Tips for Tuesday: Books: The Perfect Home The Three Lives of Cate Kay, & Movie: Agents

 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: The Perfect Home & The Three Lives of Cate Kay

Today we are recommending The Perfect Home by Daniel Kenitz. As the stars of the home renovation series, The Perfect Home, Dawn & Wyatt Decker seem to have it all except for a family of their own. Desperate Wyatt begins taking illegal drugs to increase his fertility.  Dawn quickly becomes pregnant with twins, and everything seems perfect. However, Wyatt's behavior becomes increasingly erratic, and Dawn becomes concerned that he hasn't properly weaned himself off the drug as he promised. When she finds evidence that he intends to harm the twins, she desperately takes off with them, but Wyatt, ever the charming guy that everyone knows from TV while Dawn never seems quite as comfortable on the air. somehow manages to turn things around and convince everyone that Dawn is the one who is the danger.

This is a quite gripping and original fast-paced thriller. The plot is intriguing and unpredictable and makes perfect sense in terms of the story. Unlike in many mysteries and thrillers, nothing is pulled out of left field rather everything that happens in the story makes sense in light of what has been revealed and happened before. Even so, there are still several exciting plot twists that the reader will not see coming. 

The ending post-epilogue is quite a satisfactory catharsis based on what has happened in the story up to that point. While the epilogue is necessary to update the reader on what happened to Dawn and her family afterward, it may also make some readers angry. It is hard to believe that after everything that happened Dawn would react how she does toward someone who has clearly betrayed her. She must be a better person than most of us, but in a way that makes her slightly less likable. 

Today we are talking about The Three Lives Of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan. Annie and her best friend, Amanda were inseparable. The talented thespians had big plans to move to California together after graduation and become famous actors. Then, after a tragic incident. Annie takes on the new identity of Cass and later takes on a third identity when she begins writing under the pseudonym of Cate Kay. When her trilogy, becomes a bestseller everyone is desperate to find out who she is, however, the reclusive author, who doesn't do any press or interviews of any kind, is just as desperate to keep her anonymity lest anyone find out about her past.

This is a hard book to like given that the heroine makes an unforgivable choice very early on in the novel especially because she and Amanda are allegedly such good friends and care about each other so much. After that, it is hard to care about her that much.  Amanda and Ryan,  an actress with whom Cass has an affair and who is allegedly her true love, both deserve so much better.  It is almost fitting that Cass spends so long with Sydney, who is clearly manipulative and like Annie also cares more about herself and her own needs than other people's.  

The ending of the story is quite unsatisfactory. Given what Annie has done, it should not be so easy for others particularly Amanda to forgive. Also, it's too rushed. Too much of the conclusion occurs off the page leaving the reader out. 

Movies: Agents

Today we are talking about Agents. This is a film about a pair of agents working together to recover a priceless artifact. This is yet another movie that is light on plot and character development and heavy on action sequences particularly gun violence and hand-to-hand combat. It does have several female characters who are as kickass as the men which is refreshing, however.

Agents is available now on DVD or digitally for purchase or rental.

And that's our view. Where-To-Go Wednesday will be closed tomorrow Tune in Thursday for Theater Thursday.

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 - Ruddigore

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

What: Ruddigore

Where: Gerald W. Lynch Theatre at John Jay College

             524 W. 59th St.

             New York, NY

When: This event took place from 11/23 - 11/24, 2024

Although Ruddigore is not necessarily one of Gilbert & Sullivan's more popular shows it is actually quite an amusing show and even, the favorite of some Gilbert & Sullivan aficionados. The story among other things involves a young woman obsessed with etiquette, ghosts, and a curse. In typical Gilbert and Sullivan fashion things go awry but all is set right in the end. 

The music is fairly standard Gilbert & Sullivan. There aren't any songs that particularly stand out and in fact, the patter song sounds exactly like the patter song of one or more other Gilbert & Sullivan shows so much so that you could presumably substitute the words from one into the song from the other, and it would sound exactly the same. However, the entire score sounds beautiful when sung by the right cast, which of course, as per usual the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players managed to assemble for their brilliant production.

The performances in this production were delightfully amusing. The voices were lovely. It was a great start to the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Player's landmark 50th season. 

And that's our view.

The group's next show will be Pirates of Penzance which will run from January 4 through January 12, 2025.  for more about that or the group in general or to purchase tickets, visit nygasp.org/current-season

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Photo credits:

All Ruddigore production photos by Danny Bristoll

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.

