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

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Theater Thursday - Local Singles

We recived complimentary tickets to Local Singles for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: Local Singles 

Where: Players Theatre
             115 MacDougal St.
             New York, NY 

Who: Recommended for Ages 12 and Up

When: February 9, 2025



Local Singles is a surprisingly unique musical.  It sounds like it would be about singles meeting up and hooking up, but on the contrary. it is about people connecting in a completely different way through a support group for the lonely.  Ironically, however, throughout most of the show, only one character is actually lonely. The other four characters are paired up in two couples. Nevertheless, the entire group forms a tight bond and becomes very supportive of each other in a heartwarming way.

The first act of the show is a blast. The characters and story are quirky and incredibly funny. The songs are mostly light and fun with a few heartfelt ballads thrown in as well. In the second act, everything changes. The audience is blindsided by a complete change in tone as one of the characters deals with a serious issue that may be triggering to those who have had a problem pregnancy. 

The shift in tone seems quite abrupt. It makes the show seem schizophrenic. It would have been better to decide if they wanted the show to be lighter or heavier in tone and not tried to do both which some may find disconcerting. 

However, that being said, this is still a show worth seeing. For the most part, the plot is engaging and quite original. The songs are lovely. The composer, Nick Vavari, who is also the show's book writer, doesn't go for the cheap easy rhymes, as you so often find in musical theater, but rather the songs are filled with deep meaningful lyrics. The actors, who are all making their Off-Broadway debuts, do a terrific job with their parts and have beautiful singing voices. Overall, it is quite an enjoyable show. 

And that's our view. For more about Local Singles or to purchase tickets, visit www.nicknavari.com/local-singles

Tune in Sunday for this week's Sunday Scoop. 

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.

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Where-To-Go Wednesday - The Seeing Eye


What: The Seeing Eye 

Where: 1 Seeing Eye Way
             Morristown, NJ 

Who: Ages 16 and Up



The Seeing Eye is the premiere dog assistance training organization in the United States for the blind and visually impaired. It has been in existence since 1929. While this is not a place you can just drop in and visit anytime, they hold prescheduled educational programs three times a month. Participation in one of these programs does require registration and payment of a fee.



Educational programs are held at their main Washington Valley location in Morristown, NJ.  This is where students receive and train with their new dogs. There are also two other locations a downtown Morristown training center for owners and their dogs and a breeding center in Chester, NJ. Neither of these locations is open to visitors. 



On a visit to The Seeing Eye, you will learn a little about the organization's history and background. You will receive a limited tour of the facility. You will also see a training demonstration and meet some dog handlers, trainers, and instructors. 



You may even meet some puppies. If you do, you may only pet and interact with puppies that have not yet begun training. You are not allowed to interact with dogs that have begun their training and/or especially dogs that have already been paired with a student.



And that's our view. For more about The Seeing Eye or to find out when they will be having their next educational program and/or to sign up for one, visit seeingeye.org/about-us/visit-us or email info@seeingeye.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.

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Tips for Tuesday - Books: The Broposal & Work in Progress; Movie: Dinogator

 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 Broposal & Work in Progress 

Me - The Broposal by Sondra Reyes is an emotional, sweet romance book about two best friends who decide to get married so one of them can get his green card, only for them to fall in love for real.

We get both the perspectives of Han and Kenny and both were equally enjoyable to read from. These characters were complex and even when they were at odds, it was easy to sympathize with each of them. Han struggled a lot with vulnerability and could at times be emotionally unavailable to the point where it could be frustrating but watching him open up more throughout the story was so rewarding. Meanwhile, Kenny was an extreme people pleaser who had difficulty making his own decisions but we got to see him grow and develop satisfyingly too.

The romance between Han and Kenny was very cute. They had a strong foundation of friendship and watching it blossom into something more was delightful. The tension and chemistry were great, although their banter wasn't the best. Still, their transition from friends to lovers was smooth and felt believable. These two were deeply committed to and supportive of each other, and it was beautiful to see.

This story also featured some wholesome familial relationships that were a pleasure to read about. It was so nice to see Kenny and Han's closeness not only with their own families but with each other's as well. They were both completely accepted as parts of each other's family even before things turned romantic and it was lovely.

