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Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Where-To-Go Wednesday - Other Types of Transportation at the Whippany Railway Museum
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Tips for Tuesday - Books: So It Grows The Zoo Lady; Movies; UFOs and God
We may have received complimentary copies and/or review access to any books, products, and/or other visual or audio media mentioned below. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.
Books: So It Grows & The Zoo Lady
Today, we are talking about So It Grows by Andie Burke. Still in recovery from a trauma, Felicity moves to Kansas to take over the plant shop she inherited from her late aunt, where she is antagonized by the arrogant chef next door, Nic. When they are forced to join forces to keep a greedy developer from building a parking garage that will ruin their businesses, their relationship begins to blossom into something else that hopefully old secrets won't tear apart.
This book has a lot of heart. It is full of really good, caring, loving family, both the kind you're born with and the kind you choose.
Felicity is a very relatable heroine. She is extremely brave, feisty, and outspoken. Yet, she worries that she is too much.
Nic is really good for her. He is extremely supportive. On the other hand, his former actions border on the stalkerish. Realizing that you need to get yourself together before you can be with anybody else is admirable; to continue to lurk in the background of someone else's life once you have already done so is not.
The sex scenes in the book are extremely graphic, which may delight some readers and disturb others. The latter may also find it cringey and uncomfortable how we are privy to Felicity's every dirty thought about Nic. Thus, a large part of whether you will enjoy this book depends on how explicit you like your romance novels.
Today we are recommending The Zoo Lady by Sandra E. Bonura. This book thoroughly covers the life and career of the equally admirable and formidable Belle Benchley, the woman largely responsible for the growth and development of the San Diego Zoo into the revered institution it is today. Although she started as an executive secretary, she soon became the de facto zoo director, a position she held for almost thirty years without ever receiving the appropriate title or salary commensurate with her actual role.
On the one hand, her inspirational life and career clearly illustrate that a woman can be more than capable in a position of power. On the other hand, she had to fight for every achievement and was not always accepted or taken seriously by many of the men she dealt with, at least those outside of the zoo. Her employees loved her. She was a strict but fair leader who truly demonstrated deep love and concern for both the people who worked for her and the animals in her care.
Her deep love and respect for animals led to changes in how the zoo was run and its primary purpose. Her humane changes to how the zoo housed, fed, and cared for its animals not only provided a blueprint for the future of the San Diego Zoo, but also set the standard for zoos around the world. To her, the zoo was not about spectacle; it was about research, learning, and conservation.
Highlights of the book include chapters on the zoo's acquisitions of its first gorillas, giraffes, and koalas. It also includes numerous pictures from Belle's granddaughter's own private collection. If you are an animal lover, you will definitely want to read this heartwarming and inspiring true tale of the woman behind the rise of one of the world's most famous and beloved zoos.
Movie: UFOs and God
Today, we are talking about UFOs and God. This is a documentary that examines the phenomenon of UFOs from a theological standpoint. However, it is all just speculation. It doesn't really offer any real new insight into the topic and may be offensive to some people. If you are interested in exploring any alleged connection between UFO's and God, you may enjoy it. Otherwise, probably not.
And that's our view. So It Grows was published last Tuesday, September 22. The Zoo Lady will publish this Thursday, October 1. UFOs and God is available for purchase or rental digitally.
Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday.
We were sent to us from publicists, artists, and/or PR firms. Address any concerns regarding image usage here.
Monday, September 28, 2026
More Theater Monday - Falls for Jodie
Sunday, September 27, 2026
Sunday Scoop Week of 9/27/26 What's Happening This Week and More
Friday, October 2: The festival opens with an art exhibition and reception, welcoming guests to connect with artists and preview the works on display.
Saturday, October 3: Broadway comes alive with live cultural performances, inviting audiences to enjoy music, dance, and artistic expression from around the world.
Sunday, October 4: The celebration concludes at White Chapel Projects with the Folklife Village, featuring artisan vendors, food trucks, children’s activities, and performances reflecting the cultural richness of Long Branch and Monmouth County.
