Theater Thursday - Schmigadoon

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

What: Schmigadoon!

Where: Nederlander Theatre

             201 W. 41st

             New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 10 and Up 

When: Through September 6, 2026

Me - Schimgadoon! was a good show. It was fun. I had not seen the TV show it was based on, but I still enjoyed it. The songs were lively and pleasant, but they weren't particularly memorable. I don't feel the need to listen to them again. 

All the performances were really good. I had seen a lot of the performers in other shows before. I enjoyed their performances equally in this show, and I also enjoyed the performances of the performers I hadn't seen before.

The whole concept of this show is what drew me to it. It sounded really interesting and different. I thought the idea of people getting trapped in a world of musical theater sounded exciting.  I was not disappointed. The show definitely lived up to my expectations, and I would recommend it. 

Mom - Schmigadoon! The Musical is based on the Apple TV series of the same name. The stage show closely adheres to the first season of that show. It revolves around a couple who end up in a musical world where the inhabitants are prone to breaking into song.  They are trapped there until they find their true loves. 

The show, like the series, is a loving homage to the Golden Age of musicals. It simultaneously manages to make fun of and appreciate the genre. Numerous shows are slyly referenced through the show's characters, dialogue, and song lyrics. These include The Music Man, Oklahoma, Carousel, and many more. Even the show's title and its basic premise of being a quest for true love reference the musical, Brigadoon. 

Any true musical theater fan will definitely enjoy this show and have fun trying to keep track of its many references. However, even those who do not necessarily enjoy musical theater or know much about it can still enjoy this show. It is extremely lively, upbeat, energetic, and full of delightful quirky characters. The dances are jubilant. The costumes and scenery are vibrant and full of color. The show is just an all-around joyful experience. 

And that's our view. For more about Schmigadoon! or to purchase tickets, visit schmigadoonbroadway.com

Tune in Saturday for Still More Theater Saturday.

Photo credits:

All Schmigadoon! production photos by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

Images used in this post were sent by publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms and are used by permission.  Any Concerns regarding image usage can be addressed here.

Where-To-Go Wednesday - J. Pierpont Morgan Study

We received complimentary tickets to the Morgan Library & Museum for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: J. Pierpont Morgan Study

Where: Morgan Library & Museum

             225 Madison Ave.

             New York, NY

Who: All ages

The J. Pierpont Morgan Study, located within the Morgan Library & Museum, has been restored to its condition during Morgan's time, including both artwork and furnishings.  The room was used as both a private refuge and a place for business and cultural meetings.  It also houses Morgan's rare book collection and some of the artistic treasures he collected.

Some of the furnishings, including Morgan's desk, are original. Others have been restored or replaced out of necessity. The majority of the artwork in the room was originally obtained by Morgan, with a few exceptions. 

The collection includes, among other things, numerous paintings, sculptures, and decorative plates. There are also portraits of J. Pierpont Morgan and his son. Artists represented in the collection include Marco Bello, Antonio Rossellino, Giorgio di Gubbio, and more. To learn more about the art as you walk around the space or at your leisure, see the Bloomberg Connects app. 

And that's our view. For more about the Morgan Library & Museum, visit www.themorgan.org. We will also be posting more in future posts. 

Tune in tomorrow for Theater Thursday.

All pictures used in this post are our own.  Any concerns regarding image usage can be addressed here.

Tips for Tuesday - Books: Mad Mabel, The Island Club, & Dark Is When the Devils Comes; Movie: Time Hoppers

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: Mad Mabel, The Island Club & Dark Is When the Devils Come

Today, we recommend Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth. Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick may seem like just an irascible elderly woman, but she has a dark secret. In the past, she was known as Mad Mabel,  Australia's youngest convicted murderer, and she is rumored to have killed more people as well. When one of her neighbors mysteriously dies, and the police start sniffing around, her true identity is revealed, but there's a lot more to Elsie's story than what people think they know. 

This book is surprisingly heartwarming for a mystery thriller. The more that is revealed about Mabel's story, the easier it is to care about her and root for her. Although she seems tough on the outside, she really has a marshmallow center. The more she warms up to those around her, and they warm up to her, the more touching the book becomes.

The central relationship that develops between her and young Penelope is particularly affecting. With Penelope a bit on the bratty side and Mabel's surface toughness, they can both be a bit difficult. However, they truly bring out the best in each other, and the surrogate grandparenting relationship that develops between them is not only a core element of the story but one of the most affecting. In fact, there are numerous stirring relationships within the story, including those that develop between Mabel and her neighbors, the one between Mabel and her aunt Cass, and more. There is one seemingly warm relationship in the story, however, that turns out to be not quite what it seems. To say more would be a spoiler, but the reality of the situation is an overused trope that has become much too common in fiction lately. 

Still, not all relationships in the story are good. Mabel's father belongs in the pantheon of truly evil characters. He is cruel, distant, and uncaring to an extreme degree that does not become clear until almost the end of the story. His character is actually somewhat refreshing, however. So often, the mother is portrayed as the villainous character. After all, there is no fairytale with an evil stepfather. It is nice to be reminded every once in a while that a father can also be a bad parent. It is not the exclusive domain of mothers.

Despite the heaviness of its subject matter, there is a lightness to the story. This comes partly from the relationships between the characters, but there is also a generous amount of humor within the story. It will make you laugh and cry. The latter both from happiness and sadness. The ending is a real gut punch. It will stick with you. 

The Island Club

Today, we recommend The Island Club by Nicolas Harrison. Three women are at a crossroads in their lives. Milly is trying to hang on to her rapidly disintegrating marriage. Sylvia is trying to hang on to her social status and community standing. Adele is trying to hang on to her anonymity and keep her dark secret from being revealed. These women form a bond through their shared love of tennis, which eventually becomes a source of salvation for them all.

