Jersey's Jax Just Keeps Moving Along on American Idol: The Dress, Bon Jovi, What will this Jersey Girl Do Next?

East Brunswick's 18 year-old incredibly talented musician Jax delivered another consistent performance on American Idol as part of the Top 9 this week.

With reviews from the judges such as "intrigue kept you here" and "the tone of your voice is so great, that's what I like about you" this JerseyGirl who looked a bit like Debra Harry on 80's night will see if she moves on soon enough.Though all performances and performances have their nuances, Jax has demonstrated she belongs where she is.

Jax commented back to them, "There's so much inside of me that I want to let out".

Jonathan Cheban to Appear at 201 Magazine Style and Beauty Party- Makes for a Great Girls Night Out

This is a fun event and makes for a great girl's night out. Tickets are still available. Lot of great vendors with free samples and services.

Glee Recap with Commentary: We Built This Glee Club - Episode Recap Before Final Episode

Glee – “We Built This Glee Club”  By Di's Dish

Since Dalton Academy burned to the ground, the New Directions Glee club is a mixture of McKinley High students and Warblers, with the Superintendent’s precocious nephew Myron thrown in for good measure.    Sue was fired from her post as MHS principal and has become Vocal Adrenaline’s coach.  Tension abounds at Glee club practice when the Warblers point out the weaker members of New Directions (Roderick and Spencer for their lack of dance skills) and criticize the choreography as outdated.

Westwood NJ's 6th Annual Green Screen: Must-See Movies About our Precious Planet Earth March 19th-25th

                                                                   By Suzanne Ordas Curry
Here's a film festival with a purpose, inform and educate in an entertaining with movies and documentaries by well known directors and producers, and even include a video produced by a Girl Scout Troup from nearby Teaneck. Westwood, NJ's Sixth Annual Green Screen Film Festival starts March 19th. The

Now What? New TV Show about Mid-Life Women by Caytha Jentis Kicks off Production with "Spring Break" Party in NYC Hosted by Rachael Robbins March 26: Calling All Fun Ladies and Gentlemen!

Writer/Director Caytha Jentis of NJ, off the heels of her latest successful  movie, Bad Parents (now available on Netflix) is taking on a new venture, a TV show about a four women friends going through mid-life. Consider this new show, which is in pre-production, a version of Sex And The City plus a few decades. More grey hair, less estrogen and the I don't care attitude of any women that's made it to mid-life and still kept some friends.

To kick off production, Caytha thinks it shouldn't be the kids having all the fun this spring break and so she is having a Spring Break Party of her own for dare I say - older folks - on March 26th from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at The Slipper Room in NYC. Admission is $20, which will help to defray production costs. No RSVP is needed.

Support Local Movie Theaters: Cinderella Opens at Ramsey Theater with Special Appearance by the Lady Herself

For the opening of Cinderella, the Ramsey Theater on beautiful Main Street in Ramsey will have a special appearance by a "Cinderella", who will be watching the movie with the audience for all shows at 1:30pm, 2pm, 4:15pm and 4:45pm.

In  its late night showing pre-opening Disney's live-action Cinderella has already grossed more than  2.3 million at the box office Thursday and reports are at 22.5 million for first Friday. Will this movie be another blockbuster for Disney? Will there be more Cinderella's at Halloween this year than Anna's and Elsa's?

Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, Moody Blues Coming to NJPAC

Natural Woman Aretha Franklin  comes to NJ Pac

R E S P E C T !!! Queen of Soul, the legendary Aretha Franklin graces the stage at NJPac on March 14, tickets still available.

St. Jude Angels For Hope Fundraiser at Rockleigh Country Club March 27, 2015, Martha Byrne To Host

Enjoy a night of fine food, music, dancing, cocktails at the St. Jude Angel's For Hope Fundraiser for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital on Friday, March 27, 2015 at the Rockleigh Country Club, 26 Paris Avenue in Rockleigh, NJ from 7 pm to midnight.

Get Slimed at Garden State Plaza March 8th and See How You Can Meet Nick Personalities Benjamin Flores Jr. and Kira Korsarin

Photo from Facebook

Want to get slimed? Have some fun and visit the Macy's Court at Garden State Plaza (Westfield) Saturday, March 7th from 12pm to 5pm for a chance to meet two personalities

Second Annual Celebrity Wine and Food Show Slated for March 22 at Clinton Inn, Lori Stokes and Food Network's Chopped Chefs to Appear: Proceeds Benefit Giants of Generosity

ABC New Anchor Lori Stokes has the tasty
job of being a celebrity judge.