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| Courtesy of DKC/O&M |
On the heels of the acclaimed sold-out run during Under the Radar, Obie Award-winning actor, playwright, and director Roger Guenveur Smith performs an intimate one-man show honoring his friend and collaborator Jean-Michel Basquiat.
“To Be A Butterfly” will be available on streaming platforms October 1.
TO PRE-SAVE CLICK: HERE
Lucky Seat Digital Lottery
Digital Lottery tickets will be available on Lucky Seat for $49 each. Participants must have a Lucky Seat account to participate in the lottery. Entries will open today at 12PM ET.
For weekday performances, entries will be accepted until 10:30AM ET the day before the performance, with winners being selected beginning at 11AM ET and continuing throughout the day as needed. For weekend performances, entries will be accepted until 10:30AM ET the Friday before, with winner selection following at 11AM ET and continuing throughout the day as needed.
Winners will have a limited window in which to purchase and claim their tickets, so those entering are encouraged to keep an eye on the drawing on the dates they have entered. Tickets locations and number of tickets are subject to availability; seats may be partial view. Limit of two tickets per patron. Entries are accepted at LuckySeat.com.
TodayTix Digital Rush
Rush tickets are available for $49 the morning of each performance on the TodayTix app, 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. Seats may be partial view. Users can set an alert on the TodayTix app to be notified when rush tickets are available each day.
For more about Other Desert Cities, see above or go to
SINGERS CAN ENTER NOW – NOV.9TH
CHRIS TUCKER
FRI. OCT. 2 AT 8:00 P.M
Beloved funnyman and screen star Chris Tucker (Friday, Rush Hour) takes the stage! The Def Comedy Jam and Netflix sensation keeps his audience in stitches with laugh-out-loud stories from the sets of his iconic films, along with spot-on impersonations and hilarious takes on current events and pop culture. His razor-sharp wit and impeccable comic timing make for an unforgettable night of laughs.
MARIO ADRION
SUN. OCT. 4 AT 7:00 P.M.
You’ll laugh from start to finish with German stand-up comedian (and fast-rising star) Mario Adrion. His ironically titled debut special, My Struggle, smashed stereotypes about German and American culture. He talks about growing up in the Black Forest, living in Los Angeles and the hilarious differences (and similarities) between the two. Mario’s German Efficiency Tour was a global hit, so don’t miss The Superior Comedy Tour — and this fresh new comedic voice.
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Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR
26) Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre Announces
Standing Down Straight® Workshops
with Billy Siegenfeld
October 4-5, 2026
Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre announces upcoming Standing Down Straight® workshops with Billy Siegenfeld, scheduled for Sunday, October 4 at 2PM and Monday, October 5 at 7PM at Amanda Selwyn Dance Studio, 412 Broadway, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10013. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here.
In Part 1 of this workshop, explore the joys of moving and feeling like a kid again by STANDING DOWN STRAIGHT® (SDS). Created and developed by Billy Siegenfeld, Standing Down Straight® (not standing up straight) is an anatomically fact-based, injury-preventive approach to body-mind health. SDS guides us to use the relaxing force of GRAVITY rather than the straining force of MUSCLE to move and vocalize with less effort and more energy, whether on a stage or in everyday life.
In Part 2 of this workshop, think: science meets art. By fusing nature-made relaxation with human-made imagination, we use SDS to partner up with pals and use eyes, hands, and rhythm-singing voices to dance together to that great, infectiously joy-making music called swing. Think Ella. Think Sinatra. Think yourself, bouncing around and not giving a hoot about what you look like – only about what the kid in you feels like!
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27) Brooklyn Children's Museum Re-Opens Rooftop Roller Rink on Oct 1
Fall fun for the whole family awaits on Brooklyn Children's Museum's sunny rooftop roller rink: Empire Skate of Mind returns on Thursday, October 1!
he roller rink is a space for joyful movement and honoring the history of Brooklyn's roller skating roots at the former Empire Roller Rink at 200 Empire Boulevard, where the stars came to skate. Today, Empire Skate of Mind carries that spirit forward for a new generation of Brooklyn families - from newbies to skating pros.
