The Surflight Theater in Long Beach Island NJ Serves Up a Stupendous, Magical Production of Elf - Fun for the Whole Family

By Suzanne Ordas Curry (Suzee)

Elf is one of my favorite movies, one of my go-to classics for putting me in a good mood and in the holiday spirit. I've watched it so many times my kids like to tease me about it. However, we all have fun piping in each others conversations with some of the best lines from this movie. I can't even begin to list them all but any Elf maniac knows what they are. But..here are some of my favorites:

SANTA ! I know him.

You're not Santa - you smell like beef and cheese

Christmas Gram. What's That? I want one!

I am also an Elf purist. I can tell when certain parts are edited out of the TV versions. However, even being a purist, I enjoyed seeing the musical/play version of it. I saw it Off-broadway many years ago and most recently I saw it at the Surflight Theater in beautiful and cozy Long Beach Island NJ.

Feel Good Interview Series: Logan Shephard of Hallmark's "Finding Mr. Christmas" - 11 Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos

Logan Shephard was a contestant on "Finding Mr. Christmas" Season 2 on Hallmark, which is hosted by Jonathan Bennett. Shephard is an actor and photographer, who hails from Cincinnati, Ohio.

He shared 11 interesting and fun things about himself.

Logan Shephard's Favorite Movies

He listed “Twister,” the “Terminator” films and “The Fast and The Furious” as his favorite movies.

Favorite Series to Binge-watch

His favorite series to binge is “Friends.”

Logan's Favorite Cheat Meal

He listed “pumpkin pie” as his favorite cheat meal.

Fabulous Females Interview: Meet Alixx Schottland, Who Created the Short "Love, Music, Shelter" After Seeing the Experience of Homeless Women - How She Hopes the Film Will Raise Awareness and What She Wants to Do Next

By Suzee

I had the pleasure of meeting Alixx Schottland at the annual NY Women in Film and Television Muse Awards, as she was seated with a renowned casting director, Adrienne Stern, that I know. Her name came up again a few months later as her short, Love, Music, Shelter, was playing the the Lighthouse International Film Festival on Long Beach Island, NJ. We had also both worked with the same producer, Scott Rosenfelt (Home Alone, Mystic Pizza). I was immediately impressed with the film as I attended that festival. Not only did it have a strong feminist angle, but it tackled the subject of homelessness and poverty in an interesting, engaging, realistic and above all musical way.  Read on to find out what inspired her to do a film about single motherhood and what's next on the horizon for this multi-talented woman. Plus, she gives some spot-on advice on how to motivate oneself to get one's dream project on track!

Tell me about what you are most excited about right now.

Alixx Schottland: I’m most excited about my two social-impact scripted films: Harmony & Hope — the feature version of our award-winning short Love Music Shelter — and The Housewife, a female-empowerment thriller by Kelly Turner. We’re hoping to go into production in January and March!

New Anthology Project Debut - The Public Figure Songbook Features America's Fabled Houseguest Kato Kealin - Hear Interview about This Unique Compilation of Original Songs by Brad Forenza and Shane Bordeau That Capture Moments in Recent American History

The Public Figure Songbook, an original Americana concept album, is now available across all major streaming platforms. The anthology project features songs (and some multimedia content) ripped from the headlines and sung from the imagined perspective of accidental public figures (e.g., Christa McAuliffe, Tammy Faye Bakker), as conceived by Shane Bordeau (music) and Brad Forenza (lyrics). 

Among the participants lending their perspective to the reissued project is an actual public figure (Kato Kaelin), best known for his testimony in a mid-1990s “trial of the century.” Kaelin offered praise for the project—and further contextualized himself—in a new interview conducted by album lyricist, Brad Forenza.

Watch Kaelin’s video interview about the project here:

https://youtu.be/r8T3e4qeR1E

Feel Good Interview Series: Get to Know Gabriel Thaxton of "Finding Mr. Christmas'"— 10 Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos

Gabriel Thaxton is an actor, model, and he was a contestant on Season 2 of "Finding Mr. Christmas" on Hallmark. He is a father of a daughter, and one is on the way. He shared 10 interesting and exciting things about himself.

Gabriel's Favorite Movies

His favorite movies are the new “Frankenstein,” “Forrest Gump,” “The Shawshank Redemption,” “Klaus,” and “F1.”

Favorite Series to Binge

His favorite series to binge-watch are “The Office” and “Friends.”

