ROBIN'S SHOW REVIEW: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

The 50th Anniversary production of the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical comedy HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING currently stars teen heartthrob and youngest member of the Jonas Brothers singing trio, Nick Jonas, as J. Pierrepont Finch, Emmy, Golden Globe and Grammy Award-winning star of screen, television and stage Beau Bridges as J.B. Biggley, and making his Broadway debut, star of stage and television’s “Ugly Betty,” Michael Urie as Bud Frump.

They join Rose Hemingway in her Broadway debut as Jonas’ onstage romantic interest Rosemary Pilkington, 2011 Tony nominee Tammy Blanchard as Hedy La Rue, Rob Bartlett as Twimble/Wally Womper, Mary Faber as Smitty, Ellen Harvey as Miss Jones, 2011 Emmy Award winner Michael Park as Bert Bratt, and Emmy and Peabody Award-winning journalist Anderson Cooper making his Broadway debut as the voice of the narrator. The cast of 30 includes Timothy J. Alex, Cleve Asbury, Tanya Birl, Holly Ann Butler, Abby Church, Kevin Covert, J. Austin Eyer, Paige Faure, David Hull, Justin Keyes, Marty Lawson, Shannon Lewis, Ian Liberto, Andrew Madsen, Nick Mayo, Sarah O'Gleby, Colt Prattes, Stephanie Rothenberg, Charlie Williams and Samantha Zack.

With the aid of a dated yet trusty self-help book "How to Succeed in Business," wily window washer J. Pierrepont Finch enjoys a rise up the corporate ladder at the World-Wide Wicket Company. Along the way, he romances secretary Rosemary Pilkington, charms the head honchos, outsmarts competitors and proves you can judge a book by its cover, even if it's corny.

The show is light-hearted fun. Urie is a hoot. Pilkington is a standout. Bridges is crusty and charismatic. My 9 year old son enjoyed. He was excited to see Jonas, though he his singing chops could use amplification for the Broadway stage. He gave it a valiant effort, and the many teen girls in the audience applauded his admirable efforts. He delivered best in the Act II showstopper “Brotherhood of Man.” The cast overall is impressive, as is the set, and it’s a feel good, family-friendly theatrical experience.

Nominated for eight 2011 Tony Awards including Best Revival of a Musical, HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, directed and choreographed by Tony and Emmy Award-winner Rob Ashford, began previews Saturday, February 26, 2011 and opened Sunday, March 27 at Broadway’s Al Hirschfeld Theatre (302 West 45th Street in NYC). Breakout star of Fox’s Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning television show “GLEE” Darren Criss recently concluded his limited run as J. Pierrepont Finch on January 22, 2012. Daniel Radcliffe and 2011 Tony Award winner John Larroquette both played their final performance on January 1, 2012.

HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING has music and lyrics by Academy Award and Tony Award winner Frank Loesser, and a book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert, based on the book by Shepherd Mead. The creative team includes Derek McLane (Sets) Catherine Zuber (Costumes), Howell Binkley (Lighting), Jon Weston (Sound), Tom Watson (Hair), Doug Besterman (Orchestrations), and David Chase (Music Director and Arranger).

Tickets for HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING range from $52 - $132, and are available at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre box office and at Telecharge.com (212-239-6200). A special family four pack offer is available; Visit http://howtosucceedbroadway.com/family.php.

PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDERS (PBR) PRESENTS 6th ANNUAL MADISON SQUARE GARDEN INVITATIONAL FROM JANUARY 6-8, 2012 Review by Cara Potapshyn Meyers

Friday night, my family had a terrific experience at Madison Square Garden in New York City to see the “PBR” – the Professional Bull Riders championship! This is the second time we’ve gone to this event. We went last year and had a blast. This year was even better!

The event was a nationally televised, Built Ford Tough Series, to kick off the 2012 PBR season with world’s best bull riders at world’s most famous arena! Once we were there, the children were pointing out the cowboys, the rodeo clowns, and the bull fighters. At a Bull Riding event, there are the “Bull Riders” who are the competitors, a “Rodeo Clown,” who helps to entertain the audience between bull-rides and who also works with the “Bull Fighters.” The “Bull Fighters” are the men who are “on-the-ground” in the arena. Once the “Bull Rider” either jumps off the bull, or falls off, the “Bull Fighters” job is to help distract and corral the bull back into its pen area, so that it doesn’t injure the “Bull Rider.”

As the event opened, there was an introduction of the newer riders. They then introduced the veteran riders. Reigning Sylvano Alves, the 2011 Champion came out and worked the crowd. He made over 1.6 million in prize money last year. My son’s all-time favorite Bull Rider was one of the last to come out. His name is Austin Meier (his name is spelled differently from ours, but is pronounced the same). Last year, in hearing Austin’s name, our son, then 7, was thrilled with this Bull Rider’s name! He insisted that Austin was one of our cousins! This year, he realized that we are not related, but Austin is still our son’s favorite.

The first rider was Douglas Duncan. He rode a bull named “Jack in Black." Duncan’s ride wasn’t that successful. He only lasted for 3.79 seconds. By the time they got to the 4^th or 5^th rider, we saw our first Bull Rider injury. The rider had been thrown from the bull, but the medical staff swooped in, treated him, and within a minute, he got up and walked away with a standing ovation and cheers emanating from the crowd!

As the event progressed, we saw other riders staying on their bulls for over eight seconds! It was remarkable! One of the standouts was a rider named Mike Miller, who rode a bull named “Blackout.” Mike stayed on the bull, not only for 8 seconds, but held on for almost 11 seconds! It was amazing!

By the end of the evening, they announced the Champion Bull Rider: Luke Snyder. As Luke was awarded the title of Champion of the New York “Round 1,” the crowd roared and everyone cheered!

The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) is bringing the 6th Annual Madison Square Garden Invitational, presented by Full Metal Jousting on History, from January 6-8, 2012. The event will kick off the nationally televised, elite 2012 Built Ford Tough Series season, featuring the world's toughest cowboys and rankest bulls. The PBR’s Built Ford Tough Series will rock New York with three bone-crushing, adrenaline-soaked performances, as the Top 40 bull riders in the world – including the 2011 Madison Square Garden Invitational champion Valdiron de Oliveira – risk it all against athletic animals weighing as much as 2,000 pounds. Fans will be thrilled as they watch intense 8-second rides and jaw-dropping wrecks when riders try to stay on and survive animals 10 times their size!

The nationally televised PBR 2012 Built Ford Tough Series will visit 23 different states with 28 events in 2012. The 2012 schedule will feature the best bull riders from across the globe competing against the rankest bulls on the planet in front of millions of fans across the country to win a share of over $10 million for the season.

Tickets for this event are: $205, $105, $50, $35, $25 and $15 (prices do not include taxes and facility fees) and are available at the MSG box office, www.ticketmaster.com, and by telephone at (800) 745-3000.

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN EVENT SCHEDULE:

Friday, January 6 -- 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 7 -- 8:00 p.m. 

Sunday, January 8 -- 1:00 p.m.

About the PBR 2012 Madison Square Garden Invitational presented by Full Metal Jousting on HISTORY: 

Each of the Top 40 bull riders in the world will be participating. Following Round 2 on Saturday, the riders with the 10 highest cumulative scores will each compete with one more bull. Following Round 4 on Sunday, the riders with the 10 highest cumulative scores will advance to the Built Ford Tough Championship Round, where they will each compete with one more bull. The overall event winner will be the rider with the highest combined score from all five rounds.

The season culminates during October 24-28, 2012 in Las Vegas with the PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals. The World Finals is where the PBR World Champion will be crowned and awarded a $1 million bonus. The richest bull riding event in the world, the World Finals has a total purse of more than $2 million.

