Feel-Good Interview Series - Jack Schumacher of "Ransom Canyon" and "Top Gun: Maverick" — 10 Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos

Jack Schumacher is one of the stars of the new western series Ransom Canyon, which reached No. 1 on Netflix, where he portrays Yancy opposite Josh Duhamel. Prior to this, he played Omaha opposite Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick, and he played the male lead in the rom-com The Engagement Plan on Great American Family.

Schumacher shared 10 interesting and fun things about himself.

Jack Schumacher's Favorite Movies

His favorite movies are In Bruges, Snatch and Hell or High Water

NJ/NY Area Event: Bergen Casa for Children Holds Casino Night Fundraiser May 7, 2025 - Come Support Kids in Foster Care and Have Fun at the Same Time

Bergen County CASA’s Casino Night Fundraiser is More Crucial Than Ever..

Bergen County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) urgently calls on the community to rally behind its mission at the upcoming Casino Night Fundraiser on May 7, 2025. Due to a significant reduction of over $150,000 in federal and state grant funding, this year’s event is not just a celebration—it’s a lifeline.  “Funding cuts of this magnitude threaten our ability to be there for some of Bergen County’s most vulnerable children,” said Executive Director Lucy Rosen. “Now more than ever, we need the community’s support to ensure no child in foster care goes without a voice in court, in school, and in life.” 

The elegant evening will take place at Season’s, 644 Pascack Road, Washington Township, from 6:30–10:30 PM and features gaming tables, a silent auction, basket raffles, and abundant food and drink. Tickets are $235 per person, including open bar, gourmet food stations, dessert, and $100 in casino play money. Sponsorships and ticket packages begin at $465 for a Couples Package, which includes two tickets and a business card ad in the Bergen CASA Journal. To purchase tickets or make a donation, visit https://casacasino2025.givesmart.com or call 201-336-7520.

Donations of items or experiences for the auction and raffle are greatly appreciated and can be arranged by contacting lauren@bergencasa.org. Can’t make it? You can still participate in the online silent auction from the comfort of your home by logging on to our website one day prior to the event. 

Why It Matters 

Every dollar raised will help Bergen CASA continue to recruit, train, and support volunteer advocates for children in foster care—children who have experienced abuse or neglect and urgently need someone in their corner. Since its inception, Bergen CASA has supported more than 954 children in foster care, providing them with consistency, advocacy, and hope. As CASA Board President Zonie LeSane stated, “John C. Maxwell once said, ‘Dreams often come one size too big so that we can grow into them.’ We are proud of how far we’ve come—but we can’t grow without you. Your support now is critical.” 

About Bergen County CASA 

Bergen County CASA is the only non-profit in the county whose sole mission is to advocate for abused and neglected children in foster care. CASA volunteers meet with children regularly, gather essential information about their well-being, and make recommendations to family court judges. They are often the one constant presence in a child’s life during an otherwise unstable and uncertain time. As funding becomes harder to secure, community generosity is what sustains our advocacy. CASA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN #90-0060769). All donations are tax-deductible.

For more information: www.BergenCasa.org

To read the current Bergen CASA magazine:

https://heyzine.com/flip-book/2a4994d705.html#page/1

Feel-Good Interview Series - Ayelet Zurer of "House of David" and "Daredevil" — 10 Things to Know About Her

By: Markos Papadatos

Ayelet Zurer is known for playing Queen Ahinoam in "House of David and Vanessa in the Marvel Cinematic Universe TV Series "Daredevil" and "Daredevil: Born Again."

She also appeared in various Hollywood films such as Munich, Vantage Point, Angels & Demons, Man of Steel, and Ben-Hur.  She shared 10 interesting and fun things about herself.

Ayelet's Favorite Movies

Her favorite movies are The Godfather, Three Colours: Blue by Krzysztof Kieślowski, and The Deer Hunter. “I love movies from the ‘70s,” she admitted. “I love all of Kieślowski’s movies.”

Favorite Series to Binge-watch

Her favorite series to binge is Silo on Apple TV+.

Favorite Cheat Meal

Her favorite cheat meal is “pasta, of course, no question about that.”

Favorite Motto to Live By

Her favorite motto to live by is to: “Live authentically”

The Best Advice Ayelet Has Ever Been Given

Regarding the best advice she has ever been given, she shared, “If you don’t have anything good to say, then don’t say it.”

Favorite Sports to watch and to Play

“I love watching surfing competitions because all of my family members are surfers. I don’t surf, but I like to sit on the beach and watch them,” she said with a sweet laugh.”

