Tips for Tuesday - Books: Holly Jolly July & Christmas People; Movie: Unseen Enemy

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: Holly Jolly July & Christmas People

Me - Holly Jolly July by Lindsay Maple is a quintessential Christmas romance, despite taking place during the summertime. It follows Ellie and Mariah, who are working on the set of a Christmas movie filming over the course of a couple of weeks in July. Ellie has been acting in side roles for years and can't seem to break into leading roles, either in her career or in her life. Meanwhile, Mariah is a makeup artist who aspires to do costume makeup on more serious films but instead can't seem to move beyond weddings and low-budget holiday movies.

The characters fall into typical Christmas movie archetypes. Ellie is super positive, perky, bubbly, and Christmas-obsessed, while Mariah is a grumpy, pessimistic Christmas hater. That said, they do have some depth, especially in terms of their career goals and Mariah's history of difficulty with her parents and not fitting in with her peers. My main issue with them was that they felt immature for their ages. Oftentimes, I felt like I was reading about teenagers when they were supposed to be in their late 20s or early 30s. This was especially true when it came to their reactions to Jax/Matt, which I'll get more into momentarily.

Their romance begins when they discover they've been hooking up with the same guy– known by Ellie as Matt and by Mariah as Jax. They decide to take revenge on him through a series of pranks. This set-up is interesting, but it falls a bit flat considering each of them has only been seeing this guy for a few days. Mariah knew him in high school when she'd had a crush on him and he'd been a jerk. As soon as she sees him, those feelings reignite, even though he does nothing to prove he's not still a jerk. She also doesn't even seem to have a strong desire to have anything more with him than sex, so, while I understand her being angry when she finds out he lied about the fact that he's seeing other people at the same time as her, it doesn't make sense for her to have cared as much as she did. As for Ellie, she convinced herself she and Matt were soulmates after going on only one date, which was so ridiculous I couldn't take it seriously. Between the way they both went crazy over him based on absolutely nothing, to the way they reacted like he'd betrayed them and broken their hearts when neither of them was actually in a relationship with him, it was just very immature.

That said, the actual romance between Ellie and Mariah was cute. Some of their dialogue -and the book's dialogue in general– was a bit awkward or stilted, but they had decent chemistry and their personalities matched nicely. Their relationship was more surface-level than I prefer, but it was very on par with the typical Christmas romance recipe, so I can't fault the book too much for it.

The book also included little snippets from the script of the movie Ellie and Mariah were working on, which was nice because it made the book feel slightly quicker to get through.

Overall, this was fun for what it was. I don't personally love Christmas romances, and if I had known how heavily this one would fall into that category, I probably wouldn't have picked it up, so it's safe to say it wasn't for me. However, if you love Christmas romances, and especially if you pick this up during the summertime when you're yearning for your own Christmas in July, you might really love it.

Mom - Today, we are talking about Christmas People by Ivy-Marie Palmer. Christmas isn't the best time for Jill Jacobs. Three years ago, on Christmas, her hometown boyfriend, Grant, broke up with her. Now her agent is encouraging her to take a meeting regarding writing one of those sappy Heartfelt Christmas movies to salvage her dying career. Reluctantly, she returns to her hometown for the holidays, but when she wakes up, she finds herself in the middle of one of those movies, torn between her high school crush and her ex. 

While the premise of this story is interesting, the execution is mixed. On the one hand, the perfection of the place comes across a little too strongly as if they are all living in some kind of Stepford world. This is most evident in the descriptions of the setting and the way some characters have changed from the real world to the movie world.  On the other hand, it comes across as not perfect enough for the movie world, and some characters have hardly changed at all.

The love triangle seems forced. It is clear from the beginning that this is Grant and Jill's story. Cory is a little too perfect in either world. Grant and Jill make a nice couple, though, at least when she learns to grow up, face reality, and take responsibility for her own actions. Before that, she can be insufferable at times. 

A story like this might work better as an actual movie. That way, the difference between the real world and the film world would be clearer. It wouldn't be something you would have to hold in your mind; you would just see it.

Movie: Unseen Enemy

Today, we are discussing Unseen Enemy. This film is quite confusing, and the plot is never fully explained.  Thus, it is impossible to try to describe coherently. Nevertheless, this is another one of those films that's light on plot and character development but heavy on action with plenty of blood and gore. If you like that, you should enjoy it. Otherwise not. 

Holly Jolly July was published in June. Christmas People publishes today. Unseen Enemy is available on DVD today. 

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. Address any concerns regarding image usage here.

More Theater Monday - I and You

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

What: I and You

Where: McCarter Theatre

             91 University Pl.

             Princeton, NJ 

Who: Recommended for Ages 10 and Up

When: Through October 12, 2024

I and You is a deeply touching, but also incredibly heartbreaking story. Although on the surface, it is about two teenagers developing a deep bond while working on a homework project, there is so much more to the story than that. Caroline, confined to her home awaiting a liver transplant, starts off as prickly and standoffish. Anthony is sweet and persistent, and it's heartwarming how he is finally able to cut through her defenses. The relationship between the two develops slowly and believably until suddenly the gut-punch ending turns everything you thought you knew on its head 

The show stars Jasmine Forsberg as Caroline and Benji Santiago as Anthony. They are each terrific in their respective roles. Plus, they share a nice chemistry. 

The show was originally a play; however, the characters' emotions are so beautifully expressed through song that it's hard to believe it would capture the same feelings quite as wonderfully without them. This is a show that will stay in your heart and in your mind long after you have seen it.

And that's our view. For more about I and You or to purchase tickets, visit www.mccarter.org/iandyou

.

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Photo credits:

All I and You production photos by T. Charles Erickson

Images used in this post were sent by publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms and are used by permission.  Address any concerns regarding image usage here. 

