NY/NY Event: Support Kids in Foster Care and See a Holiday Classic: Bergen County CASA Presents A Christmas Carol by Bergen County Players

CASA for Children is hosting its inaugural Winter Holiday fundraising event, a staging of the beloved classic "A Christmas Carol" at the Bergen County Players, 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell, NJ. 

Bergen County CASA, located at One Bergen County Plaza in Hackensack NJ, is a program under the umbrella of National CASA/GAL. CASA stands for Court-appointed Special Advocates. They are volunteers who are trained to advocate for abused and neglected children in foster care. 

Feel Good Interview Series: Get to Know Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys: A New Single "Made for Us" and 8 Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Nick Carter is one of the five band members of the bestselling pop group Backstreet Boys. The pop superstar chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about his latest endeavors. He shared some interesting and exciting things about himself. 

Nick Carter just released his solo single “Made For Us,” and he was touring the country as part of his “Who I Am” solo national tour. “I’m an entertainer and a performer, and I love to do that; it’s great,” he said. 

Earlier this year, Nick paid homage to his late brother, Aaron, with the poignant song “Hurts to Love You,” which is a story of unconditional love and heartbreak. 

An Annual Favorite: Fans Flock to Christmas Con in NJ - Details about this Christmas Movie Mecca for Fans - Over 30 Actors to Attend

Christmas Con is almost here! If you’ve never been to this Christmas movie and holiday extravaganza held in New Jersey or perhaps in their other locations then you are in for a treat. Fans of Christmas movies and really every fan of Christmas will have a treasure trove of activities and programs to partake in at this annual convention founded by That's 4Entertainment held at the New Jersey Exposition Center in Edison, NJ, about an hour's drive from New York City and Philadelphia. 

Each year it seems Christmas Con gets bigger and better, and this coming from someone who went to the very first one. Thanks to the four ladies that founded this Christmas convention one afternoon sitting with each other shortly after Thanksgiving.

You May Like: A Glimpse at a Past ChristmasCon:

https://www.suzeebehindthescenes.com/2021/12/christmas-con-2021-full-coverage-of.html

Feel-Good Interviews Galore - A Complete Listing of Our Interviews with your Favorite Stars from TV Movies and Series

By Bella Gusmano

Whether you are looking to catch the latest news on up-and coming actors or binge stories on your favorite stars in the soap world and beyond, look no further! Here you will find all of your favorite Suzee Behind the Scenes: Feel-Good Interviews from the past and present. 

Visit our site every week to see who’s next!

Editor's Note to Publicists/Actors: To schedule an interview inquire at info@wiprandproducing.com

Females in Entertainment: Meet New York City Writer Queen Chastity

As part of our "Females in Entertainment" series we focus on up and coming and vibrant women in the field of entertainment. Today we interview Queen Chastity, who is making her mark as a writer of books and scripts among her other work.

Tell me about yourself Queen!

A little about me, I'm a published author of 4 books and also a TV and Movie script writer, a Victim Advocate for Rape and Domestic violence.

Movie Written by a Priest: Trinity's Triumph Starring Joe Morton, Young Mazino About Three Men Entering the Seminary Now Available Online

The feature-length film Trinity's Triumph is now available to stream online. Unique to the film is that it was written by a Catholic priest, Father Stephen Fichter - and though it is fiction reflects his experiences through engaging characters. It is the story of three young men who enter the seminary guided by the wise and lovable mentor, Monsignor Heck (played by Joe Morton of Scandal). What begins as a single mission becomes divided, and each seminarian must decide what God is asking of them. They struggle individually and must be true to their calling with the help of Monsignor Heck’s influence. For information visit: https://trinitystriumph.com.

Jersey Shore's Mike Sorrentino and Ali Stroker Come to Bookends in NJ: Meet, Greet and Buy Their Books

Bookends Bookstore, located in Ridgewood NJ, a short train ride from New York City always have great authors frequent their establishment, allowing the fans to buy a copy of their book, meet them and get a personal picture. Coming this season to the store is Ali Stroker, who is a local of the store, Tony Winner and well-known for her acting abilities with co-best selling author Stacy Davidowiz. called Cut Loose. It's an engaging, inspirational book about finding your strengths and is perfect for kids.