The Clinton Inn will be the backdrop the Second Annual Celebrity Food and Wine Show, an exciting afternoon of tasting and  friendly competition to help local people in desperate need. The Giants of Generosity, a non-profit that provides  assistance to needy people in the New Jersey area, will be the beneficiary of the day's festivities. Tickets are $65 each for the event which runs from 1:00pm to 4:00pm on March 22, 2015.

The event will feature as guests Master Chef Jr. Logan Guleff, Executive Chef Maneet Chauhan, a judge from the Food Network's Chopped and also an author and restauranteur and Doug Singer of Daily Food & Wine.

NJ's Martha Byrne Receives Indie Series Award Nomination: Roger Newcomb's Indies Series Award Show #ISA6 to be Held in North Hollywood in April 2015

NJ's Martha Byrne, who received two Emmys for her portrayal of  Lily Walsh Snyder on the long-running soap As The World Turns, was nominated this February for an Indie Series Award in the  Best Guest Actress in a Drama category for her role in Anacostia, a popular web series about a group of family and friends entangled in all sorts of business in Washington DC.

The Indie Series Awards is going into its sixth year. Started by Roger Newcomb of WeLoveSoaps LLC, it's become THE awards show for web series. From it's humble beginnings in the Big Apple, it's now being held at the historic El Portal Theater in North Hollywood. The date is April 1, 2015. Days of Our Lives fan fave Eric Martsolf will leave Salem that day to host the show. The show promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Martha Byrne states, "There are so many talented people in front of and behind the cameras on these webseries. it's great for all of them to be recognized in this type of setting. Kudos to Roger Newcomb for putting together this event once again."

The handsome Brady Black aka Eric Martsolf will be
 the Indie Series Awards' Doogie Howser

Other nominees include notable actors and actresses from the soap world and the field of entertainment such as Chrystal Chappell, Charles Shaughnessy, Colleen Zenk, Debbie Gibson, Judd Hirsch and others. 

For a full list click here: http://www.indieseriesawards.com/2015/02/6th-annual-indie-series-awards-nominees.html

Glee Recap: "Transitioning" Groundbreaking Episode Season 6 Episode 7 With Commentary

Glee – “Transitioning”  Recap by Di's Dish

This outstanding episode opens with Will reflecting on his newfound lifestyle as a result of being the well paid coach of Vocal Adrenaline.  A fancy car (goodbye broken muffler) and perks such as massages, a nutritionist and lavish gifts are all part of the package.  The motivated Vocal Adrenaline kids practice on their own accord, but can Will continue to tolerate their cutthroat ways?  Has he sold his soul?

Review: The Re-Write Starring Hugh Grant- It's Right on for Hugh Grant Fans

If you're a Hugh Grant fan, you'll like the Re-Write. You won't love, love it, the way you love Love Actually or Bridget Jones' Diary, but you'll actually like it.

Hugh Grant plays the same type of character we've often seen him as n the past, a womanizer, someone who doesn't play by the rules, and as in several of his past movies, like About a Boy and Music And Lyrics (same writer on this one), he plays a washed-up has been. One that we root for to accomplish something more.

This movie is on-demand, not in any theaters that I have seen in the NY metro area. I was happy to see that Hugh made the rounds on the top TV talk shows in this area, including the Today Show, to talk about the movie, even though it is not in theaters. That speaks volumes about the changing world of cinema and the profitability of independent movies.

Or, it just means that Hugh Grant is still a hunk and people want him on their shows.

The movie takes place on the cold and dreary campus of  SUNY Binghamton in upstate NY, an area known for it's snow. I was thinking how there were so many outdoor scenes that Hugh must have been quite cold, but really, he is probably used to that from the cold, dreary, English winters.

Yankees' Voice John Sterling to Hold Benefit for Edgewater Fire Victims: Former Players Bucky Dent and Roy White to Attend Benefit in New City, NY

Yankee announcer John Sterling to host
a fundraiser for Edgewater, NJ
fire victims.      Photo Courtesey PBI

NY- John Sterling, legendary announcer for the New York Yankees and former Edgewater Avalon Apartments resident, will be holding a fundraiser on Thursday, February 26th at D & D's Bar and Restaurant, 191 S. Main Street in New City, New York in order to help his neighbors devastated by the tragic loss of their homes and just about everything they own.

There are so many fires in the news these days, I can't imagine losing all of your possessions, family photo albums, treasured gifts... fortunately in the case of the Avalon fire all lives were spared.

