Feel Good Interview Series: Dame Julie Andrews of Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music - 10 Things to Know About this Legendary Oscar Winner

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Dame Julie Andrews is a living legend in the global cinema and TV industry. In her illustrious career in the entertainment business, Andrews has won the 1965 Academy Award for “Best Actress in a Leading Role” for playing the title role in “Mary Poppins,” and she earned two subsequent Oscar nominations for her acting work in “The Sound of Music” in 1966, and “Victor/Victoria” in 1983.

Her mantel holds six Golden Globe Awards, two Emmy Awards, and three Grammy Awards. In 2001, she was recognized as a Kennedy Center Honoree. She went on to share 10 interesting and exciting things about herself!

What Julie Andrews Says is the Key to Longevity in Entertainment

“In my case, first of all, great good fortune, and second, doing a lot of physical exercise… The dances I had to learn, the warmups, the ballet classes and all of that. Certainly, all the oxygen from singing.”

NY/NJ Area Event: Montclair Film Festival Runs October 18-27th, 2024 - Stephen Colbert Sits Down with Jon Bon Jovi, Premieres, Films, Talkbacks and More

A short train ride from New York City into the beautiful city of Montclair is the home of the Montclair Film Festival, a vibrant festival in North Jersey featuring the best of new works in film of film of all types, seminars, presentations and activities. One of the highlights of the festivals is Stephen Colbert‘s Special Evenings at NJ Performing Arts Center in Newark, This year he will have a conversation with John Bon Jovi on October 26, 2024. For Tickets and more information visit: https://montclairfilm.org/

If you’re not already familiar with the suburb of Montclair you'll be happy to find so much to do there. Aside from the festival, it's a hub of all types of restaurants shops and galleries It's a great place to spend some time after or in between screenings.

Feel Good Interview Series: Dame Malvina Major, World - Renown Operatic Soprano and Philanthropist -11 Things to Know About Her Including Who Her Dream Duet Choices Would Be

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Dame Malvina is an internationally recognized operatic soprano, who resides in Taranaki, New Zealand. Her foundation, The Dame Malvina Major Foundation, was established in 1991 to offer support to emerging New Zealanders in the performing arts.

In the 1985 Queen's Birthday Honours, she was made an Officer of the British Empire (OBE), for her services to opera. In 1991, she was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE), for services to opera, charity, and the community. She was subsequently made a Principal Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to opera, in the 2008 New Year Honours. 

Hallmark Media Announces Festive Movie Lineup for Countdown to Christmas and Miracles of Christmas - View Schedules

Hallmark Media has announced its schedule for the most popular and wonderful season of Countdown to Christmas. There are 40 new movies coming this year, and of course mixed in to the 24/7 movie lineup are all the old favorites. New movies premiere on the Hallmark Channel every Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at 8pm Eastern starting October 18th. Read on to see the schedule for #CountdowntoChritsmas on the Hallmark Channel and the #MiraclesofChristmas on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Channel. You will also find more holiday cheer on their new streaming network Hallmark Plus. So sit back, put on your Hallmark Christmas watching socks, cozy up under a Hallmark blanket and sip some hot cocoa - with marshmallows and a candy cane - and enjoy the movies.

Katonah Classic Stage Presents NY Drama Critics Circle Best Play Winner: A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD with James A Pierce III and Tim Walker Anderson

Katonah Classic Stage (KCS), Westchester County’s professional theatre company dedicated to classic plays, will present Samuel D. Hunter’s extraordinary play, A Case for the Existence of God, at Whippoorwill Hall in Armonk. The play will run October 24 – November 3, 2024. Tickets/Info: Reserved Seats on sale now at https://katonahclassicstage.com/events/

A Case for the Existence of God is a transcendent work of empathy and catharsis by MacArthur Fellow Samuel D. Hunter, best known for his Oscar-nominated film The Whale. With unique humor and honesty, the play brings together the lives of two ordinary men, Ryan and Keith, who, for different reasons, are outsiders to the systems that control their fate. 

Feel-Good Interview Series: Nicole Eggert of "Baywatch", "Charles in Charge" & More - 10 Things to Know About Her

By Markos Papadatos

Nicole Eggert is known for her starring role as Summer Quinn on "Baywatch" and for playing Jamie Powell in "Charles in Charge." She also guest-starred in "The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!" and "Boy Meets World."

