NYC Area/NJ Event: Hallmark Stars LIVE Comes to Carteret (NJ) Pac, Featuring Nikki DeLoach, Andrew Walker, Ashley Williams, Jonathan Bennett, and Tamera Mowry-Housley - Hear Behind-The-Scenes Stories and Ask Questions

Coming to NJ is Hallmark Stars LIVE, presented by Michaels, at the Carteret Performing Arts Center in Carteret NJ, an easy drive off the NJ Turnpike and about an hour from NYC.

I've been to this venue, and it's a great setting to hear your favorite celebs talk and answer questions. And there are plenty of dining options within walking distance.

This event features Hallmark actors we all know and love from Christmas movies and more. Hosted by Nikki DeLoach, it will feature Andrew Walker, Ashley Williams, Jonathan Bennett, and Tamera Mowry-Housley. 

Feel Good Interview Series — Sarah Moliski — The Lead Villainess and a Star in So Many Vertical Dramas - She Talks about Her Favorite Movies, How She'll Root for any New York Team and How an Ice Coffee Daily Brings Her Joy - Plus 10 More Things to Learn About Her

By: Markos Papadatos

Sarah Moliski is affectionately known as the “Princess of Vertical Drama.” She spoke with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about her career in the acting and casting industry. She is best known for playing the role of the female villain in most of her vertical projects. She is also a casting director in the vertical space. Moliski shared 11 fun and interesting facts about herself.

Sarah's Favorite Movies

Her favorite movies are "Alice Through the Looking Glass" with Helena Bonham Carter and "Gone Girl" with Rosamund Pike. "I am obsessed with anything Helena is in," she admitted. "Helena is just brilliant; she is a queen."

Marta Milans of 'Shazam!' and 'M.I.A.' on Peacock — Her Favorite Things to Watch, How Yoga is Her Go-To and How She Might Be Working in a Museum if She Were not an Actor - Plus 10 More Things to Know About Her

 

By Markos Papadatos

Marta Milans had her breakout role in the film "Devoured," and she starred in "Killer Women" on ABC. She is known for playing Rosa Vasquez in the DC Extended Universe film Shazam!" and its sequel.

Most recently, she stars in “M.I.A.” on Peacock, where she plays Caroline Carver. The synopsis is: Restless in the Florida Keys, Etta Tiger Jonze (played by Shannon Gisela) dreams of a life in Miami’s glittering, sub-tropical kingdom. When her family’s drug-running business shatters in tragedy, Etta embarks on a dangerous journey through Miami’s neon-lit underbelly that will define who she is and what she’s ultimately capable of.

Read on to hear 10 interesting and exciting things about Marta!

Feel Good Interview Series: Rising Vertical Star Katelyn Rose of "My X-Ray Vision Sees Right Through You" and More - What She Watches, Her Love of Sushi, What She Would Do if She Wasn't An Actress and 10 More Things to Know About Her

By: Markos Papadatos

Katie Rose is known for her acting work in "Back from the Brink the Heiress Rises," "I Thought You Were Him," and "The Vanished Champ Strikes Back."

Most recently, she stars in "My X-Ray Vision Sees Right Through You," where she plays the female lead Liv opposite Joel Erdmann as Eric Dawnson.

This vertical series has generated over 20.6 million views on ReelShort in 2.5 days, and it peaked at No. 1 as the most popular on the streaming app.

Katelyn's Favorite Movies

Her favorite movies are "Burlesque" and "Talk to Me." "Those are my two favorites," she admitted. "They are also so opposite."

