Opening Reception Tonight at Blue Mountain Gallery Highlights Five Emerging Artists in an Exhibition Running Through July 5

Andrew Dylan Campbell's The Motive for Metaphor, 72" x 44", Acrylic on Canvas, 2014

The Chelsea neighborhood of New York is notorious for, among other things, streets lined with art galleries beckoning passersby to come in, browse, and, hopefully, buy. Tonight, I'm particularly excited to attend the opening reception for an exhibition at one such gallery, Blue Mountain Gallery. Blue Mountain welcomes five emerging artists, who all have in common that they have recently completed an MFA program at Western Connecticut State University, but the versatility among these artists is anything but common. The "Thesis Exhibition," which represents the culmination of two years of intensive work for each of the artists, will run through July 5. Gallery hours are usually Tuesdays through Sundays from 11am-6pm, but tonight's opening reception will go from 5pm-8pm. View the exhibition catalog for more information. Highlighted pieces include paintings, sculpture and illustrations, across mixed media.

Several of the artists seem to draw inspiration from their surroundings and their life experiences. For example, the exhibited works of Andrew Dylan Campbell,* an American painter and the only one of the artists to also hold an MA in Visual Arts, reflect at first glance the beach as a familiar setting, as Campbell grew up on Long Island. However, Campbell holds that "the true content of his paintings is revealed slowly through the destruction and rebuilding of the figural and gestural elements involved, based on intuition and memories." 

Come down, peruse the pieces, and if you see something you like, let the artists know. 

*Campbell happens to be a personal friend, but don't let that overshadow his immense talent and passion for his work as a painter. See for yourself. Come to the exhibition. 

Spotlight on Two Indie Productions You Should Check Out This Weekend.

Fulfill all of your indie theatre kicks this weekend at TADA Theater. Interested in crime, mystery and the feeling of film noir? Funny...Sheesh Productions' Doubles Crossed: The Ballad of Rodrigo has what you're looking for. How about sexuality, personal relationships, and a story about breaking away from the conventional? Ivy Theatre Company's The Feminism of Soft Merlot, or (How the Donkey Got Punched) will whet your appetite. In a press release, these companies describe how they are currently working together "in a space sharing partnership to promote artistic union and collaboration within the New York City Independent theatre scene." Read about both shows and choose the one for you or, if you go this Saturday or Sunday, make it a double feature!

Funny…Sheesh Productions Presents Doubles Crossed: The Ballad of Rodrigo.

 By Tami Shaloum

The sequel to Jason S. Grossman’s 2012 play, Doubles Crossed, and the second in his trilogy, The Ballad of Rodrigo is a thriller in the vein of 40s and 50s film noir. Even the backdrop is a screen that displays images of fake news headlines that refer to the play’s plot. While there are references to the first play, there is no need to have seen it to understand what is going on. A summary in the program, and the aforementioned headlines, brings the audience up to speed.

The plot follows Freddie Tower aka Freddie the Finisher (Gregory James Cohan), former criminal with the Dead Street mob, now assuming his dead twin brother’s identity as FBI agent Irving Tower. Tower’s back in town to get to the bottom of a mysterious death involving the deceased crime boss’ driver Rodrigo. Along the way, he gets entangled with an enigmatic woman named Trina (played magnetically by Alison Parks), who always seems to show up at the same greasy spoon each day at the same time as Tower. Said greasy spoon, owned by Sally (cheerfully portrayed by Cindy Keiter) and her son Flapjack (James Holden)—police detective at the local precinct and the only one who knows Tower’s true identity—becomes the setting for most of the action. Will Flapjack turn Tower in? What is the mystery woman doing in that coffee shop every day? What is Tower really up to? While the story has plenty of twists and turns, the ending becomes especially convoluted. The underlying message is don’t trust anyone because you never know who can turn on you.

The language of The Ballad of Rodrigo is especially interesting. It has its own neo-noir lingo and although definitions are handily listed in the program, it’s pretty easy to catch on. The characters also speak with old-timey inflection, as though they were performing a radio play in the 1940s. Directed by Amber Gallery, they never sound hackneyed, though there are some archetypes: the nosy trench coat-clad reporter just itching for a story (the fast-talking Allen Warnock); the unhinged, neglected son of a crime boss out for revenge (dastardly portrayed by Matthew J. Nichols); the jaded, alcoholic cop who’s lost everything (Ridley Parson). There’s also a slight anachronistic quality to the setting that’s somewhat confusing but ultimately charming. The characters use cell phones, while also having rotary phones on their desks. Some characters dress in period costume and some dress more modern.

Doubles Crossed has the feel of a movie with the presence of a play and will leave you wanting more. Good thing it’s a trilogy.

Doubles Crossed: The Ballad of Rodrigo is playing at the TADA Theater Friday through Sunday. For tickets, go to http://balladofrodrigo.brownpapertickets.com/. 

Ivy Theatre Company presents The Feminism of Soft Merlot, or (How the Donkey Got Punched).

 By Heather K. 

The Feminism of Soft Merlot, or (How the Donkey Got Punched), much like some of the characters presented, should not be judged by its initial appearance. The show focuses on a seemingly stable yipster couple, Kareena (Diana Oh) and Teddy (Patrick Daniel Smith), and Kareena's sweet, prude friend, Sam (Lauren Dortch-Crozier). Kareena and Teddy have got it made - great jobs, great apartment, and above all, a great relationship. The over-confident Kareena feels obliged to impart her relationship wisdom onto her friend, resulting in witty banter between Kareena and Sam, which often hinges on the actresses' decisive comedic timing. You may recall actress Diana Oh from Mac Rogers' "Frankenstein Upstairs." Her adeptness with deadpan humor is hard to forget. 

Hoping to help Sam explore the dating world, and perhaps help her friend delve deeper into her own sexuality, Kareena sets Sam up with Kyle (Justin Anselmi), a former beau she herself had met online, before Teddy came into her life. Kareena assures Sam that she and Kyle never had relations, and she encourages Sam to meet him in person, despite Sam's coyness upon learning that Kyle works as a pornography filmmaker. The opening scenes are riddled with subtext and foreshadowing, and we soon see an unexpected transformation in Sam. Intriguingly, just as Sam seems to be finding herself, Kareena begins to lose herself, and a shocking event shakes her relationship with Teddy to its core. The result is compelling. 

