Non-Profit TEEEM Triples Its Reach in the Past School Year - Connecting Students with People in Need all over the World - Program is Free to Schools Nationwide

Providing clean water in Burkina Faso. Building schools in Cambodia. Providing microloans to women in Africa to start businesses. Providing facilities for education and health in South America. This the kind of work that TEEEM does.

"Over the past school year, we have tripled in size, expanding from working with 35 schools in just New Jersey to nearly 100 K–12 schools and approximately 2,000 students across 11 states and three countries, states Taylor D'Alessio, Executive Vice President of TEEM. “We’ve seen an incredible surge in interest because educators and students are eager to be part of a movement that empowers the next generation to make meaningful change. Schools across the country are looking for meaningful ways to teach empathy, leadership, and real-world problem-solving—and that’s exactly what TEEEM offers."

Three-Time Daytime Emmy Winner Cady McClain Reunites with Austin Pendleton This Summer in New York City for the Chain Theater's One Act Festival in John Thompson's Play "What Happened Was"

Three-time Emmy winner Cady McClain who currently stars in CBS' Beyond the Gates,  and Tony, Obie, and Drama Desk Award winner Austin Pendleton reunite in with Ryan Tramont for the world premiere of Walter John Thompson’s What Happened Was at the Chain Theatre’s 2025 Summer One Act Festival in New York City. The Chain Theatre Summer One Act Festival begins July 10 through August 2nd, 2025. For tickets visit: https://www.chaintheatre.org/summer-oneact-fest-2025

With over 90 plays being presented, Program #2 stars Emmy winner Cady McClain (Beyond the Gates, Law and Order: SVU) in Walter John Thompson’s What Happened Was; a dark comedy exploring memory, longing, and the blurry divide between performance and reality. 

Directed by Obie and Drama Desk Award winning director, Austin Pendleton (Between Riverside and Crazy, Orson’s Shadow). “This is a beautiful little play that sneaks up on you,” says Pendleton, “I can’t think of anything more refreshing in these troubled times.” Produced by Axial Theater, What Happened Was will be on stage July 22nd, August 1 and 2nd, at 8pm on Chain Theatre’s 3rd floor (312 W. 36th Street). Tickets can be purchased at www.ChainTheatre.org/summer-oneact-fest-2025.

Review: Slightly Stoopid Satiates Fan's Desires at The Stone Pony as Part of NJ's North To Shore Festival - Photos and Video

By Shane Curry

I've been to a lot of concerts, probably more than most people my age, and undeniably this concert was one of the best I’ve ever been to. The sound was amazing, the lasers were mesmerizing and he sunset was breathtaking. 

Everybody in the crowd was there to soak in the music of this band and the setting sun only added to the special feeling of the show, which took place in the cool, beachy town of Asbury Park NJ. The concert, at the iconic Stone Pony, was part of the North to Shore Festival sponsored by Prudential. The Stone Pony is a tremendous venue for any band. You can feel the history in it.

Feel Good Interview Series: Emmy-Award Winner Michael Park of "As The World Turns" and Broadway - 10 Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos

Michael Park is known for his acting work as Jack Snyder on the daytime drama "As the World Turns," as well as for playing Larry Murphy in "Dear Evan Hansen" on Broadway, as well as reporter Tom Holloway in Season 3 of "Stranger Things." Park won two consecutive Daytime Emmy Awards for "Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series" for playing Jack Snyder on "As the World Turns."

In addition, he won a Grammy for "Best Musical Theater Album" and a Daytime Emmy for "Outstanding Musical Performance in a Daytime Program" for "Dear Evan Hansen." 

Feel Good Interview Series: Tia Carrere of "Lilo & Stitch", "Wayne's World" and So Much More — 11 Things To Know About Her

By Markos Papadatos

Veteran actress and singer Tia Carrere stars as Mrs. Kekoa is new live-action Disney movie "Lilo & Stitch."