Empire Skate of Mind welcomes families with children ages 3 and older. Caregivers can skate alongside their children or supervise from the sidelines.
Brooklyn Children's Museum's Rooftop (145 Brooklyn Ave.)
Thursday 10/1 - April, from Wednesday - Sunday
General Museum admission is required ($15 per person). The rink is an add on of $8 (with your own skates) or $10 per person (with rental skates).
For more information, visit: https://www.brooklynkids.org/
Central Library will host storytimes, a plant swap, Silent Book Club and a pickling and fermentation workshop,
Park Slope Library will host two family concerts and give out craft kits.
Dyker Library will offer multilingual programming, a book giveaway and hands-on science aboard the BioBus
Sunset Park Library will host gardening and printmaking.
29) GOLDEN GLOBE AND LAURENCE OLIVIER AWARD WINNER
RACHEL ZEGLER
TO HOST THE NEXT DANCE-ALONG PERFORMANCE
At the Tony and Grammy Award-winning Broadway Hit
BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB
Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Join Flushing Town Hall for a monthly meetup for artists of all disciplines from Queens and the greater NYC area. This is a space to gather and connect – to talk about current and upcoming projects and programs, and ultimately build a network of creative support in Queens. Members of the Flushing Town Hall team will also be present to talk more about FTH and its resources available to artists.
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 7:00 PM Dance Lessons, 8:00 PM Performances
GLOBAL MASHUP: Greece Meets Garifuna
Get ready for a high-energy experience at our GLOBAL MASHUP between the KELEPOÚRI and Gogo Norales. On October 3rd, these musicians will play together for the first time, igniting the stage with their signature sounds! Each band will play a short set and then come together for a mashup designed to delight. Join us for an unbeatable event that celebrates music and community! In partnership with the Jalopy Theatre and School of Music.
Flushing Town Hall (13735 Northern Blvd., Flushing)
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.flushingtownhall.org
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32) Songbook Sundays
at
Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club
hosted by Deborah Grace Winer
LIFE IS KANDER AND EBB
featuring
Karen Ziemba, Matthew Scott, Vanisha Gould
Sunday, October 4th, 5 PM & 7:30 PM
Songbook Sundays, created and hosted by Deborah Grace Winer celebrating the American Songbook will continue at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club with LIFE IS KANDER AND EBB, Sunday, October 4th, at 5 PM and 7:30 PM.
To reach Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club, enter at Columbus Circle at 60th Street and Broadway, take the Jazz elevators to the 5th floor for Dizzy’s Club as well as The Rose Theater and The Appel Room.
Tickets for Songbook Sundays are $60, with student tickets available at $30. There is a $25 food/drink minimum.
To purchase, visit: Jazz.org/dizzys
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33) Mannes Opera
Upcoming Event:
SUOR ANGELICA
Produced in the exquisite Our Lady of Good Counsel, this gorgeous Puccini opera—one of the composer's personal favorites, yet not often performed as he intended, with the visceral resonance of a genuine pipe organ—will be performed with the church's magnificent organ and a mammoth chorus of singers from Mannes's voice and opera program. Suor Angelica takes place entirely inside a 17th-century convent cloister, so this production lends a site-specific immersive nature to the performance.
A story of family, lies, and heartbreak set within the restrictive world of cloistered nuns, this is the only opera in Puccini's entire canon that features no men onstage (the male chorus sings offstage). It offers a fascinating, intimate look into female relationships and the dynamics of a religious order, and will be conducted by Mannes Opera's Music Director Cris Frisco, praised by Rick Perdian in Seen and Heard International for leading his players with "color and excitement galore." Guest artist Mikhaela Mahony directs.
Our Lady of Good Counsel (230 E. 90th St.)