The three main characters are admirably ahead of their time. They do not start out that way. In the beginning, they are meeker. They are more under the thumb of their husband's or, in Adele's case, her father (although her story is told more in flashbacks than in the present), which is not unusual for the book's 1950s setting. However, gradually they come into their own and become stronger, confident, and more self-sufficent. 

In the beginning, the men in the story are completely unlikable. They are controlling, and Milly and Sylvia's husbands are dismissive of them and keep to themselves, refusing to share or communicate with them about matters that crucially affect their entire families. However, refreshingly, their character's are allowed to grow and change as well throughout the story. Only Adele's father is not given a redemption arc, partially because he has passed away before the story opens. 

Only Milly's boarder, Wes, does not start out as unlikable. This may be because he is slightly younger and therefore more open-minded. One can't help rooting for the relationship that develops between him and Milly despite the circumstances. They are sweet together, and she deserves a man like him. 

Although the story isn't full of especially surprising twists and turns (although there may be one or two), it is not totally predictable either. If you are in it for the romance, you may be disappointed, although there is a little bit of that, that is not the main focus of the story. However, if you are in it for the female bonding and/or the female empowerment aspects of the story, you should find this book very satisfying. 

Today, we are discussing Dark is When the Devil Comes by Daisy Pearce. Ever since she had the tumor of her undeveloped twin removed, evil has seemed to follow Hazel. However, when she is kidnapped by a madman, it is up to her estranged sister and her childhood friend to save her. 

This book is part psychological thriller, part creepy horror story. However, the split focus makes it somewhat disappointing for fans of either genre. No matter which genre you favor, it leaves you somewhat unsatisfied and wanting to know more. 

Movie: Time Hoppers

Today, we are discussing Time Hoppers.  In this film, a group of children travels back in time to save their friend. On the whole, this film is disappointing. There are numerous implausibilities and unexplained plot holes that cannot even be accounted for by its futuristic setting. However, its fast pace and constant action should appeal to less discriminating viewers, including children, although not extremely young children. 

The film also contains some fascinating information about real historical figures, which makes it somewhat educational and, therefore, limitedly worthwhile. However, there is not enough to truly redeem it and make it an overall good film. The film also ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger that indicates a possible sequel, so if you don't want to get sucked into a series, you should probably avoid it. 

And that's our view. Mad Mabel was published last Tuesday, April 21. The Island Club and Dark is When the Devils Come were published today. Time Hoppers is now available on DVD or digitally for purchase or rental.

Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday.

All images other than 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 - Gotta Dance & Cats: The Jellicle Ball

We were given complimentary tickets to Gotta Dance for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own. 

What: Gotta Dance

Where: Stage 42

             422 W. 42nd St.

             New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 8 and Up

When: Through July 26, 2026

If you've never seen some of the most popular dances ever performed on stage as choreographed by some of the greatest choreographers who have ever lived, now is your chance. Gotta Dance is a compilation of celebrated choreographic numbers. All feature the staging of the original masters, including Jerome Robbins, Susan Stroman, and Gene Kelly among others. Dance numbers include "All I Need is the Girl" from Gypsy, "Sweet Georgie Brown" from Bubbling Brown Sugar, "The Music and the Mirror" from A Chorus Line, and many more.

Even with a running time of only about an hour and a half, the show still has a short intermission. This breaks things up nicely for anyone who would otherwise find it tedious to sit through a show with no plot. However, the entire show goes by in what feels like almost no time at all anyway.

Detailed projections before each number provide relevant details. These include song name, show title, choreographer's name, and sometimes a little background information about the show.  Thus, you never have to worry about racking your brain trying to figure out the details of a number. The same information, minus the show's background, plus additonal details is included in the playbill, in case you want to look it up later, but there's no need to try to unobtrusively scrounge for it in the dark. 

The entire show is a joy. The dances are incredible. It's a pleasure to have an opportunity to see these talented performers strut their stuff. Plus, the chance to see these iconic dance numbers performed live on stage is priceless

And that's our view. For more about Gotta Dance or to purchase tickets, visit gottadanceshow.com

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We received complimentary tickets to Cats: The Jellicle Ball for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: Cats: The Jellicle Ball

Where: Broadhurst Theatre

             235 W. 44th St.

             New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 12 and Up

If the thought of grown humans frolicking around the stage in cat suits makes you cringe, you need not fear the latest incarnation of the musical Cats. There is nary a feline in sight in this renamed and restaged show now called Cats: The Jellicle Ball. The premise has been changed from a gaggle of cats competing to be reborn to a group of human beings competing in dance competitions. The show is based on the gay ballroom culture that was most prominent in the late 70s and early 80s and still exists to some extent today.

The costumes are even bolder and more colorful than in the original Cats. They are infinitely less cringeworthy, however. The set, on the other hand, is greatly toned down. It is much more minimalist, mostly consisting of a runway and a judging table. 

 

The songs remain largely the same as in the original version. A word or two may have been changed, and one or two may be missing, including "Growltiger's Last Stand." Although it may seem bizarre to hear these songs in this context, somehow it all works.

The show can be quite loud. The encouraged raucousness of the crowd adds to the decibel level. Expect to hear lots of loud cheering, shouting, and slapping around of fans. Apparently, this is all part of the dance culture from which the show came. If you have a problem with loud noises, you'll probably want to skip this show. However, if that doesn't bother you and you are interested in a jubilant, boisterous celebration of life and dance, you're going to love it. 

