Feel Good Interview Series: Jonathan Bennett - 8 Things to Know About This Film, TV and Broadway Actor

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Jonathan Bennett is an actor and TV host. He is best known for playing Aaron Samuels in the comedy "Mean Girls," which has become a classic. He is also known for his acting work in Hallmark movies and for hosting the Food network series "Halloween Wars."

Bennett also starred as Sir Robin in “Spamalot” on Broadway through April 2024.

His Favorite Movies

His favorite movie is "The Glass Onion." “I loved it. That was my new favorite movie that I saw in a long time,” he said.

Favorite series to Binge-watch

He listed “The Stranger” as his favorite series to binge.

NJ High Schooler Trevor Ostfeld Co-Authors Children's Book: Finding Messi: The Miracle Cat from Kyiv - Proceeds to Help Ukraine People

 

NY/NJ Event: Caytha Jentis' New Comedy Comes to NJ's Parsippany Arts Center after Successful NYC Run Starting April 12, 2024

After a successful run Off Broadway in Fall 2023,  S*x Work/S*x Play, a new stage play from Caytha Jentis, opens at the Parsippany Arts Center April 12th - 14 2024. The play is a cross generational social commentary comedy about the conundrum of love, dating and human connection in our digital driven world where everything and everybody is a swipe away. Caytha Jentis an award-winning filmmaker, director and writer, whose movies have appeared on most streaming networks.

The show is produced and directed by Lauren Moran, a Boonton mom, and stars two mothers Deshja Driggs, a West Orange mom and Diane Harrington, a Nutley mom.  The New York production was directed by Rosie Gunther, also a Ridgewood mom. The New Jersey Production is produced by LoMotion Live, a theatre dedicated to creating conversation through theatre and the arts.

NYC Event: THE GREENROOM42 PRESENTS A CABARET CELEBRATION FOR THE AUDIOBOOK PUBLICATION OF “CINDERELLAS OF WEST 53RD STREET: STORIES FROM THE LEGENDARY REHEARSAL CLUB” on May 7, 2024

In celebration of the 2023 release of Bear Manor Media’s title, Cinderellas of West 53rd Street: Stories from the Legendary Rehearsal Club, and this year’s release with Blythe Danner and each writer reading their own story for the audiobook, published by Blackstone and available on Audible.com, The Greenroom42 presents “Circle of Cinderella Friends,” in cabaret, May 7, 2024, 7:00pm. To purchase tickets visit: https://thegreenroom42.venuetix.com/

About the Book: Who are the Cinderellas? Carol Burnett, Blythe Danner and others are recognizable, well-known Rehearsal Club Alums. In the book, each Cinderella shares their same adventurous, determined and generous spirits. By the time the last page turns, similar to those anonymous, back-up dancers who tipped their top hats during “Singular Sensation” (the finale to A Chorus Line), you will know these women. Maybe recognize yourself? What we all do for love.

New Jersey Father and Daughter Co-Write Book Entitled "Dawnah The Zombie Whisperer" - A Great Read for Young Readers Seeking a Fun Adventure

Meet Twelve-year-old Dawnah - the zombie whisperer! It's a collaboration between a dad and his daughter. What's it about? When Dawnah, a socially awkward twelve-old-girl and her widowed father go on a camping trip, they find themselves thrust into the zombie apocalypse. As Dawnah and her dad travel along the Appalachian Trail, in order to reunite with her sibling, Dawnah discovers that she can control the living dead with her voice and that she may be the last hope for humanity.

Suzee: Tell me about the inspiration for the book.

Dana: It arose out of watching zombie movies with my daughter, Georgia, a genre we both love. We wanted to explore the zombie apocalypse genre in a unique way. Writing together was also a way to help Georgia process some social challenges she was facing at school at that time. 

NY/NJ Event: Bergen CASA Holds Casino Night to Benefit Kids in Foster Care April 17, 2024: Honorees are Kundert Volvo and Lorin Konner Sherman Memorial Fund

Bergen County CASA is excited to announce its 2024 very popular Casino Night for April 17, 2024. This organization recruits, screens and trains volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected foster children. It will be held at Season's, 644 Pascack Road in Washington Township on April 17, from 6:30pm - 10:30pm. For more information, email info@bergencasa.org or visit www.bergencasa.org.

This year's fundraiser will honor two organizations that have provided invaluable support for Bergen CASA: Kundert Volvo of Hasbrouck Heights and the Lorin Konner Sherman Memorial Fund. 