10/1 & 10/2 7: 30 PM
34) LEARNING & CULTURE EVENTS
FOR THE WORLD PREMIERE OF
ANON
FEATURING
QUEER HORROR WRITING WORKSHOP
AUDIENCE CONVERSATIONS ON QANON, TECHNOLOGY, & BUILDING COMMUNITY
ICED TEA MIXER
CAST AND CREATIVE TALKBACKS
Details on the events are below.
MCC also announced today that Joel Van Liew (From Up Here) will be featured in various video elements throughout the production. The cast of ANON also includes the previously announced Jeff Biehl (The Burning Cauldron of Fiery Fire), Crystal Finn (Cold War Choir Practice), Andrew Garman (The Holdovers), Izabel Mar (Family), and Obie Award winner and Tony Award nominee Jeremy Shamos (Clybourne Park).
2026 ANON Learning & Culture Events:
Wednesday September 30 at 5:30pm
Community Forum: Unpacking the QAnon Era
All are welcome to this pre-show community forum where an invited panel will discuss the impact of the QAnon Era and how QAnon has impacted our society today. This event is free and open to the public, no registration required.
Thursday October 1 at 7pm
Audience Conversation: Do you know who your neighbors are?
After the 7pm performance of ANON, MCC's Learning & Culture Department will lead the audience in a post-show conversation about the themes of the play and how we build community in the age of technology.
Tuesday October 6 at 7pm
Author/Director Talkback
After the 7pm performance of ANON, playwright Anne Washburn and director Anne Kauffman will speak at a post-show talkback about the themes of the play.
Tuesday October 20 at 5:30pm
Community Night: Welcome to Hell's Kitchen Table
Calling all Hell's Kitchen Neighbors! Make and spill tea with us at this iced tea mixer before the 7pm performance of ANON. This event is free and open to the public, no registration required.
Tuesday October 20 at 7pm
Cast Talkback
After the 7pm performance, the cast of ANON will go behind the scenes of the production in a post-show talkback.
Thursday October 22 at 4:30-6:30pm
Writing Workshop: Writing Queer Horror with Dom Martello
MCC is offering a free writing workshop and discussion in correlation with ANON about Queer horror. Playwright Dom Martello leads this generative writing workshop where participants will mold the flesh of a new horror story concept in response to images, sounds, and text through a series of exercises designed to let you imagination and impulses take control. No writing experience or prepared materials are required. All are welcome! MCC Writing Workshops are $50 to attend. For more information or to inquire about a discount code email education@mcctheater.org.
Thursday October 22 at 7pm
Audience Conversation: RFK? Yes? No? Maybe?
Can we stand true to our values while being able to hear other ideas? How do these values get challenged when we’re faced with a problematic public figure? Stick around after the 7pm performance of ANON for a post-show conversation with these questions and more in mind led by the MCC's Learning & Culture Department.
Friday October 23 at 7pm
Open Caption Performance
MCC will provide open captioning by c2, during the 7pm Performance of ANON.
ANON will began previews on Friday September 25, with a company celebration performance on Tuesday October 13, opening night set for Wednesday October 14, and a limited run through Sunday November 1, 2026 at the Newman Mills Theater at The Robert W. Wilson MCC Theater Space (511 W 52nd Street, New York, NY 10019).
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| Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR |
35) Works & Process Presents
Miami City Ballet: Patricia Delgado
Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 7PM
Peter B. Lewis Theater,
Works & Process presents a performance from Miami City Ballet featuring Patricia Delgado on Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 7PM at the Peter B. Lewis Theater, 1071 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY, 10128. Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased here.
In a meaningful full-circle moment for Miami City Ballet, Patricia Delgado returns to the company as a choreographer with a new commission. A Miami native and former Miami City Ballet principal dancer, Delgado has since emerged as an award-winning choreographer whose work spans ballet, theater, and Broadway—most notably, Buena Vista Social Club—and is known for blending classical structure with contemporary freedom and emotionally driven storytelling.