And that's our view. For more about Cats: The Jellicle Ball or to purchase tickets, visit catsthejellicleball.com.

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Photo credits: 

All Gotta Dance production photos by Christopher Duggan

All Cats: The Jellicle Ball production photos 

by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

Images used in this post were sent by publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms and are used by permission.  Any Concerns regarding image usage can be addressed here.

Sunday Scoop Week of 4/26/25 What's Happening This Week and More

A) Beginning Performances

In New Jersey

1) My Lord, What a Night

In New York 

2) An Ordinary Afternoon in 1974

3) American, Italian

4) Canciones

5) The Censorship of Dreams

6) HardLove

7) The Menopause Monologues

8) Mercury 

9) Needle & Bone

10) This is Not a Death Cult

In Pennsylvania

11) Ain't Misbehavin'

B) Cast Changes

In New York

12) Hadestown

C) Festival

In New York

13) Margaret Mead Film Festival

D) What Else Is Happening 

In New York 

14) 92NY Harkness Dance Center Presents Gallim: Blush

4/30 & 5/1

15) Abingdon Theater Presents Stella & Marlon

Laurien Beechman Theatre 4/29

16) Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre Preview Performances of Exposed 

5/1 & 5/2

17) Annual Broadway.com Choice Awards Nominee Voting Now Open

18) Bat Out of Hell

Town Hall 4/29 & 4/30

19) Broadway Magic Hour May Shows

20) Brooklyn Public Library Celebrates The People's Ball

5/3

21) CUNY Dance Initiative Upcoming Performances of Elodie Dufroux's UN-spoken

4/3

22) Fight Back Immersive Theatrical Experience Three Additional Presentations

5/4, 5/11. 5/18

23) Kastrioti Skenderbeu Street Fair Returns to The Bronx

5/3

24) L'Alliance New York Presents Euphrate

5/2

25) Lincoln Center Upcoming Events

26) Mimi Garrard and Collaborators Present Views Six Award-Winning Video Dances 

5/2

27) Parallel Exit Presents Sunset Circus

Marlene Meyerson JCC 5/3

28) PAW Day Pet Health & Wellness Fair

Schwarzman Animal Medical Center 5/2

29) South Street Seaport Museum May Monthly Family Activity

30) South Street Seaport Print Your Own Mother's Day Card

5/3

31) Times Square Alliance LIVE Welcomes Zumba to Times Square

4/29

In Pennsylvania 

32) Franklin Ice Cream Bar Custard Giveaway

5/2

Other

33) Hirschfeld's Icons: A Poster Book Available 

4/28

A) Beginning Performances

In New Jersey

1) My Lord, What a Night

A Remarkable Friendship. A Night That Changed History.

Princeton, 1937. When world-famous contralto Marian Anderson is turned away from a hotel because of her race, she finds an unexpected host in Albert Einstein. What begins as a simple act of hospitality grows into a unique friendship between two brilliant minds—one that will resonate through history.

 

Based on true events, My Lord, What a Night offers an intimate look at the meeting of these two icons and the events that ignited Anderson’s legendary performance on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

George Street Playhouse, NBPAC (11 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick)

4/28 - 5/17

Opening night 5/1

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit GEORGESTREETPLAYHOUSE.ORG

In New York 

2) An Ordinary Afternoon in 1974

What begins as an ordinary afternoon quickly becomes a story that refuses to stay quiet. Bold, irreverent, and full of joy, the play follows two longtime friends and neighbors, Joan played by Carla Briscoe (Blue Caprice, A Little Help, Breaking the News) and Elizabeth played by Holly Cinnamon (Marvel’s Daredevil, A House of Dynamite, Hocus Pocus 2, Succession) as they revisit their shared past. An Ordinary Afternoon in 1974 is a vibrant celebration of women claiming their space, their voices, and their extraordinary power

Court Square (44-022 23rd St., Long Island City)

4/29 - 5/23

Opening Night 5/1

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

3) American, Italian

It’s the summer of 1984. Gio and Vin are best friends, first cousins, and third-generation Italian immigrants. While Gio can navigate this new world, Vin struggles to understand where he belongs. As he spirals into despair and addiction, can the love of his friend restore him to a sense of himself?

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

4/29 - 5/16

Opening Night 5/4

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit sooptheatre.Booktix.com 

Courtesy of Emily Owens PR

4) Canciones

Join three generations of the legendary Guerrero family as they gather for a special family reunion. In the kitchen, Kati and Ellie are digging up old feuds. In the living room, Maestra will tell you about the generations of musicians that came before, while you sit next to her sipping your drink. And on the patio, you can get high (on life) with the cousins!

As the evening unfolds, secrets are unearthed, old rivalries are revived, and the family is forced to decide who will carry on their musical legacy. Inspired by the seminal Linda Ronstadt album Canciones de mi Padre, Canciones is a site-specific party, an acoustic Mariachi jam, and a family reunion all rolled into an immersive, interactive experience. Come for the tamales—stay for the chisme! 

A Private Home in Flatbush, Brooklyn

5/2 - 5/24

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

Courtesy of Off Off PR

5) The Censorship of Dreams

After the mysterious Restart, people awaken without memories, living with strangers they’re told are their families. The Man and the Woman are one such couple: she strives for a happy marriage, he doubts the assurances that this Restart is “for everyone’s safety.” When she takes a job cataloguing problematic dreams at an official Post Office, he begins a dangerous and haphazard journey to rediscover forbidden words and images that might reveal what came before. As dreams become dangerous currency and language is slowly weaponized, their love is tested by a surveillance state, the failures of the past and the decision of what comes next.