The Incomparable Richard Skipper Returns to the Laurie Beechman Theater July 10th with "LIFE LESSONS FROM LEGENDS - An Audience-Interactive “Musical TED Talk” Where the Audience Is the Star- SOLD OUT BUT NEW DATE ADDED NOVEMBER 21, 2026

Acclaimed entertainer and host Richard Skipper returns to The Laurie Beechman Theatre on Thursday, July 10, 2026 with his newest live experience, Richard Skipper Celebrates! Life Lessons from Legends—an audience-interactive “musical TED Talk” that transforms the traditional cabaret into a dynamic, shared journey of meaning, legacy, and connection. Event link: https://events.leapevents.com/event/lbt25-rskipper-celebratesfeb2026wkjkne2zmqus5q

This event sold out but a new date has been added, November 21, 2026. Please note the new date may have different perfomers so please check the website.

Beth in Paris Reports - "Haute Like Me" - Paris is Hotter Than Ever and It's Surprising Influence on Fashion

By Beth Abramson Brier

Editor's Note - Contributor Beth Brier is on assignment in Paris, reporting about what's hot..

Haute couture. Haute cuisine. Yes, in the words of Cole Porter, I love Paris when it sizzles. But going past of week of haute temperatures has me googling obscenities that Duolingo doesn’t teach. 

Feel-Good Interview - Tony Nominee Mary Bridget Davies of '"Night with Janis Joplin" and Her New Show "Women Who Rock You - Songs from Janis to Alanis & More — 10 Things to Know About Her Including Her Why She Loves the Goonies Movie, Her Favorite Motto to Live by and Much More

By: Markos Papadatos

Mary Bridget Davies is an American singer, songwriter, and actress best known for her powerful blues-rock vocals and her acclaimed portrayal of Janis Joplin on stage. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio. Throughout her career, she has toured extensively, performed with renowned musicians, and built a loyal following as both a recording artist and live performer.  Davies achieved national prominence when she starred as Janis Joplin in the Broadway production of “A Night with Janis Joplin,” a role that earned her a nomination for Best Actress in a Musical at the 2014 Tony Awards.

Feel Good Interview Series: Vertical drama actor Cayman Cardiff - The Advice His English Teacher Gave Him, His Favorite Movies, Hobbies and Ten More Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos

Cayman Cardiff is best known for starring in over 25 vertical micro-dramas, where he plays the male lead role in such capacities as werewolf lore, mafia romance, and fated-male fantasies. He frequently portrays charismatic, "alpha" male characters—a role his fans heavily associate with his signature onscreen growl, which won him an award at a recent vertical award ceremony this past April. Cardiff shared 10 fun things about himself.

Cayman's Favorite Movies

His all-time favorite movie is "Everything Everywhere All at Once." "I love that movie because it just has such good and real truth. That's the type of story that entertains. If you actually analyze it, there are universal truths to it, and it just gives me chills," he said.

Its a Wrap! The 2026 Lighthouse International Film Festival (NJ) Screened Over 150 Films - Photos from Events, Parties

By Suzanne "Suzee" Ordas Curry

A filmmaker at the Long Island International Film Festival at the wrap party said to me, "this was the best ever location for a film festival!"

Indeed, if you are familiar with the Jersey Shore, and specifically Long Beach Island, you know what a backdrop the sea makes. In addition to the sea, the island offers not just sandy shores, but bay areas, great amusements and tons of restaurants, all located off the main boulevard. It's this boulevard that made easy access for all the events of the film festival, which boasted over 150 films of all kinds (features, doc, shorts), special events, masterclasses, filmmaker lounges, networking, talkbacks and many parties. 

The Incomparable Jason Alexander Teaches a Masterclass at Lighthouse International Film Festival 2026 in NJ - Showcase of Students Special Presentation Shows the Success of His Method

By Suzanne Ordas Curry "Suzee"

Jason Alexander is a prolific actor having brought his talents over decades to TV, film, and his greatest love, the stage.

For his second trip to the Lighthouse International Film Festival on Long Beach Island, NJ (June, 2026), he did an acting masterclass. At LIFF 2025, he did a special conversation about his life and career at the Surflight Theater with his friend and industry executive Nina Tassler.

After that, he suggested coming back this year to do more. He suggested teaching a master class in acting, and of course, it came to be. I don't know any film festival that would turn this concept down!

