By: Markos Papadatos
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Feel Good Interview Series — The Multi-Hyphenate Marilu Henner — 10 Things To Know About Her
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Jason Alexander ("George Costanza") Talks His Life, Career and Family at Lighthouse International Film Festival on Long Beach Island NJ - 8 Things We Learned About Him
By Suzanne Ordas Curry (Suzee)
Well, the one night I was on beautiful Long Beach Island NJ this summer so far that I didn’t take my after dinner walk to check out the line at Dairy King, which is always an indication of what the crowds are like on the island, I missed George Costanza! Rumor was that he went to Stefanos for dinner, a very popular, revered Italian restaurant on Long Island and then had Dairy King for dessert. Yes, Dairy King. Dairy King is the dominant ice cream shop for a several block radius near 18th Street, after that, since there is just about an ice cream shop every 10 blocks or less, another dominates. But DK gets ice cream afficionados from all over. But I digress...
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Cady McClain to Direct Staged Reading of Eric Conger's The Park to Benefit California's Entertainment Community Fund, Actors Include Finola Hughes, James Patrick Stuart, Will Dixon and More on June 21, 2025
One Night. One Reason.
Come to a staged reading to raise funds for LA’s entertainment community on June 21, 2025 at the Marilyn Monroe Theater at the Lee Strasbourg Creative Center in West Hollywood, California.
The lights may be back on in Hollywood, but thousands in the industry are still in the dark… financially, emotionally, and professionally. On June 21st, artists, institutions, and allies will gather at the Marilyn Monroe Theatre in West Hollywood for a one-night-only staged reading of THE PARK by Eric Conger. This benefit raises critical funds for the Entertainment Community Fund, supporting the workers who keep this city’s creative engine alive:Stagehands. Writers. Directors. Cinematographers. Editors. Costume designers. Makeup Artists. Actors. Music. Caterers. Freelancers. Assistants. Crew.
The ones still struggling after shutdowns, strikes, and wildfires. This event is about action. Tickets start at $15 for students and can be purchased here: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/the-park-by-eric-conger
Friday, May 30, 2025
Stream Live with Link: Gotham Television Awards June 2, 2025 HonorS Amy Sherman Palladino, Daniel Palladino, Parker Posey, Hwang Dong-hyuk, Elizabeth Moss, Brian Tyree Henry, Sheryl Lee Ralph and David E. Kelly Among Those Honored.
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Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler Make a Stop in NJ as Part of their Restless Leg Tour - See them at the Prudential Center as Part of the North to Shore Festival
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NJ/NY Area Event: Long Beach Island's Lighthouse International Film Festival Runs June 4-8th 2025, Special Appearance by Jason Alexander
This year's centerpiece film is Slanted, by Director Amy Wang. The closing film is American Sweatshop by Director Uta Briesewitz. Special to the festival this year is the film Just Looking, directed b Jason Alexander (aka George Costanza). He will do a talkback after his film and also headline "A Conversation with Jason Alexander, The Artist Behind George Constanza". Both will happen at the Surflight Theater, making it an intimate experience.
Monday, May 19, 2025
Feel Good Interview Series: Academy Award Nominee Lorraine Bracco and Star of "Nonnas" on Netflix — 10 Things To Know About Her
By: Markos Papadatos
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Feel Good Interview Series: Adrian Lyles of 'High School Musical: The Musical: The Series' and the New Single "Concrete Boy" — 10 Things to Know About Him
By: Markos Papadatos
Feel Good Interview Series: Neal McDonough of "The Last Rodeo", "Band of Brothers", "Tulsa King" and More — 10 Things To Know About Him
By: Markos Papadatos
TERROR FILMS RELEASING Acquires Worldwide Rights to Scranton Films' Family Friendly Anthology, “SHADOWS OF THE PAST” - Available to Stream on Most Major Platforrms
Starring Karl Barbee, Dan Frederick, Jamie Dougherty, Ava Wallace, Tierney Violet Joyce and Olivianna Vanesko, the film follows four teens who seek refuge in a mansion, where the host offers safety and treasures in exchange for hearing haunting tales from his past.
Cabrales shared her thoughts about the making of the film:
“As a Mexican-American artist, my mission is to create art that not only resonates but invites the audience to immerse themselves in its essence. With the help of my talented community, we crafted a film that’s rich with meaning from beginning to end."
