Cast signs CD's for adoring fans

On June 13th Barnes and Noble became a fairy tale kingdom as the stars from Broadway’s Tony-nominated musical Cinderella celebrated the release of the show’s original cast recording.  Performance and CD signings had delighted fans singing “it’s Possible.” Tony nominees Laura Osnes, Santino Fontana and Victoria Clark were joined by Harriet Harris, Ann Harada and Marla Mindelle to bring back the beloved score of Rodgers and Hammerstein.

We think he's Charming ....Santino Fontana

Ann Harada and Marla Mindelle

Victoria Clark and Harriet Harris

Cinderella’s Tony-nominated librettist Douglas Carter Beane

The cast

Cinderella herself Laura Osnes

Eugene Douglas and Jonathan Hopkins in OCCUPATION by Ken Ferrigni. Photo by Joe Jung.

by: JK Clarke

    (To the tune of “O Canada”)    Oh Florida! Our strange and crooked land!

Oh Florida! With your early bird dinners, flawed elections and a regular serving of bizarre and disturbing crimes in the evening news, what shall we expect from you next?  How about being sold to China for five trillion dollars? Hmm. Well, that’s exactly the imagined scenario proposed by Ken Ferrigni in the hilarious apocalyptic nightmare Occupation at the TBG Theater.

It’s an absurd concept at first blush, but Ferrigni and director Joe Jung pull it off to such a degree that after a while it doesn’t seem all that implausible. Seemingly, a business-centric president like, say, Bloomberg or Romney could quite casually parcel off parts of the country in the interest of a balanced budget. “What is it exactly that unites us?” an Oregon senator asks in support of selling off states. The outcome, of course, is anything but balanced. White trash, redneck “patriots” armed to the teeth are the lone resisters, holing up in the Florida swamps, dodging drone attacks and making perilous midnight supply runs to the republic of Free Miami for tampons, lest their few remaining, and dangerously synchronized, women rebel.

Jonathan Hopkins in OCCUPATION by Ken Ferrigni. Photo by Joe Jung

A year and change into the occupation, the standoff  has come to a head. The local military leadership has been supplanted by American-educated civilian businessman, former CEO, pot smoker and personal assistant diddler, Deng Zedong (a very entertaining James Chen) whose goal is to negotiate China’s way out of the conflict which has been costing the lives of hundreds or possibly even thousands — mostly foreign contractors (sound familiar?). Conversely, YouTube-vangelist Florian Hale (Jonathan Hopkins) has escalated, in the interest of drawing more video views, his grotesque flip-cam’d enemy mutilations.

James Chen and Jennifer Logue in OCCUPATION by Ken Ferrigni. Photo by Joe Jung

With all this other activity, it’s surprising that the play’s standout is Alexandra Perlwitz’s Bets, who steals the show. It’s hard to make a dirt-encrusted, white trash, near-term pregnant, alcoholic teen a likeable, layered character, but Perlwitz manages to do so with aplomb. Bets, the play’s chorus of sorts, routinely converses with her unborn fetus, Pokémon as she calls it, and narrating the increasingly absurd turns of events. But, when mercenary wife Kell (Jennifer Logue) decides, for ulterior reasons, to bring Bets across enemy lines for pre-natal care, Bets stumbles unwittingly into a role as the central figure in one very conclusive final act — unbeknownst to all but the audience.

Occupation is a complex, busy, and fast moving production which adroitly uses multimedia (Ken Ferrigni) and sound design (Nick Borisjuk) to further plot points. What’s most disturbing is that when the house lights come up, the outlandish story we’ve just witnessed simply doesn’t seem all that far-fetched. Especially considering the locale.

O Florida! We stand on guard for thee!

Occupation. Through June 23 at the TBG Theater, 312 W. 36th. www.projecttheater.org

Eric T. Miller & Suzy Jane Hunt (photo: Taylor Hooper)

Julien Schwab’s critically acclaimed, mind-bending comedy rogerandtom will move to the Main Stage at the HERE Arts Center (145 Sixth Avenue, enter on Dominick) for an extended summer engagement beginning Saturday, July 6^th.  Presented by Personal Space Theatrics, rogerandtom is set to open Saturday, July 13th and will continue for a limited run through Saturday, August 24^th. The play is directed by Nicholas Cotz, the company’s artistic director. For tickets and more information visit www.here.org or call 212-352-3101.

rogerandtom is a comedy about a man who has come to see the same show that the audience has, only to find out that he’s actually a member of the cast. Much like an episode of the Twilight Zone, the show’s only boundaries are between imagination and infinity. The play uses a twist to challenge the conventions of theatre while raising a series of profound questions about the role of theatre in theatre itself.

