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
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• 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.

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)
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• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

THE ARTIST WILL BE WITH YOU IN A MOMENT is an immersive audience experience featuring Joel Jeske in a solo comic performance as an artist, performer, and clown. A creative force who “can get laughs simply by breathing” (The New York Times), Jeske invites audiences to participate in a multimedia performance and visual art installation with himself as the character, creator, and subject. The production offers Jeske’s signature treatment of art, physical comedy, and audience interaction in a work that subversively asks us what we choose to value and why.

The show is 70 minutes long with no intermission and is recommended for ages 10 and up.

When: Through March 29th, 2020; Performances – Tue-Sat at 8 pm; Sat & Sun at 2 pm

Where: A.R.T New York Theaters
502 West 53rd St., btwn 10th & 11th Ave.

Price: $30 per person

To purchase tickets click here or call (917) 407-7537

Photos by Mark Lonergan

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

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 nineteen 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, 10 and 7.

The post Don’t Miss: THE ARTIST WILL BE WITH YOU IN A MOMENT appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

Info about the benefit show:

“Every year, we raise money for Story Pirates Changemakers, our non-profit arm, to bring life-changing creative writing and drama programs to low-income schools, refugee programs, homeless shelters, and hospitals.”

“Please join us for our biggest shows of the year, filled with influential supporters, corporate sponsors, and children throwing pies in the faces of the Pirates. Past guest stars include Conan O’Brien, Billy Eichner, John Oliver, Rachel Bloom, Jon Stewart and many, many more!”

Tickets are $35 and up. VIP ticket includes reception, meet and greet with podcast hosts and $55 tax deduction. Zone A only. Click here for more info.

Maya’s Book Review:

The Story Pirates “Quest for The Crystal Crown” is a great book. One of my favorite things about Story Pirates is that it is based off an idea from a kid, in this case Angie Ortiz. The “Quest for The Crystal Crown” is about Laura, a Lysor. A Lysor is a magical person that has one identifying feature that makes it look different from a human: a piece of glowing green hair. They also have magical powers that allow them to control fire, water, earth, air, and healing, but these are weakened without the Crystal Crown. The Lysors live in Hillview, a hidden place they were forced to retreat to after their queen’s Crystal Crown was stolen. Laura longs for adventure and when 2 Hexors (their enemies that supposedly stole the Crystal Crown) manage to find their world and threaten to bring an army to kill them, Laura knows she has to do something. She bravely ventures out of the walls with her cousin, Millie, and somehow manages to meet up with a friendly Hextor, ride on a Donkeycorn (donkey/unicorn), meet some goblins, and so much more.

I really like this book, because while I don’t usually like fantasy, I felt like this was really creative and a new approach towards writing fantasy books and was really exciting. This book was a page-turner, and I could not stop reading it. One of the things I liked most was it had a “fantasy creation zone” in the back of the book, which basically taught you and gave you tips about how to write a fantasy story. I have a passion for writing, and I have started to try to draft a story using this and I feel like it really helped me. The fact that this story was based off an idea by an 11-year-old is inspiring to me. Overall, I would highly recommend this book. 

Click here to purchase the book and here for the podcast. Check the website for more info about their upcoming album, due in late March.

I was not compensated for this post. I received a copy of the book.

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 nineteen 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, 10 and 7.

The post Exciting Things are Happening in March for Story Pirates appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

The story follows a group of trilobites who are trying to ensure their survival. They find out about a riddle which only the trilobite with markings on its face can solve. This turns out to be a young trilobite and together with her friends they find out they they need to get to the southern reef to find a rock where they will be able solve the riddle. Moving the rock will open an abyss in the ocean that will create space for them to live, thus ensuring their survival.

The show was clever and funny – lots of jokes for the kids, with some jokes just for the parents. The puppets were very creative and the songs were fun and catchy. I loved the singers’ voices (especially the women) and what I loved even more about this show is that all of the singers’ diction was very clear, so that young children can understand all the words. This is especially important in a show that’s not your typical fairy tale with a familiar story – it is completely unique in terms of subject, concept and execution.

