Saturday, August 31, 2024
Still More Theater Saturday - Now Comes the Fun Part
Thursday, August 29, 2024
Theater Thursday - Unentitled
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Where-To-Go Wednesday - Reanimating Theater The Photography of Friedman-Abeles
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Tips for Tuesday - Books: Practical Rules for Cursed Witches & Given Our History, and Movie: Stand Back, Doors Closing
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: Practical Rules for Cursed Witches & Given Our History
Me - Practical Rules for Cursed Witches is a witchy, sapphic cozy fantasy.
The characters are endearing, albeit a bit flat. The protagonist, Delilah, is fierce, determined, and sassy but also loyal and caring. Kieran is an absolute sweetheart who shows so much kindness to those around him despite how little was shown to him. Briar is less likable as she's extremely prickly and often rude, however, beneath it she has a good heart. Unfortunately, beyond those traits, there wasn't much to them so it was hard to truly care what they were going through and where they ended up.
The relationships formed between these characters were definitely the heart of the story, with Delilah and Kieran's friendship being my favorite. Their dynamic was so much fun to watch and I loved that Delilah– Kiernan's first-ever friend– cared so deeply for him. The romance between Delilah and Briar, on the other hand, could've used more development. It seemed far more based on physical attraction than an actual emotional connection, especially since the two barely took the time to get to know each other. Their banter was also a bit boring, but they shared some cute moments and I found myself rooting for them more as the book went on.
The plot of this book was intriguing as it surrounded two curses, neither of which the characters fully understood. The mysterious nature and vague details regarding these curses piqued my curiosity and kept me interested in continuing to read but the slow-paced writing didn't match the intensity of the circumstances the characters were in. Obviously, it's a cozy fantasy so it isn't supposed to have super high stakes or tons of action but a book– especially one that's over 400 pages long– either needs to have deeply developed, complex characters or a captivating, well-paced plot if it's going to keep readers engaged. Sadly, this book had neither making for a cozy and sometimes cute but ultimately unremarkable read. If the plot really appeals to you or you're looking for a surface-level but easy-to-read young adult cozy fantasy, you might enjoy reading this book. I just found that it was a bit too long for the story it was telling and it lacked the character/relationship development I need to connect to a book.
Mom - Given Our History was a frustrating novel about a couple who meet as kids in camp and are obviously meant for each other but don't get together until years later for stupid reasons. Although at first when they were young it made sense that Clara would be reluctant to start a deeper relationship with Theodore, even though she clearly always loved him, because she didn't want to change anything. He was her best friend and she feared losing him if things didn't work out. However, as they got older, her reasons for pushing him away were just pigheaded and stubborn. It made her a kind of annoying character even though the pair made a cute couple, and he was a great guy. It was evident that he always cared for her even though she kept pushing him away. If you love a book with a big payoff in the end and don't care what it takes to get there, you may enjoy this book. However, if you are interested in unique stories with original conflicts that don't seem artificial or overused, maybe not so much.
Movie: Stand Back, Doors Closing
Today we are recommending Stand Back, Doors Closing, a sweet and engrossing film reminiscent of Before Sunrise. Julissa and Ryan are at a crossroads in their respective lives when they meet on the DC Metro and spend an intense day together. She is mulling over whether to drop out of grad school. He is dealing with the recent breakup of a relationship. Although at first they are deeply guarded with each other, gradually they break through each other's masks, reveal their true selves, and fall in love. The couple are charmingly played by Carmen Berkley and Reilly Walters respectively who have a nice chemistry. All in all, it is lovely and appealing film.
And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday.
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Monday, August 26, 2024
More Theater Monday - The Royal Pyrate
Sunday, August 25, 2024
Sunday Scoop Week of 8/25/24 What's Happening This Week and More
Created by Jim Russek |
Courtesy of DKC/O & M |
7) BROADWAY VOTES
PARTNERS WITH
HEADCOUNT
TO LAUNCH VOTER ENGAGEMENT SWEEPSTAKES
FOR BROADWAY FANS
TAKE ACTION FOR A CHANCE TO WIN TODAY!