The Feminism of Soft Merlot examines human relationships at their best and worst, and tackles some tough issues. What is feminism, really? Is it fighting for the right to vote or fighting for the right to dance on a pole? Can it be both? Can society ever accept that women may desire sex as much as men? What makes a woman independent? What is acceptable when it comes to expressing your sexuality? Morales and mores are tested in this unexpectedly poignant play that you'll find yourself still talking about days later. 

The Feminism of Soft Merlot, or (How the Donkey Got Punched) is playing at the TADA Theatre Thursday through Sunday. For tickets, go to http://ivytheatre.brownpapertickets.com/. 

City Parks Foundation Kicks Off SummerStage Season with Night of Dinner, Dancing and The Beatles!

By Tami Shaloum

Photos by Heather-Ann Schaeffner* 

R to L: Willie Nile; Philip Bailey; David Broza; Paula Cole; John Batiste

Ever wonder where the money for the maintenance and programming of the over 750 New York City parks comes from? Tuesday’s CityParks Foundation (CPF) Gala answered that question with a fundraiser that yielded over one million dollars. Honoring CPF Board Member Andrew Tisch with the 2014 People and Parks Award, the gala coincided with the start of a rich and varied SummerStage season. Featuring over 100 free music, dance, comedy and theatre events spread throughout all five boroughs, SummerStage is one of New York City’s most highly anticipated performing arts festivals. The gala did not disappoint, as it lived up to the high standards of previous seasons with an evening featuring the music of The Beatles.

Willie Nile Gets the Audience Dancing

As the rainfall turned into a trickle, a rainbow smiled on the start of the concert at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park. With G.E. Smith and his All-Star Band at the helm, a rotating roster of accomplished musicians paid tribute to the Fab Four with songs such as “Eight Days A Week,” “A Hard Day’s Night,” “And Your Bird Can Sing” and “She Said She Said.” Willie Nile got the audience dancing with his rousing version of “Revolution.” Israeli singer/songwriter David Broza then chilled out with a Spanish guitar inflected “In My Life” and a Paul Simon-esque “Twist and Shout.” Paula Cole enchanted the audience with a solo piano rendition of “She’s Leaving Home,” then got the audience up on its feet again with the band-backed “Get Back.”

John Batiste Plays a Different Kind of Keyboard

New Orleans native Jon Batiste really put his own spin on “Blackbird,” using the piano to evoke both jazz and classical styles. His “Paperback Writer” was similarly interesting, pulling in funky rhythms to the familiar tune. Southside Johnny (of the Asbury Jukes) pulled off an expectedly rocking “Helter Skelter” and “Drive My Car.” But it was Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire and his brass section that really brought the house down with a funky, soulful R&B performance of “Got to Get You into My Life.”

Although the gala and concert were not for the general public, the result of it certainly is. The money raised will go toward supporting the City Parks Foundation’s free arts, education, and sports programs all year round. If anything was raining down on Central Park the other night, it was the community spirit and celebration of the arts that the City Parks Foundation and its supporters showered on the city.

The full calendar of all the SummerStage 2014 events can be found at http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/summerstage/.

More Photo Highlights from the CPF Gala:

G.E. Smith Gets Down with Paula Cole

John Batiste Tickles the Ivories

Southside Johnny Sings Out

Willie Nile Plays the Tambourine

Andrew Tisch and CPF President Alison Tocci 

*See the full show photo reel at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/candidecoating/sets/72157645084770473/

Governor's Ball 2014 Tips for Festival-Goers

The Governor's Ball Music Festival 2014 has descended upon New York City, attracting over 13,000 music fans. Despite the name, the festival is actually held on Manhattan's Randall's Island. After rain and mud made a mess of Randall's last year, this year's weekend forecast is full of sunshine.

Save money by traveling to the Island by biking or walking over the RFK bridge from Queens, Manhattan or the Bronx, or by walking over the E. 103rd Street footbridge in Manhattan. See all travel options here.

Must haves to optimize your Governor's Ball experience: a blanket to rest on, sunscreen, good shoes, a refillable water bottle, hand sanitizer, the Gov Ball 2014 App on your smartphone, and some cash (although some vendors accept credit cards and Pay Pal).

Janelle Monae at the Gov Ball Stage 6/6/14

Performance highlights from Friday included Phoenix's Thomas Mars crowd-surfing out into the audience as he ended his set (he does this at most shows, yet it is always exhilarating to see); Jenny Lewis playing keyboard in a groovy pants suit; Janelle Monae lighting up the stage as an "Electric Lady"; and headliner Outkast pulling audience members up on stage during their hit song, "Hey Ya".

WGINY's personal selections for your Saturday and Sunday schedule: Fitz and the Tantrums, Broken Bells, The Naked & Famous, The Strokes, Childish Gambino, Spoon, Sleigh Bells, Jack White, The Head and the Heart, Foster the People, Interpol,  and Vampire Weekend.

Food tips: It would be nearly impossible to try all 50+ food, drink and dessert vendors in just three days. Yesterday, WGINY got to sample some crispy Belgian fries from the Pommes Frites stand, and some rich, creamy mac & cheese from Beecher's Handmade Cheese. I recommend both, and suggest adding some of the condiment hot sauce to the mac for a spicy surprise.


One last tip: Please adhere to the signs and bins for trash/landfill, composting and recycling. Governor's Ball and Clean Vibes are working hard to keep Randall's Island litter free, yet the amount of trash (mostly beer cans...) I saw on the grass yesterday was absolutely appalling, and I did not envy the staff who will have to clean up after the festival-goers. We can do better.

Forget your sunscreen? Don't worry. There's an "app" for that.

Yes, You CAN Compost in New York City!

Summer is inching closer in New York City, and that means its time to get back to your local Greenmarket. This year, consider going even greener and bringing your indoor food scraps to select Greenmarkets to be composted. Your food scraps and other organic waste can be turned into soil rather than just deposited in a landfill. Currently, 38 Greenmarkets across the five boroughs offer composting. While some markets, like the one at Union Square, are open year round, many are seasonal. Find your local Greenmarket composting schedule here.