One can’t help but see the parallels to our world today, with the changing temperatures, the warming of the oceans and the large amounts of plastic and metals inside of them. Just like the trilobites’ oceans are changing, so are ours. And just as they are scrambling to find a solution to ensure their survival – so are we.

The Riddle of the Trilobites is 80 minutes long and is appropriate for everyone ages 6 and up.

When: Through February 23rd, 2020

Where: The New Victory Theater
209 West 42nd Street, Between 7 &8 Avenues, NYC

Price: $17 and up

To Purchase Tickets click here. To purchase by phone call (646) 223-3010. Box office is open Sunday & Monday 11am-5pm; Tuesday-Saturday 12pm-7pm

Photos by Alexis Buatti-Ramos

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

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 nineteen 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, 10 and 7.

The post Show Review: Riddle of the Trilobites at The New Victory Theater appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

In the story, a man named Nomax is down on his luck and on his way to a self-destructive path, taking up drinking and smoking. He doesn’t treat his girlfriend well and she leaves him. Five guys named Moe (No Moe, Eat Moe, Big Moe, Little Moe and Four-Eyed Moe) appear before him. They call him out on his behavior and try to straighten him out.

The 25 songs featured in the show – all full-length – are diverse and in a variety of genres, ranging from 50’s to Doo-Wop to Calypso. The lyrics are often comical and the melodies catchy.

I recently saw the show at WBT and loved the energy in the room. All five “Moe’s” had contagious charisma and energy. Napoleon M. Douglas who played Nomax was also a delight to watch. He has an amazing voice and played the role of a guy down on his luck with beautiful restraint. One of the big highlights of the show for me was his solo, I know What I’ve Got.

Towards the end of the first act the audience were encouraged to participate: stand up, dance and sing the crowd-pleaser, Push Ka Pi Shi Pie (words are provided). This was really fun way to end the first act.

The second act included the famous Caldonia – also with audience participation. The show ended with the show-stopper – literally and figuratively – Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby? It was a stunningly beautiful rendition.

Aside from the six performers, the band was also on the stage, which was a nice change from other shows at WBT, where the band is often hidden. The food was, as always, very good and very fresh.

This show was super fun and you may find yourself singing “Push Ka Pi Shi Pie” on your way home.

Photos by John Vecchiolla

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

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 nineteen 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, 10 and 7.

The post Five Guys Named Moe at Westchester Broadway Theatre: A Feel-Good Show with Great Songs! appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

The show begins with a group of four young people, probably in their early twenties, who are refugees from various countries. They meet in a waiting room, filling out paperwork as they are about to enter the new country and share their experience of the process thus far.

Later, the show takes a different turn as the actors step out of character and each discusses his or her own personal journey and how their real-life families ended up in America, including some of the difficulties they encountered.

Towards the end of the show the performers encourage the audience to take out their phones and go to a website where they can click on the countries they or their families (or ancestors) came from on their way to the U.S.

I recently saw the show and was impressed by the courage of the actors to open up and discuss their personal – and often painful – family history. I also really liked the inventive idea of having the audience “take part” in the show by using their phones to plug in their own “story”. It was really cool to see how the big screen on stage started to fill up with lots and lots of countries and it really drove home the point that all Americans came from somewhere and that our ancestors have all, at some point, had to deal with being in a new country, perhaps similarly to what the characters in the show had to deal with.

The show was developed, in part, through the New Victory LabWorks program and the creators of the show did extensive research by spending time in Munich, working and interviewing refugees from all over the world.

The performance is about one hour long and is recommended for kids ages ten and up. I took my ten-year-old and we had a discussion about today’s refugee situation – both before the show and after. The show is a great opportunity to get kids to learn about current events in a setting that enables them to see how some people strive for a better life and the struggles they endure.

Show Information:

When: 1/18/20 at 2 pm and 7pm
1/19/20 at 3pm

Where: 209 W. 42nd St.

Price: $17 and up

To purchase tickets please click here.