Grammy-Winning Singer Songwriter Julie Gold to Perform "Love is Love is Love" at the Laurie Beehcman Theater in New York City June 23, 2026, Stephen Flaherty is Special Guest

Grammy Award-winning musical artist Julie Gold will be performing a PRIDE concert on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026 at the Laurie Beechman Theater in New York City. The concert is entitled "Love is Love is Love." Her special guest will be Stephen Flaherty (Ragtime and more). Doors open at 5:30 with show at 7pm.

Julie is best known for the song that won her the Grammy,  "From a Distance", made popular by Bette Midler. Her career spans decades as a prolific singer-songwriter. She has 5 CD's out of her own and her songs have been recorded and sung by dozens of popular artists, including Donna Summer, Sinead O'Connor, Judy Collins, Patti LaBelle, David Archuletta, Nanci Griffith, The Byrds and more.

Exclusive Inteview: The Iconic Actor Robert Wagner ("Hart to Hart" and so Much More) Shares How He Defines Success, His Favorite Movies, The Best Advice He Was Ever Given ("to listen") and Ten Other Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos

Robert Wagner is a veteran American actor who is best known for his long and successful career in film and television. He was born on February 10, 1930, in Detroit, Michigan, and he is one of the last surviving leading actors of the “Golden Age of Hollywood.”

Wagner rose to fame in the 1950s with roles in films such as A Kiss Before Dying and The Pink Panther. He became a television icon through starring roles in popular series including “It Takes a Thief,” “Switch,” and “Hart to Hart.”

Feel Good Interview Series: Actor Tyler Johnson of "The Young and the Restless" and Film — His Love of Boxing, Fried Chicken, Ranching and 10 More Things to Know About Him

By Markos Papadatos

Actor Tyler Johnson is known for playing Theo Vanderway in the No. 1 daytime soap opera “The Young and The Restless” on CBS.

He is also known for his work in such rom-coms as "My Favorite Girlfriend" and "Falling for the Manny."

Most recently, he starred in the new Lifetime movie “Where the Heart Lands,” directed and co-written by Haylie Duff, where he works opposite Jana Kramer as his leading lady.  Johnson shared 10 interesting and exciting things about himself.

NYC Event: Revival of Enda Walsh's "Misterman" to be Centerpiece of 18th Annual Origin Irish Theater Festival June 16-July 5th, 2026 at Theater RowE FESTIVAL FESTIVAL HONORING WALSH RUNS JUNE 16 TO JULY 5 “MISTERMAN” BEGINS PERFS AT THEATRE ROW JUNE 2

Origin Theatre Company is presenting an Off-Broadway revival of Enda Walsh’s “Misterman” as part of the of the 2026 Origin Irish Theatre Festival in New York. Directed by Labhaoise Magee, and starring Daniel Marconi (“Sweeney Todd” and "Mary Poppins" on Broadway), Walsh’s virtuosic study of one man's descent into religious mania in small-town Ireland begins on Tue June 23.  It opens on Thu June 25 and runs through Sun July 5 at Theater Row, 410 West 42^nd Street.

Michael Park Joins All-Star Cast of Katonah (New York) Classic Stage's Presentation In Collaboration with the Stepping Stones Foundation of "Bill and Lois In Their Own Words" - The Story of Alcoholics Anonymous

Katonah, NY – Katonah Classic Stage (KCS), Westchester County’s premiere professional theatre company dedicated to classic plays, is joining forces with The Stepping Stones Foundation to produce Bill and Lois in Their Own Words, an intimate and powerful theatrical portrait of two lives that changed the course of history. 

NEW YORK WOMEN IN FILM & TELEVISION ANNOUNCES 17 PROJECTS FROM MEMBERS SELECTED FOR THE 2026 TRIBECA FESTIVAL- ALSO ANNOUNCES TRIBECA'S 25 YEARS OF WOMEN FILMMAKERS AT TRIBECA

New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) is pleased to announce that 17 projects from 16 members have been officially selected for the 2026 Tribeca Festival. The festival takes place June 2-14, 2026, both virtually and in-person in New York City. 