Sunday Scoop Week of 9/27/25 What's Happening This Week and More

A) Beginning Performances 

In New York

1) The Bliss Option

2) Four Daughters Minus 1

3) Italian American Reconciliation

4) Messy White Gays

5) Shadowboxing in Blue

6) With Bated Breath

B) Cast Recording

7) Gavin Creel's Walk on Through: Live at MCC

C) Festivals

In Pennsylvania

8) MNYK Festival

D) Lottery

9) Ragtime

E) Run Extension

10) Exorcistic: The Rock Musical

11) Saturday Church

F) Season Announcement

In New York

12) Epic Players

G) Tickets on Sale

In New York

13) American Museum of Natural History Sleepovers

H) What Else is Happening

In New Jersey

14) Cape May's Boo Bar at the Jersey Shore 

10/3 - 11/1

15) Carteret Performing Arts Center

Laurie Berkner 10/5

16) McCarter Theater New Thursday Matinees of I and You

In New York

17) Ballet Hispanico School 2025/2026 Adult Classes

18) Brooklyn Academy of Music Upcoming Events

19) Lincoln Center Upcoming Events

20) South Street Seaport Free October Family Activity Weekends 

21) Studio Ghibli's Iconic Soundtracks Come Alive in New York

The Cathedral for St. John the Divine  10/2

22) Toni Nagy Brings Bump Your Pelvis Against the Patriarchy

to Joe's Pub  10/5

In Pennsylvania 

23) Hocus Pocus Themed Speakeasy Opens at the Curtis Center in Philadelphia

10/3 - 11/15

24) Philadelphia Area Upcoming Events

Other

25) Rocky Horror Picture Show's Patricia Quinn Teams Up With Cast Members

for Spoken Word Album

A) Beginning Performances 

In New York

Courtesy of Spincycle NYC

1) The Bliss Option

What would you do if you were faced with possibly the last choice you'll ever make? And that choice is a machine that will keep you happy for the rest of your life? In THE BLISS OPTION, Dave has hit rock bottom. Jobless and alone, he's in a mandatory meeting with a government employee who's skilled at getting people to sign "The Bliss Option." Multitudes - the poor, the ill, the unemployed - have already entered The Bliss. But Dave resists. Can he be persuaded to sign? Or is there another option?

The Chain Theater (312 W. 36th St.)

10/2 -10/12

For more information or to purchase tickets, andrewheinze.com/the-bliss-option

DD PR

2) Four Daughters Minus 1

A rare theatrical event in New York’s predominantly secular landscape, 4 Daughters Minus One, 2000 A.D. brings faith and drama centerstage in a one of its kind modern reckoning rooted in scripture. Set in a celestial realm, the play unfolds during the 21st Century Literary Awards—a divine tribute, broadcast live from a Detroit theater, where Yahweh is being honored and his royal daughters gather from across centuries to celebrate the inspired word. But the ceremony is thrown into spiritual upheaval when Jezebel, draped in couture and armed with truth, crashes the event. Confronting her family with long-buried wounds and fiery accusations, she demands justice for her vilified legacy and challenges the divine legitimacy of her sisters, leaving both the ceremony and heaven rattled. Father and daughter engage in a soul-baring confrontation that forces a moral reckoning: Can a condemned daughter rewrite her story? And can a father who is both divine and deeply human, forgive?

The Producers Club (358 W. 44th St.)

4/4 - 4/6

For more information or to purchase tickets 

For Saturday, 10/4/25
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4-daughters-minus-one-2000-ad-tickets-1599207696269?aff=PR

For Sunday, 10/5/25
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4-daughters-minus-one-2000-ad-tickets-1565387027739?aff=PR

For Monday, 10/6/25
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4-daughters-minus-one-2000-ad-tickets-1487219697149?aff=PR

Courtesy of Spincycle NYC

3) Italian American Reconciliation

In ITALIAN AMERICAN RECONCILIATION, Huey, enlisting the help of his best friend Aldo, seeks reconciliation with his ex-wife Janice, an intimidating force of nature. What follows is a passionate and tumultuous story of love, loss, and self-discovery.

The Flea (20 Thomas St.)

10/3 -10/26

Opening Night 10/11

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.tickettailor.com/events/italianamericanreconciliation

4) Messy White Gays

In Messy White Gays, Drew Droege—the sharp-penned and quick-witted diarist of the contemporary homosexual—shines a harsh overhead light on the pores of White Gaydom, revealing what happens when throuples crumble, neighbors bicker, and rich and pretty clash with hot and dumb. It’s Sunday morning in Hell’s Kitchen. Brecken and Caden have just murdered their boyfriend and stuffed his body into a Jonathan Adler credenza. Unfortunately, they’ve also invited friends over for brunch. And they’re out of limes! Feel bad for them! They’re MESSY WHITE GAYS!

The Duke on 42nd St. (229 W. 42nd St.)

10/6 - 1/11

Opening night 11/2

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

Photo by Marc J. Franklin

5) Shadowboxing in Blue

Shadowboxing in Blue is an innovative, multidimensional project weaving dance, music, and boxing. This collaboration between dancers, boxers, and musicians explores an individual facing inner adversaries at different life stages. With the goal of fostering diversity, both in casting and artistic expression, the project seeks to deliver a powerful message that challenges norms and redefines the intersection of art, sports, and self-healing. Don't forget to wear clothes you feel comfortable moving in for the workshop!

Haven Boxing (65 Scholes St., Brooklyn)

10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25

The performance on the 18th will be a Spanish-English bilingual show

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit  bit.ly/shadowboxing_october.