Ayelet Zurer's Hobbies (to unwind and relax)

She enjoys painting and illustrating as her hobbies. “That’s my quiet meditation,” she said.

The Best Thing about Being her Age

On the best thing about being her age, she responded, “You are starting to be less and less afraid to speak your mind, and to accept what is happening, and to be wiser, and more accepting of yourself.”

if Ayelet Zurer Was Not an Actor....

Outside of acting, she would be an “oceanographer,” where she would study the ocean, or she would “build with bamboo” (natural building).

Dream Acting Partners

On her dream acting partners, she remarked, “I would love to work with Meryl Streep obviously, what actress wouldn’t. Also, Cate Blanchett and Kate Winslet. I’ve worked with many amazing women, but I would love to someday work with incredible female actresses that I admire as well.”

To learn more about Ayelet Zurer, follow her on Instagram.

Photo Credit: Nikos Nikolopoulos, Prime Video

Feel-Good Interview Series - Eoin Macken of the Hit Netflix Series "Ransom Canyon" — 10 Interesting Things To Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos

Eoin Macken is an Irish actor, director, and model. He has modeled for Abercrombie and Fitch, Ralph Lauren, and GQ, and has appeared in films such as Resident Evil, Close, Killing Jesus, and Centurion.

Macken has appeared on television in series such as Fair City and in BBC series Merlin as Sir Gwaine. In addition, Macken has directed several feature films: Christian Blake, Dreaming for You, The Inside and Cold, and Here Are the Young Men. Macken also directed the documentary The Fashion of Modelling. 

Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival - Meet the Filmmakers, Watch Industry Expert Panels and Classes for Free on Festival's Youtube Channel

Get to know some of the filmmakers screening films at the 2025 Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival in Ridgewood, NJ on April 24, 2025. Tickets are still available for the festival, which is showing dozens of films in a friendly environment for a very reasonable price. 

Interviews are popping up daily on the festival's Youtube Channel here. This year you can watch interviews of filmmakers Cynthia Cai, Pat Batistini, Theo Dona, Maddy Freeman, Emily Statler and more.

You will also find interviews and classes all for free on the channel. For instance, see last year's interview with award-winning author Harlan Corban. There are also interviews and panels with award-winning actors and producers. Some of the free panels on the channel include:

- Panel on "Production to Premier"

- Music for Film

- Making a Documentary Panel

- Marketing Master Class

New York Women in Film and Television's 2025 MUSE Awards Held at Cipriani Midtown- Honored Pamela Anderson, Marissa Bode, Lisa Cortes, Celia Costas, Amy Entelis and Versha Sharma

By Suzanne Ordas Curry

I always enjoy attending the New York Women in Film and Television MUSE Award in New York City, I think I have been going for about a decade, and that is because this awards event is aptly named. One always leaves the event feeling inspired, and the women chosen are not just inspiring for anyone in the creative fields, but really for any career - and life itself.

Held again at Cipriani's the room was packed and full of vibrant energy, the kind of energy in my opinion, only New York City elicits. It was mostly  women - and a few dozen men, attending to network and listen to the stories of the Muses. The theme of the event was "metamorphosis" with the room being filled with women in many stages of development and also those wonderfully spreading their wings.

The 45th Annual MUSE AWARDS for Vision and Achievement were given to the following women (see bottom of article for complete bios):

NY/NJ Area Event: Axial Theatre SAFEHOUSE Series Presents a Reading of a New Play by Obie Winner Kate Benson - What We'd Really Like is to Be Together - Directed by Emmy-Winner Cady McClain

On Saturday, April 19 at 4 pm, SAFEHOUSE: The Axial Playwrights series of workshopped readings of original plays by metro area playwrights featuring Axial Ensemble actors, will present What We'd Really Like is to Be Together by Obie award-winning playwright Kate Benson directed by three-time Emmy winner and Axial Artistic Director Cady McClain.

For complete info/tix visit: AxialTheater.org.

Three couples and a guest meet for a weekend respite from the city at a well appointed home. Discussions lead to revelations and unanticipated events change lives forever.

The reading will feature Dan Walworth (South Salem), Lev Harvey, Marisa Lowe (Beacon), Marilyn Collazo, Duane Rutter, Quinn Warren, Anthony Barresi Jr. (Peekskill), and special guest Elizabeth Narciso with stage directions read by Gail Greenstein (Katonah).

The Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival Runs Three Evenings in April 2025 - See the Award-winning Documentary "Space Cowboy" and Over 40 Films , See Schedule for Networking and Parties Open to the Public

In the heart of North Jersey in downtown Ridgewood, NJ is a gem of a film festival, known for being filmmaker-friendly and also movie fan friendly, as tickets for multiple films are less than the cost of a movie theater ticket. And for this price you get a selection of over 40 International Films and shorts. 

Headlining the festival for 2025 is Space Cowboy, the award-winning documentary about Skydiving by Joe Jennings. This inspiring film follows former Ridgewood resident Joe Jennings, a pioneer of skydiving cinematography, as he looks back on creating iconic moments in film and television while trying to turn a dreamlike vision into reality.

 The Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival spans three evenings, showcasing independent films from around the world. Tickets are required for the main program on April 24; $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens. They can be purchased through Film Freeway by clicking the link. 2025’s RGIFF schedule includes:

Interview with the Authors Maura Bertotti and Ann Merli of "Uncover Your Recovery"- A Book To Help You Start Your New Journey so You Can Be Your Best Self

Editor's Note: I always love seeing women do amazing things, especially women I have known my whole life. Maura Bertotti has been like family to me since we were kids. She has a new book, written with Ann Merli, whose goal is to help others. It's an easy read and a workbook as well. Whether you have a significant challenge in your life and are working with a therapist or just want to tweak some things to make the most of your life, this is a book to help you grow.

Suzee: How did the two of you meet? 

Maura: Ann and I met at the very first Holistic Center I opened back in 2012. We became fast friends and discovered shared beliefs with our Spirituality, as well as both coming from a corporate background first. We bonded over how those important paths could both blend together as a lived-experience. And even how we could recover from them.

23rd Annual Garden State Film Festival Kicks off March 27th, 2025 with over 200 Films at 9 Jersey Venues

The Garden State Film Festival kicks off on March 27th and presents a wide variety of feature films, documentaries, shorts, panel discussions and celebrity appearances. Whether you are a movie fan or an aspiring filmmaker, the festival offers a host of opportunities as a reasonable price. Read on for highlights and details or visit  https://www.gsff.org/

Feel Good Interview with Academy Award Nominee Amy Irving of "Yentl", "Crossing Delancey" and More — 10 Things To Know About Her: Listen to her New Album "Always Will Be"

By: Markos Papadatos

Amy Irving is a classically trained actress. From an early age, Amy Irving was a soulful ingénue and leading lady in the 1970s and 1980s, moving effortlessly from dramas like "Carrie" (1976) and "Yentl" (1983) to comedies like "Micki + Maude" (1984) and "Crossing Delancey" (1988). An Oscar and Golden Globe nominee, she moved into indies in the 1990s before returning to play more mature and complex roles in "Traffic" (2001) and "Hide and Seek" (2005). Irving remained a well-respected presence in films and on stage and television.

Her upcoming studio album “Always Will Be” will be released on April 25th via Queen Of The Castle Records/Missing Piece Records. She shared 10 interesting and exciting things about herself.

Origin 1st Irish 2025 17th Annual Festival Presents 11 Local and Irish Plays in Venues Around NC April 1 - 28th, 2025

11 PRODUCTIONS IN COMPETITION COMING TO ORIGIN 1st IRISH 2025

17^TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL RUNS APRIL 1 TO 28 IN VENUES ACROSS NEW YORK

FISHAMBLE’S “FIGHT NIGHT” OPENS FESTIVAL

 

Origin 1^st Irish 2025 is presenting 5 Irish imports and 6 locally-produced plays as part of this year’s theater festival.  The 17^th annual edition of the only festival of its kind devoted to producing and presenting the theatrical work of contemporary Irish playwrights from around the world takes place from April 1 to April 28 in three boroughs. Read on for the complete schedule.

IN COMPETITION FROM IRELAND AND NORTHERN IRELANDCOMPETITION FROM IRELAND AND NORTHERN IRELAND

Interview with Playwright Pamela Weiler Grayson - All About Urban Momfare, and Living, Parenting and Writing in New York City

By Suzanne Ordas Curry

I had the pleasure of meeting Pamela Weiler Grayson at a lovely New Year's brunch on the Upper East Side in Manhattan. I found out we had some mutual friends, and also about her new album for Urban Momfare that would be streaming which she was very excited about. Read on to see what it's all about and how this mom finds inspiration to keep creating.

SuzeeBTS: You are a prolific writer and lyricist.  Please tell me about Urban Momfare, how it came to be and where it played.

Pamela Weiler Grayson: I used to be a freelance writer for many years, and I mostly wrote essays and humor pieces about being a mom on the Upper East Side. I grew up there and also raised my kids there, too (and still live there!). 