The cast will feature: Suzy Jane Hunt (Dead Accounts), Eric T. Miller (Sweet Storm), and Richard Thieriot (Clybourne Park).

Design team for rogerandtom is: David Esler (set design), Casey Smith (properties design), Chris Rummel (sound design), Holly Rihn (costume design) and Nastassia Jimenez (lighting design).

My View written by Stephen Sorokoff

One of the producers of “Nice Work If You Can Get It” (Jamie deRoy) asked me if I’d like to attend a special performance of the show.   It would take place on “off hours” and not be open to the public.  It was going to be a sold out performance.   The 1,400 seats would be filled by New York City children bused in from various schools by an organization called Inside Broadway.    This special 2 show presentation took place on a Thursday morning and afternoon.   As the program stated, “Inside Broadway is a professional NYC based children’s theatre company committed to producing Broadway’s classic musicals in a contemporary light for young audiences.  Their aim is to pass down the rich legacy of America’s musical theater to future generations so that the magic, music and universal themes are not lost, but rediscovered and made relevant for today’s youth.”

In this presentation,  titled “Creating The Magic” with Nice Work,” hosted by Inside’s executive director Michael Presser the students were introduced to the various Broadway professionals who make the magic of a show happen.  Sound, Lights, music, scenery, props, all were demonstrated by the staff of Nice Work.   In addition, the children got to see 5 musical numbers performed by  3 Cast members.  

 Well, I couldn’t look at the stage, watching the kids reactions was the excitement at this show.  The ooo’s and ahh’s, the squeals when the actors sang and had a romantic kiss. 

It was a thrilling experience.   It reminded me of another show I also wound up not watching the stage.  I was engrossed in the 1980’s watching my two daughters reactions to “Annie.”   I can never forget 5 year old Laura shouting out “There’s Annie” and 8 year old Caroline reprimanding  “Shh… it’s a show!”

Central Park: History of Sports in Central Park – Fathers’ Day Special! 1:30 p.m.–2:45 p.m. Learn how tastes in recreation have changed since the mid-19th century and how the Park has been changed to mirror those tastes. Route involves a few stairs. 75 minutes. Free For directions, please call (212) 794-4064.

Father’s Day Brunch and Dinner Cruise. SPOIL HIM. Impress Dad with a sophisticated Father’s Day event on the water. Elegant entrees and desserts plus live music. Book a party of 4 or more aboard Bateaux New York’s Father’s Day Dinner Cruise using promotion code DAD4 and save 15%.* Call 866.306.2469 to receive this special offer!

Historian in the Hot Seat: The Civil War and Harold Holzer New-York Historical Society 170 Central Park West – The DiMenna Children’s History Museum welcomes historian Harold Holzer for a family-friendly discussion about the Civil War, followed by a museum-wide scavenger hunt. Free with admission: $15 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-13

Take Dad Out to the Ball Game 1864 – the Bronx Forget about the Yankees and Mets. Instead, cheer on the New York Mutuals as they play the game 1864-style without helmets or gloves. Afterward, kids can try retro baseball for themselves and take a tour of the historic Bartow-Pell Mansion. Advance registration suggested. $10 for adults, $5 for children under age 13

This Father’s Day, skip the crowded restaurants and treat your dad to a day on the river for kayaking on the Hudson. There are three locations. The first at the dead end of West Houston Street in the West Village,  one at Pier 96 (at 56th Street) and one at 72nd Street. From 9:00 AM–5:30 PM. All you need to bring is your bathing suits or shorts and your sense of adventure!

Luckiest day of the year June 19th and for New Yorkers it hits at 12 noon.

Gemini: Jupiter, is in your sign until June 25th, so socialize, communicate and ask for what you want. There is no better time to workout, get some sun and reassess who and where you are. This is the perfect time to re-invent yourself. In doing this, success and, happiness will be available. Financial security comes from relating to others this month. You will find yourself saying and doing all the right things. You’re truly impressive; though work at work this month and this lasts until mid July.

Cancer: This month your emotional and spiritual worlds are clashing with long-distance travel and mass media until July 7th. Lies, secrets and deception could find you feeling depressed. Professionally your goals, reputation and success in business will see a positive influence until July 10th. This month you give some; you get some.  Be encouraged and don’t go sabotaging your own goals. From June 18th through the 22nd, try not to say or do anything that you will regret later. You will be well spoken, getting your point across in negotiations. On June 19th the new moon brings out the paranormal and mysteries, so adopt a new attitude with spiritual practices

Leo: Trust, sharing, intimacy and finance are at war until July 7th. Be careful in romantic and financial issues involving friends and in negotiating financial deals involving friends. Hidden forces are at work here. Things will not be what they seem. You could see infidelity, swindles, or profits where none exists. You are encouraged to get involved in politics and media. Traveling and spending time with friends brings luck. Until the 22nd,  family may cause stress. Stay grounded and don’t do anything self-destructive. June 19th’s new moon supports your efforts, sending you positive energy.

