Julia Verdin's MAYA the Film Now in Theaters and Online - Isabella Feliciana, Patricia Velasquez, Rumer Willis Star in this Thriller - Where to Watch

Maya, a film by award-winning writer and director Julia Verdin, is an engaging, eye-opening social impact thriller about a young girl lured into a human trafficking scheme that was released January 26, 2024. The film will have a limited theatrical release around the country and will be available on most major online platforms to buy/rent. 

Viewers will be taken on a roller coaster ride to find out if Maya (Isabella Feliciana) will be forever lost to the dark world she has fallen prey to. This film highlights the cycle of abuse and is a mother-daughter story at its core. To find the strength needed to get her daughter back and conquer her addictions, Camila (Patricia Velasquez) will have to find the determination to stand up to her abuser and get into recovery.

Stories to Inspire: The Lizette P. Parker Memorial Foundation Celebrates People Making a Difference in the Community for Black History Month

African-American History Month kicks off with a celebration of some amazing women, all in honor of a local mayor in NJ, Mayor Lizette P. Parker. This year marks the 15th year of the foundation honoring women and men who make a difference in the community. This year's honorees are: Rev. Donna West, Ms. Zonie LeSane,  Mr. Shae Lewis, Ms Mia Nelson and Mr. Charlies Warren. The event will be held at the Fiesta in Wood-Ridge, NJ on February 3, 2024.

Feel Good Interview Series: Get to Know Actor/Musician Constantine Maroulis Of American Idol, Rock of Ages and More ... 6 Things to Know About this Tony-Nominated Performer

 

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist 

Constantine Maroulis is a Greek-American actor, rock singer, and "American Idol" alum. He finished in sixth place in Season 4 of "American Idol," and he subsequently scored a Tony nomination for "Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical" for "Rock of Ages" on Broadway. 

He also starred in "Jekyll and Hyde" on Broadway, where he played the lead roles, and for which he earned a Drama League Award nomination for "Distinguished Performance."

On January 15, 2024, he performed in the vampire rock popera musical "Blood/Love" at Joe's Pub in New York City. He shares six interesting things about him.

Feel Good Interview Series: Charlie Weber of "How to Get Away with Murder" and "The Painter" - 9 Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Charlie Weber is actor and former model. In 2014, Weber starred as Frank Delfino in the ABC legal drama series "How to Get Away with Murder" opposite Oscar winner Viola Davis. Most recently, he starred in the new film "The Painter" alongside Madison Bailey and Academy Award winner Jon Voight.  Weber shared nine interesting and exciting things about himself.

Review of Maya the Film starring Patricia Velasquez, Rumer Willis, Atiana De La Hoya, Cherie Jimenez - Thrilling and Engaging with a Message for Young Women

By Allyson Schiller

The story of Maya feels at first like one we’ve heard before. Girl has a difficult home life, girl uses the internet to escape home life, girl puts her trust in someone untrustworthy, and we all learn from her mistakes. What this particular telling of the story does differently though is it truly puts you in the shoes of the lead character, Maya, played by Isabella Feliciana, and makes you think, would I have done the same?

I found myself asking this question multiple times throughout viewing this film. Maya is the story of a young girl with a difficult home life who uses the comfort of a man she meets on the internet to escape it. Though this man starts by coming across as her savior, he eventually abuses her and trafficks her out.

Feel Good Interview: From "General Hospital," "The Bold and Beautiful" and "Power" - Oh So Much to Learn about Actor and Producer Adam Huss

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Adam Huss is a film and TV actor, screenwriter, and producer. He is known for playing Josh Kantos in the Starz TV series "Power," as well as Lance in "The Bold and The Beautiful" and most recently, he plays Nikolas Cassadine on the ABC daytime drama "General Hospital." He also produced and starred in the short horror film "Let It Kill You" opposite Adam Bucci.

Huss grew up in Islip on Long Island, and went on to share nine interesting and fun things about himself.

Review of Trinity's Triumph Film - Written by a Father Stephen Fichter, This Emotionally-Charged Narrative Explores the Dynamics of Friendship, Faith and the Pursuit of a Higher Calling

By James Ryan Salazar

Trinity's Triumph is a movie written by a priest. That alone caught my attention. The priest, Father Stephen Fichter who leads a parish in NJ and has many other credentials - takes us on a captivating journey that follows three seminary students. They are played by Adriel Irizarry (Mike), Young Mazino (Tom) and Joshua Wills (Joe).  All are guided by the venerable Monsignor Gregory Heck, portrayed by Joe Morton. Beyond the academic challenges, the film intricately dissects the complex interplay between friendship and the profound hurdles of answering the priestly calling. 