She got her first big break as a regular on the daytime soap opera "General Hospital." Carrere played Cassandra Wong in the feature films "Wayne's World" and "Wayne's World 2," as well as Juno Skinner in "True Lies," Nani Pelekai in the "Lilo & Stitch" movies and Cha Cha, in "Curb Your Enthusiasm." Carrere also appeared as a contestant in the second season of "Dancing with the Stars" and the fifth season of "The Celebrity Apprentice." In addition to acting, Carrere has won two Grammy Awards for her music. She shared 11 interesting and exciting things about herself.

Feel Good Interview Series: Kellan Lutz of "Twilight", "Desert Dawn" and More — 10 Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos

Kellan Lutz is an actor, producer, martial artist and model. He is best known for playing Emmett Cullen in "The Twilight" Saga film series and he also played Hercules in "The Legend of Hercules."

His most recent action movie was "Desert Dawn," which was released via Saban Films. He went on to share 10 interesting and exciting things about himself.

Feel Good Interview Series: RJ Mitte of 'Breaking Bad' - 10 Things To Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos

RJ Mitte is an actor, producer, model and activist (who has cerebral palsy). He is best known for his portrayal of Walter "Flynn" White on the AMC drama series "Breaking Bad." He also appeared in Weeds, Vegas, Switched at Birth, and Everybody Hates Chris.

Mitte sat down and chatted with this journalist at Burgerology Midtown while in New York for the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival. His new film "Westhampton" premiered at the festival on June 7th. Mitte shared 10 interesting and exciting things about himself.

Feel Good Interview Series: Wendy Crewson — 10 Things To Know About Her

By: Markos Papadatos

Wendy Crewson stars as Tess in "When Hope Calls" Season 2 on Great American Family, and she plays Justin Hartley's mother Mary Dove Shaw in "Tracker" on CBS. A veteran actress, Crewson is known for her performances in "Air Force One," "The Santa Clause," and "Bicentennial Man."

She went on to share 10 fun and interesting things about herself.

Feel Good Interview Series — The Multi-Hyphenate Marilu Henner — 10 Things To Know About Her

 

By: Markos Papadatos

Marilu Henner is a five-time Golden Globe nominee for "Taxi." She has starred in 78 films, including L.A. Story (American Comedy Award), Noises Off, Johnny Dangerously, and 31 Hallmark movies; two Emmy Award-winning sitcoms (“Taxi,” “Evening Shade”); and numerous TV appearances.

A New York Times bestselling author of 10 books on health, memory, and parenting, Marilu is one of 12 people identified with HSAM (Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory) featured on “60 Minutes.” She has testified before Congress 11 times on Alzheimer’s, nutrition, and women’s health, and is a keynote speaker on memory, fitness, parenting, cancer survival, and hospice advocacy.

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...

The multi-talented Jason Alexander was a special guest at this year's Lighthouse International Film Festival on Long Beach Island NJ. LBI, as it's known as, is only about 2 hours from Manhattan but a destination that is a world apart, full of sprawling beaches, activities and vacation homes. It's a place people, especially families, come to relax and have fun. 

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

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.

 

Tune in LIVE to the Second Annual Gotham Television Awards this Monday, June 2nd at 7 PM ET by visiting Variety's YouTube Channel or following this link! The Gotham Television Awards will also stream live through TEGNA network affiliates across 51 markets throughout the country. TEGNA streaming apps are available to local audiences on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. It was previously announced that Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, as well as Director Hwang Dong-hyuk will receive Creator Tributes, Elisabeth Moss and the cast of The Handmaid’s Tale will receive the inaugural Ensemble Tribute, Brian Tyree Henry will receive the Performer Tribute, Sheryl Lee Ralph will receive the Sidney Poitier Icon Tribute, David E. Kelley will receive the Visionary Tribute, and Parker Posey will receive the Legend Tribute.

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

 

Prudential North to Shore presents Comedy icons, writers, producers, actresses and Saturday Night Live alumni Amy Poehler and Tina Fey as part of their Restless Leg Tour will include a stop in NEWARK at PRUDENTIAL CENTER on SUNDAY, JUNE 22ND AT 6PM.   After kicking off their tour in April 2023 and selling out shows across the US, Tina & Amy are back on the road. Fans will see the duo celebrate their thirty years of friendship with an evening of jokes, iconic stories and conversational entertainment.     “If this tour goes right, we can finally end this friendship!” - Amy and Tina   Tickets for this performance are on sale now at ticketmaster.com and tinaamytour.com.   For more information, fans can head to tinaamytour.com and follow @tinaamytour on Instagram.