Prestigious Organization New York Women In Film and Television Announces New and Returning Board Members, Women's Preservation Fund Holds Screening at MoMA and More News

New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) is pleased to announce the results of its 2025 Board of Directors elections. As a non-profit 501 (c) (3) public charity, NYWIFT is governed by a board of directors elected by the membership. Board members serve on committees in the areas of Development, Special Events, and Advocacy and Education. Two spots on the board have been filled, with one new and one returning member. 

Anyone in entertainment or wishing to become involved is invited to apply for membership at  NYWIFT.org.

Jake Shore's "The Slide is the Negative" To Run at the Chain Theater Through December - Stars Cady McClain, Ryan Tramon, Sophie Moshofsky and Brad Fryman

Axial Theatre and JCS Theater Company in association with the Oberon Theatre Ensemble, Fortify.Space, Michael Howard Studios and Good Juju Industries present the world premiere of Jake Shore's THE SLIDE IS THE NEGATIVE at The Chain Theatre as part of the Factory Series. THE SLIDE IS THE NEGATIVE runs November 29 – December 21 with performances Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM with additional performances Wed 12/17 at 7:30pm & Fri 12/19 at 2pm. The Chain Theatre is located at 312 West 36th Street 4th floor NY, NY 10018 Tickets are $38.50 general admission, $25.00 senior and $20 students, available at www.jcstheater.com

Directed by Paul Smithyman, a 30-year theater veteran who has worked on over 150 plays at Lincoln Center Theater, previews November 29 with opening slated for December 7. Main cast are: Cady McClain, Ryan Tramont, Sophie Moshofsky and Brad Fryman.

NY/NJ Area Event - See Dawn Derow Perform in SING HAPPY - A Celebration of Broadway's Unforgettable Women - at the TRIAD in NYC, November 18th and December 1, 2025

Award-winning singer, songwriter, actress, and producer Dawn Derow is thrilled to present SING HAPPY—a bold celebration of Broadway’s most unforgettable women, brought to life through the music of the legendary songwriting duo John Kander and Fred Ebb. With direction by the award-winning David Sabella (Chicago), choreography by Jason Reiff, and the masterful talents of Music Director & Arranger Ian Herman (Grease) at the piano, Derow takes the stage at The Triad (158 West 72nd Street, NYC) on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, and Monday, December 1, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; two-drink minimum required per person.) Tickets and details are available at triadnyc.com/shows.cfm.

Feel Good Interview Series: Marcia Cross of "Desperate Housewives", Daytime Dramas and More - 10 Things to Know About Her

By: Markos Papadatos

Marcia Cross is an American actress who is best known for her portrayal of Bree van de Kamp in the hit TV series "Desperate Housewives." This role earned her three Golden Globe nominations, a Primetime Emmy nomination for "Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series." She also played President Claire Haas in the ABC show "Quantico."

She got her start in the soap opera world playing characters in "The Edge of Night," "Another World" and "One Life to Live" prior to moving into primetime TV with a recurring role on "Knots Landing." She also played Kimberly Shaw on "Melrose Place."

Most recently, Cross starred in the Off-Broadway show "Pen Pals" as Mags opposite Catherine Curtin as Bernie. She shared 10 interesting and exciting things about herself. 

YOU GOTTA HEAR HIS LAUGH - Richard Kind Gets Roasted and Toasted at Richard Kind: Everywhere All At Once - A Benefit for The Creative Coalition in New York City as Part of NYC Comedy Festival - PHOTOS Included

By Suzanne "Suzee" Ordas Curry

I heard Richard Kind laugh in person - and I'll never forget it.

You might think his laugh is infectious and unique when you hear him on screen, but when it's in person it's just hard to describe. His laughter makes you laugh involuntarily, and it puts you in a good mood. He's got different kinds (pun intended) of laughs - it's just not one standard laugh. And some are knee-slapping- literally. Here's one of them:

Feel - Good Interview: Meet Courtney Reed of "Aladdin" and "Moulin Rouge! The Musical" — 10 Things To Know About Her

 By: Markos Papadatos

Courtney Reed is a Broadway actress who originated the role of Princess Jasmine in "Aladdin" on Broadway, and she recently starred as Satine in "Moulin Rouge! The Musical."

Reed will be starring in the Off-Broadway production of "Reunions," which will be performed at New York City Center. She shared 10 interesting and fun things about herself.

