Summer "Feel Good" Interview Series: Get to Know Carlos and Alexa PenaVega - 25 Things to Know about This Super Couple

By Markos Papadatos

Senior Writer ad "PowerJournalist"

Photo Left Courtesy Fred Haynes, Crown Media

Carlos and Alexa PenaVega star in the new Hallmark movie "Love in the Limelight." Carlos is best known as a band member of Big Time Rush, and starring in the hit Nickelodeon series of the same name. Alexa is known from "Spy Kids" fame. 

They praised Hallmark for always giving they a great deal of creative control, and six of Carlos' songs will appear in the new film "Love in the Limelight," which will premiere on August 6. Ron Oliver directed "Love in the Limelight" from a script by Willie Aames, Winnie Hung, and Rich Tabach. 

What They Watch

As The World Turns Reunion for Katonah Classic Stage Fundraiser Online Event: See Trent Dawson, Colleen Zenk, Michael Park, Paul Ryan, Elizabeth Hubbard, Van Hansis, Jennifer Ferrin and More 8/6/2022

Katonah Classic Stage in Katonah New York has several events coming up. The theater company was founded by Trent Dawson, a stage actor best known for his roles on As the World Turns and General Hospital.

Streaming Event:

Join Trent Dawson and his friends on a As The World Turns Reunion Online Event to support the arts! Slated to appear are Colleen Zenk, Elizabeth Hubbard, Michael Park, Ellen Marie Dolan, Mike Kasnoff, Van Hansis, Jennifer Ferrin, Paul Ryan and more on a zoom call. It's a fundraiser for the theater company and lots of fun for any fan! Ask questions, reminisce and get the inside scoop on what they have been doing. Sign up by midnight 12 pm EST. For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/444705780660836/?active_tab=discussion

Summer "Feel Good" Interview Series - Get To Known Some of Your Favorite Actors All Summer Long - New Interviews Each Week

What's a better summer fun read than reading about some of your favorite actors from your favorite movies and shows? Okay, so we might lean towards those talented actors on some cable movies, but isn't it fun to get to know something about their new projects and things they like to do off camera?

Our Senior Writer and "Powerjournalist" Markos Papadatos has been busy interviewing these stars to bring you a new interview every week.

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

Summer "Feel Good" Interview Series:

Tony-Award Winning Actress, Director, Writer Tonya Pinkins to Hold Special Screening of Her Movie Red Pill in Winston-Salem South Carolina

 

Tony Award winner, Tonya Pinkins debut feature film RED PILL is having a one night only screening at The Aperture Cinema on August 3, 2022 in Winston Salem, North Carolina.  aperturecinema.com. Tonya will be in attendance for the screening.  Tickets are $15 for the 10:00pm screening.

The multi-talented Tonya Pinkins is in Winston-Salem as a celebrity guest for the bi-annual National Black Theater Festival ncblackrep.org. RED PILL has won over 20 international awards including The Reel Sisters of The Diaspora, Micheaux, Hamilton Black,  Anatomy of Horror, Charleston Black film Festival, Mykonos  and many others.

Summer "Feel Good" Interview Series: Get to Know Actor Benjamin Hollingsworth of Hallmark's A Splash of Love Movie, Virgin River

By Markos Papadatos

Senior Writer and Powerjournalist

The talented Canadian actor Benjamin Hollingsworth is starring in the upcoming movie "A Splash of Love," which premieres on the Hallmark Channel on July 30. He is also known for his roles on "Code Black" and "Virgin River." For Hollingsworth, it was a "fun experience to do "A Splash of Love" due to his love for orca whales. He also revealed that the latest fourth season of "Virgin River" premiered on July 20 on Netflix.

What Hollingsworth Watches

Hollingsworth listed "Ozark," "Arrested Development" and "Severance" as three of his favorite series to binge-watch.

Summer "Feel Good" Interview Series: Get To Know Matt Cornett of Disney's High School Musical: The Musical: The Series and Zombies 3

By Markos Papadatos

Senior Writer and Powerjournalist

Get to know actor/singer Matt Cornett! Matt Cornett is the star of "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series," which kicks off its third season on Friday, July 29. He is known for starring as EJ Cashwell in "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series" and "Zombies 3." 

