

Jennifer Simard (Death Becomes Her)

Emily Skinner (Suffs)

Steven Skybell (Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club) 

Alexandra Socha (Wicked)

Dennis Stowe (Aladdin)

Justin David Sullivan (& Juliet)

Paulo Szot (& Juliet)

Jordan Tyson (The Notebook The Musical) 

Michael Urie (Once Upon a Mattress) 

Ben Jackson Walker (& Juliet)

Khaila Wilcoxon (Six) 

Betsy Wolfe (& Juliet)

Joy Woods (The Notebook The Musical

(Subject to change)

Proceeds from the event benefit the participating shelters and rescue groups:

1 Love 4 Animals 

Abandoned Angels Cocker Spaniels Rescue

Adopt A Boxer Rescue

Animal Care Centers of NYC

Anjellicle Cats Rescue

Best Friends Animal Society

Bideawee

Bobbi and the Strays

City Critters

Francis’s Friends 

Hearts & Bones Rescue 

Husky House

Linda’s Cat Assistance

Little Shelter

Long Island Bulldog Rescue

Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League 

Muddy Paws Rescue 

North Shore Animal League

Pet ResQ Inc.

Save Kitty Foundation 

Second Chance Rescue

SPCA of Westchester 

Urban Cat League

Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue

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Courtesy of Michelle Tabnic PR

10) New Podcast from

Award-Winning Butoh Artist Vangeline:

Butoh musings with Vangeline

Episodes 1-3 Now Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Award-winning Butoh artist Vangeline’s latest venture: Butoh musings with Vangeline, a podcast, is now available to stream on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Launched on March 25, 2024, the series features Vangeline’s reflections on Butoh as a practitioner and teacher, and includes insights on subjects ranging from: the art of listening to sensitivity and sensuality, all through the lens of Butoh.

In the latest episode, Vangeline is joined by Danish actresses Marie Bach Hansen and Christine Albeck Børge. Recorded soon after a recent Butoh workshop led by Vangeline in Florence, Italy, the three artists discuss the impact of the experience on their work as artists and the revelations working with Butoh has led them to. Tune in to the episodes 1-3 wherever podcasts are available to gain a deeper understanding of the art form and Vangeline’s practice: https://open.spotify.com/show/3EYEj5rmWYwDCVxVFvr9T3?si=826cfc38f4ac4333

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11)  FATHOM EVENTS

PRESENTS

THE FAMILY FANTASY THROWBACK 

“MAN AND WITCH”

Heralding the much-anticipated return of “The NeverEnding Story’s” Queen Tami Stronach to the Big Screen, this Homage to Beloved 80s Fantasy Fan Favorites also stars Sean Astin, Christopher Lloyd, Eddie Izzard, Jennifer Saunders, Shohreh Aghdashloo and Michael Emerson

WHAT: The new fantasy film MAN AND WITCH: THE DANCE OF A THOUSAND STEPS  comes to theaters nationwide this July.  Coinciding with the 40th Anniversary of The NeverEnding Story, the film marks the long-anticipated return to the big screen of that film’s iconic Childlike Empress, Tami Stronach, in her first film role since the Fantasy classic. The feature debut of veteran comedy director Michael Hines (the long-running Scottish cult comedy Still Game), MAN AND WITCH is a labor of love from producer and star Stronach and her husband, co-star, and the film’s writer Greg Steinbruner.

A throwback to the films that captured the imagination of a generation, MAN AND WITCH: THE DANCE OF A THOUSAND STEPS follows a lonely goatherd (Steinbruner) who, having been cursed at birth to never take a wife, makes a pact with a reclusive witch (Stronach) to reverse the spell only if he can complete three impossible tasks so that he may one day find true love. With a production utilizing practical effects and sets, integrating Scotland’s most iconic castles, live animals and puppets fabricated by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, MAN AND WITCH draws inspiration from the likes of The Princess Bride, Labyrinth and, of course, The NeverEnding Story.

