I think my heart grew a few sizes larger the other night while watching Elf – the Musical at Broadway’s Marquis Theatre. And I’m not kidding. I walked into the theatre a big grouch. I’ve had a hard busy work day, all the while navigating a pulled muscle in my lower back and a sore shoulder muscle that never stopped aching all day. I was tired, cranky, and basically thinking I would be much better off in bed on painkillers drinking a hot toddy. Happy Holidays everyone, but within minutes of the most surprisingly sweet and festive two and a half hours on Broadway, my discomfort was gone. Just from watching this charmingly funny tale of a very tall elf who learns just days before Christmas that he isn’t actually an elf, but a human, who, a long time ago crawled into Santa’s sack when he was just a wee infant. And instead of Santa returning him to his momma (a question that never crossed my mind until now), Buddy the Elf was raised by the happiest of happy elves who dance and sing up a storm and make toys at record speed. Now that’s a wonderful life, I’m thinking.

Grey Hensen, Sean Astin Photo by Evan Zimmerman for Murphy Made

Now one might call me a Classic Christmas enthusiast, who can not make it through the holiday season without watching: “It’s a Wonderful Life“, “Love, Actually“, “A Christmas Story“, and the one and only original animated “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas“. Never ever the live-action film. I avoid films like that, and “Elf”, the 2003 film that starred Will Ferrell, and I really had no intention of watching it. Pretty much ever (I still believe that to be true). But I have to say, the musical version, brought to magical life by the talented team that delivered The Prom to Broadway, with music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin, and a book by Thomas Meehan & Bob Martin, is just what the holiday doctor ordered, or should have, as I totally forgot about my aches and pains (and my hard day) for the entirety of the show.

Kalen Allen, Grey Henson, and The Cast of Broadway’s Elf the Musical. Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

Perfectly embodied and sung by the gem, Grey Henson (Broadway’s Mean Girls; Shucked), Buddy the Elf is, like his familial elves, “Happy All the Time“, until it slips out that he is not like all the other elves. He’s special, they tell him. And by special, they mean human, and not at all an elf. So with a little holiday push by Santa, played lovingly by Sean Astin (“Lord of the Rings” trilogy), Buddy is off to New York City to find his father and, in turn, help him, who Santa states is firmly stamped on the naughty list, rediscover his holiday spirit and reconnect with his family. His journey is long, assisted by the somewhat straightforward heavily projected set and costuming by Tim Goodchild (West End’s Strangers on a Train), with festive lighting by Patrick Woodroffe (Jim Steinman’s Bat Out of Hell), and sound design by Gareth Owen (Broadway’s Hell’s Kitchen) & Peter Fitzgerald (Broadway’s Purlie Victorious..), that feels somewhat more like a touring production, rather than a planted Broadway show, but it really doesn’t effect his “sparklyjollytwinklejingley” spirit that never fades, even when he finally comes face to face with his overworked and overwhelmed Daddy (Walter) Hobbs, played gloriously sour by Michael Hayden (Broadway’s Judgment at Nuremberg).

He tries to follow Santa’s sage advice, “ask first, then hug” but Buddy’s enthusiasm doesn’t do the festive family trick. It only engages and enlists boss Hobbs’ staff, led by the fabulously talented Jennifer Sánchez (Red Bull Theater’s The Alchemist) as office assistant Deb, who initially mistakes Buddy for a singing telegram entertainer. This mismatch doesn’t go well, as expected, and Buddy finds himself escorted out into the street, and pointed towards the ‘North Pole’ village at the nearby Macy’s Department Store. In some way, this is the Christmas match he needs, filling the standoffish employees there with his happy elfin spirit, promoted by the anxious store manager played hilariously well by Kalen Allen (Netflix’s “Meet Me Next Christmas“). Who also can sell you the greatest hotdogs in town, depending on your mood or taste buds.