6) With Bated Breath

Long held inhibitions release and untold secrets spurt forth as the town spills into debaucherous revelry. For the pious Pastor Johnson, it means the arrival of the devil. For the tempting Dr. Corazon De La Fuente, who runs the factory, it is a wonder to be studied. Stuck in the middle is Mayor Frankie, anxiously watching as his town populace begins giving into wildest urges. Fargo meets Dr. Frankenfurter in this wacky comedy that is based on true events until it's not.

Under St. Marks (94 St. Marks Pl.)

10/5 & 10/12

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.frigid.nyc. 

B) Cast Recording

Courtesy of Polk and Co. PR

7) Gavin Creel's Walk on Through: Live at MCC

The highly anticipated Original Cast Recording of Gavin Creel’s acclaimed theatrical production of Walk on Through: Confessions of a Museum Novice, will be released on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, on all major digital streaming platforms under the title Walk on Through: Live at MCC.

Recorded live at MCC Theater’s Susan & Ronald Frankel Theater just days before the final performance of the sold-out, extended Off-Broadway run, the album captures the vibrant spirit, intimate storytelling, and infectious music of Creel’s theatrical songwriting debut.

The album features 25 tracks, including 16 original songs and selections of dialogue chronicling Creel’s whimsical and deeply personal journey through The Metropolitan Museum of Art. A blend of pop, theatricality, and humor, Walk on Through: Live at MCC explores what it means to engage with art, creativity, and identity—even when you’ve never set foot in a museum before.

Listeners can pre-save the album on their preferred digital platforms starting today at walkonthrough.com for full track listings and to learn more about the Met artworks that inspired each song.

C) Festivals

In Pennsylvania

8) MNYK Festival

Manayunk Development Corporation announces the return of Out and About in MNYK to Main Street on Saturday, October 4, with additional merchant events on Friday, October 3 and Sunday, October 5, 2025. In honor of National Coming Out Day, Out & About in MNYK will feature LGBTQ+ artists, performers, organizations, shows and entertainment to promote Manayunk as a safe place that welcomes everyone. Activations and performances will include an artisan market, drag story time, open-air drag show, Manayunk idol karaoke competition and Rocky Horror Picture Show Live Shadowcast by the Transylvanian Nipple Productions. Partners for this year include Brittany Lynn and Philly Drag Mafia, Philadelphia Freedom Band, TNP Productions and DJ Da Boo Boo. Manayunk Merchant events will include Drag Bingo at Winnie's (Friday), The Pretzel Theater Company presents A Miscast Villains of Broad Night of Cabaret at Fat Lady Brewing (Friday), Philadelphia Runner presents Out and About Queer Run and Hoka (Saturday), Performance Kitchens and Home Gold Standard Giveaway (Saturday), Cupid's Bookshop Drag Storytime (Saturday), Fat Lady Brewing Night of Queer Comedy with Jim Gillespie (Saturday) and Fat Lady Brewing Drag Brunch (Sunday). New highlights for this year includes Manayunk Idol Karaoke Competition Canalside, and a new shuttle between 11:00am and 5:00pm going between Out & About in MNYK and Roxtoberfest on Ridge Avenue. For more about Out & About, visit manayunk dot com/mnyk-events/out-about-in-mnyk/

D) Lottery

9) Ragtime

Lincoln Center Theater recently announced the digital lottery policy for the highly anticipated revival of Ragtime. Directed by LCT’s Kewsong Lee Artistic Director Lear deBessonet, performances began on Friday, September 26 at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre (150 W 65^th St).

Entries for the Ragtime digital lottery start at 12 AM, one day before the performance, and winners are drawn the same day at 10 AM and 3 PM. Winners may buy up to 2 tickets at $49 each inclusive of fees. For more information and to enter, please visit lctlottery.com.

Tickets for Ragtime are on sale now at www.LCT.org or the Lincoln Center Theater box office.

E) Run Extension

Photo by Molly Murphy Weinberg

10) Exorcistic: The Rock Musical 

Asylum NYC (123 E. 24th St.)

Now closing 10/31

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

11) Saturday Church

Saturday Church tells the story of Ulysses—New York City kid, devoted son and the fiercest tenor at his aunt’s church. A chance encounter on the subway introduces him to the world of Saturday Church, a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ youth. Caught between two worlds, Ulysses wrestles with family and faith as he strives to find the place where he can love and be loved—in all his fabulousness. This new musical captures the joy of embodied liberation and the profound power of faith, with a score that soars from the transcendence of gospel to the exhilarating vibrations of house music and pop. Saturday Church boldly asks, “is faith only for the Holy?” and, more importantly, “are there any queens in the house?!!!!”

New York Theatre Workshop (79 E. 4th St.)

Now closing 10/24

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

F) Season Announcement

In New York

12) Epic Players

EPIC Players, New York’s leading neuro-diverse theatre company, today announced its Fall 2025 season of classes and training programs, continuing its mission to provide free and low-cost opportunities for performers with developmental disabilities to learn, create, and grow in an inclusive and supportive environment.

Fall 2025 Class Offerings

• Improv led by Carly Hayes (In-Person)
  Mondays, 6–8 PM | Sept. 22 – Nov. 17
  
  

• Personal Narrative: Comedy & Storytelling led by TALIA (In-Person)
  Tuesdays, 3–5 PM | Sept. 30 - Nov. 11, Final showcase on Nov. 18

• Acting Foundations led by Travis Burbee (In-Person)
  Tuesdays, 6–8 PM | Sept. 23 – Nov. 11,  Final showcase on Nov. 18
  
  

• EPIC Plays (Virtual + In-Person Hybrid)
  Wednesdays, 6-8 PM | Sept. 17 – Nov. 19
  Modules include Audition Prep, Voice & Movement, and Play Club+
  
  

• EPIC Jr. (In-Person)
  Wednesdays, 4-5:30 PM | Sept. 24 – Dec. 10 

Designed for students ages 12–17 with developmental disabilities, this program provides professional training, mentorship, and the chance to perform in a culminating showcase.