Most recently, she starred in the new Hulu docuseries "After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun," where she also served as a producer.

Presently, she is a fighter, who is fighting breast cancer, yet she is in good spirits. (Editor's Note - Nicole has been on social media encouraging women to get screened. See her Instagram for more).

 She shared 10 interesting things about herself.

Stories to Inspire: NJ- Based Non-Profit TEEEM.org Expands School Partnerships to Multiple States and Canada to Provide Free Programs for Students to Learn Humanitarianism by Connecting with Impoverished Communities Globally

New Jersey-based nonprofit TEEEM (The Empathy Equality Entrepreneurship Mission) announces the addition of new schools in its mission to inspire humanitarianism in students, including its first partnership with an international school this year, in Toronto, Canada. The TEEEM programs are available free of charge to public and private schools. For information on the TEEEM programs for your school or to learn more visit: www.TEEEM.org.

‘Empathy’ and ‘Social Entrepreneurship’ classes and clubs are being added to 28 schools in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Canada this school year. TEEEM is a nonprofit organization that offers free educational programs and curriculum to educate youth on global issues and humanitarianism. This addition brings the total number of participating TEEEM schools to 51.

Feel Good Interview Series: Anders Keith of "Frasier" on Paramount+ Tells Us 9 Things About Himself

By: Markos Papadatos

Actor Anders Keith shared nine interesting and fun things about himself. He is known for starring as David Crane on "Frasier" on Paramount+, where the second season premiered in September 2024.

In this series, Kelsey Grammer reprised his iconic role as psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane. David Crane is Frasier's (Kelsey Grammer) nephew and Freddy's (Jack Cutmore-Scott) cousin, who was born in the finale of the original series. David is the son of Niles Crane and Daphne Moon. He is a college freshman who is attending Harvard University, where he is studying Psychology.

Feel Good Interview Series: Linsey Godfrey of Days of Our Lives - 9 Things to Know About Her Including Her Fave Cheat Meal

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Emmy-nominated actress Linsey Godfrey is known for playing Sarah Horton on "Days of Our Lives" and Caroline Spencer in "The Bold and The Beautiful." 

She also starred in the Lifetime movie "Deadly Runway" opposite Joshua Hoffman (who now plays RJ Forrester in "The Bold and The Beautiful"). She shared some interesting things about herself.

Linsey's Favorite Movie

Her favorite Disney movie is “The Emperor's New Groove.” “That’s the only one that I can say is my favorite,” she admitted.

NY/NJ Area Event: Axial Theater Presents Free Readings of Five Original Short Plays in Cactus Series Short Play Readings September 27-29, 2024

Axial Theater will present a special evening of five shorts plays selected by Axial Theatre Artistic Director Cady McClain as being "the best" of the year of readings of short plays in the "Cactus Flowers" short play reading series. This event is free and made possible by ArtsWestchester. Following the plays will be a screening of "Robust Admixture", a short film based on the work of poet BK Fisher starring members of the Axial Theater and special guests. It will take place 9/27, 9/28 and 9/29 at St. John's Episcopal Church in Pleasantville, New York. Visit AxialTheater.org. for complete details or read on.

NY/NY Event: The Joan's Joy Foundation Highlighting Child Safety Holds Free Event in Hillsdale, NJ 9/28/2024: Activities, Entertainment, Music, Butterflies, Balloons and more Highlight What Can Be Done for Children

Learn ways to keep your child safe! The Joan's Joy Foundation is holding it's 10th Annual Safety Fest on Saturday, September 28th in Hillsdale, NJ at the Train Station on Broadway from 2pm-5pm. The safety fest, which will include exhibits, entertainment (by the guitarist from the band the Misfits), the opportunity to make a child safety kit, raffles, a butterfly release, face painting, balloons and more is held in honor of a local girl, Joan D'allesandro, who was brutally murdered after delivering Girl Scout Cookies in the 1970's. Since then her family has turned tragedy into some triumph through the foundation and enacting laws which keep child killers in jail. There is no fee to enter the event. 