Kayla Davion and Grey Henson in Broadway’s Elf the Musical. Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

But the main event of that short overnight stay is when Buddy the Elf falls quickly and hopelessly in love with the pretty Jovie, a determined-to-be practical store-elf-for-hire, who doesn’t believe in all that joyful, hopeful magic of Christmas, vowing to “Never Fall in Love (With and Elf)” or so she states. Powerhouse Kayla Davion (Off-Broadway’s White Girl in Danger) as Jovie knocks down that gingerbread house (not literally) with her killer vocals and sweet straightforward charm, pulling us in with ease to her wishful thinking and romantic ideals. We can’t help but fall for her as quickly as Buddy does, but his forgetfulness at crucial moments places a few obstacles for this sleigh ride to continue down its non-snowy path. But we are very forgiving for the lovable Buddy, and we hold onto our festive hearts hoping (and knowing) she will be forgiving too.

You see, Walter Hobbs, the unknown father of Buddy, works long hard hours as a publisher of children’s books in an Empire State Building office. He’s far too busy and stressed to go Christmas shopping with his wife, Emily, gloriously well-played by lovely-voiced Ashley Brown (Encores’ The Golden Apple), and their son, Michael, delightfully portrayed by Kai Edgar (Ahmanson’s A Christmas Story). But after an altercation with Macy’s fake Santa, Buddy is dropped off at the Hobbs’ door by a couple of jolly policemen, and a bond begins to form with his newfound family, one that we know will benefit them all, once they embrace his joyful soul.

Michael Hayden, Ashley Brown, Kai Edgar, Grey Henson, and Kayla Davion Photo by Evan Zimmerman for Murphy Made

His new stepmom can’t help herself but giggle along with all of us as we watch Henson’s Buddy drive the story forward as only he can, giving us “A Christmas Song” and energy that can’t be denied. With Buddy decked out in human work clothes whispering “Dad” until he can’t help but yell it out, Elf never stops for a second, completely captivating us all in its holiday cheer and goodwill. The songs, particularly the lyrics, are impossible not to love, especially “The Story of Buddy the Elf” sung with such cheer, and backed up by the effervescent choreography of Liam Steel (West End/Broadway’s Company) layered like icing on top of the orchestrations cake by music supervisor Alan Williams (Broadway’s Funny Girl). It could make anyone believe in Santa, even the grouchy Mr. Greenway (Astin) who demands everyone work through Christmas just so he can publish a new children’s Christmas storybook.

Naturally, everything comes together in the end, energizing the New York City Christmas spirit in ways that will make you smile stupidly from ear to ear and send a sleigh soaring. As directed with a heartful of joy and love by Philip Wm. McKinley (Broadway’s The Boy From Oz), Elf flies high into the Central Park sky, and I can’t begin to tell you just how much this production cured my rainy workday Thursday night blues, ushering me into Christmas, before sending me out into the difficult streets of New York City with the happiest of elvish steps, humming the music and singing “Buddy the Elf” as I made my way home. Hensen’s Buddy certainly knows how to play those Christmas bells in a way that lifted the weight off my shoulders, reducing my achy muscles, and giving me a little lump in my throat. And I’m sure it did the same to all those enthralled kids around me, including the adult-plus-one I brought with me that night. Don’t miss your chance to care about Santa once again with Broadway’s Elf the Musical.

Grey Henson and Jennifer Sanchez (center) with The Cast of Broadway’s Elf the Musical. Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

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Her Excellency Ambassador Dr. Andrise Bass, Institute of Public Policy and Diplomacy Research (IPPDR), a leading organization in peacebuilding training and education, recently hosted a Platinum Humanitarian Leadership Award Ceremony at the United Nations Delegates Dining Room. This prestigious event, organized by Ambassador Dr. Andrise Bass, celebrated the appointment of new Global Peace Ambassadors.

Adding royal elegance to the occasion were Her Highness Dr. Princess Antonia zu Schaumburg-Lippe and her son, His Highness Dr. Prince Mario-Max zu Schaumburg-Lippe, who both actively champion peace-building efforts. Esteemed dignitaries, ambassadors, and government officials joined doctors, nurses, civil society leaders, and young innovators, all united in their commitment to a more peaceful world.