Ellen Stewart at LaMama (66 E. 4th St.)

5/1 - 5/17

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

Courtesy of Peter Michael Marino

6) HardLove

Through elegant, stylized choreography, “HardLove” introduces audiences to ChiChi (Miray Beşli), a raw, free spirit with a wild, fierce heart and Theodore (Chandler Stephenson), the epitome of a well-mannered, intellectual who values order and structure. After stumbling into Teddy's apartment blackout drunk, their initial fumbling attempts at a hookup quickly dissolve, exposing vastly different expectations of intimacy and connection. Can two people navigate different wavelengths to find common ground, or will their wild clash lead to emotional wreckage?

In “HardLove,” a volatile late-night encounter fueled by booze and magnetic attraction forces two strangers to confront their fears, desires, and the fragile lines between connection and destruction. 

SoHo Playhouse (15 Vandam St.)

5/1 - 6/6

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

Courtesy of Emily Owens PR

7) The Menopause Monologues

The Menopause Monologues are curated from both local New York women and women around the country. Our mission is to break the generational silence around menopause so women everywhere can access the healthcare information they deserve. The sold-out series of performances in the Bay Area and L.A. were celebrated for their ability to balance humor and vulnerability while tackling a traditionally taboo topic.

HERE Arts Centers (145th 6th Ave.)

Performances will take place on:

Thursday, April 30 at 8:30pm - Q&A with Dr. Sadaf Lodhi, Host of The Muslim Sex Podcast 

Friday, May 1 at 8:30pm  - Q&A with Dr. Rebecca C. Brightman, East Side Women's OBGYN Associates; Assistant Clinical Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai 

Saturday, May 2 at 4pm - Q&A with Anna Barbieri, Francesco Callipari & Anuradha Lala from Mount Sinai

Saturday, May 2 at 8:30pm - Q&A with Dr. Sadaf Lodhi, Host of The Muslim Sex Podcast 

Sunday, May 3 at 4pm - Q&A with Dr. Maria Sophocles, author of The Bedroom Gap and  Kathleen Jordan, Chief Medical Officer at CMO Midi Health 

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://here.org/shows/the-menopause-monologues/

9) Mercury

As the MERCURY rises in the middle of a summer heat wave, a trio of women play a game of whodunit – each a key figure in a murder that has happened, or will happen, or is happening right now.

The Players Theatre (115 MacDougal St.)

4/30 - 5/17

Opening Night 5/1

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit ci.ovationtix.com/277/production/1247888

Courtesy of Spincycle NYC

9) Needle & Bone

In NEEDLE & BONE, the proprietress of a haunted tattoo parlor attempts to connect with her father on the anniversary of his passing leaving the artists who work for her to struggle with the line between the living and the dead.

The Flea (20 Thomas St.)

5/2 -5/16 in rep with This is Not a Death Cult (see below)

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

Courtesy of Spincycle NYC

10) This is Not a Death Cult

In THIS IS NOT A DEATH CULT, a legacy media journalist and her protege help a whistleblower expose a philanthropist’s secret cult.

The Flea (20 Thomas St.)

5/2 -5/16 in rep with Needle & Bone (see above)

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

In Pennsylvania

11) Ain't Misbehavin'

Featuring a dynamic ensemble cast and a live six-piece band, Ain’t Misbehavin’ brings to life more than 20 iconic songs, including Honeysuckle Rose, The Joint Is Jumpin’, I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, and the title track. Set against the backdrop of the Harlem Renaissance, the show celebrates a pivotal moment in American cultural history, when Black artists, musicians, and performers reshaped the sound and spirit of the nation. Equal parts concert and theatrical experience, Ain’t Misbehavin’ invites audiences to immerse themselves in a world of jazz rhythms, stride piano, and timeless charm.

Theatre Horizon (401 De Kalb St., Norristown)

4/29 - 5/17

Opening Night 5/1

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit theatrehorizon.org/aint-misbehavin

B) Cast Changes

In New York

Courtesy of DKC/O&M

12) Hadestown

Original fates Jewelle Blackman, Jessie Shelton, and Kay Trinidad reunite and return to their roles for 11 weeks from 4/28 - 7/19.

Following two intertwining love stories — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone — Hadestown invites audiences on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. Mitchell’s beguiling melodies and Chavkin’s poetic imagination pit industry against nature, doubt against faith, and fear against love. Performed by a vibrant ensemble of actors, dancers, singers, and musicians, Hadestown delivers a deeply resonant and defiantly hopeful theatrical experience.

Walter Kerr Theatre (219 W. 48th St.)

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

C) Festival

In New York

13) Margaret Mead Film Festival

The Museum’s Margaret Mead Film Festival returns this spring with an outstanding lineup of documentaries from around the world. A showcase for thoughtful contemporary cultural storytelling, the Mead Festival invites participants to explore the rich, vibrant tapestry that is our shared human experience.

American Museum of Natural History (200 Central Park W.)

5/1 - 5/3

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.amnh.org/calendar

D) What Else Is Happening 

In New York 

Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

14) 92NY Harkness Dance Center Presents

GALLIM: BLUSH

In Person

April 30, 2026 at 7PM | May 1, 2026 at 7PM

92nd Street Y, New York (92NY) presents GALLIM: BLUSH on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 7PM and Friday, May 1, 2026 at 7PM at Buttenwieser Hall at The Arnhold Center, 1395 Lexington Ave., New York, NY, 10128. Tickets start at $45 and are available here.