About PBR's 2012 Built Ford Tough Series: 

The PBR's 2012 Built Ford Tough Series will kick off at the “World's Most Famous Arena,” New York's Madison Square Garden, from January 6-8. Highlights of this year's schedule include the “All-new four-week stadium tour,” in which the Built Ford Tough Series will visit Detroit's Ford Field and Houston's Reliant Stadium for the first time ever. The tour will also visit Atlanta's Georgia Dome and Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

About the Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR):

The PBR is the world’s premier bull riding organization. More than 100 million viewers annually watch over 400 hours of primetime PBR programming on VERSUS, NBC, CBS and networks around the world. The PBR has awarded over $100 million in prize money and 21 riders have earned over $1 million, including Justin McBride with $5.5 million -- the most of any western sports athlete in history. Nearly two million fans attend Built Ford Tough Series and Touring Pro Division events each year. 

Follow PBR on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TeamPBR and Twitter: 

http://twitter.com/TEAMPBR.

For more information on the PBR, please visit: www.pbr.com

Winter Escapades in NYC: Giveaway! by Robin Gorman Newman

Last December, when we stayed in the city during winter school break, we had mounds of snow, ice and slush to contend with. This time, fortunately, the streets were clear, and we stayed for two nights with our good friend Alli.

We bunked at our favorite hotel, the comfy, artsy Roger Smith Hotel (details below) on 47th and Lexington, and enjoyed despite a painful knee injury I recently sustained. We had originally planned a three night stay, but cut it short due to my discomfort  (Motrin, Arnica and a knee brace helped somewhat).  I toughed it out since I didn't want to disappoint Seth, otherwise I would have cancelled.  The Roger Smith stay included a delicious, generous full American breakfast at Lily's in the hotel, and Seth adored their steak and eggs, especially after sampling it and eating off of Alli's plate.

Day 1 included: A cab ride to TJ Maxx on 57th and 8th, my favorite TJ in the Big Apple.  Just can't resist! Seth waited anxiously for our visit to TOYS R US in Times Square, where Alli bought him a Playmobil Ambulance for Hanukkah.  Following that and dinner, we went on THE RIDE (details below.)  Always a total fun experience, we highly recommend it as a cool way to experience the city when you need to rest your feet....and in my case, perfect, given my injured knee.

Day 2 - SCOTT'S PIZZA TOURS, BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP

If you love pizza but always wanted to know more about its background, check out the pizza tours offered by Scott Wiener, a highly enthusiastic and knowledgeable tour guide and pizza guru. We signed up for the Greenwich Village Pizza Walk.  We sampled three very different kinds of pizza, and learned about the history and evolution of pizza...including insight into everything from making mozzarella to gluten to oven temperature to crust texture to toppings, etc.  Luckily there was plenty of sitting time at restaurants and local parks where we listened to Scott tell us about his love of pizza, etc.

We started out, on a cold day, in the Village and wound up in Soho.  After, we cabbed it uptown to squeeze in a visit to the always fun and jam-packed Build-A-Bear Workshop on 46trh Street and Fifth Avenue.Visit to Build-A-Bear Workshop details below......

BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. is the leading and only global company that offers an interactive make-your-own stuffed animal retail-entertainment experience. Founded in 1997, the company currently operates more than 400 Build-A-Bear Workshop® stores worldwide, including company owned stores in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and France, and franchise stores in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. In 2007, the interactive experience was enhanced - all the way to CyBEAR® space - with the launch of buildabearville.com®, the company’s virtual world.

We had a great time. Seth made a Yellow Lab named Goldy, and fell immediately in love. There is something for everyone here. And, the cutest, cleverest accessories and clothing for the wide array of stuffed animals you can make and see come to life.

Check them out at http://www.facebook.com/buildabear to stay abreast of the most current promotions and receive exclusive offers.

NOTE: BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP IS GIVING AWAY A $10 GIFT CARD. TO ENTER, POST A COMMENT ON THIS BLOG, AND THE WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN AT RANDOM AND NOTIFIED BY EMAIL.  BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AND INDICATE THAT YOU'RE INTERESTED IN BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP.

ROGER SMITH HOTEL
Unique for combining a sincere hospitality experience in the presence of thought-provoking art, the Roger Smith Hotel of NYC is a boutique hotel with accommodations that evoke the warmth, mood, and comfort of a guest room in a special friend's home. Artwork, potted plants, and book collections are distinct touches uncommonly seen in a New York City but found in the Roger Smith Hotel. Each of their spacious 130 rooms and suites are individually decorated in classical New England designs.The Roger Smith Hotel Accommodations and Lodging in NY.

The Roger Smith Hotel offers a wide variety of hotel room accommodations and lodging, perfect for any NY traveler. Whether you are a single person traveling on business, a couple enjoying a romantic getaway, or a vacationing family visiting New York City, you will feel comfortable and welcome.

Not only is the Roger Smith Hotel located in the center of New York City's most dynamic hotel district, but it is also only minutes from classic landmarks such as Grand Central Station, The United Nations Headquarters, and the Chrysler building, all within a five block radius. Another few blocks away but still within walking distance, you'll find the Empire State Building, Times Square, Central Park, and  famous museums.  Follow the hotel at http://www.Facebook.com/rogersmithhotel and http://www.twitter.com/rshotel.

THE RIDE
THE RIDE, is loads of interactive fun and a unique experience....chockful of jokes, singing, doing the wave, sightseeing and more.

THE RIDE’s specially-designed custom vehicles are the tallest allowed by federal law on city streets. The bus is fitted with stadium-style seating that orients riders sideways to look through massive windows, and two on-board hosts banter comedically as they travel through the streets of midtown Manhattan, commenting on New York’s history and its iconic sites and structures, and giving insider secrets about the city – all while incorporating actors and performers along the route who interact with the vehicle and its passengers. External speakers and exterior lighting allow the on-board hosts to make everyone on the street part of the experience. Surprises show up all along the route, featuring sites from the Chrysler Building and Grand Central Terminal to Times Square and Columbus Circle.

A full schedule for THE RIDE is available at experiencetheride.com. Tickets are on sale now, available three ways: online at experiencetheride.com; by phone at (866) 299-9682; and in person at THE RIDE Box office located at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel, 1535 Broadway between 45th and 46th Streets. Join them on Facebook to get the latest news. http://www.facebook.com/ExperienceTheRide.

NYC is truly one of the greatest cities in the world, and it's so easy to take it for granted if you live here, but there's much to enjoy if you take the time to explore and scope it out!




Note: Thanks to THE RIDE, and  BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP for providing promotional visits.

ROBIN'S SHOW RECOMMENDATION: STANDING ON CEREMONY

Producers Joan Stein and Richard Frankel announced recently that the Off Broadway premiere production of Standing On Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays will play its final performance at the Minetta Lane Theatre on Sunday, December 18th. The show will have played 7 preview performances and 41 regular performances. The producers plan to take the play, which opened to enthusiastic response from critics and audiences alike on November 13th, to markets where marriage equality is not yet a reality, in an effort to help invigorate audience members in battleground states and raise money for marriage equality organizations.

Responding to one of the defining issues of our day -- the on-going battle for marriage equality throughout the United States -- some of America’s most illustrious and Award-winning playwrights, including Obie Award winner Mo Gaffney, Heideman Award winner Jordan Harrison, Tony Award nominee Moisés Kaufman, Tony Award nominee Neil LaBute, Sundance Jury Prize winner Wendy MacLeod, Obie Award winner José Rivera, Obie and Outer Critics Circle Award winner Paul Rudnick, and Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Doug Wright, have created a hilarious and poignant 90-minute evening of short plays that celebrates the courage to be in a relationship – any relationship.  The writing is top notch, and there is much to celebrate in this production!

Conceived by Brian Shnipper and directed by Stuart Ross, Standing On Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays features a cast that includes Theatre World Award winner Craig Bierko (The Music Man), Daytime Emmy nominee Mark Consuelos (“All My Children”), Emmy Award nominee Polly Draper (“thirtysomething”), Tony Award winner Harriet Harris (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Tony Award winner Beth Leavel (The Drowsy Chaperone) and Emmy Award-winner Richard Thomas (“The Waltons”). The acting is stellar!  It was a real treat to see this ensemble peformance.  In particular, Harriet Harris is a delicious, quirky hoot in My Husband by Paul Rudnick, playing a mom who plants a fake NY Times wedding announcement for her son Mark Consuelos, in an effort to keep up with the Jones.  Richard Thomas delivers a poingnant monologue in the piece London Mosquitoes by Moises Kaufman, celebrating the life of his deceased mate.