Photos by Craig Mungavin

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

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 nineteen 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, 10 and 7.

The post Show Review: Cartography at The New Victory Theater appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

This new theatrical production adapts Rudyard Kipling’s classic “Mowgli Stories” for modern family audiences. Immersive sound and multimedia, looming shadow puppets and an impressive backdrop will transport the audience from the urban jungle to relive Mowgli’s childhood in the jungles of India. With Baloo the bear, Bagheera the panther, and more, Kidoons and WYRD Productions’ Jungle Book brings beloved characters to life in a fresh way through eye-popping video, shadow play, and original music.

Two shows will take place on January 11, 2020 at 11 am & 2 pm. Performances take place at Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, (at 95th St.) The show is 60 minutes long and is $17 per person. Click here to purchase tickets.

Here are more upcoming shows this January at Symphony Space:

Saturday, January 4th at 11 am and 2 pm:

Beats, Rhymes and Breaking: Two Shows!

From head spins to windmills, and from 6-step to the trusty pop and lock, Manzana City Crew brings awe-inspiring break dance action to the Thalia stage once again. Kids will join company members onstage to try out their own moves in an engaging and fast-moving atmosphere of fun. Manzana City Crew is a collective of artists based in New York City. 

https://www.symphonyspace.org/events/just-kidding-beats-rhymes-and-breakin

Saturday, January 18th at 11 am and 2 pm:

Karagoz Theatre Company: “The Forest of the Witch” — Two Shows!
https://www.symphonyspace.org/events/just-kidding-karagoz-the-forest-of-the-witch
When Karagoz, the hero of traditional Anatolian shadow plays, cuts the branches from a magical neighborhood tree, he and his friend are transformed, learning the importance of nature and protecting the environment along the way. Creator Ayhan Hulagu developed an interest in shadow puppetry in high school and started performing professionally soon after, completing a course in shadow plays offered jointly by the Turkish Ministry of arts and culture and International Puppetry Association (UNIMA) in Istanbul, in 2011. He staged a number of shadow plays in various parts of Turkey before bringing his artistic experience to the United States, where he has staged many plays across America. UNESCO has recognized Karagoz shadow puppetry as part of the world’s “intangible heritage.” “The Forest of the Witch” features traditional music and puppets hand-crafted in the Ottoman Empire style.

Saturday, January 25th at 11 am:

Elizabeth Mitchell and You Are My Flower
https://www.symphonyspace.org/events/just-kidding-elizabeth-mitchell-1

Twice Grammy-nominated Smithsonian Folkways artist Elizabeth Mitchell returns to Symphony Space with her family band and special guests for an engaging midwinter concert. Mitchell will present a gorgeous morning complete with homespun renditions of songs by Bob Marley, The Velvet Underground, David Bowie, Gillian Welch, and more. The quiet sweetness and intimacy of Elizabeth’s concerts cement her as an icon of today’s family music scene and a perennial audience favorite at Symphony Space.

Photos by Rick Miller

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

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 nineteen 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 12, 10 and 7.

The post Upcoming Show: Jungle Book at Symphony Space appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

In the story, Paddington visits his neighbor to ask for some sugar. His neighbor asks him to help him clean his house in preparation for his great-aunt’s visit, Paddington agrees and makes a huge mess, that only he can somehow get out of.

Paddington is an endearing schlemiel who always gets in trouble unintentionally and when he tries to fix his mistakes things end up being much worse. He is so good-natured, though, that you can’t get angry with him, thus kids can sympathize with him (and perhaps see a bit of themselves in him as well). Despite his mischievousness, Paddington is a pretty good role model for kids: his favorite things are smiling, marmalade and saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. And he will give someone a hard stare if they forget their manners.

I took my boys, ages 7 and 10, and both really liked it. The show, which is just under an hour, is recommended for kids ages 4-9 but I don’t see why a three-year-old would not love the show and the simple story. And slightly older kids can certainly enjoy the mischievousness as well as the humor. The show is indeed very funny and the kids in the audience laughed often (I myself may have chuckled several times…shhh…) Many of the jokes are visual (as in slapstick) and are geared towards young kids (and some adults…ahem…). The set is gorgeous and visually appealing to young children, with many objects painted in primary colors.