VIEW TRAILER HERE

 

WHO:  Fathom Events and Paper Canoe Company

 

WHEN:  Sunday, July 28 and Tuesday, July 30

 

WHERE: Tickets for the event can be purchased at Fathom Events or at participating theater box offices. For a complete list of theater locations, visit the Fathom Events website (theater locations are subject to change).

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12) Jaime Lozano & The Familia Return to Lincoln

Center for New Show, ¿Bailamos?

Jaime Lozano & The Familia are thrilled to announce their highly anticipated return to Lincoln Center with their new show, ¿Bailamos? ("May We Dance?"). This one-night-only performance on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 6:00 pm promises to be a spectacular evening of dance and celebration, showcasing Lozano's signature fusion of salsa, cumbia, Mexican sounds, and musical theater.

¿Bailamos? brings together Lozano's all-star chosen family of acclaimed performers and beloved compatriots from the show business community. The debut of this newest work will feature special guests and performers including Mayelah Barrera (El Otro Oz), Ella Bric (Latin Grammy winner), Florencia Cuenca (ART’s Real Women Have Curves), Samuel Garnica (On Your Feet! National Tour), Ana Isabelle (Spielberg’s West Side Story), Mauricio Martínez (On Your Feet!), Eliseo Roman (The Connector), and Mario Tadeo (Miss Saigon National Tour).

Musicians for this performance include Piano - Jaime Lozano, Guitars and cuatro puertorriqueño- Yahir Montes, Guitars - Saúl Cosme, Drums - Joel E. Mateo, Percussion - Jonathan Gómez, Bass - Ruben Rodriguez, Reed 1 - Alberto Toro, Reed 2 - Ole Mathisen, Reed 3 - Alex Hamlin, Trumpet 1 - Brian Pareschi, Trumpet 2 - Alejandro Berti, Trombone 1 - Juanga Lakunza, Trombone 2 - George Sáenz, Violin 1 - Taya Ricker, Violin 2 - Ludovica Burtone, Viola - Fung Chern Hwei, Cello - Agustín Uriburu , Accordion - Loic Da Silva.

The ¿Bailamos? show will be a feast for the senses, with a runtime of approximately 2 hours. Audiences can expect an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and storytelling, as Lozano and The Familia take them on a journey through the vibrant and rich world of Latin music and culture.

 

Best of all, this incredible performance is free for the audience! There are two ways to access this free event: General Admission, which is first-come first-served, and Fast Track, which allows attendees to reserve their spot starting the Monday before the event at noon. 

For more information about Jaime Lozano & The Familia and their upcoming show, ¿Bailamos? and for tickets, please visit the Lincoln Center website here.

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13) 

 

ANNOUNCES OVER 50 PRODUCTIONS FOR

 

LIMEFEST 2024

AUGUST 1 – 21, 2024

 

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT THETANKNYC.ORG

The Tank (Meghan Finn, Artistic Director; Johnny G. Lloyd, Director of Artistic Development; Molly Fitzmaurice, Managing Producer) announced today programming for LimeFest, which invites new works by emerging artists and creative teams who identify as women, nonbinary, or gender non-conforming to make way for more gender parity in the performing arts. Produced by Isa Garcia, the festival is good, old-fashioned summer art fun and runs August 1-21, 2024 at The Tank NYC (312 West 36^th St New York, NY 10018).

 

LimeFest 2024 will feature over 50 productions. Highlights are included below, and tickets and more information on these and additional productions can be found at https://thetanknyc.org/limefest-2024. 

 

 

KARA & EMMA & BARBARA & MIRANDA

By Ariel Stess

Directed by Meghan Finn

August 2-4, 8-10, & 15-17 at 3pm

 

Kara wakes up to find her husband and children missing. Twenty-year-old Emma runs away with a married man. Barbara’s ex-lover breaks into her home in the middle of the night. And the pipes in Miranda’s house burst. KARA & EMMA & BARBARA & MIRANDA follows the journey of four women whose major life crises collide on Christmas Eve, leading them to accidentally help each other find a way out.

