I started this blog with one daughter, kept it up with the other, to spend time together doing something we enjoyed.
However, things change and people evolve. My daughters are older, busier, and not as interested in writing.
From now on this blog will be mostly mom with occasional contributions from my daughters and maybe even my husband.
Nothing else will change. We'll still focus on sharing fun places to go, fun things to do, and more, and we would  still love to hear your views too

Sunday, August 2, 2026

Sunday Scoop Week of 8/2/26 What's Happening This Week and More

A)Beginning Performances

In New York

1) Faggot Baggage
Gallery 198 8/8 - 8/16

B) Cast Changes

In New York

2) 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
New World Stages 

C) Concert

In New York

3) Jason Marshall
Dante Park 8/5

D) Festivals

In New Jersey

4) ¡FESTEJO! Celebrating Latine Stories Onstage
Two River Theater 8/6 - 8/9

In New York

5) Battery Dance Festival
Wagner Park 8/10/16

6) LimeFest 
The Tank 8/7 - 8/30

7) Little Shakespeare Festival
Under St. Marks 8/6/23

In Pennsylvania 

8) African Cultural Festival
Philadelphia Zoo 8/8/26

E) Reading

In New York

9) George Bernard Shaw's John Bull's Other Island
American Irish Historical Society 8/10

F) Recording

10) Just in Time Releases 4 Singles Featuring Jeremy Jordan

G) Run Extension & Rush Policy

In New York

11) Disruption
Romulus Linney Courtyard, The Pershing Square Signature Center
now closing 9/27


H) Streaming

12) Bad Practices 

I) Tickets on Sale

In New Jersey

13) Chris Tucker 
NJPAC 10/2

J) What Else is Happening

In New York

14) Brooklyn Children's Museum Celebrates the Carribean
8/8

15) Higher Than A Body: A Memory Set to Music - A Work in Progress 
8/7 & 8/8

16) Jazz at Lincoln Center Celebrates Tony Bennett's 100th Birthday
Dizzy's Club 8/9

17) Star Stone Comes to 54 Below
8/4

In Pennsylvania 

Other

18) Fathom Entertainment Upcoming Events
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory 8/2 & 8/5
DCI 2026: Big Loud & Live
Tales of Earthsea 8/8 & 8/10 and Only Yesterday 8/9 & 8/11

A)Beginning Performances

In New York

Courtesy of Keith Sherman & Associates 

1) Faggot Baggage

 A new solo exhibition of 50 paintings by Harlem-based multidisciplinary artist Ryan Bauer-Walsh, opening at 6pm August 8 and remaining on display through August 16, 2026. Combining painting, installation, performance, and personal archive, the exhibition features more than fifty new works ranging in size from 5”x7” to 60”x30”, alongside a live performance during which the exhibition itself is constructed before the audience. Ryan’s art has been featured in the New York Times and is in the permanent collection of the National Archives.

Gallery 198 (198 24th St. Brooklyn)
8/8 - 8/13

For more information or to reserve your seat, visit www.gallery198.com.

B) Cast Changes

In New York

Courtesy of Vivacity Media Group

2) 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Alex Newell joins the cast as Rona Lisa Peretti starting on 8/7 for four weeks only.

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

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

C) Concert

In New York

3) Jason Marshall

Marshall has built a wide-reaching career as a performer, composer, arranger, educator, and cultural voice. His work honors the joy, complexity, and legacy of Black American Music, spanning styles and generations with integrity and soul. Over the past two decades, he has brought his artistry to stages around the world, performing and recording with his own ensemble as well as with artists including Roy Hargrove, Aretha Franklin, Deedee Bridgewater, Chaka Khan, Abdullah Ibrahim, Kurt Elling, The Roots, The Temptations, and more.

Dante Park (Broadway Between 63rd and 64th)
Wednesday August 5, 1:30  PM.

For more information, visit jasonmarshalljazz.com.

D) Festivals

In New Jersey

Courtesy of Social Sidekick Media

4) ¡FESTEJO! Celebrating Latine Stories Onstage

This annual celebration, formerly known as Crossing Borders (Cruzando Fronteras) Festival, returns for its 15th year, showcasing new work in development by Latine theater artists, and featuring music and art that celebrates the Latine community in our region. Two River is one of five regional theaters to receive the prestigious National Theatre Company grant from American Theatre Wing in support of this year’s festival.

Two River Theater (21 Bridge Ave., Red Bank)
8/6 - 8/9

For more information, visit tworivertheater.org

In New York

Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

5) Battery Dance Festival

This August, Battery Dance returns to the waterfront in spectacular fashion, transforming Wagner Park into a vibrant hub of movement, music, and cultural celebration in partnership with Battery Park City Authority. The Festival begins on August 10 with dynamic community workshops led by selected local dance groups, inviting New Yorkers of all ages to connect directly with artists through shared movement and cultural exchange. On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the performances officially begin as the Festival proudly celebrates its legacy as New York City’s longest-running free public dance festival—an unforgettable annual tradition that brings together extraordinary artists and audiences from around the world.