You can read more about composting at grownyc.org, and find answers to your questions about composting, such as, "What can I bring to the compost collection sites?": "Accepted materials include fruit and vegetable scraps, non-greasy food scraps (rice, pasta, bread, cereal etc.), coffee grounds & filters, tea bags, egg and nut shells, pits, cut or dried flowers, houseplants and potting soil. [Please NO meat, chicken, fish, greasy food scraps, fat, oil, dairy, animal waste, litter or bedding, coal or charcoal, coconuts, diseased and/or insect-infested houseplants/soil or biodegradable/compostable plastics.]" 

You can also set up your own compost bin at home. In Worms in the City, Apartment Composting, Video Journalist Karlyn Michelson* visits the Lower East Side Ecology Center and reports on how New Yorkers with no access to indoor space can compost their food scraps indoors using earth worms, or "red wigglers".

Read more about indoor and outdoor composting in NYC at NYCWasteLess, and find other ideas for home composting here.

*Karlyn Michelson is an Emmy award-winning filmmaker, producer and video journalist. 

Win Tickets to "The Anthem," A New Sci-Fi Musical Based on Ayn Rand's Novella

You probably remember reading Anthem in high school or college, Ayn Rand's novella that addresses the notions of individuality vs. collectivism in a dystopian futuristic society. Now you can see it come to life as never before, on the stage with music, dancing, a disco ball, glittery costumes, acrobatics, and a protagonist you'll want to root for, fittingly named "Prometheus". The Anthem opens on May 20 at the Lynn Redgrave Theater at 45 Bleecker Street.

From The Anthem's creators: "Hunger Games meets Ayn Rand in a world where individuality is illegal. Prometheus abandons everything to confront the State -- controlled by the overlord of evil efficiency, Tiberius. With a forbidden copy of Ayn Rand's ancient tome in hand, can Prometheus overthrow the system?"

One WGINY reader will win a voucher good for two tickets to The Anthem. Win tickets by coming up with a song title you think could be fitting for the musical score of The Anthem and emailing it to whatsgoodinny@gmail.com. One winner will be selected by 5pm on May 16th.

Even if you don't win, you can still score a great deal by using code ANTRRM when purchasing tickets online, or mentioning ANTRRM by phone call to 866.811.4111, or at the theater's box office, which opens two hours before performances. With this special offer, tickets are just $39 from May 20 to May 28 (regularly $60), and just $45 from May 30 to July 6 (regularly $64). Start this summer off radically!

Follow The Anthem on twitter for show updates and photos. 

CONTEST RESTRICTIONS: Winner will receive a ticket voucher redeemable for two tickets to a performance of his/her choice. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply. Winner must not have won any WGINY contest nor contributed any guest articles to WGINY for the previous six months.

DEAL RESTRICTIONS: Subject to availability. Maximum of 12 tickets per order. Not valid on prior purchases. Offer cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. Additional blackout dates and restrictions may apply. No refunds or exchanges. Offer may be revoked at any time. Standard service fees apply to all phone and internet orders. 

This Weekend's New York Polish Film Festival Brings Powerful Polish Cinema to New York City.

This weekend brings to town the 10th Anniversary New York Polish Film Festival, with film screenings of Polish cinema through Sunday evening. Governor Cuomo has rightly recognized that this festival "showcase[s] movies that explore the full depth of human emotion ... [and] introduces new audiences to Polish life and culture through the powerful medium of cinematic storytelling," so I'm not sure why the theater was only half-full when I arrived for tonight's screening of Papusza. This particular film chronicled the sad and shocking life of "Roma," or "Gypsy" poet, Bronislawa Wajs, more commonly known as "Papusza".

Still photo from Papusza.
Used with permission.

When my friend first encouraged me to join her on a Friday night to watch a movie about the life of a poet I had never heard of, I must admit I was slightly reluctant. However, I could not now be more appreciative of having been introduced to Papusza. Written and directed by Joanna and Krzysztof Krauze, Papusza is a powerful, moving film that will break your heart, even as it simultaneously causes you to fall in love. You will learn about a little girl, a "doll," who never got to become a little girl as she grew up in harsh times traveling with her family's caravan around Poland in the early 1900s. Resilient as could be, she learned to read and write in secret, as formal education was not encouraged by Romani culture at the time. The more lighthearted moments of the movie are full of traditional Romani music playing, accompanied by the laughter of innocent children, often around a fire where the caravan had set up camp.

There was always something a little different about Papusza, and, according to the movie, when poet Jerzy Ficowski first encountered her and learned that she could create beautiful, poignant poetry, he encouraged her talent to flourish. Although it eventually earned her notoriety, her connection to Ficowski and the publication of her poems began a spiral downfall for Papusza, and led to her being ostracized by her fellow Gypsies.

This was all set against the backdrop of several tragic events that affected Poland in the 1900s, including World War II and Gypsy pogroms. Papusza passed away in 1987, but her legacy lives on in her work and now also through this touching film. Read more about her life and read some of the poems that changed it here.

There are eleven films in total at the NY Polish Film Festival this year, all feature-length, and it's not too late to buy tickets for the remaining Saturday and Sunday shows. See the full schedule here and follow the event on facebook. The Festival is sponsored by the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in New York and Zywiec Polish Beer.

Flash Mob America Brings Crowds Together for Surprise Celebrations.

Last month I participated in my very first "flash mob," in one of the most recognizable areas of Central Park, at the sparkling Bethesda Fountain. Thanks to the efforts of Flash Mob America, WGINY (along with several hundred others) was able to share in a very special moment for one young couple, "Anthony" and "Michelle," and help make that moment even more memorable.

It was very simple to sign up for the "Marriage Proposal Flash Mob" event on Flash Mob America's event registration site. From there, I received an email with links to videos on youtube.com from which I could learn the dance that we would be performing in the park, to a very fitting Jason DeRulo song, "Will You Marry Me". The dance seemed complex at first glance, but with just a couple of views I was able to get down some of the moves (with special thanks to a flash mob friend for explaining "kick-ball-change" incessantly until I caught on). There would also be a three-hour rehearsal on the day of the event, just prior to the proposal scene.