NJ/NY Area Event: Women's Rights Information Center in Englewood, NJ Presents FREE Event: Book Fair and Author's Showcase Featuring About, For and By Women at BergenPAC

Women's Rights Information Center (WRIC), a nonprofit organization based in New Jersey, invites the community to attend a FREE BOOK FAIR and author’s showcase in honor of Women’s History Month on Thursday, March 27th, at 11:00 a.m. - 2 p.m. This is a FREE event and will take place at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) located at 30 North Van Brunt Street in Englewood, New Jersey. 

In recognition of Women’s History Month, WRIC is hosting its inaugural Book Fair. This year's theme is "Moving Forward Together: Women Educating and Inspiring Generations." The event will feature author friends of WRIC, including women authors and our male allies, who will share their stories through their books. 

New York City Event: Free Screening of the Film "Lilly" Presented by Women in the Arts Media Coalition - See the Story of the Trailblazer Lilly Ledbetter and Hear Talkback as Part of Women's History Month

FREE EVENT: Attend a free screening of the movie LILLY, with a talkback after as part of Women's History Month The event will take place on Saturday, March 29th from 2-5pm at the SVA Theater, 333 West 23rd Street in New York City.

This event is presented as part of Women in the Arts Day 2025 by the Women In Arts Coalition in collaboration with Herflix.com, WomenArts, SAG-AFTRA, The School of Visual Arts BA Program Department and New York Women in Film and Television.

Lilly stars Patricia Clarkson as a factory worker who stands up to corruption in her workplace, an Alabama factory. It is the true story of a courageous woman, Lilly Ledbetter which will inspire anyone who fights for justice and equal pay. See below to RSVP.

Interview with Author and Influencer Danielle Sherman-Lazar's Book - Her Book "Mothers Are Made" Is a Must-Read Memoir and Guide for Accepting, Living and Learning from Challenges

 

Danielle Sherman-Lazar from Tenafly, New Jersey is a well-known social media entrepreneur, influencer, mental health advocate, author, and mother of four. In her new deeply personal memoir about motherhood, "Mothers are Made" she emphasizes how the everyday challenges mothers face can foster greater assertiveness, courage, and effectiveness in parenting. In her book she emphasizes how when mothers go through challenges, we become better, happier, and stronger moms.
 
"Mothers Are Made: How One Mom Overcame Perfectionism, Self-Doubt, Loneliness, and Anxiety to Become a Better and Happier Parent," is published by Alcove Press and available at most major booksellers. 

Suzee: "Mothers are Made" was born out of your journey through motherhood. I love the title and being a mom, I get it. Tell me about what's in the book. 

Danielle Sherman-Lazar: In Mother’s Are Made I talk about how mothers are not simply born alongside their babies; instead, we are shaped by time and experience. It is through facing difficulties—going through the fire—that we develop resilience, bravery, and courage.

Special OSCARS Interview: Zoe Saldaña and Camille of "Emilia Perez" Talk About their Oscar Wins, Adversity and Working with Incredible Women

By: Markos Papadatos at the 2025 Oscars in LA

Zoe Saldaña and Camille were the two sole female Academy Award winners for the musical crime drama "Emilia Perez" for "Supporting Actress" and "Best Original Song" respectively (out of 13 nomination). Both participated in Oscars Press Room interviews following their wins.

Zoe Saldaña

Saldaña won her first-ever Oscar for “Best Supporting Actress” for her acting work in “Emilia Perez” as Rita Mora Castro. She triumphed over her fellow nominees Ariana Grande ("Wicked"), Monica Barbaro ("A Complete Unknown"), Isabella Rossellini ("Conclave"), and Felicity Jones ("The Brutalist"). 

Broadway Show Review: From the West End, Operation Mincemeat at the Golden Theater Will Make You Sing, Dance and Hug Your Loved Ones

By Messalina Morley-Alton

On Saturday night, I was lucky enough to experience an incredible new Musical called “Operation Mincemeat”. It won 2024 Oliver Awards for Best New Musical, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, and Best Company Ensemble in London and has now travelled across the pond to Broadway! Set in Britain during World War II, this comedic and yet deeply moving production takes its audience through the inner workings of one of the less known, but incredibly important, military operations the Allied Forces undertook. 

For a time steeped in so much tragedy, this musical is able to balance the care and sensitivity needed whilst also bringing great comedic moments that will have you laughing off your seat. There were many times when I was not sure if I was crying from sadness or laughter. It truly exemplified the human condition.

