Tips for Tuesday - Books: Don't Cross Mo Ellery, We Already Dug the Grave, & The Mystic and the Missing Girl; Movie: Finding Happy

We may have received complimentary copies and/or review access to any books, products, and/or other visual or audio media mentioned below. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Books: Don't Cross Mo Ellery, We Already Dug the Grave, & The Mystic and the Missing Girl

Me - Don't Cross Mo Ellery by Birdie Horne is an entertaining and easy-to-read mystery following chaotic, hypochondriac, adult– but in-age-only– Mo Ellery as a series of strange events results in her getting pulled in to help solve a murder.

Mo was an absolute mess in a way that was somehow vexing and endearing at the same time. She stressed me out and irritated me to no end sometimes, but I couldn't help sympathizing with her and rooting for her anyway.

The plot was all over the place, but in terms of hijinks and wackiness rather than plot holes or poor pacing. At first, it seemed like the mystery was solved so easily that it barely qualified as one, but after a while, it became clear the answers weren't as obvious as they had appeared. I was never on the edge of my seat, and the ending didn't leave me feeling shocked, relieved, or really much of anything in particular. That said, it wasn't an unsatisfying conclusion– I simply wasn't invested enough to care much.

The most lackluster aspect of the story was the relationship development. For one thing, there was a romance subplot involving a love interest who had no personality and no chemistry or connection with Mo. Eventually, their storyline collided with the murder mystery, and  I don't want to get into spoiler territory; however, it felt like the romance was thrown in just to move the plot along rather than developing on its own.

Mo's friendship with her best friend Hannah was the other most prominent relationship featured throughout the book. Yet, Hannah was missing from at least half of it. She was there at the beginning, acting somewhat strange and mysterious before disappearing until much later, when tension quickly arose between her and Mo. Eventually, it became clear that these two deeply cared for each other, but their relationship could have been so much more impactful and meaningful if we'd seen that throughout the story and not just in the last few chapters. Instead, so little focus was placed on developing their relationship that I half-suspected Hannah was somehow involved in the murder until nearly the end of the book because I couldn't figure out why else her character was necessary at all.

While this book fell short for me in several ways, it was very entertaining, and I had a good time reading it. I don't think anyone needs to run out and buy it immediately, but if the synopsis appeals to you and/or you love a mystery with a silly vibe and a very quirky protagonist, then it's worth a try.

Mom - Today, I am talking about We Already Dug the Grave by Emma C. Wells.  After their mother went to prison for killing their father, Milly and her sister, Frances, were raised by their aunts. After Millie is forced into drastic action to protect her sister, she leaves town, and the sisters become estranged.  When her reading of the tea leaves and her sister's appearance on TV, allegedly flashing their secret signal, convinces Milly that her sister needs her, she goes rushing to her side, where once again desperate measures are required.

This book is an exciting read, and even if you figure out where it is going before the end, which is highly likely, that doesn't take away the absolute shock, horror, and thrill of the resolution of the mystery. The story is also kind of heartbreaking because several characters, particularly Milly, deserve so much better than what they get. While her loyalty to her sister is admirable, her sister is a spoiled brat from the get-go who doesn't deserve her sympathy or her loyalty. They both had the same trauma, and it is not as if they were put into some abusive foster home; their aunts love them and are good to them. Frances just likes to act as if she has it much worse than she does, even though she, unlike Milly, has the means to change her situation if she wants to. 

While Frances does have real trauma at times throughout the novel, it is not her sister's fault, and if anything, her sister is the one who is always there to help her.  However, even with family, sometimes you just have to cut your losses. After everything that happens, it is unfathomable how Millie's loyalty to her sister can still be unwavering, making her and the book on the whole a little less likable. 

Mom - Today, I am also talking about The Mystic and The Missing Girl by Vikki Vansickle. Years ago, Drew's Aunt Hannah, a TV psychic, became the scapegoat when her involvement in the case of a missing girl didn't lead to a resolution. Although Drew has inherited her aunt's calling, she has tried to ignore it. Instead, she has drifted through life, barely making a living running the metaphysical shop she also inherited from her aunt, until she is drawn into the case of the same missing girl.

This is mostly an enjoyable book. The mystery is intriguing. Drew is a likable, relatable character, and the way her character comes into herself throughout the story is admirable. The side characters are, for the most part, interesting and well developed.  However, the resolution to the mystery, while unique, seems kind of arbitrary and is less than satisfying. 

Movie: Finding Happy

Today, we recommend Finding Happy. In this heartwarming documentary, a woman finds an injured sparrow and has no idea of the profound effect it will have on her life. She then sets out to explore the bond between humans and animals, and the way they help and heal each other. 

Anyone who loves animals will likely enjoy this deeply moving film and may even cry many happy tears while watching it. Anyone who doesn't particularly care about animals or the bond between humans and animals probably won't particularly enjoy this film either. 

And that's our view. Don't Cross Mo Ellery was published on August 11, 2026. We Already Dug the Grave and The Mystic and the Missing Girl were published today. Finding Happy is available now digitally for rental or purchase.

Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday.

All images other than film images used in this post are our own.  Film images were sent to us from publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms. Address any concerns regarding image usage here.

More Theater Monday - Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares

We received complimentary tickets to Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares

Where: NBPAC

             11 Livingston Ave.

             New Brunswick, NJ 

When: This event took place from August 26 through August 30, 2026

Performer Laura Benanti, best known for her many starring Broadway roles, is currently engaged in a multi-city tour of her one-woman show, Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares. The show has played the Edinburgh Festival and sold-out two Off-Broadway runs, among other things. Recently, she played a 5-night run for George Street Playhouse, which is currently housed in the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center in New Brunswick. NJ.

 If you attend Ms. Benanit's show hoping to hear her perform some of the classic songs she has performed in some of her beloved Broadway roles, which have included Maria in The Sound of Music, Julia in The Wedding Singer, and Amalia in She Loves Me, among many others, you may be disappointed. There are no Broadway songs or familiar songs in the show at all, only original songs. It's not that kind of show.