Our dance instructor and one of the co-founders of Flash Mob America, Staci Lawrence, was wonderful to work with, easy to follow, and full of flair and style. She reminded us that the most important thing was to just have fun. We drilled through the dance at rehearsal with Staci, breaking down individual dance moves, and then putting it all back together again, until we really began to find our flow as a group. Our group was then split up into several smaller groups, so that the flash mob we were creating would start small and seemingly grow from nowhere. The location of the marriage proposal was not given to us until the final moments of rehearsal, as the proposal was going to be a complete surprise for the intended bride-to-be, and we also didn't want any passersby to catch on to what we were doing until we had begun dancing.

The final effect was incredible. The Bethesda Fountain area became flooded with dancers, all focused on Michelle, who elatedly and emotionally accepted Anthony's grand gesture with exuberance. Anthony and Michelle were strangers to us all, but it was amazing to be a part of their joy and know that we could all share with them an experience that none of us will ever forget.

Check out the video from Anthony and Michelle's marriage proposal above, and keep up with Flash Mob America on facebook and twitter to learn of future events, or hire them for your next special event. The organization is available for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, and just about anything else you can imagine.

Improvisational Repertory Theatre Ensemble Presents a Comedy of Terrors with "The Scary"

Poster for "The Scary"
Re-printed with permission

The Improvisational Repertory Theatre Ensemble (ITRE) has taken up residency at The Producers' Club (358 W. 44th St) for a series of five improv shows running through August 2014.

This past weekend, WGINY attended the currently-running show, "The Scary," directed by Pat Shay, in which the cast created an hour-long improvisational sketch inspired by Stephen King. Rather than solicit cold ideas from the audience, IRTE invented various ways to have audience members choose common themes from the master of horror's psyche. The show needed a hero or heroine, so after having an audience-member reach into a dirty box of ideas, Alex Decaneas became the "unpopular girl with paranormal abilities, while Nannette Deasy, IRTE's Artistic Director, traded her founder's hat for an "evil clown" wig and makeup. In true terrifying fashion, two masked twins then came out to accost an audience member into selecting a scene location by way of a large Origami fortune teller. The chosen location was a creepy hotel in Maine.



Together with their comical colleague, Curt Dixon, Deasy and Decaneas are familiar from their raucous stint together in Gotham City Improv's "Off the Top of Our Heads." Also with a Gotham City Improv history, IRTE member Marcia Sofley has a clear knack for character acting. Read about the full 2014 ensemble here. Together they draw from a wealth of credits including off-Broadway, national tours and feature film.

L to R: Jamie Maloney; Marcia Sofley; Nannette Deasy; Graceann Dorse; Alex Decaneas; Robert Baumgardner; Curt Dixon.
Not pictured: Guest performer Evie Aronson.
Photo provided by IRTE

As for "The Scary," the wacky cast of characters in this dark comedy improvisation utilized various props to keep the storylines alive - hats, wigs, masks, silly string, fake blood, alcohol bottles - as they created sketches within their sketch, improvising scenes at a truck stop, an automobile shop, and a prom, eventually resolving all storylines at the creepy hotel. It was clear that the creative ensemble members were having a blast, although their interactions appeared a bit rough around the edges. There's definitely potential here.

During a short intermission, IRTE welcomed musical guest Pablo Blues Boy, who struck a chord with WGINY as an introspective, John Mayer meets JJ Grey singer-songwriter. His short set was extremely entertaining. All of IRTE's shows at The Producers' Club include live musical interludes, with rotating performers from the NYC indie music scene.

Watch ITRE's "The Scary" promo video here, and read more about the improv group on ITRE's website. "The Scary" closes on Saturday, April 26, with musical guest Gift of Tongues. Tickets for "The Scary" are $10, or you can purchase a $40 season pass for access to the entire 2014 season of shows.

Disney's Aladdin on Broadway Will Make You Believe in Magic All Over Again.

It's been nearly 21 years since Disney first released its animated feature film, "Aladdin," and took us all on a magical ride through the enchanted city of Agrabah. Now, following the success of several movie-musical turned Broadway-musical shows such as "Lion King" and "Beauty and the Beast," Disney is at it again with "Aladdin on Broadway". Drawing from the 1992 film and fabled Aladdin stories from hundreds of years earlier, with a few new twists and turns, Disney's latest production of "Aladdin" will awe you with its charm, mysticism and explosive special effects.

Our favorite "street-rat," the noble thief Aladdin himself (Adam Jacobs), begins his tale by getting into trouble in town. Because Disney presumably could not actually train a live monkey to speak and sing, film-favorite "Abu" is noticeably absent from Aladdin's side, but in his place Aladdin pals around with a sort of merry band of misfits -- his friends Babkak (Brian Gonzales), Kassim (Brandon O'Neill), and Omar (Jonathan Schwartz). Though they tend to overuse one-liners, the addition of these sidekicks for Aladdin provide an ongoing comic relief and gives more cohesiveness to his character. The new Broadway production also adds a nostalgic element of a deceased mother whose spirit Aladdin sings to and seeks approval from. Disney certainly found a "diamond in the rough" with Jacobs, a talented singer and performer who is also known for playing the lead role of "Simba" in Disney's "The Lion King" on Broadway.

Across town in Agrabah, the beautiful Princess Jasmine (Courtney Reed) dazzles inside of her heavily-guarded palace walls, but dreams of a life outside. Meanwhile, Jasmine's father, the Sultan of Agrabah (Clifton Davis), struggles in vain to find a suitor that Jasmine can tolerate. Unbeknownst to them, the Sultan's own trusted advisor, Jafar (Jonathan Freeman), waits in the proverbial palace wings for an opportunity to marry Princess Jasmine and become Sultan himself one day.

