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.

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

 

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.

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. 

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.

Movie Review: James Maslow Scores Big as a Video Game Influencer in We Need To Talk: Also Stars Christel Khalil and Johnathan Fernandez with Cameos by Big Time Rush Kendall Schmidt, Youtubers

By: Markos Papadatos

James Maslow, who is known for his acting work in the Nickelodeon series "Big Time Rush," and the band of the same name, is starring as a video game influencer, "Great Scott," in the new film "We Need To Talk." 

This chaotic romantic comedy was eloquently written and directed by Todd Wolfe, and it will certainly keep fans and viewers on their feet guessing the entire time. It will premiere on digital platforms starting Friday, May 13 via Global Digital Releasing.

 Maslow portrays Scott, who is an egocentric video game influencer who interacts with millions of fans and followers every day. 

The 12th Annual Indie Series Awards: Recap, Complete Winners List and Photos - Celebrating Indepdendent Series Creators

By Suzanne Ordas Curry

At the back entrance of the Colony Theater in Burbank California outside of LA in April 2022 it was back to business as usual -  the business of showbiz for the 12th Annual Indie Series Awards.

As a nominee, with my VAX card in hand and my 5:20pm slot I eagerly awaited entrance onto the bustling Red Carpet. While standing outside mingling with the cast of  Anacostia and Status Update I heard complaints about the heat wave LA was going through. But having flown in from the cold East Coast it was a refreshing change of temperature or this East Coaster. 

Emmy Winner Sonia Blangiardo Goins and Brandon Goins to Premiere the Production of Kentucky Fried Calamari at Avenel Theater May 20th-22, 2022

 

Coming to the Avenel Theater in Avenel, NJ for a limited run is the premiere of  Kentucky Fried Calamari, a comedy written by Daytime Emmy-award winner Sonia Blangiardo Goins and Brandon Goins.

Here's the premise: A hilarious culture clash occurs when a Kentucky boy has to go to NYC

 to ask his girlfriend’s very Italian parents for their blessing to marry her; all while they meet his over-the-top redneck family for the very first time….something neither family is remotely ready for! Throw in an exhibitionist granny, two dimwitted siblings and a priest uncle with more than a few secrets he’s hiding and you have one hilarious yet heartwarming recipe for Kentucky Fried Calamari.

Concert Review: Olivia Rodrigo Captivates Radio City Music Hall with Crystalline Vocals - See Her On the SOUR Tour in 2022

By Markos Papadatos

On Wednesday, April 27, Grammy award-winning artist Olivia Rodrigo (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series" fame)headlined New York's historic Radio City Music Hall for a great turnout of fans. This sold-out show was a part of her popular "Sour" tour.

As she took the hallowed Radio City Music Hall stage, her presence was well-received with a raucous response from the fans, and she kicked off her set with the unapologetic "Brutal." She immediately broke into "jealousy, jealousy," prior to delivering her breakthrough smash hit, her Grammy-winning "Drivers License," where everybody was reciting the lyrics verbatim.

Film Review of THE DUKE: Engaging and Entertaining - Helen Mirren and Jim Broadbent Are Transformative in their Roles Making it a Must-See Movie

By Markos Papdatos

 "The Duke," starring Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren, is a heartwarming comedic British film. It was directed by Roger Michell, and it was written by Richard Bean and Clive Coleman.

Jim Broadbent and Dame Helen Mirren are transformative in their roles as Kempton and Dorothy Bunton respectively. The entire cast is memorable and it is sure to warm the hearts of viewers, especially in these trying times that the world is going through.

"The Duke" is set in 1961 when Kempton Bunton, a 60-year-old taxi driver, stole Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London. It was the first and remains the sole theft in the art gallery’s history.

Upcoming: Festivities for Closing Night of Ridgewood Guild Film Festival: Guest Singer/Actor Constantine Maroulis on the Red Carpet, Free Industry Panel with Actor David Kumholtz, Emmy-winning Producer Glenn Allen, Acting Coach Todd Etelson, Tickets Available for After Party

Closing Night of the Ridgewood Guild International Festival is chock full of fun for the curious cineaste or just the average fan of entertainment.

Start the evening off at 5pm inside the Bow Tie Theater, 190 E. Ridgewood Avenue in downtown Ridgewood (a few blocks from the train station) for a FREE panel of industry experts. If you area an inspiring filmmaker or just want to find out more about the overall industry, come inside to hear the professionals and be able to ask questions. The dress up and step out on the Red Carpet to meet American Idol's Constantine Maroulis, the filmmakers and friends of the festival. The Red Carpet is free. Then purchase a ticket, sit back and enjoy the films. After that, walk up the road to Bareburger to enjoy a party into the night celebrating film and the filmmakers. You can purchase tickets at the door but purchasing them ahead of time will insure a ticket: https://afterparty.brownpapertickets.com/

Elm Shakespeare Company's Building a Brave New Theater Presents One Day Next - Gen Theater Industry Forum on April 23, 2022: Award-winning Speakers Include Actress Tonya Pinkins, Dr. Nisha Sajnani and David S. Leong

Ridgewood Guild Int'l Film Festival Runs April 24-28th, 40 Films, Premieres, Panels, Q & A's, Party and Red Carpet with Special Guests American Idol's Constantine Maroulis and The Santa Clause's David Krumholtz

The Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival (RGIFF) is back in person! A half hour outside Manhattan in downtown Ridgewood is the Art Deco Bowtie Cinema, home to the festival for 11 years.