Interview: MomCaveTV - Jennifer Weedon Talks About LIfe, Laughs and Building the Mom Cave; A Place for All Moms to Find Some Sanity

Stephanie Faith Scott, Jennifer Weedon and
Valisa Tate are the moms who built MomCave

Creativity abounds on the web, one just has to find it amid the clutter. The great thing about the Internet is the opportunity it gives to creative people. Jennifer Weedon is one of those people. Jennifer is a writer and producer, currently living in NYC, that proudly calls herself a "mommy blogger" and also has several award-winning webseries under her belt. 

In her spare time between working and being a mom, she is following her passion in the field of entertainment, writing, producing and starring in what is 21st century entertainment, web content -and shows of all sizes and shapes.  The channel is called MomCaveTV.

MomCave has a lot of funny stuff on it for parents; videos, tips and blogs.  The videos are all done in small, easy to watch bits, which according to the website, is because they "know that moms only have time to watch TV in few minute increments". Isn't that the truth.

Glee Recap: The Hurt Locker Parts 1 & 2: The Final Season Heats Up #Glee

Glee - “The Hurt Locker, Parts 1 & 2”

 Recap by Di's Dish

Sue smiles and nods her way through a “bury the hatchet” lunch with Will, only to unleash her rage monster once again after Will leaves his fork behind at the table.  So begins this two part episode of Glee – it’s an opening scene in keeping with the humor of the characters and their long standing on again, mostly off again, relationship.  Unfortunately, the next scene sets up the cringe worthy “Hurt Locker” theme, which is Sue’s storage unit devoted to her hatred and vendettas with a hidden room dedicated to Kurt and Blaine’s relationship, which Sue desperately wants to restore.  Why couldn’t the talented folks who create Glee go about this storyline in a more clever and funny way, as opposed to creepy?  Did we just see a shark being jumped?

Rosie O’Donnell Proves Laughter is Good for the Heart with "A Heartfelt Stand Up" Airing on on HBO Valentine's Day: View Trailer

When personalities use their fame to further a cause, that is gold. Because not everyone does. Many times it is because the disease or situation personally touched them, other times it is just because it is any interest of theirs, other times it is because someone simply asked them. It doesn't matter what the reason what matters is the cause.

This weekend on HBO Rosie O'Donnell will present a special on heart disease called  "Rosie O'Donnell, A Heartfelt Stand Up".

February is heart awareness month. Heart attacks are mostly associated with men, yet heart disease is the number one killer of women. One in three women die of heart disease and stroke. I know this because my mother died of a heart problem too.

Jersey's Duchess Kimberly aka Ashley I Off ABC's The Bachelor and on the Talk Show Route

Wayne NJ's beautiful Bachelorette Ashley Iaconetti was left high and dry - literally- standing in the middle of the dessert on the 2/9 episode of ABC's highly successful THE BACHELOR. This episode was the highest- rated episode so far this season, rising 8% from last week making it the number one show in two key female demographics for the time slot.

In the episode "Ashley I" was on the two on one date. For those not familiar with #TheBachelor, this really means that the bachelor is supposed to give out one rose only leaving the other girl hysterically crying on the way out the door.

But, in the most dramatic two on one date ever - yes we all know the lingo now Chris- he left both girls, literally,in the dust.

Why? Well the other girl on the date was a tad on the nutty side, and in typical Jersey Girl style, Ashley I told him so.

View: Everything's Not Coming Up Roses at The View: NJ's Rosie O'Donnell Leaving

Rosie O'Donnell leaves #TheView again...

I've watched  #THE VIEW for a very long time. The premise was groundbreaking when Barbara Walters started it. What? More than one host? What? All women hosts? What? Talking about something other than house, home and fashion? What? Controversy? What?

Well now I have to say "What?" again! What is going on? To Rosie, for whatever reason it that you are leaving is not our business. Reports say family, contract, the usual, anything could be behind the PR.  But I have to thank you for your contributions to this show. You brought me back every day since you started again. Your openness about your weight loss was genuine. On another topic, yesterday, for example you defended the rights of all kinds of people to be able adopt the thousands of kids out there without homes. Whether one agrees with you or not, you stand by your VIEWS. I even broke out my old craft box.

Attention Dance Mom Fans: Photo Blog from Chloe and Christie in New York- 25 Photos

Since the Dance Mom's posts on this site have readers in the thousands, I thought I'd share a few more photos from the Chloe and Christie Meet and Greet from December 2013.

Overall it was a great event and Chloe answered everyone's questions to their satisfaction. I would highly recommend going to one of their Meet and Greets!

