"Showgirls! The Musical" Moving to "Different Places" With an Off-Broadway Run!

Audiences can't get enough of drifter Nomi Malone, so it's time for "Showgirls! The Musical! to drift over to its own Off-Broadway stage at XL Nightclub, on W. 42nd between 10th & 11th Ave.  From May 15 through June 15, "Showgirls!" will really shine in its new home home at XL's 200-seat theater. Actress Rena Riffel will even be reprising her role as "Penny" from the Showgirls and Showgirls 2 films, through May 25.

Talented stage acting, witty writing, catchy tunes and, of course, nudity, make this a show that is heading to the top, even if it has to push you down the stairs to get there.

Purchase tickets now for upcoming performances on Wednesday and Saturday evenings at 8pm. For more info, watch the show's trailer, check out the slightly-NSFW website, and read WGINY's in-depth review from the show's premiere at the Kraine Theater.

"Trust the Thurst," Darling, With New Parody: "Showgirls! The Musical!"

"Showgirls! The Musical!" 

Remember when the zany "Zack Attack" came back in "Bayside! The Unmusical!"? Well the devious minds behind that unauthorized parody have created yet another sensational show that's wilder and more naked than anything you'd ever see at Bayside High -- "Showgirls! The Musical!"

With their musical interpretation of the 1995 cult classic film, "Showgirls," Medium Face creators want you to "Trust the Thrust" as you follow drifter "Nomi Malone" on her hilariously despondent journey to rise through the ranks of topless starlets in Las Vegas. This show forces audiences to do some serious soul searching to find the answers to hard questions, such as "Will Nomi lick that pole?" "Will Nomi's past come back to haunt her from different places?" "Will Nomi and Molly give in to the tension and become 'special' best friends?" Actress and Elizabeth Berkley look alike, April Kidwell, who also played "Jessie Spano" in "Bayside", portrays a tenacious Nomi Malone, complete with a fair share of freak outs and french fries. Her crazy eyes are so crazy, you'll forget she's acting!

The love-hate chemistry between "Nomi Malone" and "Cristal Conners," played by the dazzling Rori Nogee, is electric as they toggle for top-billed performer in the revue, "Goddess". Nogee thrusts herself far into the spotlight with her Southern Rock stylings, as she belts out "Look at Me," a song in which she tells of her superior status as Vegas Royalty. Marcus Desion, who portrays both Nomi's best friend "Molly" and one of Nomi's several love/lust interests, "James," also impresses with his talents as a skilled singer and dancer. Desion clearly excels as a physical movement artist, and brings a special comedic flair to an already absurd stage.

Recreated scenes at famed movie locations such as the "Krave Club," "The Cheetah," the "Boat Show," and "Kyle MacLachlan's pool" are wildly entertaining and completely over-the-top, as well as under the top, topless, on top of laps, and around poles. Kidwell's pole performance at "The Cheetah" is so incredibly athletic and poised, that the audience must wonder whether she has some classical dance or pole training, as she could probably match wits with some seasoned pole dancers.

Trust the Thrust! with April Kidwell as "Nomi Malone"

As if it couldn't get any more awesome, "Showgirls! The Musical!" is full of memorable dialogue and one-liners from the movie such as "You burn when you dance," "Dancing Ain't F*king," (also the title of one of the songs in the "Showgirls!" score) and "If you're the only one left standing, they'll hire you."

Unfortunately, any parody of "Showgirls" could not be complete without some references to the grievous sexual assault scene. The topic is at first addressed only suggestively, in passing comments, but the Medium Face team carries it out just a tad more than to a suggestion, and that part could probably be left out. Don't worry though, the show overall more than makes up for this faux pas, and Nomi climatically returns to kick some serious behind, and front, to the man who hurt her friend.

You won't want to miss this "Pollyanna's" limited engagement at the Kraine Theater, starting April 17. At only $18 each, tickets will sell out faster than Elizabeth Berkley did. Even if you're not familiar with the movie -- Come for the Dancing! Come for the Debauchery! Come for the Costumes, or lack thereof... Catch the show's trailer here and visit the "slightly NSFW" website to learn more.

Promotional photos used with permission.

Art Comes Alive in NYC with "Season of Cambodia: A Living Arts Festival"

Officially kicking off this Saturday, April 13, Cambodian Livings Arts (CLA) presents "Season of Cambodia," a "living arts" festival of culture, performance and visual art across the city. Music and dance performances, theater, and film, populate April and May, while visual art exhibits continue through early summer.

CLA has humble beginnings as a creative arts organization founded in 1998 to revitalize and promote artistic development in a region debilitated by the Khmer Rouge regime. Cambodia has come a long way since then, and CLA proudly sets a model for other international non-profits to follow. With its "Season of Cambodia: A Living Arts Festival," CLA highlights over 125 visual and performance artists, bringing these talented artists right to New Yorkers' backyards.

The festival had its "soft" opening on February 23, with the visual art exhibition, "Cambodia Rattan: The Sculpture of Sopheap Pich," at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Pich uses natural and organic materials such as rattan and bamboo to create abstract forms often inspired by anatomy and biology. "Cambodian Rattan" is the longest running exhibit of the festival, showing through July 7. If you visit this exhibit on April 14, you may even get a chance to meet the artist himself and learn more about his inspirations. Learn more about others artists' talks and symposiums here.

The festival's official Opening Ceremony event takes place on Saturday, April 13, from 3pm to 5pm at the Rubin Museum of Art, a local museum known for its focus on Himalayan art and sculpture from ancient through modern times. The opening ceremony is set to coincide with the celebratory start of the Cambodian New Year, and will feature traditional Cambodian music and chanting.

What else can you expect to see, hear and experience during this "Season of Cambodia"?

If performance art is what you seek, consider purchasing coveted tickets to the festival's first major production, "A Bend in the River," which is currently playing at the Joyce Theater, through April 14. SOC notes that renowned Cambodian performance and visual artists collaborated to produce a richly narrated story of "love, heartbreak, vengeance, consequence and redemption," interpreted by Cambodia's own Khmer Arts Ensemble, as choreographed by transcendent choreographer Sophiline Cheam Shapiro. "A Bend in the Rivier" is set to an original, live musical score composed by Him Sophy, and also features puppets created by Sopheap Pich ("Cambodia Rattan" sculptor).

Put yourself right in the middle of the arts festival by taking a Master dance class in general movement, Cambodian Classical Dance or Khmeropedies III. If you'd rather be off the dance floor watching others perform, there is a great lineup of dance performances at the festival throughout the beginning of May. You may want to marvel at the opulent costumes and gracefulness of the performers of the Royal Ballet of Cambodia at "The Legend of Aspara Mira," which will be showcased May 2 through May 4 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

For indie rock fans, you'll want to head to Le Poisson Rouge this Saturday night at 7:30pm
to catch "Dengue Fever," a band based out of Los Angeles that mixes Cambodian pop with American indie rock styles. Preview their dynamic music here. Learn about other musical performances sponsored by SOC here.

