So, who are “The Listies?” The pair consists of Richard Higgins and Matthew Kelly, two Aussies who make silly lists, sing songs and have playful banter. In addition to songs, the show features sketches, offbeat jokes and fun audience participation. What’s not to love here?

The duo, who also host a podcast called ‘The Listies Make You LOL,” showcase nonsensical and quirky humor that appeals to younger children (the show is for ages four and up) but their quick wit appeals to parents, and is part of their charm. Their chemistry onstage is undeniable and their charisma keeps the energy high throughout the performance. 

Located in the Theater District and priced at a fraction of the cost a Broadway show, this show offers excellent value, a memorable family outing full of laughter and a welcome break from the heat. This is definitely a “YES!”.

Where: AMT Theater
354 West 45th ST. (btwn 8 and 9 ave)

When: Through July 19 (Wed-Sun)

Price: $21.75 for adults; $16.50 for kids age 12 and under.

To purchase tickets click here.

Photos by Jess Shurte

I was not compensated for this post. I received tickets.

Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman is a PR consultant and freelance writer and has written for several blogs, including The Huffington Post. She has been living in the New York City area for over twenty-five years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree. Maytal is a mom to three kids, ages 19, 17 and 13.

You May Like These Posts:

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The post Don’t Miss: The Listies – Make Some Noise appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

Sunset Circus is back by popular demand with new, never-before-seen Juggling and Aerial Acts! A circus for audiences of all ages, Sunset Circus is a family you’ve just met but you’ve known forever. Featuring circus artists from Cirque du Soleil, Big Apple Circus, and beyond, SUNSET CIRCUS features a sensational cast of seven circus artists, including aerialists, jugglers, acrobats, and comedians who will bring audiences laughter, awe, and perhaps a tear. This unique theatrical circus experience presents innovative circus acts interwoven with characters who would be at home in your own backyard, entertaining everyone from kids to parents and grandparents.

The performance is one-hour long and is appropriate for all ages.

When: March 22 and May 3, 2026 at 11 am and 2 pm

Where: Marlene Meyerson JCC
334 Amsterdam Ave., at 76th Street, NYC

Price: $40 and up

To purchase tickets click here.

Photos by Maike Schultz

I was not compensated for this post. I received tickets.

Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman is a PR consultant and freelance writer and has written for several blogs, including The Huffington Post. She has been living in the New York City area for over twenty-five years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree. Maytal is a mom to three kids, ages 19, 16 and 13.

• Take Gorgeous Photos with the Kodak PIXPRO AZ421 Camera
• The Big Apple Circus is Coming to Town (+ Coupon and Giveaway) – Ends 10/2
• Giveaway: Big Apple Circus Tickets – Ends 5/15
• Big Apple Circus Luminocity Review
• Don’t Miss Big Apple Circus’ The Grand Tour

The post Don’t Miss: Sunset Circus by Parallel Exit appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

Headlined by seasoned magicians Jim Vines (from Penn & Teller’s “fool Us”) and Carl Mercurio, this family-friendly show is the perfect cross-generational activity that’s got something for everyone – from young school-aged kids, to teenagers to grandparents.

My 13 year-old son (who gets bored by most things these days) and I were dazzled by the cool magic tricks and the magicians’ chemistry and charisma.

The most impressive trick for me was the mind-reading trick. The magicians asked the audience to think of a random number. Somehow, the number I thought of ended up being the number which was written down! They did the trick again with another number, but I was so preoccupied with trying to figure out how they did it the first time, that I lost my focus. I also loved another interactive trick: the card trick. Every member of the audience received four playing cards and, without giving too much away, let’s just say that we were very impressed!

The magicians used family-appropriate humor and the entire show was entertaining from start to finish. It’s the perfect family event this winter!

The performance, which is recommended for ages 5 to adult, is one-hour long and takes place at a comedy club, so you are sitting at tables, as opposed to theater seats. You can purchase food and drink, if you wish. Photography and videography is permitted.

Tip: Arrive early to get the best seats up front. Also, Before the show begins, a magician will walk around the audience and perform really cool magic tricks. And be sure to stay after for photo ops with the magicians!

Below are special holiday performances for December. (After the holidays, the show will resume regular performances through March 2026.)

Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 2PM
Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 11AM
Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 1PM
Monday, December 22, 2025 at 2PM
Saturday, December 27, 2025 at 2PM
Sunday, December 28, 2025 at 2PM
Monday, December 29, 2025 at 2PM
Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 2PM

Where: Broadway Comedy Club
318 West 53rd St., NYC

Price: $25 per person (plus tax)

To purchase tickets click here.

I was not compensated for this post. I received tickets.

Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman is a PR consultant and freelance writer and has written for several blogs, including The Huffington Post. She has been living in the New York City area for over twenty-five years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree. Maytal is a mom to three kids, ages 18, 16 and 13.

The post Don’t Miss: Broadway Magic Hour appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

Francis Patrelle’s holiday classic returns for its 29th season! Enjoy a magical tour of 1895 New York City with Dances Patrelle. The journey begins with a Christmas Eve party at Gracie Mansion attended by dignitaries from around the world – including new police commissioner, Theodore Roosevelt. There will be a battle with life-sized mice, a midnight skate on the ponds of Central Park, and a sleigh-ride to the Grand Conservatory of the Bronx Botanical Gardens in time for a beautiful sunrise buffet of sweets, hosted by the Sugar-Plum Fairy.

Where: The Kaye Playhouse, 695 Park Ave., NYC

When: Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 7:00 PM

Friday, December 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM

Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 12:00 PM & 5:00 PM

Price: $80 per ticket

To purchase tickets click here.

I was not compensated for this post. I received tickets.

Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman is a PR consultant and freelance writer and has written for several blogs, including The Huffington Post. She has been living in the New York City area for over twenty -five years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree. Maytal is a mom to three kids, ages 18, 16 and 13.

The post Don’t Miss: the Yorkville Nutcracker by Dances Patrelle this Holiday Season! appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

Fidelis Care offers mobile StreetSide vehicles, local community offices, and community events to bring care closer to home. They also partner with local gardens (like the Bed-Stuy Farm through GrowNYC), nonprofits, schools, and community organizations to promote health and wellness across New York State, focusing on improving maternal health, behavioral health, as well as urban and rural health.

I remember talking to parents of my students’ who didn’t go for routine screenings for their kids or for themselves because they didn’t know that they should. Many of them didn’t have access to regular medical care, they would just go to the Emergency Room when they absolutely needed to (either with an accident or a severe illness). As a mom to a kid with Type 1 Diabetes, my kid goes to his endocrinologist every 3 months to make sure things are okay. I don’t know what we would have done if we didn’t have health insurance to cover the visits and all the medical supplies (including insulin, CGM monitor, and insulin pumps).

Fidelis Care New York is the only statewide health plan, accessible to all, regardless of income, background, or zip code.
Learn more at: https://www.fideliscare.org/

This is a sponsored post. As always, all opinions are completely my own.

The post Fidelis Care Launches “Here for Your Health” to Support the Well-Being of New Yorkers appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

An eternal love that defies all expectations. Reimagined by an international team of creative minds together with Hong Kong Ballet’s Choreographer-in-Residence HU Song Wei Ricky and MAI Jingwen, “The Butterfly Lovers” is a legendary Chinese folktale about humble scholar Liang Shanbo and aristocratic heiress Zhu Yingtai, who disguises herself as a boy in order to study at a prestigious academy. From innocently meeting as students and forging a strong, immediate bond to dangerously rebelling against centuries-old forces that threaten to keep them apart, the lovers face unexpected challenges at every turn, as secrets are revealed and a shocking family betrayal ultimately seals their fate.