His Inspiration, Dream Acting Partners and Shows to Binge

Every day, he is inspired by his family and his faith.

His dream female acting partners include Oscar nominee Margot Robbie("I, Tonya") and Daisy Ridley ("Star Wars" sequel trilogy).

That's4Entertainment Holds August 2022 ChristmasCon in Pasadena, CA, Also Scheduled is Christmas Con in NJ December 9-11th 2022: Meet Your Favorites Stars from Christmas Movies

by Suzee

 If you've been watching Christmas in July then Christmas Con in August will be the bow on the present! The ladies of Thats4Entertainment have done it again, putting together a fantastic ChristmasCon in Pasadena California the first week of August, 2022. The convention runs August 5th, 6th and 7th at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California. 

Tickets can be purchased at https://www.thats4entertainment.com/

Like their past Christmas Cons, there are a TON of stars from your favorite Christmas movies - as well as some special surprises like Barbara Eden in Pasadena - as well as photo opportunities, panels, contests, the holiday spirit and more. 

Summer Feel Good Interview Series: Get to Know Actor Marcus Rosner, Starring in Hallmark's New Movie Romance to the Rescue

By Markos Papadatos

Senior Writer and "PowerJournalist"

Canadian Actor Marcus Rosner is known for starring in such Hallmark films as "Romance to the Rescue," "Love Stories in the Sunflower Valley," "A Vineyard Romance," and "Love on Harbor Island," among many others. He also appeared in the Lifetime movie "Killer in the Guest House" and he starred in "My Fake Boyfriend" on Amazon Prime. 

In "My Fake Boyfriend," Rosner acknowledged that his character was over-the-top crazy. He had a great deal of fun playing Nico and enjoyed the challenge that it presented him.

NBC New York News Reporter and Anchor Jen Maxfield Interview: She Talks about her New Book, "More After the Break - A Reporter Returns to Ten Unforgettable News Stories" and Share What It's Like to Be A Reporter in a World of Breaking News

By Suzanne Ordas Curry

If you live anywhere in the New York City area you’re bound to recognize the face and voice of the multi- talented reporter and news anchor Jen Maxfield.

Having started her career in upstate New York Jen Maxfield is now a fixture in New York City Television. She’s a news reporter that’s covered everything from Sandy to Katrina to covid to the "Miracle on the Hudson" and so much more. You can find her now as an anchor currently on NBC News New York. 

Jen has covered thousands of stories in her life. One may wonder how a reporter can emotionally handle all the rollercoasters or stories or if they can just walk away from them. What Maxfield does in this book is show how human reporters are, that though they may walk away from stories many stories linger with them. 

Really Famous' Kara Mayer Robinson Joins The LIBBY Show: Lunch with the Ladies and Talks about Her Job, The Celebrities and The Real Peter Brady

By Bella Gusmano

In this episode of The LIBBY Show: Lunch With The Ladies, the Ladies are joined by Kara Mayer Robinson, top celebrity Podcast and YouTube host. You will get an inside scoop on the interviews from her podcast, Really Famous: With Kara Mayor Robinson. Also, join as as the Ladies play the "Classic Sitcom Game," with Kara. Then hear Kara dish on how she went from being an accountant to interviewing the top celebrities in entertainment today.

TO WATCH THE LIBBY SHOW WITH KARA MAYER ROBINSON CLICK HERE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTxHReHITMU&t=3s

Summer Feel Good Interview Series: Get to Know Actor Matt Hamilton Who Stars in Hallmark Channel's New Christmas in July Movie "Campfire Christmas"

By Markos Papadatos
Senior Writer and Powerjournalist

Left Photo Credit: Charles Zuckerman

Matt Hamilton is a fixture in romance and Christmas movies. And now he's starring in  the upcoming new original Hallmark film Campfire Christmas, which comes out on Saturday, July 16. It is a part of the network's annual "Christmas in July" programming. 

Matt states, "It's an ensemble piece and it's fun," he admitted. "I think it's really funny, it's one of the funnier films I have been in."

He went on to praise his five co-stars Tori Anderson, Corbin Bleu, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman, Caitlin Stryker, and Alec Santos for all being fantastic.

