Ksenia Nakonechny (Sadie), Madison Mullahey (Kylie), Carrie Berk (Kylie), Miranda Jo (Lexi), Merin McCallum (Jenna)

Kylie Carson (Alternating: Madison Mullahey, Mary Poppins and Shrek, and Carrie Berk, the 14-year-old co-playwright previously at NYMF last year in Camp Rolling Hills), is new and the target of a middle school bully, Meredith (Alexa Reeves), and her minions, the Blah girls (Victoria Csatay, Chloe Manna and Casey Nadzem). The school’s hottest boy, Jeremy (David Hoffman), helps her, but Meredith rules the school. When the new drama teacher, Julliette (Calli McRae), talks Kylie into making a cupcake club, Kylie uses the cupcakes and compassion to unite her entire school, including the popular girls, jocks, and allergy kids. Despite being and feeling different than the other kids, Kylie stays true to herself. She also learns she has the power to make a difference.

Directing this show is not easy when you have a cast of 24 young performers. Broadway veteran performer and choreographer, Rommy Sandhu, manages to grab some terrific performances out of his cast and make them not bump into each other. At the performance I saw, the adorable Madison Mullahey played Kylie and she made us care about her. Ms. McRae shines on “My Grandma Told Me”. Diego Lucano from School of Rock shows off his moves, and Alexa Reeves is reminiscent of a young Ashley Tisdale. Kids with impressive backgrounds such as Eliza Holland Madore, Matilda, Grace Rundhaug, NBC’s The Sound of Music Live! and James Ignacto from Broadway’s King and I also appeared.

Peace, Love, and Cupcakes has aligned with NoBully.org and will be raising funds at each performance to help champion this important social issue. No Bully has created bully-free campuses for over 100,000 students.

This show is a perfect musical for the younger generation.

Peace, Love, and Cupcakes: The Musical: NYMF Acorn Theatre at Theatre Row, 410 West 42nd St., playing 7/30 at 10:30 am and 2 pm

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Suzanna Bowling

Suzanna, co-owns and publishes the newspaper Times Square Chronicles or T2C. At one point a working actress, she has performed in numerous productions in film, TV, cabaret, opera and theatre. She has performed at The New Orleans Jazz festival, The United Nations and Carnegie Hall. She has a screenplay and a TV show in the works, which she developed with her mentor and friend the late Arthur Herzog. She is a proud member of the Drama Desk and the Outer Critics Circle and was a nominator. Email: suzanna@t2conline.com

Art

This Weekend Life Sized Sculptures Arrive in Soho To Bring Art Back!

Published

5 hours ago

May 27, 2023

Suzanna Bowling

Art Comes Back To Soho This Memorial Day Weekend! From May 27-30, at 382 West Broadway between Spring & Broome Streets world renowned Italian artist Sergio Furnari ,brings three of his life-size art sculptures The Rose, The Lunchtime Atop A Skyscraper & The 1987 Air Stream, inside for a tour.

Sergio has hopes to keep his art on display on West Broadway through the end of Summer 2023, to encourage people to come back downtown.

The Reburished 1987 Airstream Iconic Travel Trailer, The 11 Life-Sized Lunchtime Atop A Skyscraper Iron Workers Sculpture Weighing Over 1,000 Pounds and His latest 12-Foot White Rose Sculpture Made Out of Resin and Aluminium.

Sergio Furnari, was born in Caltigirone, Sicily, and began sweeping floors in the Caltigirone Sculpting Foundry. After coming to America, at age 18, he was struck by the photograph, “Lunchtime Atop A Skyscraper”.

He began his tribute to Iron Workers honoring their work of the men who built Manhattan’s Skyscrapers. He finished the life-sized sculpture in 2001, (before 9/11) influenced by the famous photo, “Lunchtime On A Skyscraper” from 1932.

The sculpture took on new meaning, when Iron Workers began the clean up of Ground Zero and began the re-building of Manhattan’s Skycrapers.