Photography and visual art fanatics have a plethora of options to choose from as well. Exhibit themes include the U.S. bombing of Cambodia during the Vietnam War, rare images of female Royal Ballet of Cambodia principal dancers from 1927, as well as contemporary art and sculpture exhibitions throughout the city.

Finally, a living arts festival wouldn't be complete without a film series. Season of Cambodia's documentary film series features films that explore multifaceted themes in Cambodian culture and history, ranging from "Five Lives," a collection of documentary shorts about modern life in Cambodia's capital city, Phnom Phen, to "S21: The Khmer Rouge Death Machine," which explores atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime from the point of view of former prisoners and the very guards who essentially enslaved them. All films will be screened at the Film Society of Lincoln Center.

"Season of Cambodia: A Living Arts Festival" presents an incredible opportunity for Americans to experience Cambodia like we've never seen it before, raise cross-cultural awareness, and promote and inspire artistic expression and more importantly, artistic freedom, worldwide. Browse the festival's Program of Events to find the experiences that most strike your fancy, though I can't promise it will be easy to choose!

5 Things I Want To Do In NYC When I Win The Lotto.

WGINY guest author, Li Chen, of Vimbly, tells What's Good in New York what she would do in NYC if she won the lottery, in her own words. 

5 Things I Want To Do In NYC When I Win The Lotto 

by Li Chen 

I recently filled out a questionnaire sheet and one of the questions was, "If you woke up as a millionaire, what's the first thing you'd buy?" I gave it a lot of thought. Unlike those chick flicks, I don't care for a Prada or a Porsche. I am not Miss Universe so I won't say "world peace" to every question and I won't donate my share either. Instead, this is what I'd do:

1. Visit the Empire State Building. The day I win the lotto will be the day I visit the Empire State Building. It costs $45 dollars for a NY Skyride and Empire State Building Observatory ticket...that's equivalent to a box of 24 Packs of King Size Kit Kat bars ($41.99!). Unless I get to take a picture with King Kong on top of the Empire State, I am spending my money on curing my sweet tooth cravings. Besides, time is money too. Did you see the line? Waiting in line...heck to the no!

2. Go on food tours everyday. I initially thought of eating at a buffet everyday, but having worked at one, I know waiters and waitresses look at you (they do!) when you go up for seconds or thirds. I prefer food tours where everyone is busy trying out food samples and no one is paying attention to you wolfing down a cannoli. Definitely food tours for the win!

3. Invest in micro apartments. There has been a shortage of affordable housing in New York City since the beginning of mankind. Micro apartments are definitely a better investment than clothes from Macy's. You can either sell it for a higher price when it's finished, or rent it and collect rent. Hey, planning for retirement wasn't that bad after all!

4. Buy parking lots. Wherever you see empty lots, buy it! Space is money in the city. You don't even need to decorate or renovate or anything. Simply put up a sign that spells P-A-R-K-I-N-G and you are guaranteed to make money.

5. Start my own company. There are numerous start startup companies in New York City. If money is not a concern, why not start a company of your own? Yes, you run the risk of failing but what do you have to lose? Most importantly, you are helping your community by creating time-saving web and phone apps like OpenTable: NYC Reservations for restaurants and Vimbly for recreational activities.

For more info on Vimbly, see WGINY's previous post about how this very nimbly site helps navigates NYC for busy activity-seekers. 

NYBG's Annual Orchid Show is Upon Us Again!

Spring is right around the corner, which means it's time for the New York Botanical Garden's Annual Orchid Show!

Read all about last year's colorful show, and purchase tickets to the 2013 show, which runs through April 22, here. WGINY readers can get a special discount by entering code "9926" when purchasing an All-Garden pass.

Last but not least, don't forget about those steamy Orchid Evenings!

NYC Alumnae Chapter of “TriDelta” Raises Funds for St. Jude Children’s Hospital on March 21

On Thursday, March 21, the NYC Alumnae Chapter of national college sorority, Delta Delta Delta will be hosting its fourth annual “Stars& Crescent Evening,” a fundraiser event for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  “NYC DDD” has a strong philanthropic foundation, and is frequently acknowledged as the top national alumnae chapter for fundraising by St. Jude. At their 2012 fundraiser, hosting over 300 guests, NYC DDD raised $28,800 for St. Jude! Can you help them raise more this year?

Taking place at the elegant Bowery Hotel, the “Stars & Crescent Evening” will be a night to remember with music and mingling to the beats of DJ Brian Gaffey, a high end open bar with signature cocktails, appetizers and dessert fare, and a silent auction with an amazing array of prizes. You can enter to win Knicks tickets, a roundtrip Jet Blue flight, tickets to “Watch What Happens LIVE!,” a helicopter ride around NYC, a Long Island winery experience, and so much more. 

Still not convinced? Watch this video from last year's event. Then check out the invite below and click here to purchase general admission or VIP tickets, or become a sponsor. VIP guests have special access to whiskey, wine and champagne tastings throughout the night, as well as some other surprises. Individual tickets start at $65. 

Even if you can’t attend, consider donating to the fundraiser.

There's Magic in the Air at the SoHo Playhouse!

For the past eight years, world premiere sleight-of-hand artist, Simon Lovell, has been winning over audiences at the SoHo Playhouse with New York City's longest running one-man show, "Simon Lovell's Strange and Unusual Hobbies". Author of at least sixteen books, esteemed recipient of the 2009 Merlin Award (like an "Oscar," "Tony" or "Emmy" for Magicians), and self-proclaimed con-artist, Lovell is also known for acting, writing and consulting on TV shows and movies, such as USA Network's "White Collar".

Lovell, who learned his first magic trick when he was four years old, amazes with impossible card tricks and other close-up magic, and his witty British charm adds a special flair to his "shindigs" at the Playhouse. He has mastered a one-handed shuffle and four-way card cut, and impresses when he asks six different audience members to secretly chose cards from his deck, building suspense as he finds each and every card after it has been mixed back in. He may even teach you ways to cheat your friends and become a "grifter" (aka con-person) yourself!

Perhaps the most intriguing part of Lovell's show is the sassy way in which he performs his tricks, encouraging audience participation and essentially posing many of his "tricks" like riddles -- you'll have that "aha" moment when he's done, but you never saw it coming. Though the "Strange and Unusual Hobbies" show typically runs 70 minutes, don't expect to be bombarded by magic the entire time, as much of the show comes down to outrageous props and perfect comedic timing.

