Review of Spielberg's Oscar-Nominated West Side Story - Better than the Original with Standout Performances by Rachel Zegler and Ariana Debose

By Ashton Samson

Ever since the first heard the album for its original 1957 Broadway production, Steven Spielberg has wanted to make West Side Story and now he’s finally done so, arguably making a superior film to the 1961 version. Skeptics may call this an unnecessary remake, but if you truly understand Speilberg, then you’ll see that it is a worthy remake that both honors the original film’s legacy and wisely updates the story for our current times. 

For one, the film utilizes twenty Puerto Rican (and Colombian) actors unlike the original, which cast American actors whose faces were painted to appear Puerto Rican.  As good an actress as Natalie Wood was, she was never the right Maria, but Rachel Zegler, the twenty year old breakout actress is the perfect choice, not only because she is of Colombian descent, but because of her superior vocal talent. Wood’s voice was dubbed, but Zegler actually sings the songs with grace and eloquence. 

Opening Act's Annual Play Reading Gala features NYC Stars, Reading Directed by Tony Award Winner Rachel Chavkin & Hamilton's Supervising Director Patrick Vassel

Opening Act is on a mission to provide arts funding in New York City. In order to raise funds, it is holding its annual Play Reading Gala. With a star-studded list of actors, it's directed by Tony Award Winner Rachel Chavkin with Creative Direction by Hamilton’s Associate & Supervising Director, Patrick Vassel and featuring student, alum, and celebrity performances.

Roger Newcomb's 12th Annual Indie Series Awards To Be Held April 7th, 2022, Patrika Darbo and Anna Maria Horsford To Host: Read for Full List of Nominees

by Suzanne Ordas Curry

Do you watch TV on the web? Are you a fan of podcasts? The Indie Series Awards, now in it's 12th year, celebrates the originality and creativity of independent artists whose work can be found online. From it's humble beginnings in NYC many years ago Indie Series Awards founder Roger Newcomb has built a movement recognizing the shows and actors we have come to love.  This year the ceremony is being held on April 7, 2022 at the Colony Theater in Burbank California. 

Casting Call: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Seeking Background Actors for Next Season's Episodes, Filming in NYC

 

Do you love The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel? Would you just love to set foot into that beautiful apartment, walk along a street with old cars in them.. or just transport yourself back in time through the magic of Hollywood? Backstage Magazine has a call our for a certain type of background. If you're not familiar with background casting, it is often specific. And,  you don't need acting experience to be background - though I would recommend googling some tips. So, check it out and while you're on the site you can see what other shows are casting.

Movie Review of Reeve's THE BATMAN: An Overdue, Superb Reinvention of Gotham and Interpretation of Bruce Wayne as Public Guardian Presented with Against a Fittingly Dark Canvass

 

By Ashton Samson,  Twitter: @ashboomstick2

=4.5/5 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌛 Review of The Batman,

Directed by Matt Reeves. With Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Jeffrey Wright, Colin Farrell. 

In a dimly-lit interrogation room, a police commissioner mutters directions under his breath to a man dressed in black. “Through that door. Hallway to the stairs that go to the roof,” is what he says in a guttural voice. It soon becomes clear that this commissioner is giving the man in black a way out of the building as a swarm of distrusting cops storm towards him. 

Soon, the commissioner has been punched in the face by this prisoner who is trying to buy time. He runs as fast as he can, with a hint of desperation and anxiety in his eyes and ends up on the edge of a roof. This man seems to be afraid of heights; he almost jumps back from the ledge, seemingly having just processed where he is. Donning a wingsuit, he jumps off of the building with some apprehension, gliding through the night sky before taking a vicious tumble onto the streets of…Gotham City! 

Axial Theater Presents New Plays Via Zoom for Women's History Month: Actors include Days of our Lives Tamara Braun, Inga Cadranel (General Hospital), Yoshi Sudarso (Power Rangers) and More.

Free readings via Zoom from the Axial Theaters of plays specially curated by Axial Theater Artistic Director Cady McClain. These plays feature prominent actors doing new short plays. If you're not ready to venture back into the theater, or want to enjoy new entertainment in the comfort of your home, sign up for emails to see what's on tap and then sit back and enjoy. Actors include Two-Time Emmy© winning actor Tamara Braun (“Days of Our Lives”), Yoshi Sudarso (“Power Rangers”), Inga Cadranel (“General Hospital”), Donna Svennevik, Youlim Nam, James Sweeney, Axial Ensemble Member Dan Walworth, and Michael Howard Conservatory Actors Tom Ryan and Allegra Venturi. 