Females in Entertainment: Focus on Actress Alysia Reiner - From Orange is the New Black to Shining Vale and Now a Part of the Marvel Universe

 

By Suzanne Ordas Curry

You might recognize her as Warden Fig from the award-winning Orange is the New Black series, but Alysia Reiner has been a busy actor since then. She's had roles on HBO's The Deuce  and Pamela Adlon's  Better Things, among others. She's also starred opposite Greg Kinnear in the thriller Shining Vale series with Courtney Cox.  

Now she's entered a new universe -  the Marvel-verse with a role on Ms. Marvel on Disney Plus. She plays Agent Sadie Deever and as of this writing, we still don't know what her motives are.

Why do we love Ms. Marvel? It's diverse and features women, women of all ages. And it's got a female director. Sharing some of the directing credits on Ms. Marvel is Meera Menon, who directed Alysia in her award-winning feature called Equity.

Interview: Actress Iliana Guibert Talks about Her TV Shows, Anna in the Tropics and Being a Talk Show Co-Host

Interview by Ashton Samson

Actor Iliana Guibert did a mid-life career pivot from successful furniture executive to successful actor, and now she can be seen in several TV shows, is starring in a summer production of Anna in the Tropics by Nilo Cruz in the Hamptons and is also co-host of a new online talk show for women. Ashton Samson sat down to talk to Iliana about how she got where she was, and  just how much she is enjoying this new chapter in life.

City On a Hill and White House Plumbers

Mr. Samson: What kind of roles have you taken on most recently?

Summer Feel Good Interview Series: Get to Know Actor Kevin McGarry: Now Starring in Hallmark Channel's New Christmas In July Movie "My Grown Up Christmas List"

By Markos Papadatos

Senior Writer and "Powerjournalist"

Photo Left Credit: Albert Camicioli, Crown Media

Acclaimed McGarry is known for starring as Nathan Grant in Hallmark Channel’s hit primetime original series, When Calls the Heart and in CBC’s Heartland as Mitch Cutty.  You may have also seen him in many other popular TV shows.

Most recently, McGarry starred in the original Hallmark Channel films The Wedding Veil and Feeling Butterflies. He has previously starred in the network’s Christmas Scavenger Hunt, Love on the Books, Winter Castle, and Love at First Bark.

In the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries department, McGarry was in originals Signed, Sealed, Delivered: From Paris with Love and A Song for Christmas. On the big screen, he appeared in Saw 7.

Summer Feel Good Interview Series: Get to Know Actor Tyler Hynes from Hallmark Movies & TV - His Work, His Fave Shows, How He Relaxes, Fave Foods & More

By Markos Papadatos, 

Senior Writer and "Powerjournalist"

You may recognize the prolific and talented actor Tyler Hynes from the slew of Hallmark movies that he has done, for which he has gained quite a fandom. He is known for his work in such Hallmark films as "Falling For You," "It's Christmas, Eve," "Flip That Romance," "The Mistletoe Secret," "Winter in Vail," "It Was Always You," "Sweet Carolina," "Roadhouse Romance," "An Unexpected Christmas," and "Always Amore," among others. But, this Canadian actor has also been in multiple TV series including "Letter Kenny", "Star Trek Discovery" and "UnReal." And he's talented behind the camera as well, writing and directing his own content.

He revealed that his favorite movie is "Phantom Thread." "I actually watched 'Phantom Thread' while I was at RomaDrama in West Palm Beach, Florida. It is one of two movies that soothes me and it really makes me feel good artistically," he said. "It's an incredible film by Paul Thomas Anderson. The two actresses, Lesley Manville and Vicky Krieps, are unbelievable in this movie too." 

Behind the Scenes: Mr. Malcom's List Starring Frieda Pinto, Sope Dirisu, Zawe Ashton, Theo James Premieres in New York City: Photos

 

Mr. Malcom's List held its New York City premiere on a beautiful warm night in the heart of New York City at the DGA on 57th Street. The place was abuzz with an active Red Carpet, filled with media, stars of the film and other actors coming to support this independent film. It was exhilarating to see things up and running again in the Big Apple. 

Covid cards were checked at the door, and inside people were buzzing around, talking about the movie the biz and just happy to be out. After the Red Carpet  the movie started with a few words first from the director Emma Holly Jones.  Mr. Malcom's List in in theaters nationwide beginning July 1, 2022. 