For the full article on what Chloe and Christie had to say, click here:

http://www.suzeebehindthescenes.com/2014/02/almost-tmi-on-chloe-from-dance-moms.html

For a review of the Meet and Greet click here:
http://www.suzeebehindthescenes.com/2014/02/dance-aunt-review-of-meet-and-greet.html

Photo Gallery

Event: Kathy Griffin, Jay Leno, Among Performances Coming to Bergen Performing Arts Center

Kathy Griffin and Jay Leno will be coming to the stage at Englewood NJ's Bergen Performing Arts Center. Kathy, the new  host of The Fashion Police, will be making the

The Ultimate David Cassidy Concert Review: You Made Us Happy

Teen Idol David Cassidy Still Draws Crowds       Photo Suzanne Ordas Curry

By Suzee

I can still remember what the poster - posters - adorning my room of David Cassidy looked like. He seemed so far away back then, just a vision of loveliness on a tiny black and white TV, unreachable. All the way out in California land with his TV family.

It wasn't like today when you could get on the Internet, tweet your favorite star, read their tweets to see if they are in the bathroom or not or what random thought was on their mind. Even as a regular Tiger Beat reader, you really didn't know what those pop idols that were featured in there were really like. And now I know, they had nothing to do with those articles. Maybe David's favorite food really was not french fries. And he was not attracted to girls with a sense of humor. And his favorite color wasn't yellow. But that was our Bible.

David Cassidy gettin' the Trop hoppin'                                                  Photo Suzanne Ordas Curry

Little did I know that this teen idol would have staying power, 40 years later, and that all my peers who dreamed of him back then would still be able to fulfill their teenage fantasy of seeing him in concert. Up close and personal And that is who is at these concerts. Middle-aged women, and men either dragged there by their significant others or on their own. He did have a male fan base as well.

I've seen David in concert three times. Once in Atlantic City, where there was no real seating but just tables. Five minutes in to the concert, all the women ditched their husbands and were five rows deep standing five feet from the stage.

The second time was when he played with Mickey Dolenz of the Monkees and Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits at Westbury Music Fair in New York. That was a great concert, they all played just their hit songs. And they all battled the stage for the mike.

Greg Brady is Back: Will a Very Barry Branson Bring the Brady Fans Back? And will we say Bravo?

Johnny Bravo is all grown up              Photo Facebook

Greg Brady, Aka Barry Williams, @akagregbrady, has been doing the New York media blitz publicizing his new reality show on the Great American Country Network,  A Very Barry Branson sets to premiere February 5th.

The series is "documenting" him trying to get his new Branson Missouri show off the ground, rather getting people to come to it. I must say that doing a reality show on the show is a stroke of genius.

But then again that is no surprise because Carol and Mike Brady taught him well, they were very hip parents with lots of groovy advice. It is no wonder he came  up with this good idea. He was always doing his homework as a youth.

I might just tune in. Frankly in this neck of the woods, I'm in Jersey - I don't even know if we have that network on our systems. But I will look for it.

And I will look for it for the same reason others will, a sense of nostalgia, I want to see Greg Brady. Because Barry Williams will always be Greg Brady.

Interview: Christina Milian of E's "Turned Up" Talks Growing up in Jersey at her Viva Dvia Wines Signing, and Gives Advice for Aspiring Singers

Christina Milian                     Photos by Suzanne Ordas Curry

Christina Milian is a well-known, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, actress and well, also, a Jersey Girl.

Few people know that she spent her youth hangin' out on the "Boulevard" in Jersey City, NJ. She was born in Jersey City on September 26, 1981.

Some of this might become more well-known now that she has her own reality show, "Turned Up" on E! It premiered January 18th, 2015 and airs on Sunday nights. It focuses on her large Cuban family.

After a fantastic start in the music industry, with several hit songs such as Dip it Low and AM to PM, Christina hopes the show will reinvigorate her singing career. Christina is also an actress, having appeared in the films American Pie and  Love Don't Cost a Thing, having had roles on several network TV shows and as voiceovers,
but most popularly starring on the megahits The Voice and Dancing With The Stars.

She is off to a great start with the show and I must say, seeing this Grammy-nominated singer chatting with people such as Kanye West and Kim Kardashian for the 2015 E! Grammy Award wrap-up was a treat (and the dress was stunning). Back in 2005, Christina's album "It's About Time" was nominated for Best Contemporary R & B.

Glee Recap - Jagged Little Tapestry - Aired 1-16-15

Glee – The Farewell Season

 “Jagged Little Tapestry” Recap by Di's Dish

                   Come back each week for complete recaps.

The title of this week’s show tips us off to the musical content.  Glee is known for creating mashups that work surprisingly well and this episode is no exception.  The opening scene has Kurt browsing in a sheet music store, joined by an awkward encounter with Blaine and Dave Karofsky.  Kurt and Blaine express their emotions by singing “It’s Too Late” from Carole King’s 1971 masterpiece album, Tapestry.  They both seem regretful of their breakup, but is it too late baby now?