The smart-aleck parrot, "Iago," is as absent as Abu, but the audience barely notices as the writers created an actual "Iago" character (Don Darryl Rivera). Although debuting on Broadway in this role, Rivera owns his character as he banters with Jafar, delivers unexpected quips with quintessential comedic timing, makes relevant references to modern pop culture, and displays an overall self-deprecating humor in which the audience recognizes he really is just like a parrot to Jafar.

Enter the renowned "Genie" (James Monroe Iglehart), who some might say is really the main attraction in the show. As Jafar and Iago seek out Genie's enchanted lamp, their magical incantation eerily reveals a smoky phantom who instructs them to find Aladdin, the "diamond in the rough," and send him into the Cave of Wonders to retrieve the lamp. As Iglehart belts out the number the audience has been waiting for, "Friend Like Me," it is nearly impossible to take your eyes off of him. Iglehart's wit and versatility lights up the stage, and that's not just because of pyrotechnics.

Other beloved songs from the 1992 film lead the cast on their journey, from "Arabian Nights" to "A Whole New World," and there are some new additions to carry the added story-lines, such as "Proud of Your Boy," an insightful song Aladdin sings with his mother in mind, and "High Adventure," a fun, upbeat song Aladdin's sidekicks sing as they travel to rescue him when he finds himself in a bind.

Rest assured, just like in the movie, there is also a flying carpet in the musical production, and the Disney set designers really outdid themselves in creating the starry scene in which Aladdin and Jasmine take their first romantic ride together. "Aladdin" is a great, magical journey on Broadway, and it should not be missed.

Find ticket information here.

Newmindspace Presents The Latest New Weapon for Superheroes and Villains ... Fluffy Pillows?

Yesterday, Newmindspace commemorated a 9th annual International Pillow Fight Day. Around the world, thousands of pillow-fighters converged on popular public places in more than 50 cities.

Caped Crusaders Prepare for a Fluffy Fight in Wash. Sq. Park

In New York, the theme was Superheroes vs. Villains and the locale was Washington Square Park. It all started back in 2005 when creators Kevin Bracken and Lori Kufner became engaged in a massive pillow fight in Dundas Square, Toronto, Canada, while participating in an anti-gun rally. Today, it has grown into a worldwide movement. The Newmindspace creators have explained on their website, "[t]hese events are part of the larger urban playground movement, a loosely-knit group of event organizers around the world who share a common goal: to promote free events in public space, bring people together and create community." Newmindspace also works to raise money for charity as well as awareness of "massive public art".

In New York, crowds converged onto Washington Square Park dressed in everything from Superman and Superwoman costumes, Catwoman, and Dr. Doom, to Pokemon and just plain pajamas. For WGINY, it was a fun-filled day that served a good cause -- participants were asked to leave new and gently used pillows behind at the end of the event so that they could be donated to homeless shelters. In 2013, Newmindspace collected 1,000+ pillows for homeless New Yorkers. 

This is just one of many epic events Newmindspace promotes. "Like" Newmindspace on facebook and "follow" them on twitter to find out about upcoming events such as bubble battles, lightsaber battles and so much more.

Newcomer Angus Club Steakhouse Offers a Prime Dining Experience.

Angus Club Steakhouse Porterhouse with Sides*

Executive Chef Edward Avduli uses a rare method to prepare his steaks at Angus Club Steakhouse, and the flavorful result he achieves is palpable and palatable. At a recent press dinner, WGINY learned that, using only hand-selected premium cuts of USDA prime Angus beef from Master Purveyors, Avduli then ensures that his meat is dry-aged, on site, for 30-35 days, a unique combination of care that many local steakhouses can't match.

Impeccable Fine Dining at Angus Club Steakhouse

The Art Deco style Angus Club Steakhouse is housed in a former nightclub space at 135 E. 55th Street, and has an expansive layout with several private dining areas, a controlled-climate wine cellar, and two full bars. The bars, furnishings, and even the restroom stalls are custom made with careful attention to detail, which creates a luxurious atmosphere. Add to that impeccable, refined service, an impressive food menu, and extensive wine list (75+ bottles available, and growing, with an emphasis on California wines), and it's clear that Angus Club has mastered the art of fine dining in just a few short weeks since officially opening in February.

Canadian Bacon

Full menus can be viewed here. We sampled many menu highlights including a Prime Steak Tartar, Canadian Bacon, Angus Club Salad, Crab Cakes, Norwegian Salmon, Colorado Lamb Chops, Truffle Mac n' Cheese, Angus Home Fries, Jumbo Asparagus, Creamed Spinach, Mushrooms and, of course, several varieties of steak, before moving on to sweet desserts. Angus Club also advertises an additional "superior" selection of seafood, including 3-pound lobsters, sushi-grade yellow fin tuna, and Chilean sea bass.

Among the appetizers, the steak tartar, made with a fine mix of sirloin and filet mingon, was like a light introduction of what was later to come, teasing the palate with just a touch of richness that made it easily devourable. Like with his steaks, Chef Avduli also ensures that even his seafood is top quality, and the spicy soft crab cakes we were served next were stuffed with real Phillips crab meat. Even the house salad was so much more than just a salad, featuring tasty surprises such as baby shrimp, roasted red peppers, and bacon. Speaking of bacon, the thick Canadian bacon slices stood out as hearty and crispy, and might have been my favorite, which is a pretty incredible feat considering I rarely like bacon products.

Truffle Mac n' Cheese

Of the sides, the truffle-infused mac and cheese, made with a combination of Vermont, American and Cheddar cheeses, and topped with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, was addictive and unforgettable, and the lush, buttery home fries also really complemented the main courses. 

Rack of Lamb

For the main attraction, we moved to the meats, beginning with the bone-sucking, tender lamp chops, which quickly disappeared. We then tried signature sizzling Porterhouse and Rib Eye steaks, which were seared to medium rare and prepared without any hint of steak sauce, and rightfully so as the steaks literally spoke for themselves. The aroma alone was mouthwatering. The Porterhouse, served family style for two, three or four, encompassed leaner cuts of filet and sirloin that melted in the mouth, while the fattier, juicy ribeye bursted with flavor.