Overall, the show was sweet but not overly cutesy, and it’s perfect for young kids who may not be able to sit through a full-length production but still want to see a show with a character they can identify with.

Jonathan Rockefeller said about the show: “Our goal is to foster a life-long-love for the theatre and an appreciation of the arts. We hope everyone leaves the theatre with a smile on their face–knowing that they have enjoyed a unique family experience that can be shared with others – without a cell phone or an iPad in sight.”

And I can guarantee my kids and I left the theater with a smile…

When: Through March 8, 2020

Where: DR2 Theatre
103 East 15th St., Union Square

Price: $49.50 and up. Premium and VIP tickets also available.

To purchase tickets please call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or click here.

Photos by Richard Termine

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

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 nineteen 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 12, 10 and 7.

The post Review: Paddington Gets in a Jam – A Show as Sweet as Marmalade appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

The show is essentially a circus recreated to resemble an old-fashioned circus performance from the 1920’s, complete with music, costumes, wigs and, most importantly, acts. Since we’re in the 21st century some of the acts have been changed – live animals are no longer used. For example, instead of a performer juggling on top of a galloping horse we see a woman juggling on top of a bike that’s shaped like a horse. The lion tamer “tames” imaginary lions and does impressive acrobatics. Luckily we’re at a time where people can really do some amazing things when it comes to body contortions so we get to see some acrobatics that would never have been seen if we were in the real 1920’s.

The show also has a plot: a young man wonders into a circus and watches the acts. Impressed, he surprises the performers with his very own death-defying act in the end. The staging is very clever and the stage “turns” to show the front stage of the circus, as well at the “backstage” . This is where we get to see the “behind the scenes”, including the visitor’s comic relief acts, which mostly involve some very clever pantomime. The show, thus, is a complete performance: you have the acrobatic acts themselves, as well as a back story, which adds depth and context to the show.

I took my seven-year-old son to see the show and both he and I were blown away by the physical abilities of the performers, especially the stongman. My personal favorite act was the last one: the Russian Swing. This is the first time The New Victory Theater has a Russian Swing on its stage.

The show is 1 hour and 40 minutes with a 20-minute intermission and is recommended for kids ages 5 and up. Be sure to arrive a little early for fun circus-themed activities in the downstairs area.

Show Information:

When: Through January 5th, 2020

Where: The New Victory Theater
209 West 42nd Street, Between 7 &8 Avenues, NYC

Price: $22 and up

To Purchase Tickets click here. To purchase by phone call (646) 223-3010. Box office is open Sunday & Monday 11am-5pm; Tuesday-Saturday 12pm-7pm

Photos by Maike Schultz

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

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 nineteen 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 12, 10 and 7.

The post Review: 42 FT – A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

The show is comprised of six performers, all who have different styles and skills that they showcase. The one thing they do have in common is that all six are absolutely incredible to watch.

The performers:

Dom Chambers – “The Showman” – Dom hails from Australia and has some crazy tricks that just left me speechless: for example, he kept pulling glasses full of beer out of thin air (even out of a shoe!)

Eric Chien – “The Manipulator” – Eric is the winner of “Asia’s Got Talent” and you can easily see why: his sleight-of-hand abilities are something you just can’t see anywhere else and I simply could not figure out how in the world his tricks worked.

Chris Cox – “The Mentalist” – Chris has a really quirky personality and just blew me away with his ability to mind-read random people from the audience.

Paul Dabek – “The Trickster” – Paul was the host of the show and was one of the funniest magicians/trickiest comedians) I’ve ever seen. He just oozed charisma and was an absolute delight to watch. He was very funny from the very beginning of the show but his jokes kept getting funnier and funnier. His tricks were pretty awesome, too.

Kevin James – “The Inventor” – Kevin is a seasoned magician but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t know how to mesmerize an audience with new and innovative tricks no one has seen before.