Feel Good Interview: Actor Bruce Greenwood of "Fall of the House of Usher," "Star Trek," "Gerald's Game" and more.... 8 Things To Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Bruce Greenwood is an acclaimed Canadian actor and producer. He is known for his acting work in such movies as Being Julia, Thirteen Days, where he played President John F. Kennedy, Double Jeopardy, and Gerald’s Game.

He also played Captain Christopher Pike in the Star Trek and Star Trek Into Darkness. Most recently, he starred in the Netflix miniseries The Fall of the House of Usher. With over 153 acting credits listed on IMDB, you are sure to recognize this prolific actor from one of your favorite shows or movies.

The esteemed actor went on to share eight fun things about himself.

Feel-Good Interview: Model/Actor Adam Senn of Hit the Floor & A Cowboy Christmas Romance - 8 Things To Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Adam Senn is an actor and model. He is known for his starring role as professional basketball player Zeo in Hit The Floor on VH1. He shared eight interesting facts about himself.

Most recently, he starred in A Cowboy Christmas Romance opposite Jana Kramer and Max Ehrich. This new Lifetime movie got a little controversy due to a steamy scene between Senn's character and Jana Kramer's character, which made it the first in a Lifetime Christmas movie. 

As a model, Senn has modeled for such brand as Gucci, Tom Ford, Versace, Dsquared, Tommy Hilfiger, and Nautica.

Feel-Good Interview: Get To Know Actor/Singer Marshall Williams of Glee and Jingle Bell Jubilee - 8 Things to Know About Him

By Markos Papadatos #powerjournalist

Canadian actor and model Marshall Williams shared eight exciting and interesting things about himself.  

Williams is best known for his role as Spencer Porter on Glee, and Albert Banks in How to Build a Better Boy. 

Most recently, he starred as Nate in The Jingle Bell Jubilee opposite Erin Agostino on Great American Family.  In the music world, he released his song “The couch that I rent.” 

Taylor Swift, The ERAS Tour Extended Version Comes to Women-Owned Platform Herflix, Killers of the Flower Moon, Oppenheimer Coming Soon

If you're not already familiar with Herflix, it's a streaming platform available online where you can watch movies to rent with no monthly cost. There is also free content to watch with no subscription needed. Herflix, founded by Adriana Shaw, specifically supports films and work by women and for women. Taylor Swift's Eras Tour is now available to rent. See below for upcoming movies. Visit https://my.herflix.com/

Swiftie or not a Swiftie yet? You may like this article on Suzeebehindthescenes:

https://www.suzeebehindthescenes.com/2023/10/swiftie-for-day-my-peek-at-wedding-of.html

Soap Icon Cady McClain and The Sopranos' Robert Funaro Star in AudioDrama Podcast "Around the Sun" - A Fictional Drama About the "Pinecone" Family

Three-time Daytime Emmy Award Winner Cady McClain stars in the award-winning episodic audio drama Around the Sun created by Brad Forenza with The Sopranos' Robert Funaro. Their episode dropped on November 29, 2023 and can be heard here: https://broadwaypodcastnetwork.com/podcasts/around-the-sun/305-xmas-past-robert-funaro-cady-mcclain/27

Cady and Robert are part of the EGOT-winning cast of Season 3 of Around the Sun. The season launched October of 2023 with new episodes scheduled to drop every two weeks throughout fall 2023 and into early 2024.  For information visit:  www.aroundthesunpodcast.com. Audio trailer is here.

Females in Entertainment: Meet Karen Schaler - Writer of Christmas Movies - Learn How She Got Started and Why She Loves it - You Can Also Meet her at her Online Christmas Camp for Aspiring Writers This Month

By Suzanne Ordas Curry

For many, Karen Schaler has a dream job! She writes Christmas movies.. including the ones we especially love... you know.. the ones with Royals in them. Do we ever tire of watching a commoner fall in love with a Royal?

Karen Schaler is an Emmy-winning writer, novelist, journalist and more. She has movies on Hallmark, Lifetime and Netflix. She in known for A Christmas Prince trilogy on Netflix, Christmas Camp, Rediscovering Christmas and her newest Every Day is Christmas. She also runs workshops to help inspire new writers to create these joyful movies. We were honored to get to know her and find out how she got started, what inspires her and how we can get started on a journey like hers.