Sunday Scoop Week of 12/29/24 What's Happening This Week and More

A) Beginning Performances 

In New Jersey

1) Tarzan

In New York

2) English

3) Pirates of Penzance

4) Rilke, One Million Words

B) Run Ending

5) Sleep No More

C) What Else is Happening

6) Ballet Hispanico School of Dance 2025 Auditions

7) BroadwayCon Announcements

8) El Musee Del Bario Celebrates Three Kings Day

1/6

9) Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame Upcoming Events

10) Mimi Garrard Dance presents Planet Classroom

Interview on Redefining Dance Through Digital Innovation

11) On Location Tours Launches "A Complete Unknown" Movie Sites Tour

12) South Street Seaport Free Monthly Sing Along In-Person & Online

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13) South Street Seaport Museum January Family Activity Weekends

14) TADA! Youth Theater 2025 Musical Theater Winter/Spring Classes

A) Beginning Performances 

In New Jersey

Courtesy of Kelsey Theatre 

1) Tarzan

Based on Disney’s epic animated musical adventure and Edgar Rice Burrough’s Tarzan of the Apes, Tarzan features heart-pumping music by rock legend Phil Collins and high-flying adventure! Washed up on the shores of West Africa, an infant boy is taken in and raised by gorillas who name him Tarzan. Apart from striving for acceptance from his ape father, Tarzan's life is mostly monkey business until a human expedition treks into his tribe's territory, and he encounters creatures like himself for the first time. Tarzan struggles to navigate a jungle, thick with emotion, as he discovers his animal upbringing clashing with his human instincts.

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

1/3 - 1/12

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.purplepass.com/events/296489-tarzan-jan-3rd-2025

In New York

2) English

The comedy unfolds in an Iranian classroom where adult English learners practice for their proficiency exam. As they leapfrog through a linguistic playground, their wildly different dreams, frustrations, and secrets come to light. Can they overcome the limits of language to discover what they really want to say? 

Todd Haimes Theatre  (227 W. 42nd St.)

1/3 - 3/2

Opening Night 1/23

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

3) Pirates of Penzance

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

1/4 - 1/12

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit nygasp.org/current-season

Courtesy of Spincycle NYC

4) Rilke, One Million Words

RILKE, ONE MILLION WORDS connects an actor in the present with a poet from the past. It tells the story of a writer who, for nearly a year, struggles to create poetry and can only express himself through letters. An actor uses these letters to navigate his own challenges as an immigrant in a country where even his name feels foreign, shaking the foundations of his identity. Together, the poet and the actor explore themes of love, the creative process, and a sense of not belonging, highlighting the importance of being grounded in the present moment—topics that resonate deeply in today's world.

Torn Page (435 W.22st at 9th Ave.)

3/3 - 3/25

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

B) Run Ending

5) Sleep No More

McKittrick Hotel (530 W. 27th St.)

Closing 1/5

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

C) What Else is Happening

Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

6) Ballet Hispánico School of Dance

Invites Aspiring Dancers to Audition for

2025 La Academia Pre-Professional

and Professional Full-Year and Summer Programs

In-Person NYC and Digital Options Available

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

For over 50 years, Ballet Hispánico School of Dance has been at the forefront of dance education, blending technical brilliance with an inspired understanding of craft. We proudly announce that registration is now open for In-Person NYC and Digital Auditions for our 2025 Summer and 2025-2026 Year-Round Programs. In-person auditions will be held at Ballet Hispánico, located at 167 W. 89th Street, New York, NY 10024.

As an accredited institution by the National Association of Schools of Dance, Ballet Hispánico offers exceptional training for students of all levels, from age 2 through adulthood. Our programs blend classical ballet, Spanish Dance, and contemporary techniques, creating an environment where dancers of all ages can explore their full potential and discover the transformative power of movement.

The In-Person Audition will be held on February 1, March 1, April 5, and May 3, 2025. The audition registration fee is $20. For detailed information and to register, visit: https://www.ballethispanico.org/school/auditions/NYCAuditions or contact Program Advisor Melissa Castañeda at school@ballethispanico.org.

Digital Auditions Applicants may also submit a Digital Video Audition on a rolling basis for both Summer and School Year Programs. The audition registration fee is $20. To learn more and register, visit: https://www.ballethispanico.org/school/auditions/videoauditions or contact Program Advisor Melissa Castañeda at school@ballethispanico.org.