Since there are some sensitive topics,  I recommend looking at the trigger warnings at the front before reading this book. However, despite some painful and difficult moments, overall, the tone is lighter.

This is a solid romance book and, especially if you enjoy the friends-to-lovers and marriage-of-convenience tropes, I would recommend it!


Mom - Today, I am recommending Work in Progress by Kat Mackenzie. After her boyfriend dumps her and her life falls apart, Alice embarks on a book-related bus tour across the UK. However,  she is disappointed to learn that instead of the trip of her dreams with a bus full of fellow book fans her age, her travel companions are a busload of elderly women and an aggravating but undeniably handsome Scottish bus driver. She soon discovers that it may be the trip of her dreams after all.

This is a sweet and captivating romance. Alice and Robbie have the opposite of a meet cute but even as enemies, they are adorable together. Even their angry banter is delightfully engaging, Plus, there is always an undercurrent of attraction between them even when they allegedly can't stand each other. The hating is always more on Alice's part anyway. Even when she allegedly hates him Robbie seems to be charmed and amused by her. 

Robbie is such a great guy, manly but kind.  He is so caring and helpful to the elderly woman on his tour and Alice too even when she is difficult. He is always a gentleman. When his mother shows up, it is clear that his warm and loving relationship with her has positively influenced his attitude and behavior toward other women. 

Alice and the women on the bus come to care for each other as well. It is touching how their relationships develop. They are like a busload of grandmothers to her who help her in different ways, and she in turn helps them too. They all become like family to each other even the women who don't seem as friendly at first. 

The book is also a bit of a travelogue. It is descriptive enough about the famous places the women visit on their tour. Yet, it is not so overly descriptive as to get bogged down in the details of the setting and lose sight of the story. Whether you love good enemies to lovers stories, you are a fan of found family and/or you want to learn a little about some of the sights of the UK, this book is a great choice.

Movie: Dinogator


Today, we are talking about Dinogator, a pretty standard creature-related horror movie about a cross between a dinosaur and an alligator that begins attacking and killing people in the Florida Everglades. This movie doesn't really offer anything new to the genre. It is populated with a gaggle of expendable characters who are rapidly killed off. Thus, most of them are quite underdeveloped and it is difficult to keep track of them let alone care about them.  The film is also quite gory. If you like similar movies or are a fan of cheesy beastly-related horror films in general, you will likely enjoy this one, otherwise not.

Dinogator is available now on DVD or for purchase or rental digtially.

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 hereand we will look into the matter

Monday, January 20, 2025

More Theater Monday - Bill Posely's The Day I Accidentally Went to War


What: Bill Posely's The Day I Accidentally Went to War

Where: SoHo Playhouse
             15 Vandam St.
              New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 13 and Up

When: Through January 26, 2025



Bill Posely's The Day I Accidentally Went to War is the actor and comedian's play about how he ended up in combat in Iraq. Don't let the title of this show fool you. Although it does delve into Posely's war experience, it is really about so much more than that. 


It's about getting past childhood traumas and doing what you must to make a life for yourself. It's also about getting past the miscommunications that divide us and seeing each other as fellow humans. Posely learned this firsthand through his experiences in Iraq.


The show is more about what Posely learned through his war experience than his actual war experience itself. Thus he doesn't delve deeply into the nitty gritty of war in a way that would upset most people. There are sad parts of the show, especially one in particular. However, they are not directly related to the war. There are plenty of humorous parts of the show as well. 


This is not a show that aims to terrorize you with the horrors of war. In fact, as Posely points out war can even be beneficial in some ways, such as, through the efforts made to help the other country following the war. However, it would be better to achieve the benefits without the war.  Thus, we need to look at things (and each other) differently and change our ways of doing things and dealing with each other. This is what Posely is urging us to do.


And that's our view. For more about Bill Posely's The Day I Accidentally Went to War or to purchase tickets, visit www.sohoplayhouse.com/now-playing/bill-posleys-the-day-i-accidentally-went-to-war


Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Photo credits:
All Bill Posely The Day I Accidentally Went to War production photos by Lore Photography

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 hereand we will look into the matter.