This multi-award-winning production includes stunning sets and costumes and a sweeping original score that bring to life a world with traditional and modern elements.

When: Friday 8/22/25 at 7:30pm
Saturday 8/23/25 2pm & 7:30pm
Sunday 8/24/25 at 2pm

Where: David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center, NYC

To purchase tickets here or at the box office. Prices start at $39

Photos courtesy of Hong Kong Ballet

I was not compensated for this post. I received tickets.

Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman is a PR consultant and freelance writer and has written for several blogs, including The Huffington Post. She has been living in the New York City area for over twenty -five years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree. Maytal is a mom to three kids, ages 18, 16 and 12.

• King Kong on Broadway: It’s Not a Show, It’s an Experience! (+ Discount Code)
• What’s New For Netflix in 2016 & My Trip to LA
• Family Jazz Party With WeBop! of “Jazz at Lincoln Center”
• A Visit to the Columns, The Museum of the Pike County Historical Society
• Upcoming Show: 2014 Spring Performance at Ballet Academy East

The post Don’t Miss: Hong Kong Ballet at Lincoln Center appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

Joining TDF in this partnership to forge a lifelong relationship with the arts for the next generation are the hit Broadway musicals Hell’s Kitchen and SIX along with the New York City Public Schools Arts Office. In addition to the free TDF Membership, every student who signs up can enter a drawing to win up to two free tickets to see Hell’s Kitchen at the Shubert Theatre or SIX at the Lena Horne Theatre on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 7 p.m. At those performances, the full houses will be offered to graduating seniors and their guests. Earlier that day, there will be a graduation party by the red steps of TDF’s Times Square TKTS Booth, which will include music, an opportunity to take graduation photos, and other fun activities.

If you are a NYC senior, head over here to sign up. To prove eligibility, students will be asked to provide their NYC DOE Student ID number (OSIS number). To learn more about this program, go to tdf.org/gradgift.

TDF’s Graduation Gift launched last year in partnership with Hell’s Kitchen and the New York City Public Schools Arts Office and provided free TDF Memberships to more than 2,200 graduates.

Ali is a 17-year-old girl full of fire–searching for freedom, passion, and her place in the world. How she finds them is a New York City coming-of-age story you’ve never felt before–Hell’s Kitchen, a new musical from 16-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys, whose songs and experiences growing up in NY inspire a story made for Broadway.

Rebellious and stifled by an overprotective single mother, Ali is lost until she meets her mentor: a neighbor who opens her heart and mind to the power of the piano. Set to the rhythm of the ‘90s, Hell’s Kitchen is a love story between a mother and daughter. It’s about finding yourself, your purpose, and the community that lifts you. Come remember where dreams begin.

The “powerhouse cast” (Variety) is led by Tony Award nominee Brandon Victor Dixon, Tony Award winner Kecia Lewis, Phillip Johnson Richardson, Jessica Vosk, and Tony Award winner Maleah Joi Moon. Hell’s Kitchen is directed by four-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif, with choreography by Tony Award nominee Camille A. Brown, a book by Pulitzer Prize finalist Kristoffer Diaz, and the music of Keys, featuring new songs and her greatest hits.

Hell’s Kitchen began performances on Thursday, March 28, 2024 and opened on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre (225 West 44^th Street). Tickets for Hell’s Kitchen are available at HellsKitchen.com and Telecharge.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the Shubert Theatre box office.

From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix 500 years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st century girl power! This original musical by Tony Award winners Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over!

SIX is the winner of 23 awards including the 2022 Tony Award for Best Original Score (Music and Lyrics) and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical. The New York Times says SIX “TOTALLY RULES!” (Critic’s Pick) and The Washington Post hails SIX as “Exactly the kind of energizing, inspirational illumination this town aches for!”

SIX is currently running on Broadway at the Lena Horne Theatre (256 West 47th Street). Tickets are available at www.SixOnBroadway.com.

Founded in 1968, TDF (formerly known as Theatre Development Fund) is a not-for-profit service organization dedicated to sharing the power of the performing arts with everyone. TDF’s mission is to engage a broad and diverse audience by removing the financial, physical, and invisible barriers to participation in the performing arts. TDF’s initiatives include the TKTS by TDF Discount Booths; TDF Memberships; the TDF Costume Collection; and TDF Accessibility, Education, and Public Engagement Programs. Those Programs include open captioned, audio described, and ASL-interpreted performances; Autism Friendly Performances; the Veterans Theatregoing Program; school programs serving more than 11,000 NYC public school students annually; and partnerships with over 150 NYC community organizations serving 18,000 people in the tristate area. TDF envisions a world where the transformative experience of attending live theatre and dance is essential, relevant, accessible, and inspirational.

So, if you have a graduating senior from a NYC Public or Charter school, tell them that TDF Offers Free 1 Year Memberships to All Graduating NYC Seniors and to head here to sign up! Theatre is such an amazing thing!

Head over to tdf.org.

We were not compensated for this post.

The post TDF Offers Free 1 Year Memberships to All Graduating NYC Seniors appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

I recently saw this abridged performance and loved being able to understand the libretto. The jaw-dropping set design and dazzling performances were, of course, outstanding, but the costumes and puppets stole the show, and for a very good reason. The opera’s costume designer is Julie Taymor, who co-designed the puppets with Michael Curry. If the name Julie Taymor, who is also the opera’s director, sounds familiar, it’s probably because she has won Tony Awards (and many other awards) for the direction and costume design of the Broadway musical The Lion King.

Indeed, the one-of-a-kind look of the costumes and the unique puppets is something you have to see in person to appreciate. With dazzling colors and elaborate details, the performance was nothing short of breathtaking, with each scene bringing new stunning visuals on stage.

Together with the music (the Queen of the Night’s Aria is a showstopper) by the splendid performers and chorus, this opera is a must-see this holiday season.

The Magic Flute is playing until January 4th, 2025 in the following performances:

Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 7:30pm
Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 7:30pm
Friday, Dec. 20 at 8:00pm
Saturday, Dec. 21 at 1:00pm
Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 12:00pm
Thursday, Dec. 26 at 7:30pm
Friday, Dec. 27 at 7:30pm
Saturday, Dec. 28 at 12:00pm
Saturday, Dec. 28 at 6:00pm
Sunday, Dec. 29 at 2:00pm
Thursday, Jan. 2 at 7:00pm
Friday, Jan. 3 at 7:30pm
Saturday, Jan. 4 at 12:00pm
The Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center is located between 62nd and 65th Streets and Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues.

Price is $35 and up. To purchase tickets click here.

Photos by Richard Termine

I was not compensated for this post. I received tickets.

Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman is a PR consultant and freelance writer and has written for several blogs, including The Huffington Post. She has been living in the New York City area for over twenty years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree. Maytal is a mom to three kids, ages 17, 15 and 12.

The post Don’t Miss: A Kid-Friendly Version of The Magic Flute at The Metropolitan Opera appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

Francis Patrelle’s Holiday Classic, “The Yorkville Nutcracker,” returns for its 28th Season!
Enjoy a magical tour of 1895 New York City with Dances Patrelle. Your journey begins with a Christmas Eve party at Gracie Mansion attended by dignitaries from around the world – including our new police commissioner, Theodore Roosevelt. Thrill as you behold a battle with life-sized mice! Then go for a bracing midnight skate on the ponds of Cental Park. Finally, take a sleigh-ride to the Grand Conservatory of the Bronx Botanical Gardens in time for a beautiful sunrise buffet of sweets, hosted by the Sugar-Plum Fairy. New York City Ballet’s Miriam Miller and Tyler Angle lead the Dances Patrelle cast in this magical and whirlwind seasonal confection, with rich delights for ballet lovers of every age. Approximately two hours long.