Feel-Good Interview: Pop star and Disney actor Kevin Quinn: 9 Things To Know About Him Including his Dream Singing Partner

By Markos Papadatos, #PowerJournalist

Kevin Quinn is a pop star, actor, Disney alum, and social media phenom. He is known for his starring role as Xander in the hit original Disney series Bunk'd, as well as for his roles in the original Disney movie Adventures in Babysitting and the 2021 Netflix movie A Week Away where he stars opposite Bailee Madison.
Quinn just released his new pop single "Blessed," and his upcoming CD "Real Me" will be out in January of 2024.  He shared nine exciting and interesting things about him.

Feel-Good Interview: Tyler Lawrence Gray of the Paramount+ Series 'Wolf Pack' - 6 Things to Know About Him

 

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Tyler Lawrence Gray is an American actor, who starred as the heartthrob Harlan Briggs in the “Teen Wolf” Paramount Plus series “Wolf Pack.” 
He shared seven interesting things about himself. 

Tyler's Favorite Movies 

He listed Good Will Hunting as his all-time favorite movie. “I’m a Boston guy, so I love Ben Affleck and Matt Damon… and Robin Williams would bring me to tears with every project that he did,” he said. “Lately, I have been watching a lot of sci-fi movies that I really like. I also loved The Fablemans by Steven Spielberg, I thought that was so creative.” 

Feel-Good Interview Series: Get to Know Ally Brooke of Fifth Harmony Who Just Released "Under the Tree" EP: 7 Things to Know About Her

By Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist  

Ally Brooke is a pop superstar and a member of the all-girl group Fifth Harmony. She has become a social media sensation with millions of dedicated followers. 

Brooke released her new 2023 "Under The Tree" Christmas EP, which features four holidays: "White Christmas," the title track "Under the Tree," "I'll Be Home for Christmas," and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." 

Feel-Good Interview: 8 Things to Know About Actor Linda Evans of Dynasty & More: ‘"Alone and Never Happier"

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist  

Linda Evans is primetime TV royalty. She has been entertaining television audiences all over the world for well over five decades thanks to her classic roles as Audra Barkley in The Big Valley on ABC, and the lavish Krystle Carrington in the primetime drama Dynasty on ABC, among other roles. In her interview with this #Powerjournalist, Evans shared eight interesting and exciting things about her.
Linda Evans' Favorite Movie 

She listed Pride & Prejudice as her favorite movie. “I’ve watched it maybe 50 times, I never get tired of it,” she said. 

Tyler Christopher of General Hospital and Days - His Last Interview

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Editor's Note: We remember with love and fondness this beloved actor who left this earthly realm on October 31, 2023. With thoughts to our writer Markos who was the last person to interview him.

Emmy award-winning actor Tyler Christopher shared some of his favorite things. He is known for playing the "dark prince" Nikolas Cassadine on "General Hospital" for 20 years, as well as Stefan DiMera on “Days of Our Lives.” 

He is one of three male actors to ever win the “Lead Actor” Emmy Award for “General Hospital” along with Maurice Benard and Anthony Geary.

Feel-Good Interview: Meet Mark Pellegrino of ‘Supernatural’ - 7 Things to Know About Him

By Markos Papadatos #powerjournalist

Film and TV actor Mark Pellegrino is known for his starring role as Lucifer in Supernatural, as well as for his acting work in such series as Dexter, Lost, Being Human, and 13 Reasons Why. He shared seven interesting things about himself.

Favorite Movies 

“I’m a horror fan. I like horror movies as a genre,” he admitted. “I just saw a very one with Timothée Chalamet, who is a very fine young actor, and it is called Bones and All. I recommend it to people… it’s a very interesting and strange horror movie.” 

NJ/NYC Event: Cara Buono of Stranger Things, The Sopranos & More Comes to Mahwah High School in NJ on October 28th for an Evening of Conversation: Proceeds Benefit Arts Committee

Emmy-Nominated actress, CARA BUONO comes to the stage of a Mahwah High School (a half hour from New York City) for an interesting and inspiring conversation along with her old friend Jeff Marchetti ("THE SOPRANOS"). The event will take place on Octboer 28th at 7pm at MahPAC, Mahwah High School, 50 Ridge Road in Mahwah, NJ. Tickets are available here: https://mahwahfam.booktix.com/dept/main/e/CaraBuono

Feel-Good Interview: Brad Harder of Ms. Match, The Christmas House, Aurora Teagarden & More Shares Seven Things About Him

By Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Brad Harder is a Canadian actor and producer, known for Ms. Match, The Christmas House, The Christmas House 2: Deck Those Halls, and Fifty Shades Freed. He also played Charlie Heard in the original “Aurora Teagarden” movies. The Alberta native went on to share seven exciting things about him.  