• EPIC Sings: Musical Theatre Repertoire with Alexander Reeves (Virtual)
  Select Fridays, 1-3 PM | Sept. 19, Oct. 10, Oct. 17, Oct. 31, Nov. 7, Nov. 14

• EPIC Musical Master Class: with Stephanie Torns 

Select Fridays, 1-3PM | Sept. 26, Oct. 24, Nov. 21

Broadway’s Stephanie Torns (Waitress, Wicked) leads an exclusive EPIC Musical Master Class, where young performers will have the chance to learn directly from industry professionals. Each participant will prepare a 30-second musical performance tied to the class theme of the day and receive personalized feedback from Stephanie and a Broadway guest. The session also includes a Q&A, giving players the opportunity to hear firsthand about life on Broadway and what it takes to succeed on stage.

• Stage Combat with Jacqueline Holloway (In-Person)
  Saturdays, 10 AM - 1 PM | Sept. 20 – Nov. 22
  
  

All programs are taught by theatre professionals, many with Broadway and industry experience. Classes are free to EPIC company members and offered at a nominal fee to community participants. While registration has ended for fall classes, potential registrants should visit EPIC’s website to learn more and discover opportunities for the next series of workshops. 

EPIC Players—which stands for empower, perform, include, and create—is a nonprofit, neuro-inclusive theatre company founded in 2016 to provide performers with developmental disabilities opportunities to represent themselves on stage and screen. Through inclusive mainstage productions, musical cabarets, original showcases, skills-based classes, and career resources, EPIC uses the performing arts as a vehicle to expand employment opportunities, pioneer greater inclusion in the arts, and dismantle social stigmas surrounding neuro-diverse communities.