 

Pete Betcher is the Production Designer, Carson Robles is the Production Stage Manager, and Stephen Simalchik is the Line Producer.

 

 

A VULVA NAMED CAROL

By Caitlin Beitel

August 14 at 9:30pm & August 16 at 7pm

 

A woman explodes at the corner of Sunset Blvd and North La Brea Ave, leaving remnants of her organs and flesh throughout the Hollywood Hills. Her ghost discovers her vulva (a life-sized, valley girl, vape smoking, muppet vulva) hanging off of an “In-N-Out” sign who proceeds to guide her through “death anon” and the visitation of three spirits (ala A Christmas Carol) who help her understand why she exploded in order to heal her soul in the afterlife. 

 

Caitlin Beitel is a writer/performer living in Brooklyn. She graduated from UCLA with a degree in musical theater and last performed as Ado Annie in “Oklahoma” at the Utah Festival Opera. Her play A Vulva Named Carol was the January selection for “Play Date,” the play reading series at Pete’s Candy store and she was also recently one of the selected musical artists at BKCM’s Open Stages Festival

 

 

GIRLS! GIRLS! GIRLS!

By Anike Sonuga

August 2 & 9 at 9:30pm

 

Baby stripper, Mara, quickly learns that 'easy money' doesn't mean that the work isn't hard. This piece explores the relationships between women in an environment dictated by the male eyes that closely watches them. 

 

Anike Sonuga is an artist born in the bay, raised in Georgia & Baltimore, and now based in Brooklyn. She is a writer, an actor, a director, and pretty much anything else that she falls into. From theatre that feels distinctly cinematic to film that is undeniably theatrical, Anike is constantly looking to bring the two worlds of film and theatre together.

 

 

BEST IN SHOW

By Madi Fabber

August 6 at 7pm

 

A group of women enter their boyfriends into a dog show. 

 

Madi Fabber (she/her) is a playwright, dramaturg, and arts administrator based in NYC. Her style has been deemed as "Florida Gothic," inspired by her experiences growing up all around the American Southeast. As a writer, she's interested in exploring gender, queerness, humor, and things that go bump in the night. As an arts administrator, she IS the thing that goes bump in the night. Answer your emails.

 

An honors graduate of Harvard College's English and Theater, Dance, & Media departments, Madi's full-length thesis play, Dressed In White and Covered in Blood received a grade of magna cum laude. Madi's work has been featured in the Harvard Playwrights Festival, Gone In 60 Seconds Festival, and Literature Today. Most recently, Fabber was a Winter 2024 Workshop Intensive Playwright at the Workshop Theater with her play Best In Show.

 

 

DYKE THEATER CO.

Dyke Theater Co. is a new collective committed exclusively to producing theater made by and for dykes (and those who love them). They will be presenting the following works at LimeFest 2024: Sublimation by Isa DeLeón Garcia, Spew’s Little Baby by Anita Parrott, and Sam and Kiki’s Big Gay Road Trip by Liv Campbell.

 

 

TAG

TAG is an artist-led collaboration group. We workshop new material, hear from guest speakers, and participate in group-led talks/discussions about collaboration. TAG is a place to foster new connections with other theater artists, develop new plays, and form a community. It’s really fun! They will be presenting the following works at LimeFest 2024: A Chimera, A Prayer by Hanna Yurfest, Squishy Emotional Insides by Sabina Sethi Unni & Mehrnaz Tiv, and take me ghost pipe grove by Minna Lee & Emma Richmond.

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14) NJ Lyric Opera

Summer Fest 2024

Live on stage!

Kelsey Theatre

1200 Old Trenton Rd.

West Windsor, NY

kelsey.mccc.edu

Rigoletto 

A cautionary tale of love, jealousy and shocking finale with famous melodies La donna è mobile and Caro Nome. 

July 26, Fri 7:30 pm   

Tosca

Floria Tosca whose lover, painter Mario Cavaradossi she tries to save from a corrupt government and bold police chief Scarpia.