Feel-Good Interview: Travis Burns of "Ladies of the 80's: A Diva Christmas on Lifetime, Neighbours & More - 7 Things To Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist 

Travis Burns is an Australian actor and model. He is known for his acting work in the Australian soap opera “Neighbours,” where he played the role of Tyler Brennan from 2015 to 2019. 

He also starred in such romantic comedies as “Sunrise in Heaven,” the Lifetime movie “The Wrong Boy Next Door,” “The Christmas Listing,” as well as “Save the Wedding.”  

Most recently, he was a part of the new Lifetime holiday movie “Ladies of the ‘80s: A Diva Christmas,” where he starred alongside five ‘80s acting dames as Loni Anderson, Morgan Fairchild, Linda Gray, Nicollette Sheridan, and Donna Mills. 

In his personal life, he is married to Emma, and they have a newborn baby boy Parker. Burns shared seven interesting and neat things about himself. 

Feel-Good Interview Series: Kendall Schmidt of Big Time Rush: 10 Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Kendall Schmidt is one of the four band members of the pop group Big Time Rush (along with James Maslow, Logan Henderson, and Carlos PenaVega). They just released their deluxe edition of their "Another Life" album.

He is a singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, dancer, music producer, and an actor. Ironically enough, he played Kendall Knight in the Nickelodeon TV series “Big Time Rush.” 

Feel Good Interview Series: Gabriel Hogan of Tacoma FD, Heartland and GAC's My Christmas Hero: 8 Things to Know About Him

by Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Canadian actor Gabriel Hogan shared some interesting and exciting things about himself. He is known for his starring role in the hit cable TV firefighter comedy series "Tacoma FD," as well as "Heartland" and for his recurring role in "Condor."

Hogan stars in the new Great American Family Christmas movie, “My Christmas Hero,” which premiered as one of GAC's original Christmas movies in November 2023. He plays the character Major Ross opposite Candace Cameron Bure, who plays the Army Reserve doctor Nicole. 

Gabriel Hogan's Favorite Christmas Movies 

His Christmas favorite movies include Christmas Vacation, Elf, and A Christmas Story. 

NY/NY Event: Support Kids in Foster Care and See a Holiday Classic: Bergen County CASA Presents A Christmas Carol by Bergen County Players

CASA for Children is hosting its inaugural Winter Holiday fundraising event, a staging of the beloved classic "A Christmas Carol" at the Bergen County Players, 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell, NJ. 

Bergen County CASA, located at One Bergen County Plaza in Hackensack NJ, is a program under the umbrella of National CASA/GAL. CASA stands for Court-appointed Special Advocates. They are volunteers who are trained to advocate for abused and neglected children in foster care. 

Feel Good Interview Series: Get to Know Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys: A New Single "Made for Us" and 8 Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Nick Carter is one of the five band members of the bestselling pop group Backstreet Boys. The pop superstar chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about his latest endeavors. He shared some interesting and exciting things about himself. 

Nick Carter just released his solo single “Made For Us,” and he was touring the country as part of his “Who I Am” solo national tour. “I’m an entertainer and a performer, and I love to do that; it’s great,” he said. 

Earlier this year, Nick paid homage to his late brother, Aaron, with the poignant song “Hurts to Love You,” which is a story of unconditional love and heartbreak. 

An Annual Favorite: Fans Flock to Christmas Con in NJ - Details about this Christmas Movie Mecca for Fans - Over 30 Actors to Attend

Christmas Con is almost here! If you’ve never been to this Christmas movie and holiday extravaganza held in New Jersey or perhaps in their other locations then you are in for a treat. Fans of Christmas movies and really every fan of Christmas will have a treasure trove of activities and programs to partake in at this annual convention founded by That's 4Entertainment held at the New Jersey Exposition Center in Edison, NJ, about an hour's drive from New York City and Philadelphia. 

Each year it seems Christmas Con gets bigger and better, and this coming from someone who went to the very first one. Thanks to the four ladies that founded this Christmas convention one afternoon sitting with each other shortly after Thanksgiving.

You May Like: A Glimpse at a Past ChristmasCon:

https://www.suzeebehindthescenes.com/2021/12/christmas-con-2021-full-coverage-of.html

Feel-Good Interviews Galore - A Complete Listing of Our Interviews with your Favorite Stars from TV Movies and Series

By Bella Gusmano

Whether you are looking to catch the latest news on up-and coming actors or binge stories on your favorite stars in the soap world and beyond, look no further! Here you will find all of your favorite Suzee Behind the Scenes: Feel-Good Interviews from the past and present. 