Tender Steak Morsels at Angus Club Steakhouse

Finally, we enjoyed a dessert platter which consisted of an in-house, homemade coconut tiramisu, as well as various cakes from a select Hudson Valley bakery. Red velvet and carrot cakes, topped with creamy icing, were both particularly fluffy and really rounded out the evening's premium dining experience. 

Angus Club Steakhouse is open daily from 11am to 11pm, serving lunch and dinner. 

*All photos in this post are property of Angus Club Steakhouse, used with permission.

Help the Meriwether Foundation and Miss USA 2012 Empower Communities in Africa by Attending Networking Events in New York - Coming Up Next: Charity Spin Event March 15.

Ever wonder how a beauty queen might spend her days? Consider Miss USA 2012, Nana Meriwether, an athlete, an academic, and a real altruist. I recently had the opportunity to have a phone interview with Ms. Meriwether, and I was amazed to learn about the lengths her organization, The Meriwether Foundation, has gone to empower rural and impoverished communities in Southern Africa, working daily to help children and families.

Right here in New York, Ms. Meriwether also runs the Manhattan Social Club, promoting exciting networking events such as cupcake making classes, food and wine tours, and spa days, with proceeds from these events supporting the important work of the Meriwether Foundation. The next Manhattan Social Club event is a Charity Spin Event happening this weekend, Saturday March 15, at Cyc Fitness. There will be some celebrity guests in attendance, and spots are filling up fast, so sign up to SPIN now.

Ms. Meriwether created the Manhattan Social Club, a component of the Meriwether Foundation, as a fun way to mix her "philanthropic side with [her] social side," and "give people the opportunity to give back while meeting others." This philosophy was aligned with her reasons for entering beauty pageants in California and Maryland, eventually landing her both the Miss Maryland and Miss USA 2012 titles. She saw the competitions also from a philanthropic perspective, a way to gain "exposure and a platform" for her altruistic ideas and those of the Meriwether Foundation.

The Meriwether Foundation was officially incorporated as a non-profit in 2007, co-founded by Ms. Meriwether, but the organization's work dates back to the 1980s when Ms. Meriwether's parents began working in rural and remote villages in Southern Africa. Ms. Meriwether was born in South Africa, and grew up in some of the rural villages in which her family worked. As her father was a doctor (and the first African American to be accepted at Duke University School of Medicine, helping to integrate the school), the organization's original focus was on health, but has since expanded to other social services including education, nutrition, and agriculture. You can read more about the history of the organization, the contributions of Dr. and Mrs. Meriwether, and their children (including Miss USA 2012), here.

The Meriwether Foundation now serves approximately seventeen villages in five countries-- South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Mozambique. Extensive programs include operating health centers and clinics, running health fairs, bringing fresh, clean water, electricity, and organic food to the villages, addressing HIV/AIDS, combating poverty and malnutrition, and encouraging early childhood development. The foundation also operates schools, and supports scholarships and after-school tutoring programs.

The Meriwether Foundation has experienced immense growth since 2007, in part due to fundraising, and Ms. Meriwether hopes that her organization only keeps growing. Tax-deductible donations help keep the foundation thriving, and more importantly, will directly serve some of the world's neediest communities. Consider making a donation to these worthy causes, or find other ways to get involved through volunteering, internships and assisting with fundraising.

When I asked if she could dispel some of the stereotypes about pageants, Ms. Meriwether instantly replied that she "met the most ambitious, intelligent women" while competing, which was not surprising considering her own accomplished background. She has trained for the Olympics, she was a 2-time All-American volleyball star at UCLA, graduating with the highest honors and a degree in Political Science, and she has studied pre-med in a graduate program at UCS. In addition to helping run the Meriwether Foundation, she is also currently contemplating whether she wants to attend medical school, law school, or business school. If only we all could be faced with such alluring options.

When I asked if Ms. Meriwether had a message for young women of color, she stated, "I'm inspired by my parents [who] grew up in much harsher times ... I learned from them the power of education ... You can change your entire life's landscape by applying yourself."

Follow The Meriwether Foundation on Facebook and Twitter for updates on the foundation's philanthropic work, and for more information on upcoming Manhattan Social Club events.

All photos in this post are property of The Meriwether Foundation and are used with permission.

"Kill Shakespeare" is a Creative, Hilarious Adventure Featuring Everything You Love About the Bard, Live (Kind of).

"Kill Shakespeare" at HERE Arts Center
banner used with permission

Comics are a common topic these days for blockbuster movies, and live theatre has also been catching on to the intrigue of the graphic novel. Enter "Kill Shakespeare," a new theatrical production that's re-enacts a graphic novel, which is a re-imagining and re-mixing of your favorite classic Elizabethan dramas and comedies. Say that three times fast. Oh, and there's also a forthcoming board game.

Richard the III and Hamlet
Artwork by Andy Belanger
 used with permission

"Kill Shakespeare" finds a handful of Shakespeare's most notable characters thrown together in an epic battle of good and evil as they search for their "Creator," a reclusive wizard, who happens to be Shakespeare himself. In this fractured fairytale of sorts, the villainous Richard III and Lady Macbeth team up in their thirst for power, thinking that by eliminating Shakespeare they may reign absolute. Juliet is a rebel and a leader of the resistance fighters against the tyrannical Richard. Also searching for Shakespeare, but with more altruistic motives, are Hamlet, Othello, Romeo, Falstaff, and Puck. "Honest" Iago is along for the ride, but whom does he really serve? Will Romeo and Juliet ever realize that the other is still actually alive? Or will Juliet instead fall for Hamlet? The Ghost of Hamlet's father guides him on his journey, and eventually Hamlet encounters the sanctified Shakesepare in an unexpected state. Finding the allegorical source of Shakespeare's power, will Hamlet discover that this wizard is less than omnipotent? Has he reached Shakespeare in time to save him from falling into the bloodied hands of Richard and Lady Macbeth? Don't despair, like several of Shakespeare's most beloved stories, this one does end in merriment.   