Sunday, January 19, 2025

Sunday Scoop Week of 12/19/25 What's Happening This Week

A) Beginning Performances 

1) Homos

2) Jersey Boys

3) The Maker 

4) S.I.M.P.S

B) Cast Changes

5) Sunset Blvd.

C) Run Extension

6) Cellino v. Barnes

D) What Else is Happening 

7) American Symphony Orchestra Presents Bach at St. Bart's 
1/24

8) Bloomingdale School of Music Spring 2025 Classes

9) Centenary Stage Co. 2025 Young Performers Workshop Open for Applicants

10) Jaime De Roy & Friends Celebrates 35th Anniversary With 3 Part Special
1/20, 2/3 & 2/17

11) Nai-Ni Chen Dance Co. Celebrates Lunar New Year of the Snake
at Kupferberg Center for the Arts at QUeens College 125 & 1/26

12) NJPAC Upcoming Event: Momix- Alice
1/26 

13) Rabbit Days and Dumplings at Flushing Town Hall
1/25

14) Second Stage's Next Stage Festival
1/27 - 3/10

15) Works & Process Presents Buena Vista Social Club
1/26

16) Works & Process Presents Miami City Ballet
1/25

17) Works & Process Presents Purpose
1/27

A) Beginning Performances 

Spincycle NYC

1) Homos

HOMOS! A Solo Disaster Musical, bitch is exactly what it sounds like. Queer. Musical. Solo. And a disaster. The solo homo in question is Dan Kitrosser who wants nothing more than to put on his 6 person gay-as-heck apocalyptic musical, which features a rag-tag group of queerdos racing from hellfire; there’s a Norma Desmondesque-faded movie starlet, her closeted action star ex husband, his Twink, a couple of lesbians and a sexually ambiguous stoner boy at the center of it all. But as our world is actually on the brink of collapse, and Dan is literally running out of time, he’s just gonna roll up his sleeves and do it ALL himself. Don't miss this side-splitting tour de-farce that won Best Cabaret at the 2023 Philadelphia Fringe Festival. Directed by Kyle Metzger.

The Stonewall Inn (53 Christopher St,)
1/26, 2/23, & 3/23

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

2) Jersey Boys

With phenomenal music, memorable characters, and great storytelling, JERSEY BOYS follows the fascinating evolution of four blue-collar kids who became one of the greatest successes in pop-music history. Winner of Best Musical at both the Tony Awards® and Olivier Awards®, JERSEY BOYS takes you behind the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons to discover the secret of a 40-year friendship as the foursome work their way from the streets of New Jersey to the heights of stardom. Thrill your audiences with electrifying performances of chart-topping hits, including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Dawn,” and “My Eyes Adored You,” which brought The Four Seasons the highest honor: induction into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. Jersey Boys is written by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Crewe.

The Argyle Theatre (34 W. Main St.)
1/23 - 4/6
Opening Night 1/25

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

3) The Maker 

"The Maker" delves into the complexities of human connection, navigating the delicate balance between love, loyalty, and the pursuit of authenticity. Set against a backdrop of uncertainty and shifting allegiances, the play follows a group of characters whose lives become inextricably intertwined. Through Dakota Silvey's witty and insightful script, the production explores the labels we wear and the challenges of finding our true selves within them.

AMT Theater (354 W. 45th St.)
1/23 - 2/2

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.onthestage.tickets/show/dakota-silvey

4) S.I.M.P.S

Kevin Everyman is stuck. He knows that boys need to talk about their feelings, but he also knows that his voice is probably not what the world needs to hear. With this in mind, he joins the Self-Improvement & Male Preservation Society, or "S.I.M.P.S." – a cult of young men promising to teach Kevin how to protect the world from the dangers of his masculinity. But when the society uses harrowing violence to uphold its supposed progressivism, Kevin must reckon more honestly with his role in today’s gender landscape. A pulp-horror satire with a violent jazz-pop score, S.I.M.P.S. uses sensibilities like those of Fight Club, South Park, Michael R. Jackson, and Midsommar as it embarks on a daring, hysterical, complex interrogation of the manosphere.