The 45th Annual Battery Dance Festival marks a milestone moment, honoring 50 years of Battery Dance and the visionary leadership of founder and Artistic Director Jonathan Hollander. This landmark edition showcases a dazzling, multicultural lineup of artists, featuring bold voices and movement traditions from across the globe—uniting genres, cultures, and creative perspectives in a powerful celebration of artistic expression.

Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park (the intersection of Battery Pl. & First Pl.)
8/10 - 8/16


For more information, visit batterydance.org/battery-dance-festival.

6) LimeFest 

LimeFest 2026 showcases new work by women, non-binary, and gender non-conforming artists.

The Tank (312 W. 36 St.)
8/7 - 8/30

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

7) Little Shakespeare Festival

The Little Shakespeare Festival at FRIGID New York, curated by Conor Mullen, is a celebration of independent theatre and performance that takes inspiration from the immortal bard, William Shakespeare. This year's theme is “ShakesPUNK.”

Like it or not, Shakespearean theatre has become part of the establishment: easy, predictable, and safe. But they don’t think that’s how Shakespeare should be. That’s not what they're here for. They're here for Shakespeare that challenges, that shocks, that’s loud and grimy and angry. That’s punk! That’s ShakesPUNK. They're challenging the Shakespearean status quo with the punkest, weirdest, queerest, angriest Shakespeare-adjacent theater you’ve ever seen!

Under St. Marks (94 St. Marks Pl.)
8/6 - 8/23

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit frigid.nyc/festivals/little-shakespeare.

In Pennsylvania 

Courtesy of Aversa PR

8) African Cultural Festival

Philadelphia Zoo is partnering with ODUNDE365 to bring a weekend of African culture, dance and crafts to the Zoo!  continues the celebration of South Philly’s Annual Odunde Festival, the largest African American street festival and celebration of its kind in the country. Guests are welcome to attend special performances, crafts and learn how to play a drum during an Odunde365 drumming class! The Reading Captains will also be in attendance giving out themed books during the event. African Culture Fest is included with Zoo admission or membership.

Philadelphia Zoo (3400 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia)
Saturday, August 8, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

For more information or to purchase tickets to the Zoo, visit philadelphiazoo.org/events/african-culture-fest.

E) Reading

In New York

Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

9) George Bernard Shaw's John Bull's Other Island

Written in 1904 at the request of W. B. Yeats for the Irish Literary Theatre (later the Abbey Theatre), John Bull's Other Island is a riotous high-action comedy! It remains Shaw's only play set in Ireland and is among his most comedic, insightful, romantic, and rarely seen works. Following the performance, audiences are invited to remain for a lively post-show discussion with artists and scholars exploring the play's historical context, its contemporary relevance, and the continuing dialogue surrounding Irish identity, diaspora, and cultural exchange.


American Irish Historical Society (991 5th Ave.)

Monday August 10, 7:00 M


Come visit one of New York’s fully intact Gilded Age Mansions! Admission is free with a suggested donation! Reservations are required!


For more information or to make a reservation, visit: https://gingoldgroup.org/productions/john-bulls-other-islandby-bernard-shaw/?portfolioCats=74.


F) Recording

Courtesy of Polk and Co.
10) Just in Time Releases 4 Singles Featuring Jeremy Jordan

Atlantic Records is proud to release four brand new singles from JUST IN TIME, Broadway’s sold-out smash hit musical. The songs feature “one of Broadway’s great leading men” (TheaterMania),” two-time Tony Award nominee and Grammy Award nominee Jeremy Jordan as Bobby Darin.


The new tracks include:


The original cast album featuring Jonathan Groff is available on vinyl, CD, and digitally HERE


G) Run Extension & Rush Policy

In New York

11) Disruption

Does anyone know what would make them truly happy?

Tech entrepreneur Nick thinks he has the answer. After tremendous Silicon Valley success and a big exit, Nick presents his three best friends with his next big idea: an algorithm that is more complex than the human brain and promises to guide them through big life decisions better and more effectively than they can guide themselves. In an era where every aspect of human life has been documented with data and disrupted by technology, do computers know us better than we know ourselves? And even if they do, should we listen? Andrew Stein’s sharp, unnerving thriller is a timely and insightful exploration of our tech obsessed world.

Disruption is partnering with TodayTix to offer same-day $48 Rush tickets exclusively on the TodayTix app. Digital Rush Tickets are available the morning of each performance beginning at 9AM ET. 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. Rush tickets are available until two hours before the performance, subject to inventory availability.