This year see 40 new films, enjoy panels by industry experts, hear inspiring Q & A's, pose for the Red Carpet and on Thursday, meet Constantine Maroulis (American Idol, Rock of Ages)and Actor David Krumholtz (The Santa Clause franchise, Numb3rs, The Deuce).  If you've never been to a film festival or if you're already a fan, this is the perfect festival to partake in. Ticket prices are $12 per night, $8 for students and seniors for each night. There is no charge for the Red Carpet outside the theater.

Axial Theater Presents Free Reading of Short Plays with NAACP and Ovation Award Winner, Bosch Star Dominic Hoffman April 24, 2022

Three-time Emmy© winner and Artistic Director Cady McClain is honoring the Axial Theatre tradition of the development of new plays with this month’s reading of four short plays with special guests NAACP and Ovation Award Winner Dominic Hoffman and star of “Bosch,” DaJuan Johnson.  The offering of plays to be read are written by multiple Award-winning playwrights John Bray (“Rolling My Own”), Jeff Gould (“The Parallel”)  Dominic Hoffman (“The Audition”), and John Mabey (“Native Language”).

Inaugural Gold Standard Arts Festival in New York City Runs April 24 - May 1: Comedy with Judy Gold, Caberet, Films, Jazz, Films, Panels Saturday Night Fun Block and More - All by Work of Creatives Over 50 with Some Events Free

Interview: Andrew Walker Talks about His New Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Movie "Curious Caterer: Dying for Chocolate" and Co-star Nikki DeLoach

 By: Markos Papadatos

Actor Andrew Walker spoke about starring in the new Hallmark mystery “Curious Caterer: Dying for Chocolate." He stars opposite Nikki DeLoach (“Cranberry Christmas”). This all-new mystery premiered  Sunday, April 10 at 9 p.m. EST on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. 

"Nikki is amazing in this movie," Walker said, praising his luminous onscreen acting partner. 

 

"It was the best movie that I have ever done on the Hallmark Channel, for sure, because it was so different," he said. "It was a character that I haven't been able to play before." 

Review of Spielberg's Oscar-Nominated West Side Story - Better than the Original with Standout Performances by Rachel Zegler and Ariana Debose

By Ashton Samson

Ever since the first heard the album for its original 1957 Broadway production, Steven Spielberg has wanted to make West Side Story and now he’s finally done so, arguably making a superior film to the 1961 version. Skeptics may call this an unnecessary remake, but if you truly understand Speilberg, then you’ll see that it is a worthy remake that both honors the original film’s legacy and wisely updates the story for our current times. 

For one, the film utilizes twenty Puerto Rican (and Colombian) actors unlike the original, which cast American actors whose faces were painted to appear Puerto Rican.  As good an actress as Natalie Wood was, she was never the right Maria, but Rachel Zegler, the twenty year old breakout actress is the perfect choice, not only because she is of Colombian descent, but because of her superior vocal talent. Wood’s voice was dubbed, but Zegler actually sings the songs with grace and eloquence. 

Opening Act's Annual Play Reading Gala features NYC Stars, Reading Directed by Tony Award Winner Rachel Chavkin & Hamilton's Supervising Director Patrick Vassel

Opening Act is on a mission to provide arts funding in New York City. In order to raise funds, it is holding its annual Play Reading Gala. With a star-studded list of actors, it's directed by Tony Award Winner Rachel Chavkin with Creative Direction by Hamilton’s Associate & Supervising Director, Patrick Vassel and featuring student, alum, and celebrity performances.

Roger Newcomb's 12th Annual Indie Series Awards To Be Held April 7th, 2022, Patrika Darbo and Anna Maria Horsford To Host: Read for Full List of Nominees

by Suzanne Ordas Curry

Do you watch TV on the web? Are you a fan of podcasts? The Indie Series Awards, now in it's 12th year, celebrates the originality and creativity of independent artists whose work can be found online. From it's humble beginnings in NYC many years ago Indie Series Awards founder Roger Newcomb has built a movement recognizing the shows and actors we have come to love.  This year the ceremony is being held on April 7, 2022 at the Colony Theater in Burbank California. 

Casting Call: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Seeking Background Actors for Next Season's Episodes, Filming in NYC

 

Do you love The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel? Would you just love to set foot into that beautiful apartment, walk along a street with old cars in them.. or just transport yourself back in time through the magic of Hollywood? Backstage Magazine has a call our for a certain type of background. If you're not familiar with background casting, it is often specific. And,  you don't need acting experience to be background - though I would recommend googling some tips. So, check it out and while you're on the site you can see what other shows are casting.