When:  Thursday, December 19 at 7pm
Friday, December 20 at 7pm
Saturday, December 21 at 2pm & 7pm
Sunday, December 22 at noon and 5pm

Where: The Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College
524 West 59th Street, between 10th & 11th Avenues, NYC

Price: $80 per person.

To purchase tickets please click here.

Photos by Eduardo Patino

I was not compensated for this post. I received tickets.

Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman is a PR consultant and freelance writer and has written for several blogs, including The Huffington Post. She has been living in the New York City area for over twenty years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree. Maytal is a mom to three kids, ages 17, 15 and 12.

The post Don’t Miss: The Yorkville Nutcracker by Dances Patrelle This Holiday Season appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

The Details

There are 190 miniature twinkling, plant-based replicas of famous NYC landmarks. Remember that unless there is a sign saying it’s okay, don’t touch the trains. Unfortunately kids keep doing that and it derails the trains – however, the employees keep an eye on this and we saw them fixing multiple trains. There are several trains that kids can touch – most are located outside before you go into the main area.

Check out our video!

There is Stroller Parking

There is stroller parking, as no strollers are allowed inside. If you have a tiny one, either carry them or take a fabric baby carrier with you. The Holiday Train show is too crowded and the pathways are much too narrow to let a stroller through. Your stroller is also a great place to stash your jackets, as the Haupt Conservatory is very warm for the plants that are inside.

Your railroad obsessed kids will be thrilled, plus there are lots of places to run around outside. Hit the nearby snack bar for some sweet treats and hot cocoa after you go! The snack bar is to the right of the NYBG Shop, which is filled with souvenirs, toys and even Santa from on Tuesdays & Thursdays, November 21–December 31, 2024.

Make sure to bundle up and bring your family to the Holiday Train Show! Now through January 20st. Plan your visit at NYBG.org and make sure to get your tickets in advance on their website as the Holiday Train Show sells out. We recommend taking public transportation as parking may be tough at times. 

Prices for the Holiday Train Show with Grounds Access
Adults are $39
Seniors are $35
Students are $35 (School ID necessary)
Kids (2-12) are $27
Kids under 2 are free.

If you don’t want to go to the Holiday Train Show, prices are much less for NYC residents (but they will check at the Haupt Conservatory to make sure you have tickets for the Holiday Train Show.

Membership

If you want to get into the Holiday Train show for free, we recommend becoming a member. Family memberships are $155 and if you are a family of 5 like we are, you will spend more than that anyway. Memberships pay for themselves usually pay for themselves even if you visit 2x a year.

Santa and Elf Photos

If you are looking to take Santa photos, head over to the NYBG Shop on Tuesdays & Thursdays, November 21–December 31, 2024.
https://www.nybg.org/event/holiday-train-show-2024/photos-with-santa-at-nybg-shop/

Adults Only

After dark, the roving Train Conductors welcome you to Holiday Train Nights, and set you on your journey through the warm glow of the Holiday Train Show. You’ll enjoy the colorful lighting, have a sweet or savory treat, along with a cocktail and sing along to holiday classics and Christmas pop favorites sung by performers in our Locomotive Lounge.

Holiday Train Show

November 16, 2024–January 20, 2025 from 10AM to 6PM at the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.

Holiday Train Nights
Adults 21+: November 23, 29, 30; December 7, 13, 14; January 4, 11, & 18
All Ages: December 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, & 28
More info: https://www.nybg.org/event/holiday-train-show-2024/holiday-train-nights/

Get more information: https://www.nybg.org/event/holiday-train-show-2024/plan-your-visit/

Essential Info:
Strollers. Strollers are allowed throughout the Garden grounds with the exception of the Haupt Conservatory, where the Holiday Train Show takes place. Stroller parking is available.
Accessibility. Most key areas of the Garden are wheelchair accessible, including all of the Holiday Train Show. Wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis at the Visitor Center and Mosholu Entrance. An ID must be left with a Visitor Experience representative. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own mobility devices for Garden navigation. Accessible lifts are located in the Haupt Conservatory and at the entrance to the Mertz Library Building. Use our online accessibility guide to plan your visit or pick up an accessibility guide at an entry gate.
Travel light. NYBG does not offer bag or coat-check facilities.
Photography. You are welcome to take personal, non-flash photography. Tripods, monopods, easels, selfie sticks, and lighting equipment are not permitted in the Haupt Conservatory. Check their Visitor Guidelines for more information about photography at the Garden.

Make sure to discover the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden! It’s definitely a Mama Maven Must!

All photos and videos were taken by Nancy Horn for The Mama Maven Blog© and are copyrighted. Please ask for permission before using or linking to this post.

The post Visiting the Holiday Train Show at the NY Botanical Garden appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

The holidays are around the corner and before you head to the airport to visit relatives or drive upstate to go skiing be sure to add a new tradition: the gorgeous and hysterical ballet of Peter and the Wolf. Why hysterical? Because fashion designer and TV personality Isaac Mizrahi will narrate the famous Prokofiev story – to which he has written a libretto. I have seen this production over the past several years and it just gets more and more clever each time.

Show Dates and Times

Friday, December 6, 2024 6:30 pm
Saturday, December 7, 2024 11:00 am
Saturday, December 7, 2024 1:00 pm
Saturday, December 7, 2024 2:30 pm
Sunday, December 8, 2024 1:00 pm
Sunday, December 8, 2024 2:30 pm
Sunday, December 8, 2024 4:00 pm

Where: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Peter B. Lewis Theater
1071 Fifth Avenue (at 89th Street)
New York, NY 10128
Enter via ramp at 5th Ave and 88th St.

Price: $20 per person and up; Everyone needs a ticket regardless of age.

Click here to purchase tickets or call the box office (212) 423-3575

Photos by Robert Altman

I was not compensated for this post. I received tickets.

——————————————————————————————————–

Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman is a PR consultant and freelance writer and has written for several blogs. She has been living in the New York City area for over twenty years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree. Maytal is a mom to three kids, ages 17, 15 and 12.

The post Don’t Miss: Peter & The Wolf with Narration by Isaac Mizrahi appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

Our Town is such a show, with minimal sets, requiring the audience to use their imagination and – more importantly – focus on what the actors are saying.

I recently saw a production of it on Broadway which gave this timeless, classic show a new twist.

The 1938 Thornton Wilder Pulitzer prize-winning play features a cast of 28, which includes Jim Parsons and Katie Holmes, who both gave a stunning performance. It is directed by Kenny Leon, who won a Tony for “A Raisin in the Sun.”

In this modernized production, which emphasizes diversity, Leon chose to include actors of multiple races, as well as a deaf actor.

One of the unique aspects of the show was that two scents emanated from the stage: the scent of heliotrope early in the show and, later, bacon, during the breakfast scene.

I loved that the play is allegorical and has a universal message that is simple, and yet so powerful: the importance of being present in the moment. In a fast-paced world where our attention is constantly diverted from one thing to another, I found it refreshing.

That, along with a gorgeous, superbly-performed production, makes the show a must-see. 