Enzo Weyne – “The Unforgettable” – Enzo is a charismatic French magician who is quick on his feet and dazzles with his unique and clever tricks.

The first half of the show was amazing but the second half is when things started to get even crazier and the magicians kicked it up a notch. So if you’re not blown away by the first half (and trust me, you will be) the second half is guaranteed to make you doubt everything you know about physics and human ability. In the end the cast got a well-deserved standing ovation.

The show is two hours long (some weekend 11 am matinees are 90 minutes long). I recommend it for kids ages 5 and up. There are several jokes that are really inappropriate but your kids won’t get them. (My ten-year-old definitely didn’t get the adult-oriented humor, thankfully).

Show Details

When: Through January 5th, 2020

Where: Neil Simon Theatre
250 West 52nd St. (between 7 and 8 Ave)

Ticket Price and Purchase Info

Price: $49 and up

To purchase tickets, go through our partner, Today Tix

Photos by Joan Marcus

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

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 nineteen 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 12, 10 and 7.

The post The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays – The perfect Mix of Magic and Comedy appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

The Plot

In this version, Scrooge is a stingy Harlem real estate mogul who gets a visit by three ghosts and sees what his life was like in the past, what it is like now and what will happen in the future. As expected, in the end he becomes generous and helps those around him.

The show, created by the Classical Theatre of Harlem marks the beginning of the 100 year anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance. I took my kids to see it and they all really liked it, for various reasons. My youngest, who is seven, was enthralled by the music and dancing, as the show is a little bit like a musical, where characters sing original modern songs, as well as Christmas carols. My older kids liked the message that the story conveys, about sharing and being a part of a community.

Scrooge, portrayed by Charles Bernard Murray, doesn’t sing until the end but it’s definitely worth the wait; what a voice – he sounded amazing! The three kids who portray Tiny Timothia, young Scrooge and his friend (played by Emery Jones, Kaden Jones and Reed Harris Butts, respectively) were so talented – on top of their incredible voices they were amazing dancers as well and just so adorable (Tiny Timothia did not dance as she has crutches).

The adult performers in the show also did a fantastic job – most notably Gabrielle Djenne who played Belle, Scrooge’s love interest when he was a young man, and the dancers, who were top-notch.

Overall, the show, directed by Carl Cofield and adapted by Shawn Rene Graham, was very nicely done and portrayed life in Harlem today and the day-to-day struggles such as affordable housing and health insurance that are prevalent there and in other parts of our country. My older kids seemed to understand some of those issues while younger son enjoyed the basic story. I loved that the show is very affordable – it’s not easy to find a lot of well-done shows in our area where the price is $10 per child!

The show is 70 minutes long with no intermission. I would recommend it for kids ages 5 and up. (It’s also helpful if they are familiar with the story before the show). The theater is pretty small and has a thrust stage, so there is no bad seat in the house.

Show Info

When: Through December 21, 2019

Where: Aaron Davis Hall
115 Convent Ave. (corner of 135th St.) NYC

Price: $35 per person; $10 students/children/seniors

To purchase tickets call (866) 811-4111 or click here.

Photos by Jill Jones

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

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 nineteen 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 12, 10 and 7.

The post A Christmas Carol in Harlem: A Modern Take on a Beloved Classic appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

This year’s special guest will be singer/songwriter and activist Noel Paul Stookey, best-known as a member of the famed folk music trio Peter, Paul and Mary. Stookey was the producer of the Paul Winter Consort’s first two albums, in 1968 and 1969, and has been a key mentor and collaborator during these first 50 years of the band.

Paul Winter’s Winter Solstice Celebration has become New York’s favorite holiday alternative to The Nutcracker and Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular. A dazzling extravaganza of music, dance, and spectacle within the awesome space and acoustics of the world’s largest cathedral, the event is a contemporary take on ancient solstice rituals, when people felt a calling to come together on the longest night of the year to welcome the return of the sun and the birth of the new year.