Favorite movies 

On his favorite movies, he noted, "I have a range of different movies, I love Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, Bridesmaids, the Harry Potter Series, the Bourne Series, and Lord of the Rings."

Brad Harder's  Favorite Series to Binge 

His favorite series to binge-watch include El Chapo, Jack Ryan, Fleabag, House of Cards, Sense8, Heartstopper, and Stranger Things. “There are so many,” he admitted.  

Hallmark Channel's Countdown to Christmas Starts October 20, 2023 - Full Listing

Ho Ho Ho and mistletoe, princes, snowball fights, gingerbread cookies, sleigh rides, wreath-making, ice skating, carol singing, cozy fireplaces, men named Nick and all things Christmas is on slate for the Hallmark Channel again this year. Here's a list of the new movies on Hallmark Channel. For information on each movie visit: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/christmas/countdown-to-christmas-2023-preview/**

Brad Forenza's Around the Sun Podcast Launches Season 3 with EGOT-winning Cast: Jai Rodriquez, Francois Clemmons, Terry Hu, Wilson Jermaine Heredia, Estelle Parson, Judy Gold, Cady McClain, Robert Funaro & More

The award-winning podcast Around the Sun in back for its third season. And this season has an added bonus - though each episode (under 15 minutes) tells a story, together they are all part of a larger story. Get to know some of the "Pinecones Family" and their friends with all the drama that complicated family relationships have. And it all starts with the passing of their family matriarch, Bibi, voiced by Oscar-winner Estelle Parson. 

The season launches October 18, 2023 with two new episodes, then episodes are scheduled to drop every two weeks throughout fall 2023 and into early 2024. The series is presented via the Broadway Podcast Network and available “wherever you listen to podcasts.” For information and how to listen visit:  www.aroundthesunpodcast.com.

Swiftie for a Day: My Peek at the Wedding of the Summer - Jack Antonoff and Margararet Qualley Get Married on Long Beach Island With Taylor Swift and A Bevy of Celebs In Attendance - With VIdeo

By Suzanne Ordas Curry #Suzee

It was shaping up to be a perfect summer weekend at the Jersey Shore, and I was headed to my favorite place along this wondrous coastline of beachtowns, Long Beach Island.

Long Beach Island, or "LBI" as it's known to it's fans, is a 9 mile barrier island closer to the southern tip Jersey. You can see Atlantic City from the south shore and Seaside (home of "Jersey Shore") from the north end. There's only one bridge that gets you on and off the island, the only other way is by boat.

Being a true Jersey Girl, born and bred, and being in the entertainment industry, I already had a source telling me that something "BIG" was happening on our little island. Word was that an A-list celebrity who lives on the island (we do have several, though we are NOT the Hamptons) was having his wedding somewhere on the island on Saturday, with the rehearsal dinner the night before. 

NJ/NYC Area Event: Non-Profit TEEEM Brings Students, Educators and Global Leaders Together at Leadership Symposium at Ramapo College in NJ

The non-profit TEEEM, which stand for the Empathy, Equality, Entrepreneurship Mission, is hosting its Annual Leadership Symposium at Ramapo College in Mahwah NJ on October 23, 2023 from 8:00am - 2:00pm. TEEEM is an organization that works with schools to provide students with the opportunity and knowledge to help impoverished people around the world and in the US. To learn more visit: TEEEM.org

Interview with California Dreams' Jennie Kwan on THE LIBBY SHOW - She Talks about Her Days on Dreams, Her Career & Around the Sun Podcast

By Beth Brier

Add more fun to your lunch without any additional calories! Join host and producer Suzanne Curry and host Messalina Morley as they talk to the multi talented Jennie Kwan on The Libby Show: Lunch with the Ladies” Season 3, Episode 1. You can watch it here: 

Jennie shares how the changing roles for women in entertainment affected her; what surfing has to do with success; the Nanny who inspired her; and even sneak a peek at some surprising collectibles in her home studio!

Now think back (in my case, waaay back) to eleven years old. You were probably practicing your cartwheels, sharing well-worn copies of “Are You There, God? It’s me, Margaret”, and experimenting with lip gloss. But if you were Jennie Kwan, you would already be an actor, singer, and voiceover artist auditioning for parts in a very grown-up world. In fact, while most of us still played hopscotch, Jenny had already landed the part of Samantha “Sam” Woo on the ABC show “California Dreams”.