Jacob Scott Thomas Bertrand of "Cobra Kai", "Batwheels", "Rise of the Guardians" and More — 10 Things to Know About Him
Erich Bergen of Broadway' s "Boop", TV's "Madam Secretary'" and More -10 Things To Know About Him
By: Markos Papadatos
Mandy Gonzalez of "Sunset Boulevard", "Wicked", Hamilton" and More on Broadway — 10 Things To Know About Her
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Feel-Good Interview Series - Jack Schumacher of "Ransom Canyon" and "Top Gun: Maverick" — 10 Things to Know About Him
By: Markos Papadatos
NJ/NY Area Event: Bergen Casa for Children Holds Casino Night Fundraiser May 7, 2025 - Come Support Kids in Foster Care and Have Fun at the Same Time
Bergen County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) urgently calls on the community to rally behind its mission at the upcoming Casino Night Fundraiser on May 7, 2025. Due to a significant reduction of over $150,000 in federal and state grant funding, this year’s event is not just a celebration—it’s a lifeline. “Funding cuts of this magnitude threaten our ability to be there for some of Bergen County’s most vulnerable children,” said Executive Director Lucy Rosen. “Now more than ever, we need the community’s support to ensure no child in foster care goes without a voice in court, in school, and in life.”
The elegant evening will take place at Season’s, 644 Pascack Road, Washington Township, from 6:30–10:30 PM and features gaming tables, a silent auction, basket raffles, and abundant food and drink. Tickets are $235 per person, including open bar, gourmet food stations, dessert, and $100 in casino play money.
Monday, April 28, 2025
Feel-Good Interview Series - Ayelet Zurer of "House of David" and "Daredevil" — 10 Things to Know About Her
By: Markos Papadatos
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Feel-Good Interview Series - Eoin Macken of the Hit Netflix Series "Ransom Canyon" — 10 Interesting Things To Know About Him
By: Markos Papadatos
Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival - Meet the Filmmakers, Watch Industry Expert Panels and Classes for Free on Festival's Youtube Channel
Interviews are popping up daily on the festival's Youtube Channel here. This year you can watch interviews of filmmakers Cynthia Cai, Pat Batistini, Theo Dona, Maddy Freeman, Emily Statler and more.
You will also find interviews and classes all for free on the channel. For instance, see last year's interview with award-winning author Harlan Corban. There are also interviews and panels with award-winning actors and producers. Some of the free panels on the channel include:
- Panel on "Production to Premier"
- Music for Film
- Making a Documentary Panel
- Marketing Master Class
Friday, April 18, 2025
New York Women in Film and Television's 2025 MUSE Awards Held at Cipriani Midtown- Honored Pamela Anderson, Marissa Bode, Lisa Cortes, Celia Costas, Amy Entelis and Versha Sharma
I always enjoy attending the New York Women in Film and Television MUSE Award in New York City, I think I have been going for about a decade, and that is because this awards event is aptly named. One always leaves the event feeling inspired, and the women chosen are not just inspiring for anyone in the creative fields, but really for any career - and life itself.
Held again at Cipriani's the room was packed and full of vibrant energy, the kind of energy in my opinion, only New York City elicits. It was mostly women - and a few dozen men, attending to network and listen to the stories of the Muses. The theme of the event was "metamorphosis" with the room being filled with women in many stages of development and also those wonderfully spreading their wings.
The 45th Annual MUSE AWARDS for Vision and Achievement were given to the following women (see bottom of article for complete bios):
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
NY/NJ Area Event: Axial Theatre SAFEHOUSE Series Presents a Reading of a New Play by Obie Winner Kate Benson - What We'd Really Like is to Be Together - Directed by Emmy-Winner Cady McClain
For complete info/tix visit: AxialTheater.org.
Three couples and a guest meet for a weekend respite from the city at a well appointed home. Discussions lead to revelations and unanticipated events change lives forever.
The reading will feature Dan Walworth (South Salem), Lev Harvey, Marisa Lowe (Beacon), Marilyn Collazo, Duane Rutter, Quinn Warren, Anthony Barresi Jr. (Peekskill), and special guest Elizabeth Narciso with stage directions read by Gail Greenstein (Katonah).
Saturday, April 5, 2025
The Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival Runs Three Evenings in April 2025 - See the Award-winning Documentary "Space Cowboy" and Over 40 Films , See Schedule for Networking and Parties Open to the Public
In the heart of North Jersey in downtown Ridgewood, NJ is a gem of a film festival, known for being filmmaker-friendly and also movie fan friendly, as tickets for multiple films are less than the cost of a movie theater ticket. And for this price you get a selection of over 40 International Films and shorts.
Headlining the festival for 2025 is Space Cowboy, the award-winning documentary about Skydiving by Joe Jennings. This inspiring film follows former Ridgewood resident Joe Jennings, a pioneer of skydiving cinematography, as he looks back on creating iconic moments in film and television while trying to turn a dreamlike vision into reality.
The Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival spans three evenings, showcasing independent films from around the world. Tickets are required for the main program on April 24; $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens. They can be purchased through Film Freeway by clicking the link. 2025’s RGIFF schedule includes:
Interview with the Authors Maura Bertotti and Ann Merli of "Uncover Your Recovery"- A Book To Help You Start Your New Journey so You Can Be Your Best Self
Thursday, March 27, 2025
23rd Annual Garden State Film Festival Kicks off March 27th, 2025 with over 200 Films at 9 Jersey Venues
The Garden State Film Festival kicks off on March 27th and presents a wide variety of feature films, documentaries, shorts, panel discussions and celebrity appearances. Whether you are a movie fan or an aspiring filmmaker, the festival offers a host of opportunities as a reasonable price. Read on for highlights and details or visit https://www.gsff.org/
Feel Good Interview with Academy Award Nominee Amy Irving of "Yentl", "Crossing Delancey" and More — 10 Things To Know About Her: Listen to her New Album "Always Will Be"
By: Markos Papadatos
Monday, March 24, 2025
Origin 1st Irish 2025 17th Annual Festival Presents 11 Local and Irish Plays in Venues Around NC April 1 - 28th, 2025
11 PRODUCTIONS IN COMPETITION COMING TO ORIGIN 1st IRISH 2025
17TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL RUNS APRIL 1 TO 28 IN VENUES ACROSS NEW YORK
FISHAMBLE’S “FIGHT NIGHT” OPENS FESTIVAL
Origin 1st Irish 2025 is presenting 5 Irish imports and 6 locally-produced plays as part of this year’s theater festival. The 17th annual edition of the only festival of its kind devoted to producing and presenting the theatrical work of contemporary Irish playwrights from around the world takes place from April 1 to April 28 in three boroughs. Read on for the complete schedule.
IN COMPETITION FROM IRELAND AND NORTHERN IRELANDCOMPETITION FROM IRELAND AND NORTHERN IRELAND
Interview with Playwright Pamela Weiler Grayson - All About Urban Momfare, and Living, Parenting and Writing in New York City
By Suzanne Ordas Curry
I had the pleasure of meeting Pamela Weiler Grayson at a lovely New Year's brunch on the Upper East Side in Manhattan. I found out we had some mutual friends, and also about her new album for Urban Momfare that would be streaming which she was very excited about. Read on to see what it's all about and how this mom finds inspiration to keep creating.
SuzeeBTS: You are a prolific writer and lyricist. Please tell me about Urban Momfare, how it came to be and where it played.
Pamela Weiler Grayson: I used to be a freelance writer for many years, and I mostly wrote essays and humor pieces about being a mom on the Upper East Side. I grew up there and also raised my kids there, too (and still live there!).
Sunday, March 16, 2025
NJ/NY Area Event: Women's Rights Information Center in Englewood, NJ Presents FREE Event: Book Fair and Author's Showcase Featuring: PHOTOS
Women's Rights Information Center (WRIC), a nonprofit organization based in New Jersey, invites the community to attend a FREE BOOK FAIR and author’s showcase in honor of Women’s History Month on Thursday, March 27th, at 11:00 a.m. - 2 p.m. This is a FREE event and will take place at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) located at 30 North Van Brunt Street in Englewood, New Jersey.
New York City Event: Free Screening of the Film "Lilly" Presented by Women in the Arts Media Coalition - See the Story of the Trailblazer Lilly Ledbetter and Hear Talkback as Part of Women's History Month
This event is presented as part of Women in the Arts Day 2025 by the Women In Arts Coalition in collaboration with Herflix.com, WomenArts, SAG-AFTRA, The School of Visual Arts BA Program Department and New York Women in Film and Television.
Lilly stars Patricia Clarkson as a factory worker who stands up to corruption in her workplace, an Alabama factory. It is the true story of a courageous woman, Lilly Ledbetter which will inspire anyone who fights for justice and equal pay. See below to RSVP.
Thursday, March 13, 2025
Interview with Author and Influencer Danielle Sherman-Lazar's Book - Her Book "Mothers Are Made" Is a Must-Read Memoir and Guide for Accepting, Living and Learning from Challenges
"Mothers Are Made: How One Mom Overcame Perfectionism, Self-Doubt, Loneliness, and Anxiety to Become a Better and Happier Parent," is published by Alcove Press and available at most major booksellers.
Danielle Sherman-Lazar: In Mother’s Are Made I talk about how mothers are not simply born alongside their babies; instead, we are shaped by time and experience. It is through facing difficulties—going through the fire—that we develop resilience, bravery, and courage.