Lovell's show takes places in a sleek downstairs lounge at the Playhouse, The Huron Club, offering a full bar and seating for about 40 people. Despite playing every Saturday night at 6:00 p.m., the show consistently sells out, so purchase tickets in advance, and get there early to ensure a seat right up front, where Lovell will be most likely to force you to interact with him during the show.

You can read more about the mysterious history of Simon Lovell here. If you happen to be a budding magician yourself, you may want to consider inquiring about Lovell's lectures for performers.

Spoltight on "FM Belfast"

Who or what is "FM Belfast," you ask? Don't expect to be in the dark too long about these guys as they light up the electro-pop music scene. Hailing from Iceland, FM Belfast headlined the 2008 Iceland Airwaves music festival, around the time of the release of their first official album, "How to Make Friends". As often happens with good music, it was their European fan base that really propelled them, but Americans are starting to take notice.

Perhaps they just can't stop singing along to catchy tunes such as "[I'm gonna learn] American" or "I don't wanna go to sleep either," or dancing to the hip beats FM Belfast pours out. Whatever the reason, it is clear that where FM Belfast goes, so does a surge of musical energy and excitement. Whether they are getting low with the crowd, rapping, throwing out confetti and silly string, or singing in their underwear to the tune of their single, "Underwear," FM Belfast knows how to have fun.

According to their website bio, FM Belfast was formed by couple Árni and Lóa in late 2005, because they simply wanted to make a Christmas song recording for friends. However, there was such a clear, cheerful passion and talent evident in their music, that they were encouraged to continue making music and begin performing. They have been doing so since 2006, despite their first album release being delayed until 2008.

Apparently, while the group usually performs with a core of four members, as many as forty musicians have appeared on stage in their shows over the years.  This past Sunday, a moderately-sized FM Belfast lit up the Studio at Webster Hall with their peppy, upbeat tunes, perhaps set to follow in the footsteps of now-well known bands such as Vampire Weekend, Mumford and Sons, Spoon, Florence and the Machine, and so many others. The stage was vibrantly decorated and the sounds of cowbells and maracas merely further accessorized the party in which the crowd became engrossed.

Get more familiar with FM Belfast here, and keep an eye on their tour dates. You don't want to miss their next NYC show.

New York Art Museums You Can't Miss!

Guest Author for Post: Dan Patterson, author bio appears below

Edited by: Heather K., WGINY 

New York City plays host to some of the finest art museums in the world. Art buffs know that any art tour of New York City simply is not complete without a visit to "The Met" and "The MoMA". Of course, you’re not going just to see the buildings, so you’ll need to know which paintings not to miss once you’re there. Some of the most famous are also housed at other Big Apple hot spots. Here’s a quick guide about where to go and what to see once you’re there.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Many people will tell you that no trip to NYC is complete without a visit to The Met, but once you get there, you’ll need to know what not to miss. The Met houses more than two million pieces of artwork and is one of the largest art museums in the world, so it is easy to understand why patrons become easily overwhelmed by the volume of works to see. If you plan ahead, you can easily navigate to the highlights, such as Michelangelo’s The Musicians (1595), Poussin’s The Abduction of the Sabine Women (1633-1634), Stuart’s portrait George Washington (1975-1796), Pollock’s Autumn Rhythm (1950), David’s The Death of Socrates (1787), Dali’s Crucifixion (1954), Picasso’s Dying Bull (1934), Homer’s Snap the Whip (1872), Monet’s Garden at Sainte-Adresse (1867), Van Gogh’s Wheat Field with Cypresses at the Hauute Galline Near Eygalieres (1889), Vermeer’s Young Woman with a Water Pitcher (1662), Manet’s The Monet Family in Their Garden at Argenteuil (1874), Klee’s Static Dynamic Gradation (1923), Matisse’s Nasturtiums with the Painting Dance (1912), El Greco’s View of Toledo (1596-1600), Singer-Sargent’s Madame X (1883-1884), and Cezanne’s The Card Players (1894-1895), to name a few. You may need more than a full day to discover all of the pieces you want to see. While you’re there, make a very worthy detour to the rooftop. It has one of the best views of the city.

The Museum of Modern Art

You may not be able to adequately recover from your affair with one famous painting before you engage with the next at MoMA. Yes, Van Gogh’s The Starry Night (1889) is there and Edvard Munch’s The Scream (1895), normally at home in Oslo, will be there until the end of April. One of the largest works of art on display is Monet’s Reflection of Clouds on the Water Lily Pond (1920), which occupies a very large amount of real estate on its own wall at MoMA. Here you’ll also find, Rousseau’s The Dream (1910), Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon (1907), Dali’s Persistence of Memory (1931), Mondrion’s Broadway Boogie-Woogie (1942-1943), Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans, Matisse’s The Dance (1909), Chagall’s I and the Village (1911), Pollock’s Number 31 (1950), John’s Flag (1954-1955), Wyeth’s Christina’s World (1948), Lichtenstein’s Drowning Girl (1963), and Klimt’s Hope II (1907-1908).

These highlights are simply a snapshot of the great works on display in New York City art museums, but you’ll be delighted to check these off of your “to see” list. 

The Guggenheim

Gaze upon Frank Lloyd Wright's building, and you will see that the modern art experience here begins outside. Inside, The Guggenheim features ever-changing, notable modern art "from the 20th Century and beyond." Many of the paintings and sculpture found in the museum's permanent collection once belonged to founder Solomon Guggenheim and his family. Within the museum's permanent collections, it is impossible to pass by works by such as Cézanne's Man with Crossed Arms (1899) or Still Life: Flask, Glass, and Jug (1877), or Picasso's first Parisian work, Le Moulin de la Galette (1900). Through April 17, 2013, Vasily Kandinsky is once again brought to life as a rotating Guggenheim exhibit that includes Kandinsky's On the Spiritual in Art (1911).

The Frick Collection

The Frick Collection is the former 5^th Avenue residence of Pittsburgh industrialist Henry Clay Frick (1849-1919). It was built in 1914 and is one of New York City’s few remaining Gilded Age mansions, making it a work of art in and of itself—visitors are particularly captivated by the exquisite courtyard. Some of the masterpieces not to be missed are Whistler’s Harmony in Pink and Grey (1881), Degas’ The Rehearsal (1878-1879), Renoir’s Mother and Children (1876-1878), Rembrandt’s Self-Portrait (1658), Goya’s The Purification of the Temple (1600) and Vermeer’s Mistress and Maid (1667).

The Whitney Museum of American Art

The Whitney Museum was created by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney in the early 1930s and features a wide variety of contemporary and American art, such as George Bellows Dempsey and Firpo (1924). The Whitney received a substantial donation from the estate of Edward Hopper in 1970, which included around 2,000 pieces of his work, most notably, Early Sunday Morning (1930) and Seven A.M. (1948).

