Hey YOU!, Yeah YOU, Shut Up Sit Down & Eat! The Only Cure for @ItalianInsanity #Theatre #Comedy

For my New York City Based Butterflies (or those who plan to visit here for the holidays this year), who want to inject some laughter and levity into your Sunday and start off your week right, check out 'SHUT UP SIT DOWN & EAT'!

Four of New York City's most sought-after stand-up comedians bring the hit comedy Off-Broadway after their sold-out performances at The Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City and are now at The Anne L. Bernstein Theater at The Snapple Theatre Center in Manhattan, and after seeing it for myself I can certainly see why this 'PLOMEDY' was nominated by the Off-Broadway Alliance for "Best Unique Theatrical Experience of 2014"!

And because I know you are thinking it, as defined in 'The Urban Dictionary', a 'PLOMEDY' is a new theatrical event that blends the wit of stand-up comedy and the intensity of a one-man (or one woman) show presented in an innovative play format by professional comedians.

The Plomedy, SHUT UP SIT DOWN & EAT is written by and stars, Tina Giorgi, Joe Moffa, Chris Monty and Eric Tartaglione and was co-written by Tom Ingegno and Directed by Eve Brandstein. A comical take on emotional dysfunction when four Italian Americans show up for a group therapy session where the therapist never shows and they grow impatient and take their issues into their own hands delving into their true feelings about work, love, relationships and their Italian Families.

Preview/Peek:

My Take:

I truly enjoyed Shut Up Sit Down & Eat! The stories shared are easy for anyone to relate to, some moments are nostalgic and others are simply laugh out loud funny, and you walk out feeling like you spent time with good friends, it just doesn't get better than that. Personally I think this one should be right on Broadway, it is well written, well cast and the performances are delivered to perfection, I can easily think of some snoozers that could be replaced by this show!

Get Social:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like the show on Facebook
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow them on Twitter too

Discount:

Nab $35 Tickets using code LAUGHED through December 28, 2014 at Ticketmaster!

What is the funniest thing that has ever happened at one of your family dinners butterfly?

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FTC Disclosure: Perfomance Tickets were provided to Ascending Butterfly for Editorial Consideration, this did NOT influence my opinion, and all opinions are 100% my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information.

#CasaValentina @TheTonyAwards Nominated Best Play at @MTC_NYC - run extended until June 29th - GO SEE IT!

Butterflies you definitely need to run not walk to Manhattan Theatre Club's Samuel J Friedman Theatre (they are a not-for-profit theatre) to catch Casa Valentina a World premiere play by Harvey Fierstein and Directed by Joe Mantello. It is a Tony Award Nominated Best Play and I got to find out for myself just why!

The play's run got extended until June 29th, and I urge you not to miss it. It received Outer Critic's Circle and Drama League Award Nominations.

Left to Right: (Seated) Patrick Page as Valentina, (Standing) Reed Birney as Charlotte, Nick Westrate as Gloria, John Cullum as Terry, and Larry Pine as Amy. Casa Valentina (Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy)

About/Synopsis:

Casa Valentina, (inspired by true events), is set in 1962 at a Catskill Mountains resort where heterosexual family men could spend weekends living their lives as women. This is Harvey Fierstein's first non-musical in a quarter century.

The bungalow colony at Chevalier d'Eon is run by George/aka 'Valentina' and his wife Rita (played brilliantly by Mare Winningham), the day guests first arrive for the season, which is where the play opens, George has just returned from a meeting with the Postal Inspector regarding homosexual pornographic images meant for a yet un-named guest. In an era where homosexuality was still illegal they are grappling with the prospect of losing their business, and the arrival of a leader of a social sorority for transvetites that has been recognized as a non-profit organization. The leader of the sorority, Charlotte Price, wants to recruit guests to join the board and become the first East Coast Chapter. Guests who visit regularly because they can enjoy the safety of anonymity at this resort are not pleased with the idea of providing their legal name and addresses and signing an affadavit that pledges they are in fact NOT homosexual. The 'self made women' now have to confront whether or not public recognition will help them gain a place in open society or would it in fact spell personal disaster?

MY TAKE:

Harvey Fierstein was actually sitting just across from me and seeing the performance with him being there, made it a bit more magical for me! After a bit of geeking out and a big mental Squee!!! - I summoned up the courage to ask him to sign my Playbill, which he graciously did, and he received a standing ovation when folks recognized him during intermission (I recognized him way sooner but kept it to myself! Which was super hard to do).