 

GALLIM founder Andrea Miller, one of today’s most celebrated choreographers, returns to one of her earliest pieces for her 92NY debut: her acclaimed work BLUSH, a piece that takes a single, involuntary gesture — the moment of a blush — and expands it into a flood of physical and emotional transformation. Set in a boxing ring-like arena and driven by a score that moves from Chopin to Arvo Pärt to Kap Bambino, BLUSH is dense with raw energy and intimacy. It is a portrait of human vulnerability in motion — a piece that, over 60 minutes, builds to something almost mythic in scale. Since its 2009 premiere, BLUSH has thrilled audiences around the world, earning praise for its daring physicality and Miller’s unmistakable choreographic voice. Her dancers, known for their virtuosity and expressive power, embody the extremes of exertion and release — bringing every moment to the surface.

XXX

15) Amy Carlson & Kevin Csolak to Star in Stella & Marlon as Part of Abingdon Theatre Company’s One Night Only Series

Abingdon Theatre Company (Chad Austin, Producing Artistic Director) is thrilled to announce the cast of their upcoming presentation of the new play Stella & Marlon as part of their One Night Only Series. Stella & Marlon is written by Julia Adler Batavia and directed by Alberto Bonilla, and will be presented at the Laurie Beechman Theatre on April 29, 2026 at 7PM. 

The cast will feature Maria Bilbao (Sweeney Todd), Amy Carlson (Blue Bloods), E.J. Carroll (The Deuce), Kevin Csolak (The Outsiders), Erin Davie (Diana), Colby Kipnes (The Beast in Me), and Adam Monley (Tootsie), with casting by Karie Koppel at Koppel Casting and stage management by Allison Hohman. 

A dream deferred, an unexpected student, and a new beginning. After a failed run in Hollywood, Stella Adler has little hope for the future of acting and returns to New York City to teach. That is, until an extraordinary student stumbles into her classroom. With renewed determination and challenges, she must channel her dreams through her rebellious student: the young Marlon Brando.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.abingdontheatre.org/stellamarlon-ono 

XXX

Courtesy of Michelle Tabick PR

16) Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre Announces

its 26^th Annual Performance Season

with Preview Performances of

Exposed

May 1–2, 2026 | 7PM

412 Broadway, 2nd Floor, NYC

Exposed, set for Friday and Saturday, May 1–2, 2026 at 7PM at Amanda Selwyn Dance Studio, 412 Broadway, 2nd Floor, New York, NY, 10013. Tickets are $30 and can be reserved here.

The Full Theatrical Premiere of Exposed is slated for April 2027 at New York Live Arts. Exposed explores a raw relentlessness human drive to climb —physically, emotionally, and spiritually and the vulnerability, vision, and courage required to transcend and rise. The piece features scenic design by Rob Dutiel, costume design by Anna-Alisa Belous, lighting design by Dan Ozminkowski and Selwyn’s company of 15 dancers including: Torrey Harada, Manon Hallay, Ashley McQueen, Kevin Avila, Emanuele Fiore, Gianna Guzzo, Misaki Hayama, Isaac Kerr, Minseon Kim Jeun, Jack Randel, Oscar Antonio Rodriguez, Lauren Russo, and apprentices Alexa Garzon, Alisha Khatwani, and Madeline Kuhlke.

Throughout the piece, the dancers will transform the stage into a dynamic playground of semi-transparent steps and screens that conceal, distort, confound, beckon, and demand resilience. The dancers move from being constrained and hidden in the maze of obstacles to an unburdening, soaring with a potential of growth.

XXX

17) THE 26^TH ANNUAL

BROADWAY.COM

AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARDS

WILL BE PRESENTED ON

THURSDAY, MAY 28

Broadway.com announced that the 26^th annual Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards will be presented on Thursday, May 28. At the end of each Broadway season, fans from across the globe bestow the most democratic theater award of the year. In recent years, the ceremony has featured Award Winners Nicole Scherzinger, Michelle Williams, Jessica Chastain, Elle Fanning, Hugh Jackman, Rachel McAdams, Leslie Odom, Jr., Sarah Jessica Parker, Ben Platt, Daniel Radcliffe, and more.

The Broadway.com Audience Choice Award is the only major theatrical prize awarded solely by votes cast online by audience members. Awards are presented in traditional categories as well as several unique to the Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards, including “Favorite Diva Performance,” “Favorite New Song,” “Favorite Breakthrough Performance,” “Favorite Funny Performance” and “Favorite Onstage Pair.” In addition, an award is presented for national tours to encourage the participation of Broadway fans not only in New York but across the country. All awards are decided solely by the voting of theater fans on Broadway.com.

Fans can now vote to select this year’s nominees at Broadway.com/Awards.

Wednesday, April 22 – Nominee voting opens

Sunday, April 26 – Nominee voting closes

Monday, May 4 – Award voting opens

Friday, May 8 – Award voting closes

Thursday, May 12 – Winners announced

XXX

Courtesy of Print Shop PR

18) BAT OUT OF HELL

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29^th AT 7:30PM

AND

THURSDAY, APRIL 30^th AT 7:30PM

AT THE TOWN HALL

FOR MORE INFORMATION & TICKETS:

WWW.THETOWNHALL.ORG

Bat Out Of Hell will play on Wednesday, April 29^th at 7:30pm and Thursday, April 30^th at 7:30pm at The Town Hall (123 West 43rd Street, New York, NY). Tickets are on sale now at TheTownHall.org.

Get ready for the ultimate rock experience as Bat Out Of Hell roars into the Town Hall. Featuring the iconic music of Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf, this heart-pounding experience, with a powerhouse eight-piece live band on stage, delivers a new production with sprawling multi-level platforms to transport you from Raven’s bedroom to the underground world of the Lost in a visual feast that pushes the boundaries of live theatre.