July 27, Sat 2:00pm   

Gala Spectacular

An immersive, visually-stunning program featuring performances from some of your opera favorites!

July 27, Sat 7:30pm

Elixir of Love

An exhilarating romantic comedy set in a modern day Shopping Mall!

July 28, Sun 2:00pm

Programming (subject to change

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

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Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

15) South Street Seaport Museum

Announces Free Monthly Sing-Alongs

Sea Chanteys and Maritime Music

In-Person

Sunday, August 4, 2024, 2–4pm

South Street Seaport Museum’s monthly Sea Chanteys and Maritime Music program continues on the first Sunday of every month. Join us aboard the 1885 tall ship Wavertree through October, for the lively chantey experience that will take place on the main deck of the historic cargo vessel.

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, attendees of all skill levels are welcome to 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 host for the August Sea Chanteys and Maritime Music program will be Jules Peiperl.

This event is free, and registration is encouraged. seaportmuseum.org/chanteysing

Advanced registration is encouraged for this event but walkups will be accommodated as possible. Any 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.

Extend Your Visit

Before and after the Chantey Sing, participants are invited to take advantage of Pay What You Wish General Admission to the Seaport Museum. General Admission includes access to three gallery exhibitions at 12 Fulton Street as well as a walk through Wavertree at whatever price is right for you––free in-person admission, the full ticket price, or any amount in between. seaportmuseum.org/general-admission

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16) TWO RIVER THEATER ANNOUNCES SENSATIONAL LINEUP FOR THEIR

13TH ANNUAL CROSSING BORDERS (CRUZANDO FRONTERAS) FESTIVAL 

 

ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF NEW PLAYS BY LATINE PLAYWRIGHTS

SET TO RUN AUGUST 1-4

COMMUNITY KICK OFF PARTY WITH LIVE MUSIC

TO TAKE PLACE ON TWO RIVER PLAZA ON AUGUST 1

Two River Theater’s highly acclaimed Crossing Borders (Cruzando Fronteras) Festival of new plays by Latine playwrights is set to run Thursday, August 1 through Sunday, August 4 in Two River’s Joan and Robert M. Rechnitz Theater. In its 13th year, the festival is the theater’s annual joyful celebration of the power, diversity, creativity and talent of Latine theater artists. All festival events are free to the public.

The festival features four readings of plays by thrilling contemporary artists exploring family, love, loss, time, the tension in a NFL locker room and more. Capping off the festivities is a blast of summer fun with Flaco Navaja and the Razor Blades, back after their rousing 2019 Crossing Borders performance, blending infectious salsa with heartfelt spoken word. The festival kicks off with a community event on Thursday, August 1 from 5:00PM-7:00PM on Two River’s Plaza, with live music from local musicians, information tables helmed by Two River’s community partners, and delicious eats from neighborhood restaurants. 

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

Thursday, August 1 at 5PM:

Community Kick-Off Celebration

Live music on the plaza with food, fun, and feasting!

Thursday, August 1 at 7PM:

that drive thru monterey by Matthew Paul Olmos

Is Monterey living her life in 1971, pursuing a nursing degree and discovering a tender first romance? Or is it all something that she’s remembering? Inspired by the playwright's mother, that drive through monterey is a touching and fresh memory play that blurs the line between what will be and what was.

Friday, August 2 at 7PM:

Saturday Mourning Cartoons by Iraisa Ann Reilly

Surrounded by sofas and lingering grief, nurse Jessica struggles to help her mother Marta care for her ailing grandmother in early 2020. Over the course of a year’s worth of holidays, this family finds their way back together through Batman cartoons, Snapple facts, loads of furniture priced to move, and a lot of love.  

Saturday, August 3 at 2PM:

The Ice Bath by Juan José Alfonso

The locker room is a tough place for an NFL kicker—the guy on the team who scores the most points and gets the least respect. It’s even tougher when the only guy who gets what you’re going through is the person doggedly competing for the one spot on the team. Who’s going to come out on top: Buck, the homegrown hero who was born to play this sport? Or Tomás, a former fútbol player looking for his shot at redemption? 