G) Tickets on Sale

In New York

13) American Museum of Natural History Sleepovers

The American Museum of Natural History's beloved sleepover program—A Night at the Museum: The Overnight Experience—will return on October 24, 2025. The first program of its kind, inaugurated in 2006 alongside the beloved family movie Night at the Museum, the sleepovers offer a unique and unforgettable experience for guests to explore the Museum after dark before drifting off to sleep underneath the Blue Whale or surrounded by other iconic Museum exhibits. Tickets for the first three sleepovers – which will be offered on a monthly basis – will go on sale on amnh.org/sleepovers starting September 30 for Museum Members at select levels and on October 7 for the general public. Available for kids 6–12 and their caregivers, A Night at the Museum: The Overnight Experience promises a return to the magic of the original program with new adventures and activities. From touring the Museum’s storied exhibition halls with flashlights to themed hands-on explorations, live presentations, scavenger hunts, group games, and more, the sleepovers offer the ultimate afterhours Museum journey. H) What Else is Happening In New Jersey Courtesy of Aversa PR 14) HALLOWEEN MEETS THE HIGH SEAS AS CAPE MAY'S SPOOKY SEASON POP-UP BOO BAR RETURNS TO HARRY'S OCEAN BAR AND GRILLE Head to South Jersey and Cape May for a hauntingly good time now through Halloween  Ahoy mates! This October, Harry’s Bar and Grille in Cape May is unleashing the spirits with the return of Harry's BOO BAR, Cape May's very first Halloween-themed pop-up experience! From October 3 to November 1, 2025, Harry’s at Montreal Beach Resort is transforming into a haunted pirate’s den for its second annual Halloween pop-up experience. Step into a thrilling world of pirate decor, eerie lighting and haunted surprises wherever you turn. The dining room will transport you to a place you’ve only seen in your Halloween dreams (or maybe your nightmares). Sip on spooky signature drinks that are as fun to admire as they are to consume. With a menu full of frightfully delicious food and cocktails, this is the Halloween hangout you won’t want to miss! Grab your mates and chart a course for BOO BAR, if you dare! Look for live music, DJ and karaoke to alternate on Fridays during October, and come out for live music with the Philly Keys every Saturday. Harry's is located at 1025 Beach Ave, Cape May. Hours are Wednesday Noon to 9:00pm, Thursday Noon to 9:00pm, Friday Noon to 10:00pm, Saturday 8:00am to 11:00pm and Sunday 8:00am to 9:00pm. Stay tuned for added days and hours leading up to Halloween. XXX Courtesy of Buzzword PR 15) Laurie Berkner: The Greatest Hits Solo Tour Sunday, October 5, 2025 at 3:00PM Carteret Performing Arts Center Carteret, NJ Award-winning children's recording artist Laurie Berkner,  widely recognized as the uncrowned queen of children’s music, will perform her greatest hits at the Carteret Performing Arts Center on Sunday, October 5 at 3:00PM.  Tickets are $36 and $101 for preferred VIP seating (plus applicable fees) and will be available at www.carteretpac.com starting on Friday, May 2 at 10:00AM. VIP tickets include meet and greet with Laurie Berkner after the show. Laurie's albums, released on her own label, have been bestsellers on a chart typically dominated by movie soundtracks and major label compilations. With more than 1 billion total streams, an average of more than 22 million monthly streams, more than 535 million YouTube channel views, and millions of CDs and DVDs sold, Laurie’s songs have become beloved classics for children worldwide. Her debut DVD, which went quadruple platinum, was the first-ever indie children’s music DVD to enter Billboard’s Top Music Video chart at #1. Laurie's 17th album, Laurie Berkner Greatest Hits, will be released in May 2025.  A longtime fixture on TV's Noggin and Universal Kids (formerly Sprout) channels, Laurie was the first recording artist to ever appear in a music video interstitial on Nick Jr. and was featured in nearly all the episodes of the channel’s Jack’s Big Music Show. Laurie can also be heard in two seasons of the ten-chapter Audible Original series she created, Laurie Berkner’s Song & Story Kitchen. XXX 16) McCarter Theater Offering  New Thursday Matinees  New Matinee: McCarter Theater is introducing a 2:00 PM Thursday matinee for I & You: The Musical. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.mccarter.org/iandyou  They are also offering 35 tickets to all patrons 16–35 https://www.mccarter.org/35andunder XXX In New York Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR 17) The Ballet Hispánico School Announces 2025-26 Adult Class Series FALL CLASSES NOW AVAILABLE BRING A FRIEND! Both Receive 15% Off All Fall Dance Sessions The Ballet Hispánico School announces its 2025 Adult Program Fall Session with registration available now. Serving the Upper West Side for over 55 years, The Ballet Hispánico School offers a wide range of classes at uniquely affordable prices. With top-notch teachers and a low-pressure environment, adult classes at Ballet Hispánico provide something for every individual. Read more about class offerings and register here. All classes take place at 167 W. 89th Street, New York, NY, 10025. Enrollment is open through October 15, 2025, with drop-in classes available. All classes are held at The Ballet Hispánico School: 167 W. 89th Street, New York, NY, 10024. For more information, call The Ballet Hispánico School at 212-362-6710 ext. 890 or email school@ballethispánico.org. FALL DANCE AND FITNESS CLASSES Flamenco Join School faculty member, and former soloist and choreographer for the Jose Greco Dance Company, JoDe Romano “La Chispa”, for an Adult Flamenco class series, exploring castanets, movement techniques, inspirational music, and more. ¡OLÉ! SATURDAYS | 2:30pm - 3:30pm or 3:30pm - 4:30pm DATES: Through December 6 TUITION: $245 (11 Classes) ENROLL HERE Salsa Absolute Beginner Absolute Beginner Salsa students should be new to salsa or have less than 3 months of training. Take your first steps into Salsa On2 with this fun, beginner-friendly class. Perfect for those new to salsa or with less than three months of training, you’ll learn basic steps, shines, and partner work—no partner needed! Clear, detailed instruction ensures you’ll build confidence while exploring rhythm, body isolations, and the joy of salsa. SATURDAYS | 1:30pm - 2:30pm DATES: Through December 13 TUITION: $264 (12 Classes) - $25 (Drop-In Class) ENROLL HERE Salsa Advanced Beginner Join us in the Advanced Beginner Salsa class for Adults! Get your body moving with us while learning the basic steps, shines, and partner work found in New York's Salsa On2 timing. All steps are safe for all ages and no partner is needed. This class, ideal for people with at least 3 or more months of training, explores the Latin dance of Salsa through body isolations, rhythm, and partner work which are explained and demonstrated in detail using dance kinesiology and theory. MONDAYS | 7:15pm - 8:15pm DATES: Through December 8 SATURDAYS | 3:30pm - 4:30pm DATES: Through December 13 TUITION: $264 (12 Classes) - $25 (Drop-In Class) ENROLL HERE Beginner Ballet Join The Ballet