Feel-Good Interview Series: Five Things to Know about Actor Shannon Kook from Hallmark's A Big Fat Family Christmas, The 100 and Degrassi - Including How He Feels about Asian Voices on Screen

By Markos Papadatos

South - African born Actor Shannon Kook stars in one of the Hallmark Channel's new Christmas movies A Big Fat Family Christmas. However, you may recognize this classically-trained actor (Canada) from some of his many other roles on the big and small screens. You may know him from The Conjuring, Degrassi - The Next Generation,  The 100, The Mysterious Benedict Society, Nancy Drew, and many more. 

What He is Doing Now

On the title of the current chapter of his life, Kook said, "I'm balancing working on myself while also working on my  career." He adds, "I have been talking to some people about writing and creating my own projects. It is important to have more Asian voices. The writer and the director of this film were both Asian females. It is exciting to see that come to the forefront,"

ChristmasCon22 by That's4Entertainment Comes to NJ December 2022 - Meet Your Favorite Actors from Holiday TV Movies, Engage in Activities and Get that Holiday Feeling

Christmas Con 22, a production of That's4Entertainment is coming! This year's in-person con is  November 8,9 and 10, 2022 to the New Jersey Expo Center in Edison, NJ (about an hour out of NYC).  If you are a fan of all the  wonderful heartwarming and always happy ending Christmas movies on TV - and a fan of all things Christmas you will love Christmas Con! More Info: https://www.thats4entertainment.com/christmasconnj. I've been to the two cons in New Jersey I will tell you you will leave singing Christmas carols and with a happy merry feeling. 

Feel Good Interview: Get to Know Cameron Mathison of A Merry Christmas Wish, General Hospital and So Much More

By Markos Papadatos

Photo Credit Left: ABC, Craig Sjodin

Acclaimed actor, presenter, and host Cameron Mathison chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos. He is the star of "A  Merry Christmas Wish," which premiered on Great American Family, where he stars opposite Jill Wagner. You can also see him on General Hospital as Drew Cain as well as in many of your favorite TV movies. 

What Cameron Watches

While he is not a big scary movie guy, he enjoyed watching "The Black Phone" with Ethan Hawke. "It wasn't too scary, so I liked that," he admitted. "The new 'Top Gun: Maverick' gave me chills. The whole family went with me to se e it, and we watched the first one to remind us a little bit."

NJPAC for the Holidays and Year Round - A Very Electric Christmas, Boys II Men, Hip Hop Nutcracker, Alton Brown, Paw Patrol and More

Looking to do something fun for the holidays? New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark NJ, less than an hour from New York City offers a great deal of entertainment for the family. Following is information on some of NJPAC's upcoming shows, but always check the website as more shows are continuously added. Visit NJPAC.org.

Photos: Katonah Classic Stage's 2022 Production of Noel Coward's Private Lives Starring Trent Dawson

Katonah Classic Stage presented PRIVATE LIVES, this fall at Bedford Hills Community Center in October 2022. 

Founder Trent Dawson, Lea Dimarchi, Dawn Vanessa Brown, Jonathan Fielding and Brenda Withers starred in this funny, riveting, edge-of-your seat drama about two couples that well, couldn't live or live without each other. To learn about future plays visit Katonah Classic Stage. 

Feel Good Interview: Actress Joey Marie Urbina Talks about Her Big Break on FX's Snowfall, Her Inspiration, What She Watches and More

Houston-born actress Joey Marie Urbina is making headway into her career. Viewers can see her as "Xiamara" on the last three seasons of FX's Snowfall. But she's done so much more -  including several films - and there's much more ahead for this talented actress. Suzee Behind the Scenes sat down for an interview with Joey Marie. Read on to find out how she got where she is, and what woman from a very popular sitcom inspired her at the beginning of her journey. 

SBTS: What was your big break?

Joey Marie Urbina: Snowfall gave me my big break. I remember leaving my audition thinking, “Wow, I’m definitely not getting this job!” This was right before the pandemic hit and auditions were still in person. I remember my manager calling me and saying I got it, my knees hit the ground. My role started off as a one day co-star but I have now been recurring on the show for three seasons. Grateful.

Photos: Axial Theater of New York's Production of John Logan's Never The Sinner

The Axial Theater Production of John Logan's Play Never the Sinner premiered mid-November at the Bethanny Arts Community Center outside of New York City in Ossining NY. 

The play, which follows the true story of a child named Bobby Franks, who was killed in Chicago early last century, was sold-out many nights.