Rather, it is more of an evening of storytelling about her life. She covers topics like growing older, being a mom, and trying to recover from a lifelong compulsion to people-please among other things.  It's all highly relatable and told in a delightfully amusing way. The songs sprinkled throughout the evening are also amusing.

This is definitely not a family-friendly show. It's full of vulgarity and frank sex talk, but not in a crass, hateful way- more in a self-aware, positive way. If you are still offended by even a hint of these things, you may want to skip this show. However, if you do, you will be closing yourself off to a highly entertaining evening. 

And that's our view. For more about Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares, to find out when it may be coming to a city near you or to purchase tickets, visit www.laurabenanti.com. For more about the George Street Playhouse's upcoming season, go to www.georgestreetplayhouse.org.

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Photo credits: 

All Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares production photos by Avery Brunkus.

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

Sunday Scoop Week of 9/6/26 What's Happening This Week and More

A) Beginning Performances

In New York 

1) After All These Years: The Musicals of Al Tapper

AMT Theater 9/10 - 10/10

2) Afterwards

La Mama 9/11 - 9/19

3) ...but what if it rains?

Under St. Marks 9/12 & 9/13

4) Cl*t Cult

Under St. Marks 9/10 & 11

Brooklyn Comedy Collective 10/4

5) Delirium

The Space at Irondale 9/8 - 10/24

6) The Ford/Hill Project

BAM 9/8 - 9/20

7) Going Bacharach

Marjorie S. Deane Little Theatre 9/11 - 11/29

8) The Hope Theory

New York City Center 9/9 - 12/6

9) In Honor of Jean-Michel Basquiat

NYTW 9/9 - 10/4

10) Les Enfants Terribles

East Village Basement 9/10 - 10/4

11) Lost in Del Valle

SoHo Playhouse 9/14 - 1014

12) Our Sinatra

Marjorie S. Deane Little Theatre 9/11 - 11/29

13) Somewhere, Virginia

The Johnson Theater at Theater for the New City 9/8 - 9/12

14) Truly, Howard Hughes

Theatre at St. Jean's 9/9 - 10/4

15) Very Blue Light

The Tank 9/10 - 10/4

B) Cast Changes

In New York 

16) Just in Time

C) Classes

In Pennsylvania

17) Bucks County Playhouse Fall Education Classes

D) Concert

In New York 

18) American Symphony Orchestra - Free Concerts

Bryant Park 9/11

Kupferberg Center 9/13

19) Bobby Sanabria

Dante Park 9/9

20) Concert for Canines and Their Companions

Schwarzman Animal Medical Center 9/10

21) The Ethel Merman Disco Project with Carly Ozard & Friends

The Green Room 42 9/13

22) Gunhild Carling

Centenary Stage Co. 9/12

23) Monthly Jazz Jam: Celebrating Jazz Music and Musicians

Flushing Town Hall 9/9

E) Dance

In New York 

24) In the Studio 

Daniel Gwirtzman Dance Company, New York City Center 9/12

F) Exhibition

In New York 

25) Teddy Sandoval and the Butch Gardens School of Art

El Museo del Barrio 9/10 - 1/10/27

G) Festival

In New York 

26) Autumn Glow Festival

Glen Island Park 9/11 - 11/1

27) Citizens Art Festival - Upcoming Events

Serve and Protect Direct Action Theatre

9/10 & 9/11 Community Theater

9/12 & 9/13 Pop-Up Locations

Suzik by Force 

Culture Lab 9/12

The Bushwick Starr 9/13

28) Kaatsbaan Cultural Park 2026 Annual Festival - Upcoming Event

Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE

Mountain Stage 9/12

29) Neurotica Fest

Under St. Marks 9/10 - 9/13

30) Taste of the Times

Times Square 9/9

H) What Else is Happening 

In New Jersey

31) Raising Conscious Daughters and Raising Conscious Sons Book Discussion

bergenPAC 9/15

In New York 

32) Broadway in Memoriam Honorees for September 

9/8

33) Broadway Magic Hour September 2026 Shows

34) Bronx Little Italy Upcoming Events 

35) Commemorating 25th Anniversary of 9/11

Here Arts Center 9/11

36) Mamma Mia Brunches

Ellen's Stardust Diner

37) Unforgotten: Butoh for 9/11

Times Square 9/11

A) Beginning Performances

In New York 

1) After All These Years: The Musicals of Al Tapper

Part concert, part comedy, and part affectionate roast, the musical celebration runs the gamut from Stephen Sondheim to Joey Buttafuoco—with stops along the way for Doris Day, Vladimir Putin, teenage lust, middle-aged regret, and the occasional dirty martini.

With Al appearing on screen and a live company bringing his songs to life, AFTER ALL THESE YEARS proves that one man’s memories can be funny, touching, outrageous, and just inappropriate enough to deserve their own musical.

AMT Theater (354 W. 45th St.)

9/10 - 10/10

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.amttheater.org/current-shows

2) Afterwards

AFTERWARDS is a spiritual, theatrical novella, a sequel to Enz’s play City Girls and Desperados. Enz’s elliptical, transcendent storytelling revolves around a crew of hipster artists orbiting the steadying center of legend to legends; Sam Shaw - creator of the famous (Marilyn subway shot) and esteemed Cassavetes producer, whose lawsuit of biblical proportions with his only son evolves into a blueprint for forgiveness that gives this piece its resonant heart. Sam’s son is shattered by his refusal to say “Yes, I do, I do love you.” after an argument with the love of his life, French film Goddess Françoise Dorléac, just before she drives away to her fiery death. This tragedy ripples through decades across oceans, snuffing out the possibility of love for generations. Characters ballet with younger versions of themselves as they unravel multiple dimensions of time, identity, death, reality, and truth through a maze-like world, desperately in need of empathy.