Ridgewood Guild Int'l Film Festival Plans In Person Fest April 2022, Kick Off Party is March 25th: Submissions Open Via Film Freeway

The successful and growing Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival is entering its 11th year. Last year the festival was virtual for the first time due to the pandemic. Now with a healthier forecast, The Guild is returning to a live and in-person festival in downtown Ridgewood in late April. The most recent in-person festival included a premiere of a film starring Oscar®-nominated actor Eric Roberts, who attended in person and took photographs with fans on the red carpet in front of Warner Bow Tie Cinema on Ridgewood Avenue. Other movies shown at the festival include independent films, digital shorts, foreign-language films, student shorts, and music videos by local and regional filmmakers as well as those abroad. For updated information visit https://ridgewoodguildfilmfest.com/ 

NYC Area Event: Trent Dawson's Katonah Classic Stage Presents Reading of Dinner with Friends with Christa Scott - Reed, Kelly McAndrew, Alvin Keith and R. Ward Duffy April 2, 2022

Katonah Classic Stage (KCS), Westchester County’s nonprofit, professional theatre company dedicated to classic plays, will present Donald Margulies’s comedy-drama, Dinner with Friends, on April 2, 2022, at 7 PM, at Bedford Hills Community House. The benefit reading will feature Broadway, television, and film veterans Christa Scott-Reed, Kelly McAndrew, Alvin Keith, and R.Ward Duffy, and will be directed by KCS Artistic Director Trent Dawson. 

Interview: Real Housewife of NJ Margaret Josephs Reveals the Woman Behind the Housewife, Talks about her Journey to Success and Gives us a Hint as to What's in Her New Book: Caviar Dreams, Tuna Fish Budget - How To Survive in Business and Life: Book Signing March 9th in Ridgewood, NJ

by Suzanne Ordas Curry

Margaret Josephs, widely recognized for her role on the hit franchise the Real Housewives of New Jersey of NJ since 2017, has authored a book. It's called Caviar Dreams, Tuna Fish Budget: How to Survive in Business and Life. If you're in the New York tri-state area, she's doing a book signing on March 9^th at Bookends in Ridgewood NJ. 

I had the honor of getting to know the author, mother and savvy entrepreneur behind the housewife title. Though there's a lot of drama on the housewives, Margaret did not get to where she is without being no-nonsense, sharp and hardworking. She's built a business empire with her brands Macbeth Collection, Candie Couture, House Candie and her Margaret Josephs clothing line. One doesn't accomplish this without a lot of blood, sweat and tears. For anyone that's built a business, it's not like it's portrayed on TV. It's correspondence and research and numbers and connections and all kinds of things that take dedication and inspiration to get through. It's a constant "push" one needs every day to succeed.

90's Con by That's4Entertainment Coming to Connecticut March 2022 - Featuring A Full House Reunion and Many More of Your Favorite Stars from Movies and Sitcoms of the 90's,

The ladies of That's 4Entertainment have outdone themselves this time. On the heels of the success of their Christmas Cons, they are holding their first ever 90's Con in Hartford, CT March 11th, 12th, and 13th.               .

The convention is a lot like their fabulous Christmas Cons, with meet and greets with celebrities, photo opps, exhibits, panels and a whole lot of fun, This year it was announced that they will be having a Full House Reunion (minus Bob Saget, RIP dear man). There are a ton of actors coming. You may not recognize them by name but when you see them you'll certain feel the nostalgia envelope you.  Celebrities slated to come per the website are: 

Film Review: Joel Cohen's The Tragedy of MacBeth is a Minimalist Masterpiece add to that Kathyn Hunter's Genius Performance as Three Witches and you Have Something Shakespeare Himself Would Beam About

 

By Ashton Samson

=4.5/5 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌛.   Twitter: @ashboomstick2

Another adaptation of Macbeth? Why do we need it? This may be the principal perspective of the majority as they, with some hesitance, head into theaters to watch Joel Coen’s first film without his brother, an adaptation of The Tragedy of Macbeth. However, I assure you that Cohen’s idea to adapt this again is valid, because the unique filmmaking sensibilities that he brings to the table ensure that this is a Shakespearan adaptation unlike any other. 

There are three specific aspects to the film that are particularly innovative. The decision to utilize minimalism and pare down everything in the film to its bare essentials highlights the performances, especially the soliloquies given by the always powerful Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand. 

The Amazing Earper Fandom of SYFY Network's Wynonna Earp: Interview with Filmmaker Carole Lowe On Her Mission to Make a New Documentary about this Incredible Fandom

Do you know what an Earper is? If you're not already with this popular SYFY Network series then you'll probably be surprised by it's fandom. In this interview with filmmaker and Earper herself Carole Lowe you'll find out why she and her colleague Adriana Torres are on a mission to tell their story. And you'll hear about their crowdfunding campaign with some really cool Earper perks in it. 