NJ's Prudential North to Shore Festival Announces Tremendous Summer Lineup for 2025: See Complete List of All Events Including Free Events

 

NJ/NY Area Event: Long Beach Island's Lighthouse International Film Festival Runs June 4-8th 2025, Special Appearance by Jason Alexander

The Lighthouse International Film Festival on beautiful Long Beach Island kicks off its lineup on June 4, 2025. Running through June 8th it features over 100 films at three locations on the picturesque island off the coast of New Jersey. The film festival features films, shorts, filmmaker breakfasts, talk-backs, informative panels and more. There is something for the filmmaker and filmmaker alike. 

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. 

Feel Good Interview Series: Academy Award Nominee Lorraine Bracco and Star of "Nonnas" on Netflix — 10 Things To Know About Her

By: Markos Papadatos

Lorraine Bracco is known for her portrayal of Dr. Jennifer Melfi on The Sopranos and for playing mob wife Karen Hill in Goodfellas.

She has been nominated for an Academy Award for Goodfellas, four Primetime Emmy Awards for The Sopranos, four Golden Globe Awards, and three Screen Actors Guild Awards for The Sopranos.

Bracco is one of the stars of the new film Nonnas on Netflix, which recently peaked at No. 1. She shared 10 interesting and exciting things about herself.

Lorraine's Favorite Movies

On her favorite movies, she said, “I’m addicted to Turner Classic Movies, so I’m an old broad for that.”

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

Adrian Lyles is a singer and actor who is known for his acting work in the Disney+ series "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series," where he starred opposite Olivia Rodrigo, Joshua Bassett, and Matt Cornett. Lyles just released his new single "Concrete Boy" via Hollywood Records, and he shared 10 interesting and exciting things about himself.

Adrian's Favorite Movies

His favorite movies are Snack Shack and Fantastic Mr. Fox.

Favorite Series to Binge

His favorite series to binge are Regular Show and Family Guy.

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

Neal McDonough is an iconic actor, who is known for Band of Brothers on HBO, Boomtown, Tin Man, Desperate Housewives, Minority Report, Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow, and The Flash. More recently, he appeared in Suits, Yellowstone and Tulsa King.

He is the star of the new Angel Studios movie The Last Rodeo. He shared 10 interesting and exciting things about himself.

Neal McDonough's Favorite Movies

TERROR FILMS RELEASING Acquires Worldwide Rights to Scranton Films' Family Friendly Anthology, “SHADOWS OF THE PAST” - Available to Stream on Most Major Platforrms

TERROR FILMS RELEASING has teamed with director Luz Cabrales to release her anthology horror film, “Shadows Of The Past.” Watch it on Amazon Prime HERE: https://bit.ly/3GKq0NS

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

By: Markos Papadatos

Jacob Scott Thomas Bertrand is an American actor and filmmaker who is known for playing Eli "Hawk" Moskowitz in the hit global Netflix series "Cobra Kai."

He is also known for his roles in Rise of the Guardians (2012) and Ready Player One (2018). Bertrand is a celebrity ambassador for Smile Train, an organization that raises awareness about cleft and its impact on families and individuals. 

In his personal life, he is dating actress Peyton List. He shared 10 interesting and exciting things about himself.

Erich Bergen of Broadway' s "Boop", TV's "Madam Secretary'" and More -10 Things To Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos

Erich Bergen is an American actor, singer, presenter and producer. He is best known for his roles as Bob Gaudio in the musical drama biopic film "Jersey Boys," and as Blake Moran in the CBS television series Madam Secretary. Previously, Bergen has performed on Broadway as Dr. Pomatter in "Waitress" and Billy Flynn in "Chicago." Presently, he is starring as Raymond in the new Broadway production "BOOP! The Musical."

Favorite movies

On his favorite movies, he said, “My all-time favorite movie is E.T. Other favorite movies are Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Spotlight, All the President’s Men, and Weekend at Bernie’s.”