La Mama (74A E. 4th)

9/11 - 9/19

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://events.humanitix.com/afterwards/tickets

3) ...but what if it rains?

The show is about the year I spent re-calibrating to the sudden new role of becoming a caregiver for my mom. I wrote this show to quell the lonely abyss that many people in this situation feel. Creating this piece of theater art is the hope that it might make someone feel less alone in their own situation through its relatability. 

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

9/12 & 9/13

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit tickets.frigid.nyc/event/6897:1508.

Courtesy of Andrea Alton PR

4) Cl*t Cult

Part comedy, part cautionary tale, Cl*t Cult explores the impact of sex-negative culture, the dynamics of power and control, and the sexual and economic exploitation of women.

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

9/10 & 9/11

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit tickets.frigid.nyc/event/6897:1495

Brooklyn Comedy Collective (137 Montrose Ave.)

10/4

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.brooklyncc.com/show-schedule/clt-cult-10-4

5) Delirium

In Delirium, a couple is locked in an endless argument while the world outside collapses into chaos. As the boundaries between reality and delusion dissolve, Khamatova (“Her”) and Burkovskiy (“Him”) inhabit a space where conflict becomes connection, and contradiction becomes a form of devotion. What begins as absurdist comedy reveals its deeper truth: two people fighting not against each other, but for each other’s continued existence.

The Space at Irondale (85 S. Oxford St., Brooklyn)

9/8 - 10/24

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

6) The Ford/Hill Project

The Ford/Hill Project transforms the verbatim Senate testimony of Anita Hill and Christine Blasey Ford into a gripping, meticulously crafted evening of theater. 

BAM (30 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn)

9/8 - 9/20

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.bam.org/theater/2026/ford-hill-project

Courtesy of Keith Sherman & Associates

7) Going Bacharach

Who in this world doesn’t have a favorite Burt Bacharach song? Fresh off smash-hit, critically acclaimed engagements in New York and Chicago last season, Going Bacharach is sweeping back into town for an encore run. This sleek and classy production is a celebration of the master who composed the soundtrack for a generation. Backed by a world class five-piece band, three powerhouse vocalists take you on a soulful and sophisticated musical journey through that distinctive Bacharach sound. Reimagined with fresh, joyful, and illuminating new arrangements by Australian jazz sensation Adrian Galante, experience the Bacharach classics you love — “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head,” “That's What Friends Are For,” “I'll Never Fall In Love Again,” “What's New Pussycat?,” “Alfie,” “Promises, Promises,” “Always Something There To Remind Me,” “Close To You,” “The Look Of Love,” “Do You Know The Way To San Jose?,” and more — as you've never heard them before.

Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater (10 W. 64th St.)

9/9 - 11/29

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://goingbacharach.com.

Courtesy of Print Shop PR

8) The Hope Theory

As a Portuguese immigrant, storyteller, and sleight-of-hand magician, Helder Guimarães arrived in America at age 29. Wide-eyed and full of ideas, he discovers a fascinating puzzle of cultural and professional challenges to solve while he tries to build a home. Directed and produced by Frank Marshall (Back to the Future, The Sixth Sense, Raiders of the Lost Ark), this riveting one-man show interweaves sleight-of-hand illusions and life stories from Guimarães' experience immigrating to the U.S. and aspiring for a life in magic.

New York City Center (131 W. 55th St.)

9/9 - 12/6

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.the-hope-theory.com

9) In Honor of Jean-Michel Basquiat

Jean-Michel Basquiat and Roger Guenveur Smith met in Los Angeles, where Jean-Michel was painting in a Venice studio and Roger was rapping as “Hollywatts” on the fertile 1980s club scene. Smith’s politically charged soliloquies found their way onto Basquiat’s canvas, and Smith eventually created the role of “Smiley,” the Basquiat-inspired artist/arsonist for Spike Lee’s classic film Do the Right Thing.

NYTW also announced today a series of Saturday Salons following the Saturday evening performances of In Honor of Jean-Michel Basquiat. Hosted by multi-hyphenate Tony Award nominee Daniel J. Watts(Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole) with special guests to be announced, these events will continue the celebration of Basquiat’s life and legacy and will be held September 12, September 19, September 26, and October 3in the theatre immediately following the conclusion of the performance. With music, spoken word and his singular practice of painting with his feet while he dances, Daniel and his special guests will bring the party to East 4^th Street.

For the Culture affinity events will be held on select dates and will include the following:

AfterWords: Roger Guenveur Smith & Michael Holman – Thursday September 10

Join us immediately following the performance for an exclusive, intimate conversation featuring Roger Guenveur Smith and Michael Holman, two defining voices who knew Jean-Michel Basquiat during pivotal eras of his life.

In Honor of Jean-Michel Basquiat: A Downtown Journey - Sunday September 13, 3:30–5:00PM
Starts at New York Theatre Workshop (79 E 4th St)

Explore the downtown neighborhoods that shaped Jean-Michel Basquiat’s artistic journey. This guided walking tour examines the creative communities, cultural influences, and lasting legacy of one of New York City’s most influential artists. Join the tour group here!

AfterWords: Artistic Process of In Honor of Jean-Michel Basquiat - Wednesday September 16

Engage directly with the creative team as they share insider stories from rehearsals, answer your burning questions, and explore the profound themes that make In Honor of Jean-Michel Basquiat a truly unforgettable experience. Moderated by Aaron Malkin, NYTW Associate Artistic Director, Theatre and Productions. 

Basquiat Night - Thursday September 17, 8:30–10:00PM

From Boomers to Gen Z, come celebrate Basquiat’s timeless influence in a high energy gathering of artists and cultural workers. Blending music, storytelling, and connection, this multigenerational party features Marc Anthony Thompson as DJ spinning us across eras, turning the room into a living archive of sound, style, and shared legacy. Dress in your best 80's clubbing fashion and we will see you on the dance floor! This is a party you don’t want to miss! Seeing the show on a different day? No worries! Join us for this afterparty by RSVPing here.