The Story of Joan:

On April 19, 1973, Rosemarie D'Alessandro's life was irrevocably changed when her seven-year-old daughter, Joan, was sexually assaulted and brutally murdered by a neighbor while delivering Girl Scout cookies. This heartbreaking crime stunned the suburban community of Hillsdale, New Jersey, and captured the nation's attention, leading to a reevaluation of child safety measures.

Feel Good Interview Series: Ian Harding of "Pretty Little Liars", Hallmark's "The Magic of Lemon Drops," "Ghosts of Christmas Always" & More - 10 Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Ian Harding is known for playing the lead role of Ezra Fitz in the hit drama series "Pretty Little Liars."

He also starred in the Hallmark holiday film "Ghosts of Christmas Always" opposite Kim Matula.

Most recently, Harding starred opposite Lyndsy Fonseca in "The Magic of Lemon Drops" on the Hallmark Channel. The synopsis of this new rom-com is: When Lolly's aunt gives her three magical lemon drops, she gets to experience what her life would have been like if she had made different choices and lived those unfulfilled dreams.

Harding shared 10 interesting things about himself.

NY/NJ Event: BergenPAC Celebrates 20 Year Anniversary Gala with a Concert by Diana Ross - Lori Stokes, Robert C. Garrett, Aleta and Rich Taylor All to be Honored, Nina Pineda to Host

 Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), a prominent performing arts center in northern New Jersey, is gearing up to celebrate its 20th anniversary with an unforgettable gala that will feature a special performance by the legendary Diana Ross. Diana Ross, a renowned global icon, will deliver a captivating performance in an intimate exclusive setting. Recognized for her significant contribution to The Supremes and her highly successful solo career, she will showcase her timeless hits including "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "I'm Coming Out," “Reach Out and Touch” and so much more.  Tickets for both the Gala and the concert, or only concert tickets, can be purchased at bergenPAC.org.

Feel Good Interview Series: Ryan McPartlin of Chuck and TV Movies: 10 Things to Know about Him - Including How He Looks at his Life Right Now and What Actress He Would Like To Work With

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Actor Ryan McPartlin is known for playing Devon “Captain Awesome” Woodcomb in the action-comedy series “Chuck,” as well as Hank Bennett in the ’00s daytime drama “Passions.”

Most recently, he starred in the Hallmark rom-com “A Very Vermont Christmas,” the Lifetime movie “Amish Affair,” and the Passionflix film “Wallbanger.” He and his wife, Danielle, run Plate Therapy.

McPartlin went on to share 10 things about himself.

Feel Good Interview Series: Actor/Former Football Player Blue Kimble of '"Ruthless" - 10 Things to Know About Him Including Who His Dream Acting Partner Would Be

By: Markos Papadatos

Actor, model, and former football player Blue Kimble shared some interesting and fun things about himself.

He is known for playing Sawyer in the Urban Movie Channel drama series "Monogamy," as well as Andrew in the BET+ primetime drama "Ruthless," which was created by Tyler Perry.

Kimble also had a recurring role in the Starz drama series, "P-Valley" from 2020 to 2022. In 2023, he was cast in the second season of BET+ drama series, "The Black Hamptons."

NY/NJ Area Event: Sea.Hear.Now Festival at Asbury Park Features Bruce Springsteen, Free Activities, Food, Music and More

The Sea.Hear.Now Festival is back in Asbury Park for the sixth time starting on September 14th. The weekend, in the coastal haven on Asbury Park NJ on the Jersey Shore is filled with live music - this year with Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Noah Kahn and many more as well as at several iconic venues. There are also a ton of other exhibits and activities to keep you busy, from, professional surfing, boardwalk-wide art activations, yoga and more. Plus you get all the attractions and food of the world-famous boardwalk. Some of the concerts sold out very quickly, so check the website as to what music and activities are available. Visit: 

https://apboardwalk.com/news/2024/09/06/sea-hear-now-local-guide-2024/

Bergen County CASA For Children (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Celebrates with a Golf and Pickleball Fundraiser to Help Foster Kids at Edgewood Country Club on September 30, 2024

Bergen County CASA is excited to announce it is  reprising its very popular Golf outing on September 30, 2024. This year, due to popular demand, Pickleball has been added to the event. Bergen County Casa recruits, screens and trains volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected foster children. To purchase a ticket, please visit the website, www.BergenCASA.org or call 201-336-7520 for more information. 