The Winter Solstice Celebration has evolved over the years to inhabit the entirety of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. The resounding acoustics have inspired the music of the event, and the vast dimensions of the Cathedral have given birth to unique theatrical elements. A 28-foot spiral “Solstice Tree,” adorned with a multitude of bells, gongs, and chimes symbolizing the diversity of the life family, becomes a part of the music; a huge Earth-globe travels through the Nave and rises over the center-stage; and a giant sun gong ascends, with its player, to the 100-foot vault of the Cathedral at the symbolic moment of the return of the sun.

This is the first time in seven years that the Saturday night concert will take place on the actual night of the winter solstice. Winter and his colleagues will be pulling out all the stops this December to celebrate this double anniversary of the Consort and the group’s solstice event.

When: Thur, 12/19/18 at 7:30 pm
Fri, 12/20/18 at 7:30 pm
Sat, 12/21/18 at 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm

Where: Cathedral of St. John the Divine
1047 Amsterdam Ave at 112th St.

Price: $38-$148

To Purchase Tickets please call (866) 811-4111 or click here.

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

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 nineteen 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 12, 10 and 7.

The post Upcoming Show: Winter Solstice Celebration at the Largest Cathedral in the World with a Very Special Guest! appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

Hint: It helps if you’ve seen Love Actually the movie. With a small cast that took on several roles each, we were in stitches. Absolute stitches. I am not sure if I’ve laughed that hard in some time!

Synopsis:

From https://www.loveactuallyparody.com/:
“The hilarious, brand-new musical follows nine quirky, questionable couples looking for love across the pond, and even 16 years after the movie premiere, we still ask ourselves these questions every Christmas…

Whether you love Love Actually or love to hate Love Actually or have never seen Love Actually, you will actually love this musical! Get ready for awkward meet cutes, over-the-top grand gestures, and Mr. Bean! Oh, and lots and lots of love, actually. 

Is love… Falling for your secretary when you are Prime Minster? Falling for your secretary when you are married to Emma Thompson? Falling for the maid after your wife cheats on you? Falling for your best friend’s wife and showing up with poster boards? 

My Take On It:

You don’t even need to be a fan of Love Actually the movie to like this – but it will help you connect all the dots for the plot lines. It was absolutely hysterical and I laughed through most of the show. It’s great for a date night or a night out with friends. I would not bring kids to the show because it does feature mature themes.

It’s a small theater and every seat in the house will still let you see all the action.

Ticket Info:

Love Actually? The Unauthorized Musical Parody is a limited engagement playing at The Jerry Orbach Theater in New York City this holiday season only.

Buy tickets through our partner, Today Tix!

All photos are courtesy of Love Actually? The Unauthorized Musical Parody.

The post Love Actually? The Unauthorized Musical Parody Review appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

Sung through in English and a mix of Xhosa, Tswana and Zulu languages, this youth-oriented opera features a soaring live score of marimba music inspired by gospel and traditional African song.

This opera for young audiences revisits classic stories and valuable lessons like “where there’s a will there’s a way” and “look before you leap.” Colorful costumes and enthralling dance tell the tale of how Aesop escapes his master and embarks on a journey to Mount Olympus. Lauded by Sir Ian McKellen and Archbishop Desmond Tutu for reinventing classic stories within a South African setting, Isango Ensemble brings an energetic, playful charm to Aesop’s Fables.

“Isango Ensemble is different; it is unique, producing work of international standards, linking high art to the lives of its astonishing performers,” said Isango Ensemble Patron Sir Ian McKellen. “The future of Isango is important not just to its company members but to South Africa and to the world beyond.”

The show is 70 minutes with no intermission and is recommended for kids ages 7 and up.

When: Friday 11/1/19 at 7 pm
Saturday 11/2/19 at 2 pm
Saturday 11/2/19 at 7 pm
Sunday 11/3/19 at Noon
Sunday 11/3/19 at 5 pm

Where: The New Victory Theater
209 West 42nd Street, Between 7 &8 Avenues, NYC

Price: $17 and up

To Purchase Tickets click here. To purchase by phone call (646) 223-3010. Box office is open Sunday & Monday 11am-5pm; Tuesday-Saturday 12pm-7pm

Photos by Keith Pattison

I was not compensated for this post. I received tickets to the show.