 

ForeWords: Generational Arts - Wednesday September 23, 5:30–6:30PM

In partnership with Art on the Ave and the LISA Project, join us for a preshow gathering that invites audiences into Basquiat’s world through conversation and reflection before the performance. Featuring artists, curators, and cultural thinkers, the program offers a brief but impactful framing of Basquiat’s legacy today. Reserve your spot here. Location:  Art on the Ave (98 E 4^th Street).

 

Monologue Jam: Open Salon – Thursday September 24, 5:30–6:45PM

In partnership with Fourth Arts Block, as part of Open Arts LES, experience The East 4th Street Open Street as a living canvas where poets, singers, and actors gather to celebrate the immigrant and artistic voices in celebration of Jean-Michel Basquiat's work. Let us know if you’ll join us here. If you’d like to perform, please sign up here.

AfterWords – Thursday September 24

Join us for a post-show panel discussion about the production and its themes featuring special guests to be announced later.

ShopTalk – Wednesday September 30

Join us post-show for an informal “book club” style discussion with fellow audience members, facilitated by an NYTW staff member.

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

9/9 - 10/4

 

For more information or to purchase tickets to In Honor of Jean-Michel Basquiat, visit NYTW.ORG

Courtesy of Darr Publicity

10) Les Enfants Terribles

Paul and Elisabeth, two emotionally-sheltered teenage siblings, seclude themselves in a spiritual fiction of their own creation. A fantasy organized by rules and rituals only children understand. As they vie for dominance, the “enfants” play cruel games amongst themselves and upon their adoring companions, Gerard and Agatha. Reality creeps in, fantasies spin out and the borders of their worlds collapse. Is tragedy inevitable? And divine?

East Village Basement (321 E. 9th St.)

9/10 -10/4

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.enfantsplay.com

Courtesy of Print Shop PR

11) Lost in Del Valle

One-man theatrical hurricane Ned Van Zandt tells his tale of the drug-induced chaos of the Chelsea Hotel in the 1970’s – rubbing shoulders (and more) with Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungeon, the wild parties in the LA music scene with his friend Chaka Khan, and the fluorescent glare of a Texas correctional facility. Directed by Amir Arison (“The Blacklist,” “The Beast in Me”), Lost In Del Valle is a genre-bending piece of dark comedy that cannot be missed as Van Zandt takes you through his spiralling descent: sex, fame, addiction, and ultimately, redemption.

SoHo Playhouse (15 Vandam St.)

9/14 - 2/14

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

Courtesy of Keith Sherman & Associates

12) Our Sinatra

This fall, the original creators/performers of Our Sinatra, A Musical Celebration – Eric Comstock, Christopher Gines and Hilary Kole - reunite for a 25th anniversary revival of the hit Off-Broadway show which tips its hat to arguably the greatest male vocalist of the 20th Century, Frank Sinatra. From the classic ballads of the 40’s to the saloon and torch songs of the 50’s and the swingin’ sounds of the 60’s, relive your memories in a show that steers clear of imitation but layers on the joy and passion evoked by nearly 60 of Sinatra’s greatest hits, including "Fly Me to the Moon," "The Way You Look Tonight," "Come Fly with Me," “The Best Is Yet To Come,” Come Rain or Come Shine,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Where or When,” “Day In – Day Out,” “One For My Baby,” and "The Lady Is a Tramp.”

Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater (10 W. 64th St.)

9/9 - 11/29

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

Show Logo by Mary Harney

13) Somewhere, Virginia

Clare, an ambitious congressional chief of staff who abruptly quit and ghosted everyone shortly after the 2024 election, summons three former colleagues to an old house in the Virginia countryside. As the guests, whose lives and careers have been upended by that election, try to figure out the reason for this odd reunion, Clare's bedridden mother upstairs is a constant, if unseen, presence. And outside, the fields and meadows, which armies fought over long ago, seem to be taking on a life of their own. 

The Johnson Theater at Theater for the New City (155 First Ave.)

9/8 - 9/12

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.dreamupfestival.org/SHOW2717.html

Courtesy of Kampfire PR

14) Truly, Howard Hughes

TRULY, HOWARD HUGHES is an unconventional love story following one of the 20th century's most fascinating figures: aviator, filmmaker, businessman, and recluse, Howard Robard Hughes, Jr. The story unfolds as Hughes revisits his extraordinary life during his final moments, confronting the one thing his power and fortune could never secure, and leaves us with a haunting question: ...Would you, if you could?

Theatre at St. Jean's (150 E. 76th St.)

9/9 - 10/4

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.yorktheatre.org/truly-howard-hughes

Courtesy of Emily Owens PR

15) Very Blue Light

Two women reunite with their childhood best friend in Marfa, TX, only to find that he aligns politically with his bosses in big tech. With uncertainty defining both the present and future, Angela faces the temptation of adopting her old friend’s conservative lifestyle, while Magna seeks (and finds) some certainty about a progressive way forward when she and a lifelong Marfan encounter the mysterious Marfa Lights. Very Blue Light is about people caught in a conflict between their social network, emergent technology, and the natural world, and asks: how can we collectively imagine a new model for the uncertain future?

The Tank (312 W. 36th St.)

9/10 - 10/4

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit  thetanknyc.org/calendar-1/verybluelight. 

B) Cast Changes

In New York 

Courtesy of Polk and Co. PR

16) Just in Time

Ariana Madix joins the cast in the role of Connie Francis on 9/12 though 11/22.

 JUST IN TIME is an exhilarating new musical that will transport audiences into an intimate, swinging nightclub complete with a live band, a stellar ensemble cast, and iconic Bobby Darin hits including “Beyond the Sea,” “Mack the Knife,” “Splish Splash," and “Dream Lover.” Discover the man behind the music who pushed back against the record labels to chart a new course for himself on the charts – a once-in-a-lifetime talent who knew his time was limited and was determined to make a splash before it was too late.