This is an incredible ensemble cast and each actor truly embodied their character perfectly. Mare Winningham is a perfect Rita (holding her marriage and her world together as best as she knows how), Patrick Page who portrays her husband George as well as Valentina, gives just as to much the role when he isn't saying a word as his expressions many times says it all. He embodied Valentina beautifully, and his struggles as George and with his own sexuality was amazing to watch!

Reed Birney is a most believable Charlotte. When she tells the 'girls' "I've gone to jail so that you don't have to. I've bared my soul on the battlement, dodged arrows of judgement to shield you." - you understand that she truly believes her way is the right way - for her it's that black and white but sadly those 'shades of grey' catch up with us all! Tom McGowan is a loveable 'Bessie'- while she isn't the oldest in the group she is like the Mother Hen in her own way. John Cullum bring us 'Terry' who I have to say has some of the best lines including:

"Boys, in my day, spent their first years in dresses and gradually worked their way up to knickers and eventually long pants. But a common punishment was to demote a mischievous child back into petticoats. They thought the embarrassment would shame the child into obedience. Oh, the terrible things I'd do to get punished and wear my precious gowns."

Larry Pine plays The Judge/Amy and it is The Judge that has the most to lose should his secret ever come to light. Lisa Emory portrays Eleanor, The Judge's daughter, (Eleanor of course wants nothing to do with her dad's 'other life')

Gabriel Ebert delivers a perfect Jonathan/Miranda a naive newcomer to the resort. And it is when the girls rally to give Jonathan a proper makeover and transition to a more polished Miranda that the sisterhood truly come together.

Last but certainly not least, Nick Westrate brings us Gloria - "the pretty girl, but irrestitible boy" - sharp, savvy, sassy and un-apologetic, he lit up the stage!

You grow to care for them all. The hallmark of both great writing and great acting! Finding a place in this world where you can truly be yourself is hard enough, but when being yourself goes against the 'norm', when do you stand up and stand out?

There may never be a 'right time' or a 'right place' but their search for acceptance and happiness in their personal 'Garden of Eden' gets threatened, not so much by the sorority leader but by a changing society. I didn't think of the sorority leader so much as a snake in their Garden but as a mirror. She forced everyone to look right at themselves and forced them to decide. A secret Shangri-La or a life lived out loud? And sometimes that's NOT as easy a choice as it may seem.

Harvey wrote two of my favorite Broadway Shows, La Cage Aux Folles and most recently Kinky Boots, and he just has a knack for human stories, this one does it without music, it is raw and powerful, and often times the actors say as much without words as they did with them.

Don't miss this play!

Where do you feel most yourself, Butterfly? Have you ever not felt accepted?

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FTC Disclosure: Ascending Butterfly was provided with Casa Valentina Press Tickets for Editorial Consideration, all opinions are 100% my own!  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Wordless Wednesday: Rock on with your Bad Self!

Yesterday I got the chance to see Kinky Boots on Broadway, and it was so fun and uplifting I thought this graphic would make a perfect Wordless Wednesday, and a perfect reminder that every now and then you have got to let out your inner rock star and let him/her have some FUN! I will definitely post a full event recap of the show soon!

Well it's official butterfly this is my Birthday Eve, and my birthday is tomorrow! I can't wait for the big day! Today I'm off for more social Butterfly fun with several New York City entertainment related events (another play is just one of the things I will be doing today!), and in the next week or so I'll share all that I've been up to this week!)

Rock on with your bad self Butterfly and if you are a blogger share your Wordless Wednesday link as a comment to this post so we can all see your pictures for this week too, and if you haven't already done so, please don't forget to enter our 'It's MY Birthday, But YOU Get The Gifts!" Giveaway of this week for the cake of your choice from We Take the Cake!

Happy Wordless Wednesday!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post, no monetary compensation has been received, the Giveaway referenced above will be fulfilled by the Giveaway Sponsor.

Ghost The Musical on Broadway! One Ghost you don't want to miss!

Autographed Playbill and Ticket from Ghost The Musical

Sometimes New York City can test the patience of a Saint, and just when I think I should start plotting my escape to the West Coast, or maybe the Caribbean, I do something so very New York City and have so much fun and am so in the moment that I scrap my escape plans, and appreciate being a part of the fabric of the City that NEVER sleeps!

Last week was one of those moments! I got invited to see Ghost The Musical on Broadway with The Moms and I had absolutely no idea what to expect. Like many, I was a HUGE Patrick Swayze fan and honestly couldn't imagine seeing someone else play Sam. I also couldn't really imagine the story as a musical, or seeing it re-cast.