The show is 1 hour and 40 minutes long, with no intermission. It is currently playing at the Ethel Barrymore Theater at 243 47th Street and closes on January 19, 2025.

Click here to learn more and to purchase tickets. Go see Our Town on Broadway – A Classic Play With a Twist!

I was not compensated for this post. I received tickets.

Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman is a PR consultant and freelance writer and has written for several blogs. She has been living in the New York City area for over twenty years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree. Maytal is a mom to three kids, ages 17, 15 and 12.

Starring Jim Parsons, OUR TOWN returns to Broadway for the first time in
over 20 years. Hailed by Edward Albee as “the greatest American play ever
written,” Thornton Wilder‘s Pulitzer Prize-winning classic will shine in a
momentous new production. Directed by Kenny Leon, this is an OUR
TOWN for our time.
In Wilder’s timeless tale of a small town, a stage manager narrates the daily
lives of its locals, depicts a childhood friendship turn into marriage, and sets
the stage for magnificent truths of what it means to be alive.
OUR TOWN features a cast of 28 actors, including Parsons, Katie Holmes,
Zoey Deutch, Ephraim Sykes, Billy Eugene Jones, Richard Thomas,
Michelle Wilson, Julie Halston and Donald Webber, Jr.
The show is one hour and 40 minutes long and plays at Broadway’s
Barrymore Theatre on 47th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue.

The post Our Town on Broadway – A Classic Play With a Twist  appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

The musical tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life, as he looks back while getting ready for one of his biggest concerts in the early 90s.

My husband and I had a blast singing along to his biggest hits and were blown away by the massive talent of the entire cast.

The musical is appropriate for kids of all ages, as it does not focus on some of the darker sides of Michael Jackson’s life, but rather touch upon some issues in a somewhat lighter way that is appropriate for this type of a show.

MJ The Musical is currently playing at the Neil Simon Theater in New York, as well as all across the country as part of the national tour. Click here for more information and tickets.

I was not compensated for this post. I received tickets.

Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman is a PR consultant and freelance writer and has written for several blogs. She has been living in the New York City area for over twenty years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree. Maytal is a mom to three kids, ages 17, 15 and 11.

The post Experience the Magic of MJ The Musical on Broadway appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

I recently saw the show with my two boys, ages 11 and 14, and they were at exaclty the perfect age for this show, especially the type of humor. While some adult jokes that went over their heads, most of the jokes had them in stitches.

The “magician,” Henry Lewis, who is also one of the writers of the show and also wrote “The Play That Goes Wrong,” had a ton of charisma and was very witty. The audience kept cracking up as he “messed up” the magic tricks. My kids and I were pretty impressed with the magic tricks that actually “worked.” We especially loved when he was “reading people’s minds,” and when he called audience up to the stage to participate.

Although the show is recommended for kids ages eight and up, I think the sweet spot is tweens and teens, who will probably appreciate the humor the most. This is the perfect show for the holiday season.

Update: The show is currently on tour in the UK, but we hope it comes back!

Photos by Pamela Raith

I was not compensated for this post. I received tickets.

Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman is a PR consultant and freelance writer and has written for several blogs, including The Huffington Post. She has been living in the New York City area for over twenty years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree. Maytal is a mom to three kids, ages 16, 14 and 11.

The post Don’t Miss: Mind Mangler: A Night of Tragic Illusion appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

At the beginning of the exhibit, there are multiple slides with information about Monet’s life and art. I thought it was really interesting to read how he came up with some of his most famous paintings.

Once you enter the large room, you begin the immersive experience: walls covered with giant slides displaying artwork that keeps rotating, music is played in the background, and sound effects are played: the sounds of waves splashing during the slides of the paintings of the sea; the sounds of birds chirping during the slides of the paintings of gardens. It seemed so real, I almost felt as if I was part of the paintings.

The slides play in a loop in no particular order, so you can enter the main exhibit room at any time, but it just felt to me that the paintings kept getting more and more impressive and each painting was more beautiful than the one before. Monet’s “Impression, Sunrise” (1872) gave the Impressionist movement its name and is considered a pivotal work in the development of modern art. Monet’s “Water Lilies” series, which comprises approximately 250 paintings, is a prime example of his dedication to exploring the harmony of color and nature. His series paintings often depicted the same subject under different conditions, providing a unique insight into his exploration of light and color. His art had a profound influence on the development of modern art, and his legacy continues to be celebrated worldwide.

Claude Monet’s innovative approach to painting and his dedication to capturing the essence of light and nature had a lasting impact on the art world.

The exhibit, which takes about an hour to go through, is located inside the Samanea Mall, at 1500 Old Country Road, Westbury, NY.

Open through January 7.

Sunday: 11am – 6pm (last entry 5pm)
Monday & Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday & Thursday: 11am – 7pm (last entry 6 pm)
Friday & Saturday: 11am – 9pm (last entry 8pm)

Price is $35.99 adult off-peak; $25.99 child (ages 5-15) off-peak. Peak hours is an additional $5 per ticket. Kids 4 and under are free. Click here to purchase tickets.

I was not compensated for this post. I received tickets.

Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman is a PR consultant and freelance writer and has written for several blogs, including The Huffington Post. She has been living in the New York City area for over twenty years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree. Maytal is a mom to three kids, ages 16, 14 and 11.

The post Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

To learn more and be the first to know when tickets go on sale, sign-up for The Broadway Fan Club at KidsNightonBroadway.com. (Minimum age of 13 years to join the free Fan Club.)

Participating shows include:

A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical
Aladdin
Back to the Future: The Musical
Chicago
The Cottage
Hadestown
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Here Lies Love
Kimberly Akimbo
The Lion King
MJ The Musical
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Once Upon a One More Time
Shucked
*SIX *
Some Like it Hot
Wicked

*Due to the show’s performance schedule, SIX will take place on Wednesday evening, August 30^th.

Besides seeing a fabulous show, there will be special in-theatre activities such as talkbacks, sing-alongs, art projects, Kids’ Night on Broadway activity books, and more. Plus get a bite to eat at select restaurants which will be offering exclusive discounts. Kids attending their first Broadway show can let the world know with “My First Broadway Show” stickers, available at participating theatres. These stickers are a great way to remember one’s first Broadway experience as guests can place them on their show’s Playbill as a keepsake or don them for fun.

All guests attending Kids’ Night on Broadway must have a ticket to the show. The offer is applied as 50% off each ticket when purchased as a pair; no additional ‘free’ tickets are added to orders.

Joining The Broadway Fan Club is free of charge and offers members the opportunity to stay up-to-date with Broadway’s current and future happenings. Members will receive semi-regular Broadway show discount ticket offers, monthly Broadway newsletters, and information about programs such as Kids’ Night on Broadway, all from The Broadway League, the official trade association for the Broadway industry. One must be age 13 or up to join the free Fan Club.

Kids’ Night on Broadway will continue to take place throughout the year in multiple cities around the country with different shows and venues providing their own unique approach to the event. Please visit KidsNightonBroadway.com for specific dates and locations. This nationwide program is designed to introduce a new generation to the experience of live theatre.

Kids’ Night on Broadway, a year-round national audience development program of The Broadway League, is generously presented by The New York Times.

For more information, check out BroadwayLeague.com

We were given complimentary tickets to attend Kids’ Night on Broadway as compensation.