For more about Just in Time or to purchase tickets, visit 

www.JustInTimeBroadway.com.

C) Classes

In Pennsylvania

17) Bucks County Playhouse Fall Education Classes

Bucks County Playhouse announced today a fall lineup of adult education classes in addition to the one-night only Masterclass (September 28 with Dani Tucci-Juraga) going on through October 2026. The courses are designed for theater enthusiasts as well as performers and professionals seeking stronger skills in the areas of acting, singing and dance.

Classes will take place in Lambertville Hall, 57 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ. Visit ww.BucksCountyPlayhouse.org for more information and to register or contact Alexandra Kostis Triantafyllos, Education Coordinator with questions at akostis@buckscountyplayhouse.org.

D) Concert

In New York 

18) American Symphony Orchestra - Free Concerts

 

The American Symphony Orchestra (ASO) will open the Orchestra’s 65th season with a free concert on September 11 at 7 pm as part of the Picnic Performances series at Bryant Park. Conducted by Music Director Leon Botstein, the performance occurs on the 25th anniversary of September 11 and offers a memorial program with music by Copland, Walker, Ives, Haydn, and Mahler. The free concert will be repeated at the Kupferberg Center for the Arts in Queens on September 13. 

New York Resounds

Friday, September 11, 2026, at 7:00 PM, Bryant Park

Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 3:00 PM, Kupferberg Center

American Symphony Orchestra

Leon Botstein, Conductor

Aaron Copland: Fanfare for the Common Man

George Walker: Lyric for Strings

Charles Ives: The Gong on the Hook and Ladder

Joseph Haydn: Symphony No. 44 in E minor “Trauersinfonie”

Gustav Mahler (arr. Cliff Colnot): Adagio from Symphony No. 10

While serving as an occasion for remembrance, this program also celebrates the strength of the human spirit. The majesty of Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man, the beauty of Mahler’s Adagio from Symphony No. 10, the poignancy of George Walker’s Lyric for Strings, the imagery of Ives’s The Gong on the Hook and Ladder, and the intensity of Haydn’s Symphony No. 44, (“Mourning Symphony”) together pay tribute to the contributions of everyday Americans, as well as the courage and sacrifice of 9/11 heroes.

Attendance for both performances is free. RSVP to Kupferberg is required. Bryant Park staff lends out hundreds of free picnic blankets, provides bistro chairs, and offers a curated selection of food and drink to purchase from local vendors. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

19) Bobby Sanabria

Sanabria’s versatility as both a drummer and percussionist from small group to big band has become legendary. He's performed and recorded with every major figure in the history of Latin jazz, jazz, and salsa, with such legends as Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, Eddie Palmieri, Paquito D'Rivera, Candido, Charles McPherson, Larry Harlow, Ruben Blades, Celia Cruz, and the Father of Afro-Cuban jazz, Mario Bauzá where he was his drummer for nine years touring and recording on his major Grammy nominated albums. Bobby is the leader of Quarteto Aché, Sexteto Ibiano, Ascensión, and his Multiverse Big Band. His big band albums have been nominated for Grammys nine times. Bobby has been named one of the top ten percussionists in the world by the readers and critics of Downbeat magazine for the last 12 years. Among his numerous awards are induction into the 2006 Bronx Walk of Fame, the 2018 Jazz Education Network's LeJENS of Latin Jazz Award, and Bobby's name being read into the U.S. Congressional Record by Congressman Dennis Kucinich of Ohio in 2008. In 2019, he was named Godfather/Padrino of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City. He was recently bestowed an Honorary Doctorate by Lehman College in New York. His current CD, Arsenio and Beyond, was recently released and was recorded live at the Bronx Music Hall with his Multiverse Big Band. Arsenio and Beyond honors the most important musician in the history of Cuban-based dance music and the true Father of Mambo, Arsenio Rodriguez.

Dante Park (Broadway Betweeb 63rd & 64th)

Wednesday, September 9, 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM

This concert is free.

For more information, visit bobbysanabria.com/about

Courtesy of Nicholas & Lence

20) Concert for Canines and Their Companions

The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC), the world’s largest veterinary teaching hospital and NYC’s only Level 1 Veterinary Trauma Center, invites New Yorkers and their four-legged friends to the third annual “Concert for Canines & Their Companions” celebrating music, community, and the extraordinary bond between humans and pets. Coming off the paws of National Dog Month and in advance of National Dog Week in late September, 

Also timed during Classical Music Month in September, the event will feature a string quartet from The Juilliard School performing a mix of classical and contemporary music. Research has shown that gentle, string-based arrangements can reduce stress and promote relaxation in both humans and dogs. September can be a stressful time of year for many, from the return to school to changes in routine, weather, and beyond. “Concert for Canines” offers a moment of relaxation for both people and pets alike, fostering joy and connection through a shared love of music.

 Along with calming tunes, guests can enjoy people and pup-friendly refreshments, explore AMC’s pet health resources, capture lasting memories with their furry friend at the photo booth, and take-home fun giveaways. Dog owners will also have the opportunity to speak with AMC’s Veterinary Behaviorist, Vanessa Spano, DVM, DACVB, and learn more about canine behavior and enrichment.

AMC spokespeople will be available for interviews throughout the event.

25th St. Pl, btwn 3rd & Lexington 

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM  Live music starts at 5:00 PM

This is a free event. For more information, visit www.amcny.org/event/concert-for-canines-their-companions-2026/. In the case of inclement weather, AMC will post a status update to this page by 1 pm on 9/10.

Courtesy of Richard Hillman PR

21) The Ethel Merman Disco Project with Carly Ozard & Friends

The Ethel Merman Disco Project is an electrifying revival of the legendary Ethel Merman Disco Album, reimagined with a full live band and fresh EDM flair. This high-octane tribute blends classic Broadway belting with modern club energy for a night that’s as nostalgic as it is wildly unexpected. Carly and her powerhouse lineup of performers bring bold vocals, big personality, and pure joy to every track. Get ready for surprises that will make this disco spectacular unforgettable.