Movie Review of Reeve's THE BATMAN: An Overdue, Superb Reinvention of Gotham and Interpretation of Bruce Wayne as Public Guardian Presented with Against a Fittingly Dark Canvass

 

By Ashton Samson,  Twitter: @ashboomstick2

=4.5/5 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌛 Review of The Batman,

Directed by Matt Reeves. With Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Jeffrey Wright, Colin Farrell. 

In a dimly-lit interrogation room, a police commissioner mutters directions under his breath to a man dressed in black. “Through that door. Hallway to the stairs that go to the roof,” is what he says in a guttural voice. It soon becomes clear that this commissioner is giving the man in black a way out of the building as a swarm of distrusting cops storm towards him. 

Soon, the commissioner has been punched in the face by this prisoner who is trying to buy time. He runs as fast as he can, with a hint of desperation and anxiety in his eyes and ends up on the edge of a roof. This man seems to be afraid of heights; he almost jumps back from the ledge, seemingly having just processed where he is. Donning a wingsuit, he jumps off of the building with some apprehension, gliding through the night sky before taking a vicious tumble onto the streets of…Gotham City! 

Axial Theater Presents New Plays Via Zoom for Women's History Month: Actors include Days of our Lives Tamara Braun, Inga Cadranel (General Hospital), Yoshi Sudarso (Power Rangers) and More.

Free readings via Zoom from the Axial Theaters of plays specially curated by Axial Theater Artistic Director Cady McClain. These plays feature prominent actors doing new short plays. If you're not ready to venture back into the theater, or want to enjoy new entertainment in the comfort of your home, sign up for emails to see what's on tap and then sit back and enjoy. Actors include Two-Time Emmy© winning actor Tamara Braun (“Days of Our Lives”), Yoshi Sudarso (“Power Rangers”), Inga Cadranel (“General Hospital”), Donna Svennevik, Youlim Nam, James Sweeney, Axial Ensemble Member Dan Walworth, and Michael Howard Conservatory Actors Tom Ryan and Allegra Venturi. 

Ridgewood Guild Int'l Film Festival Plans In Person Fest April 2022, Kick Off Party is March 25th: Submissions Open Via Film Freeway

The successful and growing Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival is entering its 11th year. Last year the festival was virtual for the first time due to the pandemic. Now with a healthier forecast, The Guild is returning to a live and in-person festival in downtown Ridgewood in late April. The most recent in-person festival included a premiere of a film starring Oscar®-nominated actor Eric Roberts, who attended in person and took photographs with fans on the red carpet in front of Warner Bow Tie Cinema on Ridgewood Avenue. Other movies shown at the festival include independent films, digital shorts, foreign-language films, student shorts, and music videos by local and regional filmmakers as well as those abroad. For updated information visit https://ridgewoodguildfilmfest.com/ 

NYC Area Event: Trent Dawson's Katonah Classic Stage Presents Reading of Dinner with Friends with Christa Scott - Reed, Kelly McAndrew, Alvin Keith and R. Ward Duffy April 2, 2022

Katonah Classic Stage (KCS), Westchester County’s nonprofit, professional theatre company dedicated to classic plays, will present Donald Margulies’s comedy-drama, Dinner with Friends, on April 2, 2022, at 7 PM, at Bedford Hills Community House. The benefit reading will feature Broadway, television, and film veterans Christa Scott-Reed, Kelly McAndrew, Alvin Keith, and R.Ward Duffy, and will be directed by KCS Artistic Director Trent Dawson. 

Interview: Real Housewife of NJ Margaret Josephs Reveals the Woman Behind the Housewife, Talks about her Journey to Success and Gives us a Hint as to What's in Her New Book: Caviar Dreams, Tuna Fish Budget - How To Survive in Business and Life: Book Signing March 9th in Ridgewood, NJ

by Suzanne Ordas Curry

Margaret Josephs, widely recognized for her role on the hit franchise the Real Housewives of New Jersey of NJ since 2017, has authored a book. It's called Caviar Dreams, Tuna Fish Budget: How to Survive in Business and Life. If you're in the New York tri-state area, she's doing a book signing on March 9^th at Bookends in Ridgewood NJ. 

I had the honor of getting to know the author, mother and savvy entrepreneur behind the housewife title. Though there's a lot of drama on the housewives, Margaret did not get to where she is without being no-nonsense, sharp and hardworking. She's built a business empire with her brands Macbeth Collection, Candie Couture, House Candie and her Margaret Josephs clothing line. One doesn't accomplish this without a lot of blood, sweat and tears. For anyone that's built a business, it's not like it's portrayed on TV. It's correspondence and research and numbers and connections and all kinds of things that take dedication and inspiration to get through. It's a constant "push" one needs every day to succeed.