Queen of Rock and Future Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Pat Benatar and Husband Nick Giraldo Give Paramount Performance in New York Concert: Review and What They Played

 

By Markos Papadatos, Powerjournalist

Photo Left Courtesy Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

The "Queen of Rock" Pat Benatar and her gifted musical husband Neil Giraldo headlined The Paramount in Huntington on June 30th for an excellent turnout of fans. 

Throughout their respected career in the music business, the rock couple has garnered two multi-platinum, five platinum and three gold studio albums, as well as 19 Top 40 hit singles. Their love affair has endured over 35 years, and they continue to tour and sell out shows all over the country.

Libby Jade Announces New Music and Summer Concert Dates: Also Find Her Music in New Movie "We Need To Talk" with James Maslow

Artist Libby Jade announces the release of her third single, "Pausing Clocks" which recently debuted on most streaming services. "Pausing Clocks" is her third release and is an acoustic indie pop song about making peace with the present. The song will have an official lyric video and acoustic video waterfall releasing each week after the initial track release date. You can find the music here on Spotify and Apple. 

Libby Jade's other songs are "Geometry" and "Homebody" Rounding out the band with her are Shane Curry, Chris Popp and Gregory Thomas Pease. Libby Jade has currently been performing in NJ, Brooklyn and New York City (Sofar Sounds). 

Summer Dates Announced: July 22nd Sofar Concert in Brooklyn. See Sofar website or contact Libby.wav on Instagram. August 6th - House of Independence, Asbury Park, NJ.

Review of Gilligan's Better Call Saul Season 6A: Masterful, Suspenseful and the Unexpected with Outstanding Performances by Patrick Fabian and Rhea Seehorn

By Ashton Samson

Every once in a while, something monumental springs into existence that unintentionally emphasizes the need for our society to do things in a less brisk and more leisurely manner. The Covid-19 Pandemic, for all the grief and sorrow it caused on a global scale, taught me that spending time with one’s family as a homebody can be more fulfilling and important than rushing from one stress-inducing place to the next in a cyclical and harried manner. 

If you understandably would rather not learn this important lesson from a pandemic, look no further than the less deadly and more comforting world of television. Better Call Saul Season 6A is classic Vince Gilligan, a carefully constructed and gradual explosion into television mastery that emphasizes how a slow accumulation of details and plot can lead to a fulfilling denouement. Take things slow, in reality and in scriptwriting!

The LIBBY SHOW: Lunch with The Ladies in its Second Season: Celebrity Interviews, News and Inspiration for Women. Stream for Free

 

Looking for something new to watch? The LIBBY SHOW: Lunch with the Ladies is a new online streaming talk show. A production of SuzeeBehindtheScenes, it's full of conversation and fun. Hear from celebrities - like "Peter Brady" or Real Housewife of NJ Margaret Josephs and many more. 

Coming soon are a whole lot of faves from your favorite daytime shows and romance and holiday movies. Also listen in for helpful tips and inspiration for women. It is the only show (that we know of) specifically for women 45 and up. Co-hosts join our regular hosts Suzanne Ordas Curry, Messalina Morely Alton, Beth Brier and Iliana Guibert in each episode.  Find it on Youtube HERE now but coming soon to Facebook Watch and IWomanTV. 

Like us on Facebook HERE for updates and all shows arriving in July 2022.

First Season Episodes:

Episode 1: Best Shows to Binge

Summer "Feel Good" Interview Series: Get to Know Actor/Musician Rob Mayes - His New Music, His Favorite Artist and Five More Things

 

By: Markos Papadatos

Editor's Note: Our #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos was in West Palm Beach, Florida at the RomaDrama Live! Watch for new interviews every week in our "Summer Feel Good" Interview Series.

He is known for his acting work in the horror movie "John Dies at the End" (opposite Paul Giamatti) as well as "Jane by Design" on ABC Family, "90210" on the CW, and the MTV musical film "The American Mall," where he played the male lead Joey. 

Aside from being an actor, Mayes is a gifted singer-songwriter in the country music world. He revealed that he has new music in the works. 