Marilu Henner, Gianmarco Soresi, Laura Benanti, A Night of Soul, Broadway Sessions and So Much More Happening at The GreenRoom42 This Holiday Season at Beyond in NYC

The GreenRoom 42 presents a fine line up of stars and acts for the holiday season and beyond. Marilu Henner comes to the stage on November 15th and 26th with special guests Bonnie Milligan and Michael Orland. Following that in November and December comes Gianmarco Soresi with Laura Benanti, Kyle Selig and Erika Henningsen.

You may like: Get to know Marilu Henner HERE. 

Many of the shows are livestreamed. Read below for all the superb and fun performances coming to this iconic venue or visit their website at https://thegreenroom42.venuetix.com/

Teaneck International Film Festival Runs November 6-13th - Opening Film "The Disappearance of Miss Scott" and Closing Film, "Lilly" Sandwiches a Festival Packed with Doc, Shorts, Student Films and More for All In-Person and Streaming

The Teaneck International Film Festival unveils its 20th anniversary roster!  A project of The Puffin Foundation Ltd., the 20th anniversary festival will be held November 6-13, 2025, featuring over 25 films, panel discussions, awards, and parties with filmmakers, actors, elected officials and industry guests attending.     The film festival with a social conscience is committed to telling stories that need to be heard, and inspiring thoughtful discussion, involvement, and activism. The narrative features, documentaries, and shorts cover a broad range of subjects that are of concern to all: civil rights, women’s rights, immigration, threats to free speech, the unhoused and food insecurity, LGBTQ+ concerns, the environment, and more.

NY/NJ Area Event: Experience a Magical Holiday Season at New Jersey Performing Arts Center: Shows Include Chevy Chase, Trisha Yearwood, A John Denver Christmas, Cece Winans and More, Many Family-Friendly

 

Looking for something fun to do with the family for the holidays? NJ Performing Arts Center, located in Newark, NJ, conveniently located less than an hour from New York City and available by many forms of transit, has a host of events sure to get you in the holiday spirit.  Experience the magic of celebration through spectacular concert performances and beloved holiday classics. This season promises to be filled with laughter, cheer, and the spirit of togetherness as NJPAC transforms into a holiday haven for everyone. Be captivated by the enchanting melodies of Trisha Yearwood (12/5) as she brings heartfelt warmth to the season, or enjoy the nostalgic charm of "John Denver Christmas" a heartfelt tribute led by renowned performer Rick Schuler on (11/30) Don’t miss the soul-stirring holiday gospel sensation of CeCe Winans as she will perform for two nights (12/19 and 12/20) to what will be a sold out audience.

Coverage and Photos of Healing TREE's 10 Annual Star-Studded Gala at the Players Club in Manhattan - with Marissa Ghavami, Kevin Kilner, John Magaro, N'Kenge, Christina Bianco, Pooya Mohseni, Mia Pinero and More

by Suzanne Ordas Curry

I recently went to the Healing TREE's 10th Annual Gala at the beautiful Players Club in New York City. Though it was an event to raise money for a mental health - specifically healing trauma - I found it did my mental health a world of good.

It was one of the most beautiful and interesting fundraising galas I have attended in quite some time. First, the location was superb. The Players Club is a unique 1847 Guilded Age mansion at 16 Gramercy Park South in New York City. The period architecture is complemented by halls decked with framed photos of their members going back over 100 years. Most people will be able to recognize some of their favorite actors from past and present on the walls. The building was the home of renowned actor Edwin Booth. 

Bookends in NJ Hosts Author Book Signings by Candance Cameron Bure, Kenny Chesney, Rainn Wilson, Katherine Schwarzenegger, Nia Sioux, Michelle Maros, Andrew Simern and Barton Seaver and Darryl DMC McDaniels

Fall is always the time for major book launches, and Bookends, a quick ride from New York City is a favorite stop of many an author. With ample parking, and a set-up that allows for access to the author - usually with a picture of the purchaser - it's a great way to meet your favorite author or celebrity. Bookends also coordinates with larger venues for some of the most most popular authors. The fall lineup continues with Candance Cameron Bure, Kenny Chesney, Rainn Wilson, Katherine Schwarzenegger, Nia Sioux, Michelle Maros, Andrew Simern and Barton Seaver and Darryl DMC McDaniels. More authors are always added. Visit https://www.book-ends.org/ for more info and updates.

