Still More Theater Saturday - The Vessel

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

What: The Vessel

Where: 59E59 Theatres

             59 E. 59 St.

             New York NY

Who: Recommended for ages 16 and up due to sensitive themes, including suicide and grief.

When: Through August 29, 2026

The Vessel is a 148-foot honeycomb-like structure with staircases winding up to the top. Since its installation in New York's Hudson Yards, it has courted controversy and been closed several times due to its propensity for use as a site for committing suicide. Precautions have been put in place to help prevent this, including signage, netting around the structure, and security staff. The latter have been trained in harm reduction and are tasked with monitoring visitor safety. This play revolves around three such workers. 

The show is not wall-to-wall darkness. There are lighter, more humorous moments within it, and a nice interplay between the three characters. However, given that, it's still hard to get past the heaviness at the show's core, particularly for those who find suicide triggering.

 And that's our view. For more about The Vessel or to purchase tickets, visit www.59e59.org/shows/show-detail/the-vessel

Photo credits:

All The Vessel production photos by Jacob Ruth and Yiyuan Li.

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.

Theater Thursday - Rock Never Dies

We received complimentary tickets to Rock Never Dies for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: Rock Never Dies

Where: Hard Rock Cafe New York

             1501 Broadway

             New York,  NY

 

Who: No specific age limit, but best for teens and up

When: Through August 29, 2026

Rock Never Dies is a new interactive musical at the Hard Rock Cafe New York. Naturally, the story revolves around rock and roll, and a lot of nostalgic music is heard throughout. However, as spoilers are not allowed, the specifics of the plot cannot be revealed here. Suffice it to say that the story is completely unique and original. The participation element is fairly low-key and doesn't even involve leaving your seat, which may disappoint some, but will surely fill others with relief and make them more likely to consider the show. 

A three-course meal is included with the price of admission, and you are given a choice between three entrees. Alcoholic beverages are not included but are available for purchase. Anyone who delights in the prospect of indulging in a hearty meal while immersed in a magical musical world, surrounded by priceless rock -and-roll treasures, will not want to miss this show!

And that's our view. For more about Rock Never Dies or to purchase tickets, visit rockneverdiestheshow.com

Tune in Saturday for Still More  Theater Saturday.

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

Where-To-Go Wednesday - Folk Nation: Crafting Patriotism in the United States

What: Folk Nation: Crafting Patriotism in the United States 

Where: American Folk Art Museum

             2 Lincoln Square

             New York, NY

Who: All ages

When: Through September 13, 2026

In conjunction with the Nation's 250th birthday, the current exhibit, Folk Nation: Crafting Patriotism in the United States, at the American Folk Art Museum looks at how patriotism is explored through art. In addition to paintings and portraits, weather vanes, quilts, and more are part of the exhibit. Artists represented include Grandma Moses, Edward Hicks, and more, as well as some unknown artists. While some of the works are meant to celebrate this country, others are meant to represent protest, grief or other things.

 And that's our view. For more about the exhibit or the American Folk Art Museum in general, visit folkartmuseum.org/exhibitions/folk-nation. There is no fee required to visit the museum.

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: See To It Be It: Eleven Champions Leading Women's Sports Today & Murder on Charity Lane; Movie.: Forever Mia

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

Books: See Be It: Eleven Champions Leading Women's Sports Today 

                                      & 

           Murder on Charity Lane

Today, we recommend See It To Be It: Eleven Champions Leading Women's Sports Today by Billie Jean King. Aside from being one of the greatest tennis champions that ever lived, Billie Jean King is a fierce advocate of women and the LGBTQ+ community. In connection with her advocacy efforts, she has co-written this book spotlighting the lives and careers of eleven current superstars in their sports. 

However, what makes these athletes stand out is not only their athletic prowess but also their advocacy and the way they stand up not only for themselves but for others and dedicate themselves to helping bring positive change in the world. Some are fairly well-known athletes, including basketball player Caitlin Clark and tennis player Naomi Osaka. Others probably are not as familiar outside their respective sports, like Paralympic swimmer McKenzie Coan and wrestler Amit Elor. 