Author Bio: 

This post was provided by Dan Patterson, who works for CityPASS. You can save on admission to some of the museums listed above with the New York CityPASS. To plan the best trip to New York, check out their plan your visit to NYC page. 

Another Superstorm?

Stay safe out there New York City, as another potential "superstorm" barrels our way today.  The storm, or rather, potential blizzard, "Nemo," may dump more than a foot of snow on our city streets tonight into tomorrow morning.

Be sure to check with the MTA frequently to ensure that your subway, bus or train line is running. Long Island Railroad and Metro North have added extra afternoon trains so that commuters who may be able to depart work early will be accommodated.

While public schools did open today, all after-school activities are cancelled. Many city events scheduled to take place tonight and tomorrow are also cancelled. Please confirm before venturing out.

Looking out my window now, I see flurries turning into rain. But weather officials confirm that this could end up being another "storm of the century," quite literally, the likes of which our region has not seen in a hundred years. Take extra precaution and stock up on food and necessities in case of power outages.

Depending on your wireless carrier, you may already be getting severe weather alert messages from the National Weather Service on your cell phone (read more about this here). If you are not, visit weather.com to sign up for their alert service.

NYC Skeeball League Wants You!

Looking for a fun, social sport that doesn't require you to kick a ball or run on a field? Think back to your childhood... No, not your soccer days, and not your softball days either... Remember your days at the arcade? Think about the first time you placed a quarter (or a game token) in a Skeeball machine, got your nine balls and aimed high to outscore your friends. Now, add a beer or three, and you've got yourself the NYC Skeeball League. 

NYC Skeeball League 

You don't have to be an athlete to throw a skeeball, and in fact, the creators of the league ask that you leave your athletic skills at home, and instead bring your socializing skills. The NYC Skeeball League focuses not on competition, but on camaraderie. You can come with your own team, or come solo and join a team. Best of all, your membership in the league gets means all of your Skeeball games are FREE while you're playing for the league. 

A typicaly Skeeball "season" consists of several game nights over seven or eight weeks, taking place between 7pm and 9:30pm, during which your team plays two matches against other teams.  (A "match" is a best out of seven games series... so the first team to win four games takes that match). Games are located at bars around Manhattan and Brooklyn and typically take place on the same night weekly. During a single season, your team will always play at the same location, and your membership also includes a league t-shirt, and drink and food specials at the bar where you play. Game play also promises prizes and parties! 

Read an overview here, or view the full set of rules here. Membership fee for an entire season costs only $50 to $65. The earlier you sign up, the better rate you'll get. 

Skeeball Brings People Together

In addition to league games, by joining the NYC Skeeball League, you'll also be privy to special member-only happy hours, movie nights and other fun events. Learn more on the league's meetup and facebook pages. There are still a few spots left for various game locations in the Winter season league, so sign up now.  

Current open team locations include:

Ace Bar (East Village/Alphabet City, E. 5th btwn Aves A & B) -- season begins Thursday, January 24.

Brother Jimmy's (Murray Hill, E. 31st and Lex) -- season begins Thursday, January 31; registration closes January 25. 

Bar East Ale House (Upper East Side, 1st & 90th)  -- season begins Thursday, February 7; registration ends January 27.

Boss Tweeds Saloon (Lower East Side, Essex btwn Rivington and Delancey)-- season begins Thursday, February 7; registration ends February 1.

(**Note, registration at any of the above locations may end earlier, based on availability**).

All photos and logos in this post were used with permission and are the property of the NYC Skeeball League.

2013 "Professional Bull Riders" Season Opener Invitational Rode into NYC This Weekend

Professional Bull Riders 2013 Season Opener at MSG

This weekend, cowboys ruled the streets of the city as New Yorkers put on their boots and spurs and saddled up for the 2013 "Professional Bull Riders" season opener at Madison Square Garden.  The 3-day "Monster Energy Invitational" was the first of approximately twenty-five national invitationals in the "Built Ford Tough Series," which will culminate in a winner-takes-all world championship event in Las Vegas from October 23-27, 2013.

It's no easy feat to maintain this kind of control...

New York City is the only northeast stop for the Built Ford Tough Series, where 40-odd riders vied for top scores.  With tough bulls like "Bushwhacker" and "Asteroid" in the competition this year, it is no wonder that many riders could barely stay atop the bulls for 3 seconds, let alone the 8 seconds granted for judging.  Finding just the right combination of bull and rider is what can help one make it to the top, as judges look for how challenging the bull itself makes the ride, as well as the rider's own determination.  Find a full explanation of the scoring rules here.  There's much more to bull riding than meets the eye, as even a rider who can maintain his posture for 8 seconds may become disqualified in other ways, such as using two hands to ride.

Some riders had less than elegant falls, while others performed steadfastly upon the furious animals leaping and kicking below them.  A horse and rider pair stayed nearby to rope in any bulls that were reluctant to return to the pen after a ride, but aside from a few errant charges here and there, most of the bulls strutted back without a care.  Complete with a rodeo clown to tell jokes, "Moonwalk," and otherwise keep the crowd warmed up between rides, the PBR event brought wholesome family fun.

Down and out!

The top rider at the New York Invitational was 29 year old Robson Palermo, from Rio Branco, Brazil, who scored a total of 816.50 points, with an average ride score of 86.58.   Next weekend, riders will head to the PBR's Chicago Invitational, and the events across 18 states will continue just about every weekend through May 10, stop for the summer, and then pick up again in August as the October finals in Las Vegas draw nearer.  Check the series schedule to see if you might be traveling to a town or city where the PBR will be held this year, and purchase tickets on ticketmaster.

New York Botanical Garden's Whimsical "Holiday Train Show" Runs Full Speed Ahead Through Iconic NYC Landmarks.

Holiday Train Whirls Past New York's "City Hall"

Add some whimsical imagination to your holiday season this year at the New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show. Creator Paul Busse pairs garden or "g-scale" model trains (the largest model trains ever manufactured), steam engines and street cars together with his world renown building replicas made entirely from tree bark, berries, pine cones and other plant parts.  Busse first showcased his innovative, nature-inspired designs at the NYBG's inaugural Holiday Train Show in 1992, and his structures have been delighting visitors of all ages ever since.  In fact, so much detail is included in his model structures, down to the last window and gargoyle, that the buildings themselves nearly become the real highlight of this show.

New York Public Library

Your visit to the Holiday Train Show begins at the entrance to the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, where you must have a timed ticket for entry. A larger-than-life conductor greets guests as they enter the exhibit and begin the journey through over 100 of New York City's most recognizable buildings such as the New York Public Library, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the original, iconic Penn Station (circa 1910-1969). Famed local bridges built from bark tower overhead, as model trains cross back and forth. There's even a model of the Conservatory itself!