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 nineteen 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 12, 10 and 7.

The post Don’t Miss: Aesop’s Fables at the New Victory Theater appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

My requirements are pretty simple for a musical. I want to have a great time. Mean Girls, currently playing on Broadway, definitely delivered that plus more, with a great message for kid and adults. The cast worked very hard (yes, we absolutely saw you!) and the staging was so innovative with sets that changed on the LED screens around it. You can sit with us!
If you’re not familiar, Mean Girls is an award-winning hit new Broadway musical comedy produced by THE Lorne Michaels, Stuart Thompson, Sonia Friedman, and Paramount Pictures. Mean Girls features a book by nine-time Emmy Award winner Tina Fey, based on her screenplay for the film, music by three-time Emmy Award winner Jeff Richmond, and lyrics by two-time Tony Award nominee Nell Benjamin. Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw directs and choreographs.n

Synopsis Girls on Broadway Review: A Fun Musical With An Important Message

Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savannah, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Chicago. How will she make friends and influencer people? By taking on The Plastics, a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George (she’s a big deal), egged on by new friends Janis and Damian.

But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung.

The cast is led by Erika Henningsen as Cady Heron, Reneé Rapp as Regina George, Krystina Alabado as Gretchen Wieners, Kate Rockwell as Karen Smith, Barrett Wilbert Weed as Janis Sarkisian, Grey Henson as Damian Hubbard, Jennifer Simard as Mrs. Heron / Ms. Norbury / Mrs.George, Kyle Selig as Aaron Samuels, Cheech Manohar as Kevin Gnapoor, Rick Younger as Mr. Duvall. The cast also includes Aaron Alcaraz, Darius Barnes, Maria Briggs, Collins Conley, Kevin Cosculluela, Cailen Fu, Davon Hadsell, Morgan Harrison, Curtis Holland, Olivia Kaufmann, Myles McHale, Brittany Nicholas, Becca Petersen, Brendon Stimson, Christine Shepard, Jake Swain, Riza Takahashi, Daryl Tofa, Bria Jené Williams, Gianna Yanelli, and Iain Young. We saw Barrett Wilber Weed’s understudy Olivia Kaufmann perform as Janis Sarkisian and she was just terrific.

The Message:

However, Mean Girls was more than just a great time — there was a message in the show. We need to be better to each other. Being unkind is not okay. The show really showcases this message and it’s one that is sorely needed in these times. Middle school, high school, and beyond. Bullying is never okay. Trying to bully a bully isn’t okay either because it makes you no better than the bully. Kids will love the show because the music and the action will draw them in, hopefully they’ll get the message too. And if they can really take the message to heart, then maybe it will spark change in all the schools, workplaces, and government.

Mean Girls is playing at the August Wilson Theatre and based on the hit film of the same name.

See Mean Girls!

August Wilson Theatre
245 West 52nd Street
New York, NY

How to Get Tickets

Get Broadway Tickets here

And if you have a bladder issue like me:

Gulliver’s Gate: A Magical Land of Miniatures in Times Square

Alean Girls on Broadway Review: A Fun Musical With An Important Message | The Mama Maven Blog

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]]> https://www.themamamaven.com/mean-girls-on-broadway-review-a-fun-show-with-an-important-message/feed/ 2 https://www.themamamaven.com/theater-review-lear-that-old-man-i-used-to-know/ https://www.themamamaven.com/theater-review-lear-that-old-man-i-used-to-know/#respond Tue, 10 Sep 2019 02:39:34 +0000 https://www.themamamaven.com/?p=67416 The Smith Street Stage play Lear: That Old Man I Used to Know premise: a thirteen-year-old girl is reading Shakespeare's King Lear in an attic when suddenly the characters appear and she joins in and becomes one of the characters in the story. 