Suzee: Tell me what this documentary is about. 

Carole Lowe: Well, it's about the amazing fans of the supernatural/western series Wynonna Earp! This fandom is simply amazing with their support of the show and the cast.  Over the past few years they have purchased hundreds of billboards in Time Square, which they live streamed to fans around the world to promote the series and help secure a forth season. They raised hundreds of thousands in the name of the series to support non-profits, started sold out Earper Conventions around the world which hosted cast members, and have supported each other in astonishing ways.

Chrishell Stause of Selling Sunset, Days of Our Lives, All My Children and Sportswriter Ian O'Connor Coming To Bookends in NJ For In-Person Events in February

Just a half hour from New York City is the local bookstore, Bookends. For decades it has been showcasing the work or authors and personalities. During the pandemic events were virtual and they are starting to have in-person events. Upcoming is Chrishell Stause, from Selling Sunset, Days of Our Lives and All My Children. Following that is renowned NJ-based sports columnist and commentator Ian O'Connor will be on hand to sign copies of his new book. 

If you want to meet an author, get it signed and have a few words with them, check out the full schedule at Bookends in Ridgewood.

A Review of Ozark: What We Know, What we Want to Happen in Season Four and Why the Acting of Julia Garner, Jason Bateman, Laura Linny and the Cast Creates the Suspense and Drama We Have Come to Expect from this Award-winning Netflix Series

 ​​​​

By Ashton Samson

4.5/5 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌛   Twitter: @ashboomstick2

Once a Langmore, always a Langmore, once a Byrde, always a Byrde? Is Ruth Langmore going to ditch the Langmore legacy and better her reputation or is she doomed in eternal hellfire, stuck in the Ozarks forever? The same goes for Jonah Byrde; will he escape the clutches of his conventional, turned ruthless and power-hungry parents to live a life of his own or is it his destiny as well to remain in the place where everything seems to go wrong? Most importantly, are Marty and Wendy going to finally terminate their life of crime that has transformed them into greedy, corrupt monsters or will they too be forever lost in the Ozarks? 

Interview: Christmas Romance/Hallmark/Ion Movie Writer Joany Kane - Hear About her Inspirations, On Writing Christmas Movies Before they Were Popular and Her Advice for all Aspiring Christmas Movie Writers

 By Suzanne Ordas Curry

As I am HUGE fan of Christmas movies, I had a lot of questions for prolific writer Joany Kane, whom I met after she gave a presentation at Christmas Con (by That's 4 Entertainment)  a few years back. I ask her about how she got started, about her very popular movie The Christmas Card and how she keeps churning out scripts that we all love to watch. I was fascinated to get inside her head to see what gets her going and after reading her memoir, I got to learn how she landed where she is now. And I must add that it was quite a joy to get to know her, it's no surprise that someone who writes movies with happy endings has a positive, rosy outlook on living life and was a joy to interview.

Suzee: We all love Christmas movies!! Tell me how you got started writing Christmas movies. 

Interview: Author Kelly Caleb Talks about Her Newest Children's Book Now Cow Helps Fighter Spider, and the Experience that Inspired this Series of Books to Help Children Be More Mindful

Kelly Caleb,  LCSW, MCAP is a licensed therapist and author on a mission to help children, Her book series, Now Cow, shows situations in life which help children deal with different and difficult decisions and choices. Read on to find out about her tragic life incident that inspired the series and about her newest book.

Suzee: You had quite an life experience that you turned into a positive. Tell us about how that inspired you to write this book series?

Artists/Creatives: Need some Motivation for 2022? Free Zoom Webinar by Life Coach Beth Handel with Actress Alysia Reiner will Give you the Boost You Need

A coaching and career workshop for creatives and artists by Life Coach Beth Handel with Actress/Producer Alysia Reiner will be held on January 20th, from 4-5pm via Zoom. Reserve your FREE spot here! THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED. Check her website for future events. 

Let’s face it -- life right now is STILL disrupted. Productions are being forced to cancel shows and go on hold, and personally dealing with the reality of what it means to work, parent, and live during a (what feels like never-ending) pandemic. Join Beth Handel (Executive Life Coach, Co-Founder of Handel Group and Inner.U) as she teams up with her client Alysia Reiner (SAG award winner for Orange Is The New Black, Better Things, upcoming Shining Vale), for a free no-holds-barred workshop designed to free you up and get you living your dreams, STAT. 