The organization will also officially partner with Tribeca to present a panel at its Storytelling Summit on Saturday, June 6, at 12 PM at Spring Studios.

NJ/NYC Area Event- The Lighthouse International Film Festival on Long Beach Island NJ Runds June 10-14th, 2026 - Featuring Films, Events and Special Guests Tony Shalhoub and Jason Alexander

Spring Film Festival Season is in full swing. If you're in NJ or the area, a great festival to head to is the Lighthouse International Film Festival on beautiful Long Beach Island, NJ. Held before the crowds return for the summer to this idyllic beach island, the festival offers a wide array or films events and parties against the backdrop of the ocean. It's 4 days of viewing films, meeting people, taking walks and dipping your feet in the sand and water. The festival has grown since it's inception and is widely recognized as a respected film festival, which is just a bus ride from Manhattan or Philadelphia. This year, Tony Shalhoub and Jason Alexander (returning for a second year) will hold special presentations for the attendees. Tickets are reasonable. See the website for all details: https://www.lighthouseff.com/ or read below for more info.

Note: SuzeeBehindtheScenes is a proud sponsor of the Lighthouse International Film Festival.

Women2Admire - Meet Casting Director Extraordinaire - Adrienne Stern of Adrienne Stern Casting: Read about What She Does and Her Tips on Being Cast

Meet Adrienne Stern, a highly-regarded professional in the entertainment industry, owner of Adrienne Stern Casting.     .

If you're in the entertainment industry, a casting director is one of those magical people that everyone wants to know. Fortunately, through mutual friends I can call Adrienne of a friend of many years, Even though I have been out with her and to many events with her I was still unsure of all she did. I just knew that everywhere we went people knew her, and that whenever she talked about her business it was excitement and professionalism. So now I found out. Read on to learn what a casting director does...

Feel Good Interview Series: Derek Theler of "Baby Daddy" — 10 Things to Know About Him Including What He Might Be If He Weren't an Actor, His Favorite Video Game, (Fortnite), His Cheat Food and More

By: Markos Papadatos

Derek Theler is an actor, writer, producer and model. He is best known for his starring role as Danny in the hit sitcom "Baby Daddy" opposite Melissa Peterman (as Bonnie Wheeler in the show). Most recently, Theler stars in the indie horror film "Deadlocked: Dad of the Dead," which was written and directed by Casey Jackson.

Theler shared 11 interesting and fun things about himself.

Feel Good Interview Series: Shayne Davis of "Vanderpump Rules" - His Preferred Music Genre, His Love of Pizza, The Motto He Lives by and 10 More Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos

Shayne Davis is an actor and reality television personality. He is best known as a cast member on Bravo's hit series “Vanderpump Rules.” He is also widely recognized for his various starring roles in popular vertical short-form drama series on multiple platforms. Read on to find out some interesting and exciting things about him.

Shayne's Favorite Flicks

Davis listed “Blood Diamond” and “A Nightmare on Elm Street” as his favorite movies.

Feel Good Interview Series: Odette Annable of Hallmark's "Kentucky Roses", TV Shows & Films - 10 Things to Know About Her: The "Old Lady" Hobby She Loves, On Being A Mets Fan, What She Would Pick as a Superpower and More

By: Markos Papadatos

Actress Odette Annable is best known for her various roles in film and television, which include Dr. Jessica Adams in the Fox medical drama series “House,” Beth McIntyre in the monster film “Cloverfield,” Aubrey Diaz in the ABC drama series “October Road,” Samantha Arias and Reign in “Supergirl,” as well as Nola Longshadow in “Banshee.” Most recently, Odette starred in the Kentucky Derby-based Hallmark film “Kentucky Roses” opposite Andrew Walker.

Odette shared 10 interesting and exciting things about herself.