Audience members called the play "Brutal,", "Powerful.", "Beautifully executed" and "Tightly-directed. The relevance to what is going on today cannot be missed.

Interview: Five Questions for Actress Mindy Cohn - She Talks about her New Role in Brad Forenza's Around the Sun Podcast, The Facts of Life and a New Venture

Exclusive to SuzeeBehindtheScenes

The incredibly talented and fan favorite Mindy Cohn appears in this season of Around the Sun, a podcast series of fun, interesting and thought-provoking dramas (all averaging 10 minutes) created by Brad Forenza. It is now available wherever you listen to podcasts with new episodes dropping every Wednesday throughout fall. Visit Around theSun . Mindy Cohn is in Episodes 5 and 7.

Feel-Good Interview Series: Meet British Actor Will Kemp from Jolly Good Christmas - Five Things to Know About Him

Interview by Markos Papadatos

You may have seen Will Kemp in Hallmark's new original movie for 2023 Jolly Good Christmas, Love, Romance and Chocolate, The Christmas Waltz or even the Princess Switch 3. But his prolific British actor has had several other roles, including on the series Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce or Spinning Out. Expect to see more of him soon in your favorite TV movies. Read on to find out more about this talented actor.

What Will Kemp Watches - He is a Star Wars Fan

Regarding his favorite movies, Kemp said, "I have been in preparation for a job that I am in at the moment, so to be honest, I haven't gone to the cinema as much as I would like so my research is character-driven. 

Feel-Good Interview Series: Get to Know Actor Brennan Elliott

By Markos Papadatos 

Brennan Elliot is a fixture in TV movies, during the year and especially during the holidays. You may have seen him in countless movies and shows, often on the Hallmark Channel. To name but a few, he's had roles in The Gift of Peace, Marry Go Round, The Perfect Pairing, Open By Christmas, the Crossword Mysteries, Christmas in Vienna, Flower Shop Mysteries, Cedar Cove and Lifetime's UnReal.

Feel Good Interview Series - Get to Know Actress Brittany Bristow from Holiday Date, Home for a Royal Heart and More

By Markos Papadatos

#Powerjournalist

Brittany Bristow has been in countless TV movies. You might have seen her in Home for a Royal Heart, A Tale of Love, Wrapped Up in Love, Holiday Date, Love, Romance and Chocolate, Christmas at the Palace and so many more of your favorite feel-good movies. But what does she watch?

The Ultimate Guide to Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway Theaters in New York City

By Messalina Morley Alton

Many people wonder, what is Broadway, what is Off-Broadway? Or even, Off-Off Broadway? Many will assume it is determined by how far the lost tourist may wander from the street known as Broadway, but if you ask a true New Yorker, they’ll tell you it’s all about the numbers. What isn’t?

A Broadway house has to have at least 500 seats. Anything less is Off Broadway, with Off-Off Broadway specifically having 99 seats or less. They are all professional theaters, meaning that the cast and crew are paid, and all aim to give their audiences theatrical experiences to remember!  Below I have curated lists of not only all the Broadway Theaters currently open, but also all of the Off and Off-Off Broadway Theaters.

Brad Forenza's Around The Sun Podcast Season Features the Voices of Richard Kind, Caroline Aaron, Richard Kline, Adassa, Mindy Cohn, Jennie Kwan, Piper Laurie, Taylor Purdee and Bruce Vilanch

Around the Sun, the popular podcast series starring iconic and well-known actors from stage and screen will drop its second season starting on October 26, 2022 with new episodes dropping until early 2023. Hear the voices of some of your favorite actor from past and present bring to life a series of short stories that will engage you, make you think and make you want to hear more. This season features Richard Kind (The Watcher), Caroline Aaron (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,  Adassa ( Encanto), Mindy Cohn (The Facts of Life),Richard Kline (Three’s Company) Jennie Kwan (California Dreams, Piper Laurie (The Hustler), Taylor Purdee (Killian and the Comeback Kids) and Bruce Vilanch (Get Bruce).

Countdown to Hallmark - Movie Schedule and More about the Merriment on the Hallmark Channels in 2022

For fans of Hallmark Holiday movies, October 21st is not too early. Rather, it's that "Finally, they have started!" So on October 22nd sit down with your Hallmark blanket and a cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows as they start premiering new movies on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at 8pm. Keep in mind there are several Hallmark channels, Hallmark, Hallmark Movies and Mysteries, Hallmark Drama and Hallmark Now, which is online. They usually offer a free month to get started on Hallmark Now. 