Sergio brought the Life Size Sculpture on the actual Iron Beam with 11 workers, each man weighing 100lbs. He invited the workers to sit on the beam next to the sculpture to take photos on their break after working down at Ground Zero. He gave the miniature version of the sculpture to thank many of the workers, and even served lunch to them.

Sergio’s hope is to have the 1,100 lb statue bronzed, so it will last forever and be put in a park or somewhere downtown to make sure the legacy of the Iron Workers lives on.

Sergio has driven his sculpture to various locations all over New York City and across the Country, where millions of people have taken a photograph of his sculpture.

He has miniatures of the sculpture for sale, so people all over the world can enjoy the memories.

Please visit the website, to see video and photos of the sculptures, and his other works of art at http://www.sergiofurnari.com and on Instagram @sergiofurnariart

Dance

Celebrating Street Dance and 50 Years of Hip-Hop Wednesdays in July

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2023

Suzanna Bowling

Arts Brookfield partners with Works & Process for a series of four free performances at Manhattan West celebrating street dance and the 50th anniversary of hip-hop featuring The Missing Element with The Beatbox House, LayeRhythm, Ladies of Hip-Hop, KR3TS dancers with DJ FrancoTh3Artist, and Ephrat Asherie Dance’s UNDERSCORED culminating in a dance party led by DJ Bravo LaFortune! Manhattan West is a new destination for food, culture, retail, and hospitality, located steps away from Moynihan Train Hall and Madison Square Garden on the new West Side. For more information, visit https://manhattanwestnyc.com/events/gather-round/.

Sept. 26, 2020-NY, NY Kaatsbaan Summer Festival performance by Ephrat Asherie/Omari Wiles – Les Ballets Afrik as part of the Guggenheim’s Works and Process Program Photographer- Robert Altman Post-production- Robert Altman

The pieces presented were commissioned by Works & Process to marry performing arts traditions created in the cypher (an open performance circle) prevalent in hip-hop and street dance with the Guggenheim Museum’s renowned circular rotunda space. Originally conceptualized in-the-round, this series therefore adapts naturally to the performance circle on Manhattan West Plaza. Each Wednesday night will spotlight a different artistic group and feature beatboxing, breaking, flexn, krumping, live bands, DJ sets, and MCs. On the final night, the performance morphs into a full-blown dance party with fabled DJ Bravo LaFortune and other club legends. All are encouraged to gather round.

The Missing Element, featuring The Beatbox House

KR3TS dancers open with DJ FrancoTh3Artist

July 5: sets at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm

See what happens when traditions that are accustomed to battling each other on the stage, come together and collaborate. A genre-fusing performance of beatbox and street dance, The Missing Element will feature world champion musicians from The Beatbox House in collaboration with dance expert in the styles of break dancing, flexn, krump, and more. Connecting generations, the dancers of KR3TS, a pre-professional dance program that has launched the careers of top street dancers will open the evening; The Missing Element’s co-creator, Anthony “Invertebrate” Rodriguez is an alumni of KR3TS. DJ FrancoTh3Artist provides the beats between sets.

LayeRhythm

July 12 at 6pm

Join this game-based performance celebrating the vibrancy of street and club dance culture. A live band takes its cues from freestyling street dancers, while MCs gather inspiration sourced from the audience. (layerhythm.org)

Ladies of Hip-Hop

KR3TS dancers open with DJ FrancoTh3Artist

July 19: sets at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm

Celebrate the strength, power, and diversity of women in Hip-Hop with this all-female intergenerational dance collective that centers around feminist narratives examining the intersections of gender, race, and resistance. Observe the origins of street and club dance culture, including freestyle dance, cyphers, and call and response. All woven together with one-of-a-kind choreopoems. (ladiesofhiphop.com). Connecting generations, the dancers of KR3TS will open the evening; many members of Ladies of Hip-Hop trained with KR3TS early on in their careers. DJ FrancoTh3Artist provides the beats between sets.