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]]> Woody Allen has a brilliant short story called The Kugelmass Episode, in which a man gets into the novel Emma Bovary and becomes a part of the story. The Smith Street Stage play Lear: That Old Man I Used to Know is very similar in concept: a thirteen-year-old girl is reading Shakespeare’s King Lear in an attic when suddenly the characters appear and she joins in and becomes one of the characters in the story. 

I read King Lear in high school many many years ago and to be perfectly honest I haven’t re-read it since. Yet as soon as the play began everything started coming back to me and Shakespeare’s immortal dialogue and timeless story immediately came back, as if it never left me!

The story – for anyone who needs a quick refresher – is about a king who divides his kingdom among his three daughters but when his youngest daughter refuses to flatter him his disowns her and banishes her from the kingdom. He learns that his older daughters don’t love him as he thought. Meanwhile, the illegitimate son of the Earl of Gloucester deceives his father into thinking that his real son is plotting against him. Like Lear, Gloucester also learns the truth in the end.

I liked the clever idea of having the young girl be a part of the play. To show that she is viewing the play from a girls’ perspective, Beth Ann Hopkins, who adapted and directed this version, has made some alterations to the text: she included throughout the dialogue writings from famous works by Lewis Carroll, Emily Dickinson, Alfred Lord Tennyson and Dylan Thomas. As an English major I was, of course, delighted but you don’t need to have extensive knowledge of literature to get the references, as most are famous quotes from very famous works. In a sense, the play is a “love letter” to English Literature.

As director, Hopkins was also very inventive and made good use of a seemingly simple set design and cleverly-used props to create unforgettable visuals. The cast is led by Louis Butelli as the tragic Lear who was phenomenal. Other notable performances were Sarah Dacey, Charles and Venessa Butler who played men’s roles (Gloucester and Cornwall, respectively) and Noelle Franco, who stole the show with her charming rendition of the fool (also a male character coincidentally).

The performance is two and a half hours, plus two short intermissions. I would recommend it for kids 13 and older.

When: Through September 22, 2019

Where: A.R.T./New York Theaters
Gural Theatre (3rd floor)
502 W. 53rd St. (btwn 10th & 11th Ave.)

Price: $15-$30 per person

To purchase tickets click here.

Photos by Evan Felts

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

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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 nineteen 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 12, 10 and 6.

 

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]]> https://www.themamamaven.com/theater-review-lear-that-old-man-i-used-to-know/feed/ 0 https://www.themamamaven.com/review-the-play-that-goes-wrong-hysterically-funny-and-perfect-for-families/ https://www.themamamaven.com/review-the-play-that-goes-wrong-hysterically-funny-and-perfect-for-families/#comments Tue, 03 Sep 2019 01:35:09 +0000 https://www.themamamaven.com/?p=66118 We got a chance to see The Play That Goes Wrong in NYC recently and it was a total blast! This show is perfect for families and will have all members of the family - from 8 to 80 in total hysterics. Re

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]]> I was given tickets to the show to facilitate this review. 

We got a chance to see The Play That Goes Wrong in NYC recently and it was a total blast! This show is perfect for families and will have all members of the family – from 8 to 80 in total hysterics. Review: The Play That Goes Wrong – Hysterically Funny and Perfect for Families

This Olivier Award-winning comedy was so funny — think Monty Python + Sherlock Holmes. This is a show about a play within a play. A college’s theatre troop is having the opening night of their show, The Murder at Haversham Manor. Things start going from bad to worse. There’s an unconscious leading lady, a stand-in leading lady that won’t literally leave the stage, a corpse that won’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines).

As things get crazier and crazier, you will laugh more and more. My eight year old can do the exact name of the show in deadpan, “The Murder at Haversham Manor”. He couldn’t believe how nuts the show got and by the time the set starting falling down he was on the floor of the theatre giggling. We walked out of the show laughing and would definitely see it again. So, if you like to laugh, this is definitely the show for you!

For more info about the show, go to: https://www.broadwaygoeswrong.com/

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