Does "Honest' Iago Serve Anyone But Himself?
Artwork by Andy Belanger
 used with permission

This creative, hilarious adventure features everything you love about the Bard: romance, cross-dressing, farce, tragedy, mayhem, and treachery. Using a unique combination of comic panels projected on a large screen, radio-style readings by the actors, acoustic samples of songs by rock greats such as the Beatles and Led Zepplin, and inventive musical tactics including crinkling plastic bags and tapping a hammer on a steel pipe, the "Kill Shakespeare" story really seems to come to life as its creators, Anthony Del Col and Conor McCreery (with Art by Andy Belanger) could only have hoped.

Director Jordana Williams has described "Kill Shakespeare" as a "wonderfully strange combination of comic book and radio play." Following a successful reading at New York Comic Con and other national Cons, "Kill Shakespeare" is now in the midst of a short (5 day) debut run at HERE Arts Center, and the final staging will be tomorrow, Wednesday, March 5. Tickets, $15, are currently sold out online for the 75 minute show, but some standing room tickets may be available at the theater. "Kill Shakespeare" is presented by Gideon Productions. If there's enough demand, there may even be a NYC revival planned. (Hint: Demand can exist if you create it...). 

"Spotlight Your Talent" Industry Mixer Brings Together Emerging Artists

By Heather K. with contributions from Tami Shaloum

On Friday, February 28, Creative Spotlights and The Red Shark Entertainment came together at EVR Lounge to throw a shindig of sorts, showcasing emerging musical acts and creating a forum for a wide array of artists to inspire and be inspired. The entertainment industry networking event, "Spotlight Your Talent" featured an eclectic mix of artists that appealed to all genres of music. Highlights included singer-songwriter, Natalia Segura, Urban Pop band, "The Down Beat Keys," and rocker Kiirstin Marilyn.

Natalia Segura, an Australian singer-songwriter with Latin roots, began her set with a catchy, introspective original song, "Broken Love Song." With lyrics seemingly drawn from intense life experiences, Segura belted out her melodies with an impressive vocal range. She definitely had potential, and it didn't hurt that this buxom beauty looked like she just walked off the cover of a magazine.





"The Down Beat Keys," or "DBK," started somewhat generically, but quickly found their sound. Their hip-hop influences really came through on hit "Take Me Home," while their pop roots were evident in their single, "Lonely." Not surprisingly for a band that has played with the likes of "Matt and Kim" and "Jon Bon Jovi," DBK had the crowd dancing up a storm as they moved through an upbeat repertoire full of funk and soul.

Finally, while all of the acts had their strengths, the one that stood out the most for me was the performance by Kiirsten Marilyn. Marilyn, an edgy musician unafraid of a little audience interaction, accomplished a lot with merely a drummer, a base, and her own special magnetism. With songs like "The Struggle," and "Grim," her hard, dark rock could speak directly to any brooding heart. She was mesmerizing to watch, with a theatrical intensity and stage presence that evoked Gwen Stefani, Lzzy Hale, and other notable female rock musicians.


Other musicians who performed at the event included Americana singer-songwriter, Danny Severance with his "Na Capellas," and rock band, The R.O.A.R. WGINY looks forward to more from all of these artists soon.

Release Your Inhibitions at "Sex Tips For Straight Women From A Gay Man"

Sometime around 1997, two best friends, Dan Anderson and Maggie Berman decided to co-author a dating book of sorts, acknowledging that women hoping to learn how best to interact with the opposite sex should shoot straight for the source, and "Who better than an honest-to-goodness gay man? He knows things most straight guys don't even know about themselves." Since the first publication, their book has sold more than 250,000 copies and is now the subject of a new, hilarious Off-Broadway comedy, "Sex Tips For Straight Women From A Gay Man."

"Sex Tips For Straight Women From A Gay Man" Starring Lindsay Nicole Chambers and Jason Michael Snow
Photo Courtesy of Red Rising Marketing

"Sex Tips" opens on a stage set for a university English Department forum, "Rendezvous with Alternative Authors of the Modern Era," as a budding young professor-in-training unwittingly finds herself moderating a potentially scandalous group discussion. The guest author is none other than "Dan Anderson," played by Jason Michael Snow, a charismatic comedian always ready with one-liners and coquettish quips. Lindsay Nicole Chambers plays the nervous, loquacious senior teaching fellow, Robyn, who must lead a successful book discussion if she has any hope of being promoted to a full professorship. Rounding out the cast is actor Andrew Brewer, who plays the sexy, straight, seemingly simple Stefan, a wannabe astronaut stuck running sound and lighting for the forum, though with a potentially untapped talent as a male model.

As Dan and Robyn delve into the cheeky chapters of "Sex Tips For Straight Women From a Gay Man," the unabashed comedy that results is sure to titillate even the most austere audience member. This is not a show for those coy to audience participation, as anyone risks the chance of being called upon to answer questions or even help with demonstrations on stage. Jason Michael Snow has a special charm when talking to the audience and reacting to statements and suggestions like a master of stand up. Although WGINY only attended the show on one night, I imagine that every night brings a slightly different experience. The most surprising part of the play may be that, while you're certainly being entertained, you're also gaining important experience and advice about relationships.

As the title suggests, the audience consisted of mostly women and gay men (yes, we were polled by "Dan Anderson"), but there were also a significant number of couples whom I can only imagine went home eager to try out some of the tips they had learned at the show. Whether a group of singles, a bachelorette party or a couple out for date-night, "Sex Tips" is a juicy, seductive show that will have you clamoring for more and hankering to get your hands on the book on which it is based. (The book is currently for sale as a show souvenir or on amazon -- I could neither resist nor wait and purchased one immediately following the curtain call).

"Sex Tips For Straight Women From A Gay Man" is currently playing at The 777 Theatre, on 8th Avenue between 47th & 48th Streets. Tickets are available daily, except for Wednesdays. The show is appropriate for ages 18 and up. The theatre bar opens one hour prior to showtime, and if you check in to the show on social media, you may be eligible for a free drink.

[UPDATE: It's also NYC Off-Broadway Week so you may be able to find tickets for "Sex Tips" at half price for shows through March 2.]

Pizza Loves Emily and You Will Too.

"The Colony" at EMILY: A pizza adventure.