Her Highness Dr. Princess Antonia zu Schaumburg-Lippe eloquently expressed the significance of the Global Peace Program, stating, “It is a testament to our shared humanity. Through it, each of us becomes a steward of compassion, dialogue, and unity. Together, we can create a world where peace is an ideal and a lived reality for all.”

H.H. Dr. Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe: “Her Excellency Dr. Andrise Bass is a Diamond of a Human Being, a true Diplomat that has care for people and world peace in her DNA. It was a historical day of significance getting appointed as Global Peace Ambassador and receiving the presidential Life Time Achievement Award at the UN Headquarters in NYC”.

The newly appointed Global Peace Ambassadors, including H.H. and Excellency Ambassador Dr. Prince Mario-Max zu Schaumburg-Lippe, represent a diverse range of backgrounds and expertise. They include Naomi Achu, Queen of Bamenda, Cameroon; Blanca Judith Mujica Acuna, LL.M; Dr. Jumai Ahmadu; Raquel Lorena Coronado Arce, LL.M; Pastor Emmanuel Asse; Prince Jean Louis Bingna of Bangu, Cameroon; Angel Montero Caceres; Nadine Charles; Former New York Detective Dr. Vanessa Vielka de Danzine; Barbara Derathe; Hans Garry Dorleans; Amb. Dr. Muawia Eltoum Elamin Elbukhari Former DPR Sudan Mission to the UN in New York; H.C. Dr. Dior Fall; Dr. Melinda Arnon Gills-Becks; Pastor Alfred Justin Joseph; Arsene Romaric Tatsazeu Kenfack; Kadiatou Ly; Dolores Murat-Etienne; Frederic Ordines; Carlos Manuel Perez Gonzalez, LL.M; Junior Saint Fleur; Elizabeth Wayak Pembe; NYC Detective Malik Stone; H.C. Dr. Maria Thomas Santiago; Indhira Elizabeth Elliot Valdez; and Koffi Wilson Brou.

These ambassadors will play crucial roles in conflict prevention, crisis management, global peace advocacy, human rights advocacy, mental health support and awareness, and nonviolent intervention. The IPPDR, under the guidance of Ambassador Dr. Andrise Bass, will continue to empower these leaders through programs like the upcoming leadership and diplomatic protocol training in March 2025. This training will focus on “Eloquent Leadership and Diplomatic Protocol,” essential skills for building strong international relationships and fostering peace.

The IPPDR’s commitment to peacebuilding and the appointment of these dedicated Global Peace Ambassadors mark a significant step towards a more harmonious and peaceful world.

This was not another ladies who lunch moment in the Big Apple. This was the best power lunch this season and it was all for a phenomenal cause.

On May 3, hundreds of attendees gathered inside the grand of hall of Casa Cipriani for the UN Women For Peace Association Annual Awards Luncheon. The afternoon was graced with an uplifting and harmonious affair that was one for the history books. In this moment in history the gratitude and love that filled the room was deeply appreciated and revered.  Ambassador Rosemary DiCarlo, Christian Elliott, The Honorable Joanne King Herring, Vicki Hollub, and Kevin Hyland OBE were all respectfully honored by  UNWFPA for achievements that have been the touchstone of change in modern times.

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 3: AnnaLynne McCord and Rosanna Scotto attend UNWFPA 2022 Awards Luncheon at Casa Cipriani on May 3, 2022 in New York. (Photo by Michael Ostuni/PMC/PMC)

Rosanna Scotto of FOX 5’s, Good Day New York emceed the delightful day that showcased the incredible strength of the women who were celebrated. Sitting over lunch, the crowd took in moving performances in between speeches that brought forth an equal amount of tears, laughter and inspiration. Wendy Moten sang Somewhere Over The Rainbow and country star Drew Baldridge sang his original song She’s Somebody’s Daughter.

As each award was presented the crowd was uplifted to their feet and applauded. It was a fitting tone for the harmonious event that made each guest realize the truly powerful mission statement of the organization.