 

Saturday, August 3 at 8pm:

Flaco Navaja and The Razor Blades

A rousing salsa-fusion concert in the Joan and Robert Rechnitz Theater! Flaco Navaja is a Bronx-born poet, actor, singer. Renowned for his captivating spoken word/Salsa music performances, he blends his Puerto Rican heritage with urban influences. Currently based in Chicago, Navaja's poetry is powerful and emotive, reflecting personal experiences and cultural pride. He has appeared in films, television shows, and stage productions, showcasing his versatility as an actor. His work in music includes singing with a soulful style that complements his poetry. Navaja's dynamic presence and multi-faceted talent have made him a significant figure in the arts, resonating with diverse audiences, leading to multiple collaborations with Lin Manuel Miranda.

Sunday, August 4 at 2pm:

The Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx/Latine Vote by Bernardo Cubría

Breaking assumptions as she breaks the fourth wall, academic Paola takes a political consulting job for THE political party (the one you’re thinking of, not the bad one, the good one, yeah that one…) to try and win over the Latino vote before the Big Election. The money’s great— as she has fertility treatments to finance, but— maybe all this chaos just isn’t worth the paycheck. 

FREE TICKETS/ACCESS

To register for all festival events, visit: https://tworivertheater.org/whats-on/crossing-borders-cruzando-fronteras

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17) Urban Bush Women celebrates 40th 

Anniversary as part of Lincoln Center’s 

Summer for the City

Urban Bush Women (UBW) kicks off their 40th Anniversary with a week-long series at Lincoln Center! Founded in 1984 by choreographer Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, and now led by co-artistic directors Chanon Judson and Mame Diarra Spies, this Brooklyn-based performance ensemble and dance company brings untold and under-told stories to light from a woman-centered perspective. As members of the African Diaspora community, they use dance as a message and medium to bring together diverse audiences through innovative choreography, community collaboration, and artistic leadership development.

The full schedule of events can be found HERE

Some highlights of the week include:

•          Dance for Every Body, an empowering movement jam/dance class for all bodies, abilities, and levels.

•          A performative workshop led by Urban Bush Women's Founder Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, How We Got To The Funk, a fun, fully participatory examination of history through the lens of African American social dances from 1955 through the ’70s.

•          The Lincoln Center premiere of the site-responsive ensemble dance-theater work Haint Blu, a migratory/participatory journey seeped in memory and magic.

•          Mindful Bodies & Reflective Practices, a workshop focusing on self-care, rejuvenation, and (re-)constructing healthful images of ourselves and our communities — no dance or fitness experience necessary!

•          As an extension of UBW’s Choreographic Center Initiative Producing Program for Women+ of Color (CCI 2.0), When Black Women+ Speak is a talk series that will convene women+ of color leaders to explore the nuances of identity, community, values, support, and success among BIPOC women+ producers.

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Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

18) Works & Process Announces Fall 2024 Season

Spanning the Guggenheim, Manhattan West, and New York Public Library for the Performing Arts; Twelve LaunchPAD Residencies Supporting Fully Funded Creative Process with Fourteen Partners Across MA, NJ, and NY; Seven Works & Process Commissions on Tour

During the fall 2024 Works & Process season, a full slate of dynamic events will take place at the Guggenheim Museum, Manhattan West, and the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. Highlights include two new commissions which will preview and premiere in the Guggenheim’s Peter B. Lewis Theater. Works & Process will also collaborate on two Guggenheim Member Mondays in the Guggenheim rotunda, presenting the Ladies of Hip-Hop, calling for all to jump into the circle and dance, plus an interactive lesson from NYCity Tango Collective. A detailed schedule of events follows.