"I have a new single out that I wrote with the great Dallas Davidson called 'Ain't Nothin' To See Here and I have a new song coming out on July 1st via Empire Nashville called 'Midwest USA'," he said. 

Looking to Learn Acting or Hone Your Skills? Actors Technique NYC is now in Jersey with New Summer Offerings and Classes, Discounts & Surprise American "Idol" Judge

Looking for something new to do this summer? Whether you're 9 or 90 an acting class can help you relax, have fun, communicate with others and learn a new skill. Actors Technique New York City is now open across the bridge in Ridgewood, NJ serving all of North Jersey. There are lessons, camps, workshops, audition help and more for a variety of skill levels. Check the website for current offerings. Camps also available.  Please check the website for current discounts and also find out which camp will have a surprise visit by an "Idol" judge. Visit: https://actorstechniqueny.com/

Day's Of Our Lives' Cady McClain to Moderate Free Short Plays Readings for Axial Theater Just Outside NYC - Online and In-person Event

 

Cady McClain, three time Daytime Emmy winner who currently has the role of Jennifer Horton on the long-running daytime drama Days of Our Lives, will moderate a reading of four short plays for Axial Theater, where she is Artistic Director. The reading will take place in person and online at no charge on Sunday, June 26th from 3-5 pm ET

Join in person at the Hudson Valley Writers Center in Sleepy Hollow, NY. The event by Axial Theater is free.

Attention Christmas Movie Fans: Hallmark Channel Debuts Three New Movies in July

 The sun may be out and it was probably out while filming these, but it's never too early or the wrong time to watch a Christmas movie. Hallmark is hoping to keeps its fans coming back and whetting their appetite for more with the debut of three movies in July 2022.

You can watch My Grown Up Christmas List on July 9th, Campfire Christmas on July 16th and Christmas in Toyland on July 23rd. For all info visit: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/movies.

See videos of your favorite stars from Christmas Con HERE.  Or see complete coverage in this article: https://www.suzeebehindthescenes.com/2021/12/christmas-con-2021-full-coverage-of.html

NY's Axial Theater Forms Partnership with Honor Roll! to Celebrate Female Playwrights over 40

Axial Theatre and Honor Roll! announce an Arts Partnership to further inclusion of women 40 and over playwrights. Axial is a 23-year old ensemble based theater company known for its dedication to developing and producing edge-cutting new theater works. Honor Roll! is an advocacy and action group of women+ playwrights over 40, and their women+ over forty allies, whose goal is inclusion in theater. 

Review of Coldplay Concert at MetLife Stadium: Magical, Electrifying, Filled with Powerhouse Songs and a Special Appearance by Kylie Minogue

By: Markos Papadatos

On Saturday, June 5, Coldplay headlined MetLife Stadium in New Jersey for an excellent turnout as part of their "Music of the Spheres" Tour.

Coldplay is comprised of Chris Martin on lead vocals, Jonny Buckland on guitar, Guy Berryman on the bass, and Will Champion on the drums.

Event: CASA for Children of Bergen County Holds Golf Classic with Tennis July 11, 2022 - Honors Attorney Gail Gordon of NJ - Supports Children in Foster Care

"Fore The Kids’ Golf Classic" will be held on Monday, July 11, 2022 at 9am at the Edgewood Country Club in River Vale to benefit the non-profit organization Bergen County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).  Advocates provide one-on-one advocacy and support for abused and neglected children from Bergen County who are in foster care. Golf/Tennis events that day include Pro Clinic lessons, Doubles matches, cocktail party reception, 50/50 raffle, silent auction, wine pull and more. The cost is $350 for an individual ticket and $1300 for a foursome. You can also purchase a special passport ticket for $75 which gets you participation in all on - course contests and five 50/50 raffles. One can also purchase dinner tickets for $150 which includes appetizers, buffet, drinks and dessert. All necessary COVID-19 safety procedures will be in place. 

AUCTION NOW OPEN: https://one.bidpal.net/golfcasa/welcome

Night Sky On Prime Video a Refreshing Blend of Time Travel and Human Drama - Outstanding Performances by Sissy Spacek and JK Simmons Make it a Must-See for Sci-Fi Fans

By Suzanne Ordas Curry

If you're a fan of Outer Range, or Resident Alien, you'll probably like Night Sky.