Learn how Busse designs his structures in "The Artist's Studio"

Following the path Busse creates, you'll find yourself transported even beyond the city, as his structures branch out throughout the exhibit to replicas of buildings in outer boroughs and towns, such as the Wave Hill house in Riverdale, Bronx, or Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson. Take a detour off the main exhibit to visit "The Artist's Studio," where you can see how Busse builds his models, as well as view some of his models of international iconic structures.

A model train peeks its way out of a bridge built from bark

If you travel to the Train Show during peak times (midday on weekends, holiday week), be prepared to wait in line at the beginning of the exhibit, where you can pause to capture pictures of the "Statue of Liberty" and "Ellis Island." Keep that camera handy;  you won't want to put it down once you enter the main exhibit.  As the foot traffic clears up, you can really begin to enjoy the imaginative designs all around you. Christmas music sings over speakers and the scent of a tropical rain forest fills the air.

Train tracks wind around "St. Patrick's Cathedral"

For the first time this year, the Train Show even features some trains themselves that have been made exclusively from botanical parts. Back to the buildings, notice that any "stone" you may see is actually made from sand, glue and tile grout.

A total of a quarter mile of train tracks wind in, around and above these prominent buildings, bridges and other landmark replicas, and one can't help but feel a sense of fanciful amusement. As Busse notes, "[g]ardens are normally seen as still lifes, but the trains add a sense of time and motion."

Learn more about the creation of the Holiday Train Show at a documentary film about the show that plays during the early afternoon on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at the Garden's Ross Hall. This and other special programs, such as a children's "Little Engine That Could" puppet show or "Thomas and Friends" performances complete the Train Show experience for the whole family.

Make sure to bring the kids to see "Gingerbread Adventures"

Your day at the Botanical Garden's doesn't have to end (or start) at the Holiday Train Show and surrounding programs. Walk around the grounds to see monumental steel, bronze and aluminum feminine sculptures by Spanish artist, Manolo Valdez. Children will enjoy the interactive activities at "Gingerbread Adventures," where they can grind fresh spices, decorate a gingersnap cookie and view professionally-baked gingerbread houses. Warm apple cider is available at the Garden Cafe, and merrily decorated pine trees delight outside the Visitor's Center and Garden Shop.

An All-Garden Pass to the Botanical Garden's, which includes admission to the Holiday Train Show, starts at $20 for adults, and $10 for children ages 2-12, and 30% off may be available for select weekday tickets using code 9036 online.

The Holiday Train Show is closed on Christmas Day, but has extended hours through the rest of this holiday week. Don't delay because these trains leave the station (until next year...) on January 13th.

"Cougar The Musical" Follows Women "Of a Certain Age" On a Journey of Self-Discovery.

Looking for the latest theatrical tale of romantic rendezvous? Take your mom, take your sister, or better yet, take yourself, over to St. Luke's Theater, to follow three women "of a certain age" on a journey of self-discovery in "Cougar The Musical," though you don't have to be over 40 to enjoy the fun and original story and songs by playwright and composer, Donna Moore.

First, meet Mary-Marie (played by Babs Winn), the vibrant and comical owner of the new "cougar" bar in town, "Elder Grill and Boys Lounge".  Mary-Marie may be over-the-hill, but her age doesn't stop her over-active libido from seeking out any young man who will have her. Next up, Lily (played by Mary Mossberg), a recent divorcee whose voice and stage presence dazzle as beautifully as her slim, sexy figure, stumbles upon Mary-Marie's bar in her naivete, and is first introduced to the idea of being a "cougar"(an older woman who dates younger men). Finally, enter Clarity Jackson (played by Brenda Braxton), a savvy, self-reliant woman who has all but given up on finding a real man, and is writing a thesis paper on how the term "cougar" has developed as a derogatory term for women. Jackson wonders why a man who dates a younger woman can just be called a man, while a woman who dates a younger man must be pigeonholed as a "cougar," and she sets out to prove her theory of cougars as women who are less than empowered, and certainly not women to be taken seriously.

The show is peppered with witty one-liners and clever banter among the three women themselves as well as versatile actor, Danny Bernardy, who single-handedly plays every male character in the show, and even one female character, all with charm and charisma (not to mention some darling dimples!). As the storylines play out, each woman discovers her own personal strength and independence, and each finds her own story resolved in an unexpected way.

There is no intermission during the show, but the 90-minute performance seems to fly by as quickly as Mary-Marie's latest fling. With so many parody shows on the scene, it is refreshing to see a fairly new off-Broadway musical comedy (previews began in August) that isn't just recycling someone else's music (with one slight exception, a song to the tune of "Hush Little Baby"), but rather pairs judicious lyrics with creative, classy choreography.

Get yourself excited with some preview videos, and then purchase tickets to "Cougar The Musical" while they're still available (today's matinee show was sold out!). Tickets for performances through December 30 may also be available at a discount through at broadwaybox.com.

Fuerza Bruta Closing Date Looms

What do a running man, some aerial acrobats swimming overhead, and lots of confetti have to do with each other? I'm still trying to figure that out, but it certainly makes for a good time in the mystifying, mesmerizing, explosive show, Fuerza Bruta.

The show opens with a running man...

During the approximately 70-minute Fuerza Bruta performance, lights, sounds and colors collide all around you, and especially above you, as the show's catch phrase is "Look Up".  Actors move through physical space in unimaginable ways, perform exciting stunts, and garner audience participation in provocative scenes of dance, mayhem, comedy, music and physics. What began as an experimental show in Buenos Aires, Argentina, has become a sensation in New York City.

However, sadly, this visually stunning show, that has kept New York City audiences on their toes (literally, you must remain standing the entire time!) for over five years will soon be coming to a close. The curtain falls for the last time for Fuerza Bruta on January 6 (well, actually, there is no curtain -- everyone just gathers in a dark room...), but tickets are still available for upcoming shows, including additional performance dates added for the holidays. Discount tickets can also be purchased at broadwaybox.com.

Look Up!

Because you will be moving around the theater, and there is no way to guess where you could end up, it is best to leave any bags and all personal items with the coat check prior to entering the theater.  Fuerza Bruta performances take place at the Daryl Roth Theatre, at 101 E. 15th Street (just off of Union Square East), and a downstairs lounge hosts a happy hour after every performance.

Sandy -- If You Want to Help But Aren't Sure How...

Most of Manhattan is now powered up once again, but our region is still suffering.  Following is a word-of-mouth compilation of ways YOU can HELP victims of Sandy recover, from my friends and family, to yours. This is not nearly a comprehensive list, but it is one I have collected from the ideas and suggestions of many friends, upon my request for them to tell me where relief is most needed.  Some of these many not be tax-deductible, so if that is important, please inquire first.

Please feel free to add more ideas to the comments section.