NY/NJ Event: Visions and Pathways Holds Golf Fundraiser & Dinner to Build Housing for Youth - Al Cole, Eric Murdock, Larry Kinsler and Anthony Avent to Appear

Visions and Pathways, a non-profit out of NJ, provides help, care and housing for older neglected youth. As part of their Bridge House Campaign to build new housing for the youth, they are having their first annual Golf Outing. To kick off this fundraiser, they are honoring Al Cole, award-winning champion boxer/actor and All-American Basketball player and motivational speaker Eric Murdock. They will be joined by Larry Kinsler, director of Football Operations and Anthony Avent, former professional basketball player. The event will take place on September 9, 2024 at the Basking Ridge Country Club starting at 9am with a dinner reception at 5pm.

Join them for a day of golf or just a dinner mingling with the honorees, guests and the team for Visions and Pathways. For more information and tickets visit: https://visionsandpathways.org/

Brad Forenza Drops Final Episodes of Award-Winning Scripted Podcast "Around the Sun" - New Episodes Star Gretchen Cryer, Joe Gilford and Sarah Saltzberg

The final episodes of Around the Sun, the scripted, anthology audio drama series created by Brad Forenza and presented via the Broadway Podcast Network, are now available for listening “wherever you get your podcasts.”

Around the Sun: Artists Within is a series epilogue featuring the voice acting talents of three celebrated writer-performers and theater makers. They are: Gretchen Cryer, whose work with Nancy Ford garnered a Drama Desk Award for The Last Sweet Days of Isaac and a Grammy nomination for I’m Getting My Act Together and Taking it on the Road; Joe Gilford, whose Drama Desk-nominated play, Finks, is both a cautionary tale of political repression and an homage to his transcendent parents, Jack Gilford and Madeline Lee Gilford; and Sarah Saltzberg, a Drama Desk winner for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, most recently on the boards for her contributions to Gettin’ the Band Back Together. 

Stream via the Broadway Podcast Network (https://broadwaypodcastnetwork.com/podcasts/around-the-sun), “wherever you get your podcasts,” and via the show’s website (www.AroundTheSunPodcast.com).

Feel Good Interview Series: Justin Gaston of Great American Family's "God's Country Song" and Days of Our Lives - 10 Things to Know About Him)

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Justin Gaston is a singer-songwriter, model, and actor who was also a contestant on "Nashville Star" Season 6. He also originated the role of Ben Weston on "Days of Our Lives" (which is now played by Robert Scott Wilson), and he is the husband of Emmy-nominated actress Melissa Ordway ("The Young and The Restless"). 

He also appeared as the male love interest in Taylor Swift's "Love Story" music video.

Gaston starred in the Great American Family faith-based movie "God's Country Song," which premiered in August 2024.

Feel Good Interview Series: Gianni DeCenzo of "Cobra Kai" - 9 Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos

Gianni DeCenzo is a 22-year-old actor, who stars as Demetri Alexopoulos in the hit TV series "Cobra Kai." DeCenzo shared nine of his favorite things about himself.

The latest season of "Cobra Kai" just premiered in July 2024 on the streaming service Netflix, and it peaked at No. 1 worldwide. The first five episodes of Season 6 were released, and the other remaining episodes will be released at later dates.

Gianne DeCenzo's Favorite Movies

His favorite movies include "I Love You Phillip Morris," "The Nice Guys," and "The Notebook." "I like 'I Love you Phillip Morris' with Jim Carrey, who is really amazing in it and it’s not as well-known as some of his other movies,” he said. "I also like 'The Nice Guys' with Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe and 'The Notebook' is my favorite sappy romance… it’s a total classic.”

Feel Good Interview Series: Jake Foy of Hallmark's "Ride" and "More Together" Short Film — 9 Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Canadian actor Jake Foy starred in the Hallmark family western series "Ride" as Tuff McMurray, the on-screen son of Nancy Travis (who played Isabel McMurray). This role marked Hallmark's first-ever gay cowboy character. Foy is known for his role as King James in Reign, and for playing Felix Silva in "Designated Survivor."

Most recently, he directed and co-wrote the film "More Together." The synopsis is: After years of best friendship, teenage Tom and Lucy finally surrender to spending the night together. As their new love blossoms, and Lucy’s ‘time of the month’ is late, the pair are forced to face the music of adulthood head-on.