Related Posts:

The post Kids’ Night on Broadway is Back on August 29 appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

Live music fans rejoice! From May 10-15 you can pick up $25 Tickets to more than 3,800 shows across North America this year. Concert Week is a great deal and you can’t beat $25 tickets to see some of your favorite artists like 5 Seconds of Summer, Beck & Phoenix, Bebe Rexha, Fall Out Boy, Janet Jackson, Maroon 5, Shania Twain, Bryan Adams, P!nk, and many more. If you’ve seen the prices of concerts lately, this is an amazing deal. Set your smart phone alarms to purchase tickets at Ticketmaster! Don’t wait to get $25 All-In Tickets During Concert Week!

Live Nation today announced the return of Concert Week, offering fans an unbeatable deal: $25 all-in tickets to more than 3,800 shows across North America this year. The annual week-long program kicks off ahead of a robust 2023 summer concert season, getting fans ready to fill their summer months and the rest of their calendar for the year with epic shows and live music from their favorite artists.

The limited-time ticket offer includes over 300 of today’s biggest acts across a wide variety of genres, including: Hip-Hop, Country, Latin, R&B, Metal, Pop, Rock, K-POP, Electronic, Comedy and more.

How Concert Week Works: 

From May 10-16, fans can visit LiveNation.com/ConcertWeek to see the full list of participating events. Once they’ve selected a show, they should look for the ticket type labeled “Concert Week Promotion,” add the ticket(s) to their cart and proceed to checkout.

Performer List List

How to Find Participating Shows

Fans can filter their search on LiveNation.com/ConcertWeek by participating events, venues, or artists. While on the website, fans can also set the location to the closest city and the site will refresh to only include participating shows nearby.

How to Buy Tickets

The general sale for Concert Week will begin Wednesday, May 10th at 10 AM ET through Thursday, May 16th at 11:59 PM, or while supplies last at LiveNation.com/ConcertWeek.

Personally, if I’m able, I plan to try to see Bryan Adams, Boy George & Culture Club with Howard Jones and Berlin, Foreigner, Def Leppard & Mötley Crüe. Bret Michaels and more – I’m a total 80’s kid. And with the pandemmy almost over, I just wanna rock.

The Fine Print:

• Concert Week all-in tickets include all fees upfront in the $25 cost.
• Any taxes will be added at checkout as applicable to each city, state and venue.
• Concert Week all-in tickets are available for select Live Nation events, while inventory lasts.

Go to LiveNation.com/ConcertWeek for more information. Don’t wait to get $25 All-In Tickets During Concert Week!

The post Get $25 Tickets During Concert Week appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

You know the classic tale of Peter Pan? In this production, a local company, The Cornley Drama Society, is putting on a production of Peter Pan. However, things don’t go very smoothly. The cast and crew deal with technical difficulties, breaking sets, flying disasters, and cast disputes and love triangles.

Several characters play multiple parts. Now, it’s pretty obvious to the audience, but you’ll find it amusing, because things don’t go exactly right (think crazy quick costume changes multiple times). It’s a gag in itself.

Standouts include Nancy Zamit who plays Anna, a drama society member who plays Mrs. Banks, the Maid, as well as Tinker Bell. She goes between costume changes between Mrs. Banks and the Maid – and it’s very funny (because it doesn’t go exactly right).

Ryan Vincent Anderson, who you may remember from, The Play That Goes Wrong, plays The Understudy, a member of the stage crew, and also plays a couple of parts in Peter Pan.

Ellie Morris plays Lucy, a cast member who has severe stage fright and has a startling number of accidents.
There are a number of love triangles within the cast members which leads to even more shenanigans. This show is family friendly and definitely worth checking out.

More information here: https://pangoeswrongbway.com/
Get Tickets from our affiliate partner Ticketmaster.

Enter to win a Family 4 Pack of Tickets to a May performance of Peter Pan Goes Wrong.

How to enter:
Leave a comment on this post (you can do this 1x a day) about your favorite Peter Pan Character.
You will be able to pick the date in May from a list of show times. You must be able to get to NYC for the show (no travel expenses will be covered). This giveaway is sponsored by the production and I was not compensated for this.

Winner will be chosen on 4/25 by random.org (the comment #). You will be emailed (your email addresses will not show up in your comments).

The post Review: Peter Pan Goes Wrong on Broadway + Giveaway appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

My family and I recently went to the exhibit, located at Samanea Mall in Westbury, Long Island, NY. I was happy that the first thing you see is multiple slides with information about Van Gogh’s life and background, along with details about his approach to art, his style of art and how it had changes over the years. This part of the exhibit is important because it gives context to all of the artwork, otherwise you’re just looking at beautiful art, but without understanding anything about it.

The next room had various graphics, some based on Van Gogh’s art, cascading like a waterfall. This room led into the Immersive Experience room, which is a very large room that screens images on the walls, the floor and various structures as well.

The 300 pieces of art were divided by topics and screened everywhere, accompanied by quotations and graphics. There was also music in the background, including the famous Don McLean song, “Vincent.”

I loved how not only the artwork was constantly moving and switching to different works of art, but that also some video tricks made eyes on portraits “blink” and images of water “flow.”

I also loved how this is one of those rare exhibits that allows people from all backgrounds and in all ages to enjoy it. You can be in your eighties and have a vast background on Impressionism, or you can be a four-year-old who simply likes the visuals. There’s something for everyone here.

Tip: kids under 4 are free so if you have a 3-year-old I would still bring them. The exhibit’s youngest patrons enjoyed looking at all of the colors and art. They don’t need to understand who Van Gogh was – they can simply enjoy the visuals for what they are.

My kids, ages 16, 13 and 10 liked learning about his life, in addition to looking at the art.

The exhibit is located inside the Samanea Mall, at 1500 Old Country Road, Westbury, NY.

Open through May 14.
Tue-Thur, Sun: 10:00am – 8:00pm; Fri & Sat: 10:00am – 9:00pm; Mon: closed

Price is $55.99 adult; $34.99 child (ages 5-15). Kids 4 and under are free. Click here to purchase tickets.

Some favorites from the exhibit:

I was not compensated for this post. I received tickets.

Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman is a PR consultant and freelance writer and has written for several blogs, including The Huffington Post. She has been living in the New York City area for over twenty years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree. Maytal is a mom to three kids, ages 16, 13 and 10.

The post Don’t Miss: Beyond Van Gogh, The Immersive Experience – A Stunning Visual Smorgasbord appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

Led by Ringmaster Memo Vazquez, Circus Vazquez presents an awe-inspiring, death-defying, hilarious and affordable circus experience for New Jersey and New York area audiences. See the bravado and daring speed of Columbia’s X-Metal Riders inside the Globe of Death while Duo Vanegas defy gravity on the Wheel of Wonder. Be amazed by the acrobatic display of America’s own Super Tumblers and the mastery of Mexico’s Jan & Carolina on the Rolla Bolla balance board. The Medini Xtreme Skaters, a brother & sister act from Italy, will mesmerize with their incredible roller skating maneuvers as Ukraine’s Bingo Group, whose members escaped the war in their home country to join the show, will make you want to move with their energetic and inspired aerial, hand balancing and dance performances. Italy’s famed clown, Fumagalli,weaves his unique side-splitting comedy throughout the show. Laying down the beat behind each act are the talented musicians of the live Circus Vazquez Band.

Dates & Locations:

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 12 p.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m. on Saturdays; 12 p.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m. on Sundays.