Moments like when actress and SAG-AFTRA President, Fran Drescher, made the keynote address made the men and women in the room listen with awe. Sharing her personal story of rape survival, she brought to attention the much needed work that continues to be needed around the world.

The advocate stated with direct determination about her work with the group along with SAG-AFTRA, “We support the UN Trust Fund to end violence against women and girls as well as our own initiatives to impact national necessary changes in this area. We are committed to the prevention of violence against women and girls in the provision of services to those affected by violence. Just read from the implementation of laws and policies against violence, and to the empowerment of women and girls and societies where they’re under advantaged. This year we are launching an aggressive generational campaign called counting on men as we believe, without addressing men and boys, we will continue to fail to make progress on the issues related to violence against women and girls.”

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 3: Rebecca Damon, Fran Drescher and Ezra Night attend UNWFPA 2022 Awards Luncheon at Casa Cipriani on May 3, 2022 in New York. (Photo by Michael Ostuni/PMC/PMC)

A key highlight of the lunch was when UNWFPA President Rema DuPont presented a posthumous Legacy Award to UNWFPA Founder, Dame Muna Rihani Al-Nasser. Her husband H.E. Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al- Nasser, with their son, Aziz Al-Nasser in the audience, accepted the award in her honor.

“UN Women for Peace Association will continue to support women and girls with our new Muna Rihani Al-Nasser Scholarship Fund for educating at-risk and underprivileged girls,” stated Rema.

Luncheon Co-Chairs were H.E. Sheikha Paula al Sabah, H.R.H. Princess Camilla of Bourbon of Two Siciles, Duchess of Castro, Susan Gutfreund, Leila Heller, Francine LeFrak, Pat Kerr Tigrett, and Regional Chairs include Countess Bérengère de Pontac, Genesis Jones, Annie Joubran, Youngsong Martin, Melissa Metz, Suzan Lee Park, Dr. Christina Rahm-Thomas, and Clayton Thomas. Guests included Reagan and Doug Bauer, Rita Cosby, Amanda Diaz, Kat Graham (award presenter), AnnaLynne McCord with Benjamin W. Decker, Denise Schwartz and Marc Rosen, Barbara Tober, as well as UNWFPA Board of Directors Michal Grayevsky (Treasurer), Valbona Neritani, and Anne Marie Dougherty.

MAY 4: Joanne King Herring and Vicky Hollub attend 2022/05/unwfpa-2022-awards-luncheon/2RDWtfrmZM on May 4, 2022. (Photo by Michael Ostuni/PMC/PMC)

Other notable honorees included Ambassador Rosemary A. DiCarlo received the Leadership Award for her decades of work as a peacekeeper and an advocate for women’s rights. In 2018 DiCarlo became the first woman to assume the position of Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs at the United Nations. DiCarlo has served at the United States Department of State as Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations with the rank and status of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, and represented the United States at the Security Council, General Assembly and other United Nations bodies. Past recipients of this award include First Lady of Panama, Lorena Castillo Garcia de Varela, Deborra-Lee Furness, Secretary-General H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon.

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 3: Kat Graham and Claire Angelle attend UNWFPA 2022 Awards Luncheon at Casa Cipriani on May 3, 2022 in New York. (Photo by Michael Ostuni/PMC/PMC)

The Honorable Joanne King Herring received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding achievements and years of work to end human trafficking and for helping survivors, which are disproportionately women and children. Herring is a political activist, philanthropist, diplomat, and former television talk show host. While she was born in a world where women had limited choices, she rose to form the most significant alliance that brought an end to the Soviet invasion in Afghanistan and saved America from an economic catastrophe. Long known within the corridors of power in both Afghanistan and Pakistan, Herring’s freedom fighting role in southwest Asia was brought to a wider American audience when the true-life 1980s story of Charlie Wilson’s War was retold in 2007, with Oscar winning actress Julia Roberts playing the remarkable Herring. Past recipients of this award include Eve Branson, Loreen Arbus, and Francine LeFrak.