Hispánico School for this class designed to teach you the basic principles of ballet. If you have ever wanted to learn ballet, this is the perfect class for you. It will provide the necessary tools that will allow you to understand how a ballet class works and how the muscles in your body need to engage to achieve the simple but complex steps of this dance style. WEDNESDAYS | 7:15pm - 8:15pm DATES: Through December 10 TUITION: $264 (12 Classes) - $25 (Drop-In Class) ENROLL HERE Intermediate Ballet This class is ideal for dance enthusiasts that have at least one year of training experience in Ballet, or that have taken our Beginner Ballet Level course. We will explore new steps and combinations that will allow you to level up your training by building a solid technique. THURSDAYS | 7:15pm - 8:15pm DATES: Through December 11 TUITION: $264 (12 Classes) - $25 (Drop-In Class) ENROLL HERE Tap Whether you have some tap experience or have never danced before, join us in our adult tap classes! This class will be tailored to meet the needs of each student. We will focus on tap fundamentals, gradually progressing throughout the session. We will dance to a variety of music, from classic jazz standards to contemporary music. As we learn technique, we will be improving balance and our rhythmic awareness. Come have fun dancing in a social, encouraging setting! WEDNESDAYS | 7:00pm - 8:00pm DATES: Through December 10 TUITION: $264 (12 Classes) - $25 (Drop-In Class) ENROLL HERE Hip-Hop This class will give you the elements of hip hop grooves, culture and ability to express yourself on the dance floor. You will work on choreography, musicality, and your ability to perform. This class will clean your movements, correct bad habits, all while learning fun and energetic routines that will deliver an enriching cardio workout. SATURDAYS | 12:30pm - 1:30pm DATES: Through December 13 TUITION: $264 (12 Classes) - $25 (Drop-In Class) ENROLL HERE Yoga Join in an all-level yoga experience that harmoniously blends elements of Hatha, Vinyasa and Restorative yoga. This dynamic yet mindful class invites you to move through flowing sequences that build strength and promote a state of meditative movement, while also incorporating longer-held poses to cultivate mindfulness and enhance muscular resilience as well as stretching and nourishing the fascia. Through this thoughtful combination, you’ll explore the balance between movement and stillness, enhancing inner awareness and a profound sense of tranquility. Perfect for practitioners of any level, this class provides a nurturing space to connect with your body and mind, inviting you to experience the joy of yoga in its full expression. TUESDAYS | 7:30pm - 8:30pm DATES: Through December 9 TUITION: $264 (12 Classes) - $25 (Drop-In Class) ENROLL HERE Mat Pilates Whether a dancer or not, having a balanced body will prevent chronic pain and injuries. The Mat Pilates class is designed to improve posture, flexibility, balance and body awareness. Open to all ages and levels, no previous experience in Pilates is required. TUESDAYS | 7:30pm - 8:30pm | Through December 9 WEDNESDAYS | 7:30pm - 8:30pm | Through December 9 SATURDAYS | 9:00am - 10:00am | Through December 13 TUITION: $264 (12 Classes) ENROLL HERE Contemporary Class will start with a full warm-up that focuses on strength, technique, and flexibility appropriately preparing the dancers bodies in a safe-injury preventive way. We will review the basics as well as work on more challenging elements in a fun nonjudgmental environment. Dancers will move through the space, learn musicality, explore their artistic choices and build stamina. Class will end working on choreography. TUESDAYS | 6:30pm - 7:30pm DATES: Through December 9 TUITION: $264 (12 Classes) ENROLL HERE Tango Join The Ballet Hispánico School in Adult Tango! In these classes, we will work on the foundational basis you need to dance Argentine Tango. You'll learn individual and couples techniques, and useful tools to take to the dance floor. For Tango, no previous experience or partner are required. WEDNESDAYS | 6:00pm - 7:00pm DATES: Through December 10 TUITION: $264 (12 Classes) ENROLL HERE Afro-Modern Fusion An invitation to move with intention. Reconnect with your body and explore rhythmic expression under the guidance of a high-energy, well rounded instructor, Ms.Dánice. This all-levels class blends the grounded, healing movement of Afro-Caribbean dance with the fluidity and release of Modern Contemporary technique. Uplift your week in an expressive movement experience that promotes wellness and connection. WEDNESDAYS | 7:15pm - 8:15pm DATES: September 17 - December 10 TUITION: $264 (12 Classes) ENROLL HERE For more information, please call 212-362-6710 or email school@ballethispanico.org. XXX 18) Brooklyn Academy of Music Upcoming BAMKids Events October 4 – December 6, 2025 BAM Rose Cinemas & Outdoor Plaza | Peter Jay Sharp Building 30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, NY This fall, BAM invites families to return for two beloved BAMkids programs that celebrate creativity, community, and imagination. The Best of BAMkids Film Festival brings back the most popular shorts from the 2025 BAMkids Film Festival, and BAMboo! transforms the BAM plaza into a festive Halloween block party. These events offer meaningful cultural experiences for young audiences and their grown-ups. BEST OF BAMKIDS FILM FESTIVAL In association with the Melbourne International Animation Festival Experience audience favorites from the 2025 BAMkids Film Festival once again—or for the very first time. These one-day-only screenings feature celebrated animated and live-action shorts from around the globe, thoughtfully grouped by age range. Best of BAMkids: Ages 3–5 Saturday, October 4, at 11AM Runtime: 62 min A whimsical lineup for our youngest viewers, featuring ANIMANIMUSICAL, Kid President, A Dragon in Name Only, Mushroom Magic, and more. Perfect for ages 3 to 5. XXX 19) Lincoln Center  Upcoming Events October 2025 Highlights:     Be the first to see what’s next at Lincoln Center's fourth-annual Festival of Firsts, a free celebration of bold debuts and fresh creative horizons. This year’s lineup includes the New York debut of a powerful play by Malicho Vaca Valenzuela (October 03), a performance from Fusilier's debut album Ambush (October 04), Ana Everling’s New York debut (October 09), Latin GRAMMY-nominated trio DARUMAS (October 10), guitar-and-vocal duo Love? Said the Commander (October 15), the immersive performance experience Art Bath (October 16), genre-defying artist Sparklmami (October 17), the headlining debut of Apocalypse Noir (October 22), and countertenor Key’mon Murrah’s Lincoln Center debut: The Fach?! (October 23). From world premieres to exciting new collaborations, every performance is a chance to say, “I saw them first.”    Passing the Crown returns for one unforgettable night of rhythm, royalty, and raw energy. The event features Hip-Hop legend MC Lyte, with a special appearance by  GRAMMY winner Rapsody, and an opening set by the trailblazing DJ Perly. This genre-defying mixtape fuses a live orchestra, turntablism, breaking, and freestyle for a fresh new take on Hip-Hop history. Conceived by violinist and composer Juliette Jones and styled by streetwear icon April Walker, it’s more than a concert—it’s a celebration of Hip-Hop’s past, present, and future (October 12).    