NYC Event - "The Big Bad" Play Runs May 7th-16th 2026- Produced by Healing TREE and Divine Riot and Written by Ren Dara Santiago It Explores Intergenerational Trauma and the Supernatural

The Big Bad is a new, groundbreaking and thought-provoking play that explores intergenerational drama, marginalized identities and the supernatural. It asks the timely question, “What drives us to keep moving through despair?” Produced by non-profits Divine Riot and The Healing Tree, it runs May 7th-16th at the Abrons Arts Center's Underground Theater, 466 Grand Street in New York City. 

For tickets visit: https://www.divineriot.org/the-big-bad. The play is written by Lanford Wilson Award-winning and Showtime series staff writer Ren Dara Santiago, who also wrote Healing TREE’s short film The Knock Shadow, which features two-time Emmy Award winner and three-time SAG Award winner Lea DeLaria (Orange Is The New Black) and is set for the 2026 festival circuit. 

Feel Good Interview Series: Sheaun McKinney of "The Neighborhood" on CBS — 10 Things to Know About Him Including The RomCom He Likes, The Ice Cream He Claims is the Best Ever Made, His Favorite Sport Hands-Down and So Much More

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Editor's Note - The Neighborhood wrapped up it's long run on CBS. It's one of my favorite sitcoms, with the final season being a tribute to the comedy and character development throughout the series.

American actor Sheaun McKinney is known for his starring role as Malcolm Butler in the CBS sitcom “The Neighborhood.”

He is also known for portraying Dayshawn in the HBO dark comedy TV series “Vice Principals” and Wayne on the NBC sitcom “Great News.” He also had a supporting role in the film “Boss Level.”

McKinney shared 10 fun and interesting things about himself. Let's start with his fave flicks.

Calling all Young Writers: Youth Alliance for Writers and Poets Launches International Writing Contest for High School Students - A Unique Contest Judged by Students

The Youth Alliance for Writers and Poets (YAWP) is excited to announce their inaugural student-judged international creative writing competition and exchange, designed to build a literary community and avenues for feedback, amplify young voices, and connect student writers across borders. 

“We are excited to announce the YAWP Annual Writing Contest and Exchange, which aims to connect young writers with diverse perspectives across geographic divides and uplift work that resonates with younger audiences, so every young person can ‘sound their barbaric YAWP over the roofs of the world,’” said founder Livia Basche, a junior at the Bronx High School of Science. “Every young writer, regardless of location, deserves access to peer feedback, meaningful leadership and publication opportunities, and an audience and community built to support our creativity.”

Feel Good Interview Series: TV Broadway Star Julia Knitel of "Dead Outlaw" and "Operation Mincemeat" - She Talks About the The Best Advice She Ever Received, Her Favorite Films and More

By Markos Papadatos

Julia Knitel is an actress and singer who is known for her acting work in “Dead Outlaw,” for which she earned a Tony nomination for “Best Featured Actress in a Musical” for playing nine characters. Most recently, she is starring in “Operation Mincemeat” where she is playing multiple characters once again.

Knitel shared 10 interesting and exciting things about herself.

Julia's Favorite Films

On her favorite movies, she said, “I'm an old school girl, so I love ‘Beaches’ and ‘Hocus Pocus.’ I love anything with Bette Midler in it.” “I was on a Bette Midler kick the last couple of months, so those two are jumping out at me,” she added.

Feel-Good Interview: Daniel Lasker of "One Piece" - What Movie Inspired His Career, What He Thinks About Every Morning and 10 More Things to Know About Him

By Markos Papadatos

Daniel Lasker, who hails from Zimbabwe, is one of the stars of the popular series "One Piece" on Netflix where he plays the character Mr. 9. He is also known for his acting work in "Raised by Wolves" on HBO Max and the historical miniseries "Abraham Lincoln," where he played Robert Lincoln (the eldest son of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln).

The actor shared 10 interesting and fun things about himself.