NYC Life: Cabaret, Theater Benefit, Music Legends, Sale and More
Spring is alive with music, music, music. There are wonderful cabaret shows, a benefit for the nonprofit Amas Theatre, who have been producing new musicals for 50 years. Valerie Smaldone has the scoop on a musical tribute honoring two legendary musicians—Carol King and Joni Mitchell. Speaking of legends, our Broadway Babe pays tribute to Harry Belafonte. Our roving photographer has the delicious scoop on the Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop. Don’t miss Gabrielle Carlson’s blowout Mother’s Day sale. Our Renewal Summit is almost here! And join us live on FB on May 9, and experience Italy!
You don’t want to miss this fabulous day!
This is just one of the fabulous 5 panels you will enjoy at this year’s Renewal Summit. Psychotherapist Dr. Robi Ludwig will lead a panel featuring designer Gabrielle Carlson, celebrity hair stylist Mia Babes, celebrity makeup artist Jade Voight, and celebrity stylist George Brescia. Plus special guests, supermodel Paulina Porizkova and, Tony Award producer Pat Addiss. Plus fabulous exhibitors, lunch, connecting, and ending the day with a wine and chocolate tasting reception.
May 9. Love Italy? Join us LIVE on Facebook.
Join us for a wonderful conversation with author Gabriella Contestabile for a celebration of her latest book, That Time of Day, a beautiful book of short stories that take the reader on an exquisite journey of the heart and senses from Venice to Florence, Rome to Cinque Terre and back. Join us on Facebook.
Roving for Pastries
Our roving photographer, Nicole Freezer Rubens, was roving in a very tasty place this week. She writes:
“Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop opened its doors at 727 Manhattan Avenue in Greenpoint Brooklyn in the 1960’s. The mom and pop owners literally employ their sons and family. The most popular donuts are red velvet, apple crumb, and chocolate cake. In 2021 the shop was immortalized when it was featured in the blockbuster movie Spider-Man: No Way Home. One of the producers lived nearby and loved the place enough to recreate it as a set in Atlanta.
Not much has changed inside the store, but where there was once a necessary pay phone, there is now an ironic photo of a pay phone in its place. This sweet and subtle gesture aligns with the throwback atmosphere and mint green uniforms that remain as simple as can be. I highly recommend stopping by and taking a break to sit on a swiveling stool at the counter and indulge with a mug of hot coffee and a classic sour cream glazed donut. The people watching is an added bonus.
Nicole Freezer Rubens is the author of poetry/photo book, “The Long Pause and the Short Breathe.” Follow her on https://www.instagram.com/nfrconsult/
Broadway Babe: In Memory of Harry Belafonte, and More
Our Broadway Babe, Randie Levine-Miller has some wonderful nostalgic videos she’s found on YouTube. In memory of Harry Belafonte, who died this past week, she found a BBC concert from 1977; a documentary about the evolution of the legendary musical, “Grease,” an HBO special with the late, great comedienne, Totie Fields; and Barbra Streisand and Oprah Winfrey in conversation. Watch now.
May 4-6. Mother’s Day Sale
Treat yourself or any mother you know, to a delectable treat from Gabrielle Carlson’s beautiful boutique. Drop by her beautiful boutique at Lexington Avenue between 73/74 Streets, NYC. Or visit her web site. P.S., Gab will be an exhibitor and panelist at The Renewal Summit.
May 9 & 10. Margo Brown Celebrates Her Debut Album
Vocalist and actress, Margo Brown, arrived on the NYC cabaret scene in 2018 and swept up two Broadway World Awards in 2018 and 2022. Now she’s celebrating the release of her very romantic debut recording, Forever Me with Love, a collection of beautiful love songs from the Great American Songbook at Don’t Tell Mama, accompanied by one of New York’s favorites, Jon Weber on piano. Get reservations to the shows, May 9 and 10 at 7PM at Don’t Tell Mama in the heart of the theater district. Details here. The recording, Forever Me with Love is available now on Amazon, iTunes and all streaming platforms as well as directly from Margo Brown at www.margobrownentertainment.com
May 15. Amas Musical Theatre’s Benefit Concert
This will be a fabulous evening with a Broadway-studded cast and Academy Teens who will put on an electrifying show. For 50 years, Amas has engraved its unique trademark on the world of American musical theatre producing quality musical theatre presenting different cultural viewpoints including African American, Latino, European, and Jewish, while reaching out to underserved audiences. Amas attracts actors and artists of distinction and reputation, while offering opportunities for new talent to learn and develop. GET THE BENEFIT DETAILS.
June 7. Pamela Morgan Returns with her One-Woman Cabaret Show
The beautiful and talented chef and chanteuse has a new show, One Singular Sensation, for one night only at The Laurie Beechman Theatre. Directed by Mark Nadler, the show will sell out quickly. Her show will take the audience back to the reason she came to NYC from Texas when she was cast in Broadway musicals. It’s all about style, taste and getting your kicks! GET TICKETS.
The tomato behind The Three Tomatoes.
Cheryl Benton, aka the “head tomato” is founder and publisher of The Three Tomatoes, a digital lifestyle magazine for “women who aren’t kids”. Having lived and worked for many years in New York City, the land of size zero twenty-somethings, she was truly starting to feel like an invisible woman. She created The Three Tomatoes just for the fun of it as the antidote for invisibility and sent it to 60 friends. Today she has thousands of friends and is chief cheerleader for smart, savvy women who want to live their lives fully at every age and every stage. She is the author of the novel, "Can You See Us Now?" and co-author of a humorous books of quips, "Martini Wisdom." Because she's lived a long time, her full bio won't fit here. If you want the "blah, blah, blah", read more. www.thethreetomatoes.com/about-the-head-tomato