Before Lincoln Center, there was San Juan Hill—a thriving, lively community that shaped the cultural heartbeat of New York City. This October, Legacies of San Juan Hill Festival honors the neighborhood’s rich legacy with live performances, film screenings, and interactive events that celebrate the artists, activists, and storytellers who called it home. From ragtime and mambo to visual arts and theater, discover the creative brilliance born in this vibrant neighborhood and how it continues to shape culture today. Join us in celebrating a community whose spirit still echoes through every note and movement (October 14 – 29).    Unsound Festival returns to Lincoln Center with a bold new season of boundary-pushing sound and spectacle. This year’s lineup defies expectations with genre-blurring performances: RP Boo & Gary Gwadera; Sinfonietta Cracovia Plays Mica Levi / Lucrecia Dalt / Aleksandra Słyż; John Cale's Steam on Glass / Heinali & Andriana-Yaroslava Saienko. Featuring unconventional instruments, immersive staging, and raw creative energy, Unsound 2025 redefines what contemporary music can be (October 30 – November 02).    Experience Open House at Lincoln Center — a free, family-friendly weekend celebrating creativity, community, and joy for all ages. From storytimes and the gravity-defying Cirque Kikasse to sing-alongs led by Visionary Artist Jeanine Tesori, operatic storytelling with The Metropolitan Opera, and dance workshops from School of American Ballet and New York City Ballet, there’s something for everyone. Explore the Instrument Petting Zoo, puppet making and parades with IBEX Puppetry, immersive VR, and more! Come dressed in costumes and join us for a day of shared discovery and celebration (October 26).    Step into Collective Body, a groundbreaking interactive Virtual Reality (VR) experience and Lincoln Center commission. Developed by dancer, director, and choreographer Sarah Silverblatt-Buser and produced by Atlas V and ONX Onassis, this immersive experience blends dance, technology, and storytelling to explore connection across the virtual and physical worlds (October 22 - November 01).  For a full line-up of October events, check out the monthly event calendar!  XXX Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR 20) South Street Seaport Museum Announces Free October Family Activity Weekends: Sailors’ Skills October 4–19, 2025 | 11am–4:30pm South Street Seaport Museum announces the free October Family Activity Weekends program on Saturdays and Sundays, from October 4 through 19, 2025, from 11am to 4:30pm. seaportmuseum.org/family-activity-weekends October 2025: Sailors’ Skills Families and guests of all ages can step aboard the 1885 tall ship Wavertree and discover the timeless maritime skills sailors have relied on for centuries—then put those new talents to the test with fun, hands-on activities right on the ship’s main deck. Learn how to coil a line to keep the deck safe and ropes tangle-free, follow 3D models to master a sailor’s knot that’s strong yet easy to untie, and try your hand at lassoing a bitt, just like sailors do to secure a ship in port. This experience brings history to life while letting families play like a true mariner. This activity will be offered Saturdays and Sundays from October 4 through October 19. Upcoming Schedule Saturday, October 4, 2025; 11am–4:30pm Sunday, October 5, 2025; 11am–4:30pm Saturday, October 11, 2025; 11am–4:30pm Sunday, October 12, 2025; 11am–4:30pm Saturday, October 18, 2025; 11am–4:30pm Sunday, October 19, 2025; 11am–4:30pm 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 Nicholas & Lence 21) Studio Ghibli’s Iconic Soundtracks  Come Alive in New York,  Sixth Station Trio  Makes New York City Debut On Thursday, October 2 at 7:30 pm, the acclaimed Sixth Station Trio, a professional violin, cello, and piano ensemble based in San Francisco, will make their New York City debut at The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine.   Audiences are invited to step inside the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli, the Oscar-winning Japanese animation studio behind Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and The Boy and the Heron, with fresh arrangements of music by legendary composers Joe Hisaishi, Satoshi Takebe, and Yuji Nomi, performed in one of the city’s most breathtaking settings.   Hisaishi, often called “Japan’s John Williams,” is celebrated for melodies that have topped Japan’s classical charts and defined the sound of Japanese cinema for decades. Amplified by the Cathedral’s soaring acoustics, Sixth Station Trio will bring to life his iconic scores and transform beloved film moments into a powerful live music experience.   Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased here. XXX 22) Internet Sensation Toni Nagy Brings Pump Your Pelvis Against the Patriarchy to Joe’s Pub for a One Night Only Performance Internet sensation Toni Nagy, the dancing, pulsing, feral comedian most known for her viral videos where she interpretive dances her philosophies is coming to Joe’s Pub on October 5th. It is a night of stand-up comedy and clowning called “Pump Your Pelvis Against the Patriarchy.” The show will also feature a special musical performance with original songs by Toni Nagy and a Joe's Pub favorite, Bridget Barkan - singer-songwriter, actress, and member of the iconic band "Scissor Sisters" fresh off their UK Arena tour and international tour with Kesha.  "Pump Your Pelvis Against the Patriarchy," is a wild and raw journey of equal opportunity genital humor. It is a comedy adventure for anyone who is currently waking up in an existential crisis while releasing a primal guttural scream at the state of the world. If you are looking to connect to others whose eyes are also Clockwork Orange-style peeled open, and you feel the yearning to emotionally moisturize into a new vision of society, then this is the show for you.   This comedy show will penetrate your psyche and provide comedic relief to help unblock the emotional constipation of our current culture. Toni’s stand up self-reflects in a fun house of mirrors while bumping into sociological reflections. Her work is aimed to deconstruct society so we can build it back up together as a community. The audience will collectively come in unity at Toni's comedy, that is a guarantee. For tickets or more information, visit publictheater.org/performances-jp/2025/t/toni-nagy-pump-your-pelvis-against-the-patriarchy XXX In Pennsylvania  Courtesy of Aversa PR 23) RED RUM THEATER AND POPS MCCANN WHISKEY DEBUT NEW HOCUS POCUS SPEAKEASY AND COCKTAIL EXPERIENCE IN PHILADELPHIA AT THE CURTIS Month long Halloween bar, cocktail and theatre experience includes nearly two dozen events, cocktail potion classes, and themed events with Hocus Pocus, Rocky Horror, Wicked, More! Double, double toil and trouble. Fire burn and caldron bubble. Red Rum Theatre, Without a Cue Productions and Pops McCann Whiskey will put a spell on you with the debut of Philadelphia's first Hocus Pocus Speakeasy and Cocktail Experience. America's only theatre (and bar) dedicated to the art of the murder mystery will host its first seasonal pop-up with a bewitchingly boozy month of mayhem, mixology, and mischief! This new immersive playground of witches, cocktails, and murder mystery mayhem will start on October 3 and run through November 15th at Red Rum Theatre and Bar, located at The Curtis (601 Walnut). Every Saturday, look for a special Hocus Pocus Cocktail Experience with the Sanderson Sisters This wickedly interactive evening will feature spellbinding performances, games and three “potions” you’ll learn to brew and sip yourself. Fridays bring freaky fun from Hocus Pocus Bingo to Sips & Psychics and the Rocky Horror Cocktail Experience. On weekends, the country’s only resident murder mystery theatre unleashes a new themed whodunit - ranging from a Schitt’s Creek send-up to Murder of Oz, to Deadly Dancing. With boozy brews, bewitched bingo, deadly dances and devilish drama, Red Rum promises a month-long cauldron of cocktails and chaos. Costumes encouraged, inhibitions discouraged. 