Note: See our interview with Candance Cameron Bure: https://www.suzeebehindthescenes.com/2024/06/feel-good-interview-series-candace.html

Feel - Good Interview: Get to Know Actor Bill Alverson of Lifetime's "A Sorority Mom's Guide To Rush", Netflix's "Insatiable" And More

By Suzanne Ordas Curry

Actor Bill Alverson has been seen recently on Lifetime's new series A Sorority Mom's Guide to Rush! In addition he's known for titles Coach Charming TLC and Netflix's Insatiable. We got to learn a little more about him.

SBTS: Tell me about your most recent project on Lifetime.

Bill Alverson: A Sorority Mom's Guide to Rush, on Lifetime TV (streaming on mylifetime.com and Apple TV and Amazon) is a show centered on the relationship between mothers and daughters as they prepare and navigate sorority rush. My role is one of a Rush Coach that takes a form of life coaching and being self aware of your own identity and what you goals and priorities are which lead to a discovery of your purpose. A side emphasis is the aspect of a mother and encouraging their daughters to make independent choices. 

Feel Good Interview Series: Ian Somerhalder of "The Vampire Diaries" - 10 Things to Know About Him - and His Amazing Work for the Environment: Book Signing in LA 10/29

By: Markos Papadatos

Ian Somerhalder is known for his starring role in "The Vampire Diaries." He is also an environmental activitst, who serves as an executive producer of such environmental documentaries as "Kiss the Ground" and "Common Ground."

On October 29th, Somerhalder and environmental documentary director Josh Tickell will host a book signing of his book "Kiss the Ground" at the Barnes and Noble at The Grove in Los Angeles. To learn more about this book signing event, click here.

Ian's Favorite Movies

Somerhalder revealed that his favorite movies are "spaghetti westerns."

Feel Good Interview Series: Robert Scott Wilson of "Days of Our Lives" - 11 Things to Know About Him Including How He Feels About Robert Redford

By: Markos Papadatos

Robert Scott Wilson sat down and chatted with this journalist at Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront in Wilmington, North Carolina for an in-person interview.

Wilson was a part of an inaugural fan event that was hosted by Amanda Ramirez and her family as part of the 10th anniversary of Team Rob Wilson.

Wilson plays the roles of Alex Kiriakis and Ben Weston in the hit Peacock daytime drama “Days of Our Lives.” He also starred in the movie "Papa," which was written and directed by Dan Israely. 

He shared 10 interesting and exciting things about himself, and as a bonus, he opened up about his love and respect for the late but great Robert Redford.

Feel - Good Interviews with Christmas Movie Actors - See if We Have the Details from Your Favorite Actors from Hallmark, Great American Family, Lifetime and More

At SuzeeBehindtheScenes we love the holiday movies! And over the past couple of years I and my staff  - thank you especially to Markos Papadatos - have interviewed quite of lot of actors who we all know and love from the cable Christmas made-for-tv genre movies.

Here's a list of most of them, but check in frequently as we'll have more coming

Feel-Good Interviews - Get to Know Your Favorite Actors from the Beloved TV Christmas Movies

Grab the Hot Cocoa - Great American Family Stellar Christmas Movie Lineup 2025 starts October 9th with 16 New Movies

The season for Christmas movies has begun! Grab a blanket, your hot cocoa and settle in for some great viewing.

Great American Media unveils the media company’s highly anticipated Original premiere schedule for Great American Christmas 2025 on Great American Pure Flix, Great American Family, and GFAM+. Great American Christmas officially begins streaming exclusively on Great American Pure Flix, beginning October 9 and begins on Great American Family and GFAM+ Friday, October 10. Great American Christmas, one of the most popular Christmas program events, celebrates its 5th anniversary in 2025.

 “As we celebrate the fifth year of Great American Christmas, it is a reminder of just how special this tradition has become. Our storytelling is rooted in faith, family, and the true spirit of the season – Christmas as it is meant to be,” said Bill Abbott, President & CEO, Great American Media. “Each year, we strive to create films that not only warm hearts but also bring people together in joy and reflection. Reaching this milestone reinforces our commitment to offering viewers stories that honor timeless values and the wonder of Christmas,” Abbott concluded.

Interview: Multi-Hyphenate Actor Marissa Ghavami Shares Her Story of Trauma, Healing and Then Spreading Hope and Awareness Through Film: The Non-Profit Healing TREE Hosts NYC Gala With Celebrity Appearances October 18th, 2025

Interview by Suzanne Ordas Curry

Marissa Ghavami is a multi-hyphenate, who started this amazing journey at a  young age. She is an actor, singer, voice over artist, producer, public speaker, coach and founder of a non-profit. I met her through a mutual friend while producing the film Killian and the Comeback Kids many years ago. We've kept in touch on her many new projects.