Rachel and Kurt decide to center this week’s lesson on the mashup of Tapestry and Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill.   Smooth plus edgy.  They hope to expose the students to music that may not be familiar while getting them fired up at the same time. 

Point Me In the Direction of Atlantic City - David Cassidy Comes to Atlantic City's Tropicana

Teen and Boomer Idol David Cassidy will make his fans happy
at the the Tropicana in AC

You may not find a brightly-colored Mondrianesqe bus parked outside the Tropicana but inside you'll still find hundreds of screaming fans that know he's there.


Ladies that is. Ladies for a GNO or ladies who dragged their significant others. Ladies pretty much who are middle-aged. Ladies who most likely had his poster hung in their bedroom and who were fixated in front of the TV on Friday night or positioned in front of a transistor radio tuned to WABC AM radio to hear one of his songs.  Ladies who put his singles on their turntables, after carefully placing the little doo-dad in the middle. Ladies who carried their lunches to school in a Partridge Family lunchbox. Ladies who "played" Partridge Family with their friends. And you'll see he's picked up some younger fans as well with his dashing debonair, way cool hair and light FM music.

NJ's Whitney Houston is the Subject of Angela Bassett-directed Lifetime Channel Movie, "Whitney"

NJ's Whitney Houston's life will be chronicled in a movie appearing on Lifetime, a network which is now trying to go a step beyond the usual predictable yet enjoyable made-for-TV movie dramas that has up until this point has been it's hallmark. With "Whitney", directed by Angela Bassett, they are going the docu-drama route with a serious look at this extremely talented and beautiful performer's troubled yet spectacular life. From what I have read the family is not happy with the portrayal.

Glee Recap: Attention Gleeks the The Farewell Season is Here: "LOSER LIKE ME" Episode 1

Glee – The Farewell Season

By Di's Dish

As the one and only Julie Andrews sings in The Sound of Music, “let’s start at the very beginning…..”  The premiere of Glee’s farewell season has done just that.  The show has gone back to its roots. 

This is readily apparent with the opening scene (and with the title of the show!).  Rachel’s hair and wardrobe look more, well, Rachel-like, and she goes straight into song after being dumped from her television show debut.  I’ve watched Glee with my daughter from its

#OSCARNOMINATIONS Are Out

It's award season! If you were glued to your sets watching Tina and Amy you'll surely want to watch the premiere of all, the Academy Awards. How many of these movies have you seen? Here's a complete list:

http://deadline.com/2015/01/oscar-nominations-2015-full-list-academy-award-nominees-1201350619/

Amazon Studios Announces New Pilots: CT's Alysia Reiner of OITNB & HTGAWM stars in Down Dog, NY's Michael Imperioli of The Sopranos Appears in Mad Dogs

With all the different platforms for content these days, viewers have fresh shows at their disposal daily. Amazon Studios has set January 15th to launch it's first batch of pilots for 2015. There are four dramas, two comedies, children's programming and a docu-series.

According to the press release, "We are working with great storytellers on some fascinating ideas for the year's first pilot season," said Amazon Studios veep Roy Price. "We look forward to seeing our customers' response to these new projects."

Behind the Scenes: Launch of New Female-Driven Movie Produced by Broad Street Pictures Founders Orange Is The New Black's Alysia Reiner and Backward's Sarah Megan Thomas

Alysia Reiner and Sarah Megan Thomas held a launch party for their new film
in NYC.                                                                        Photo Suzanne Ordas Curry

Perched on the 9th floor of The # 3 West Club overlooking Rockefeller Center invited guests were the first to learn about the first venture of Broad Street Pictures, LLC.  Broad Street Pictures is founded by Alysia Reiner and Sarah Megan Thomas. Producer/Actress Alysia currently plays the roles of  Fig in the wildly successful Netflix drama Orange is the New Black and D. A Parks in the new Shonda Rhimes ABC hit How To Get Away With Murder. Philadelphia's Sarah Megan Thomas is the executive producer and writer of the movie Backwards, now available nationwide in stores including Walmart and on most on-demand services. She also starred in it. Both of these ladies have substantial resumes of acting roles in familiar shows.

Review: The Radio City Christmas Spectacular: Is it a Spectacular Family Event?

The world famous Marquee

Last year my two teenage nieces asked me to take them to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in New York City. Having grown up in the suburbs of the Big Apple, I had been to this show many times. They had not.

My two nieces, one 12 and the other 16, were no less than mesmerized while watching the show last year. They had a constant smile on their faces and their eyes were all aglow (hey- isn't that a line from the commercial?). As they both are interested in dance, I think the Rockettes' movements were especially spectacular to them though I can't see why anyone would not be mesmerized by their movements.