The Works & Process season begins with Gather Round, a free outdoor series organized with Brookfield Properties Arts & Culture that will take place at Manhattan West Plaza event circle. Inspired by the competitions of the summer Olympics in Paris and the debut of breakdancing as an Olympic sport, Works & Process will feature a celebration of street and club dance battles every Wednesday in September. See breakdancers compete in an event by Kwikstep and Rokafella in Behind The Groove, admire as members of the ballroom dance community walk categories in the Gather Round Kiki Ball, watch the Fabulous Waacking Festival Fall Edition with Princess Lockerooo, and witness a beatbox battle with The Beatbox House. This series exemplifies Works & Process’s sustained commitment to street and social dance, previously presented in the Guggenheim rotunda.

Championing the creative process at each step, from studio to stage, Works & Process amplifies support for performing artists while providing the public behind-the-scenes access to new works, with programs that blend performance and artist discussions to foster greater understanding and appreciation. Works & Process is a non-profit performing arts organization without walls. Through collaborations and partnerships, Works & Process aggregates resources to support longitudinal creative process. In a philosophy akin to farm-to-table, Works & Process LaunchPAD “Process as Destination” offers artists fully funded creative residencies with fourteen partners spanning Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York. This fall the Guggenheim Museum, Manhattan West with Brookfield Properties Arts & Culture, and the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Jerome Robbins Dance Division, will host events produced by Works & Process. Works & Process’s impact will be felt further afield as numerous commissions created in LaunchPAD residencies tour nationally and internationally.

After three successful years, LaunchPAD residencies continues to provide longitudinal and made-to-measure support for artists, including industry-leading creative residency fees of $1,050 per artist per week, transportation, health insurance enrollment access, 24/7 studio availability, and on-site housing. Recognizing that the artistic process is a continuum, public engagements during the residency illuminate the creative process with local communities. Culminating performances in New York City provide artists $400 per artist per performance.

General ticketing starts July 25 at worksandprocess.org.

All programs offer tickets starting at $15 or free ticketing options.

SEASON AT A GLANCE

Works & Process Commissions

• Commission Preview: Music From The Sole – Sept 30
• To the Body by Nico Muhly, in partnership with Guggenheim Asian Art Initiative – Nov 10
• Third Bird by Isaac Mizrahi and Nico Muhly, with Dance Heginbotham and Ensemble Connect conducted by Michael P. Atkinson – Dec 14

Productions

• Peter & the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev with Isaac Mizrahi, Dance Heginbotham, and Ensemble Connect conducted by Michael P. Atkinson – Dec 6, 7, and 8
• Rotunda Holiday Concert: Charles Turner & Uptown Swing with Jasmine Rice LaBeija – Dec 15

Highlights and Discussions

• The Metropolitan Opera: Grounded by Jeanine Tesori, libretto by George Brant – Sept 9
• Opera Philadelphia and Lyric Opera of Chicago: The Listeners by Missy Mazzoli, libretto by Royce Vavrek – Sept 15
• American Ballet Theatre: Crime and Punishment by Helen Pickett – Sept 22
• Documentary Preview and Discussion: No Dancing Allowed with LaTasha Barnes, Sekou Heru, Aidan Gibney, Jared Harbour, and Ellen Ling – Sept 23
• Martha Graham Dance Company: Baye & Asa – Sept 29
• New York City Ballet: Caili Quan, Tiler Peck, and Gianna Reisen – Oct 6
• School of American Ballet at 90 – Oct 7
• Tango Essence with Pedro Giraudo's Tango Quartet – Nov 18

Rotunda Dance Parties with Guggenheim Member Mondays

• Ladies of Hip-Hop – Sept 23
• NYCity Tango Collective, in conjunction with the exhibition Harmony and Dissonance: Orphism in Paris, 1910-1930 – Nov 18

Works & Process Commissions on Tour

• Music From The Sole’s I Didn’t Come to Stay
• The Big Show with Princess Lockerooo & The Fabulous Waack Dancers
• The Missing Element featuring The Beatbox House
• LayeRhythm
• LaTasha Barnes’s The Jazz Continuum
• Ephrat Asherie Dance’s UNDERSCORED
• Ladies of Hip-Hop: Black Dancing Bodies Project: “SpeakMyMind”

Works & Process at the Guggenheim

1071 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10128

Tickets starting at $15

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

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