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

Editor's Note- Thank you to Markos and to Mr. Wagner for this exlusivie intervew for BehindtheScenes.

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.”

He is known for his charm, sophistication, and screen presence. Wagner has remained a recognizable figure in Hollywood for more than seven decades.

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.

Review of Dean Taucher's Play "Movies TV Mayhem" - A Whole Lot of "Inside Baseball" on the Entertainment Industry Keeps the Audience Engaged and Curious

By Suzanne "suzee" Ordas Curry

Do you really want to know what goes on the sets of some of your favorite TV shows and movies?

Maybe it's better not to know, maybe it's better to think that everyone is just one big happy family and gets along really well, like the characters do in their roles.

But if you do want to know more of the reality behind-the-scenes then go see Movies TV Mayhem, playing at Theater Row in New York City April 23rd - May 9th, 2026.

Movies TV Mayhem is the brainchild of writer Dean Taucher, who has spend decades on the sets of some of our most beloved TV shows and movies. And he's seen it all.

Jan Brady all Grown Up: Eve Plumb's New Memoir "Happiness Included: Jan Brady and Beyond" is Sure to Make All Her Fans Happy Offering an Intimate Look into Her Life During the Brady Bunch and After- On Tour at Bookends in NJ 4/30

By Suzanne "suzee" Ordas Curry

It's always wonderful when someone whom you admired as a child becomes someone you admire when you get older.

I have always admired Eve Plumb, an actor at such a young age and so talented. She WAS Jan Brady. I also follow her on social media.

For anyone that grew up watching the Brady Bunch, we all know the trials and tribulations of being the middle child, with a cute little sister and an over-achieving, quite popular older sister who somehow managed to get Davy Jones to take her to the school dance. That's a tough act to follow, but if Jan Brady were to grow up as Jan Brady, Eve Plumb surely surpassed that little girl Jan's dreams.

Feel Good Interview Series: Jake Galluccio — Vertical Drama Star and "Grief Trip" Actor - 10 Things to Know About Him Including Why He Loves the Age He is, Why He Drums and Who His Dream Acting Partners Are

By: Markos Papadatos

Jake Galluccio is known for his acting work as a star in the vertical drama world (such as "A Deal with the Hockey Captain" and "Call Me By Your Heart"). He is also known for his starring role in the short film "Grief Trip," written and directed by Christian Baldonado, where he navigates family loss, trauma and healing.

Galluccio, sat down and chatted with this journalist at Burgerology Midtown in New York City, and he shared 10 interesting and exciting things about himself. 

Feel Good Interview Series: Actor Claybourne Elder of Broadway's "Company" and "Gilded Age" - 10 Things To Know About Him Including His Own "Happiness Project" and His New Album "If The Stars Were Mine"

By: Markos Papadatos

Broadway star Claybourne Elder is known for his theatrical work in the Tony-winning musical "Company," and for playing John Adams in "The Gilded Age." He will be performing at 54 Below on April 15^th in support of his latest studio album "If the Stars Were Mine," which was released via Center Stage Records. Elder shared 10 interesting and fun things about himself.

Dean Taucher Pens New Play on What Goes on Behind the Camera in Hollywood, "Movies TV Mayhem" Runs in New York City April 23 - May 9, 2026. Read Interview With Dean on How This Revealing Play Came to Be

Movies TV Mayhem is a new play coming to New York City April 23rd to May 9th at Theater Row. It's the theatrical review of  production designer now playright Dean Taucher. It stars Jason Donavan Hall, Grant Neal and Oneika Phillips and is directed by Richard Calliban.

Dean wrote the play based on his vast years of  experience in TV and entertainment. And I mean REALLY vast, Dean has worked as a production designer on nearly 500 episodic TV shows, including notable titles like Miami Vice, Law & Order: SVU, New York Undercover, season one of The Sopranos, and more. Earlier in his career, Dean worked at the crew level as a scenic artist on films such as The Blues Brothers, Trading Places, Neighbors, Annie, 9 1/2 Weeks, The Cotton Club, Manhunter, Fatal Attraction, and season five of Saturday Night, among others.

Feel Good Interview Series: Max Burkholder of the Hit Series "Ted" - 10 Things To Know About Him Including What He Just Binged, How He Relaxes and Why He Hates Guitars

By: Markos Papadatos

Max Burkholder is known for his starring role as John Bennett in the live-action fantasy comedy TV series "Ted," which was created and directed by Seth MacFarlane (who voices Ted). Max shared 10 interesting and exciting things about himself. 

Max's Favorite Movies

His favorite movies include the original “Jurassic Park” as well as “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” “Arrival,” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” “I also love any Will Ferrell comedy,” he said.

FREE New York City Event: Axial Theater Presents a Play Reading of Robert Schenkkan's "Building the Wall" with Dan Walworth and Lauren B. Martin

Axial Theater is presenting a play reading of Pulitizer-Prize winning playwright Robert Schennkkan's play "Building the Wall" on April 12, 2026 at 5pm at Michael Howard Studios, 152 West 25th Street, 10th floor in New York City. The play reading is free but donations to the non-profit Axial Theater will go a long way in ensuring future productions. The reading will be by Dan Walworth and Lauren B, Martin directed by John Hickok. See below to RSVP. More info can be found at www.AxialTheater.org. Emmy-winner Cady McClain is Artistic Director of Axial.