Every person covered in the book is equally admirable. Each one teaches us about perseverance and commitment not only to their sports but to making the world a better place. Although this book may be particularly good reading material for young girls, really anyone can benefit from reading it. 

Today, we recommend Murder on Charity Lane by Jo Nichols. The quirky and endearing residents of the Marigold Cottages are back, facing another unexplained death. Even if you haven't read the previous book in the series, The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective, which we highly recommend (read about it in our previous post Tips for Tuesday - Books: The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective), you can still enjoy this one. 

Although the murder case is not as interesting as the last time around and there are not quite as many unexpected twists and turns, which does not mean there are not any, it is still intriguing enough. Besides, it is the characters and their relationships that make this series such a joy to read not so much the mystery. Even though the gist of the plot's resolution may not be as completely surprising if you have read the first book in the series, that doesn't make it any less satisfying or refreshingly any less formulaic. 

Movie: Forever Mia

Today, we are talking about Forever Mia. This thriller is based on the true story of a woman who was kidnapped by her abusive ex. Although this film doesn't offer anything new to the genre, it is intriguing enough and holds your attention throughout. It is not overly drawn out either, and the running time is reasonable. Plus, although it is obviously not suitable for young children, it never really rises to the level of absolutely terrifying, which may be a detriment to some but definitely makes it more tolerable for others who don't mind when things get somewhat frighteningly intense but prefer not to be scared out of their wits when watching a movie. 

And that's our view. See To It Be It: Eleven Champions Leading Women's Sports Today was published last Tuesday, August  11. Murder on Charity Lane was published today. Forever Mia is available on DVD or digitally for purchase or rental starting today.

Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go  Wednesday.

All images used in this post, except film images, are our own.  Film images have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms. Any concerns regarding image usage can be addressed here. 

More Theater Monday - Isla

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

What: Isla

Where: WP Theater 

             2162 Broadway

             New York, NY

Who: Recommended for all ages

When: Through August 29, 2026

Isla is the story of three women and their escape from Cuba to a new life in America. This is not your run-of-the-mill show. The story is told quite creatively, mostly through recordings, songs, dance, pictures, and shadow puppets rather than a lot of dialogue. Much of the dialogue that there is is in Spanish. Yet, even though not all of it is directly translated to English, it is still easy to keep track of the story, and even without much talking, the show rarely lags. 

The story is based on the actual experiences of performer and co-composer Samantha Blain's mother and aunts, which gives it a particular poignancy.  In fact, Blain plays her own mother in the show, and the voices on the recording are actually her relatives speaking about their experiences.  Blain and her two co-stars, Daniela Delahuerta and Tiffany Iris, give deeply passionate and emotional performances even without much, if any, dialogue. Their singing voices are beautiful as well, particularly Blaine's. All in all, it's just a touching, heartfelt story. 

And that's our view. For more about Isla or to purchase tickets, visit www.hitthelights.org.

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Photo credits: 

All Isla production photos by Rebecca J. Michelson

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 8/16/26 What's Happening This Week and More

A )Beginning Performances

In New Jersey

1) All the Devils Are Here

McCarter Theatre 8/19 - 8/30

In New York

2) Masticate

B)Concert

In New York

3) Nancy Kelly

Dante Park 8/19

C) Digital Lottery & Rush

In New York

5) Paranormal Activity

D) Recordings

6) Heated Rivalry

7) Manon!

E) Run Extension

In New York

8) Gazillion Bubble Show 

F) What Else is Happening

In New York

9) City Center $28 In the Heights Rush Event

United Palace 8/23

10) Joe's Pub Concert Featuring When Voices Rise Songwriting Contest Winners

8/21

11) Launch Event for Second Book in Broadway Related Mystery Series 

Planet Hollywood 8/18

12) Soundstage 2026

wild project 8/21

13) South Street Seaport Monthly Family Activity: Lenape Games

Through 8/30

Other

14) Fathom Entertainment Studio Ghibli Fest Continues with Castle in the Sky

8/22 - 8/26

A )Beginning Performances

In New Jersey

1) All the Villains Are Here

Dubbed “The Villain of Broadway” by Playbill, Tony Award nominee and GRAMMY Award winner Patrick Page (Hadestown) steps into the darkness and invites us along. In a tour-de-force performance, “one of America’s finest classical actors” (The Wall Street Journal) turns to the twisted motivations and hidden humanity at the heart of Shakespeare’s greatest villains, embodying Macbeth’s ruthless ambition, Iago’s seductive manipulation, Richard III’s gleeful cunning, Shylock’s fury, and more.