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 3: Rosanna Scotto attends UNWFPA 2022 Awards Luncheon at Casa Cipriani on May 3, 2022 in New York. (Photo by Michael Ostuni/PMC/PMC)

Kevin Hyland OBE received the Advocacy Award for his remarkable contributions to ending violence against women and girls everywhere. Hyland dedicated over 30 years to public service, including leading London’s Human Trafficking Unit. Hyland was appointed as the UK’s first Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner and was elected as Ireland’s representative to the Council of Europe Independent Group of Experts for Trafficking. He was instrumental in the establishment and remains chief advisor to the Santa Marta Group, a high-level partnership between law enforcement agencies, faith groups and civil society launched by Pope Francis at the Vatican. He leads several international anti trafficking projects chairing the Responsible Recruitment Group of the Institute of Human Rights and Business and the Island of Ireland Human Trafficking Project and provides strategic leadership to the OSCE in producing global victim support guidance.

Vicki Hollub received the Humanitarian Award for her outstanding achievements in rescuing over 500 girls, and their families, by bringing them safely from Afghanistan to Portugal. Hollub was the first woman to head a major American oil company as President and CEO of Occidental Petroleum. She also serves on the boards of Lockheed Martin and the American Petroleum Institute, and is a stewardship board member for the World Economic Forum’s Platform for Shaping the Future of Energy and Material, and a member of the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative. Past recipients of this award include Leyla Ilham Aliyeva, Dayle Haddon, HRH Princess Camilla of Bourbon Two Sicilies, and Paul Bettany.

Christian Elliott received the Media Award for his heroic efforts to end modern-day slavery. Elliot created the global campaign to combat human trafficking, entitled Can you see me?. The campaign reached millions of people, equipping the general public to recognize indicators of human trafficking, and report suspected scenarios. Elliot is Global Development Officer of A21, a nonprofit organization works to end in human trafficking, with offices in 14 countries worldwide.

This was truly one lunch that will never be forgotten.

The Hollywood Reporter hosted the inaugural “Raising Our Voices: Setting Hollywood’s Inclusion Agenda” luncheon, presented by Walmart at the Maybourne Beverly Hills on Wednesday, April 20th.

“Raising Our Voices” brings together the industry’s most influential and inspiring executives, storytellers and thought-leaders for a groundbreaking series of discussions on the state and future of Hollywood’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) movement.

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 20: (L-R) Troy Kotsur and Geena Davis attend The Hollywood Reporter’s Raising Our Voices, presented by Walmart, at The Maybourne Beverly Hills on April 20, 2022 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for The Hollywood Reporter )

During the program, keynote speaker Marlee Matlin (Academy Award-winning actor, star of Apple Studios’ 2022 “Best Picture” Oscar-winner CODA and disability advocate) was introduced by Troy Kotsur (2022 “Best Supporting Actor” Oscar-winner, CODA). During the speech, Matlin discussed the lack of representation of the deaf and disabled community within the entertainment industry and the importance of working together to help amplify these authentic and diverse voices.

Additional key moments from the program included:

• Bird Runningwater (producer and global Indigenous activist) and Crystal Echo Hawk (President and CEO at IllumiNative) opened the program and discussed the importance of inclusion.
• Nekesa Mumbi Moody (Editorial Director of The Hollywood Reporter) introduced Geena Davis (Oscar-winning actor, Founder/Chair, The Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, The Bentonville Film Festival) who recognized the need for more female inclusion within children and family media and made it her career goal to bring about more diversity and inclusion in front of and behind the camera.
• Geena Davis introduced Jean Batthany (Walmart Chief Creative Officer) who discussed Walmart’s commitment to driving greater equity and the power of Hollywood to inspire systemic change in society.
• Rebecca Sun (The Hollywood Reporter’s Senior Editor, Diversity and Inclusion) introduced Dr. Yalda Uhls (UCLA assistant adjunct professor and Founder of the Center for Scholars and Storytellers) who shared details regarding data included in the first inclusion report in 2020 and how diversity affects Hollywood production.
• Stacey Wilson Hunt (award-winning entertainment journalist) led the State of Inclusion in Hollywood panel, which included questions posed to Alex Schmider (Director of Transgender Representation, GLAAD), Dr. Sharoni Little (Head of Global Inclusion Strategy at CAA), Gloria Calderón Kellett (writer, producer, director and actor), Latasha Gillespie (Head of Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Amazon Studios, Prime Video and IMDb), Samata Narra (Senior Vice-President, Equity + Inclusion, Content, Warner Bros. Discovery) and Wilmer Valderrama (actor and activist).
• Julie Gehrki (Vice President of Philanthropy, Walmart) and Tony Waller (Vice President, Constituent Relations and Racial Equity, Walmart) discussed Walmart’s efforts to advance racial equity and announced a $1 million grant to the Ghetto Film School to create a storytelling training program for Black businesses in partnership with WOCStar Capital.
• Colleen Bataille (Head of Marketing and Communications, WOCStar Capital) and Ghetto Film School student, Alyse Arteaga discussed how Walmart’s grant allows the organizations to help Black businesses market their companies and secure capital through storytelling, in turn helping to grow their businesses.
• Carlos Lopez Estrada discussed the Ghetto Film School’s mission to teach its students how to use their voices to tell authentic, impactful stories and how the support from Walmart aligns with this mission.
• Richie Siegel (Co-founder and President of Inevitable Foundation) and Nic Novicki (Founder and Director of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge) discussed representation and accommodation for disabled individuals. Novicki also outlined the goals of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge.
• Heather Rossi (American Sign Language interpreter and chief ASL consultant on CODA), Jack Jason, Justin Maurer and Rorri Burton acted as interpreters during the program.

Additional notable talent in attendance included Amy Landecker, Daniel Durant and Natalie Morales.

It was a night that honored the best in media.

On Thursday, April 14, the Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame Awards took place. The 30th anniversary gala paid tribute to the pioneers, innovators and stars of broadcast, cable, and broadband television.

More than 800 decision makers in the broadcast, cable TV and other media industries gathered in the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City for the memorable evening.

Hannah Storm and Al Roker co-hosted the luxurious soiree that presented the first ever Iconic Network Award to ESPN.

Twelve of the industry’s most notable individuals were inducted into the 2022 Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame during the 30th Anniversary Gala including: Savannah Guthrie – Co-Anchor of TODAY and NBC News Chief Legal Correspondent; Hoda Kotb – Co-Anchor of NBC News’ TODAY and Co-Host of TODAY with Hoda & Jenna; Emily Barr – President & CEO, Graham Media Group; Nomi Bergman – President, Advance/Newhouse Investment Partnership; Brandon Burgess – Former Chairman/CEO ION Media Networks; Susanne Daniels – Media Consultant & Lecturer – Former Global Head of YouTube Originals; Pearlena Igbokwe, Chairman, Universal Studio Group; Leo MacCourtney – President, Katz Television Group; Dan Mason – Past President and CEO, CBS Radio;  Steve Miron – Chief Executive Officer, Advance/Newhouse Partnership; Steven R. Swartz – President & CEO, Hearst; and Curtis Symonds – President, HBCU GO TV/Allen Media Group.

During an emotionally empowering speech, Kotb brought the audience to near tears as she spoke about her incredible and inspirational journey to the top of the industry.

“I am grateful to be inducted into the Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame,” she proudly told the audience.  “This award is to all the women who felt not worthy. You are worth it.”

The entire gala carried the same tone of beautiful and hopeful remarks that gloriously brought dignity to each one of the recipients. A coveted Hall of Fame honor is more than the acknowledgement of a successful career – it’s entry into an exclusive community of honorees that have truly changed the paradigm of the industry.

Previous honorees have included greats like Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Phil McGraw, Michael Powell, the cast of The View, Robert A. Iger, Dr. John Malone and more.