Aside from the Rockettes, and having seen this show several times over the span of several decades, I will say that the show it is a sight to behold and maintains its reputation every year. The colors, music and excitement of the show are astounding. It is now a multi-media 3-D presentation which at times fills the grand room. This year there were over 14 different scenes. All areas of the hall are used, the ceiling, the sides, it is an all encompassing show. However, to enjoy the effects the best I suggest to sit in the first two thirds of the orchestra.

Lorde's Hunger Games MockingJay Video Has NJ Ties- Yellow Flicker Video Filmed in Mahwah

As the Hunger Games MockingJay Part 1 movie climbs in box office ratings, so does Lorde's' music video, mostly shot in suburban Mahwah, NJ on a drizzly brisk night in September 2014. Police were present to guard this Grammy winner and the production company as she filmed in several places, the town pool,  a dirt road near Darlington County Park and at the Sheraton Crossroads, sources report. The filming took place over night and into the early hours of the morning. Ironically the mood of the video was a perfect match for the weather that night.

Break out the Holly, Just in the Nick of Time, It's Holiday Movie Season Again: What to Expect and Where to Find Them

Ah, holiday movie season. It seems to start earlier and earlier each year. And, it's expanding like the universe. I used to be glued to Falalala Lifetime, now I find my home mainly on the Hallmark Channel, checking in on the weekends on Lifetime, clicking the Channel to Up every so often and tuning into the classics on ABC Family at night. Speaking of ABC family, it is just impossible to have watched the Home Alone or Santa Clause franchises too many times, and I will never get sick of Elf either. 

Event: Shop for Project Ladybug, Help Kids and Meet RHONJ Dina Manzo at Henri Bendel's 12-4

RHONJ Dina Manzo will be appearing at Henri Bendel's in NYC Thursday, December 4th from 6 to 8pm. Get some holiday shopping done with a discount and enjoy that a portion of the proceeds will benefit the children serviced by Julien's Project Ladybug Fund at Memorial Sloan Kettering. This is one of the funds started since Dina Manzo started Project Ladybug at St. Joseph's Hospital in NJ. For more info on this non-profit visit www.ProjectLadybug.com.

New York Actor Michael Park Knows How to Succeed in Live Performances: Catch him on NBC's Peter Pan Live

Michael Park
Photo by Suzanne Curry

Rockland County's Michael Park will be appearing for the second time in an NBC Live production, Peter Pan, which will air on NBC on December 4, 2014.

Michael also appeared in NBC's Sound of Music Live! last year. In this new production, Michael plays Cecco.

Peter Pan Live hosts an array of stars which includes Allison Williams, Christopher Walken, Christian Borle, Minnie Driver, Kelli O'Hara, Taylor Louderman, Alanna Sanders, Jake Lucas and John Allyn.

Event: Holiday Fashion Show at Neiman Marcus in Paramus to Benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital on December 12- Meet Emmy Winning Actress Martha Byrne

Hey NJ! View some great fashion and enjoy a tasty brunch while doing good for sick children.  NJ's Emmy-winning actress Martha Byrne and star of the new series Weight invites you to attend a Fashion Show to benefit St Jude's Children's Research Hospital at Neiman Marcus in Paramus at the Garden State Plaza. This event is being held by the Angels for Hope/Bergen chapter. For info and tickets contact caroline,sparico@st.jude.org.

Interview: Weight/As The World Turns's Trent Dawson Takes on Two Roles Tonight in CBS's NCIS

Treht Dawson to Appear on NCIS

Trent Dawson, most well-known for his role as Henry Coleman on As The World Turns (1998-2010)  will be guest-starring in tonight's episode of CBS' NCIS (titled "Grounded")  airing November 25th, 2014. Trent has also appeared in NCIS: Los Angeles, The Good Wife and Homeland since his days at ATWT. 

Suzee asked Trent what it was like working like on the set of this hit show. "This was so much fun!", he said. "First, they were planning to cast two different actors for these parts but they ended up letting me play both, which is a gift. The make-up and wardrobe teams did a great job making the distinction." 

Careers in Entertainment: So You Want to Be A TV Writer or Producer? Interview with Lisa Melamed of Party of Five, Sisters and Other Hit TV Shows

Hey Dude Celebrated it's 25th anniversary this past June
at the ATX Festival in Austin. Pictured: Lisa Melamed (second from left)\
is flanked by cast members Chistine Taylor, Jonathan Galkin and
David Lascher.                                             Photo Courtesy Lisa Melamed

      Ever wonder how a TV writer gets to be a writer? Does it take education, talent and luck, or all of these? Read on as I interview Lisa Melamed, whose resume as a television writer and producer spans not just several decades but a plethora of popular shows we've all probably watched.

