Theater Thursday - Archduke

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

What: Archduke 

Where: Laura Pels Theatre

              111 W. 46th St.

              New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 14 and Up Due to Mature Themes and Historical Context 

When: Through December 21, 2025

Archduke reimagines Archduke Franz Ferdinand's assassin, Gavrilo Princip, and his fellow revolutionaries as unfortunate, gullible teenagers goaded and beguiled into action by the charismatic Dragutin Dimitrijević. The latter is played by the brilliantly talented Patrick Page, always a force to be reckoned with in any of his roles but even more so here.  Princip and his fellow revolutionaries are played by Jake Berne, Adrien Rolet, and Jason Sanchez, respectively, all of whom are making their Off-Broadway debuts. Rolet is, in fact, making his professional debut. The three hold their own nicely opposite the formidable Page. The final member of the cast is Kristine Nielsen. She provides comic relief in this mostly dark show in a delightfully amusing turn as Dimitrijević's servant Sladjana. 

And that's our view. For more about Archduke or to purchase tickets, visit www.roundabouttheatre.org/get-tickets/2025-2026-season/archduke

Tune in Saturday for Still More Theater Saturday.

Photo credits:

All Archduke production photos by Joan Marcus

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. 

Where-To-Go Wednesday - An Ecology of Quilts: The Natural History of American Textiles

What: An Ecology of Quilts: The Natural History of American Textiles 

Where: American Folk Art Museum 

              2 Lincoln Square

              New York, NY

Who: All ages

When: Through March 1, 2026

The current exhibit at the American Folk Art Museum, An Ecology of Quilts: The Natural History of American Textiles, examines the art of quiltmaking from all perspectives. It shows how quiltmaking is a reflection of the time and place in which the quilts are made. Thus, materials used, who makes them, how they are made, and what they represent can vary with time and place.  For instance, sometimes they preserve resources because they are made using already existing materials; other times, they use up resources due to the process needed to create the necessary dyes. 

There are a fair number of quilts on display in the exhibit; however, this is only a small portion of the museum's vast collection. These include quilts of various patterns and materials, although the majority of the quilts on display are made of cotton. Other objects on display include samples of materials used to make dyes and a display of fabrics that are used in making quilts. There is also a video showing the process of dyeing cloth with indigo.

And that's our view. For more information, visit folkartmuseum.org/exhibitions/an-ecology-of-quilts-the-natural-history-of-american-textiles. There is no fee required to visit the American Folk Art Museum.

Tune in tomorrow for Theater Thursday.

All pictures used in this post are our own. Address any concerns regarding image usage here.

Tips for Tuesday - Books: All Eyes on Him & The Day I Lost You; Movie: A Chrismystery

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.

What: All Eyes on Him & The Day I Lost You

Today, we are talking about All Eyes on Him by Iliana Xander. After Natalie's friend leaves the club with a man and ends up in a coma, Natalie sees the man's face on the cover of a magazine and realizes he's a millionaire. She gets a job as a housekeeper in his mansion to find out what really happened to her friend, but she has no idea of the danger she's putting herself in. 

This is a fast-paced and intriguing mystery with lots of unexpected twists. However, even though Natalie is a fierce independent heroine throughout much of the book, the resolution of the plot hinges largely on men. It would have been more exciting to have Natalie play a larger role and not have to be rescued by men. 

While a touch of romance is featured in the plot, it is not enough to satisfy any true romance fan. It is also not developed enough, and is mostly just thrown in at the end. Thus, although there are some compelling aspects to this book a lot of it is disappointing. 

Today, we are talking about The Day I Lost You by Ruth Mancini. Two women, both with a child named Sam.  Lauren and her son moved to Spain to start a new life after a tragedy around the same time Hope's son went missing. The police think the child is the same, but Lauren is insistent that Sam is her son, and she has the paperwork to prove it. 

This is a very unique and original story. It is extremely gripping, quite unpredictable, and really heartbreaking in many ways. While shifting points of view allows the author to present different characters' perspectives and thus not paint anyone as the villain, this can also be confusing at times. It's hard to know what to think or who to root for, although some may actually enjoy this aspect.

Based on what has occurred throughout the book, the ending is too neatly wrapped up, making it a little unbelievable. Given all these people have been through and based on their prior behavior, it's hard to believe that all three of them, Lauren, Hope, and Hope's husband, would be able to agree to such a mature, rational solution and stick to it even if it is actually what is best. The book also leaves you wanting to know more, particularly about Sam and how he will adjust to the new realities he will face in the future.

Movie: A Chrismystery

Today, we are talking about A Chrismystery. Upon returning to her hometown with her daughter and taking on the job of deputy sheriff, Annie becomes embroiled in the mystery of what happened to the town's Christmas decorations. This movie is sweet but packed with plenty of clichés. However, if you love small-town set Christmas-themed movies, a touch of romance, and plenty of found family vibes, you'll probably love it.

And that's our view. All Eyes on Him and The Day I Lost You were published today. A Chrismystery is available for purchase or rental digitally.

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 - Laowang: A Chinese King Lear

We received complimentary tickets to Laowang: A Chinese King Lear for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: Laowang: A Chinese King Lear

Where: 59E59 Theaters

             59 E. 59 St.

             New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 16 and Up

When: Through December 14. 2025

Laowang: A Chinese King Lear is a retelling of the Shakespearean tragedy set in New York's Chinatown. In this version of the story, a trio of grandchildren fights to gain control over their family's legacy, a Chinese restaurant. The show is quite powerful and affecting. Wai Chang Ho as A-Poh, the grandmother whom the three are fighting to wrest control from, gives a particularly heartbreaking performance. She poignantly captures the fear and sadness of advancing age and fading memories. Although the rest of the cast are excellent in their roles as well, it is her performance that is at the heart of this story, literally and emotionally. 

And that's our view. For more about Laowang: A Chinese King Lear or to purchase tickets, visit www.59e59.org/shows/show-detail/laowang-a-chinatown-king-lear.

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Photo credits:

All Laowang: A Chinese King Lear production photos by James Leynse

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. 

Giveaway: Win a copy of Christmas People by Iva-Marie Palmer

Please Note: If this giveaway seems familiar, it's because we had a problem with the previous giveaway for this book so we had to run it again 

Welcome to the Holly Jolly Giveaway Hop

hosted by Mama the Fox and Mom Does Review

It's hard to believe that we are already in the midst of the holiday season. Some people thrive during the holidays and wish the season were even longer. Others just get stressed out and can't wait for it to be over. Jill in Iva-Marie Palmer's new book, Christmas People, is one of the latter. Then, she suddenly wakes up, literally in the middle of a Christmas movie. For more about this book, see our previous post Tips for Tuesday - Books: Christmas People. Enter below to win a copy: 

Giveaway Dates 12/1 - 12/15

Giveaway Open to Ages 18+ US

Win a Copy of The Christmas People

Once you have entered our giveaway, hop around to the blogs listed below to see what other great prizes you can enter to win.

Disclaimer: Hosts and participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors and self-sponsoring bloggers who do not fulfill prize obligations. To win any giveaway, please remember that following all instructions for any giveaway entry claimed is mandatory for that entry to count. Entries will be checked, and those that do not follow all instructions will be disqualified. Please do not claim entry for following our blog, Twitter, or whatever if you do not do so. Repeatedly entering our giveaways and claiming to be a follower when you are not will result in disqualification from all current and future giveaways. If you do follow our blog and/ or social media, don't let your entry be disqualified; be sure to leave your follower name and/or a link to your comment.

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.