Foy shared nine interesting and fun things about himself.

Feel Good Interview Series: American Olympic Gold Medalist Gymnast Carly Patterson Shares 10 Things About Herself and Offers Advice to Young Athletes

By: Markos Papadatos

In honor of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, this Powerjournalist spotlights Carly Patterson, who shares some interesting and fun facts about herself.

Her mantel holds three Olympic medals (one gold and two siler). She won the All-Around gold medal in Women’s Gymnastics at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. This made her the first American woman to win the title in two decades, and she also took home silver medals for balance beam, and the Women’s team competition.

Paterson also holds the distinction of being the first American woman to win the All-Around gold medal in Women’s Gymnastics in a non-boycotted Olympic Games. She is also an inductee of the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 2009, and the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in the Class of 2024.

A Bevy of Authors Coming to Bookends - Ian O'Connor, Caroline Manzo, Bethany Joy Lenz, Henry Winkler, Bobby Flay, Tim Matheson, Tamron Hall, Kenny G, Mike Keenan, Stassi Schrooder & More - Something for Everyone

New York Times Best-selling author Ian O'Connor (and friend of SuzeeBehindtheScenes!) leads an all-star line-up of authors coming over to Bookends Bookstore for book signings in Ridgewood NJ now through fall. If you're not familiar with Bookends, it's an independently-owned bookstore in Northern New Jersey a half hour from New York City or a short train ride with plenty of parking. It regularly hosts some of the most popular authors from around the country. Book purchasers get a good seat to hear from the authors and are almost always allowed pics with the authors.

Ian O'Connor is headed to Bookends on August 26th at 1pm to talk about and sign his new book, "Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers." On that Saturday he will be joined by Jets star and current longtime radio analyst Marty Lyons, a member of the team's Ring of Honor. WFAN radio legend & Jets superfan for a spirited discussion of Aaron and the prospects for the Jets this year.

Feel Good Interview Series: Actor Barry Brewer of Tyler Perry's 'Bruh' - From Movies to Food.. Get to Know Him

By: Markos Papadatos

Barry Brewer is an actor who plays the lead role of John Watts in Tyler Perry's Bruh series. Season 4 premiered on July 18th, 2024. John revealed 11 of his favorite things and facts about himself.

John Watts' Favorite Movies

His favorite films are Life, Bad Boys, and Coming to America. "I pretty much like Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence movies," he said.

Axial Theater Presents a Special Workshop Reading of Eric Conger's The Park at Manhattan Theater Club Creative Center

Axial Theater Execuive Director Cady McClain is pleased to announce the a special workshop reading of a new play by Eric Conger in New York City, August 1st and 2nd at 6pm at the Manhattan Theater Club Creative Center. i s about a small town being overcome by a "national park". For more details on this show and for more on Axial Theater's upcoming events see below.

Feel-Good interview Series: Josh Kelly of General Hospital, Transformers and More - 10 Things You May Not Know About Him

By Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Josh Kelly is known for playing the role of Cody Bell on the ABC soap opera “General Hospital.” Previously, he played Cutter Wentworth on the defunct ABC daytime drama “One Life to Live.”

Kelly also appeared in “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” and “Transformers: Dark of the Moon.” He starred on the Lifetime TV series UnREAL. He went on to share nine exciting things about himself.

Josh Kelly's Favorite Movies

On his favorite movies, he said, “The Princess Bride, Rocky, The Incredibles, and last year, my favorite was Everything Everywhere All at Once.”

Feel-Good Interview Series: Levi Miller of "Before Dawn", "Pan," and More... 10 Things to Know About Him

By Markos Papadatos, Powerjournalist

Australian actor Levi Miller (known for starring as Peter Pan in "Pan"), shared some of his favorite things. He is also known for his acting work in "Better Watch Out," "A Wrinkle in Time" and "Jasper Jones."

His new war film "Before Dawn" is in theaters and available on digital as of Friday, July 19, 2024 via Well Go USA

Levi's Favorite Movies

Miller revealed that his favorite movies are “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” as well as “Napoleon Dynamite,” “Gladiator,” and “Thank You for Smoking.”