Before the work’s world premiere in Miami this October, see performance highlights and hear from the creative team about their creative process in a discussion moderated by Marina Harss. The commission reflects Miami City Ballet’s ongoing commitment, under the artistic direction of Gonzalo Garcia, to nurture artists whose voices are deeply connected to the company’s history while boldly shaping its future. All are invited to continue the conversation at a reception in the rotunda.
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Other
36) Fathom Entertainment
Upcoming Events
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Courtesy of Fathom Entertainment
Tickets Now on Sale for
No Limbs, No Limits: The NickV Story,
Coming to Theatres Nationwide September 25 - October 2
Nick Vujicic’s Extraordinary Life Comes to the Big Screen in the New Documentary Chronicling His Journey of Faith, Purpose and Resilience
Watch the Official New Trailer Featuring a New Song
From for KING + COUNTRY Here and an Exclusive New Clip Here
Tickets Available at Fathom Entertainment
When Nick Vujicic was born with no arms or legs, doctors could offer his parents no explanation and no prognosis. They did not know whether he would ever marry or become a father, or what his life might ultimately hold. Today, Nick has gone on to accomplish far more than many do in a lifetime. He is a husband, a father of four, a bestselling author, an entrepreneur and one of the world’s most recognized evangelists and motivational speakers, sharing his message of faith and purpose with audiences on nearly every continent.
Tickets are now on sale for No Limbs, No Limits: The NickV Story, bringing Nick Vujicic’s remarkable life to movie theatres nationwide through Fathom Entertainment, the leading specialty distributor of content to theatrical partners worldwide, beginning September 25, 2026.
While Nick’s journey is a testimony to what is possible, the film does not shy away from the darkness he walked through to get there. Relentlessly bullied and isolated as a child, Nick struggled with depression so profound that at age 10, he attempted to take his own life.
A pivotal friendship in high school helped redirect Nick’s path. At just 17, someone recognized his rare ability to connect with and inspire others and encouraged him to use that gift to uplift people around the globe. Since then, Nick has been listed among the top three motivational speakers in the world, traveled to more than 83 countries, spoken to millions, met with 25 presidents, vice presidents and prime ministers and shared a message of hope and the transformative power of the Gospel.
To watch the official new trailer for No Limbs, No Limits: The NickV Story, click here.
Tickets for No Limbs, No Limits: The NickV Story are available now online and at participating theatre box offices (theatre locations are subject to change). For more information, please visit Fathom Entertainment or https://www.nickvfilms.com.
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| Courtesy of Fathom Entertainment |
The Met: Live in HD Presents First Live Transmission of the Season with Mozart’s Così fan tutte on Saturday, October 3
Federica Lombardi, Samantha Hankey, Ana María Martínez, Duke Kim, and
Andrey Zhilikhovsky make their Met role debuts, alongside Gerald Finley
Maestro Nimrod David Pfeffer conducts
The Met: Live in HD is available through Fathom Entertainment
In nearly 650 theatres nationwide
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, The Met: Live in HD continues its 2026–27 season with its first live transmission of the year, Mozart’s Così fan tutte on Saturday, October 3, at 1PM ET. Soprano Federica Lombardi and mezzo-soprano Samantha Hankey star as the sisters Fiordiligi and Dorabella, with tenor Duke Kim and baritone Andrey Zhilikhovsky as their lovers, Ferrando and Guglielmo. All four singers make their Met role debuts. Set in Coney Island, the production features authentic sideshow and circus performers, including a fire breather, contortionists, a strongman, a snake charmer, and sword swallowers.
Fathom Entertainment will also present two encores of Così fan tutte in theatres on Wednesday, October 7, at 1:00PM and 6:30PM local time.
Tickets for Così fan tutte are available online and at participating theatre box offices (theatre locations are subject to change). For more information, visit Fathom Entertainment.






















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