Broadway Votes and HeadCount announced today that they have joined forces by launching a once-in-a-lifetime online voter engagement sweepstakes. By checking their voter registration status, fans will be automatically entered for a chance to win two tickets to four different Broadway and/or Off-Broadway shows of their choosing, plus flight and hotel accommodations at the ACE Hotel New York City. To enter, click https://www.headcount.org/
Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR 10) EPIC Players Launches Eighth Season of Accessible Classes for Neuro-divergent Artists Taught by Industry Professionals EPIC Players launches their Eighth Season of Accessible Classes for Neuro-divergent Artists, taught by Industry Professionals, including an inclusive program for Neuro-divergent and Disabled teens: EPIC Junior. Tuition is free for all company members and only $15 for non-members. For more information, visit https://www.epicplayersnyc. Knowledge is Power. EPIC works to empower our artists through access to skills based and professional development classes in the performing arts, so they may grow in their craft, their careers, and their community. All classes are FREE for EPIC company members and range in topics from performing arts, design, and professional development. EPIC classes are designed and led according to our “BE EPIC” method for adaptive, inclusive and individualized instruction. Each class features a lead/co teaching artist, a class supervisor and at least two EPIC Mentors, who serve as friends and coaches to provide individualized support as needed. EPIC offers a hybrid roster of in-person and virtual classes. Fall 2024 Class Descriptions & Dates
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11) US OPEN AND ESPN PARTNER WITH ALICIA KEYS’ “HELL’S KITCHEN”
TO CREATE UNIQUE MUSIC COLLABORATION FOR THE 2024 US OPEN
Integration to Feature Music from the 13-Time Tony-Nominated
Broadway Musical, on Broadcast and Throughout the Tournament
The USTA and ESPN today announced a multi-layered collaboration with Alicia Keys’ Broadway Musical Hell’s Kitchen, that will see the music of this show cascade across channels and platforms over the three weeks of the US Open.
Key among this collaboration will be the utilization of a custom remix of the song, “Kaleidoscope,” from Keys’ 13-time Tony-nominated musical, created for this year’s event. This remix will be featured in the US Open Manifesto Video, produced by longtime production partner Boomshot, and debut on Opening Night of the Main Draw, August 26. It will also be seen on broadcast, both on ESPN in the U.S. and in more than 200 countries across the globe, and in Arthur Ashe Stadium and the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center throughout the course of the two weeks of the Main Draw, through September 8. The Manifesto Video is narrated by the 2024 Tony Award winner for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role in Hell’s Kitchen, Kecia Lewis. In addition, two-time Tony nominee and GRAMMY-nominated actress Shoshana Bean, who also stars in Hell’s Kitchen, will perform the National Anthem on Opening night.
In addition to the manifesto video, ESPN will leverage the custom Kaleidoscope remix and footage from the USTA shoot featuring bucket drummers shot throughout New York City and on court in Arthur Ashe Stadium for their promotional campaign to drive tune-in of the 2024 US Open. ESPN Marketing is also using featured VO from Hell’s Kitchen actress Tony Award winner Kecia Lewis in the campaign.
Partnering with Hell’s Kitchen falls directly in line with both the 2024 US Open’s marketing campaign, “Spectacular Awaits” and theme, “Celebrating the Power of Tennis.” The USTA has made a concerted effort to reach new and different audiences with the goal of growing interest and increasing accessibility to the sport, which provides unparalleled health and wellness benefits.
The ESPN Marketing promotional campaign will launch on August 20 and will run across all linear, digital, social platforms through the 2024 US Open. The Kaleidoscope track will be integrated into ESPN Production through the tournament as well.
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And that's the scoop. Tune in tomorrow for More Theater Monday.