GARDEN STATE PLAZA MALL : September 9 – 26
One Garden State Plaza, Paramus NJ 07652

WOODBRIDGE MALL : September 30 – October 10
250 Woodbridge Center Drive, Woodbridge Township NJ 07095

WALT WHITMAN MALL : October 14 – 24
160 Walt Whitman Rd., Huntington Station, NY 11746

BRONX TERMINAL MARKET : October 28 – November 14
610 Exterior Street, Bronx NY 10451

CITI FIELD : November 18 – December 12
41 Seaver Way, Queens NY 11368

Price: Tickets start at $25 per person

To purchase tickets please visit https://www.circusvazquez.com/

Photos courtesy of Circus Vazquez

I was not compensated for this post. I received complimentary tickets. All opinion is my own.

Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman is a PR consultant and freelance writer and has written for several blogs, including The Huffington Post. She has been living in the New York City area for over twenty years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree. Maytal is a mom to three kids, ages 15, 13 and 9.

The post Don’t Miss: Circus Vazquez is Coming to the Tri-State Area appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

The story, which takes place over one night, features the four musical legends, along with other musicians and producer Sam Phillips (aka “the father of rock ‘n’ roll”), who is also the narrator of the show. The four musicians were only in their early twenties at the time, but there was plenty of drama, along with, of course, unforgettable performances.

I recently saw the show and pretty much from the very beginning could not stop dancing in my seat for most of the time. The songs started out great and just kept getting better and better as the show progressed. I noticed the audience were also dancing in their seats or nodding their heads to the beat; the music was just so contagious and the songs were all crowd-pleasers.

The performers not only sounded the part – they also looked like the famous musicians and all played live music as they sang. Some of the hits were “Blue Suede Shoes” (originally written and recorded by Perkins), “Great Balls of Fire” and “I walk the Line.” Trevor Dorner, who portrayed Jerry Lee Lewis (and is also the show’s musical director) stole the show with his stage presence and his virtuoso piano skills.

I highly recommend Million Dollar Quartet for a fun night out with top-notch music that will inspire you to go home and listen to these giants’ greatest hits.

Million Dollar Quartet, which is appropriate for all ages, is playing until May 22 at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center (480 N. Bedford Rd, Chappaqua, NY.) Performances are Thursday & Friday: 8pm; Saturday: 8pm & 3pm; Sunday: 1pm & 5 pm. Price is $49 and up.

Visit www.thewestchestetheatre.com to learn more and to purchase tickets.

I was not compensated for this post. I received complimentary tickets. All opinion is my own.

Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman is a PR consultant and freelance writer and has written for several blogs, including The Huffington Post. She has been living in the New York City area for over twenty years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree. Maytal is a mom to three kids, ages 15, 13 and 9.

The post Million Dollar Quartet: A Magical Walk Down Memory Lane appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

The show, directed and choreographed by Anne Tournie, is built as vignettes, each one showing the prince (Lionel Zalachas) meeting various characters from the original story, and interacting with them, mostly through dance and incredible aerial acrobatics. As none of the characters have speaking roles, aside from the narrator, movement is their form of communication with one another and with the audience.

Although the characters are familiar to those who know the story, the manner in which the characters interact with the prince gives the story a deeper meaning and enables the audience to see it from a different, unique perspective. So, while the story may be familiar, you never know what is going to happen on stage. And the acrobatics just keep getting better and better with each scene culminating in a surprise at the very end of the show, after the curtain has already come down.

One of my favorite scenes (aside from the very end of the show) was of the prince dancing with the Rose (Laurisse Sulty), who was absolutely exquisite.

I also loved the gender-bending dance of the roses, performed almost exclusively by men, which seemed like a sort of homage to the “Waltz of the Flowers” from “The Nutcracker.”

The eclectic music by Terry Truck is also a “character” in the show and is eerie, magical and sometime whimsical.

As mentioned, the only person speaking in the show is the narrator, portrayed by renowned singer Chris Mouron, who is also librettist and co-director. Although she sings only two songs in the show, I would have loved to hear her sing more throughout the performance, as her voice was absolutely gorgeous and had depth and impressive range.

To sum up, the performance reflected the original story in a really cool way that kept me at the edge of my seat wondering what will happen next, and that, along with the acrobatics, was exciting to watch. In a world filled with remakes and retelling of stories, this was retelling of a story that was an absolute delight to see live on stage.

The Little Prince is playing at the Broadway Theater (1681 Broadway at 53^rd St.) until August 14^th. The show is just under two hours, plus an intermission. Recommended for ages five and up.

I was not compensated for this post. I received tickets to the performance. All opinion is my own.

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Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman is a PR consultant and freelance writer and has written for several blogs, including The Huffington Post. She has been living in the New York City area for over twenty years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree. Maytal is a mom to three kids, ages 15, 13 and 9.

The post The Little Prince on Broadway: A Modern, Unpredictable and Exciting Interpretation appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

Wobbly World, located on the second floor of the museum, is a result of a collaboration with toy designer Cas Holman, who created Rigmajig – the award-winning pop-up playground at the High Line in Manhattan. Here at the Liberty Science Center, she has created a magical, whimsical world where teeny-tiny babies can explore movement in interesting, fun ways.

The brightly-colored exhibit is a playscape with a variety of items that babies and toddlers can touch, climb, roll on, build and more! At the center, there is a giant body mobile, which is a carousel of sorts, where kids can balance and spin on. There are also oversized balance blocks, as well as a scales and stacking station, where kids can sort, stack and balance a variety of blocks.

Here are some of my favorites from the exhibit:

The gorgeous mobiles are not just for playing – they are also on display on the walls!

Click here to learn more about the exhibit and the Liberty Science Center. All visitors ages 12 and up are required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

This is a sponsored post. All opinion is my own.

Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman is a PR consultant and freelance writer and has written for several blogs, including The Huffington Post. She has been living in the New York City area for over twenty years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree. Maytal is a mom to three kids, ages 14, 12 and 9.

The post Don’t Miss Wobbly World at Liberty Science Center appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

As it gets colder, I’m reminded how much I love living in New York City. The city, even in these times, is still enjoyable in the cold weather. In fact, this is what NYC is built for and I’m glad I live here. But even in the cold weather, my incontinence is still a big issue in my life and I have to make sure I’m staying protected and prepared for enjoying this cold weather season. Read on for tips on how I keep my confidence up to ensure that I’m ready for spending time outside in the colder months in New York City as I live with incontinence. Enjoying the Colder Months in NYC Living with Incontinence

For those of you not in NYC, I recommend searching your local city events calendar for similar attractions in your area. Hopefully, these will give you some inspiration for an activity in your area. 

Dining Outside:

Even in cold weather, here in New York City, outdoor dining and less capacity dining is still a thing. There are plenty of places that will be open (hopefully with heaters or good insulation). You can enjoy a meal outside, but if you want to make sure you can use a bathroom, you’ll still need to go inside. With my incontinence, I need to make sure I can get to a bathroom quickly, but the fact is, sometimes I can’t. With Depend, I know I am protected against leaks and it lessens my anxiety about that. I always carry a small tote bag or fit an extra Depend in my purse along with wipes. We can still enjoy a meal outside (just wear extra layers!). This applies to dining anywhere too, not just New York! It’s always a great feeling knowing you’re prepared.

Outdoor Events and Festivals:

New York offers so many great outdoor activities. One of them is the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights. Everyone bundles up and sees all the wonderful outdoor displays – it really is amazing. There are many kiosks for snacks and the restrooms are clearly marked. The Bronx Zoo is large and there are plenty of places to stroll and still keep your social distance. Make sure to consult the Bronx Zoo map or signs, there can be some distance between restrooms. Most cities have holiday light festivals and/or other outdoor events, so be sure to check your local news for holiday happenings in your area.