Ephrat Asherie Dance: UNDERSCORED highlights with NYC club legends and DJ set by Bravo LaFortune on his Birthday

July 26 at 6pm

Experience UNDERSCORED, a multi-faceted project rooted in the intergenerational stories and memories of NYC underground club heads. The exhilarating journey will culminate in a dance party with DJ set by Bravo LaFortune on his birthday. (ephratasheriedance.com & instagram.com/bravobrahms)

WORKS & PROCESS AT MANHATTAN WEST PLAZA

385 9th Ave, New York, NY 10001 (Between 31^st & 33^rd Streets)

ABOUT WORKS & PROCESS

Championing the creative process from studio-to-stage, Works & Process, is an independent performing arts organization that supports artists from both the world’s largest organizations and from underrecognized performing arts cultures by providing rare, sequenced and fully-funded creative residency, commissioning, and iterative presenting support.

Blending artist discussions and performance highlights, each program provides unprecedented behind the scenes access to support our goal of broadening representation and fostering greater understanding and appreciation of the performing arts.

Works & Process celebrates New York artists and street and social dance with programs at the Guggenheim Museum, Lincoln Center, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, with the Jerome Robbins Dance Division, and SummerStage. LaunchPAD “Process as Destination” partnerships with 12 residency centers across New York State amplify our support for artistic process.

ABOUT ARTS BROOKFIELD

Arts Brookfield supports innovation in music, dance, theater, film, and visual art by pushing boundaries to create unique works of art and cultural experiences presented for free. Thriving for over three decades, the program gathers communities around creativity by animating Brookfield Properties’ public spaces, including Manhattan West and Brookfield Place New York.

ABOUT MANHATTAN WEST

Manhattan West is New York City’s newest dynamic destination for food, culture, retail, hospitality and the modern workplace by Brookfield Properties. Spanning eight acres, Manhattan West is located in the center of Manhattan’s new West Side, steps away from Moynihan Hall, Madison Square Garden and The High Line, with seamless access to the theater district, entertainment district, Chelsea art galleries, Meatpacking District and more. Home to diverse world-class office space, Pendry Manhattan West, luxury residences at The Eugene, experiential retail amenities, and unparalleled culinary concepts surrounding a landscaped, two-acre public plaza enlivened with immersive art and entertainment programming by Arts Brookfield, Manhattan West incorporates the best of Brookfield’s global placemaking portfolio to create a new district that has something for everyone. Visit www.ManhattanWestNYC.com for further information.

Events

You Are At The Stuttering Association for the Young Benefit honoring Wayne Brady, John Hendrickson, Mariska Hargitay & Peter Hermann and JOANN

Published

3 days ago

May 25, 2023

Suzanna Bowling

SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young (www.say.org) will host its 21st Annual Benefit Gala, live and in person, on Monday, May 22, 2023. The evening will begin at 6:00 PM at The Edison Ballroom in New York City (240 West 47th Street). It will feature a performance starring the evening’s host Kelli O’Hara, and Brandon Victor Dixon, as well as the young people of SAY, along with dinner and a live auction. This year’s honorees will include award-winning entertainer Wayne Brady, journalist & author John Hendrickson, as well as Mariska Hargitay & Peter Hermann who will be inducted into the SAY: Hall Of Fame, and the Fabric & Craft Store Chain JOANN will be awarded the Budd Mayer Advocay Award.

Mariska Hargitay.Photos by Mikiodo courtesy of SAY-17

Recent recipients of honors from the organization include BBDO, Thomas Kail, Joe Moglia, Kelli O’Hara, Jay Badame & Linda D’Alessandro, Marcia & Bill Withers, and George Springer.