The Romulus Courtyard Theatre, Pershing Square Signature Center 
(480 W. 42nd St.)
Now closing 9/27

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

H) Streaming

12) Bad Practices 

Doctors and lawyers -- everyone's favorite TV professionals -- clash like never before in Thirdwing's newest series, BAD PRACTICES inspired by comedic soap operas will launch at thirdwing.info with 5 streaming sitcom episodes premiering weekly from August 4 – September 1.

Vertical minisodes of BAD PRACTICES are out now and are becoming a viral sensation with over 1.9 million views on Instagram; they can be watched by visiting @thirdwingltd.

BAD PRACTICES takes aim at the American medical and legal systems with humor as it tackles many problems facing both professions including those caused by private equity and other monied interests.

The streaming series follows a group of borderline-incompetent lawyers and doctors battling it out with office politics and endless paperwork, putting more of the procedure in “procedural.” One reluctant lawyer starts feeling like she might be fighting for the wrong side.

For more information, visit https://www.thirdwing.info/bad-practices


I) Tickets on Sale

In New Jersey

Courtesy of Prana PR

13) Chris Tucker 

Following multiple sold-out performances at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), internationally recognized actor, producer, and comedian Chris Tucker returns to Prudential Hall.

Known for his unforgettable role as Detective James Carter in the blockbuster Rush Hour film franchise, Tucker first became a stand-up favorite on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam before earning acclaim in films including Friday, Money Talks, The Fifth Element, Jackie Brown, Silver Linings Playbook and AIR. His high-energy storytelling, spot-on impersonations and sharp takes on pop culture have made him one of comedy’s most beloved live performers

Prudential Hall, NJPAC (One Center St., Newark)
Friday October 2, 8:00PM

Tickets available now. 

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

J) What Else is Happening

In New York

14) Brooklyn Children's Museum
Celebrates the Caribbean

BCM and the West Indian American Day Carnival Association invite families to feel the rhythm of Carnival culture with steel drums, stilt walkers, and costumed dancers at this island family fête. 

Brooklyn Children's Museum (145 Brooklyn Ave.)
Saturday August 8, 11:00 PM to 4:00 PM

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.brooklynkids.org/programs/celebrate-the-caribbean.

XXX

15) Upcoming Event at the wild project
Higher Than a Body: A memory set to music

Performance art meets supernatural satire in a special work-in-progress presentation of Higher Than A Body, a new solo performance written, composed, and performed by multidisciplinary artist Neil Totton. Developed in residence at wild project, this showing invites audiences into a memory set to music, packed with humor, sass, and deep introspection. Set in May 2020 during the height of the global pandemic, Higher Than A Body confines the audience within the walls of a New York City apartment. There we meet “BJ the Color Intuitive,” a man blessed—and cursed—with supernatural gifts. While BJ’s initial desire is to leverage his unique powers to strike it rich, the isolation of lockdown forces a reckoning, challenging his ambitions and sparking an unexpected journey of self-discovery.

The wild project (195 E. 3rd St.)
Friday August 7 and Saturday August 8 7:00 PM

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

XXX

16) Songbook Sundays 

at 

Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club 

hosted by Deborah Grace Winer 

 

TONY BENNETT CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 
featuring

Debby Boone, Billy Stritch, Gabrielle Stravelli, David Marino

 

Sunday, August 9th, 5 PM & 7:30 PM 


Tony Bennett would have turned 100 in August, and Jazz at Lincoln Center American Songbook celebrates his centennial in style, with a Dizzy’s Songbook Sundays serving up the songs Bennett loved to sing.  With tunes from The Best is Yet to Come to The Lady is a Tramp, I Left My Heart in San Francisco, I’ve Got the World on a String and more, the show is hosted and curated by leading American Songbook expert Deborah Grace Winer, joined by Grammy award winner Debby Boone, acclaimed jazz singer Gabrielle Stravelli rising young artist David Marino, and Grammy award winner Billy Stritch, (who served as Bennett’s music director), featured on vocals and as music director.  

Jazz at Lincoln Center (10 Columbus Circle)
Sunday August 9, 5:00 PM & 7:30 PM

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Jazz.org/dizzys

XXX


17) STAR STONE'S


Cl*t Cult


Tuesday, August 4 at 9:30 p.m


AT 54 BELOW, BROADWAY’S SUPPER CLUB

 

www.54Below.org


54 BELOW, Broadway’s Supper Club, presents Star Stone in Cl*t Cult on Tuesday, August 4 at 9:30pm. When Star Stone was living in California, she found herself amongst a group of people that were searching for a sex-positive community centered on connection, sexual wellness, and female empowerment. Instead, she found herself drawn into OneTaste, an organization that prosecutors and former members have described as operating like a cult, using manipulation and sexual, psychological, and economic abuse to control its members.


Cl*t Cult is a one-woman comedic solo show about the sexual wellness cult. This is a show about the impact of sex negative culture, power and control dynamics, and the sexual exploitation of women. 