21+ only, because these potions pack a punch. Visit Redrum dot live for cocktail reservations and experience tickets. XXX 24) Philadelphia Area  Upcoming Events 1) 13th Annual Roxtoberfest Presented by Roxborough Development Corporation Saturday, October 4, 2025 12:00pm to 5:00pm Ridge Avenue between Lyceum Avenue & Leverington Avenue The Roxborough Development Corporation is proudly bringing the community together for a celebration of fall fun at the 13th Annual Roxtoberfest on Saturday, October 4 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm. The street festival will take place on Ridge Avenue between Lyceum Avenue and Leverington Avenue, with sidewalk activations extending from Leverington Avenue to Hermitage Street, connecting Roxtoberfest to the family fun at Gorgas Park. Don your best pair of lederhosen, sip on New Ridge Brewing Co. Bierfest and Horror Business, and join us for one of the neighborhood’s most cherished fall traditions. Look for a traditional feel of a German beer fest including performances by Galena Brass Band, the dazzling spectacle of circus performers, spirited competitions, an enticing array of food trucks, a mini classic car show with the Ridge Runners, and a curated market from Fleisher Art Memorial, El l Mercardo featuring LatinX artisans. New This year Top of the Ridge, the ultimate beverage tent at Roxtoberfest! This year, we're bringing you a special collaboration between two local favorites: New Ridge Brewing and Top Dog Cocktails. Located at the MGMT Residential Main Stage on Lyceum Avenue, this is your one-stop shop for refreshing craft beers and delicious, RTD cocktails. Come find your new favorite drink and toast to the good times! Also  returning is the Scarecrow Walk and Scarecrow Build with Gorgas Park. This year the Friends of Gorgas Park are bringing back their scarecrow making event!  The RDC and Friends of Gorgas Park are partnering to connect the two events with sidewalk activations including a scarecrow walk with voting for best scarecrow! 2) Evil Genius Oktoberfest Saturday, October 4, 2025 12:00pm to 6:00pm Evil Genius Beer Company 1727 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122 Cost: Starts at $20 Evil Genius is closing down Front Street for the debut of the inaugural Evil Genius Oktoberfest. Performance from Philadelphia's premier Oompah band, Polkadelphia, from 2:00 - 3:00 pm. DJ Drini spinning modern hits as well as remixed German classics all day. Evil Genius will host the qualifying round for the official United States Stein Holding Association for both men and women. Winners will have been invited to the state championship on October 11th for a chance to compete at Nationals in November. German inspired eats, games, decor, and more Note: This event is 21+. This event is rain or shine. Four Limited Edition German Style Beers With An Evil Genius Twist: I Love Lamp: Pineapple Hefeweizen Is Butter A Carb?: Pretzel Oktoberfest It's Britney, Bitch!: Hoppy Kolsch What Are You Wearing, Jake From State Farm?: Schwarzbier General admission tickets $20-30, with desginated driver $10.  17) St. Nick’s Italian Festival Sunday, October 5, 2025 12:00 Noon to 8:00 PM St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, 910 Watkins Street 1700 Block of South 9th Street No charge, food/drink pay-as-you-go A beloved tradition with roots back to the early 1900s returns to South Philadelphia. The Annual St. Nicholas of Tolentine Authentic Italian Festival will bring out thousands of people on Sunday, October 5th, to the 1700 Block of South 9th Street, from 12 Noon to 8:00pm. One of the largest authentic Italian festivals of the year is back and starts with the annual religious procession throughout the neighborhood with a long line of the Statues of Saints and their faithful following. Food vendors will include The Kitchen Consigliere, Marra's Pizza, Termini Bros Bakery, and others. Entertainment will include Elegance String Quartet, The Vivaci Dancers, Matthew Maisano, Moreno Fruzzetti, Verdi Band, That's Amore: The Great Italian-American Songbook, Quaker City String Band, City Rhythm “Sound of Philadelphia Dance Party" and DJ Spanky Brown.  Family and fun for the kids will include rides, face painting, games, sandy candy, sand art and more.  The festival is no charge and open to the public, with food and drink pay as you go. For more information, visit www dot stnicksitalianfestival dot com XXX Other 25) THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW  LIKE YOU’VE NEVER HEARD IT BEFORE A new spoken word album featuring the film’s original stars Patricia Quinn, Barry Bostwick and Nell Campbell As the cult classic film, The Rocky Horror Picture Show celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year, producer Scott Stander announces the new spoken-word album, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show Like You’ve Never Heard It Before” featuring original cast icon Patricia Quinn (Magenta), joined by special guests Barry Bostwick (Brad Majors) and Nell Campbell (Columbia).    This unique anniversary tribute reimagines Richard O’Brien’s unforgettable songs through the stars’ dramatic narration, continuing to bring the beloved film to a new generation of fans. The album features all songs from the film including “Time Warp”, “Sweet Transvestite,” “Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me,” “Science Fiction Double Feature,” and more. This is a must have for any and all Rocky aficionados.  The album will be released October 1st and is available for pre-order CD and Vinyl here: https://www.scottstander.com/store/c2/RECORDINGS.html. It will be available to stream on all major platforms including as an audiobook. Physical copies will also be available at all Rocky Horror Picture Show Spectacular Tour Stops including limited edition signed copies by all three artists. Tour dates can be found here: https://www.scottstander.com/rocky.html XXX And that's the scoop. Tune in tomorrow for More Theater Monday. Images used in this post were sent by publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms and are used by permission.  Address any concerns regarding image usage here.