I am a fan of time travel movies and shows. Some make sense and follow time travel principles, other's don't. Actually, that's a joke because time travel does not exist so really all these shows can just make stuff up as they go along.

YES Network Baseball Analyst Jack Curry Pens Third Book, A Memoir on Paul O'Neill Entitled "Swing and Hit: Nine Innings of What Baseball Taught Me" - A Must Read for Fans of a Good Game of Baseball

By Suzanne Ordas Curry

"He’s up in his office, I haven’t seen him in quite some time. He's working on the book."  That’s what I hear from my sister-in-law Pamela, Jack Curry‘s wife. Being the wife of a baseball analyst and writer, she knows his job is not the usual 9-5er.  From his days at the Jersey Journal to the New York Times to the YES Network, Pamela knows when Jack is squirreled away and wants no interruptions except to replace his cup of hot tea.

As my brother-in-law I know how hard he works - this was his third book -  and yet he still manages even with his crazy schedule to make time to make all of our family events. I remember when my older son had a surgery and when my son woke up he had an autographed baseball from his favorite player next to his hospital bed.  Yes there are some perks to having a baseball analyst and writer in the family! And of course family gatherings are always filled with "inside baseball" information.

Broadway's Bruce Sabath and Elizabeth Stanley to Star in Katonah (NY) Classic Stage's Production of Tally, Katonah Film Festival Also Slated for August 2022

Katonah Classic Stage is presenting a reading of Tally's Romance, the comic romance by Langford Wilson. It will be held at the Bedford Historical Hall, 608 Old Post Road in Bedford, NY on June 17, 2022 at 8pm. Please note, that due to overwhelming response this is a change, it was originally scheduled to be at the Oak and Oil Gallery,

Starring in the reading are two veterans of Broadway, theater, film and television, TONY nominee, Elizabeth Stanley and the prolific NY actor Bruce Sabath. The two are coming together again: in 2006, Elizabeth and Bruce both starred in the TONY WINNING Broadway revival of Company.

Tickets: https://www.katonahclassicstage.com/kcsevents.  Other events at Katonah Classic Stage:

Concert Review: Harry Styles Stages Amazing 'One Night Only in New York' Show Turning the UBS Arena into Harry's House - We Adore You Harry Styles

By Markos Papadatos

Photo Courtesy Apple Music

Pop megastar Harry Styles headlined a "One Night Only in New York" show at the UBS Arena on Long Island on Friday, May 20, which was an incredible and high-adrenaline event. He performed for approximately 20,000 New York fans, and it was live-streamed all over the world in over 150 countries. It was in support of his newest musical effort, "Harry's House."

With this special show, Styles performed his latest studio offering for the first time ever.

He had nine pop-up shops around the globe with locations in Amsterdam, Berlin, Chicago, Dallas, London, Los Angeles, New York City, Paris, and Toronto. 

Attention Playwrights: Edwin Wong Presents 2022 Risk Theater Modern Tragedy Competition with Prizes - Submit by May 31, 2022

 Theatre expert Edwin Wong has upended our understanding of  theatre by arguing that risk is the dramatic fulcrum of the action, and his first book launched a major international playwriting competition, now in its fourth year. He's calling on playwrights worldwide to submit plays to the annual 2022 Risk Theatre Modern Tragedy Competition, juried by an international panel of professionals, anonymous to each other and the public until the winners are announced.

Days Marci Miller Goes Back to Her Roots as Special Guest Actor for Axial Theater's Cactus Flowers Play Reading May 15, 2022

Marci Miller, who plays Abigail Deveraux on Days of Our Lives, will be a special cast member for a free play reading done by Axial Theater of New York. The event, called Cactus Flowers, will be a reading of four short plays by female-identifying playwrights. 

Marci Miller grew up in small town Indiana. (North Liberty pop.1800) Originally off to college to pursue a nursing career, it was a professor at Bethel College who encouraged her to study music/theatre. She got involved in the theatre scene in Louisville, KY and while waiting tables, a fellow server urged her to head to the big city – Los Angeles. Since arriving, she has been involved in many commercials, films, and has been nominated for three Daytime Emmy Awards (most recently this year as Leading Actress) for her portrayal of Abigail Deveraux on Days of Our Lives.