For its Off Broadway premiere, Standing on Ceremony partnered with Freedom to Marry, the campaign to win marriage nationwide, and Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS, and has donated a percentage of all ticket sales to these and other organizations promoting marriage equality.

To launch its Off Broadway run, Standing on Ceremony joined with Tectonic Theater Project (Moisés Kaufman, Artistic Director; Greg Reiner, Executive Director) for Standing on Ceremony: The National Event, to help take the play’s message across the country (and the globe). For one night only on Monday, November 7, more than 50 participating theaters across America and beyond presented their own productions of the play to raise awareness and funds in support of marriage equality. Audience members across the country watched a live streaming introduction and post performance Qand A, and submitted questions via Twitter in real time.

Tickets for the Off Broadway run of Standing on Ceremony are on sale via Ticketmaster.com and at the Minetta Lane box office (18 Minetta Lane).  See it while you can in NYC and keep an eye out for it at a theatre near you.

Standing on Ceremony is produced Off Broadway by Joan Stein, Richard Frankel, Annette Niemtzow, Fakston Productions, Harley Medcalf, Jon Murray, Harvey Reese, in association with Diana Buckhantz and Niclas Nagler; Associate Producers, Luigi Caiola, Rebecca Falcon and Mary C. Solomon and Executive Producer, Joe Watson.

Visiti http://www.standingonceremony.net/.

ROBIN'S SHOW REVIEW: CHINGLISH

An American businessman arrives in a bustling Chinese province looking to score a lucrative contact for his family’s failing sign-making firm. He soon discovers that the complexities of such a venture far outstrip the expected differences in language, customs and manners—and call into question even the most basic assumptions of human conduct.

CHINGLISH, the new comedy by Tony Award-winning and two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly), officially opened on Thursday, October 27th and is playing at the Longacre Theatre, (220 West 48th Street).  It is on Broadway following its acclaimed world premiere production at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago this past summer.

The show stars Jennifer Lim, Gary Wilmes, Angela Lin, Christine Lin, Stephen Pucci, Johnny Wu and Larry Lei Zhang. Leigh Silverman, who directed Lisa Kron's Well on Broadway and won a 2011 OBIE for directing both Go Back To Where You Are and In The Wake, directed the Broadway production.

CHINGLISH is the story of an American businessman desperate to launch a new enterprise in China. There are only three things standing in his way: He can't speak the language. He can't learn the customs. And he's falling in love with the one woman he absolutely can't have.

Much Mandarin is spoken, with English translations featured, many of which are delightfully hysterical.....particularly in a sexy sequence in Act 2. The dialogue is smart, the story engaging and perceptive with intriguing twists, and the set is understated sleek with rotating walls, etc. that readily transform into lobbies, cafes, hotel rooms, offices, etc.  It's a thought-provoking take on miscommunication, deceit, power, and the desire for the American dream....even if it takes going to China to achieve it.

The design team includes: Set Designer David Korins (Lombardi, Passing Strange), Costume Designer Anita Yavich (Anna in the Tropics) and Lighting Designer Brian MacDevitt (The Book of Mormon, Fences, Goodman: Long Day’s Journey into Night), Sound Designer Darron L. West (Time Stands Still), and Jeff Sugg (33 Variations) and Shawn Duan (Impressionism) as Co-Projection Designers.

CHINGLISH is produced by Jeffrey Richards, Jerry Frankel, Jay and Cindy Gutterman/Cathy Chernoff, Heni Koenigsberg/Lily Fan, Joe and Matt Deitch, Dasha Epstein, Ronald and Marc Frankel, Barry and Carole Kaye, Mary Lu Roffe, The Broadway Consortium, Ken Davenport, Filerman Bensinger, Herbert Goldsmith, Jam Theatricals, Olympus Theatricals, Playful Productions, David and Barbara Stoller, Roy Gottlieb, Mary Casey, Hunter Arnold in association with the Goodman Theatre.

Visit ChinglishBroadway.com.

Discount Offer

Visit http://www.broadwayoffers.com/go.aspx?MD=2001&MC=CGTIX825 to get tickets.

Call 212.947.8844, and mention code CGTIX825.

Bring a printout of this offer to the Longacre Theatre Box Office, 220 West 48th Street, NYC.

*Offer is subject to availability and prior sale and valid on select locations. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer and may be revoked at any time. Blackout dates may apply. Not valid on prior purchases. Limit 10 tickets per order. No refunds or exchanges. Telephone and internet orders are subject to standard service fees. All prices include a $1.50 facilities fee. Offer expires 12/23/11. See Rules and Regulations.

ROBIN'S SHOW RECOMMENDATION: LYSISTRATA JONES

Broadway’s new musical comedy, Lysistrata Jones began preview performances November 12th at the Walter Kerr Theatre. Written by Tony nominee Douglas Carter Beane and Lewis Flinn and directed and choreographed by Tony nominee Dan Knechtges, Lysistrata Jones officially opens on December 14th.

This show is pure fun and a turn-on in more ways than one!  Think a smart, sassy, sexy High School Musical....an adrenaline rush for all ages....teens and up.  The young, attractive cast is hugely talented and versatile.  The book and lyrics are full of wit and a feel good takeaway message. The music is high energy, with a beautiful closing balad in the first act dribbled confidently out of the basketball court by Patti Murin.

The Athens University basketball team hasn’t won a game in 30 years. But when spunky transfer student Lysistrata Jones (Patti Murrin) dares the squad’s fed-up girlfriends to stop ‘giving it up’ to their boyfriends until they win a game, their legendary losing streak could be coming to an end. Lyssie J. and her girl-power posse give Aristophanes' classic a modern twist and take student activism to a whole new level.  Proving that abstinence can do a heart good, the testosterone driven basketball team learns the "hard" way (or not) to appreciate the comely cheerleaders who struggle to impart a lesson in love and life.

Lysistrata Jones stars Patti Murin (Lysistrata Jones), Liz Mikel (Hetaira), Josh Segarra (Mick), Jason Tam (Xander), and Lindsay Nicole Chambers (Robin) with Alexander Aguilar (‘Uardo), Ato Blankson-Wood (Tyllus), Katie Boren (Lampito), Kat Nejat (Cleonice), LaQuet Sharnell (Myrrhine), Teddy Toye (Harold) and Alex Wyse (Cinesius), with understudies LaVon Fisher-Wilson, Libby Servias, Charlie Sutton, Barrett Wilbert Weed, and Jared Zirilli.

Josh Segarra as the hunky lead basketball player and Jason Tam as Lyssie J.'s somewhat geeky, surprising, ultimate love interest, turn in heartfelt, nuanced and charismatic performances.  Lindsay Nicole Chambers is a hoot, and Liz Mikel as Heitaira is a commanding presence and voice with keen comedic acting chops.

Set design for Lysistrata Jones is by Allen Moyer (Tony nominee for Grey Gardens; The Little Dog Laughed; Twelve Angry Men; The Man Who Had All the Luck); costume design is by David C. Woolard (Tony nominee for The Rocky Horror Show and The Who's Tommy) and Thomas Charles LeGalley (The 39 Steps at Hartford Stage); lighting design is by Michael Gottlieb (The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged); The Last Session); sound design is by Tony Meola (Drama Desk winner for The Lion King; Wicked; The Wild Party; Les Miserables); and hair design is by Mark Adam Rampmeyer (West Side Story, The Farnsworth Invention). The music director is Brad Simmons with music coordinator Dean Sharenow and the associate choreographer is Jessica Hartman.

Lysistrata Jones is produced by Paula Herold, Alan Wasser, Joseph Smith, Michael McCabe, John Breglio, Takonkiet Viravan/Scenario Thailand, Hilary A. Williams, Broadway Across America and James G. Robinson in association with Tony Meola, Martin McCallum and Marianne Mills.

Visit http://www.lysistratajones.com/

Discount Offer
$79 Orchestra Seats (regularly $127)
$59 Mezz Seats (regularly $.97)

VISIT BroadwayOffers.com (http://www.broadwayoffers.com/go.aspx?MD=2001&MC=LJNXT79) CALL 212.947.8844 or 
GO TO the Walter Kerr Theatre box office, 219 W 48th St. -
btw Broadway and 8th Ave. and USE CODE LJNXT79.