With barely two weeks on the NYC pizza scene, the word has apparently already gotten out about newcomer EMILY in Clinton Hill, and this charming establishment was packed when I arrived for brunch this past Sunday. From the moment you peer through the window, peruse the enticing pizza options and the posters for workshops such as "Yoga and Pizza Making," you can tell this is a place with character and a story. Pancakes and pizza together for brunch? Yes please.

EMILY's story began with its namesake, Emily, and her now-husband, Matt, sharing a pizza twelve-and-a-half years ago. On their website, you can read about how their mutual affection for pizza helped their budding relationship grow, and eventually led to them opening EMILY together. This isn't just a pizza place, it's a human interest story.

Step into EMILY for dinner or weekend brunch, and you'll witness for yourself the pride Matt takes in making his pizzas, and taste firsthand the love in every bite. There's a wood burning oven in the back and Matt can often be found right next to it mixing dough and handcrafting mozzarella for the smoky thin-crust pies. Even the dollops of addicting sauce adorning the red pies are artisinal.

EMILY mixes it up with something for everyone. Pizza purists may like "The Classic" (sauce, mozzarella, basil) or "The Luca" (Classic + buffalo mozzarella). Those looking for a real pizza adventure might want to try "The Colony" (sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, pickled chilis, honey) or "Emily" (mozzarella, taleggio, pistachios, truffle sottocenere, honey). I polished off an entire 12-inch Colony pie on my own, relishing in the savory contrast of sweet and spicy.

There are several variations of red and white pies, and it only gets better as you move toward dessert. At dinnertime, try a "S'mores Calzone" made with marshmallow, chocolate, and graham cracker. At brunch, there's a "Deep Fried Elvis Calzone," made with peanut butter, banana and honey. Coolhaus Ice Cream Sandwiches are also always available. Any restaurant that pays homage to both pizza and Elvis in the same menu and also patronizes local businesses is already ahead of the game in my book. Matt and Emily plan to rotate the menu seasonally, and I can't wait to see what else they have cooking.

Brunch at EMILY: What could be better than fluffy, sweet pancakes AND pizza? 

Special thanks to designer, Justin Fuller, for introducing me to EMILY.

Calling All Creative Writers: Get Inspired at Gotham Writers' Workshops.

If you have any interest in writing and you live in or have visited New York City during the past 20 years, odds are you have seen a flyer, advertisement, or course catalogue for “Gotham Writers’ Workshop,” a private creative writing school operating in New York City since 1993.

I recently dropped in for a Friday night “Write-In” session at Gotham Writers’ headquarters in midtown Manhattan. Every Friday night from 6:30-8:30pm, Gotham Writers’ offers a creative writing, brainstorming and socializing session at 555 8^th Avenue, between 37^th & 38^th Streets. There is also a recurring Saturday afternoon “Write-In” at TwoMoon Café in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

Friday Night "Write-In" Class at Gotham Writers' Workshop

I wasn’t sure what to expect from my Write-In as I entered a small classroom alone with my notebook around 6:15pm. Several writers were already there, socializing and bonding over mutual interests, or rendezvousing with acquaintances they had clearly made from attending past Gotham Writers’ courses. A few others sat nervously playing with their cell phones or perusing Gotham’s Winter 2014 Program Schedule, not yet ready to make eye contact. Finally, as 6:30pm drew nearer, our instructor, Alexis, began the introductions. About half of the writers in a room of approximately fifteen had participated in a Write-In before, while the rest of us were first-timers. A second class of approximately the same size was also working nearby. As I found out later, at least one person was "on holiday," and had found the Write-In by searching on-line for drop-in writing courses. 

After our introductions, Alexis explained how the Write-In was structured. She would provide us with a writing prompt, a word or phrase we could use for writing inspiration, though we were free to not use the prompt. We would have fifteen minutes to write about anything we wished, and then we would have the opportunity to share and discuss. There were two main rules: consider that anything you hear from another writer is fiction, and provide only positive feedback to encourage maximum creativity. The stop and go writing format was like a great brainteaser, or mental exercise, and there was a welcome twenty minute wine and snack break in between the writing sessions, included in the cost of the Write-In.

The first writing prompt we received was “freeze”. I took this literally, and within fifteen minutes had written two short poems about feeling “frozen,” metaphorically of course. At the time, writing quickly, I was sure that my poems were unfinished and unpolished, and required more work. However, the comments I received at the workshop helped me to realize that both of my vignettes generated full and interesting images for a reader or listener, and did not need anything more. Our second session prompt was "held breathe," a phrase that I also took somewhat literally, as I embarked on a short story about an experience two pre-teens have by a pool, while challenging each other to hold their breathe underwater. I hadn't written creative prose in years, yet, surrounded by fiction writers, I felt  inspired to do so. I did not finish my story in the allotted fifteen minutes, but I did finish it that evening when I returned home. 

There was enough time for each person to share once, and as we shared what we had written, it became clear that no two people had interpreted the prompts in the same way. For example, stories from the "freeze" prompt included a humorous dating anecdote, a poignant Holocaust tale, and a sweet short story about a child contemplating misbehaving during Christmas, but fearing that her mother would alert Santa. In just a short time, some of the writers created very complex characters, and while much of the works written that evening could stand alone, several could have been a springboard for longer compositions. 

The instructor herself was very helpful in encouraging us to share and discuss our work, and she provided helpful feedback to each person who chose to read aloud. In a room full of strangers judging me, I felt surprisingly at ease, and I appreciated that others the room were not shy to share what they had written. Every person contributed to the discussions at least once, even if just to give a comment or praise. Having others compliment my writing style, pick out certain words or phrases that created an emotion for them, or tell me how they related to my work was very satisfying. I was especially taken aback when an unexpected revelation in the last line of one of my poems caused everyone in the room to gasp.

If you have writer's block and need a little push, if you want to exercise your brain (and your pen/computer/tablet), or if you just want to meet other writers, the Write-In is a fun, productive experience. You can register in advance or just drop-in (cash only at door). It's $20 for one session or $45 for a three session pass, payable at the door. Interested in a longer writing endeavor? Gotham Writers' Workshop offers a wide range of writing courses as well as on-line classes. For a limited time, enter code "SAVE20" to save $20 on a writing class package.