Let Them Eat Cake Presents "Cirque du Gold Standard" An Evening of Amazing Aerialist Prowess at The Slipper Room, New York City on April 2, 2025

Defying age and gravity, Cirque du Gold Standard will present an electrifying night of aerial and circus arts showcasing the raw power, grace and sensuality of performers over age 50 for one night only on Wednesday, April 2 at the iconic Slipper Room (167 Orchard Street, New York NY) . Presented by Let Them Eat Cake, this event will present New York City’s best professional and amateur performers spanning the ages 53 – 70. For tickets visit:   https://tinyurl.com/Cirque-Du-Gold-Standard
 

Performers Scheduled

Among the performers are Kristin Olness, who played Helga in the award-winning 1998 Broadway revival of Cabaret, as well as the 2014 revival. She has enjoyed an extensive career as a singer, dancer and aerialist across the country and around the world.

Females in Entertainment: Filmmaker/Actress Amanda Jane Stern Talks about Her New Movie "Perfectly Good Moment" And How it Reflects Relationships in Today's Society

Editor;s Note - As part of our commitment to focus on females in entertainment, we interview young filmmaker Amanda Jane Stern, whose first feature, Perfectly Good Moment, is now streaming.

Suzee: What is this movie about?

Amanda Jane Stern: Perfectly Good Moment is about a couple, David and Ruby, who have been in an on-and-off again relationship for the last 8 years. When they first met, Ruby was 19 and David was 34. This time, Ruby has returned with more than a reunion in mind. You can view it here:

https://tubitv.com/movies/100026616/perfectly-good-moment

Suzee: Where did the idea for Perfectly Good Moment Come from? How long did it take you to write it and what was the process like?

Nora Armani's Socially Relevant Film Festival Runs March 11-16th 2025 in New York City - See 45 Brilliant Films Made for an Impact, Reflecting Current Issues

New York City's premiere festival for change for good, the SR Socially Relevant™ Film Festival starts on March 11, 2025 and runs until March 16, 2025 at official venues throughout the city.

SRFF 2025, the festival's 12th annual edition, opens at the National Arts Club in Gramercy Square with a red carpet at 5:30 PM and a program starting at 6:00 PM. Our Guest of Honor is Social Media Star and influencer Dorothy Wiggins who at 99 inspires many with her mindful lifestyle. The SRFF 2025 Special Honor Awardee is actor, writer, and producer Karren Karagulian, who plays Toros in Sean Baker's award-winning film, Anora.

Review: My First Ex-Husband at MMAC Theater in New York City - Real Stories about Real Women You'll Really Enjoy

By Suzanne "Suzee" Ordas Curry

Well she had been talking about producing this show for months on THE VIEW, so of course, being the Joy Behar fan that I am I had to go see My First Ex-Husband as soon as it came out. It is playing at the MMAC Theater in New York City until April 20th, 2025.   

Given that Joy started as a comedian (well she was a teacher also) it's no surprise that this comedian extraordinaire turned the tables on a mainstay of male comedian humor  - wives.  Who can forget the classic line, "Take my wife - PLEASE!!"  

So this show turns the tables. Written by Joy Behar with her exceptional brand of humor, truth and storytelling, the show is several stories of women's ex-husbands, beautifully and believable delivered by a bevy of well-known and accomplished women in the arts and entertainment. For this first rendition, the cast was Joy Behar, Susie Essman, Tovah Feldshuh and Adrienne C. Moore.  

Feel Good Interview Series: Blake Kelley of Hallmark's "Finding Mr. Christmas"— 10 Things To Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Blake Kelley was a contestant in the first season of the Hallmark reality series "Finding Mr. Christmas," which was hosted by Jonathan Bennett. Kelley is a Texas Tech football alum, he works in sales, and he lives in Austin, Texas. He shared 10 interesting and fun things about himself.

Favorite Movie

Kelley listed “Braveheart” as his all-time favorite movie.

Feel Good Interview Series: Arienne Mandi of ‘The Night Agent’ on Netflix- 10 Things to Know About Her

By Markos Papadatos

Actress Arienne Mandi stars in the No. 1 Netflix thriller series "The Night Agent" as Noor Taheri. She went on to share 10 interesting and exciting things about herself. 

Ever since "The Night Agent," this talented actress has consistently ranked in the Top 100 on IMDb's Starmeter, and rightfully so.

Her Favorite Movies

Her favorite movies include “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” the original “Gladiator,” “The Family Stone,” “White Chicks,” and “Moulin Rouge!”