Mandy Gonzalez of "Sunset Boulevard", "Wicked", Hamilton" and More on Broadway — 10 Things To Know About Her

Interview by Markos Papadatos

Mandy Gonzalez is an American singer and actress. She is known for her role of Nina Rosaio in the Broadway production of "In the Heights," as well as for playing Elphaba in the hit musical "Wicked" and Angelica in "Hamilton." Most recently, she plays Norma Desmond in "Sunset Boulevard" on Broadway on Tuesday evenings, and at select performances as Nicole Scherzinger's alternate. Having seen Mandy Gonzalez twice as Norma in "Sunset Boulevard," she was sublime in the role and in her performance, and made it her own.

Ms. Gonzalez revealed 10 interesting and exciting things about herself.

Feel-Good Interview Series - Jack Schumacher of "Ransom Canyon" and "Top Gun: Maverick" — 10 Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos

Jack Schumacher is one of the stars of the new western series Ransom Canyon, which reached No. 1 on Netflix, where he portrays Yancy opposite Josh Duhamel. Prior to this, he played Omaha opposite Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick, and he played the male lead in the rom-com The Engagement Plan on Great American Family.

Schumacher shared 10 interesting and fun things about himself.

Jack Schumacher's Favorite Movies

His favorite movies are In Bruges, Snatch and Hell or High Water

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’s Casino Night Fundraiser is More Crucial Than Ever..

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.

Feel-Good Interview Series - Ayelet Zurer of "House of David" and "Daredevil" — 10 Things to Know About Her

By: Markos Papadatos

Ayelet Zurer is known for playing Queen Ahinoam in "House of David and Vanessa in the Marvel Cinematic Universe TV Series "Daredevil" and "Daredevil: Born Again."

She also appeared in various Hollywood films such as Munich, Vantage Point, Angels & Demons, Man of Steel, and Ben-Hur.  She shared 10 interesting and fun things about herself.

Ayelet's Favorite Movies

Her favorite movies are The Godfather, Three Colours: Blue by Krzysztof Kieślowski, and The Deer Hunter. “I love movies from the ‘70s,” she admitted. “I love all of Kieślowski’s movies.”

Feel-Good Interview Series - Eoin Macken of the Hit Netflix Series "Ransom Canyon" — 10 Interesting Things To Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos

Eoin Macken is an Irish actor, director, and model. He has modeled for Abercrombie and Fitch, Ralph Lauren, and GQ, and has appeared in films such as Resident Evil, Close, Killing Jesus, and Centurion.

Macken has appeared on television in series such as Fair City and in BBC series Merlin as Sir Gwaine. In addition, Macken has directed several feature films: Christian Blake, Dreaming for You, The Inside and Cold, and Here Are the Young Men. Macken also directed the documentary The Fashion of Modelling. 

Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival - Meet the Filmmakers, Watch Industry Expert Panels and Classes for Free on Festival's Youtube Channel

Get to know some of the filmmakers screening films at the 2025 Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival in Ridgewood, NJ on April 24, 2025. Tickets are still available for the festival, which is showing dozens of films in a friendly environment for a very reasonable price. 

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

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

By Suzanne Ordas Curry

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):

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

On Saturday, April 19 at 4 pm, SAFEHOUSE: The Axial Playwrights series of workshopped readings of original plays by metro area playwrights featuring Axial Ensemble actors, will present What We'd Really Like is to Be Together by Obie award-winning playwright Kate Benson directed by three-time Emmy winner and Axial Artistic Director 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).

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

Editor's Note: I always love seeing women do amazing things, especially women I have known my whole life. Maura Bertotti has been like family to me since we were kids. She has a new book, written with Ann Merli, whose goal is to help others. It's an easy read and a workbook as well. Whether you have a significant challenge in your life and are working with a therapist or just want to tweak some things to make the most of your life, this is a book to help you grow.

Suzee: How did the two of you meet? 

Maura: Ann and I met at the very first Holistic Center I opened back in 2012. We became fast friends and discovered shared beliefs with our Spirituality, as well as both coming from a corporate background first. We bonded over how those important paths could both blend together as a lived-experience. And even how we could recover from them.