Get tickets here: https://fxo.co/DCCA

Read my full review of Bronx Zoo’s Holiday Lights. 

Strolling in a City Park:

New York City has so many great public parks. Grab some hot cocoa and take a stroll through one of the parks. Central Park and Prospect Park are terrific to spend some time in. The air is crisp and clear and make sure to get a hot pretzel or some roasted chestnuts from one of the many vendors. However, there are 19 bathrooms and you can use this link to search for one near your location in Central Park. Prospect Park has 5 bathrooms. Keep in mind that some of the bathrooms may be closed. Wearing Depend takes away some of that stress that I always have when I’m out and about. 

Ice Skating: 

There are a bunch of terrific rinks in NYC – Rockefeller Center, Wollman Rink in Central Park, Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers. Ice Skating is a wonderful way to get some exercise and have fun at the same time. I usually make sure I hit the restroom before I get on the ice. If you’re not able to enjoy the NYC rinks specifically, most major cities should have an ice rink of their own to take advantage of. Regardless, my biggest tip is to ensure you’re prepared before hitting the ice or any other outdoor activity for that matter.

Wollman Rink in Central Park (outdoors)

830 5th Ave, New York, NY 10065 

https://fxo.co/DCFD

The Rink At Rockefeller Center (outdoors)

600 5th Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York, NY 10020

https://fxo.co/1168465/RockefellerCenter

Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers (this one is indoors)

61 Chelsea Piers, New York, NY 10011

https://www.chelseapiers.com/sr/

Also, a trip to Top of the Rock is a great thing to do whether you’re a local or a tourist. Checking out the holiday windows on 5th Avenue is also another great outdoor activity. I always make sure I look to see where a Starbucks is to make sure I have a nearby bathroom to go to.

If you are planning to spend time outside this winter with your family, we have a list of great outdoor activities here: https://www.themamamaven.com/ten-fun-family-activities-to-do-in-nyc-during-cold-weather/. 

I, along with nearly 65 million Americans, experience bladder leakage. But I don’t let it get in the way of how I want to live my life or keep me from adventures. If you or someone you know is looking for advice and resource on bladder leaks, join The Incontinence Community, a private Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/InconCommunity. Enjoying the Colder Months in NYC Living with Incontinence

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The post Enjoying the Colder Months in NYC Living with Incontinence appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

Every December since 1980, seven-time Grammy® winner Paul Winter and his colleagues have celebrated the Winter Solstice at New York’s Cathedral of St. John the Divine with a feast of music from cultures around the world. This December, with their beloved cathedral closed for renovation, the 42nd Annual Winter Solstice Celebration will be a comprehensive video retrospective available to a worldwide audience.

With this three-hour video epic, Paul Winter has aspired to weave an organic tapestry of highlights from the journey of musical adventures that he and his colleagues have enjoyed during the 40-year saga of the Winter Solstice Celebration within the spectacular architecture and titanic acoustics of the world’s largest cathedral.

The performance, entitled SOLSTICE SAGA will include performances by 12 special guests, including Brazil’s Ivan Lins and Fabiana Cozza; Russia’s Dmitri Pokrovsky Ensemble; Gary Brooker, lead singer of Procol Harum; Ireland’s Davy Spillane and Nóirín Ní Riain; Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary; and Abdoulaye Diabaté of Mali, along with the African drumming and dancing of the Forces of Nature Dance Theatre.

Paul Winter Consort players include Paul Winter on soprano sax, cellist Eugene Friesen, double-reed master Paul McCandless, keyboardists Paul Halley and Paul Sullivan; flutist Rhonda Larson; drummers Jamey Haddad and Ted Moore; bassist Eliot Wadopian and gospel singer Theresa Thomason.

Where: Video on Demand at the Stellar Tickets website HERE.

When: December 17 at 7:00 p.m. EST; December 18 at 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.; December 19 at 2:00 p.m.

Price: $20

To purchase tickets visit the Stellar Tickets website HERE.

FREE BONUS OFFERINGS:

Each ticket includes include two free “Prelude Offerings” with each SOLSTICE SAGA ticket purchase:

Winter Solstice, The Early Years: Volume 1

A 90-minute video of one complete concert from the first decade of this event: the 9th Annual Winter Solstice Celebration of 1988. This features an early chapter of the Paul Winter Consort, that includes Winter on soprano sax; vocalist Kecia Lewis-Evans; Paul Halley playing piano and organ; cellist Eugene Friesen; flutist Rhonda Larson; percussionist Glen Velez; and drummer Ted Moore.

Everybody Under the Sun: Voices of Solstice Volume 1, The Singers

This is a double album that features all the special guest singers from all four decades of the Winter Solstice Celebration: 22 singers from cultures around the world. The 48-page booklet of the album tells a great deal of the story of the event, and the extraordinary artists who have been part of it.

The Early Years video and the download of the Everybody Under the Sun album will be available at the time of ticket purchases for SOLSTICE SAGA. Paul Winter’s hope is that people will be able to experience these before the premiere of SOLSTICE SAGA the weekend of December 17th, 18th, and 19th. Don’t Miss the Livestream Performance of Paul Winter’s Winter Solstice Celebration!

I was not compensated for this post.

Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman is a PR consultant and freelance writer and has written for several blogs, including The Huffington Post. She has been living in the New York City area for over twenty years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree. Maytal is a stay-at-home mom to three kids, ages 14, 12 and 9.

The post Don’t Miss: A Livestream Performance of Paul Winter’s Winter Solstice Celebration appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

I recently went on The Ride Holiday Edition. It has been over two years since I was in New York and I almost forgot the energy of Times Square, especially around the holidays. The Ride was the perfect place to kick off the holiday season; I entered the bus and settled into plush seating – the bus has stadium seating and every person has a view through giant glass windows. The fireplace video playing on the screens added to the cozy atmosphere.

Once the bus filled up we were ready to go. The two hosts chatted with everyone and did a little improv comedy. The focus was on fun, high-energy and laughter.

The hosts pointed out famous landmarks in midtown, such as Radio City Music Hall and Carnegie Hall, and shared with the audience tidbits and trivia about the history of New York and famous attractions such as the giant tree at Rockefeller Center, the Rockettes and the Thanksgiving Parade, along with other tidbits about the subway system, apartment living in NY and food carts.

I loved that the bus also had screens that showed footage of the attractions – it added another aspect which deepened the experience. The high-energy music and LED lights also added to the fun and I loved that the entire ride was interactive: the hosts interacted with the audience and asked trivia questions. (They did a hysterical little dance before asking each trivia question).

The best part of the tour was seeing random people on the street who suddenly started performing just for us: a rapper, a breakdancer, a ballet dancer, a streetsweeper-turned-dancer and a saxophonist who, in the middle of the song, was joined by a singer who belted out a gorgeous version on Mariah Carey’s All I want for Christmas. This was the highlight of the entire ride and made it even more special.

The Ride Holiday Edition is 75 minutes long and recommended for ages six and up. Two other attractions – The original version of The Ride and The Tour – will be back in January.

Where: The bus departs from the NE corner of 42^nd and 8^th Avenue, in front of Five Guys Restaurant.

When: Through January 2^nd, 2022

Price: $79-$99

To purchase Tickets click here

Covid Guidelines: All ticket holders must show proof of vaccination and wear a mask for the entire duration of the ride.

Don’t miss The Ride Holiday Edition and you’ll soak up the sights and sounds of NYC during the holidays!