I met Lisa on a shoot in LA recently for a new show and she was kind enough to let me probe her mind to satisfy my curiosity. Find out how she made it and what any aspiring writer still needs to do.

Suzee:  You have worked on so many popular shows, I don't know where to start. So I will ask you,  how did you get started? Tell me about your road to Hollywood from Brooklyn.

Hey NJ, Watch What Happens Live When Andy Cohen Comes to Town - BRAVO! to Andy on His New Book The Andy Cohen Diaries: A Deep Look at a Shallow Year

In the busy yet quiet downtown of suburban Ridgewood, NJ, there's always something cookin' at the local bookstore, called Bookends. From The Situation to Hillary Clinton to Michelle Phan to Danny Aiello A'listers of pop culture, sports, Youtube and the world of politics somehow find their way into this tree-lined town.

And so goes Andy Cohen, leaving his  Watch What Happens Live! studio in NYC and travelling into the suburbs to sign copies of his new book, The Andy Cohen Diaries: A Deep Look at  A Shallow Year on November 12th at 7pm. Here in Bergen County, Andy has entered the haven of his real housewives.

I am wondering what will happen live there? Will he entertain us with a few stories before he starts signing the book? Will he have the crowd roaring with laughter? Will he ask his fans pointed questions? Will there be a Word of the Day???

I can only imagine that fans will get their fill of this colorful, creative, consummate host when they meet him at Bookends.

If you're a fan of BRAVO and especially the housewives, it looks like this new book is sure to spill some savory secrets of the super sexy and silly superheroes of the channel we know as BRAVO.

RHONJ's Amber Marchese: The Real Cancer Story Behind This Real Housewife - "I Looked Like a Turnip" - How She Would Like to Save a Life with Her Story

Editor's Note: In this candid interview, RHONJ Amber Marchese opens up about her bout with breast cancer, detailing everything from when she first found it to the way her chemo made her feel to how her husband was there for her the whole time. Read about the doctor that saved her life, how she dealt with the pain, and get some words of wisdom.

Though her story is her own, Amber's story is typical in many respects of many women's struggle with breast cancer. Though there is still so much more needed to be discovered about this disease, her story mirrors the story of hundreds of thousands of other women, women who can proudly call themselves survivors.

Breast cancer is for real, Amber's breast cancer was for real. Though people may question why she brings it up on her show, it really brings true meaning to the title "Real Housewife". Amber will carry this badge of honor throughout her life,  her struggle was as real as it gets and hopefully other women who have been through what she has been through or have just received this life-changing news will see hope in it that all things shall pass and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I don't think that Amber ever thought, while sitting in a chemo chair, that five years later she would be on a TV show donating her locks of hair for other breast cancer patients. Her message, Dream Big.

And Amber, thanks so much for this interview and your honesty. - Suzee

So Young

Suzee: Breast cancer awareness is always in the news. Before I start talking about you, I noticed Joan Lunden has been so many interviews and talking frankly about her struggle with breast cancer.

Amber Marchese: You know, I didn't even know she had breast cancer, I just saw it - it's all over the magazines and thought Oh my God, I had no idea, she is unbelievable. She's super gorgeous.

Suzee: Yes, she is older than you though, more of the typical age for getting breast cancer. Your story is different, you experienced it as a twenty-something, a different generation. 

Amber Marchese: Yes, absolutely, and this is one of the things that I had a hard time with. I was quite young, there was no one that was waking my walk,  you know it was awesome that there were so many people that were offering their help and their insight but they were 45 and 50, and though I loved an appreciated it, I did't feel like I could always relate to it.

Suzee: I've had friends that have had it, most were in their 40's. Who knows what is actually causing this? 

David Steinberg, Gilbert Gottfried, Caroline Rhea & Friends to Make Us Laugh Out Loud for Cancer: Gilda's Club Benefit November 2 in Hackensack, NJ.

Gilda's Club on Northern NJ presents Laugh Out Loud 5
with David Steinberg, Gilbert Gottfried, Caroline Rhea,
Vince August, Reese Waters, Cory Kahaney,
Jeff Norris, Gary Delena , Eddie Brill & Alan Zweibel.

                                                       by suzanne ordas curry

Gilda's Club Northern NJ is presenting a night of laughs, called LAUGH OUT LOUD 5 in support of their wonderful programs for cancer sufferers and their families. On November 2nd, Bergen Academies will host some of the finest comediens in the area, if not the country, to raise money for this worthy cause. Slated to appear are: David Steinberg, Gilbert Gottfried, Caroline Rhea, Vince August, Reese Waters, Cory Kahaney, Jeff Norris, Gary Delena, Eddie Brill and Special Guest Alan Zweibel. 