Of course, as in any major disaster worldwide, the Red Cross is out in force.  You can donate to Sandy relief on their website, give blood, or text "redcross" to 90999 to donate $10.

Long Beach, New York
Long Beach, the "City By the Sea," is the small barrier island where I was raised, and which currently is operating with no power, water, or working sewage.  Schools are closed and many residents are indefinitely homeless and the town is essentially uninhabitable.  The iconic boardwalk built, partially by elephants, was ripped apart, and entire sections floated into the middle of town.

Donate directly to the City of Long Beach by sending monetary donations to City of Long Beach Relief, 1 West Chester Street, Long Beach, New York, 11561, or online at longbeachny.gov. The city is also accepting food and water donations at East School, at 456 Neptune Blvd, West School, at 91 Maryland Avenue, and Waldbaum's Plaza, at 85 E. Park Ave., and donations of other items including blankets, diapers, wipes, children's shoes, paper towels, toilet paper, batteries, socks, hats, glvoes and shopping bags can be brought to the local Ice Arena, at 150 W. Bay Drive.

Follow Long Beach, NY Hurricane Information's facebook page (not sponsored by the city, but providing a wealth of information, by residents and for residents and their friends and loved ones) for frequent updates on how residents are recovering and ways you can help.  The promoters of that page have been operating a supplies drop-off site daily at a Freeport store, Floor Mart, located at 157 E. Sunrise Hwy, and are also accepting shipped packages there to attention of Chris Musto.  See the facebook page for more information on donation hours (for Monday, 11/5, it will be 11am-2pm).  Major needs include baby formula and food, pet food, blankets and towels, air freshener, brooms, first-aid kits, cotton balls, mouthwash, candles, floss, body spray, AAA batteries, gluten-free products, and plastic storage bins. Also helpful are industrial strength black garbage bags, heavy duty rubber gloves, non-perishable and packaged food and drinks, flashlights, batteries, generators, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, toiletries, paper goods, gas and gas cans, manual can openers, disposable cameras, markers and poster board, sanitary wipes, cleaning supplies, water, soap, tarps, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, bleach, laundry detergent, toothbrushes, toothpaste, paper towels.

A former Long Beach Resident, Dennis Carmody, now residing in North Carolina, has found a way to help even from miles away, by starting an online donation site for Hurricane Sandy relief.  Dennis seeks to raise $5000 for the battered city, and all proceeds will go to the efforts of the Red Cross of Greater New York.

You can purchase beautiful photos of Long Beach at its prime and also know that 100% of the proceeds from those photos will go towards Sandy relief at Super Cleary Photo's website.

Breezy Point, Rockaway, Queens and Coney Island and Gerritsen Beach, Brooklyn, New York
The Rockaways also lost an iconic boardwalk; only the foundations remain. 110 homes burned down in an out of control fire during the storm, in Breezy Point, and other homes and businesses in the Rockaway Peninsula, Coney Island and Gerritsen Beach shore areas have been destroyed and devastated.  Families have lost everything.

I.S. 281, located at 8787 24th Ave., in Brooklyn, is accepting physical donations for Rockaway and Coney Island.

Park Avenue Tavern, at 39th and Park, in Manhattan, is accepting physical donations of specific items for the Rockaways: flashlights, batteries, masks, contractor bags, work gloves, men's and women's wellies and work boats, cleaning supplies (mops, buckets, brooms, etc.). Please clearly mark/label items. They are also in need of first aid supplies such as baby cough medicine, Band-Aids, Neosporin, Ace bandages, Advil and Tylenol, clearly labeled, and sorted separately from any of the other supplies.  Clothing is NOT needed at this location at this time. If you cannot physically get to the Tavern, you may ship items to St. Francis DeSales, 129-16 Rockaway Beach Blvd, Belle Harbor, New York, 11694. In Good Company Hospitality, the parent company of Park Avenue Tavern, has also established a Rockaways relief fund online, and monetary donations are accepted here.

Resurrection Church at 2331 Gerritsen Ave, Brooklyn, is accepting physical donations for Gerritsen Beach.

St. Bernadette's Church at 8201 13th Ave, Brooklyn, is also accepting physical donations for the Rockaways.

New York Aquarium 
Coney Island was indeed hit hard, and the beloved NY Aquarium is in desperate need of support for the marine life whose habitats are now threatened. The aquarium remains closed indefinitely due to severe storm damage, including massive flooding.  Read about the animals in need and the wonderful volunteers trying to help them here, and make a donation here.

Belmar, New Jersey
Many of New York's neighbors are also still suffering from Sandy's aftermath, such as the shore town of Belmar, New Jersey, recently ranked as the number one beach in Monmouth County. As cleanup efforts continue, and water and rubble are removed from the streets, schools will not be able to open for at least another week.  The Borough of Belmar is accepting monetary donations at belmar.com, and has established a Hurricane Relief Distribution Center that is accepting physical donations at the Belmar Arts Council Building, at 608 River Road, on the corner of Seventh Ave.

Jersey City, New Jersey
Just across the river from NYC, Jersey City residents are still in dire need of assistance, and one local, sustainable food shop, Bread and Spoon, is donating food to those in need.  To help them with their efforts, contact the owners via their website, or via email at breadandspoon@gmail.com.


All Encompassing: Staten Island and other NYC areas, Long Island, and Jersey Shore
Arguably the most devastated NYC borough, Staten Island is desperate for relief as it tries to rebuild entire neighborhoods that were destroyed by the storm.  The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, originally set up to honor a fallen firefighter after 9/11, is accepting Sandy relief donations, and you can specify exactly what region you want your funds to be used towards - Staten Island, NYC residents, New Jersey Shore residents, or Long Island residents, or you can choose "general relief".  Donate to Tunnel to Towers here.


If you still feel you want to/can do more, read this article from Boston's NPR News station, 90.9, WBUR, for more ideas on how and where to help.

Limited Subway Service Returns in Wake of Sandy

The MTA is slowly but surely getting back up after the devastation of Sandy.  Buses began operating last night at 5pm and subways will begin running limited service in Manhattan and Bronx from 42nd Street and north, as well as shuttle buses from Manhattan to Brooklyn. Brooklyn service is more limited. Please see schedule update below:

SUBWAYS:
1 trains will operate local between 242nd Street (Bronx) and Times Square-42nd Street.
2 trains will operate between 241st Street (Bronx) and Times Square-42nd Street, with express service between 96th Street and Times Square.