IRT Theater (154 Christopher St. 3rd Fl.)
1/24 - 2/2

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

B) Cast Changes

5) Sunset Blvd.

Rashidra Scott joins the cast as Norma Desmond standby 1/20

St. James Theatre (246 W. 44th St.)

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

C) Run Extension

6) Cellino v. Barnes

Cellino V. Barnes is a comical rollercoaster that captures the wild partnership of notorious injury attorneys Ross Cellino and Steve Barnes, from their meteoric rise in the 1990s through their spectacular break-up in the 2010s.

Witness the hilariously absurd antics of two lawyers who prioritize outrageous personal squabbles over their billion-dollar empire, navigating a minefield of ethical dilemmas, personal demons, and outdated fax machines. As their budding friendship and business collide with unchecked ambition, they must decide whether to find common ground or torch it all. Inspired by their infamous real-life split, this riotous romp reveals the rivalry and redemption of two men who changed the face of their industry, one iconic billboard at a time.

Buckle up for a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud journey that posits the age-old question: can a bromance survive ambition, and can it happen in seventy-five minutes?

Asylum NYC (123 E. 24th St.)
Now closing 3/30

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.cellino-v-barnes.com

D) What Else is Happening 

Courtesy of PAscal Nadon Communications

7) AMERICAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS

BACH AT ST. BART’S ON JANUARY 24

All-C.P.E. Bach Program Features U.S. Premiere of Oratorio

Die Auferstehung und Himmelfahrt Jesu and Rare Performance of Choral Work Heilig

Music Director Leon Botstein conducts the American Symphony Orchestra (ASO) with the Bard Festival Chorale in an all-C.P.E. Bach concert at St. Bartholomew’s Church, a National Historic Landmark, on Friday, January 24 at 8 PM. The Bach at St. Bart’s program offers the U.S. premiere of one of the composer’s only three oratorios, Die Auferstehung und Himmelfahrt Jesu.

Bach at St. Bart’s

Friday, January 24, 2025, at 8 pm, St. Bartholomew’s Church, 325 Park Avenue

Pre-concert Talk at 7 pm

American Symphony Orchestra

Leon Botstein, conductor

Leah Wool, mezzo-soprano

Mei Gui Zhang, soprano

Terrence Chin-Loy, tenor

Troy Cook, baritone

Bard Festival Chorale

James Bagwell, music director of the Bard Festival Chorale

C.P.E. BachHeilig, H.775 (1776)

C.P.E. BachDie Auferstehung und Himmelfahrt Jesu, H.777 (1774-78) (U.S. premiere)


Tickets available at americansymphony.org.


XXX

8) BLOOMINGDALE SCHOOL OF MUSIC ANNOUNCES SPRING 2025 MUSIC CLASSES

Celebrating 60 years of music education 

on the Upper West Side

 

Please join them for a free Open House Instrument Discovery Day on Sunday January 26, 2025


Bloomingdale School of Music on the Upper West Side of Manhattan announces its Spring 2025 line up of classes aimed to educate students of all ages, while instilling a sense of fun and passion for self-discovery. Now celebrating 60 years of music, community and education, Bloomingdale welcomes everyone to a diverse set of learning options ranging from private lessons, group classes and music ensembles from early childhood to adult classes.

 

For more information on Spring 2025 Classes, please visit https://www.bsmny.org/spring-2025/

 

Don’t miss their Spring Sale! From January 26th through February  9th,  save $60 on any Bloomingdale School of Music offering during the 60th Celebration Spring Sale. Use code BSM60 at check out.

 

Please join them for a free open-house Instrument Discovery Day for all ages on Sunday January 26, 2025 from 11am-1pm at Bloomingdale School of Music, 323 West 108th Street in Manhattan. Explore musical instruments (violin, guitar, trumpet and more) with help from a faculty member and find your inner talent!