I was not compensated for this post. I received tickets.

Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman is a PR consultant and freelance writer and has written for several blogs, including The Huffington Post. She has been living in the New York City area for over twenty years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree. Maytal is a stay-at-home mom to three kids, ages 14, 12 and 9.

The post The Ride Holiday Edition: Soak Up the Sights and Sounds of NYC during the Holidays appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

This year, I’m excited to announce that in partnership with Kulture City, the Bronx Zoo is working to improve their ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory processing needs.

During Holiday Lights, guests can:

Check out a KultureCity Sensory Bag. Available free of charge with an ID hold, bags are loaned on a first come first serve basis. We ask that bags are returned by 9pm. Sensory bags containing fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones and other resources. All item are carefully disinfected when returned.

Take a break in the Quiet Area. Available 5-9pm. This is an indoor space (so masks are required for all guests age 3 and up) with lower light and sound to help guests needing a break from stimulating program areas.

Mobility Assistance – All Holiday Lights activities are wheelchair accessible. Stroller and manual wheelchairs are available for rent at Bronx River Gate and Southern Blvd Gate. ECVs available at Southern Blvd only. Equipment available on a first come first serve basis.

More Information:

Bronx Zoo Access Services: General Information about our support for visitors with sensory sensitivities can be found at bronxzoo.com/access

Holiday Lights Access Services:
Support for sensory sensitivities at Admin West/Guest Relations –Located next to sea lion pool/across from Luminous Garden

For visitors in need of assistance, please contact Guest Relations at 718-220-5103 or stop by Admin. West.

Note: Information will also be available within our Holiday Lights mobile app on the Holiday Lights web page.

Coupon Code for Holiday Lights

Don’t miss Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights from November 20 to January 10 (check for select dates). We’re so excited to partner up and show you how amazing they are! Get tickets here:

https://fxo.co/DCCA

Find other fun cold weather activities in New York City here: https://fxo.co/DCCA

The post Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights is the Perfect Social Distancing Event appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

We were not compensated for this post

For the show to “work” parents are required to do some basic preparations. A few weeks before the show, parents receive a list of items that are usually found around the house (i.e. a mug, envelopes). The day before the show parents receive instructions on what to do with the items (i.e. place an envelope in your kids’ sock drawer). The set up is very easy and takes about 15 minutes)

I did the set up right before the show and then brought my boys to watch. All I had to do was click on the Zoom link and sit back and let the wizards run the show. There were several other families who took part in it.

In the show, the two wizards were competing for who is the best wizard based on tricks that they were performing. My eight-year-old had a blast running around the house, finding a balloon hanging outside our front door and treats hidden under his bed. Although he’s old enough to realize I’m the one who put the stuff there, the element of surprise and the unknown was very appealing to him. The 45-minute show is recommended for ages 5-11, but I think kids age three and up with the help of a parent would also enjoy it so I would recommend it for kids ages 3-10.

It was so much fun watching my son’s face as he excitedly ran around the house looking for things and I hope he never loses his belief in magic!

Performances times are 1 PM; 2:30 PM; 4 PM; 5:30 PM; 7 PM and playing through November 28, 2020. Each show is performed for up to 8 young people.

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased by visiting WizardsofOakwood.com

I was not compensated for this post. I received a complimentary admission.

Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman is a freelance writer and has written for several blogs, including The Huffington Post. She has been living in the New York City area for twenty years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree. Maytal is a stay-at-home mom to three kids, ages 13, 11 and 8.

The post Show Review: The Wizards of Oakwood Drive – An Interactive Virtual Show appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

I’m happy that our infection rate in NYC is down and things are slowly starting to open up. I’m going to post all the information as I see it.

Zoo and Gardens

The Queens Zoo is open and we were there last weekend. Things are very different now – facecoverings and timed tickets are the way to go. Check out my post and video to see what the changes are.

https://www.themamamaven.com/visiting-the-queens-zoo-in-nyc-during-the-pandemic/

Queens Botanical Gardens

Masks will be available for purchase at Garden entrances.

Hand sanitizer dispensers are available at multiple stations throughout the Garden. Feel free to inquire with Staff to help locate the nearest dispenser.

Restrooms are accessible by the ramp next to the Visitor & Administration Building. Please follow on-site instructions on how to enter restrooms.
They are limiting the use of paper materials.

entrances may be temporarily closed when and if the Garden is at capacity. Should you arrive at such a time, you must wait on the socially distanced line or return at a later time. The Visitor & Administration Building (Gift Shop and Gallery) will be temporarily closed until further notice. Indoor facilities are closed to the public.
For a Visitor Map, click here.
They are closed on Mondays.

https://queensbotanical.org/

Museums:

American Museum of Natural History – is open to members right now and as of 9/9

Open to Members! Reopening 9/9 to the public.

• All tickets—including Member tickets and complimentary and pre-paid passes—must be reserved online.
• All tickets are for timed entry, from 10 am to 4 pm, to limit attendance.
• All visitors aged 2 and up must wear a facial covering throughout the visit.
• See Plan Your Visit to find out what’s on view.

The Met open as of August 29!

Timed entrance tickets now available. Complimentary bicycle valet service will launch on opening day. Facecoverings will be required. More info:

https://www.metmuseum.org/

Gyms

24 Hour Fitness opens on September 2

Masks

We made sure we have plenty of masks at home. If you need more masks, here are some we like.

Buy here on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2QmLZwP

I also like these masks for kids from Target –

Get here: https://rstyle.me/+1tLi4pRpTKSPKkP0iPL0FQ

Or a collapsible hat with a face shield. Buy on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3gApPCg

The post Family Guide to NYC Reopenings appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

Note, I’ve been an ambassador in the past and worked with the Bronx Zoo in November, but this visit was not part of any of that. We just missed the Zoo.

The Queens Zoo is 15 minutes from our apartment and we were thrilled that it’s open right now with social distancing and mask rules in effect. You need to buy tickets ahead of time and it’s a timed entrance.

We chose 10AM for the next day, bought and printed out our tickets (with the QR Code). I also had a screenshot of our tickets and you’ll see later why that was important.

We parked (Tip: don’t take exit 9P on the Grand Central, we got so lost. Follow Directions to Terrace on the Park and go to the public parking lot the right) and walked into the park. Go down the steps and around to the left to find the entrance to the Queens Zoo. Trust me on this one.

This is a smaller zoo, so they can do this. They will kick you out if you are not mask-compliant.

We were thrilled to be outside and had a blast wandering around the zoo on a warm summer day.

Check out our video:

Things are different, of course. You couldn’t sit it the bald eagle nest for a photo. The snack bar was closed, but you could sit outside and I’m assuming the vending machines worked. There were no open kiosks selling anything (no souvenirs), no people walking around eating. The small playground near the exit was closed (photo below). Things are definitely different in a mid-Covid-19 world and I was frankly just pleased to not be looking at my apartment walls.

We stopped at the benches by the buffalos to have a snack and then finished the zoo visit soon after.

The petting zoo is open and those animals were so happy to see us! Note: You’ll need your tickets to get in to see them, but I have given our tickets in at the main gate, so I pulled out my ticket screenshot (with the QR Code) and the zoo attendant was able to scan it.

Bathroom Information:

One bathroom was open in the Barnyard area and another one was open by the sea lions.

We can’t wait to plan a trip back.

The Queens Zoo, located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park
 53-51 111th St,
Corona, NY 11368

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The post Visiting the Queens Zoo in NYC (During the Pandemic) appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.