NYC Actress Iliana Guibert Stars as "Beatriz" in 26 Miles at the Gulfshore Playhouse in Naples Florida, October 12 - November 5, 2023

Iliana Guibert is well-known as an actress in the New York City area. She's had roles on several TV shows, movies and in many plays. Last summer she starred in Anna in the Tropics at the Bay Street Theater in the Hamptons. 

She's also a co-host on the talk show The LIBBY Show - Lunch with the Ladies. This fall, she's starring as Beatriz in the play 26 Miles at the Gulfshore Playhouse in Naples, Florida from October 12 - November 5, 2023.

Suzee: 26 Miles, written by the Pulitzer Prize and Tony-nominated Playwright Quiara Alegria Hudes is billed as a "hilarious and heartfelt coming of age story" about the relationship between a mother and daughter. You are the mother. Tell me about your role as Beatriz.

Iliana Guibert: First, thank you for the opportunity to discuss this show.  I play a fiery, bigger than life Latin mom but my role as mom was cut short when my ex, Aaron, played dirty in court and I lost custody of our young daughter.  I was completely devastated with no will to live but managed to pull myself together and now years later there's an opportunity to connect with my now teenage daughter on an unexpected road trip. 

NYC Area Event: Three Time Daytime Emmy Winner Cady McClain to Star in "Shirley Valentine" 10-7 and "Deer" in NYC 10-15

On October 7^th at 7pm Axial Theatre will present a performance of “Shirley Valentine” with three-time Emmy© winning actress Cady McClain revisiting the role she performed to acclaim at Cape May Stage earlier this summer.  All proceeds from the performance will benefit Axial’s spring production of “Fool for Love” by Sam Shepard, to be directed by Rachel Jones with Catherine Banks as “May,” Anthony Barresi Jr as “Eddie,” Duane Rutter and “Martin,” and Bruce Apar as “Old Man.” The performance will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church, 8 Sunnyside Avenue, Pleasantville NY (a half hour from NYC). Tickets are available at: https://www.axialtheatre.org/

NYC Event: Daytime Stars & Strikes19th Annual Fundraiser Features Fun Events with Guiding Lights Stars Including Trent Dawson, Michael Park, Roger Howarth, Bradley Cole, Liz Keifer, Ron Raines, Michael O'Leary & Many More

By Suzanne Ordas Curry

Daytime Stars and Strikes is holding its 19th Annual Fundraiser. This annual event benefits the Jerry ver Dorn Scholarship Foundation and the Autism Society of America and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars since its inception, showing just how charitable daytime fans are. All events are held at the Port Authority Frames Bowling Center in NYC. Please visit the website as these events sell out fast: https://www.daytimestarsandstrikes.com/events.html

This year features 4 events:

Feel-Good Interview: Get to Know Michael Jai White of "Spawn", "Tyson" and His Own Western "Outlaw Johnny Black - 7 Things to Learn About Him

By Markos Papadatos #Powerjournalist

Michael Jai White is an actor, writer, filmmaker, and martial artist. He has the distinction of being the first African American to play a major comic book superhero in the film “Spawn.” 
He also played the role of boxer Mike Tyson in the HBO TV film “Tyson.” 

He is known for his work on Tyler Perry’s films and the series “For Better or Worse.” 
His western, “Outlaw Johnny Black,” which he wrote, directed, and stars in was released in September 2023. This summer, he also starred in the action film “The Island.” 

He is married to actress and martial artist Gillian White. 

Feel Good Interview: Get to Know Gleb Savchenko from Dancing With the Stars (opposite Mira Sirvino) and From GAC' Family's Movie "Swing into Romance" - 7 Things to Know

By Markos Papadatos #Powerjournalist

Gleb Savchenko is a dancer, model, actor, and choreographer. He shared seven interesting things about him. 
 
Savchenko has appeared in the American, U.K., Australian, and Russian versions of the reality dancing competition Dancing with the Stars. He has been doing the franchise since 2003, and he is the sole professional dancer on the globe who has done all versions of the show in all of the different countries. 