XXX


9) CENTENARY STAGE COMPANY NOW ACCEPTING APPLICANTS FOR SPRING 2025 SESSION OF YOUNG PERFORMERS


Centenary Stage Company’s Young Performer’s Workshop returns for this spring from February 15 through June 1, and the deadline to apply is February 14. The Young Performer’s Workshop is a 15-week theatre training program for performers ages 8-18. Each session culminates with a Festival of Shows performed by the students. New applicants must complete an interview with the director of the program, Michael Blevins, before registering. Initial interviews will take place via phone or zoom call. The price for the first student in one family is $425.00, a second student is $395.00, and a third student is $300.00. For more information, or to schedule your interview, call the Centenary Stage Company box office at (908) 979-0900 or visit Centenary Stage Company online at centenarystageco.org 
The Young Performer’s Workshop is a 15-week intensive musical theatre program designed to teach kids ages 8-18. This is a hands-on program designed to meet the needs of beginning, intermediate, and advanced performers interested in working in theatre. Throughout the Spring session, students have the opportunity to learn about multiple facets of theatre arts from acting, singing and dancing, to stage management, props, and costuming. Each session concludes with a weekend Festival of Shows.

The deadline to register is February 14 and the course will run February 15 through June 1. Those interested in joining the program must call the Centenary Stage Company box office at (908) 979-0900 or email boxoffice@centenarystagecol.org to schedule an interview with the director of the program, Michael Blevins. Initial in-person interviews will take place via phone or zoom call. For more information about the program visit centenarystageco.org or call the box office at (908) 979-0900. 
 
For more information, visit centenarystageco.org or call the Centenary Stage Company box office at (908) 979-0900. The Centenary Stage Company box office is open Monday through Friday from 1:00-5:00 pm and two hours prior to performances. The box office is located in the Lackland Performing Arts Center on the campus of Centenary University at 715 Grand Ave. Hackettstown, NJ. Centenary Stage Company can also be found across social media platforms; Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter. Like and follow to receive the latest in CSC news and special offers. 
XXX

10)JAMIE deROY & FRIENDS


KICKS OFF 35TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR


WITH THREE PART SPECIAL


FEATURING

 

JAMIE deROY, DAISY EAGAN, BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL

,

DONNA MCKECHNIE, BRANDON VICTOR DIXON, CHUCK COOPER


AND MORE!



Producer Jamie deRoy announced today that her hit cable television program, “Jamie deRoy & friends” will kick off its 35th year on air with a brand new, three-part special airing on Monday, January 20th, Monday, February 3rd, and Monday, February 17th at 8:00pm ET. The special is a celebration of cabaret performances, as deRoy’s award-winning cabaret show of the same name also celebrates its 35th anniversary milestone this year. 

 

The January 20th episode (Part 1) features performances from Jamie deRoy at Steve McGraw’s, Marni Nixon at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, Howard McGillin at Green Room 42, Jerry Orbach at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, Nancy LaMott at Caroline’s, Paul Balfour at Steve McGraw’s, Natalie Douglas at Birdland Theater, and Daisy Eagan at Florence Gould Hall.

 

The February 3rd episode (Part 2) features Jamie deRoy and Euan Morton at the Metropolitan Room, Brian Stokes Mitchell at the Gerald W. Lynch Theater, Bryce Pinkham at Birdland, Donna McKechnie at Birdland, Paulo Szot at Birdland, Ray Jessell at Dillon’s, and Brandon Victor Dixon at Birdland.

 

The February 17th episode (Part 3) features Julie Gold at Birdland, Steve Allen at Steve McGraw’s, Tonya Pinkins at 54 Below, Karen Mason at Birdland, Lucie Arnaz at the Metropolitan Room, Chuck Cooper at Birdland and Well-Strung (Edmund Bagnell, Christopher Marchant, Daniel Shevlin, and Trevor Wadleigh) at Birdland.


XXX


Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

11) Kupferberg Center for the Arts at Queens College

will celebrate

The 2025 Lunar New Year of the Snake

with Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company

January 25 & 26 at 3pm


Kupferberg Center for the Arts at Queens College will celebrate The 2025 Lunar New Year of the Snake on Saturday & Sunday, January 25 & 26 at 3pm, with Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company, at 53-49 Reeves Ave, Flushing, NY. Tickets are $20 with no fees and can be purchased online at http://kupferbergcenter.org/lny-tickets or by phone at (718) 793-8080.