Offer not valid for performances on Nov. 25-27, 2011 and Dec. 23, 2011-Jan. 1, 2012. Certain other blackout dates may apply. Subject to availability and prior sale and good for performances through Jan. 29, 2012. Not valid on previously purchased tickets and may not be combined with other offers. Applicable only to specified performance dates and times. All sales are final; no refunds or exchanges. Valid on select locations only. Seating restrictions may apply. Telephone/internet orders subject to standard Telecharge.com service fees. When purchasing at box office, present offer prior to ticket inquiry. Offer may be revoked at any time. Limit 19 tickets per person per week. Offer expires Jan. 29, 2012.

ROBIN'S SHOW RECOMMENDATION: NEWSical: Full Speed Ahead

No one in the news is safe!

The Drama Desk nominated revue NEWSical is back lampooning current events, headlines, newsmakers, celebrities, and politicians. With songs and material updated on a regular basis, composer-lyricist (Drama Desk Nominated) Rick Crom's topical musical comedy is an ever-evolving mockery of all the news that is fit to spoof. This new edition: Full Spin Ahead! Directed by Mark Waldrop features all new material, and an energetic, versatile cast of four including Christine Pedi, Christina Bianco, Michael West and John Walton West.

These topics and more are given Crom's signature treatment in a highly entertaining 90-minute (no intermission) revue of some of the most talked about topics of the year, including Don't Ask Don't Tell, Oprah's Final Season, Lady Gaga, Bristol Palin, etc.

This show is a delight!  If you need some levity in your life, and who doesn't?!....see NEWSICAL!  Full of wit, the talented cast does an impressive job particularly with celebrity impersonations of PeeWee Herman, Christina Aguilera (botching the Star Spangled Banner), Liza Minelli and Celine Dion.  The political scenarios weren't as much to my personal  liking, but skits, respectively, mocking Arnold Schwarzenegger and Oprah, were clever and riotous. I haven't laughed that much in a long time!

Pedi (Forbidden Broadway, Talk Radio) leads an ensemble that includes Christina Bianco (Drama Desk nominee, Forbidden Broadway), Michael West (Forbidden Broadway, When Pigs Fly) and John Walton West (Drowsy Chaperone national tour, The Producers National Tour).

Crom received two Drama Desk nominations for his work on NEWSical. He appeared on Broadway in Urinetown, Footloose and The Goodbye Girl. Rounding out the creative team are Ed Goldschneider (music director), Jason Courson (set designer), Josh Starr (lighting designer), David Kaley (costume designer) and Scott Delacruz (stage manager). NEWSical the Musical: Full Spin Ahead is produced by Tom D'Angora (Broadway Diva Christmas, Naked Boys Singing!, Divas I've Done) and Elyse Pasquale (Betty Rules).

The show is playing at The Kirk on Theatre Row, 410 West 42nd Street. Tickets may be purchased through Telecharge.com or by calling (212) 279-4200 or (800) 432-7250. For performance schedule and more information, visit http://www.telecharge.com/.  You may also visit http://www.newsicalthemusical.com/.

ROBIN'S SHOW RECOMMENDATION: Queen of the Mist

Transport Group, the Drama Desk and OBIE award-winning theatre company is presenting the world premiere of the new musical, Queen of the Mist, with words and music by five-time Tony Award nominee Michael John LaChiusa, directed by four-time Drama Desk Award nominee Jack Cummings III. Peformances began October 18th, and it opens November 6th.

Based on a true story, Queen of the Mist stars two-time Tony nominee Mary Testa as Anna Edson Taylor, who, in 1901, set out to be the first woman to shoot Niagara Falls—in a barrel of her own design. Navigating both the treacherous Falls and a fickle public with a ravenous appetite for sensationalism, this unconventional heroine vies for her legacy in a world clamoring with swindling managers, assassins, revolutionaries, moralizing family, anarchists, and activists. Convinced there is greatness in her and determined not to live as ordinary, she sets out to battle her fear and tempt fate. With a score that incorporates turn of the century themes with signature LaChiusa elements, Queen of the Mist is the tale of a single great fall, and how one woman risked death so that she could live.

What a treat to see this musical!  Who would have thought that in what felt like a make-shift space..a narrow hardwood gymnasium floor and bleacher-style seating...that brilliance could result?!  The story was emotionally gripping, and Testa delivers a knockout performance. She is captivating from the moment we set eye on her eyes filled with intensity and passion, and when she sings There is Greatness in Me, we acknowledge that she does indeed!  The perfect choice to play this little known historical heroine, she is on the mark whether delivering comedic lines with bite or capturing the depths of despair with strength and tears.  Her co-star, The Falls, came across loud 'n clear as well, thanks to the roaring sound effects and lighting.  The audience was right there with her, and we were as engaged as no doubt the real life onlookers were when her custom designed barrel submerged, and Ms. Taylor survived.

Supported by highly capable cast members D.C. Anderson (The Phantom of the Opera, The Life Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby); Stanley Bahorek (See Rock City and Other Destinations, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee); Theresa McCarthy (Titanic, Floyd Collins); Julia Murney (Wicked, The Wild Party, First Lady Suite); Andrew Samonsky (South Pacific, Tales of the City); and Tally Sessions (The House of Blue Leaves, Yank), the ensemble works well together (adeptly moving props, a piano and furniture around the stage, on top of playing their respective roles), displaying a wide range of talent and versatility. Stanley Bahorek was particularly affecting in a tender scene as Mike Taylor, a Soldier, who is a fan of Ms. Taylor.  And, Andrew Samonsky as Frank Russell, Anna's scheming manager, is commanding, both in presence and voice.

Queen of the Mist is the inaugural production of Transport Group's 20th Century Project, a ten-year initiative spanning ten productions, each production focusing on a different decade of the 20th century. The ten productions comprise five musicals and five plays—including three commissioned musicals, two commissioned plays, and five revivals. Queen of the Mist focuses on the decade 1900-1910.

Michael John LaChiusa’s most recent work includes the music and lyrics to Giant, (book by Sybille Pearson); Los Otros, (book by Ellen Fitzhugh); and the score for Maria Aitken’s production of As You Like It at the Shakespeare Theatre, Washington, D.C. As a composer, lyricist and librettist, his other works include Bernarda Alba, See What I Wanna See, The Highest Yellow, Little Fish, Hello Again, First Lady Suite, and Break/Agnes/Eulogy for Mister Hamm. Mr. LaChiusa was represented on Broadway during the 1999-2000 season by The Wild Party and Marie Christine, receiving nominations for Best Score and Best Book (with George C. Wolfe on The Wild Party) for each show and he received a Tony nomination for Best Book (Graciela Daniele and Jim Lewis) for Chronicle of a Death Foretold. He has provided scores for the children’s television show on Nick Jr, The Wonder Pets, for which he received two Emmy Awards.

Queen of the Mist has choreography by Scott Rink (Hello Again, Crossing Brooklyn); musical direction by Chris Fenwick (See What I Wanna See); orchestrations by Michael Starobin (Hello Again, Falsettos, Sunday in the Park With George, two-time Tony winner for Next To Normal and Assassins).

The scenic design for Queen of the Mist is by Sandra Goldmark (Hello Again, Drama Desk nominee for The Boys in the Band); costume design is by Kathryn Rohe (The Boys in the Band, Hello Again); lighting design is by R. Lee Kennedy (three-time Drama Desk nominee: The Audience, Bury The Dead, and See Rock City and Other Destinations); sound design is by Walter Trarbach (The Farnsworth Invention, Cymbeline).

The Gym at Judson is a new workout space for the arts in the heart of Greenwich Village. A creative home for both established companies and emerging artists alike, The Gym presents an eclectic mix of new plays and musicals, classics, experimental work, dance, cabaret and music. Occupying the site of a full-size gymnasium with 20-foot ceilings, The Gym is a fully-equipped, multi-use theater, with flexible seating for up to 200.