3 trains are suspended.
4 trains will operate in two sections making all local stops:
· Between Woodlawn (Bronx) and Grand Central-42nd Street
· Between Borough Hall and New Lots Avenue
5 trains will operate express in Brooklyn between Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center and Flatbush Avenue.
6 trains will operate local between Pelham Bay Park and Grand Central-42nd Street.
7 trains are suspended.
42nd Street Shuttle S trains will operate between Times Square and Grand Central.
A trains will operate in two sections making all local stops:
· Between 168th Street (Manhattan) and 34th Street-Penn Station
· Between Jay Street/MetroTech and Lefferts Blvd.
B and C service is suspended.
D trains operate in two sections:
· Between 205th Street (Bronx) and 34th Street-Herald Square making all local stops
· In Brooklyn, between Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center and Bay Parkway making express stops between Pacific Street and 36th Street
E trains are suspended.
F trains operate in two sections making all local stops:
· Between 179th Street (Queens) and 34th Street-Herald Square
· In Brooklyn, between Jay Street-MetroTech and Avenue X
G trains are suspended.
J trains operate between Jamaica Center and Hewes Street making all local stops.
L trains operate between Broadway Junction and rockaway Parkway making all local stops.
M trains operate between Myrtle Avenue-Broadway and Metropolitan Avenue.
N trains operate between Ditmars Blvd. (Queens) and 34th Street-Herald Square making all local stops.
Q trains are suspended.
R trains operate in Brooklyn between Jay Street-MetroTech and 95th Street making all local stops.
Both the Franklin Avenue and Rockaway Park S shuttles are suspended.

SHUTTLE BUSES:
All shuttle buses will operate north on 3rd Avenue and south on Lexington Avenue.
1. Between Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center and 57th Street-Lexington Avenue via the Manhattan Bridge
2. Between Jay Street-MetroTech and 57th Street-Lexington Avenue via the Manhattan Bridge
3. Between Hewes Street and 57th Street-Lexington Avenue via the Williamsburg Bridge

Where to Find Halloween Costumes and Accessories in NYC

Halloween Party-Goers Ike Sainoi and Richard Park
Want You  to Ask "Where's Waldo?"

Halloween is just around the corner.  Do you have a costume yet?  

Whether you're looking to participate in the 39th Annual Village Halloween Parade on October 31, you've RSVPed to some extravagant masquerade party this weekend, or you just can't wait to take your little ones trick-or-treating, you're nobody if you can't pretend to be somebody else at least one day a year.

Don't fear! There is almost definitely a shop near you where you can fulfill all of your Halloween dreams: 

Halloween Adventure
Although called “Halloween Adventure,” one of the best costume shops in all of New York City, is actually open all year round, and located right near Union Square, at 104 4th Ave. Have a vampire convention to attend in Boston in February? This is the place to go for all of your costume accessories. Of course, it wouldn’t be a “Halloween Adventure” if the store didn’t also offer just about everything and more that you need to build the biggest, baddest Halloween costume out there (or just purchase one already made). Claiming to be the largest costume store on the East Coast, and especially catering to Hollywood aficionados, Halloween Adventure has costumes and accessories ranging from obscure yet professional-looking monster masks to full out Stormtroopers, Tron and other famous characters.

Ricky’s NYC

If you're looking to add some real pizzazz to your Halloween costume, and you’re willing to spare no expense, Ricky’s Costume Superstore is the perfect place to purchase your getup. With more than 20 locations in Manhattan, 2 in Brooklyn, 1 one Queens, and 1 in Hoboken, in addition to 12 "pop up" stores just for Halloween, you're bound to be within walking distance or a short train ride to a Ricky's. Once there, you can browse colorful wigs galore, glittery upscale beauty products, the sexiest adult costumes you’ve ever seen, as well as a large collection of children and pet costumes. Ricky’s provides one of the most sophisticated shopping experiences for anyone (or any dog or cat) who needs to look absolutely fabulous on Halloween.

Spirit Halloween Superstores

Scaring into New York City only seasonally, and closing its doors precisely on October 31, Spirit Halloween Superstores knows the real meaning of supply and demand.  With Halloween rapidly approaching, bleary eyed work-a-day consumers demand the best products and prices, and Spirit’s selection and value are anything but transparent.  Spirit stands out because it is all Halloween, all the time! And to really set themselves apart from their competitors, Spirit offers changing rooms where certain costumes to be tried on, because nobody wants a costume that looks great in the bag but horrible on your person.  Spirit is also a great option for Halloween decorations, to create a really spooky home, such as motion-activated ghoul machines. Find a Spirit Halloween Superstore near you. There's branches in all five boroughs, nearby New Jersey and Long Island.

Party City

Party City is literally a warehouse for party supplies, and Halloween is certainly a reason to party.  Anyone who has seen their old “Thriller” costume commercials, knows that the costume experience at Party City is an exciting one, and the prices are surprisingly less than chilling.  Party City has daily deals available online, and being a large, national retailer, the store is able to offer great deals in-store as well.  Rest assured that anything you may need for Halloween can be found here -- full costumes for all ages, personalities and body types, fun makeup, paper goods to throw your very own Halloween bash, and assorted candy to keep on stock for trick-or-treaters that may come your way. Check out Party City's expanded hours for Halloween at its two Manhattan locations on W. 14th and W. 34th Streets.

T.J. Maxx

Known for fabulous styles at deep discounts, true “Maxxinistas” know that T.J. Maxx isn’t just for hunting down inexpensive household goods or snagging designer fashions at rockbottom prices, but it is also a great place to start your children’s Halloween costume search.  T.J. Maxx is known for selling clothing that looks expensive but is actually quite reasonably priced, and the same holds true for their assorted kids’ costumes.  From ladybugs to regal princesses, T.J. Maxx will outfit your little one in quality costume attire, and probably for under $30. Locate a T.J. Maxx near you.

Finally, don’t overlook the seasonal aisles of your local pharmacy. Both CVS and Duane Reade have small seasonal sections in each store. The selections are far less than the larger costume stores, but if you just need a generic pirate costume, “Scream” mask or black cape, you may want to check out the lower prices here before hitting up the bigger stores.

**A similar version of this post was originally submitted to newyork.nearsay.com, but never published.

Sarita's Macaroni and Cheese (aka "S'MAC") Comes to Murray Hill!

Warm, gooey, cheesy comfort food. That's what Sarita's Macaroni and Cheese, more commonly known as "S'MAC," has been serving up since 2006 at its popular East Village location. Now there's even more to love from S'MAC owners, "husband and wife team," Sarita and Caesar Ekya, as S'MAC cut the proverbial ribbon on a second indoor location, just a few weeks ago, in Murray Hill (S'MAC also operates a small outdoor kiosk at First Park).

S'MAC's New Space in Murray Hill 

S'MAC offers more than ten varieties on traditional macaroni and cheese, in four varying sizes -- from just a "Nosh" (which is actually more than enough for one person to have an entire meal), to "Partay!" size plates of mac. Don't bother with the "All-American," as it will never be the same mac your mom made when you were little. Instead, branch out and explore the other dishes, each featuring a different cheese, meat or spice that will create wonderful food memories in your mouth.