SBTS: Tell me how you got into acting.

Marissa Ghavami: I’ve felt drawn to acting for as long as I can remember. I first fell in love with it through old movie musicals. I was absolutely obsessed. I would act out the entirety of My Fair Lady, Bye Bye Birdie and The Sound of Music in front of a camcorder in my living room at 5 years old. I’d act and sing and dance all the parts and find household items for props and costumes.

Visions and Pathways Holds Fundraiser for New Building - Professional Athletes Stephen Baker, Shannon Briggs, Stanley McClover Come out To Support Youth - Photos and Video

By Suzanne Ordas Curry

Golfers, men and women alike, a few football players, a boxer and many more came out for the Second Annual Visions and Pathways Golf Outing. Vision and Pathways is a nonprofit in New Jersey dedicated to helping those who have aged out of the system and older teens make their way in this world. They provide programs and services and their goal right now is to build more housing for them with their Bridge Capital Campaign Fund. Visit VisionsandPathways.org.

The setting was the beautiful Basking Ridge Country Club in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. Host Shelli Stelmak of Shelli Stelmak TV did a wonderful job talking about the organization and to the dedicate staff and volunteers who put their all into the organization. 

Feel Good Interview Series: Milo Callaghan of 'The Rainmaker' - Did you know he might have been a lawyer?

 

By: Markos Papadatos

Milo Callaghan is a British film and TV actor, who is known for his roles in "Doctor Who,"  "Rivals" and "Spanish Princess." He is poised for superstardom. 

He is now starring in the new Peacock series "The Rainmaker," which is based on the John Grisham book of the same name and the 1997 film adaptation that stars Matt Damon. Callaghan plays the role of Rudy Baylor.

He went on to share 10 interesting and exciting things about himself.

Feel-Good Interview Series - Get to Know Michelle Clunie of "Teen Wolf", "Queer as Folk", and "Pen Pals" in NYC - 10 Things to Know About Her

By: Markos Papadatos 

Michelle Clunie is an American actress and screenwriter. In 1992, she starred in a California-based production of "A Comedy of Eros," prior to making her film debut in the slasher film "Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday." Clunie gained international attention and acclaimed for her portrayal of Melanie Marcus in the hit Showtime series "Queer as Folk." She subsequently starred in "Make It or Break It" and then, she played Mrs. Finch in MTV's "Teen Wolf." 

Most recently, Clunie played the role of Bernie in the Off-Broadway production of "Pen Pals" opposite Meagan Follows (as Mags). She shared 10 things about herself.

Event: Joan's Joy Foundation Presents Annual Child Safety Festival - Free Event of Fun and Learning for Your Family in North Jersey

On September 27th, 2025 in Hillsdale, NJ, enjoy a day of festivities and learning for the whole family while helping to support the Joan's Joy Foundation, a non-profit founded by a local woman, Rosemarie D'allesandro. Decades ago her daughter Joan was killed while delivering cookies by a neighbor and since then she has been on a mission to stop this kind of violence. In addition to having been responsible for the passage of several ground-breaking laws to ensure that people who murder children remain behind bars, she runs a program to help children be more safe in their every day lives.  You can see more of Rosemarie's story in this interview here on The LIBBY Show on Youtube.

Details on the Child Safely Festival are below. You can also visit JoansJoy.org.

Review: Kebab aur Sharab - An Indian Restaurant in the Heart of NYC that Serves Up the Best of Indian Food and Hospitality

By Suzanne Ordas Curry

I didn’t know what to expect because I haven’t been too many Indian restaurants, but when I walked into Sharab aur Kebab, I felt like I was walking into an Indian restaurant smack in the heart of India and that I knew the family.

There was such a friendly, welcoming vibe in the restaurant. I could feel how much the owners cared about the food and their patrons. The food and the culture were bringing people together, and that was the goal of the owners. 

I have to admit I was invited by one of the owners, who had served on a non-profit Board with me. But that didn't matter, as I could see how every other patron was treated with the same respect and hospitality. With the delicious scents of all of the food being served, I knew I was in for a feast. 

As I have not eaten much Indian food in the past, they were very helpful and overly welcoming explaining to me that all of the foods of the sumptuous feast that they were bringing. I was about to experience the best of Kebab aur Sharab.