Visit our site every week to see who’s next!

Editor's Note to Publicists/Actors: To schedule an interview inquire at info@wiprandproducing.com

Females in Entertainment: Meet New York City Writer Queen Chastity

As part of our "Females in Entertainment" series we focus on up and coming and vibrant women in the field of entertainment. Today we interview Queen Chastity, who is making her mark as a writer of books and scripts among her other work.

Tell me about yourself Queen!

A little about me, I'm a published author of 4 books and also a TV and Movie script writer, a Victim Advocate for Rape and Domestic violence.

Movie Written by a Priest: Trinity's Triumph Starring Joe Morton, Young Mazino About Three Men Entering the Seminary Now Available Online Free on TUBI, Roku, Rent on Amazon, Google & More

The feature-length film Trinity's Triumph is now available to stream online.

As of December 15th it is available to watch free on Tubi and Roku.

Unique to the film is that it was written by a Catholic priest, Father Stephen Fichter - and though it is fiction reflects his experiences through engaging characters. It is the story of three young men who enter the seminary guided by the wise and lovable mentor, Monsignor Heck (played by Joe Morton of Scandal). What begins as a single mission becomes divided, and each seminarian must decide what God is asking of them. They struggle individually and must be true to their calling with the help of Monsignor Heck’s influence. For information visit: https://trinitystriumph.com.

Jersey Shore's Mike Sorrentino and Ali Stroker Come to Bookends in NJ: Meet, Greet and Buy Their Books

Bookends Bookstore, located in Ridgewood NJ, a short train ride from New York City always have great authors frequent their establishment, allowing the fans to buy a copy of their book, meet them and get a personal picture. Coming this season to the store is Ali Stroker, who is a local of the store, Tony Winner and well-known for her acting abilities with co-best selling author Stacy Davidowiz. called Cut Loose. It's an engaging, inspirational book about finding your strengths and is perfect for kids.

Feel-Good Interview: Pop star and Disney actor Kevin Quinn: 9 Things To Know About Him Including his Dream Singing Partner

By Markos Papadatos, #PowerJournalist

Kevin Quinn is a pop star, actor, Disney alum, and social media phenom. He is known for his starring role as Xander in the hit original Disney series Bunk'd, as well as for his roles in the original Disney movie Adventures in Babysitting and the 2021 Netflix movie A Week Away where he stars opposite Bailee Madison.
Quinn just released his new pop single "Blessed," and his upcoming CD "Real Me" will be out in January of 2024.  He shared nine exciting and interesting things about him.

Feel-Good Interview: Tyler Lawrence Gray of the Paramount+ Series 'Wolf Pack' - 6 Things to Know About Him

 

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Tyler Lawrence Gray is an American actor, who starred as the heartthrob Harlan Briggs in the “Teen Wolf” Paramount Plus series “Wolf Pack.” 
He shared seven interesting things about himself. 

Tyler's Favorite Movies 

He listed Good Will Hunting as his all-time favorite movie. “I’m a Boston guy, so I love Ben Affleck and Matt Damon… and Robin Williams would bring me to tears with every project that he did,” he said. “Lately, I have been watching a lot of sci-fi movies that I really like. I also loved The Fablemans by Steven Spielberg, I thought that was so creative.” 

Feel-Good Interview Series: Get to Know Ally Brooke of Fifth Harmony Who Just Released "Under the Tree" EP: 7 Things to Know About Her

By Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist  

Ally Brooke is a pop superstar and a member of the all-girl group Fifth Harmony. She has become a social media sensation with millions of dedicated followers. 

Brooke released her new 2023 "Under The Tree" Christmas EP, which features four holidays: "White Christmas," the title track "Under the Tree," "I'll Be Home for Christmas," and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." 

Feel-Good Interview: 8 Things to Know About Actor Linda Evans of Dynasty & More: ‘"Alone and Never Happier"

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist  

Linda Evans is primetime TV royalty. She has been entertaining television audiences all over the world for well over five decades thanks to her classic roles as Audra Barkley in The Big Valley on ABC, and the lavish Krystle Carrington in the primetime drama Dynasty on ABC, among other roles. In her interview with this #Powerjournalist, Evans shared eight interesting and exciting things about her.
Linda Evans' Favorite Movie 

She listed Pride & Prejudice as her favorite movie. “I’ve watched it maybe 50 times, I never get tired of it,” she said.