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7) BroadwayCon Announcements

BROADWAYCON 2025 WELCOMES 

LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA

FOR EXCLUSIVE SPOTLIGHT CONVERSATION

BroadwayCon is thrilled to welcome cultural icon Lin-Manuel Miranda back to its stage for the third time for BroadwayCon 2025. Lin-Manuel Miranda: Creatively All In will be an in-depth, spotlight conversation on Saturday, February 8, 2025 with Miranda about his inspirations, collaborations, and the stories behind his groundbreaking work in theater, film, and songwriting. From In the Heights, Hamilton, and Encanto to Warriors, Mufasa: The Lion King, and All In, and others in between, Lin-Manuel looks at the evolution of his creative process and discusses what he’s excited to explore in the future. 

WICKED AUTHOR GREGORY MAGUIRE

AND 

WICKED BOOKWRITER and SCREENWRITER WINNIE HOLZMAN

JOIN BROADWAYCON 2025 LINEUP

BroadwayCon welcomes Wicked novelist Gregory Maguire and Wicked musical bookwriter and screenwriter Winnie Holzman* to BroadwayCon 2025. Both Maguire and Holzman will be appearing at BroadwayCon for the first time. Maguire and Holzman will appear on programming on Sunday, February 9, 2025. 

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

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8) EL MUSEO DEL BARRIO PRESENTS 

THE 47TH ANNUAL

THREE KINGS DAY PARADE AND CELEBRATION

El Museo del Barrio is delighted to announce the 47th Annual Three Kings Day Parade and Celebration to be held on Monday, January 6, 2025 in East Harlem (El Barrio). The Arts Open Paths: Celebrating the Transformative Power of the Arts (Abriendo Caminos, Celebrando el Poder Transformativo de las Artes) celebrates the power of Latinx, Caribbean, and Latin American art to connect cultures and uplift communities. The Celebration will honor those individuals who made significant contributions to the Latinx community. The Parade will kick off at 106th Street and Park Avenue, winding its way through

the streets of El Barrio to culminate at 115th Street and Park Avenue. Spectators can expect a

spectacular display of live music, colorful costumes, camels, floats, and the participation of

thousands of students and community members. Notable performers include Annette Aguilar

& Stringbeans, BombaYo!, Fogo Azul Bateria Femenina, Aurora & Zon del Barrio, and

many more. 

DAY-OF ACTIVITIES

8:30 AM – 10:30 AM | Kick-off Breakfast

• 8:30 AM – Doors Open

• 9:00 AM – Program starts

El Café at El Museo del Barrio | RSVP here.

Kick-off breakfast with Honorary Kings, Madrinas and Padrinos, and Elected Officials. Open to

the public.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | The Parade

El Barrio | To march, register here.

Parade begins at 106th Street and Park Avenue and goes east towards Third Avenue.

Marchers make a left on Third Avenue until 116th Street, ending at 115th Street and

Park Avenue.

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM | Community Celebration |

El Teatro at El Museo del Barrio | To RSVP, click here.

Immediately after the Parade from 1:30 to 3:00 PM, we invite parade-goers to come back to El

Museo del Barrio for a special program hosted by Rhina Valentin—television host, artist,

activist, and beloved "La Reina del Barrio." The program will feature a musical performance

presented in partnership with Carnegie Hall Citywide by Fabiola Méndez, a Puerto Rican

cuatrista, singer, educator, and EMMY nominated composer focused on the exploration of

culture and identity through storytelling. Méndez is known for her unique blend of genres,

including folk, jazz, and Afro-Caribbean influences, and showcasing the rich musical traditions

of her homeland. 

For more information, visit www.elmuseo.org/3K2025

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9) Long Island Music and Entertainment

Hall of Fame 

Upcoming Events

Jan. 5^th  3pm Gathering Time

Jan. 12^th  3pm Take 2 (James O'Malley, Candice Baranello)

Jan. 19^th  3pm Janice Buckner

Jan. 26^th  3pm Laurie Anne Creus

 

*All Sunday Concert Series events unless noted are free with admission ticket purchase.

 

About Gathering Time

Gathering Time is an internationally touring folk-rock harmony trio in the spirit of the '60s and beyond, playing original, classic 20th-century, and trad tunes. Best described as a rocked-up Peter, Paul & Mary or a co-ed Crosby, Stills & Nash, Gathering Time is known for astute songwriting, spirited and accomplished musicianship -- and a stellar vocal blend. Stuart Markus, Gerry McKeveny and (since 2022) Christine Sweeney evince deep roots in '60s folk-rock, with a dash of traditional folk in the mix. Their stage chemistry makes clear that they take the music (if not themselves) very seriously, yet their infectious energy wins over even fans who never considered themselves folkies.