Women2Admire: Valerie Bertinelli Comes to Carteret Performing Arts Center for a Conversation about Her Book - Top Ten Takeaways from this Inspiring Woman

By Suzanne Ordas Curry

Growing up in the 70's, there were just a few girls on TV that I could relate to and looked up to. Valerie Bertinelli on One Day at A Time was one of them. She was a teenager when I was, and she had a sister like I did. Of course, her teenage life was much more interesting than mine, but I could dream...

But what I admired more as I grew up alongside her was keeping up with the many things she did. She had so many roles and was in so much - TV movies and shows, on the Food Network and even now on the Drew Barrymore Show. And did I mentioned she married a rock star?  This is a multi-decades career and a life of being in the spotlight. And what I am most interested now is, as we are similar in age, is how does she do it all? Where does this energy come from?

Feel Good Interview Series: Benjamin Roy of the Hit Series "Heated Rivalry" - 10 Things to Know About Him -Including His Favorite Music, Sports, and What He Might Be if He Was Not Acting

By: Markos Papadatos

Canadian actor Benjamin Roy is known for his starring role in the hit hockey drama series "Heated Rivalry," which has become a global phenomenon. He portrays JJ Dagenais, who is a defenseman and teammate to the heartthrob Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams); they both play as part of the Montreal Metros hockey team. He shared 10 interesting and fun things about himself.

Feel Good Interview Series: Meet Italia Ricci of "Designated Survivor'" and "The Boy with My Son's Face" -10 Things to Know About Her Including Her Love of Old Music and Hockey

By: Markos Papadatos

Italia Ricci is a Canadian-American actress, who is known for her acting work in "Chasing Life," "Supergirl," and "Designated Survivor." She is the wife of actor Robbie Amell. Most recently, she starred in the Lifetime movie "The Boy with My Son's Face." She shared 10 interesting and fun things about herself.

Women2Admire: Meet Jennifer Plotzke - This Award-Winning Actress and Producer Has a Busy Slate - Including a Role in NBC's The Hunting Party

Meet Jenn Plotzke, a multi -hyphenate woman in entertainment that we admire!! Jennifer Plotzke is an award winning actress and producer, appearing on television in The Hunting Party, FBI: Most Wanted, Blue Bloods and The Blacklist. She co-stars with Peter Friedman in the film Fizzle and she starred in the Paradise Lost adaptation, Lost + Found as well as the film Haunted, part of the Return to the Theatre of Terror horror anthology. Jennifer is the founder of Poor Monster Productions and currently has eight feature films in development. 

2026 Oscars Special Interviews: Chatting with Oscar Winners Amy Madigan, Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Kate Hawley and Andy Jurgensen - They Talk about Challenges, Relationships, Opportunities and Luck

 

By: Markos Papadatos

Editor's Note: Our Senior Contributor Markos Papadatos was in the press room at the 2026 Oscars. Here's what he heard from Amy Madigan, winner of this year's Oscar for "Best Supporting Actress" Autumn Durald Arkapaw of "Sinners," Kate Hawley of "Frankenstein," and Andy Jurgensen for "One Battle After Another."

Amy Madigan: Winner of Best Supporting Actress

Amy Madigan set a new record for an actress with the longest gap between a first nomination and a first victory at the Oscars — her 2026 win is 40 years and 1 month after her first Oscar nomination, which she received for “Twice In A Lifetime” at the 58th Academy Awards.

North to Shore 2026 Music and Arts Festival in Newark, Asbury Park and Atlantic City Features Sublime, Iliza Shlesinger, Janelle Monáe, The Black Crowes, Alison Krause and so Many Acts Across NJ: Includes Some Free Events

Another summer of great music is coming to New Jersey!

North to Shore returns this June with another extraordinary season of world-class performances, comedy acts, film screenings, community events, and artistic collaborations at venues across Newark and Asbury Park. North to Shore, a summer arts festival celebrating all of the Garden State's creativity, diversity and passion for innovation, is produced by the Newark-based New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC).

Feel Good Interview Series: Emily Alatalo Of "Workin' Moms", "Crossroad Springs" and Many Christmas Movies - 10 Things To Know About Her - Including Her Very Positive Favorite Motto finsih

By: Markos Papadatos

Emily Alatalo is a Canadian actress and from Ontario, who is known for her portrayal of Ginnie McMillan in "Workin' Moms" and Cate Martin in "Christmas Plus One." She is known for her acting work in rom-coms on Hallmark, Lifetime, and Great American Family.

Feel Good Interview Series: Donna Lynne Champlin of "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" - 10 Things to Know About Her - Including the Power of "No" and a Very Selfless Answer to Having a Superpower

By Markos Papadatos

Donna Lynn Champlin is an actress, singer, and dancer. She is known for playing Paula Proctor in the hit comedy series "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" on The CW. Most recently, she starred as Bernie in the Off-Broadway production of "Pen Pals" opposite Emily Skinner as Mags, who ironically enough are real-life best friends.