54 Below (254 W. 54th St.)

Tuesday August 4, 9:30 PM


For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.54Below.org


XXX


18) Fathom Entertainment Upcoming Events 


Courtesy of Fathom Entertainment

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory’s 55th Anniversary, a World of Pure Imagination Returns to Theatres August 2 & 5 from Warner Bros. Pictures and Fathom Entertainment

The Timeless Classic Starring Academy Award® Nominee Gene Wilder
Will Feature a Special Introduction by Film Critic & Historian Leonard Maltin

Fathom’s Big Screen Classics unwraps the magic of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, when the beloved family fantasy returns to theatres on August 2 and 5, 2026, for its 55th anniversary.

Take an unforgettable, uniquely magical, musical journey through the deliciously delightful, whimsically wonderful world of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory.

When eccentric candy man Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder) promises a lifetime supply of sweets and a tour of his chocolate factory to five lucky kids, penniless Charlie Bucket (Peter Ostrum) seeks the priceless golden ticket that will make him a winner. Thanks to his Grandpa Joe (Jack Albertson), Charlie gets the prize of his dreams! But a far more wonderful surprise than Charlie ever imagined awaits him.


In a land of chocolate waterfalls, giant lollipops, edible flowers and, of course, Oompa Loompas, it’s nonstop, mouth-watering fun in the timeless fantasy Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory.


 Sunday, August 2 and Wednesday, August 5 (Check your local theatre for specific showtimes) 


Tickets for Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory 55th Anniversary are available now online and at participating theatre box offices (theatre locations are subject to change). For more information, visit Fathom Entertainment. 


Courtesy of Fathom Entertainment

Tickets Now on Sale for DCI 2026: Big, Loud & Live, Broadcasting the World Championship Prelims Live in Theatres August 6 from Drum Corps International and Fathom Entertainment


Experience the Power, Precision and Performance of the

Top 15 Drum Corps Live from Lucas Oil Stadium

 

DCI 2026: Big, Loud & Live returns to theatres nationwide on August 6 from Drum Corps International and Fathom Entertainment. Broadcast live from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the one-night-only event brings the best seats from the 2026 DCI World Championship Prelims to the big screen, showcasing the top 15 competing drum corps as they begin their pursuit of a world title. Featuring live commentary, interviews and real-time scoring, Big, Loud & Live gives fans a front-row seat to Marching Music's Major League from theatres across the country.


Thursday, August 6, 2026
Broadcast Live at 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT


Tickets for DCI 2026: Big, Loud & Live are available now online and at participating theatre box offices (theatre locations are subject to change). For more information, please visit Fathom Entertainment.


Courtesy of Fathom Entertainment

Studio Ghibli Fest 2026 Continues With

TALES FROM EARTHSEA



For Two Nights Only


Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of “Tales From Earthsea

 

Tales from Earthsea and Only Yesterday, which will return to theatres in August for two nationwide screenings of each title.

 

Tales from Earthsea, directed by Goro Miyazaki, joins the Studio Ghibli Fest lineup for the very first time, celebrating its 20th anniversary. As crops dwindle and dragons reappear, mankind stands on the verge of total chaos. Lord Archmage Sparrowhawk, a powerful wizard, and Arren, a troubled young prince, search for the force behind this mysterious imbalance that threatens to destroy the land of Earthsea, in a tale of redemption and self-discovery that will take your breath away. The epic fantasy film will be shown in both the original Japanese and English-dubbed versions, featuring the voices of Timothy Dalton, Willem Dafoe, Cheech Marin, and Mariska Hargitay.


Only Yesterday, directed by Oscar®-nominated Isao Takahata (The Tale of the Princess Kaguya), celebrates its 35th anniversary. Having lived her whole life in the city, 27-year-old Taeko decides to visit her relatives in the countryside. As she travels, memories of her youth resurface, and after meeting young farmer Toshio, she wonders if she’s been true to the dreams of her childhood self. The stirring animated feature will be shown in both the original Japanese and English-dubbed versions, featuring the voices of Daisy Ridley and Dev Patel.

 

As well as the full features, screenings will include a post-film clip of bonus featurettes, “Nippon Television Special” and “Interview with the English Dub Team” (Only Yesterday).


Tickets for Tales from Earthsea canb e purchased online by visiting GhibliFest.com, FathomEntertainment.com or at participating theatre box offices (Theatre participants are subject to change). 


Tales From Earthsea Show Dates

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

 

Saturday, August 8 at 3:00 PM (English Language Dub)

Monday, August 10 at 7:00 PM (Japanese Language with Subtitles)

 

Only Yesterday Show Dates

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

 

Sunday, August 9 at 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM (English Language Dub)

Tuesday, August 11 at 7:00 PM (Japanese Language with Subtitles)


XXX

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

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

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