The Lunar New Year Celebration at the Kupferberg Center for the Arts honors the Year of the Snake, symbolizing wisdom, transformation, and resilience. The program blends ancient Chinese traditions with contemporary movement, celebrating themes of harmony and renewal. Opening with "Lion in the City," a fusion of traditional Lion Dance and hip-hop, the piece symbolizes peace and cultural collaboration. A duet inspired by the Legend of the White Snake highlights empowerment, especially for women, while "Tiger and Water Lilies" contrasts strength and beauty, blending contemporary ballet with Asian dance forms. "Unfolding," a collaboration of Nai-Ni Chen with a Korean Janggu performer in the early 2000s, explores life’s continuous change, echoing the I-Ching’s philosophy of transformation and reflecting on the symbolism of the Snake. The evening culminates in "Dragon Festival," where the dragon—symbolizing prosperity and balance—descends from the heavens, blessing the community with good fortune for the coming year. The Snake, revered in Chinese culture for its agility and wisdom, reminds us to embrace personal growth and adaptability, making this celebration a reflection on transformation, unity, and cultural heritage.


XXX

Courtesy of Prana PR

12) MOMIX – ALICE
AN EXHILARATING COMPANY OF DANCER-ILLUSIONISTS

Inspired by Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland
 
Sunday, January 26, 2025 at 7:00 PM

NJPAC
Prudential Hall
Betty Wold Johnson Stage
One Center Street
Newark, New Jersey 07102
www.njpac.org

NEW JERSEY!!! Get Ready to witness a night of spectacular dance and illusion with MOMIX-ALICE, a magical performance created by the dance company MOMIX on Sunday, January 26 at 7:00 p.m.

Inspired by Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, dancers transform into Caterpillars, White Rabbits, Mad Hatters, the Queen of Hearts, and other characters from the classic tale. With mind-bending acrobatics, mysterious illusions, and whimsical surprises, anything can happen on this adventure!

XXX

13) Rabbit Days and Dumplings

at Flushing Town Hall


Rabbit Days and Dumplings


Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025
Time: 2:15 PM
Location: Flushing Town Hall Theater
Tickets: $15 General Admission


Families are invited to celebrate Lunar New Year with a vibrant family-friendly performance by Elena Moon Park and Friends. This interactive concert will take audiences on a musical journey through East Asia, featuring traditional children’s songs from Korea, China, Taiwan, Japan, and Tibet. Blending native languages with English and traditional instrumentation with folk and rock elements, the performance promises to delight audiences of all ages.


XXX

14) SECOND STAGE THEATER’S

NEXT STAGE FESTIVAL

RETURNS THIS WINTER

 

January 27 – March 10

 

On The Irene Diamond Stage

at The Pershing Square Signature Center

 

Four Programs Focusing on the Work of Early Career Playwrights:

 

The Festival Production:

On the Evolutionary Function of Shame

By D.A. Mindell

Directed by Jess McLeod

 

The Judith Champion Reading Series

Three New Plays Presented in One Night Only Readings

 

The Nancy Denovan Musical Reading

A New Musical Receiving a One Night Only Presentation

 

The Lark Playwrights Workshop at 2ST

Continuation of the Acclaimed Lark Playwrights Workshop

Led By David Henry Hwang, Rajiv Joseph, and May Adrales


THE NEXT STAGE FESTIVAL will officially kick off on January 27th, 2024, with The Nancy Denovan Musical Reading, a one-night-only reading of the new musical, INSIDE VOICES, with music and lyrics by Ross Golan and a book written by Golan and co-written by Danielle Koenig, directed by Michael Mayer.