NYC/NJ Area Event: The Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival Runs Four Nights in April - NJ Premiere of The Zombie Wedding, Harlan Coben Q & A, Shorts, Networking Party & More

The Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival (RGIFF) celebrates its 13th year with an enthralling program of independent films and special events spanning three nights and two locations in Bergen County, New Jersey. The event takes place in Bergen County on April 16, 18, and 25, 2024. For tickets and info visit https://ridgewoodguildfilmfest.com/

Tribute Concert for Sinead O'Connor and Shane MacGowan At Carnegie Hall - A Night of Powerful Performances to Bring out the Irish in All of Us - And a Special Song by Roisin Murphy - Video

By Rob Curry
 
Carnegie Hall hosted a tribute to the music and lives of Shane MacGowan and Sinead O’Connor on March 20, 2024. These types of tributes can sometimes be staid affairs, but not this one. When you have two of the best Irish songwriters of the last 40 years it quickly turned into a celebration more like an Irish wake at the local pub. The only thing missing was a perfect pour of a Guinness.

Michael Dorf, of City Winery vintage, put together a stellar group of artists to celebrate Shane and Sinead. They were Gordon Gano of the Violent Femmes, Steve Earle, Cat Power, Amanda Palmer, Glenn Hansard, Billy Bragg, Imelda May, David Gray, Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly, Josh Ritter; the list goes on and on. 

The set list alternated between Shane and Sinead songs which highlighted the dark and introspective side of Sinead’s songs versus Shane’s raucous celebrations of the good and bad that life can bring.

New York Women in Film and Television Present their 2023 MUSE AWARDS March 27, 2024: Honorees Are Fran Drescher, Kyra Sedgwick, Raney Aronson Rath, Alex Borstein, Tantoo Cardinal, Latasha Gillespie, Michele Stephenson and Millicent Simmons.

By Suzanne "Suzee" Ordas Curry

As a member of this organization for many years, I always attend their annual gala as the organization always honors amazing, accomplished women which serve as role models for all in attendance. This year is no different, with the honorees being:

I always walk away from this event feeling inspired and uplifted, be it from the speeches and words of wisdom and inspiration from the honorees, or from the conversation and contacts I make with other women in the industry who are all talking about the new projects that they are working on.

No matter the age you are, looking to the future, following your passion and putting the pieces of the puzzle together to create and be what you want to are, I feel are the keypoints of a successful, happy life for a woman.

This event is open to the public. If you are not a member, but are interested in getting into the entertainment industry in the New York City area or just wanting to know what is going on and connect with the shakers and movers in this area, become a member or attend one of their many events throughout the year. 

Feel Good Interview Series: Honorary Oscar Winner Diane Warren - 11 Things to Know About this Talented Artist

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Diane Warren is a living legend in the contemporary music landscape having penned some of the most endearing songs of our time. She shared 10 interesting and fun things about herself.

In her illustrious career as a songwriter, Warren has written nine No. 9 singles and 33 Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. She is tied for having written the most No. 1 songs as a sole writer in Billboard history. These solo-penned hits include Paloma Faith's "Only Love Can Hurt Like This," Toni Braxton's "Un-Break My Heart" and Cher's "If I Could Turn Back Time."

NY Area Event: Axial Theater Presents Staged Reading of "What The Constitution Means to Me" Starring Cady McClain, Patrick McGuinness, Najah Imani Muhammad and Marissa Lowe

Axial Theatre will present a staged workshop reading of Heidi Schreck's powerful play What the Constitution Means to Me on Friday, March 22, at 7 PM, Saturday, March 23 at 7 PM, and Sunday, March 24, at 3 PM, at Bethany Arts Community, 40 Somerstown Road, Ossining, N.Y.

As a 15-year-old, Heidi Schreck earned her college tuition by winning Constitutional debate competitions across the United States. In this hilarious, hopeful, and achingly human show, Schreck resurrects her teenage self to trace the profound relationship connecting four generations of women with the founding document that shaped their lives. Audience Advisory: Although presented in a thoughtful style, the material contains some discussion of violence against women that some may find triggering

The Axial Theatre production stars Axial Artistic Director and three-time Emmy© Winning actress Cady McClain of Manhattan, alongside Axial Theatre ensemble members Patrick McGuinness of Brewster and Najah Imani Muhammad of the Hudson Valley. For tickets www.Axialtheater.org.

Special Oscars Interview: Female Oscar Winners Da 'Vine Joy Rudolph, Emma Stone, Billy Eilish, Emma Thomas and Jennifer Lame Talk about their 2024 Academy Award Wins and What this Means for Females

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Female filmmakers Jennifer Lame and Emma Thomas and actors Emma Stone and Da'Vine Joy Rudolph and songstress Billie Eilish spoke about their 2024 Academy Award wins at the Oscars Press Room. 