From king, to murderer, to mastermind, Page illuminates the Bard’s evolving conception of evil by delving into more than a dozen of his most wicked creations, offering a spellbinding masterclass on the most terrifying subject of them all: human nature.

McCarter Theatre, Berlind Theatre (91 Unversity Pl., Princeton)

8/19 - 8/30

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

In New York

Courtesy of Alton PR

2) Masticate

Set in an East Coast restaurant, Madison Fargo's new dark comedy, Masticate, blends biting workplace comedy with compelling human drama as the relentless pace of the food service industry becomes a pressure cooker for a group of workers grappling with loneliness, ambition, trauma, and identity.

The Players Theatre, Steve & Marie Sgoruros Theatre (115 MacDougal St.)

Through 8/23

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://ci.ovationtix.com/277/production/1273288

B)Concert

3) Nancy Kelly

A renowned jazz vocalist, Kelly commands a global fan base with her timeless swinging style, transporting audiences back to an era where jazz was an asthenic expression of raw emotion. Over her illustrious five-decade career, Kelly has perfected her trademark swing/bop style on stages across the United States and beyond. A classically trained pianist turned jazz sensation, Kelly was inducted into the Rochester Music Hall of Fame in 2022.

Dante Park (on Bwy btwn 63rd St & 64th St.)

Wednesday August 19, 1:30 PM

This event is free.

For more information, visit www.nancykelly.com

C) Digital Lottery & Rush

In New York

5) Paranormal Activity

 The producers of PARANORMAL ACTIVITY, the smash-hit, Olivier Award nominated new play written by Levi Holloway (Grey House) and directed by Felix Barrett (Sleep No More), which began performances on Broadway this past Friday, August 14, 2026 at the August Wilson Theatre (245 West 52^nd Street), are thrilled to announce its digital lottery and rush ticket policies.

In-person $40 rush tickets will be available on the day of each performance at the August Wilson theatre box office. Each patron can purchase up to two tickets per person, subject to availability.

Digital rush tickets are available for $40 the morning of each performance on the TodayTix app, beginning at 9 a.m. Users can download the TodayTix app on an iOS or Android device and purchase up to two tickets for that afternoon or evening's show. A limited number of rush tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Users can set an alert on the TodayTix app to be notified when rush tickets are available each day.

Digital Lottery tickets will be available on LuckySeat for $40 each. Participants must have a Lucky Seat account to participate in the lottery.  Limit of two tickets per patron. Entries are accepted at LuckySeat.com.

For more about Paranormal Acivity or to purchase tickets, visit paranormalbroadway.com.

D) Recordings

Courtesy of DKC/O&M

6) Heated Rivalry

Producer Alan Kliffer and Center Stage Records announced today that Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody will release an original cast album on September 18. A single of ‘Gym Song’ is now available everywhere you stream and download music. Click here to listen.

To watch a music video of the song, click here.

Originally scheduled as an 8-week run, the critically acclaimed production has been has been extended twice and is playing Off-Broadway at The Culture Club (530 W 27^th St) through Sunday, November 1. Tickets are on sale now and available at https://www.heatedrivalryparody.com/. Subsequent productions are now running in Canada and the UK.

Inspired by the hit show about hockey, Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody follows starry-eyed golden boy Shane Hollander on his journey from power center to power bottom.

Courtesy of Aleba & Co.

7) Manon!

Heatbeat Opera the indie company whose daring, stripped down takes of classic operas have been called "a radical endeavor" by The New Yorker and "revelatory" by The Los Angeles Times—releases its first-ever full length album MANON! on Friday, August 14. 

The recording, made at the legendary Power Station Studios with Lexicon Classics, features the original cast from the company's dazzling run at Irondale last season, which showcased an English-language Broadway-infused revamp of Massenet's 1884 French opera.