 

As the Lost boys and girls flee into the tunnels below the city from its ruler Falco, his teenage daughter Raven locks eyes with fearless leader of the Lost, the immortal Strat, and the immensity of their love-at-first-sight-obsessions threaten to destroy both of their families. Featuring songs from one of Meat Loaf’s best-selling albums, Bat Out of Hell, this cast will bring these anthems to life, including I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That), Paradise By The Dashboard Light, Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad, Dead Ringer For Love, and, of course, Bat Out of Hell.

For more information, visit www.batoutofhellmusical.com

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Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

19) Jim Vines and Carl Mercurio

announce

Broadway Magic Hour

May 2026 Shows

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 May at Broadway Comedy Club, 318 W. 53rd Street, New York, NY 10019. Tickets start at $25 for general admission and can be purchased here.

Join Jim Vines and Carl Mercurio this spring for their hit show Broadway Magic Hour. This family-friendly magic show was voted “A Top Magic Show in NYC” by Time Out NY. 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!

MAY 2026 DATES

May 2, 2026, 2:00 PM (Tickets)

May 9, 2026, 2:00 PM (Tickets)

May 16, 2026, 2:00 PM (Tickets)

May 30, 2026, 2:00 PM (Tickets)

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20) Brooklyn’s Biggest Fashion Night, People’s Ball Honors Trailblazers in American Fashion 

Brooklyn Public Library’s People’s Ball on Sunday, May 3 is held annually on the eve of the Met Gala. The free celebration is co-curated by Harlem icon Souleo and built on a simple idea: the best fashion lives in everyday New Yorkers. Now a Brooklyn spring ritual, it brings together hundreds of boldly dressed attendees—each one invited to take the runway in the middle of the library.

Coinciding with America’s 250th anniversary, this year’s theme honors American trailblazers in fashion and will honor legendary model Bethann Hardison, June Ambrose–stylist known for dressing Jay-Z, Missy Elliott and others–and Patricia Michaels (Taos Pueblo), an internationally celebrated Native American fashion and textile designer.

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Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

21) CUNY Dance Initiative Announces 

Upcoming Performances of

 Elodie Dufroux’s UN-spoken

The CUNY Dance Initiative (CDI), an expansive program providing New York City choreographers and dance companies with creative residencies on CUNY college campuses, announces the premiere of Elodie Dufroux’s first full-length contemporary dance work, UN-spoken, at Tribeca Performing Arts Center (199 Chambers Street, New York, NY 10007) on Friday and Saturday, April 3 and 4, 2026, at 7:30PM. General admission is $40, with student tickets available for $30. Get tickets here.

A deeply personal piece, UN-spoken explores the impact of bullying and social ostracization through Elodie’s own experiences. Blending powerful physical storytelling with intimate narrative to give voice to what often goes unspoken, the work invites conversation around emotional trauma and resilience.

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22) “FIGHT BACK”

THE IMMERSIVE THEATRICAL EXPERIMENT

CREATED BY DAVID WISE

 

ADDITIONAL PRESENTATIONS TO TAKE PLACE

 IN NEW YORK CITY

ON MAY 4, 11, AND 18

 

ALL NET PROCEEDS TO BE DONATED TO

THE LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL & TRANSGENDER 

COMMUNITY CENTER

Due to popular demand, three additional presentations of Fight Back, the immersive theatrical experience created by David Wise will take place in New York City on Monday, May 4, 11, and 18. All net proceeds going forward will be donated to The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center (208 W 13^th St) where Fight Back takes place, in the actual room where the 1989 meeting happened.

The premise of this theatrical experiment is simple: It’s the March 13, 1989 meeting of ACT UP New York, the passionate group taking direct action to fight AIDS. But – there are no actors and there’s no audience. When participants come to Fight Back, from the minute they arrive, they are a person attending the meeting.

 

Participants get a biographical profile of their persona and instructions for how to engage. Some (self-selected) people will also get details about specialized roles they’ll have at the meeting. Every persona will be an actual person who was at that meeting. When participants register for Fight Back, they will fill out a brief questionnaire so that they get matched with a persona that suits them.

For more information and to sign up, please visit www.fightback.nyc . A $19.89 donation is suggested for all participants. You can follow @fightbacknyc on Instagram for additional updates.

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Courtesy of Nicholas & Lence Communications

23) Annual Gjergj Kastrioti Skenderbeu Street

 Fair Returns to Bronx Little Italy, Celebrating

 Albanian Culture with Food, Music, Dancing, and

 More | Sunday 5/3 from 12-6pm

The 5^th Annual Gjergj Kastrioti Skenderbeu Street Fair will take place on Sunday, May 3^rd from 12pm to 6pm in Bronx Little Italy, on Crescent Avenue between Arthur Ave and Belmont Ave. Hosted by the Albanian American Open Hand Association Inc. (AAOHA), the Belmont BID is proud to be a sponsor of this vibrant event, which celebrates the neighborhood’s long-standing Albanian-Italian relationship. The fair will feature traditional foods, live music, dancing, cultural performances, children’s activities, games, and more. 

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Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

24) L’Alliance New York presents

Euphrate

Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 2PM

L’Alliance New York Florence Gould Theater

55 East 59th Street, New York, NY, 10022

 L’Alliance New York presents Nil Bosca’s Euphrate on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 2PM in L’Alliance New York’s Florence Gould Theater, 55 East 59th Street, New York, NY, 10022. The show is presented in French with English supertitles and is recommended for audiences age 12 and up. Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased here. L’Alliance New York is also presenting Euphrate to school groups as part of its Young Audience Program (learn more here).