Virgo: Your professional goals and aspirations are clashing with your partnerships until July 7th. Your reputation has a competitor trying to smear your good name and harm your relationships. Hidden forces are at work here. Joint ventures have a success to them until the 22nd. Focus on achieving your financial and professional goals. Saturn is teaching you “life lessons” about your finances; do not let Internet fraud or bad loans between good friends break-up a relationship. A new business partnership has positive energy that adds to its success. Brainstorming brings profits from on-line ventures.

 Libra: Long-distance travel, foreigners and relocation clash with your health until July 7th. Iron out any legal commitments before the 17th as love is just around the corner. Unexpected romantic encounters, bring nights that are hot. Mercury creates an argumentative energy until the 22nd so watch your words or you will regret it later. This is a good time to take on leadership roles, accomplish your professional goals and improve your life. Neptune is in your work and fitness sector, so get moving. You are torn between your career and home life. Friends might have the answer so keep them close.

Scorpio: Trust, sharing, intimacy, fidelity, joint assets are at war with romance, creativity and happiness until July 7th. You will need to be especially careful if accusing someone of cheating, as things may not be what you see. On the other hand your lover could be unfaithful and is successfully keeping you in the dark about it. Jupiter can make things go in either direction. From the 16th through July 10th focus on achieving your professional goals. Until the 22nd there will be a lot of red tape when traveling or with the law. The new moon on the 19th sees a financial fresh start.

Sagittarius: Your partnerships and home are the key to your discomfort until July 7th. Be careful of a rival trying to cheat you. From the 16th through July 10th, enjoy romantic nights and steamy playtime. Not attached? Love may hit you at first sight with and unexpected romantic encounter. Keep your eye on your wallet or you may be paying more than you should. Avoid trying to mix your love life with your social life. The sun is entering your trust and sharing with new beginnings. Whatever new beginnings you create, make it a new, fun adventure that helps you to broaden your horizons.

Capricorn:  Once again, your daily work, coworkers, to-do lists and chores clash with small town views. Be careful of office gossip, tough negotiations, faulty computers or telecommunication breakdowns causing a stall of productivity until July 7th.  You and your spouse or best friend, could travel together, sign up to take classes or just spend time hanging out. If you have a legal issue you could see it solved this month. You are encouraged to accept and seek out new jobs. This is an excellent time for working towards achieving your financial and professional goals. You are in a good position to earn a larger salary.

Aquarius: Your happiness is at war with your net and self-worth. Your bank account has that now you see it, now you don’t feeling until July 7th. There is a business opportunity dealing with friends that will thrive. From the 18th through the 22nd work- related travel and, legal matters will take president precedence. This is a good time to work on professional and financial goals involving profit sharing. The new moon on the 19th sees the start of creative projects, the birth of ideas, a new beginning or a fresh start that brings more joy and happiness into your life. You can now earn a living doing what you love.

Pisces: Real estate and housing matters takes away from your “me” time until July 7th. Home-improvement projects, mortgages, rental contracts, are causing problems within your private life. From June 16th through July 10th, personal wealth, net worth, and self-worth sectors come together in a positive way. Revenues improve through a new outlet.
This is a time for play dates with best friends involving music, theatre and social gatherings. Hobbies, and creative pursuits add to your happiness. A lover, a child, or pet is financially draining but the Internet will have the answers in solving the dilemma.

Aries: Until July 7th, Jupiter and Neptune are warring, as your emotional and spiritual, side clash with gossip and negotiations, Be aware of lies, secrets, deception, and hidden forces. The good news is until July 10th, Venus is bringing a positive aspects of wealth and love at first sight, unexpected romance and all around good times to you. Be careful when signing contracts or making commitments, because there could be long-term consequences to agreements made at this time. The new moon on June 19th brings fresh starts and new beginnings.

Taurus: Your friends, networking, and Internet are at war within  you’re your personal wealth and self-worth sectors. Need to collect money owed to you? Not until after July 17th. Be careful with transactions online. From June 16th through July 10th, you will find yourself brimming with creative ideas and they could be profitable at this time.
Through the 23rd romance, playtime and happiness see you enjoying BBQs and local gatherings at the park. This is a good time to for entertainment as your friends hold the key to your happiness this month.

Sunny Norton photo credit from Sanctuary

Despite a dip in the weather with temperatures falling down to the 50s along with heavy rain New York City got lucky with some good timing from Mother Nature to let us party at a few fantastic outdoor spots.