Executive Director Noah Cornman, Peter Hermann and Mariska Hargitay.Photos by Mikiodo courtesy of SAY-17

The Gala performance, written & directed by SAY’s Founder, Taro Alexander, co-written and with Musical Direction by Everett Bradley, will feature Kelli O’Hara, Brandon Victor Dixon, and the young people of SAY in an inspiring, original piece. SAY’s Executive Director Noah Cornman shared, “We are so excited to bring the SAY Gala to The Edison Ballroom, and to be able to celebrate our incredible Honorees this year alongside the inspiring kids of SAY! The evening will be a beautiful, star-studded celebration of the powerful voices of young people who stutter.”

John Hendrickson Photos by Mikiodo courtesy of SAY-17

SAY’s 21st Annual Benefit Gala will honor:

John Hendrickson and his wife Liz Rawson Photos by Mikiodo courtesy of SAY-17

Budd Mayer Advocacy Award recipient JOANN Fabric and Craft Stores. Founded in 1943 as a single retail store, today, JOANN is the nation’s leading fabric and craft specialty retailer. Their retail stores and website feature a variety of competitively priced merchandise used in sewing, crafting, and home decorating projects, including fabric, notions, crafts, frames, paper crafting supplies, artificial floral, finished seasonal, and home decor items. JOANN operates approximately 850 stores in 49 states. JOANN has partnered with SAY over the past couple of years, advocating for the stuttering community and providing donated supplies and services for our programs, helping kids who stutter bring their creative visions to bold, beautiful life!

Kelli OHara Photos by Mikiodo courtesy of SAY-17

Wayne Brady (SAY: Hero Award) Multiple Emmy Award-winning and Grammy Award-nominated Wayne Brady has made his mark on stage and screen as an actor, producer, singer, dancer, songwriter, and television personality. A true multi-hyphenate, Brady’s career path and personal life journey have helped him see the world in a unique way. His aspirations have always gone beyond solely starring in various entertainment projects, and under his Makin’ It Up Productions banner, he’s set out to create new content across different platforms that showcase innovation and inclusivity in a fun and powerful ways.

Peter Hermann and Mariska Hargitay.with their children August Miklos Friedrich, Andrew Nicolas and Amaya Josephine. Photos by Mikiodo courtesy of SAY-17

Mariska Hargitay & Peter Hermann (SAY: Hall of Fame Inductees) Mariska Hargitay is an award-winning actress, director, producer, and philanthropist. She has played the role of Captain Olivia Benson on NBC’s “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” since 1999, which earned her an Emmy and Golden Globe award. In 2004, she founded the Joyful Heart Foundation, which is devoted to domestic violence and child abuse survivors. Mariska’s husband, Peter Hermann, is an actor, producer, and writer who recently starred as Charles Brooks in “Younger.” Mariska & Peter have been long-time champions of SAY and the young people we serve, advocating for and supporting the community in all ways, always.

Everett Bradley Photos by Mikiodo courtesy of SAY-17

John Hendrickson (SAY: Hero Award) John is a staff writer at The Atlantic and the author of Life on Delay: Making Peace With a Stutter, a reported memoir that grew out of his Atlantic feature “What Joe Biden Can’t Bring Himself to Say,” which was read by more than 2 million people and named one of the best stories of 2019 by Longform. John has spoken about stuttering, politics, and journalism on CNN, MSNBC, NPR, PBS, and at colleges and universities across the country. Before joining The Atlantic, he wrote and edited for Rolling Stone, Esquire, and The Denver Post.

Everett Bradley and the kids of SAY Photos by Mikiodo courtesy of SAY-17

Proceeds from the 21st Annual Benefit Gala will help SAY provide vital programming for kids and teens who stutter, including Camp SAY, Camp SAY Across the USA, Speech Therapy, Confident Voices, and Washington DC-based, SAY: DC. SAY Vice President Travis Robertson said “The funds raised by our Annual Gala help keep SAY’s programming available to every child who stutters, regardless of financial constraints. That is SAY’s essential and important legacy, and the need is compelling.”