Queen of the Mist was commissioned by Transport Group Theatre Company and is made possible through major support from The Shen Family Foundation.  Founded in 2001, Transport Group, under the leadership of Jack Cummings III, Artistic Director, and Lori Fineman, Executive Director, is a not-for-profit theatre company that develops and produces work by American playwrights and composers with the aim of exploring the American consciousness in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Queen of the Mist plays Tuesday through Sunday at 8pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2pm, at The Gym at Judson Memorial Church, 243 Thompson Street at Washington Square South. The evening performance on Saturday, October 29—a gala fundraiser—is at 7:30pm. The schedule for the week of November 8 is Tuesday, Thursday through Saturday at 9pm; Wednesday and Sunday at 8pm; with a Saturday matinee at 4pm. General admission tickets start at $58; premium reserved seating tickets start at $65; opening night tickets are $65; gala fundraiser tickets are $95.  The show runs through November 20th.

For tickets and information, visit http://www.transportgroup.org/ or phone 866-811-4111.  You may also visit https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/cal/100, and save $10 with code TGMAMA. 

Note: Join the Twitter Party for the Musical: Tuesday, November 9th @ 9PM, #QueenoftheMist

Cyma Shapiro Chats with Christine Pisera Naman, author of “Faces of Hope: Babies Born on 9/11” and “Faces of Hope, 10 Years Later”

Q: On 9/11, an estimated 10,000 children were born including your own son, Trevor. (Christine was 38 years old). I’m assuming that your experience formed the basis for your book. Please tell me more about this.

A: Having a baby on any day is a unique experience, having a baby on 9/11 was particularly unique. One does not often shed tears of sadness as well as tears of joy on the same day. But I did. Holding a new life in my arms was joyous. Watching our country being attacked was devastating. My own experience did form the basis for the books. I wanted to reach out to others who just might be feeling the same as I was.

Q: Can you share with us a little about the mechanics of compiling the book: how hard was it to find and interview your subjects (since they came from all 50 states)? Also, did you find regional differences in perceptions about 9/11? That is, the further from NYC you traveled, did greater observations prevail?

A: My method for compiling the books was extremely simple. I started with an internet search of baby announcements in newspapers throughout the U.S. Then simply found phone numbers and called, introduced myself then asked if they would be a part of my project of hope. I often say that remarkably, I made just about 50 phone calls to find the 50 babies. The reception from the parents was great. I found that people were pretty much equally touched by the tragedies of 9/11. Close and far it was heart breaking for all.


Q: As a mother of three children, how difficult/easy was it to present these babies in their glory – a group whose collective presence often represents new beginnings and, of course, the blank slate/freshness that only young children can provide?

A: It was easy to present the children with positive freshness and new hope. Just looking at their photos it is impossible to see anything else.

Q: In your original book, you frame the innocence of children around an event representing one of darkness or of the greatest evils of mankind. Please share some of your feelings around this dichotomy.

A: Without being political, I wanted to convey to America first & the world second that in spite of the great evil inflicted on our country that day, there was still a bright future ahead. A future that will be shaped by these beautiful innocent faces who glow with hope & optimism for a world that will see good. And that will happen through them, the representatives of a generation born on that awful day.

Q: One tragedy of death is that the deceased is often celebrated in a way that might not have happened in life. It appears as if this might be the case with Christina Taylor Green (your Colorado representative), the young girl who was killed in the shootings surrounding Gabrielle Gifford; a girl whose story of courage, hope and intent resonated around the world. Can you share some of your personal experiences with her and the message you might have taken away from her tragic passing?
 A: Christina represented Maryland in the book. Unfortunately, I did not have the privilege of knowing Christina personally but do know through talks with her mother that she was a truly remarkable little girl who did much good and made the world a better place in her short life. Senseless killing is impossible to make sense of.

Q: Having reconnected with these families and children 10 years later, how have their parents’ perceptions of that day changed? What is overall consensus of that date by the now 9 to 10 year olds?


A: I think like most people feel when they look back on 9/11 the parents can remember who they were with, what they were doing and how they felt. It is one of those days that feels like a long time ago then at the same time feels like just yesterday. Speaking with the parents, their perceptions seem to not have changed much. They remember the joy as well as the heartbreak they felt. As far as the children go, I think they have grown to feel a certain bit of responsibility to add goodness to our world because of the date of their birth. And that is what we as parents hope they will do.


Q: You were quoted as saying that “it’s impossible not to feel blessed when you hold a new life and new hope in your arms…I began to realize that my baby…had a very special purpose. (Regarding the other children) They were born to provide life, hope and goodness to a world on a day when it needed it most.” It’s obvious that your connection to motherhood has provided you with the impetus for many of your books. Can you discuss this further?

A: I always felt I needed to express my spirituality. Faces of Hope could obviously not have been planned, but when circumstances placed those two events together (the 9/11 attacks & the birth of Trevor), they acted like a catalyst and I felt the need to put together Faces of Hope. Had one event happened without the other, I am not sure I would have had the impetus to write it. Motherhood fed those emotional flames ignited by the attacks.


Q: How does being a midlife mother frame your perceptions of motherhood? How has it impacted your children?

A: I don’t really know how being a midlife mother frames my perceptions, hopefully being older and having a bit more life experience than younger moms helps me some. I feel that we become better mothers learning from prior experiences & making sure not to repeat “rookie” mistakes we may have made when we were younger & “greener”.


Q: Finally, what life lessons do you believe that mothers, and especially (new) older mothers, can take away from your books?


A: The only life lessons I hope anyone of any age will take from my books is to simply live life to the fullest, take what life gives you and find the hope in it all.

Christine Pisera Naman is an author, wife and mother. She lives in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania with her husband Peter and three children Jason, Natalie and Trevor. She enjoys eating out, window shopping, long walks and reading and writing. Her other works include Caterpillar Kisses, Christmas Lights and The Believers.

ROBIN'S SHOW RECOMMENDATION: VOCA PEOPLE

A spaceship from planet VOCA just crashed to Earth, and the VOCA PEOPLE are making their entrance. They discovered that their spaceship’s fuel - musical energy - is running on empty. Their mission: to musically refuel their spaceship by performing the music of Earthlings.

VOCA PEOPLE, (VocaPeopleNYC.com) created by Lior Kalfo and Shai Fishman, has landed at The Westside Theatre, (407 W. 43rd Street in NYC) and is produced by Doron Lida, Revital Kalfo, Leeorna Solomons, and Eva Price (Executive Producer).

The show featuring an uber-talented cast combines vocal sounds, a capella singing, comedy and the art of beat box. Performed by eight snow-white ruby-lipped aliens with perfect harmony, there are no musical instruments, only vocals, and at times, it's hard to believe.  They are that good!

VOCA PEOPLE believe music is the source of life that brings harmony, joy and refueling.  The 90 minute performance (without intermission) features over 70 well known songs that create vocal “fireworks.” VOCA PEOPLE is the musical theater event that bridges languages, cultures, and planets.

It makes for a fun girls night out and is certainly suitable for families.  I particularly enjoyed the rap performed by two of the male cast members.  And, when they came into the audience to pick participants to join them, there were some good laughs, especially as they serenaded a gal who became the romantic muse of the male Voca People, and she was a good sport.

VOCA PEOPLE has won intergalactic success with sold-out tours through Europe, South America, the Middle East, Mars and Uranus. Their videos have had over 20 million YouTube hits.

Created by Lior Kalfo and Shai Fishman, VOCA PEOPLE is directed by Mr. Kalfo with musical direction and arrangements by Mr. Fishman. The show has lighting design by Roy Milo, sound design by Naor Ben Meir, and costume design by Doron Ashkenazi.

Shai Fishman says, “VOCA PEOPLE demonstrate that pure vocal sounds are more astonishing than instruments. We hope that the show will enchant the ear and bring laughter to the mind while it touches the heart.”

Tickets for VOCA PEOPLE range from $25 - $79.50 with premium seating available.

Visit http://www.vocapeoplenyc.com/.  It is a unique show and worth checking out!