 

The Festival’s centerpiece will once again bring the model of Second Stage’s Uptown Series to midtown with the fully staged, world premiere production of D.A. Mindell’s play, On the Evolutionary Function of Shame, directed by Jess McLeod, running on The Irene Diamond Stage at The Pershing Square Signature Center. Like last season’s critically acclaimed production of The Apiary, On the Evolutionary Function of Shame will receive a full production, running from February 12th to March 9th, officially opening February 26th


For more information or to purchase tickets, visit 2st.com/shows/next-stage-festival


XXX

Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

15) Works & Process Announces

Buena Vista Social Club

New Broadway Musical

by Marco Ramirez with Saheem Ali, Patricia Delgado, and Justin Peck

January 26, 2025 at 7pm

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum


Works & Process at the Guggenheim presents the Buena Vista Social Club, the New Broadway Musical, by Marco Ramirez with Saheem Ali, Patricia Delgado, and Justin Peck, on January 26, 2025 at 7pm at the Peter B. Lewis Theater, 1071 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10128. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased at https://www.worksandprocess.org/calendar/works-and-process-at-the-guggenheim-buena-vista-social-club.


Step into the heart of Cuba, beyond the glitz of the Tropicana, to a place where blazing trumpets and sizzling guitars set the dance floor on fire. Here, the sound of Havana is born—and one woman’s remarkable journey begins. Inspired by true events, the new Broadway musical Buena Vista Social Club brings the Grammy Award–winning album to thrilling life—and tells the story of the legends who lived it. Cast members perform highlights from this unforgettable tale of survival, second chances, and the extraordinary power of music. Prior to Broadway opening, join Marco Ramirez, Saheem Ali, and Patricia Delgado as they discuss their creative process, with performances by the cast.


XXX

Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

16) Works & Process Announces

Miami City Ballet: Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and Pam Tanowitz

January 25, 2025 at 3pm and 7pm

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum


Works & Process at the Guggenheim presents the Miami City Ballet: Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and Pam Tanowitz, on January 25, 2025 at the Peter B. Lewis Theater, 1071 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10128 at 3pm and 7pm. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased at https://www.worksandprocess.org/calendar/works-and-process-at-the-guggenheim-miami-city-ballet-annabelle-lopez-ochoa-pam-tanowitz.


Don’t miss this first look at two new ballets premiering in spring 2025 at Miami City Ballet. See highlights from Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s Carmen, reimagined for a modern dance audience with music by Georges Bizet and newly commissioned music by Juan Pablo Acosta, and explore Pam Tanowitz’s Coincident Dances, a duo of pieces with music by Jesse Montgomery. Before the world premieres in Florida, members of the creative team will participate in a discussion moderated by Jerome Robbins Dance Division Curator Linda Murray, and company members will perform excerpts.

XXX

Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

17) Works & Process Announces

Purpose by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins,

directed by Phylicia Rashad

January 27, 2025 at 7pm

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum


Works & Process at the Guggenheim presents Purpose by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, directed by Phylicia Rashad, on January 27, 2025 at the Peter B. Lewis Theater, 1071 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10128 at 7pm. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased at https://www.worksandprocess.org/calendar/works-and-process-at-the-guggenheim-purpose.


From Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, the Tony Award-winning playwright of Appropriate, comes Purpose, directed by two-time Tony Award–winner Phylicia Rashad. Prior to the start of Broadway previews, join the cast and creatives for a first look at the production, direct from a white-hot run at Steppenwolf Theatre Company.


For decades, the influential Jasper family has been a pillar of Black American Politics: civil rights leaders, pastors and congressmen. But like all families, there are cracks and secrets just under the surface. When the youngest son Nazareth returns home with an uninvited friend in tow, the family is forced into a reckoning with itself, its faith and the legacies of Black political power and familial duty. Spirited, hilarious and filled with intrigue, Purpose is an epic family drama from one of the country’s most celebrated voices.


The Broadway cast of Purpose will feature two-time Tony Award nominee LaTanya Richardson Jackson (To Kill a Mockingbird, A Raisin in the Sun), Harry Lennix (TV’s “The Blacklist,” Broadway’s Radio Golf), Steppenwolf ensemble member Jon Michael Hill (Broadway’s Pass Over, Superior Donuts, Netflix’s “A Man in Full”), Steppenwolf ensemble member and Co-Artistic Director Glenn Davis (off-Broadway’s Downstate, King James), Steppenwolf Ensemble member Alana Arenas (The Bluest Eye, TV’s “David Makes Man”), and Tony Award winner Kara Young (Purlie Victorious, The Cost of Living, Clyde’s).


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 hereand we will look into the matter.