The 96^th annual Academy Awards took place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California. This journalist was credentialed by the Academy and covered the Press Room interviews with this year's winners.

Emma Stone for 'Best Actress'

In an upset win (where Lily Gladstone was the favorite for "Killers of the Flower Moon"), Emma Stone took home her second career "Best Actress" Oscar, this time for playing Bella Baxter in "Poor Things."

Feel Good Interview Series: Martin Kove of ‘The Karate Kid’ ,‘Cobra Kai’ and the Hallmark Movie "A Taste of Love" - 8 Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Martin Kove is a true legend in the entertainment industry. He is best known for his iconic portrayal of villainous karate sensei, John Kreese, in "The Karate Kid" trilogy, and the Netflix hit series “Cobra Kai.” With five seasons under its belt, “Cobra Kai” continues to rank as one of the best-performing original series on Netflix. 

Kove shared the screen with Leonardo DiCaprio in Quentin Tarantino’s Oscar-winning movie "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood." With over 100 movies under his belt, some of Martin's most notable projects include "Rambo II," opposite Sylvester Stallone, and westerns such as “Hard Ground” with Burt Reynolds and the remake of “Gentle Ben.”

The Famous Rehearsal Club in New York City - Get a Peek into the Lives and Stories of the Ladies Who Lived There in the Book "Cinderallas of West 53rd Street" - And Attend their NYC Cabaret on May 7th

By Suzanne Ordas Curry

If you are connoisseur of old Hollywood or New York City, you may have heard about the renowned Rehearsal Club in New York City. It’s a place where young ladies came to dream and persevere for a career in entertainment, writing, singing, stage, movies, TV and of course, Broadway. So many of these women were successful, some became household names in entertainment while others found success in many other ways. And that is not a surprise, because the residents of this building were fearless ladies who left all the comfort of their homes to find a job in one of the toughest industries in the country in one of the most competitive cities.

You may have heard of some of the success stories. They are common names like Blythe Danner, Carol Burnett, Shirley Booth among others. But many others ladies danced and sang through these halls and found success. One of them was Denise Pence Boockvor, who found success on a daytime drama as well as other roles. Now, she has gathered stories about many of the alums in a new book called "Cinderellas of West 53rd Street - Stories from the Legendary Rehearsal Club". 

Feel-Good Interview Series: Savannah Guthrie of Today Show/NBC News and Author of "Mostly What God Does": 10 Things to Know About Her

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Savannah Guthrie is the co-anchor of the popular morning show “Toby” on NBC News, for which she also serves as a chief legal correspondent. She is also the author of the children’s book “Princesses Wear Pants” and “Princesses Save the World.” She is an executive producer of “Princess Power” on Netflix, which is based on her book series. She is also an Emmy Award winner and a recipient of the Edward R. Murrow Award. Most recently, she published her new book on faith titled “Mostly What God Does.” She will be embarking on a book tour to promote this book. On Tuesday, February 27, she will be appearing at The Paramount, where Carson Daly will interview her about the book.

Herflix Presents Two Free Films and Panel Event for Black History Month with Neema Barnette and Judy Chaikin

Celebrate Black History Month with Herflix.com.

Herflix.com in partnership with African American Women in Cinema (AAWIC) proudly presents two synergistic films celebrating Black History and Women in Film. Available to view for FREE from until February 23rd, 2024.

There will be a special FREE panel with Q & A via zoom from 6:00pm-7:00pm EST. This panel is now available free to watch here: herflix.com/bhmcelebration.

Guest Panelists are Neema Barnette; First African-American woman to direct a prime-time show. Peabody, NAACP IMAGE, & EMMY Awards as well as  Judy Chaikin; Award Winning Producer & Director: The Girls In The Band.

Emmy-nominated Actor Turned Author Jon Lindstrom (General Hospital) Debuts Bestselling Novel "Hollywood Hustle": See him on Tour and in NYC in February

From a well-known Hollywood actor comes a thriller mystery novel that goes deep into the seedier world of Hollywood. Jon Lindstrom, 4-time Emmy-nominated actor from General Hospital with many other credits, enters "Chapter 2" of his life by becoming a best-selling author with his debut novel Hollywood Hustle. Find out all the details on Jon Lindstrom's website at: https://www.jonlindstrom.com/
Jon is doing a book tour and will land in New York City on February 27th at the Mysterious Book Shop from 6-7pm. For details visit:  https://www.mysteriousbookshop.com/products/jon-lindstrom-hollywood-hustle-preorder-signed

According to Jon's website, the story is such: Winston Greene, a has-been film star, wakes one morning to find his six-year-old granddaughter at his bedside—traumatized, unattended, and gripping onto a thumb drive. She comes bearing video proof that her mother, Win’s troubled adult daughter, has been kidnapped by a murderous gang demanding all his “movie money” for her safe return. But what they don’t know is…his movie money is long gone. 