Daughter of a Turkish father and a French mother, Euphrate is a high school senior struggling with the French education system. On top of keeping up her mediocre grades, she has to choose a career path, which leads her to interrogate how her dual heritage has shaped her identity. In a witty dialogue with her father, she embarks on a journey through her Turkish roots and childhood memories. Blending dance and spoken word, this solo performance by Nil Bosca tells the story of a young woman discovering her own voice.

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25) Lincoln Center 

Upcoming Events

Come and Sing with Troy Anthony, a community choir event led by renowned composer, theater-maker, and choir leader Troy Anthony (April 26).

Swans of Harlem (April 30), a dynamic conversation exploring the creative threads that connect storytelling across disciplines, featuring Tesori, Karen Valby, Marcia Sells, and Dr. Maurice Wheeler to illuminate the shared forces that shape cultural expression.

Browse the full schedule of this season's events: HERE. 

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Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

26) Mimi Garrard and Collaborators present

Views

Six Award-Winning Video Dances

Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 2pm

The Theater of the Rubin Museum

Mimi Garrard of Mimi Garrard Dance Theatre and Collaborators present Views to an invited audience at the Theater of the Rubin Museum, 150 W. 17th Street, NYC, on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 2pm.

Views presents the audience with a wide range of choreography and storytelling, from the strange and disturbing NON-HUMAN GESTALT to the touching and thought-provoking piece MOTHER OF EXILES, based off of Emma Lazarus’ poem The New Colossus. Other dances include DYSTUTOPIC, a work that contrasts utopia and dystopia; the delicate INNERSPACE; the high-energy, dynamic HASTEBOUND; and the poetic PEACOCK.

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Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

27) Parallel Exit

presents

Sunset Circus

May 3, 2026 at 11AM

Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan

Parallel Exit presents SUNSET CIRCUS on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10023 at 11AM. Orchestra tickets are $50, balcony tickets are $40, and all audience members receive special circus coloring book pages digitally with the purchase of tickets! Visit here for tickets and more information. For group sales, please inquire at sunsetcircustickets@gmail.com.

SUNSET CIRCUS is back by popular demand with new, never-before-seen Juggling and Aerial Acts! A circus for audiences of all ages, SUNSET CIRCUS is a family you’ve just met but you’ve known forever. Featuring circus artists from Cirque du Soleil, Big Apple Circus, and beyond, SUNSET CIRCUS features a sensational cast of seven circus artists, including aerialists, jugglers, acrobats, and comedians who will bring audiences laughter, awe, and perhaps a tear. This unique theatrical circus experience presents innovative circus acts interwoven with characters who would be at home in your own backyard, entertaining everyone from kids to parents and grandparents.

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Courtesy of Nicholas & Lence

28)  It’s a PAW-ty! Schwarzman Animal Medical Center Kicks Off National Pet Month with Signature PAW Day Pet Health & Wellness Fair

 

On Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 11am to 5pm, pet parents and their animal companions are invited to a full day of family-friendly fun, from interactive pet health learning stations, kids’ zone, scent work activities for dogs, giveaways, wellness resources, and more

The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC), the world’s largest veterinary teaching hospital and NYC’s only level 1 veterinary trauma center, will bring its annual PAW Day Pet Health & Wellness Fair to 2nd Avenue between 76th and 77th Streets on Saturday, May 2, 2026, transforming the block into a lively, pet-focused destination. Organized by AMC’s Usdan Institute for Animal Health Education, this free, outdoor event will take place from 11am to 5pm as part of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce’s 2nd Avenue Community Benefit Festival. Pet parents, animal lovers, and community members of all ages are invited to a delightful day of “doggone” fun for the whole family.    

Event highlights include interactive learning stations, where attendees will have the opportunity to speak with AMC veterinarians across several specialties, including Behavior, Avian & Exotics, Primary Care, Dentistry & Oral Surgery, Emergency & Critical Care, Surgery, Neurology, Diagnostic Imaging, Radiation Oncology, Anesthesia & Pain Management, and Internal Medicine. In addition, AMC’s Behavior team will lead scent work activities for dogs, and children can enjoy DIY pet toy-making, bracelet-making, face painting, and a stuffed animal vet clinic in the Kids’ Zone. There will also be fun giveaways, useful pet health resources, and opportunities to connect with AMC’s Social Work and Human Resources teams. AMC community partners will also be on-site to share information and resources, including Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC), PAWS NY, and The Good Dog Foundation.

For more information, visit www.amcny.org/event/paw-day-2026/.

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Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

29) South Street Seaport Museum

Announces

May Monthly Family Activity:

_{Impressive Impressions}

May 1 – 31, 2026

11am–4:30pm | 14 Fulton Street | Included in General Admission

This May, your General Admission ticket to the South Street Seaport Museum includes Impressive Impressions a fun family-friendly activity that invites you to dive into the rich history of printing and its deep connections to the South Street Seaport! The activity will take place indoors at 14 Fulton Street. Book your tickets to the family activity here.

Inspired by the woodblock printing tools and prints on view in the three-floor exhibition Maritime City, this hands-on activity invites families to create their own illustrative “woodcuts” using styrofoam. Then, bring your design to life by making an impression print—just like traditional block printing techniques!

Design your own unique illustration or choose from pre-made templates provided by the Museum. Before you roll up your sleeves and try your hand at printing, make sure to visit the exhibition Maritime City as well as Bowne & Co. Stationers to see examples of historical printing, equipment including a printing press, and more!

This activity will be offered Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from May 1 through May 31. The activity was developed for participants ages 5 and up.