The Green Room 42 (570 10th Ave. in the Yotel)

Sunday September 13, 1:00 PM

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://thegreenroom42.venuetix.com/showdetails

Courtesy of Centenary Stage Co.

22) Gunhild Carling

Known around the world as Sweden’s “Queen of Swing, Jazz, and Vaudeville,” Carling is a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, and entertainer whose electrifying performances have captivated audiences across the globe. Bringing her distinctive blend of jazz, swing, funk, comedy, and vaudeville to Hackettstown, Carling promises to launch Centenary Stage Company’s new season with an unforgettable night of live performance.

Sitnik Theatre at the Lackland Performing Arts Center  (715 Grand Ave.)

Saturday, September 12, 7:30 PM

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

23) Monthly Jazz Jam: Celebrating Jazz Music and Musicians

Open to professional jazz musicians, graduate students studying jazz, music educators, and serious hobbyists, our Monthly Jazz Jams invite musicians to perform at Flushing Town Hall. All are welcome, regardless of instrument (vocalists, too!). Our Steinway baby grand and drum kit are available at each Jam. FTH's Jazz Jam house band leader, Carol Sudhalter, plays flute, baritone, and tenor sax and has been running our Monthly Jazz Jams since 2016. She is joined by Joe Vincent Tranchina (piano), Eric Lemon (bass), and Scott Neumann (drums). Each house band member brings over 40 years of Jazz experience to the jam! Don't play, but love Jazz? Come listen!

Flushing Hall (13735 Northern Blvd.)

Wednesday, September 9, 7:00 PM

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.flushingtownhall.org/show-details/monthly-jazz-jam-celebrating-latin-jazz-music-and-musicians

D) Dance

In New York 

Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

24) In the Studio 

For decades, Daniel Gwirtzman Dance Company has pulled back the curtain on how dance is made. This fall, ahead of the Company's 2026 NYC season, they're opening the studio doors wider than ever, inviting audiences in for an intimate look at, and conversation about, the creative process behind our newest work. Known for demystifying concert dance, the Company invites you to hear directly from the dancers about what drives and challenges them, and from choreographer Daniel Gwirtzman about the ideas shaping the work.

Building off the success of this past June's two IN THE STUDIO programs, this informal setting offers a rare chance to meet the art before it meets the stage, a chance for audiences to ask questions, share thoughts, and become part of the conversation. No stage. No distance. Just dance, up close. Free and open to all. There will also be a second IN THE STUDIO date on Sunday, October 11 at 2pm. These two days only at New York City Center Studios. In keeping with the Company's mission that dance can be for everyone, all tickets are free, removing barriers that often make concert dance feel exclusive or inaccessible.

Saturday, September 12, 4:00 PM

Tickets can be reserved here.

Daniel Gwirtzman edits the June 2026 IN THE STUDIO programs into this five-minute mini-film: https://vimeo.com/1219013373.

E) Exhibition

In New York 

25) Teddy Sandoval and the Butch Gardens School of Art

El Museo del Barrio presents Teddy Sandoval and the Butch Gardens School of Art, a major exhibition examining the life and work of Teddy Sandoval (1949–1995), an innovative yet historically underrecognized artist whose practice explored gender, sexuality, identity, and belonging with humor and political urgency. Rooted in Los Angeles’s queer and Chicane artistic communities, Sandoval’s work engaged the social and cultural movements shaping the United States and Latin America from the 1970s through the 1990s. 

El Museo del Barrio (1230 Fifth Ave.)

9/10 - 1/10-27

For more information, visit elmuseo.org/exhibition/teddy-sandoval-and-the-butch-gardens-school-of-art.

F) Festival

In New York 

26) Autumn Glow Festival

A glowing Glen Island Park is coming to the Westchester waterfront this fall as the Autumn Glow Festival transforms New Rochelle into a brightly lit waterfront wonderland.

The limited-time evening event merges traditional Chinese lantern artistry with modern LED displays along the shores of Long Island Sound. 

Glen Island Park (Weyman Ave., New Rochelle)

Friday, Saturday, & Sunday nights 9/11 - 11/1

Advance reservation is recommended due to hourly entry capacity limits. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit AutumnGlowFestival.com. 

27) Citizens Art Festival - Upcoming Events

Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

Serve and Protect Direct Action Theatre

Serve and Protect is a playful public intervention by Direct Action Theatre (Norway) that transforms familiar symbols of authority into moments of surprise, humor, and collective reflection. Through choreography, visual theater, and unexpected encounters in public spaces, performers invite audiences to reimagine what it means to serve and protect one another, our communities, nature, and the shared spaces we inhabit.

Blurring the boundaries between performance and civic engagement, Serve and Protect includes a two-day workshop in performance activism. Bringing together community members, artists, and others interested in creative civic engagement, the workshop explores movement, public space, and collective action, informing the spirit of the project's performances and public interventions.

Over two days, participants will talk, move, experiment, play, and create together. The workshop may include movement, dance, discussion, improvisation, and other non-verbal activities. Together, the group will develop a public performance action in response to ideas and issues that matter to the community.

Two-day community workshop from September 10-11, 2026, and three performances in pop-up locations on September 12 and 13, 2026. The events are free and open to the public. For more information and to register, please visit here.

Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

Suzik by Force

Suzik—the Korean word for verticality—is a Chinese pole performance that reimagines the vertical as a space of connection, trust, and collective movement. Three performers navigate the precarious heights of the pole, entering a world where balance depends on the presence, strength, and care of others.

Against the force of gravity, Suzik explores a different way of moving upward: not through individual ascent, but through shared momentum. The performers reach, support, and respond to one another, transforming moments of risk into acts of trust and possibility.