Sundance Film Festival is Virtual This Year: Get Your Tickets Before They Go

There's nothing like Sundance Film Festival in person, in the cold, in crowded but exhilarating Park City UTAH in the middle of winter. But, given the situation we're in now, it's virtual this year. This means, anyone can experience the excitement and culture of it online. Here's how to get tickets:

Emmy Winner Cady McClain Helms New York's Axial Theatre as Artistic Director, Taps Star Trek’s Darlene Tejeiro, Bosch’s Ingrid Rogers and True Detective’s Jon Lindstrom for Cactus Flowers, A Free Play Reading Jan 23rd, 2022

Three-time Emmy© winner Cady McClain has been tapped to be the new Artistic Director at Axial Theatre - a Westchester, NY based theatre company founded by playwright Howard Meyer known for developing and producing original plays in Westchester for over 20 years.  

Gold Standard Film Festival in New York City Hosts Kickoff Party with Richard Kind, Judy Gold, Mario Cantone, Brenda Vaccaro and Special Guests - Feburary 16, 2022 In Person

The Gold Standard Arts Festival will hold it's Kick-Off Party on February 16, 2022 at the Bernie Wohl Center at Goddard Riverside in New York City  at 6:30pm. This party launches the inaugural Gold Standard Film Festival. Scheduled to attend as special guests are Mario Cantone (Sex and the City, And Just Like That), Brenda Vaccaro (And Just Like That), Judy Gold (Awkwafina is Nora From Queens, Jim Gaffigan Show) and Richard Kind (The Goldbergs, Curb Your Enthusiasm).

The party will feature cocktails, light bites, an auction, music and mingling. It is hosted by Festival Directors Caytha Jentis and Eileen Katz, in partnership with Goddard Riverside's Community Arts Program. 

ONLINE AUCTION IS OPEN:
https://events.readysetauction.com/goddardriversidecommunitycenter/gold

Interview: American Master StoryTeller Jonathan Kruk - From The Legend of Sleep Hollow to A Christmas Carol and Everything In Between

Interview by Ashton Samson

Jonathan Kruk has become a legend in the tri -state area in his own right for his master storytelling of such legendary works as The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and a Christmas Carol. Read on about how this former English professor became a sought-after storyteller in this time of electronics and bells and whistles. His style and exuberance captures the viewer's attention and leaves one asking what's next. Find out why.  

Ashton Samson: I understand that you grew up in Westchester County (a suburb of New York City).  Growing up in this area, what legends, stories, or surroundings might have inspired you to pursue your present career?

Interview: Actor, Author and Host Jonathan Bennett Talks Hallmark Movies, Hosting New Year's Eve for the Times Square Alliance & More in Video Live from Christmas Con

 Jonathan Bennet is a staple in Christmas movies, like Christmas House, Christmas House 2: Deck Those Halls, A Dogwalker's Christmas Tale, Christmas Made to Order, but he's done so much more. From movies like Love on Repeat to A Country Romance and even Sharknado, he's a prolific actor who shines in many different roles.  You can Jonathan in countless TV shows (including Awkward, Supergirl) and also as host for New Year's Eve for the Times Square Alliance (www.Timesquare.org). According to IMDB, he's also got five new projects in the works.

Christmas Con 2021 - Full Coverage of That's 4 Entertainment Annual Christmas Extravanganza - Photos, Videos and More

By Suzanne Ordas Curry

That's 4 Entertainment's Christmas Con is back! After a very tough year and a whole lot of pent up holiday spirit the fans were back in full force at Christmas Con 2021 in Edison New Jersey.

Over 12,000 people showed (after showing proof of vaccination) to the convention center to celebrate all things Christmas and Christmas movies.

This year's in-person convention was a hard act to follow after the inaugural year of 2019 but it exceeded expectations. This year, there was a massive room just dedicated to the celebrities. There was a separate stage area for presentations with plenty of room. There was a food area and there was a vendor area, all with ample space. 

There's Hardly Nothing Not To Love if you Like Christmas Rom Coms in Netflix Movie Love Hard Starring Jimmy O Yang, Nina Dobrev and Darren Barnet - Five Reasons To Love It

Review by Suzanne Ordas Curry

I'm always looking for happy movies during the holidays. Yes I like my sad and heartfelt ones but after a long day working and stressing out over a holiday TO DO list, it's all about what it going to make me laugh. And Love Hard has consistent laughs throughout it. If you're a rom com fan, you'll probably like this movie about two people looking for love on dating apps.

Five Reasons to Love Love Hard:

1. It's freakin' funny. The actors know how to deliver, the situations are funny and there were a few real LOL moments. 

2. Baby's It's Cold Outside: BEST EVER VERSION of this song. What a plus for this movie that there was also music in it. Though I love the version in ELF, this one comes unexpectedly and takes the cake.