Coach and Friends of The High Line hosted the Third Annual Summer bash in Chelsea. Guests included Naomi Watts, Zachary Quinto, Katie Holmes, Chrissy Teigen, Charlotte Ronson and Anna Kendrick.

A lovely vintage inspired carnival designed by event planner Bronson van Wyck featured games, fortune tellers, jugglers and magicians. A generous gift of five million dollars was granted for improvement and endowment of the final

SeanLowe and CatherineGiudici at Sanctuary Sunny Norton photo

section of The High Line. The event was underwritten by Coach and 100% of ticket proceeds benefited Friends of the High Line. Coach has been committed to the neighborhood since the company’s local founding in 1941.

Uptown in Times Square Haven Rooftop at The Sanctuary Hotel celebrated its 1st Anniversary with special guests Sean Lowe and Catherine Giudici from ABC’s hit show The Bachelor. Hoteliers Hank Freid and Brandon Freid welcomed over 300 guests including Miss New York 2013 Stephanie Jill Chernick.  Featured music by DJ Brendan Fallis and beats by bongo players from Broadway’s The Lion King kept the rooftop crowd dancing the night away.

Saint Tropez came to Times Square with Haven Rooftop

Anna Kendrick

debuting a bold new look and fun seasonal menu. An illuminated angel that lit up the night’s sky and a bevy of models in neon body paint with feathers greeted the party-goers who sipped on Russian Standard Vodka cocktails, signature Haven cocktails and Corona.  Throughout the evening, healthy ENLIGHTENED ice cream treats were handed out along with complimentary UBER gift cards.

Laoisa Sexton

On Monday, June 24th at 1:00pm acclaimed Irish Playwright, Ed Malone, will direct a Special Industry (by invitation only) Pre-Broadway reading of his new revolutionary play The Ballad of Charlie and Cate.

The reading will take place at The Irish Repertory Theatre, located at 132 West 22nd Street – between Sixth and Seventh Avenues. who is celebrating its 25th Year Anniversary

Starring esteemed Irish actresses, Jo Kinsella and Laoisa Sexton, this is the groundbreaking comedy’s first public outing.

The Ballad of Charlie and Cate is a darkly comic play that traces the rise and fall and rise again of two working class

Jo Kinsella

sisters, Cate and Charlie Maloney, who were born and currently reside in Tallaght, a sexy, sassy, but ultimately shambolic suburb of Dublin in the romantic Republic of old Ireland.

The play takes place between 1974 and 2013.

Jo Kinsella and Laoisa Sexton portray 26 characters in approximately 60 minutes at a rapid fire speed that choreographs the play’s language in an exhilarating verbal ballet. In this corps de ballet, everything from love, death, sex, rock ‘n’ roll, ghosts, Gabriel Byrne, The Beatles, Abba, The Pogues, Simon Cowell, an unwanted son, a runaway Dad, a suicidal Mam, a predatory teacher, a sadistic landlord and the River Liffey are covered.

Especially the River Liffey.

A large stream of flowing water that carries dreams, hopes and bodies with it on its way through Dublin to the Irish Sea where it deposits the expectations, desires, ambitions and relatives of the oppressed, downtrodden and unemployed.

Mr. Simon Cowell describes Cate, also known as Cate The Great, as a whimpering working class sentimental little Irish girl who wins the hearts and minds of millions of viewers

Ed Malone

throughout the British isles and throughout the world with her sad gaunt porcelain face and tragically earnest vocal delivery.

Mr. Simon Cowell describes Cate, also known as Cate The Great, as a whimpering working class sentimental little Irish girl who wins the hearts and minds of millions of viewers throughout the British isles and throughout the world with her sad gaunt porcelain face and tragically earnest vocal delivery.

The author, Mr. Ed Malone, describes Charlie Maloney as a two-fisted tough who murdered fourteen-year-old Cate’s heartless seducer by mistake.  She’s also a bit overweight, a persistent annoyance that is remedied in prison.

The Maloney sisters owe back taxes, the mortgage and the grocer.

They are waiting for Maggie Thatcher to die.

Until that time, they remain a boil on Dublin’s backside.

Recognized with the 2013 Outer Critics Circle Special Achievement Award, the 2007 Jujamcyn Theatres Award, a special Drama Desk Award for “Excellence in Presenting Distinguished Irish drama,” and the Lucille Lortel Award for “Outstanding Body of Work,” The Irish Repertory Theatre has celebrated the very best in Irish theater for twenty-five years, transforming the stage.

June 13, 7pm   & 14 ,  11pm    2013

54 Below 254 West 54th St

New York City

tickets:www.54Below.com