Suzik extends its exploration of connection beyond the pole itself, transforming each public setting into a place of encounter and shared experience. As the performers reshape the vertical structure of the pole into a site of relationship and reciprocity, the work invites audiences to imagine new ways of moving through the world together.

FORCE is a performing arts company that explores the symbiotic evolution of art and technology, using the body as a fundamental language of expression to connect people and the contemporary world. Through works that combine physical arts and modern technology, the company has developed a distinctive performance language reflecting contemporary emotions and social sensibilities. It actively engages in performance creation and touring, festival planning, professional training, and international exchange projects across Korea and abroad.

Culture Lab (5-25 46th Ave., Long Island City)

9/12

The Bushwick Starr (419 Eldert St., Brooklyn)

9/13

For more information and to reserve free tickets, please visit here.

Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

28) Kaatsbaan Cultural Park 2026 Annual Festival - Upcoming Event -Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE

EVIDENCE presents Where the Light Shines Through and Torch, two choreographic works full of heart. Both are brilliant and triumphant expressions of freedom for our times performed by Brown’s highly accomplished dancers. Their exacting movements exude grace, and equal parts intensity and generosity. With dancing so infectious and soul-stirring, you will be swept up out of your seat throughout the entire show,

Mountain Stage (120 Broadway, Tivoli) 

Saturday, September 12, 1:00 PM

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit kaatsbaan.org/2026-festival-events/ronald-k-brown

29) Neurotica Fest

Launched in 2025 by multiple award-winning actor, writer, director and solo performer Iris Bahr (Curb Your Enthusiasm, Hacks, Stories from the Brink!) Neurotica Fest is a four day festival showcasing storytellers and stand-up comedians offering fresh perspectives, fascinating life stories, and compelling narratives. The festival will also feature an evening of short films and a special in-conversation event with bestselling author Kurt Andersen. 

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

9/10 - 9/13

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

30) Taste of the Times

The Times Square Alliance announces the return of its Annual Taste of Times Square, one of NYC’s longest-running outdoor food festivals highlighting the global cuisine available in the district.

This year’s Taste of Times Square will feature close to 40 participating restaurants, ranging from Mexican, Caribbean, Cuban, Italian, Indian, American and beyond.  View the latest list online TSQ.org/taste.

(7 Ave. to 9th Ave. on 46th St. & Restaurant Row as well as Broadway Plazas between 45th & 47th)

Wednesday, September 9, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

For more information, visit TSQ.org/taste

G) What Else is Happening 

In New Jersey

Courtesy of Prana PR

31)BERGENPAC ANNOUNCES AN EXCLUSIVE BOOK DISCUSSION!
RAISING CONSCIOUS DAUGHTERS AND 

RAISING CONSCOUS SONS
WITH DR. SHEFALI, MODERATED BY P!NK

 

Exploring Conscious Parenting: A Special Evening for Parents and Educators

 

Tuesday, September 15^th at 7:00 PM 

bergenPAC
30 North Van Brunt Street
Englewood, N.J.
www.bergenpac.org

Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents an extraordinary evening featuring world-renowned clinical psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Shefali in an exclusive conversation with Grammy Award-winning singer, advocate, and cultural icon P!NK. 

Join bergenPACf or this inspiring and thought-provoking event as Dr. Shefali discusses her highly anticipated new books, Raising Conscious Sons and Raising Conscious Daughters, set for release on September 15. 

Every ticket purchased includes a complimentary copy of one of these transformative works, making the night a unique opportunity for personal growth and meaningful dialogue. Don’t miss this unforgettable book discussion, moderated by P!NK.

bergenPAC (30 North Van Brunt St, Englewood)

Tuesday, September 15, 7:00 PM

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In New York

32) BROADWAY IN MEMORIAM”

Announces September 8 Marquee Dimming Honorees

 

September 8 Marquee Dimming Will Honor

Tim Curry, Clive Davis, Gina Ferrall, Josh Grisetti, Jeff Hamlin, Glen Hansard, Louise Lasser, Anna Louizos, Seth Marquette, Dolly Parton, Anne Russell, James Walsh, Harold Wheeler

 

Theatre Marquees to Dim on Tuesday, September 8 at 6:45PM ET

 

The Broadway In Memoriam Committee, has confirmed a Tuesday, September 8^th marquee dimming to honor artists and industry members Tim Curry, Clive Davis, Gina Ferrall, Josh Grisetti, Jeff Hamlin, Glen Hansard, Louise Lasser, Anna Louizos, Seth Marquette, Dolly Parton, Anne Russell, James Walsh and Harold Wheeler. All theatre marquees will dim simultaneously on Tuesday, September 8^th at 6:45PM ET in their honor. 

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Courtesy of Michelle Tabnic PR

33) Jim Vines and Carl Mercurio

announce

Broadway Magic Hour

September 2026 Shows

Weekends at Broadway Comedy Club

Jim Vines and Carl Mercurio, the stars of The Broadway Magic Hour, a family-friendly hour of fun-filled magical entertainment, announce shows on weekends throughout September. Complete with audience participation, comedy, grand illusion, mind-reading, and expert sleight-of-hand magic, there’s something for every member of the family in this one-of-a-kind, all-ages show!

Broadway Comedy Club (318 W. 53rd St.)

SEPTEMBER 2026 DATES

September 13, 2026, 2:00 PM (Tickets)

September 19, 2026, 2:00 PM (Tickets)

September 26, 2026, 2:00 PM (Tickets)

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

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34) Bronx Little Italy

Upcoming Events

“Paulie’s Final Push & 9/11 Tribute,” Returning to Arthur Avenue (Wednesday, September 9 at 10:30 AM) – Since 2021, retired United Airlines flight attendant Paul “Paulie” Veneto has pushed an airline beverage cart nearly 800 miles along routes symbolizing the flight paths of the four aircraft hijacked on September 11, 2001 – honoring the flight crews, the “first, first responders". This year, marking the 25^th anniversary, Paulie will complete his final push and journey on foot from Boston to Ground Zero, honoring all who were lost that day (and ever since), all part of keeping the promise to #NeverForget. When he arrives at the memorial on 9/11, he will have surpassed 1,000 total miles between the five Pushes. On September 9^th at 10:30am, Paulie will pass through Bronx Little Italy for a brief ceremony at East 186^th Street & Arthur Avenue, joined by families and local Bronx community members pushing four additional carts – one for each flight hijacked. Learn more at pauliespush.com/25years and follow the @bronxlittleitaly for the event’s latest updates.