Stories to Inspire: Actors Alysia Reiner and David Alan Basche Encourage Fire Safety with New Series of Videos - And They Became Firefighters

Actors Alysia Reiner (Ms. Marvel, Orange is the New Black, Shining Vale) and David Basche (The Exes, Egg) announced today that they are releasing a series of 3 comedic public service announcements to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week. The Hollywood power couple, who became volunteer firefighters in 2022, collaborated  with comedian and fire fighter Willie Zabar, to create the PSAs to encourage people to make their own home fire escape plans. 

The videos debuted  during the week of October 9-15 and will continue to be broadcast through the end of the year. The messaging was inspired by this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.” 

Feel-Good Interview Series: Get to Know Actor Brandon Barash of Days of Our Lives, Read about His Favorite Shows, Movies and His Band

 

By Markos Papadatos

Actor Brandon Barash has been a resident of Salem for quite some time. He originated Stefan DiMera - who died -  played the role of cousin Jake DiMera, and now he's back again as the powerful Stefan DiMera on Days of Our Lives, streaming on Peacock. Brandon has also been on General Hospital, many TV shows and several short films.

What Brandon Watches

He listed Succession and Only Murders in the Building as one of his favorite series to binge-watch. "I haven't really been binging much TV lately," he said. "I love Succession, it's a hell of a show. Each episode each week is a movie. Also, Steve Martin is one of my favorites ever, that's why I love Only Murders in the Building. I also like Steve Martin as a musician."

Event: I Put A Spell On You: ALIVE at Sony Hall and on Broadway on Demand October 23, 2022 Filled with Broadway Stars to Benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids

Now you can dress up and get spooky for Broadway’s biggest Halloween event of the year both live at Sony Hall and in the comfort of your own home! Jay Armstrong Johnson’s annual Halloween concert-meets-party I Put a Spell on You will stream on Broadway On Demand beginning at 7 pm Eastern on Sunday, October 30, 2022 and be available for the following four days. The event will be recorded LIVE at New York City’s Sony Hall (235 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036) on Sunday, October 23, 2022. 

Spotlight: Meet The Up and Coming Actors of New York's Axial Theater - Daniel Walworth, Marissa Lowe, Torian Brackett, Sandy Oppedisano and Youlim Nam

By Ashton Samson

Meet some of the ensemble cast members of New York's prestigious Axial Theater. Get to know Daniel Walworth, Marissa Lowe, Torian Brackett, Sandy Oppedisano and Youlim Nam.

The Axial Theater, lead by Artistic Director Cady McClain is a twenty-three year old ensemble based not-for-profit institution dedicated to supporting the professional development of the independent theatrical voice through audience involvement and to presenting challenging, intelligent, and culturally relevant theatrical experiences. Visit their website to see what in-person plays they are featuring as well as their virtual events, like Cactus Flowers Play Readings, that can be accessed for free online. Visit:  https://www.axialtheatre.org/

Event: Bergen CASA To HOLD Family Fun Run/Walk Costume Crawl Before Halloween in Van Saun Park, NJ: Proceeds Benefit Children in Foster Care

Looking for something fun to do and for a good cause? Bring your children to a Costume Crawl, Family Fun Run and Walk to benefit CASA for children. The crawl is being hosted by Bergen County CASA for Children in a park a short ride from New York City. It is scheduled for October 23rd, 8:30am to noon at Van Saun Park in Paramus NJ. There's entertainment, slime, a free food truck and more! For more information visit www.BergenCASA.org. 

Things to Do: The New Jersey Botanical Gardens is A Hidden Gem Less than an Hour from New York City - See the Splendor Every Season

By Bella Gusmano

I took a trip to the New Jersey Botanical Gardens located at 2 Morris Road in Ringwood State Park to see one of the hidden gems of Northern New Jersey. I brought my Dad along with me, who loved to visit the gardens when he was younger with his mother. Upon entering the park, I noticed people enjoying lounging under the Crapapple Vista and others wandering through the Annual and Perennial Gardens. 

The NJBG offers guided tours on Sunday afternoons at 2 pm (while I was there), but I opted for a self-guided tour through the grounds. With the weather beginning to turn, it was a great opportunity to see the vibrant colors on a crisp fall day. (Note: The Gardens are open all four seasons.)

Feel Good Interview Series: Get to Know Trevor Donovan - His Deal with GAC, What He Watches and More

By Markos Papadatos

Senior Writer and "Powerjournalist"

Actor Trevor Donovan had inked a multi-movie deal with Great American Family, thus becoming the first actor to do so. "To be the first guy on board is an honor," Donovan admitted.