New Play "DILL" by Jeryl Brunner Directed by Jesse Eisenberg Debuts as Part on NYC's Chain Theatre One Act Festival

Support new artists and plays in New York City with the Chain Theatre One Act Festival.

Appearing as part of the Chain Theatre Program is a new play entitled "Dill" by Jeryl Brunner, directed by actor/director Jesse Eisenberg. The play stars Ben McHugh and Jeryl Brunner.

Tickets are available on the website. The play runs on 2/15, 2/18 and 2/23 at the theater on 312 36th Street in Manhattan. Use code DILL. Visit:

www.ChainTheater.org.

The Last Teardrop Premieres at AMC Theater in Harlem as Part of Black History Month: Updated with Photos From the Event

Come celebrate Black History in Harlem. The Last Teardrop will play at the AMC Theater in Harlem on February 15th at 7pm. as part of Harlem Black History Month.  The premiere will be held: Thursday February 15, 2024 7pm Sharp at AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9, 2309 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY, 10027.

Media arrivals are between 5:30pm and 6pm, Screening begins at 7pm followed by Q & A with Director and Cast, Paul Griffin (Hat) and  RaStarr +PR Event Co Producers. Tony Grier Film Director and Producer (The Last Teardrop). Bobby Brooks Wilson Film Star/Entertainer/Son of RnB Star Jackie Wilson.  *Limited Tickets at the door for standing room.

Feel-Good Interview Series: Get to Know Actor James Hyde of Daytime Dramas, Lifetime and More: 9 Things to Know About Him

By Markos Papadatos #powerjournalist

James Hyde is an actor and former model, who is known for playing the roles of patriarch Sam Bennett on “Passions” and most recently, he played the nefarious Jeremy Stark in the No. 1 daytime drama “The Young and The Restless” on CBS.

In 2022, he starred in the Lifetime movies "Trapped By My Sugar Daddy" and "Danger Lurking Under My Roof." He was also a part of the romantic comedy "The Date Whisperer" and the holiday movie "A Christmas Frequency," where he starred opposite Denise Richards.
 
His other TV credits include "As the World Turns," "Another World," "CSI," and "Monarca." Hyde is a native of Lancaster, Ohio. He will be doing the play "The Kernel of Truth" in Wisconsin. He went on to share nine interesting and exciting things about himself. 

Feel-Good Interview Series: Meet British Actor Danny Griffin of Hallmark's Gilded Newport Mysteries - 9 Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

British actor Danny Griffin is best known for his role as Sky in season 2 of the Netflix drama, Fate: The Winx Saga, as well as Shane in Get Even for BBC and Netflix, as well as Aslan in Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen. He shared nine interesting and exciting things about himself.

Griffin was born in London and raised in Cornwall, and he is also an accomplished equestrian rider. He stars in the new Hallmark mystery Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers opposite Ali Skovbye. He plays the role of Jesse Whyte. This new film premiered on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries on  February 2, 2024.

Aristic Director Cady McClain Announces Lineup for New York's Axial Theater - Free Play Readings, Black History Month and More

Axial Theater's Artistic Director Emmy-Winner Cady McClain announces the lineup for the start of 2024. On February 10th in honor of Black History Month there will be a free reading of "The Death of King Shotaway." as part of Axial Theater's new SAFEHOUSE series. Cactus Flowers Play Readings continue in March. Axial Theater also has a new partnership with The Schoolhouse Theater which included a night with Robert Klein. For more info visit:www.AxialTheater.org.

Feel- Good Interview Series: Get to Know Avery Kristen Pohl of 'General Hospital' - 9 Things to Know About Her

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Actress Avery Kristen Pohl is known for playing the villainous Esme Prince on the ABC daytime drama "General Hospital."

For her acting work as Esme, Pohl has been nominated for two "Soap Hub Awards" for "Favorite Newcomer" and "Favorite General Hospital Actress."

Her other credits include 'Never Have I Ever," "My Daughter's Psycho Friend," "Dirty John," and "Sunset on the River Styx." Pohl went on to share nine fun and interesting things about herself.

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.