Heartbeat takes a radically new approach to Massenet's opera, envisioning it as a musical sung entirely in English. The adaptation features a saucy new libretto by Jacob Ashworth and Obie Award winner Rory Pelsue, who directed the winter production, and the score is newly arranged and conducted from the piano by Dan Schlosberg, who channels Richard Rodgers and Rococo in a luscious re-orchestration for eight musicians.

For more information, visit www.lexiconclassics.com/manon

E) Run Extension

In New York

8) Gazillion Bubble Show 

New World Stages (340 W. 50th St.)

Now closing 1/18/27

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

F) What Else is Happening

In New York

Courtesy of City Center

9) City Center announces $28 Heights 

Rush Event at United Palace, Aug 23

NEW YORK CITY CENTER announced a special Washington Heights celebration and $28 Heights Rush Ticket event for In the Heights on Sunday, August 23, part of City Center’s commitment to making the production accessible to the community where it all began.

Throughout the special three-week run of In the Heights, City Center’s affordability initiative is making 10,000 tickets available at $28 or less—with 5,000 of those tickets available to those who register at the event any time from 9am to 12pm at the United Palace. The free community event celebrates the neighborhood that inspired Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegría Hudes's beloved, Tony-winning musical.

The celebration will feature music from radio station La Mega 97.9, with host Frederick Martínez “El Pachá” serving as MC; as well as food vendors; live performances from City Center’s community partners; and In the Heights merchandise giveaways. The event will also offer information and assistance in both English and Spanish.

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10) WHEN VOICES RISE SONGWRITING CONTEST NATIONAL WINNERS; TOP SONGS TO BE FEATURED IN SPECIAL JOE'S PUB CONCERT AUGUST 21

More Than 200 Songwriters Answered the Call to Create Music Inspired by Today’s Social and Political Landscape

The three winning songs from the When Voices Rise Songwriting Contest, along with the eight remaining finalists, will be showcased during a special concert at New York City's acclaimed Joe's Pub on August 21, 2026. Hosted by acclaimed Mexican composer and musical theater storyteller Jaime Lozano, the evening will celebrate the role of music as both artistic expression and social conscience.

The complete list of finalists and additional information about the August 21 concert can be found at www.whenvoicesrise.com.

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11) BROADWAY POSTER LEGEND FRANK “FRAVER” VERLIZZO RETURNS TO RETRO BROADWAY MYSTERIES WITH
SANITY CLAUS

RELEASED BY CAMEL PRESS ON JUNE 9, 2026

NEW YORK CITY LAUNCH EVENT AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD
ON AUGUST 18, 2026

Drama Desk Award-winning theatrical poster designer Frank “Fraver” Verlizzo, the artist behind the iconic imagery of The Lion King, Sweeney Todd, and Sunday in the Park with George, announces the release of his second mystery novel, Sanity Claus. Published by Camel Press, this latest installment in the Retro Broadway Mystery Series transports readers back to the gritty, glamorous theater world of the late 1970s for a Christmas-themed whodunit where the stakes are as high as the marquee lights.

After five decades as one of Broadway’s most prolific designers—having created over 300 posters that defined the visual identity of the American theater—Verlizzo has channeled his deep insider knowledge into fiction. His debut novel, Scenery of the Crime, garnered acclaim for its "delicious verisimilitude" and authentic portrayal of the 1970s theater scene.

In Sanity Claus, the holiday spirit is dampened by a deadly ultimatum. Yule Von Zell, the legendary star of the new Broadway play Saint Nick, finds himself at the center of a murder investigation. With his producer threatening to invoke the "sanity clause" in his contract to replace him, theatrical ad executives Vic Senso and Bettie Balboa must step in to save the show. Alongside NYPD Detective Renny Clements and the eccentric high-society psychic Mizz Mitzi, the duo navigates the secrets of the Christmas-obsessed Von Zell family to find a killer who is targeting the show business dynasty. Spirited holiday greetings from the Retro Broadway Mystery Series, where the drama is real and the murders are diabolically staged!

“Sanity Claus” by Frank “Fraver” Verlizzo, the second in the Retro Broadway Mystery Series from Camel Press, was published on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. It is available now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and from fine booksellers everywhere.