Parissiene with Breadcrumbs

Just one bite of the "Parissiene," made with creamy brie, roasted figs and shitake mushrooms, and fresh rosemary, will have any cheese-lover sold on S'MAC. Those watching calories who still want to indulge should try the "Garden Lite," made with light cheddar and parmesan cheeses, and mixed with scrumptious veggies, like cauliflower and broccoli, and with a hint of roasted garlic. If none of the selections strike your fancy (which is unlikely), try the S'MAC Sampler, or just create your own mac and cheese sensation, using your choice of cheeses and "mix-ins". Don't forget to ask for free breadcrumbs!

Want to buy now but eat later? Ask for your mac to be prepared "Take & Bake" style. These S'MAC dishes can last 3-4 days in your refrigerator, or longer in your freezer, to be baked at your own convenience.



Have a gluten allergy?  You don't have to pass up the food adventures at S'MAC, as all dishes can be made with gluten-free pasta (for an additional cost). S'MAC also has options for vegans and those with lactose intolerance.

Need another reason to support S'MAC? When you support S'MAC, they support others in the community.

Visit all of S'MAC's current locations:

East Village - 345 E. 12th St., between 1st and 2nd Aves.

Murray Hill - 157 E. 33rd St., between Lexington and 3rd Aves.

Kiosk - 3 1st Ave., First Park, at the corner of 1st and Houston

TheSkilift.org Lets the Car-less Find Rideshares to the Slopes!

Last year, I posted all about skiing and snowboarding day trips from New York City without a car.  The bus  trips mentioned are an easy and convenient way to enjoy the slopes, but now another option has come into the mix: TheSkiLift.org is a rideshare and social networking site for the snowbound, connecting those with cars with those who need a proverbial "lift."

Whether you have a car and want some company or a little cash while driving to the slopes, or you are looking to ski/board and hope to save a little money on transportation, be able to go on your own schedule, and maybe make a friend in the process, TheSkiLift.org is a great tool.  The site connects would-be ridesharers not just locally, but around the world.   Hopefully there will actually be some snow this year in upstate New York, New England and surrounding areas, so we can enjoy the great snow sports they have to offer.

Find TheSkiLift on facebook here.

Bayside High School Comes to NYC With All of Your Favorite "Zack Attack" Members.

Break out your oversized 90s cell phone and bottle of caffeine pills, as the "Zack Attack" has hit the East Village's Kraine Theater.  Alternatively known as either Bayside High School, or the beloved teen hangout, "The Max," depending on the scene, Kraine Theater has welcomed the wacky cast of  the 1989-1993 hit TV sitcom, "Saved By the Bell" to perform a musical about their school, friendships, and love lives.

Okay, actually, it's not the original cast, as they're all now approaching 40, nor is the show even authorized by the creators of the original "Saved By the Bell," but who's checking?  "Bayside! The Unmusical!" brings the audience back to that turbulent, grunge rock era that was the 90s.  Two electric guitarists accompany a spry cast of fresh, young faces to rekindle the love between "Zack" and "Kelly," cure "Jessie Spano" of her crippling over-the-counter pill addiction, help "AC Slater" find his passion, and help "Lisa Turtle" gossip and shop, and shop and gossip, all the while keeping up wise-cracks at the expense of the king of nerds, "Samuel 'Screech' Powers."  The guitarists, who together make up the only "orchestra" of the show, also happen to be the parody's writers and directors, cousins, Bob and Tobly McSmith.  Their rock music numbers are part-original, part parodies in themselves of famous songs such as "You're the One That I Want" from movie-musical, "Grease".

Slater confronts Jessie about her pill bottles
Photo by Curtis Peel

The show opens with an introductory musical number reminding the audience about some of the critical and most memorable storylines that their favorite characters were involved in while the show was popular.  For example, Jessie and Slater sing about how they're the "worst couple at Bayside."  Immediately, a few things are clear -- April Kidwell, who plays Jessie, has amazing comedic timing and is the glue that holds the show together, while her counterpart, Israel Viñas (Slater), is the one to watch for his perfect pitch and Broadway-style singing voice.

"Bayside! The Unmusical!" is quirky, sexually tinged, and full of many throwbacks to the original to catch the audience's attention - dream sequences, Zack freezing time, even buddy bands!  Follow the gang as they try to come up with a way to save The Max, which will be forced to close if they can't raise $500.  Along the way, reconnect with the characters you have come to know and love, whether via first run episodes or during the frequent reruns that still play on network TV to this day.

Will Zack and Kelly stay "friends forever"?
Photo by Curtis Peel

Zack, played by JD Scalzo, narrates the show and makes it clear that it's really all about him.  His character is nothing if not cool and a bit conceited.  Zack's love interest, Kelly, played by Caitlin Claessens, is beautiful as can be, and though her character as a flighty, promiscuous cheerleader is extremely exaggerated, the audience is nevertheless left with a genuine affection for her as she tries to break some important news to her beau.  Meanwhile, with bulging muscles, greased to shine and, well, bulge, Viñas prances around the stage in a classic onesie-style wrestling leotard, proclaiming his mutual love and hate for things like wrestling, and Jessie, while he wonders if the world will ever see him as "more than just a greasy, beefy stud-muffin."  As he ponders this, Slater eventually comes to an important realization that is a team-changer. Whoops, I mean game changer... Jessie, for better or worse, isn't really paying attention to this, as she is both so excited and so, so scared about whether or not she'll ever get into Stanford.  Keep an eye on her character improvisations and embellishments if you really want to crack up.

Shamira Clark, who plays Lisa, surprises the audience when she turns out to not only be black, but not half bad at rapping, and you can't help but notice that in a trendy, fashionable hat, she could be a dead ringer for Lark Voorhies, who played the original Lisa Turtle in the series.  Lisa is constantly pursued by Screech, played by Rachel Witz, who goes in and out of character to reference ways her predecessor, Dustin Diamond, has tried desperately to remain in the media spotlight in the real world (such as by creating and distributing a video of himself engaged in sexual self-gratification).

Of course, the Bayside High team wouldn't be complete if Mr. Belding weren't involved, especially as the kids recognize (and sing about how) they're the "only students at Bayside."  Actor and real-life criminal lawyer, Zachary Peters, nails Belding's signature "hey, hey hey!" and belly laughs.

Overall, for only $15 for a general admission ticket, "Bayside! The Musical!" is a fun way to spend a little over an hour reminiscing and laughing at the jokes that just never get old.  In fact, the show had opened and closed earlier in the year, but it was apparently saved by the bell, and brought back for the current limited engagement, at the end of September.  While the creators hope to keep it going for as long as possible, right now there are only four remaining shows scheduled, so buy your tickets now and get ready to go back to high school.  Go Bayside!