ROBIN'S SHOW REVIEW: TRACES

Fox Theatricals (Kristin Caskey and Mike Isaacson), Tom Gabbard, Amanda Dubois, The Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Nassib El-Husseini, and Thomas Lightburn have brought TRACES, the acclaimed show by the Montreal-based troupe 7 Fingers, to New York’s Union Square Theatre (100 East 17th Street) for 10 weeks this summer, and if you enjoy exhilarating dance and jaw dropping acrobatics, don't miss it.

In TRACES, the human body is pushed to its limits as a group of hard-bodied friends leave their mark in a run-down warehouse through acrobatics, music, and dance. Fusing the traditions of circus with the energy of street performance, TRACES is an explosive display of raw emotion and astounding physicality in an intimate urban setting.

TRACES features Creative Direction by 7 Fingers (Les 7 Doigts de la Main) and Direction and Choreography by Shana Carroll and Gypsy Snider. TRACES is performed by Mason Ames, Valérie Benôit-Charbonneau, Mathieu Cloutier, Bradley Henderson, Phillipe Normand-Jenny, Xia Zhengqi, and Florian Zumkehr with alternate cast members Héloïse Bourgeois, Sen Lin, and William Underwood.

Les 7 Doigts de la Main translates literally as “the 7 fingers of the hand.” It is a twist on a French idiom (“the five fingers of the hand”) used to describe distinct parts united tightly, moving in coordination towards one common goal. Here it refers to the seven founding directors of the company (Shana Carroll, Isabelle Chasse, Patrick Léonard, Faon Shane, Gypsy Snider, Sébastien Soldevila and Samuel Tétreault) who, by combining their distinct talents and experiences, work towards their common artistic goals with the beautifully awkward dexterity of a 7-fingered hand.

With pulsating music, lights, and even some comedic moment thrown in, kids will enjoy as well.  My son, age 8, thought it was super cool.  I was awestruck by a particularly impressive sequence performed by one troupe member with a large metal hula hoop. You could hear the oohs and aahs from the audience.  Another unique sequence was adeptly performed with a Chinese Yo-Yo.

It's 90 minutes of non-stop, pure heart-pumping energy that will entertain and amaze people of all ages.

DISCOUNT OFFER -

TRACES (http://www.tracesusa.com/)

Circus on a Human Scale.

No Safety Net - No Strings Attached - NO LIMITS.

Tickets Only $49 (reg. $79)

Featured Guests on “America’s Got Talent”  - watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArXRyWIpC4c

3 Easy Ways to buy your $49 Tickets:

Visit TicketMaster.com and enter code TRGEN1

Call 800-982-2787 and mention code TRGEN1

Visit the Box Office at The Union Square Theatre, 100 E. 17th Street, between Park and Lexington Aves.
Performance Schedule:

Monday and Friday at 8, Saturday at 3 and 8, Sunday at 3 and 7:30

Additional performances: September 8, 22, 29, October 6 at 8
*There is a $1.00 Facilities fee included in the price of each ticket. Producers reserve the right to change or revoke the offer at anytime. Offer expires October 9, 2011. Subject to availability and prior sale. May not be combined with any other offers or discounts. $49 tickets regularly priced $79. All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges. Limit 8 tickets per order. Internet and phone orders are subject to standard service fees. Black-out dates may apply.

JAMIE’S SHOW REVIEW AND TICKET GIVEAWAY: The Ohmies

As a conscientious mother, I’m constantly focused on raising a happy, healthy child, and this past weekend, my daughter, Jayda, and I experienced an amazing musical theater production that supports parents like me in doing just that. Billed as a “one-of-a-kind interactive musical experience for kids ages 3 to 8,” The Ohmies is a lively musical adventure that encourages preschoolers to develop positive skills for good health and well-being.

The show features Bella Butterfly and her little brother, Carlin Caterpillar, two, spirited, colorful characters who take the audience on an engaging learning adventure. When Bella leads her brother—and the audience—in planting a “wish garden,” whereby they plant wish seeds so their wishes can come true, she realizes that Mr. Sun is not yet awake (to warm the earth and help the seeds grow), and sets off to Sweeping Bluff to wake him up. Along the way, she and her brother meet a cast of compelling characters, who all help them get where they need to go—and to achieve their goal.

Children in the audience sit on a large mat in front of the stage, and, wearing only socks on their feet, follow along as Bella teaches everyone to fly like a butterfly—after which Gisbert Grasshopper shows them how to hop far and wide, Sylvio Snake teaches them to slither like a snake, and more—by stretching and jumping, and employing yoga fundamentals like downward dog and butterfly. I was thrilled to watch Jayda laughing and leaping along—and getting a nice little workout while having fun—throughout the entire show.

Along with offering appealing music and infectious interactive fun, The Ohmies also present a bunch of valuable messages to preschoolers: The importance of making friends and working together to achieve signficant goals, as well as getting along with siblings, learning to make healthy choices, and overcoming fears and anxieties. When The Ohmies are distressed, a bunch of dark clouds—The Worries—appear in the sky, but the characters all sing, dance, and laugh them off, and soon realize they can “shake off the worries” to make them go away. I loved this message—and Jayda loved how it was presented.

As Bella tells her friends time and time again, “Besties always help each other,” and the BFFs in this show do more than that—they help preschoolers learn a lot about themselves and the world around them, while having a fantastic time singing, dancing, and enjoying the show.

For more information visit: http://www.theohmies.com/

The Ohmies are performing at:
The Peter Jay Sharp Theater, 416 W. 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036
June 16 - September 25, 2011
SHOW TIMES: Thursday: 11AM, Saturday: 10AM, 12PM and 3PM, Sunday: 12PM and 3PM
TICKETS: $35
RUNNING TIME: 45 minutes

TO ORDER TICKETS: Online: Visit ticketcentral.com and use code: OHM02 or go to: http://https//www.ticketcentral.com/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=D280A9AE-A505-4D3C-AD2E-6092A9E4648C&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::promocode_access_code=OHM02
or Phone: (212) 279-4200 Use code: OHMO2
In Person: Print out this offer and bring to the Box Office at the theater 416 West 42nd St.
(Box office opens one hour prior)

WIN FREE TICKETS -- MOTHERHOODLATER OFFER!!! Win four (4) tickets to this amazing show! Drop an email by 8/7 to robin@motherhoodlater.com, and let us know why you'd like to see the show with your family. Put OHMIES in the Subject line. Winner will be notified via email.

ROBIN'S SHOW REVIEW: Naked in a Fishbowl

Daphne Rubin-Vega joined the fully improvised live sitcom, Naked in a Fishbowl, at The Cherry Lane Theater in NYC, for the opening night of a 5-week run that started Monday, July 18th.  It was fun to have the opportunity to see her up close 'n personal. I've been a huge fan since she originated the role of Mimi on Broadway in Rent, earning her a Theater World Award and Tony and Drama Desk nominations for Best Actress in a Musical. She was nominated again for her role as Conchita in the Pulitzer Prize winning “Anna In The Tropics.”

While she didn't sing (not that I expected she would), she demonstrated impressive comedic chops and the ability to act on her feet, reminding me of the versatile talent she is. Cast ensemble regulars rallied around to create an evening that  makes for a light-hearted, "fearless" and affordable girls night out.  You never know what's gonna come out of someone's mouth.  Improv has always intrigued me in that way.  It takes real skill.

Naked in a Fishbowl chronicles the lives of six "fearless" friends in New York City who laugh together, cry together and tell it like it is...completely unscripted.  It premiered in the NY International Fringe Festival in 2007, and the cast was presented with the Outstanding Ensemble Award and hailed as the “brightest lights of the festival.” Since re-launching in 2010, this female comedy troupe has created over 30 original episodes in front of a live theatre audience. The resulting web series has garnered over 250,000 hits online and has been viewed in over 80 countries.

Situated in a landmark building in Greenwich Village, The Cherry Lane Theatre serves as a lab for the development of new American works and a home for groundbreaking productions of both new and classic theater. As New York's longest continuously running Off-Broadway theatre, Cherry Lane has helped to define American drama, fostering fresh, daring, and relevant theater for 85 years.