NYC Area Event: Jonathan Kruk's Superb One Man Performance of A Chistmas Carol Embodies the Essence of Dickens Making it a Truly Immersive Storytelling Experience

 

By Ashton Samson 

5/5 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝

One thing is certain, witnessing Jonathan Kruk perform is an extraordinarily unique experience. He has been performing one-man-shows of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and A Christmas Carol since 2010 and 2011 respectively. My family and I have attended these two performances every October and December since I was seven. As a loyal fan, and after attending Mr. Kruk’s performance of A Christmas Carol once again this past weekend, I decided to examine why his performances are so unique and why he continues to captivate all who witness his magic. 

Interview: Maureen Van Zandt of the Sopranos and Joanna Bonaro Chat with The Ladies of The Libby Show - Hear about The Sopranos, Their Podcasts, New York City Life and More

Actress, dancer, podcast host and producer Maureen Van Zandt (The Sopranos, Lilyhammer) dishes all about her wedding to Steven Van Zandt, her relationship with the Beatles, her new podcast and so much more as she chats with the ladies of THE LIBBY Show on the episode: What is a Podcast? View Here: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3z7WE7uB16A

Maureen Van Zandt is joined in this episode by her friend actress Joanna Bonaro, who was also in The Sopranos. They talk about a podcast they did together, called Around the Sun available via the Broadway Podcast Network.

In this interview you'll hear:

- How she met all of the Beatles, saying it's "surreal to her" because she was such as fan since a young age

Interview: Musical Artist Loren Smith Talks about His Song "Our First Christmas", How He Got Started and His Passions

Interview by Suzanne Ordas Curry

Meet Loren Smith. His latest single, "Our First Christmas" is about meeting your significant other's family during the holidays. Composed specifically for the LGBTQIA+ audience but with a message for anyone, it was made by Loren with Erik Kertes (Shakira, Ariana Grande, David Foster). Our First Christmas is the lead single from his upcoming EP "Christmas-From My Heart to Yours". As a soloist, Loren Smith's last single boasted over 750,000 YouTube Views, he has worked with Michael Buble, BTS, and been featured on Jimmy Kimmel LIVE.

Tell me about yourself/profession.    

Loren Smith: I have two passions, people and music. I believe everyday is the chance to learn how to love myself and others better than the day before. Time is what we all have in common, so I try to use the music i create in hopes to strengthen and encourage the listener. 

The 4th Annual International Cutting Room Film Festival 2021 is Live In Person in New York City on December 19th

Miss in-person film festivals? Come to NYC on Sunday December 19th for all the thrill of a film festival in a city all decked out for the holidays at the 4th Annual Cutting Room International Short Film Festival. Tickets are available for this festival, which is focused on emerging yet overlooked filmmakers and writers. Details below, it's held at the Cutting Room 44 East 32nd St, New York, NY 10016. 10AM-6:30PM. Kat Miccio is the Festival Director.

There are 3 Blocks of films.2.5 hrs each. 7:00PM Red Carpet Holiday Cocktail Hour. 8PM Awards. Tickets will go on Sale Dec 1st through indiefilmonline.com.

Interview: English Actor Anna Rust of Carnival Row and Legends talks about her Short Film Satiety, Voice Acting in Video Games and More

 

Interview by Harry Sherer

Anna Rust is an award winning actress, writer, and director, with supporting roles in Amazon’s Carnival Row, TNT’s Legends, and voice acting roles in Cyberpunk 2077 and Final Fantasy.

For 2021’s Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival in which she was a juror, I sat down with Anna Rust to discuss her short film Satiety, her transition from acting to filmmaking, her love of video games, work as a voice actor, and more. Check out some highlights from our conversation, as well as the full interview on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHwJlOM0s5c

Harry Sherer: What was it like being on the other side... being a juror at a film festival?

Perfect Strangers' Mark Linn-Baker and Carolyn McCormick Star in Benefit Reading of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf for Katonah Classic Stage in New York

Trent Dawson's Katonah Classic Stage (KCS) will present a benefit reading of Edward Albee’s, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, at the Bedford ()NY) Historical Hall on December 9, 2021. The lead roles of Martha and George will be portrayed by two actors with extensive Broadway credits who are perhaps best-known for their television roles: Carolyn McCormick best known for her leading role in  Law & Order and Mark Linn-Baker most beloved for his role in Perfect Strangers and most recently on Succession.Rounding out the cast is Jaren Zirilli and Evy Ortiz.