In the newest season of Dancing with the Stars, he is paired with Academy Award-winning actress Mira Sorvino. He will also star in the new Great American Family movie Swing Into Romance opposite Danica McKellar. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oaTPfXE93U (trailer) 

Feel-Good Interview: Get to Know Alan Bersten of ABC's Dancing with the Stars: Paired with Jamie Lynn Spears for Season 32

by Markos Papadatos #Powerjournalist

Alan Bersten is a professional dancer and choreographer from the reality dancing competition “Dancing with the Stars.” This season, the show’s 32^nd season, he is paired up with Jamie Lynn Spears, as his celebrity dance partner. 

He won the 28^th season of the dancing competition when he was partnered with Hannah Brown. He shared seven interesting and exciting things about him.

In addition, he is the founder of Berst10 Fitness, which involves 10-minute workouts. For more information on his fitness program, visit its official homepage. “I hope people check it out and I hope they like it… if there is anything they don’t like about it, they should let me know and I’ll fix it,” he said. 

NY/NY Area Event: 59E59 Theaters Presents The Pool Plays in Association with The New Group's New Works starting October 2023 - 3 Diverse Plays Under One Roof

Females in Entertainment: Meet Jersey's Actor/Director Rosie Gunther McCooe - On Life, Directing, Surviving Cancer and Finding Work - Her Newest Play Now at Emerging Artists Theater NYC

Rosie Gunther McCooe has been working in the theater since she was a youngster. After earning her MFA from Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts, she began her professional acting career in the “soaps'' as “Young Vicky''. 

Over the years, she appeared in several independent films, including A CASE OF BLUE, SHUTTERFLIES, THE JERSEY DEVIL, and BAD PARENTS to name a few. Speaking of BAD PARENTS, she has been involved in just about every one of her friend filmmaker/playwright Caytha Jentis projects. 

In addition she has a Broadway co-producer credit for BANDSTAND and has had the absolute pleasure of working with hundreds children, teens, and adults over the past twenty years directing musical theatre and plays in NJ, NY, and California. She most recently partnered up with Actor Technique NY to direct a production of MATILDA that was performed at the American Theatre for Actors in NYC.

Casting: Twins Talent Seeks Long Island Families/Businesses for a Commercial and Realtors For a Show

Real people and business owners being sought for a commercial to film in Long Island. Also, realtors needed for a show. Contact Twins Talent for more info on these and other opportunities. Contact: TwinsTalent.TV

NYNJ Area Event: Morphmom Conference Comes to Westchester NY September 28, 2023 - Features a Full Lineup of Inspiring Women Including Christina Geist, Annabel Monaghan, Caytha Jentis, Simone Gordon, Thyme SUllivan, Sara Bliss and More

Morphmom is on the move! This time the organization founded by Kathleen Butler Smith e to inspire moms and others to live their best life comes to Westchester NY. On tap for the day is a full lineup of accomplished, inspiring women to give you advice and food for thought on what you CAN do with your life.

Barbie the Movie is Now Available to Rent on Herflix, The Streaming Platform Devoted to Supported Female Filmmakers: No Subscription Required to Watch

If you weren't one of the millions of people who went to see the record-breaking movie Barbie by Greta Gerwig, you now have a chance to watch it at home.

A great place to view it is Herflix. Herflix is a streaming platform that supports female filmmakers. There is NO subscription, you can watch it on any device and you only pay per movie. Then you have 72 hours to watch it. You can rent Barbie on Herflix here: https://my.herflix.com/#

Herflix is a unique streaming platform that focuses on films for, about & by women. Every time you watch a film, rental or free, you help support women filmmakers worldwide while creating a fantastic, inclusive women’s media community.  

NY/NJ Event: Bergen CASA for Children Holds "Fore the Children" Golf Classic 10/2/23 to Support Kids in Foster Care: Judge Bonnie Mizdol and Advocate Kathy Krassner to be Honored

If you're looking for some fun for a great cause, Bergen County CASA for Children is having it's annual Golf Classic. Golfers will enjoy the beautiful course (located less than an hour from NYC) and others may enjoy dinner at the club while you peruse the fabulous items in the Silent Auction. 

 "Fore The Kids’ Golf Classic" will be held on Monday, October 2, with a shotgun start at noon, (registration from 9:30am) at Edgewood Country Club in River Vale to benefit (non-profit) Bergen County Court Appointed Special Advocates (BergenCASA). This organization trains volunteers to become one-on-one Advocates for abused and neglected children from Bergen County who are in foster care. For Tickets and Info: www.BergenCASA.org.