Donovan is best known for his portrayal of Teddy Montgomery in the hit teen drama television series 90210.. He has numerous series to his credit including and Melissa and Joey. Fans may also remember him as Jeremy Horton on Days of Our Lives. He is also affectionately known as the "Prince Charming of Romantic Comedies."

We talked to him about some of his favorite things and what's going on his life now.

New York's Axial Theater Presents John Logan's Play NEVER THE SINNER, Directed by Daytime Emmy Winner Cady McClain Starring Bruce Apar, Tom Ryan, Albi Gorn in November 2022

Axial Theatre, under Artistic Director Cady McClain, is proud to announce the fall production of Never the Sinner by John Logan, featuring Broadway actor Trent Dawson, Tuesdays With Morrie star Albi Gorn, Michael Howard Conservatory Members Tom Ryan and Michael M. Alva, and Axial Theater Members Bruce Apar, Youlim Nam and special guest Najah Imani Muhammad.  The play will be produced at Bethany Arts Community in Ossining (N.Y.), Nov. 10 - 13 and Nov. 17 - 20, 2022. Thursday through Saturday shows are 8 p.m. Sunday performances are 3 p.m.  A post-show discussion of the topics of the play will follow each performance, led by director McClain, members of the ensemble and special guests. Tickets are $10 students,  $25 general seating, available at axialtheatre.org

Feel Good Interview Series - Get to Know Actor Ektor Rivera - From Broadway to Hallmark and More

By Markos Papadatos

Senior Writer and "Powerjournalist"

Actor Ektor Rivera starred in Groundswell on the Hallmark channel opposite veteran actress Lacey Chabert. In his Broadway debut, Rivera played Emilio Estefan in On Your Feet! which was performed at the Marquis Theatre in New York City. Rivera's television credits include Fantasy Island, NCIS, and StarUp, among others. His other leading roles in plays and musicals Include Rent, Hairspray, Godspell, High School Musical, Piaf, The Outsiders, and The Mousetrap.

Bravo Con 2022 is October 14-16 in New York City - See the Lineup of 100+ Bravolebrities: Tickets Available

By Bella Gusmano

From Real Housewives to Below Deck to Southern Charm and more, the Bravolebrities are finally reunited for BravoCon 2022 in New York City. Hosted at the Javits Center from October 14 - 16, Bravo fans will get to sit in on more than 60 events featuring some of the 100+ Bravolebs attending this year's event. 

BravoCon 2019 was the premier event of its kind, and with BravoCon 2021 postponed to this October, the anticipation is high for the 2022 event. The 2019 event was jam-packed with drama, including the reveal of the newest Real Housewives of New York Member, The Vanderpump Rules afterparty, and a live Watch What Happens Live Episode. 

Casting Call: Twins Talent Seeks Thrill-Seekers for New Competition Show

 CASTING - NEW COMPETITION SERIES!

Seeking All Types of Adventurous Thrill-Seekers who are up for the

Ultimate Mental, Spiritual & Physical Challenge.

"Feel Good" Interview Series: Actor Tyler Harlow of Marry Me in Yosemite on Hallmark Channel - Ten Things and More to Know About Him

By Markos Papadatos

Senior Writer and Powerjournalist

Actor Tyler Harlow stars in Marry Me in Yosemite on the Hallmark channel opposite veteran actress Cindy Busby. This marked his first-ever career Hallmark film. "It was wonderful," he said, especially for him to be afforded the privilege to shoot at Yosemite National Park. He subsequently described it as a "wonder of the world." He hopes this movie gives viewers a deeper affinity for nature and the wilderness. "I enjoyed it my experience working with Cindy on this film," he said.

What He Watches

Katonah Classic Stage (New York) Presents Noel Coward's Romantic Comedy Private Lives this October, Christa Scott-Reed To Direct Ensemble of Trent Dawson, Lia Dimarchi, Dawn Vanessa Brown, More

Katonah Classic Stage (KCS) will present Noel Coward’s romantic comedy, Private Lives, October 13-23, 2022 at the newly renovated Bedford Hills (New York) Community House 74 Main Street, Bedford Hills, NY. For tickets visit: www.katonahclassicstage.com/privatelives  

After last year’s successful run of their inaugural production, Oleanna, an intense but exhilarating drama with #MeToo undertones, KCS, the only professional theater company in Westchester County (north of NYC) is taking a decidedly more lighthearted approach this year. Instead, passion, laughter, romance, and love set the stage for a far more comedic battle of the sexes.