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Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

30) South Street Seaport Museum

Announces

Print Your Own Mother’s Day Card

May 3 | 12–2pm ET | 211 Water Street | Free

South Street Seaport Museum announces Print Your Own Mother’s Day Card on Sunday, May 3, 2026, from noon to 2pm at Bowne & Co. at 211 Water Street. Advanced registration is suggested for this free event. seaportmuseum.org/bowne-mothers-day

Looking for a special Mother’s Day gift? Come to Bowne & Co. to join the talented designers in creating a festive Mother’s Day card using the Museum’s 19th century historical printing equipment. From 12pm to 2pm you are invited to stop by to see the Seaport Museum’s working collection in action and to try printing your own card. While you’re at the Museum, check out the wide array of unique products available at the Bowne & Co. Gift Emporium to find something special for the mother figure in your life. And, you can even print a little something for dad too. Register for free here.

Want to include mom in the experience? Invite her to join in the festivities and attend the program together. Throughout the activity you’ll make memories to last a lifetime.

Preregistration is encouraged for this free event. Walkups will be accommodated as possible. Anyone ages 12 and up is welcome. All participants get to take home the cards they print during the afternoon.

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31) THE TIMES SQUARE ALLIANCE’S TSQ LIVE WELCOMES ZUMBA® TO CELEBRATE ITS 25^TH ANNIVERSARY IN TIMES SQUARE

 

Bringing together their best instructors to celebrate on the International Day of Dance

The Times Square Alliance’s annual TSQ LIVE programming will welcome Zumba®, the world’s largest dance-fitness phenomenon, to the Crossroads of the World to celebrate its 25^th Anniversary on the International Day of Dance, April 29^th from 5:00 – 6:00 pm on the Broadway Plaza between 46^th and 47^th Streets, bringing instructors from around the world to lead the ultimate Zumba® class.  TSQ LIVE is NYC’s largest public programming series featuring DJ sets, live concerts, dance workshops, and more.  Details about the full season will be announced at a later date. 

Top Celebrity Zumba Instructors will lead this once-in-a-lifetime 25^th Anniversary celebration of Zumba®, a brand that has brought happiness through movement to millions around the world.  Attendees will experience a high-energy, dance-based cardio class with easy-to-follow choreography for all fitness levels.  The music will be nonstop, mixing salsa, reggaetón, samba, pop, and global beats.  This class is free and open to all ages and skill levels.  Those who want to attend the celebration can register for free HERE.   

For more information and to register for the class please visit www.tsq.org/zumba. 

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In Pennsylvania

32) FRANKLIN ICE CREAM BAR ANNOUNCES CUSTARD GIVEAWAY TO CELEBRATE SEASON GRAND OPENING IN HISTORIC PHILADELPHIA'S CONFECTIONERY ROW

New flavors, summer hours, new dips available for custard cones, design your own Keystone bars and more return for the everyone's favorite time of the year 

Ice cream and custard season is officially back in Philly! Franklin Ice Cream Bar announces its season grand opening at 112 Market Street, starting Saturday, May 2nd through Labor Day. Franklin Fountain's companion ice cream parlor for warm weather months is located just two doors down, in the heart of Confectionery Row. For this year's menu, look for the return of their famous thick vanilla and chocolate custard, standard and seasonal pints, ice cream cakes, ice cream sandwiches and vegan and gluten-fr ee options. Keystone Bars are back in rotating ice cream flavors. Design your own with a choice of milk or dark Shane Confectionery Chocolate dips. Each hand-dipped bar can then be topped with rotating selections, such as candied jalapeños, toasted coconut, flower petals, spiced pecans, caramel drizzle, salted peanuts, brownie bites and more. Pre-made Keystone Bars include Strawberry Shortcake, Coffee Toffee Almond and Vegan Hydrox Cookie. New and limited edition products this year will include Strawberry Matcha Keystone Bars, Root Beer Ice (sorbet with Franklin Fountain Root Beer). Cherry Pie Ice Cream (vanilla ice cream with tart cherries and pie crust), Pretzel-delphia Ice Cream (chocolate ice cream, chocolate-covered pretzels and swirls for peanut butter sauce), plus Teaberry, Almond Butter Cherry, Cotton Candy, Blueberry, Vegan Strawberry, Vegan Chocolate Vegan Mint Chip, Vegan Blueberry and more. Franklin Ice Cream Bar will give away complimentary baby cones of its famous frozen custard to the first 50 customers on opening day starting at 2:00pm.

Hours for starting weeks are Saturdays, 4:00pm to 10:00pm and Sundays, 3:00pm to 9:00pm. Look for expanded hours closer to mid-June and July 4th.  In case of inclement weather or special private events, The Franklin Fountain is open this season from 11:00am to Midnight seven days a week right next door for all your sweet tooth needs. For more information and menu teasers, follow @franklinfountain and visit franklinicecream dot com.

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Other

33) Al Hirschfeld Foundation announces latest publication, HIRSCHFELD'S ICONS: A POSTER BOOK, available April 28, 2026

The Al Hirschfeld Foundation announces its latest publication, Hirschfeld's Icons: A Poster Book, to be published by Abrams ComicArts on April 28, 2026. Following the success of the USA Today best-seller Hirschfeld's Sondheim, this second volume in the series of deluxe oversized 11 x 14-inch Hirschfeld poster books offers a visual journey through seven decades of pop culture history, featuring icons such as Julie Andrews, Charlie Chaplin, Chita Rivera, Richard Pryor, Ray Charles, and the Marx Brothers. Each portrait showcases Hirschfeld's unmistakable linear calligraphy, both in black and white and in color, that originally appeared on posters, album covers, and the pages of most major publications for over 80 years.

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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.  Any Concerns regarding image usage can be addressed here.