Sharknado 3 To Hit the East Coast This Summer: Will NJ's Tara Reid Survive Again?

NJ's Tara Reid to star in Fin-favorite
Sharknado 3                Photo from Facebook

Okay so the Sharknado Franchise is really bad. But's it's so bad it's really good. It is stupid but entertaining. The best way to watch these computer-enhanced, you've got-to-be-kidding me movies is when they show the Twitter comments. You just have to laugh, and isn't that what makes us tune in?

If we had not seen enough sharks devouring people along the Califorina Coast and NYC, now we find out that those man-eating, limb-stealing fish, mammals, whatever they are will be attacking our nation's capital.

We've seen cameos by some high-profile people in the NYC debacle. Hard to believe Al Roker and Matt Lauer would lend their names to such a movie, but they did and it worked. Will we see some of our government's best and brightest in the DC version? Will President Obama succumb to the jaws of a shark? Will sharks smash through the windows of Congress when they are just about to actually make a decision? Will poor Mr. Lincoln find his hands or feet of stone cut off? Will the Washington Monument somehow be used as a weapon to pierce through an army of invading carnivores?

Danny Aiello, Kris Jenner, Neil Patrick Harris and Gene Simmons Coming Soon to A NJ Bookstore Near You!

Well I don't think that coming to a NJ bookstore was on the now-famous Neil Patrick Harris bucket list, which includes Sleeping in Cinderella's Castle and Meeting the President,  but this well-known actor/entertainer/host appears to be making NJ his first stop the day he announced he will host the Oscars. You can see him at Books and Greetings on October 16th signing his new book, Choose Your Own Autobiography. This is a ticketed event.

Also on October 16th true Jerseyan Danny Aiello will be signing copies on his new book, My Life On the Street, On The Stage and In the Movies. at Bookends in Ridgewood at 7pm. To Hollywood and back to star in a plethora or movies and TV shows including Moonstruck and Do The Right Thing this actor and producer, as I have personally heard him say, always comes back to Jersey and his wife and family. Not many people also know his musical side, check out his videos and music on

http://dannyaiello.com/discography/
or watch him sing at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciPbODD7fkI

The Wait is Over: Weight the Series Pilot starring Martha Byrne Premieres in NYC Amidst a Bevy of Soap Friends for Support

Executive Producers of Weight, Martha Byrne and Daryn Strauss

On the second floor of the Galway Pub in midtown Manhattan they filed in. One soap actor after another, all there to support a fellow actress in her new project, a comedy series called Weight.

Emmy-Winner Martha Byrne put together this new show with Creator and Writers Guild Award Nominee Dayrn Strauss. It's a "dramedy" centering around a middle-class mom "Clare", played by Martha who goes on a reality show to lose weight. The pilot for this show premiered at the party.

As the series had conducted a crowdfunding campaign, the VIP Soap Party, as it was billed, was a donor perk, but it evolved into so much more. It was a reunion for so many soap actors, actors who spent days and months and years with each other, but many of whom have seen their soaps end. And because of this, had not seen their soap "family" in quite some time.

The step and repeat area was busy as Soap Opera Digest, Soap Opera Network, CBS Soaps in Depth and Serial Scoop were all there. Serial Scoop Now set up tent in another area for interviews, interviewing Daryn, Martha, Anny Sayre, and Elizabeth Hubbard,

D. A. Pupa's Book The Magician: A Serial Killer Hits the Beloved Jersey Shore/Booksigning at Booktowne October 24th

The Magician is D. A. Pupa's first mystery.

 The Magician is the first novel from the pen of  NJ's D. A. Pupa. A psychotherapist by trade, D. A. undoubtedly uses his knowledge of the human psyche intertwined with a love of thrillers and mystery to create some magic of his own in this page-turner set at the Jersey Shore. Though it takes place during the biggest storm to hit the NJ coastline in almost a century, Super Storm Sandy, the storm was not the only thing wreaking havoc with these Spring Lake residents.. a serial killer was on the loose.

I had the opportunity to speak to this talented first-time author about his life in Jersey and what inspires him to write.

Have you always lived in Jersey?

 I was born in Northeastern Pennsylvania, but have lived most of my life at the Jersey Shore. We briefly lived in Long Island & Europe….but moved here at the end of middle school. Was lucky enough to grow up enjoying the beaches of New Jersey (mainly Manasquan).

What inspired you to the write the book? Are you an avid reader?