On Tuesday, August 18, the book will be launched at The Men Event’s Networking Party TIMES SQUEER SOCIAL at Planet Hollywood NYC **(136 West 42nd Street – 3rd Fl) from 6-9pm. Mr. Verlizzo will be in attendance, and books will be available for sale and autographs. The event is free to attend. More info and registration link may be found at www.TheMenEvent.com.

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12) Upcoming at wild project

Soundstage 26

Live Music & Performance Series curated by Cyrus Aaron 

Featured Artists Briana Swann & Jamie Owens

SOUND STAGE is a live performance campaign that supports independent artists and promotes the need for community spaces. Annually, we select at least six performance artists, regardless of career status, to take center stage for a live concert at our 89-seat theater in the East Village. Artists are financially compensated for the live performance, and receive tech support, promotional materials, and archival performance footage.

wild project (195 W. 3rd St.)

Friday August  21, 7:00 PM

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit thewildproject.org/performances/soundstage-august-2026.

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Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

13) South Street Seaport Museum

Announces

August Monthly Family Activity:

Lenape Games

Now through August 30, 2026

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

Saturdays and Sundays throughout August offer families the opportunity to experience the Greater New York region’s rich past through fun, interactive games at the South Street Seaport Museum! Discover the traditions of the area’s Indigenous people and play the same games that were enjoyed here long before the city we know today for free with General Admission. Learn more and get tickets here.



Family-friendly activities include Selahtinalìtin (sˈɛlɑːtˌɪnɐlˌɪtɪn): a scattering straws game similar to Pick Up Sticks or Jackstraws, and Mamantuhwin (mˈæmɐntˌuːwɪn): a dice-and-bowl game inspired by the whirligig beetle. Experience the excitement of these traditional games and connect with the history of Lenapehoking, the land now known as South Street Seaport.

Enjoy More That the Museum Offers

Monthly family activities are included in General Admission to the South Street Seaport Museum on Saturday and Sunday, 11am–5pm. Admission brings you aboard the 1885 tall ship Wavertree and 1908 lightship Ambrose at Pier 16, and into all current exhibitions on view in the first-floor Schermerhorn Row galleries at 12 Fulton Street. Your ticket also sets you on course to explore Maritime City, the Seaport Museum’s immersive, three-floor exhibition at A.A. Thomson & Co., located at 213 Water Street. seaportmuseum.org/admission

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Other

Courtesy of Fathom Entertainment

14) Studio Ghibli Fest 2026 Continues With

“CASTLE IN THE SKY”

Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Academy Award^® Winning Director Hayao Miyazaki’s Early Masterpiece on the Big Screen Nationwide 

With Fathom Entertainment for 5 Nights Only

Tickets are on sale now for Castle in the Sky, a timeless story of courage and friendship from acclaimed Academy Award^®-winning director Hayao Miyazaki.

This high-flying adventure begins when Pazu, an engineer’s apprentice, spies a young girl, Sheeta, floating down from the sky, held aloft by a glowing pendant. Both Sheeta and Pazu are searching for the legendary floating castle, Laputa, and they vow to travel there together to unravel the mystery of the luminous crystal. But their quest won’t be easy, as soon they are being pursued by greedy air pirates, the military, and secret government agents, who all seek the power Sheeta alone can control.

 

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the film returns to theatres this August for five nationwide screenings. Castle in the Sky will be shown in both the original Japanese and English-dubbed versions, featuring the voices of Anna Paquin, James Van Der Beek, Cloris Leachman, Mark Hamill, and Mandy Patinkin in their early roles.

In addition to the full features, screenings will include a post-film clip from the bonus featurette, “The World of Laputa”.

Tickets for Castle in the Sky 40th Anniversary can be purchased online by visiting GhibliFest.com, FathomEntertainment.com and at participating theatre box offices (Theatre participants are subject to change). 

Castle in the Sky Show Dates

Check with your local theatres or online ticketing site for specific showtimes.

 

Saturday, August 22 at 3:00 PM (English Language Dub)

Sunday, August 23 at 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM (English Language Dub)

Monday, August 24 at 7:00 PM (Japanese Language with Subtitles)

Tuesday, August 25 at 7:00 PM (Japanese Language with Subtitles)

Wednesday, August 26 at 7:00 PM (English Language Dub)

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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.