 

Gathering Time is one of few acts to have two successive #1 and four successive top-5 albums on the Folk Alliance International Folk DJ chart. Their most recent album, Old Friends, was #1 for September, 2020, which with 5 songs in the top 25, made them the #1 artist as well; their advance single, "Get Together," was #1 song for July. Their previous release, Keepsake, swept the chart in March, 2016, earning them #1 album, #1 song and #1 artist. These followed on the heels of When One Door Closes... (#3 album, January 2014) and Red Apples and Gold (#5 album, September 2012). They've also had three top-5 singles on the chart, apart from their album releases.

 

WFUV's John Platt has written that they are "among the finest performers in the New York metropolitan area, whatever the size of the venue, from a house concert to an outdoor festival," with "harmonies that can charm the birds out of the trees, strong original songs, and a savvy repertoire of cover songs, ranging from traditional folk to classic rock. They appeal to audiences of all ages."

 

Closer to LIMEHOF's home, WUSB's Jersey Jim Sereda counts himself among the trio's fans and supporters, frequently playing them on his alternate-Tuesday morning show. For the last 5 years, they have been among the star attractions on the mainstage at Suffolk County's Bradstock Festival; this past year they were feature performers at the Philadelphia Folk Festival as well.

 

 

About "Take 2"

Two dynamic voices playing contemporary acoustic, originals and folk come together to share their joy with you.

"Candice Baranello, a resident of Huntington, is a founding member of the highly acclaimed traditional folk trio, The Mountain Maidens. She plays Ukulele, Banjo, Guitar and Dulcimer. Her voice is unique and powerful. Candice has an expressive voice that will touch your heart.

 

Singer songwriter, James O'Malley, has composed some of the most endearing songs that a music lover could hear. Early on, he learned to fingerpick with Erik Darling of The Weavers. He is a favored performer among the 'dedicated listening' crowd. James has a smooth tenor voice and a subtle intricate guitar style.

 

 

About Janice Buckner

Janice Buckner has toured throughout the USA and abroad as part of the renowned performing duo Sweet Rose Revue whose credits included over twenty states across America, the Whitney Museum of Art (extended concert series), the Nassau County Museum of Art (extended concert series), the QEII Ocean Liner, the Reichold Center for Performing Arts in the Virgin Islands, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and two European Tours.

 

As a solo artist, she is known for her silky voice accompanied by delicate guitar and bass playing (both electric and upright). Her cabaret performances feature original songs and poems, interpretive renditions of a wide pallet of genres, us of Sign Language for the Deaf (which she calls “Dance of the Hands”), and attention to choreography, lighting, and staging. Her goal is to create an aesthetic experience that captures the heart and touches the soul.

 

Janice has coached other performers in “The Art of Performance” and one such endeavor with a class of 14 musicians and singers culminated in a finale concert at the Art League of Long Island in Huntington. They performed to a standing room only audience and Janice won an award from FIOS TV for creating one of the best musical endeavors of the year (2016). For seventeen years she hosted her own radio show out of WRHU 88.7 FM which was heard via Internet internationally. Janice has 14 CDs (3 for adults and 11 for

children) available through iTunes, www.CDBaby.com and www.Amazon.com. Her music and videos are on Spotify, Pandora, iTunes, and YouTube. Visit her website for more information at www.JaniceBuckner.us

 

 

About Laurie Anne Creus

“Brilliant. Genuine. Wicked-talented. Take your pick.”- Brianna Coccia, Long Island Sound Love

 

You can hear both power and heartache in her voice. The music of Laurie Anne Creus moves with the melodic and lyrical vulnerability of ballads yet grooves with the driving beat of funk and R&B.

 

"With each song that comes out it’s me betting on myself and proving that what I have to say matters," says Creus. "Growing up I didn’t see a lot of Filipino-American artists out there. But I realized if no one was going to be an example for me I have to do it myself.” - David Criblez, Newsday

 

Lyrically, her music encompasses themes of shattering an old self, letting go and an obsessive search for truth.

 

Her songs, “Nothing Lasts Forever (Anicca)” and “This Time” are available now on all streaming platforms.

For more information, visit www.limusichalloffame.org/museum

 

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Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

10) Mimi Garrard Dance

announces

Planet Classroom Interview on

Redefining Dance Through Digital Innovation

The Mimi Garrard Dance Company is pleased to announce an interview with C.M. Rubin at CMRubinWorld and Planet Classroom, discussing the ways in which Mimi Garrard is redefining dance through digital innovation. Rubin talked with Mimi Garrard about the company’s recent film, Causa Sui, which is available for streaming on Planet Classroom during the month of December.