Naked in a Fishbown, which is not a production of The Cherry Lane Theatre, is produced by Donna De Stefano and Lauren Seikaly, and stars Kahtarine Heller, Breanna Palughi, Lauren Seikaly, Molly Knefel, Daliya Karnofsky and Rachel Axelrod.  Associate Producer is Matharine Heller, and Creative Producer is Breanna Palughi. 

The Cherry Lane Theater is located at 38 Commerce Street near 7th Avenue South. Naked in a Fishbowl is performed Monday Nights @ 7pm, July 18 – August 15th.  Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at Telecharge.com.  Running time: 1 hour, no intermission.  A new guest star is featured each week.

To see clips, episodes, or for more information, visit: http://www.nakedinafishbowl.com/.  Follow them on Twitter @nakedinfishbowl 

ROBIN CHATS WITH LATER DAD SCOTT ELLIS

AGE: 54
CURRENT RELATIONSHIP STATUS: partnered
BIO: Associate Artistic Director Roundabout Theatre Company; Director/Executive Producer of Showtime's cable television series Weeds; Five-time Tony-nominated theatre director
NAMES/AGES OF CHILDREN: 18 month twins, Charlotte and Parker
RESIDENCE - NYC

What made you want to be a dad? I don't think there was ever a time growing up when I didn't think about becoming a dad. I always liked kids....sort of a DNA thing. Of course, being gay, I thought this probably won't happen. I had started a domestic adoption process 10 years ago....open adoption....and stopped it when I met someone because kids were not on his radar. We broke up largely due to that. I didn't want to regret not becoming a father. Because some time had passed, I thought the process of surrogacy would be faster, so I contacted an agency. Plus, I had a little more control. I knew when the babies were coming and could work my schedule around that. I was able to stop work for several months. My priority was to have a healthy child. Having the children be part of me biologically was never a burning desire. I look at them and just think they're my kids.

Did it unfold as you hoped? No. I told the doctor I didn't want twins. He implanted two eggs in the surrogate anticipating only one would take. He guessed wrong. My concern was that my life was too full for two children. Coincidentally, I'm a twin and am close with my brother who is married and has a three year old and lives in London. Now, with my kids, I know things are as they were meant to be, even though two is a handful.

What do you see as the upsides and challenges of being a 50+ dad? I don't think of age at all. Luckily, I've kept in pretty good shape and take care of myself. I'm better prepared than I would have been 20 years ago. Life. Financially. No resentment when it comes to all that parenting requires. I am ready to share my life. I'm dad...age is a non-issue to me.

Any parenting words of wisdom you’d like to share? Two things I've learned very quickly....everyone parents the way they need to parent...there's no right or wrong. I used to be much more judgmental. No more. You do your thing....it works for you, and that's great. The other thing is really really try to take one day at a time. It gets overwhelming if you over think and look ahead.

What’s the best piece of advice anyone has offered you re: parenting? Someone said that you’re gonna get a ton of advice from lots of people. Just listen, and pick what’s right for you. And, be okay with it. Don’t self judge. Go with your instincts. Trust your gut. This has proven true. It’s great to have someone to bat things around with, but I’m also not someone who calls the doctor constantly.

What do you most want to share with your children? We all go back to our own childhood when we become a parent...I came from a divorced home (I was 12 when my parents split) and want to raise my kids with a sense of stability and security, since I didn’t have that.

What has parenthood taught you thus far? No matter who I think my kids are or want them to be, they are who they are. They're both so different, and I can't change them...I can't direct them. I'm used to that, given my work. They're in the director seat. I'm learning to let go, have patience. Not try to push them...but to guide, provide a loving home and good education ......and establish rules, but also accept/embrace who they are and support their journey.

What excites you about being a dad? A lot! The constant discovery. The changes. You get to know their personalities every day. They’re starting to talk, and I’m always amazed re: where they get their language from. It’s fascinating.

Any particular experiences you can’t want to share with your children? Introducing them to theatre for sure. Taking them to a Yankee game would be a highlight. I didn’t travel that much growing up, but would love to share that with them when they’re older. I’m curious to see what they like to do as they grow and will build upon those interests.

How have you found juggling work with parenting? I have a live-in nanny. Once they go to school, we'll revisit the situation. I feel like I have to work so much more to take care of all this...but on the flip side, I don't want to be an absentee dad. I'm working to find that balance. Time management is critical as is having support. I'm surrounded by great friends, etc., and that makes a difference. My dad passed away, but my mom loves the twins!

What would you like to share with others contemplating later in life parenthood or becoming a parent period? If you're contemplating, go for it. I didn't want to have regret. But, you have to accept that there's no perfect time. There's never enough money. We're here one time, pretty quick, so why not do it?!



Note: Scott is one of the subjects of the film LOVE, ETC., which I highly recommend.  He shares his heartfelt road to parenthood in this compelling new documentary. 

ROBIN'S SHOW REVIEW: BORN YESTERDAY

                                                       

                                     (photo by Carol Rosegg)

Emmy® nominee JIM BELUSHI, Tony® winner ROBERT SEAN LEONARD and NINA ARIANDA star in the Broadway revivial of BORN YESTERDAY, Garson Kanin’s 1946 award-winning romantic comedy about sex and politics.

Directed by Tony® winner Doug Hughes (Doubt), it’s the timeless and timely story of a not-so-dumb-blonde, her less-than-honest brute of a boyfriend, and the no-nonsense reporter who helps her uncover some of the dirtiest little secrets in Washington.

Nina Arianda, who received raves for her previous work in Off-Broadway's Venus in Fur, plays Billie, a character originated by Judy Holliday (on stage and film). Jim Belushi ("The Defenders," "The World According to Jim") plays Harry Brock, Billie's longtime brutish boyfriend who hires, Paul, a journalist, played by Robert Sean Leonard (TV's "House" and Broadway's Invention of Love), to make Billie a wiser and worldly gal. 

Harry and his posse have moved temporarily into a swanky hotel in Washington, DC, to cut some deals with a senator so he can expand his thriving junk metal business. While you don't always know exactly what he and his lawyer are plotting or lobbying for, there are frequent meetings at all hours and papers being signed, even by Billie, until she wises up and boldly confronts Harry, after he slaps her around.

In Billie, Harry ultimately gets more than he bargained for, and Arianda plays the part for all it's worth.  She rises to the occasion with toughness, humor and tenderness.  Not only does she look the part of the slinky, blonde babe, but from the moment she appears on stage, you have a sense she is a source to be reckoned with, and that you are watching a star in the making.  She is delectable!

Belushi, who has a strong stage presence, does a good job as a tough guy, mobster-type who bullies Billie, and Leonard is a capable Paul who ably takes Billie under both his academic and amourous wing.  There is a chemistry between the threesome, and to watch them in action is like observing fine-tuned sparring partners.

Born Yesterday is at the Cort Theatre, 138 W. 48th Street, NYC. Tony Award winner Frank Wood, Tony nominees Terry Beaver and Michael McGrath, Patricia Hodges, Fred Arsenault, Bill Christ, Jennifer Regan, Liv Rooth, Danny Rutigliano, Andrew Weems and Robert Emmet Lunney round out the cast. Wood won a Tony for Side Man, Beaver was Tony-nominated for The Last Night of Ballyhoo, Hodges appeared in A Man for All Seasons and McGrath was Tony-nominated for Spamalot.

Born Yesterday is produced by Philip Morgaman, Anne Caruso/Vincent Caruso, Frankie J. Grande, James P. MacGilvray, Brian Kapetanis.
The scenic design  (the set is gorgeous!) for Born Yesterday is by John Lee Beatty; costume design is by Catherine Zuber; lighting design is by Peter Kaczorowski; original music/sound design is by David Van Tieghem; hair/wig design is by Tom Watson; casting is by Jay Binder and Jack Bowdan; fight direction is by J. David Brimmer; and the production stage manager is Tripp Phillips.

The performance schedule is Tuesday at 7 PM; Wednesday through Saturday at 8 PM; Wednesday and Saturday at 2 PM; Sunday at 3 PM. There is no performance on Thursday, June 16; and Friday, June 17; and there will be added performances on Monday, June 13 at 8 PM; and Sunday, June 19 at 7:30 PM. The performance on Sunday, June 12 will be at 2 PM.