Cast of Freestyle Love-Supreme.Photos by Mikiodo courtesy of SAY-17

SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides support, advocacy, and life-changing experiences for young people who stutter, ages 3-25. For over 20 years, SAY has offered comprehensive and innovative programs that address the physical, social, and emotional impacts of stuttering. Through summer camp, regional day camps, speech therapy, and creative arts programming, SAY builds a community of acceptance, friendship, and encouragement where young people who stutter can develop the confidence and communication skills they need to thrive. To date, no child has ever been turned away due to a family’s inability to pay.

Everett Bradley and the SAY orchestra Photos by Mikiodo courtesy of SAY-17

Kelli Ohara, Everett Bradley and Taro Alexander with the kids of-SAY Photos by Mikiodo courtesy of SAY-17

Kelli OHara and SAY founder Taro Alexandef, Photos by Mikiodo courtesy of SAY-17

Kelli OHara and SAY teens Photos by Mikiodo courtesy of SAY-17

Kelli OHara, Keon Lee Zane Aguirre, Leena Robertson and Brandon Victor Dixon Photos by Mikiodo courtesy of SAY-17

Events

Movie LIne-Up at Bryant Park

Published

4 days ago

May 24, 2023

Suzanna Bowling

Paramount+ Movie Nights at Bryant Park returns June 2023, every Monday night throughout the summer. The movies are free and the gravel opens at 4:00pm. The Lawn opens at 5:00pm for blankets and picnicking. Films begin at sunset (typically between 8pm and 9pm). Hester Street Fair hosts food vendors on the Fountain Terrace with drink and delicious snack and meal options. All packages, bags, briefcases, backpacks, etc. subject to inspection.

Here is the line-up:

June 13 – Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
June 20 – Creed II
June 27 – Hairspray (2007)
July 4 – Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation
July 11 – Wayne’s World 2
July 18 – Scream 2
July 25 – Beverly Hills Cop II
Aug 1 – Star Trek VIII: First Contact
Aug 8 – Grease 2
Aug 15 – The Godfather Part II

Entertainment

Fleet Week Starts May 24-30

Published

4 days ago

May 24, 2023

Suzanna Bowling

Fleet Week first started in 1982, this week is a week-long celebration that invites the world to enjoy various events held to honor the US Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. This year’s 35th annual NYC Fleet Week will take place from May 24 through May 30.

During the week, multiple ships and thousands of sea service members are set to visit the five boroughs offering everything from public ship visitations to a variety of military demonstrations.

Here is what happening:

Wednesday, May 24

Fort Hamilton 11-Gun Salute to the Ships of Fleet Week: 6:30 am – 6:45 am
Parade of Ships: 7:45 am – 11:00 am
Sea Services at Miller Field in Staten Island: 10:00 am – noon
Fleet Week New York Iconic Military Photo in Times Square: 5:00 pm
USMC Band & USMC Silent Drill Platoon Performance in Times Square: 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 25

General Public Ship Tours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Fleet Week Freedom Run: 9:45 am – 11:00 am
Navy Dive Tank in Times Square: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Lincoln Park USMC Aviation Event: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Friday, May 26

General Public Ship Tours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Navy Dive Tank in Times Square: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Reenlistment and Promotion Ceremony at 9/11 Memorial Plaza: 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Navy Ceremonial Guard to Perform in Times Square: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Navy Band North East Concert: 7:30 pm – 9:15 pm

Saturday, May 27

General Public Ship Tours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Navy Dive Tank in Times Square: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Sea Services in Eisenhower Park: 10:00 am – 2:30:00 pm
USCG Band Performs at The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum: 11:00 am – noon
USCG Search and Rescue Demonstration at Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum: 10:00 am – 2:30:00 pm
Navy Band Northeast Woodwind Quintet Performance: 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
USMC and USN Band Concert: 7:30 pm – 9:15 pm

Sunday, May 28