Pre-Ferragosto Fun at The Belmont Library (Thursday, September 10) – In anticipation for the annual Ferragosto Festival in Bronx Little Italy, The Belmont Library & Enrico Fermi Cultural Center will kick off the celebrations early with a special cultural program at 3pm. All are welcome to participate in a Game Day featuring Tombola, Italy’s favorite game of chance.

Annual Ferragosto Festival (Sunday, September 13) – For over 25 years, the Belmont BID’s annual Ferragosto Festival has brought together local businesses, supporters, and neighbors for a vibrant celebration of Italian culture, food, music, and community. Visitors from near and far are invited to indulge in authentic cuisine from local small businesses like Calabria Pork Store, Emilia’s Restaurant, Artuso Pastry Shop (celebrating 80 years of business in 2026), and Teitel Brothers, enjoy live music and entertainment, and explore the old-world charm of the Bronx’s Little Italy. This year’s festival will take place from 12-6pm, rain or shine, on Arthur Avenue between East 187^th Street and Crescent Avenue. Additional parking will be available at Fordham University (685 E Fordham Rd) for $10, with a free shuttle to and from the event from 11am-7pm.

To learn more, follow the BID on Instagram at @BronxLittleItaly, X at @BXLittleItaly, Facebook at @BronxLittleItaly, & TikTok at @BronxLittleItaly.

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35) Commemorating 25th Anniversary of 9/11 

September 11 & 12 at HERE Arts Center

Art2Action presents 11Reflections: NYC, commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11.

Presented in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the tragedy of September 11th, and the decades of war that have followed, 11Reflections: NYC brings together acclaimed New York artists and special guests to center voices that have too often been absent from the national conversation on the impact of 9/11—particularly MENA/SWANA and artists of color—asking how we commemorate, what happens after, and whose voices are included when we remember.

11Reflections: NYC draws on Lebanese American theatre artist Andrea Assaf's seminal work, Eleven Reflections on September – a Spoken Word and multimedia performance with live music, exploring Middle Eastern American experiences, Wars on/of Terror, and “the constant, quiet rain of death amidst beauty” that each autumn brings in a post-9/11 world. This special NYC production is the culmination of a multi-year national series of devised works, Eleven Reflections on the Nation, which examines the lasting cultural, political, and personal impacts of the post-9/11 era in cities across the country, through performance, poetry, music, and community dialogue. 

HERE Arts Center (145 6th Ave.)

Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12, 7:30 PM

For information or to purchase tickets,  https://here.org/shows/11reflections-nyc/. The performance will run approximately 90 minutes, with no intermission. Both performances will be followed by a community dialogue with the artists.

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 36) Final 2026 MAMMA MIA! Brunches at Ellen's Stardust Diner

The MAMMA MIA! Brunch at Ellen’s Stardust Diner is taking a break for the busy holiday season, with your last chance to dance and boogie at brunch now until October 2026, then the series will resume in 2027.

The Stardust Theatre will transport guests into a world of live, show-stopping ABBA performances from Ellen’s Stardust Diner’s world-famous singing waitstaff (aka “Stardusters”), many of whom have been on Broadway, Off Broadway and TV, for two hours of brunch bliss.

 Final dates for 2026 include:

·         9/6: Labor Day weekend. (Doors at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.)

·         10/11: (Doors at 11 a.m.)

·         10/25: (Doors at 11 a.m.)

The menu includes themed dishes such as Gimme, Gimme, Gimme Chicken & Waffles, Voulez-Vous Vegan Parfait, Super Trouper Short Stack, among others. Themed cocktails include Our Last Summer Sangria, Mamma Mia! Mimosa, Lay All Your Love On Me Bellini, and Take a Chance on Me Bloody Mary. The full menu can be found here.

Ellen's Stardust Diner (1650 Broadway)

To purchase tickets, visit www.ticketweb.com/search?q=ellens+stardust

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37) Vangeline Theater/New York Butoh Institute

Announces Unforgotten: Butoh for 9/11

Supported by National Endowment for the Arts

Friday, September 11, 2026 at 1PM

Times Square, New York, NY

Vangeline Theater, home of New York Butoh Institute, will present a performance of Unforgotten: Butoh for 9/11, supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, 

Unforgotten: Butoh for 9/11 is an ensemble work commemorating the victims of 9/11. The 60-minute Butoh dance piece will be choreographed by Vangeline and be performed by an ensemble of several dancers with live musical accompaniment by renowned cellist Katinka Kleijn.

Every year for the past two decades, Vangeline Theater has held public 9/11 commemorative performances in New York. For the past ten years, they have performed these offerings in Times Square, with a special dedication for the firefighters, policemen, and women who lost their lives on 9/11. Their annual performances in Times Square on 9/11 hold deep symbolic and cultural significance. The act of performing Butoh—a meditative, expressive dance form—on such a solemn occasion creates a space for collective mourning, remembrance, and healing. Given Times Square’s status as a global landmark and cultural epicenter, the performances serve as a poignant tribute to the victims of 9/11, while also offering an artistic reflection on resilience and loss.

Times Square

September 11, 2026 1:00 PM

This event is free to attend.

For more information, visit https://www.vangeline.com/calendar-of-upcoming-events/2026/9/11/unforgotten-butoh-for-911.

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And that's the scoop. Tune in tomorrow for More Theater Monday.

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