Tickets are $26.50-$121.50 and may be purchased by visiting http://www.telecharge.com/ or by phoning (212) 239-6200 or (800) 432-7250. For more information about Born Yesterday, visit bornyesterdayonbroadway.com.

ON THE LOOSE IN NYC: Giveaways! by Robin Gorman Newman

Seth turned 8 recently, and to celebrate, aside from his laser tag party, we stayed in the city for three nights with our good friend Alli, and painted the town red (Seth's favorite color, ala fire trucks).

We bunked again at the comfy, artsy Roger Smith Hotel on 48th and Lexiington, and gallavanted around all over town, as we did back in December, this time thankfully without the slush and mess from the winter blizzard.

Day 1 included: A visit to Grand Central Market (picked up some amazing cheese at Murray's), Jam Paper (very cool paper products and more), Spy Shop (Seth got an invisible ink device), a Cartoon Store, Sky Ride (details below...enjoyed it) and dinner at the delicious Rosa Mexicano, after trying to get into a dinner spot at Eataly and didn't succeed (too long a wait).  Seth loved that the restaurant was across the street from a firehouse that had it's doors open, so we schmoozed with the firemen and took photos.

Day 2 - Visit to Build-A-Bear Workshop(details below), saw the off-Bway musical (and enjoyed) Freckleface Strawberry (I blogged about the show last week. Discount offer below.), visited yet another spy store, super cool Japanese bookstore/gift shop, the Drama Bookshop (love it there), a major trip to Toys R Us (where Seth picked out bday gifts for himself), culminating in dinner at the Brooklyn Diner (love the thick pea soup strewn with hot dogs chunks).

Day 3 - Walked around Union Square, including visits to the "awesome" Forbidden Planet, Game Stop and the excellent toy store Kidding Around.  Then subwayed it downtown to the Lower East Side.  Brought back memories of years gone by when I used to eat at Ratner's with my folks (my beloved mom loved the vegetable cutlet with mushroom barley) and I used to shop there on a Sunday with my longtime friend Debbie, and we always came home packed with shopping bags full of great stuff.  Things have changed quite a bit since those times, and what you see mostly now are small hip clothing shops and funky art galleries.  Quite a transformation.  We also popped into Economy Candy, a fun retro candy store packed to the rafters with almost anything confectionary and caloric you can imagine.  You truly feel like a "kid in a candy store" there!

After all this, headed back uptown for the 7pm ride on THE RIDE (details below), where friends joined us, and we had a total blast.  This was our second time on THE RIDE, and this time, it was all the more special since the hip hop performance street artist gave Seth a shoutout for his birthday.  If you have yet to experience THE RIDE, check it out! Afterwards, back at Brooklyn Diner in Times Square for Seth's birthday dinner featuring the most massive piece of chocolate cake that everyone enjoyed!  It was a day to remember.

Day 4 - Sony Wonder Technology Lab (free...interesting), Lee's Art Shop (great kids floor), TJ Maxx (57th and 8th...didn't know they opened a branch here)......returned home with loads of memories and goodies....and plenty to talk about.

NYC is truly one of the greatest cities in the world, and it's so easy to take it for granted if you live here, but there's much to enjoy if you take the time to explore and scope it out!

I highly recommend you take in the following in your next visit to NYC.  Here's the inside scoop about four of the top attractions we enjoyed.

SKY RIDE (at the Empire State Building)
New York's only virtual tour simulator.  This is a treat!

• Fly across only the skyline.
• See the real New York.
• Fun for children or adults.
• Nearly 8 million happy vistors since 1995.
• Afterwards, enjoy priority access privileges to the Empire State Building

Actor Kevin Bacon narrates your 30-minute adventure, taking you across the skyline on a unique journey around nearly three dozen famous landmarks. You never have to leave the comfort of the second floor at the famed Empire State Building.

Your tour also includes two special presentations:
• "I am New York” the spectacular history of the Empire State Building
• “Top 10 Things to Do in New York" - a primer on all things Big Apple!

Visit http://www.skyride.com/.

BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. is the leading and only global company that offers an interactive make-your-own stuffed animal retail-entertainment experience. Founded in 1997, the company currently operates more than 400 Build-A-Bear Workshop® stores worldwide, including company owned stores in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and France, and franchise stores in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. In 2007, the interactive experience was enhanced - all the way to CyBEAR® space - with the launch of buildabearville.com®, the company’s virtual world.

We had a great time.  Seth made a husky dog he named Patches, and fell immediately in love. There is something for everyone here. And, the cutest, cleverest accessories and clothing for the wide array of stuffed animals you can make and see come to life. 

Check them out at http://www.facebook.com/buildabear to stay abreast of the most current promotions and receive exclusive offers.

NOTE: BULD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP IS GIVING AWAY A $25 GIFT CARD.  TO ENTER, POST A COMMENT ON THIS BLOG, AND THE WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN AT RANDOM AND NOTIFIED BY THE END OF MARCH.  BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AND INDICATE THAT YOU'RE INTERESTED IN BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP.

THE RIDE
THE RIDE, is loads of interactive fun and a unique experience....chockful of jokes, singing, doing the wave, sightseeing and more.

THE RIDE’s specially-designed custom vehicles are the tallest allowed by federal law on city streets. The bus is fitted with stadium-style seating that orients riders sidways to look through massive windows, and two on-board hosts banter comedically as they travel through the streets of midtown Manhattan, commenting on New York’s history and its iconic sites and structures, and giving insider secrets about the city – all while incorporating actors and performers along the route who interact with the vehicle and its passengers. External speakers and exterior lighting allow the on-board hosts to make everyone on the street part of the experience. Surprises show up all along the route, featuring sites from the Chrysler Building and Grand Central Terminal to Times Square and Columbus Circle.

A full schedule for THE RIDE is available at experiencetheride.com. Tickets are on sale now, available three ways: online at experiencetheride.com; by phone at (866) 299-9682; and in person at THE RIDE Box office located at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel, 1535 Broadway between 45th and 46th Streets. To save $5/ticket, use the code GOMAMA when ordering.  Join them on Facebook to get the latest news.  http://www.facebook.com/ExperienceTheRide.

FRECKLEFACE STRAWBERRY The Musical
Special Offer:

$45 tickets (regularly $68.50)
or
$39.99 tickets with the Family 4-Pack
(when 4+ tickets are purchased together)

OFFER AVAILABLE FOR THE FOLLOWING PERFORMANCES:

Wed at 11am or 2pm; Fri at 7pm; Sat, Sun at 11am or 4:30pm
(offer not valid Sat, Sun at 2pm)

3 EASY WAYS TO BUY TICKETS!

1: ONLINE:
•For 1–3 tickets Visit BroadwayOffers.com and use code FSSWING1
•For 4–8 tickets Visit BroadwayOffers.com and use code FS4SWING1

2: CALL: 212-947-8844
•For 1–3 tickets mention code FSSWING1
•For 4–8 tickets mention code FS4SWING1

3: VISIT THE BOX OFFICE:
Print this blog post and bring it to New World Stages at
340 West 50th Street (between Eighth and Ninth Avenues), New York, NY

For more information visit: http://www.frecklefacethemusical.com/

NOTE: MOTHERHOODLATER.COM IS GIVING AWAY A FAMILY FOUR PACK TO SEE THE SHOW.  TO ENTER, POST A COMMENT TO THIS BLOG AND INDICATE YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THE SHOW.  BE SURE TO PROVIDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, AND THE WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN AT RANDOM AND NOTIFIED BY THE END OF MARCH.

*RESTRICTIONS: Limit 8 tickets per order. Valid through April 17. Additional blackout dates may apply. Not valid on prior purchases and cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions. All sales are final—no refunds or exchanges. Offer subject to availability and includes a $1.50 facilities fee. Offer may be modified or revoked at any time without notice. Standard Telecharge service fees apply to phone and online orders.






Note: Thanks to THE RIDE, SKYRIDE, BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP and FRECKLEFACE STRAWBERRY for providing promotional visits.