To read the full interview, visit https://www.cmrubinworld.com/the-global-search-for-education-mimi-garrard-redefining-dance-through-digital-innovation/



Watch Causa Sui at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLn03GuCFAQ

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11) On Location Tours Launches 

"A Complete Unknown" 

Movie Sites Tour

On Location Tours is thrilled to announce the launch of their brand-new walking tour featuring the NYC filming locations of A Complete Unknown and iconic spots from Bob Dylan’s life! 

Led by a local actor and musician, this unforgettable tour will transport you through Dylan’s world, blending film, history, and music like never before. 

For more information or to book a tour, visit onlocationtours.com/a-complete-unknown-movie-sites-walking-tour

XXX Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR 12) South Street Seaport Museum Announces Free Monthly Sing-Alongs Sea Chanteys and Maritime Music In-Person and Online Sunday, January 5, 2025, 2–4pm South Street Seaport Museum’s monthly Sea Chanteys and Maritime Music program continues on the first Sunday of every month. Join in the fun on Sunday, January 5, 2025, from 2-4pm (ET), for the first chantey sing-along of the New Year. As Winter continues this event is presented in a hybrid format, both in-person at the Museum at 207 Water Street and virtually online via Zoom, allowing you to join from anywhere! This event is free, and registration is encouraged. seaportmuseum.org/chanteysing Join the monthly sea-song sing along, hosted by a local artist who will lead the group through a variety of traditional maritime work songs and ballads. Throughout the event, both in-person and virtual attendees are welcome to take the stage for this round-robin where you can sing and share the chantey of your choice. Attendees are encouraged to sing along with the chorus or just sit back and enjoy each song. Singers of all levels, as well as listeners, are welcome to participate in this free event. Advanced registration is encouraged for participants who plan to attend in person, but walkups will be accommodated as possible. Advanced registration is required for all participants who plan to attend through Zoom. XXX 13) South Street Seaport Museum Announces January Family Activity Weekends January 4–26, 2025, 11am-4:30pm South Street Seaport Museum announces January Family Activity Weekends on Saturdays and Sundays from January 4 through January 26, 2025, from 11am to 4:30pm. These activities are free with your Pay What You Wish General Admission tickets, no additional registration needed. seaportmuseum.org/family-activity-weekends January 2025: Signal Flag Swags Each weekend throughout the month of January, come let your creativity fly at the Seaport Museum by making your own signal flag swags. For centuries, flags were the only form of communication between ships at sea, and between ships and the shore. In the 19th century, signaling with special flags developed into a system capable of passing several types of information and relatively elaborate messages. This even became a successful form of communication between crews who didn’t share a common language. Learn more about how sailors communicate using these vibrant flags that feature different patterns, shapes, and colors, while making your own banner that spells out whatever message you like. There will also be opportunities to use your new-found skill by decoding others’ signal flag messages. About Family Activity Weekends Weekends bring fun activities for the whole family to the South Street Seaport Museum. Timely hands-on activities and engagement stations for visitors of all ages provide creative opportunities that illuminate history and life at sea while enhancing your visit to the Seaport Museum’s galleries, the tall ship Wavertree, and the lightship Ambrose. Activities and their locations change each month to highlight various aspects of maritime history, New York City’s beginnings as a port city, or the Museum’s collections and offerings. seaportmuseum.org/family-activity-weekends XXX 14) TADA! YOUTH THEATER ANNOUNCES 2025 MUSICAL THEATER WINTER/SPRING SEMESTER CLASSES February 3 through May 5, 2025 TADA! Youth Theater announces registration for after-school and weekend 2025 Winter/Spring Semester Musical Theater Classes for students, ages 3 to 14, from February 3, 2025 through May 5, 2025. Classes are divided by age groups and take place at TADA! Youth Theater at 15 W 28th Street, 3rd floor, (between Broadway & Fifth Avenue) in Manhattan. Young people Gotta Sing! Gotta Dance! Gotta Act!   Students will engage in musical theater training, learn vocals and choreography to upbeat Broadway Songs, benefit from one-on-one attention and solo opportunities and experience ensemble-based instruction by professional NYC Teaching Artists while making connections with new friends.  The final class will culminate in a live performance for an audience of invited family and friends.   To register for Winter/Spring Semester Classes, please visit https://tadatheater.com/education-overview/winterspringclasses XXX And that's the scoop. Tune in tomorrow for More Theater Monday. 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.