Ad for Ghost directly across the Theatre

About

The show that's thrilling London is now on Broadway. GHOST is a new musical adapted from the hit film by its Academy Award^®-winning screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin and directed by Tony Award^® winner Matthew Warchus (God of Carnage, The Norman Conquests). The original score is by multiple Grammy^® Award winners Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) and Glen Ballard, and includes the iconic "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers.

Sam and Molly, Ghost the Musical on Broadway

Synopsis

English: GHOST is a timeless fantasy about the power of love. The story follows Sam and Molly, a young couple whose connection takes a shocking turn after Sam's untimely death. Trapped between two worlds as a ghost, Sam refuses to leave Molly when he learns she is in grave danger. Desperate to communicate with her, he turns to a storefront psychic, Oda Mae, who helps him protect Molly and avenge his death.

Spanish/Espanol: GHOST es una fantasía atemporal sobre el poder del amor. La historia sigue a Sam y Molly, una joven pareja cuya relación da un giro impactante después de la muerte prematura de Sam. Atrapado entre dos mundos como un fantasma, Sam se niega a dejar de Molly cuando descubre que ella está en grave peligro. Desesperada para comunicarse con ella, él se convierte en un escaparate psíquico, Oda Mae, que le ayuda a proteger a Molly y vengar su muerte.

Cast

Sam Wheat (played by Patrick Swayze in the movie) is played by Richard Fleeshman who originated the role of Sam in both the West End and world premier Manchester productions of Ghost The Musical.

Molly Jensen (played by Demi Moore in the movie) is played by Caissie Levy who originated the role of Molly in both the West End and world premier Manchester productions of Ghost The Musical. Most recently, she starred as Sheila in the 2009 Tony^® Award winning Broadway revival of Hair. Other Broadway credits include: Elphaba in Wicked (Los Angeles, Broadway u/s); Penny Pingleton in Hairspray (Broadway, first national tour); and Maureen in Rent (national tour).

Oda Mae Brown (played by Whoopi Goldberg in the movie) is played artfully by Da'Vine Joy Randolph a Philadelphia native makes her Broadway debut in Ghost.

Carl Bruner (played by Tony Goldwyn in the movie) is played by Bryce Pinkham whose credits include: Broadway: Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. Lincoln Center: Knickerbocker Holiday (with Kelli O'Hara, Victor Garber and the American Symphony Orchestra. Off-Broadway: Orphans' Home Cycle (Signature Theater/Hartford Stage); Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (Public Lab). Regional: A Funny Thing Happened..., Our Town, Beyond Therapy (Williamstown); A View From The Bridge (Guthrie Theater); All's Well That Ends Well, Woman Of No Importance (Yale Rep); The Just, Much Ado About Nothing (Chautauqua Theatre Co.); Dublin Carol (Nora Theatre). TV: "God In America," "The Good Wife." Bryce is a proud collaborator with Theater of War, a program that performs Greek tragedy for American military audiences; his latest trips were to Guantanamo Bay and Japan. Awards

Butterflies I will tell you that the show blew me away! They certainly managed to breathe new life into an old Ghost! The show is brilliantly cast and while respect is payed to the original storyline, not once do they try to imitate it. Each actor makes the role their own and the special effects are woven so well into the story and it is visually stunning.

And I have to point out that Da'Vine Joy Randolph who plays Oda Mae Brown certainly makes a powerful Broadway debut. When her voice is first heard, much like a parade, you literally FEEL her voice. It's just that stunningly powerful!

Questions and Answers Session with Ghost the Musical on Broadway Cast

We were also treated to a Questions and Answers session after the show, and the cast shared favorite moments, how they felt about the original film and how it felt to step into their respective roles. One of the questions I asked was which special effect was the hardest to pull off on stage and I was told the very final scene was the most challenging despite the fact that illusionist Paul Kieve served as a consultant. I won't reveal how it's pulled it off, but I will tell you that this show is a MUST SEE!

Questions and Answers Session with Ghost the Musical on Broadway Cast

It was so cool to see the cast directly after their performance, as you can see from the photo above and the laughter, they definitely enjoy working together, and what stood out from the Q&A was how they mentioned that because of the illusions this play has afforded them the opportunity to get to know the crew in a way they probably would not have otherwise. This play is truly a collaborative effort between cast and crew and it very much shows!

As you can see I did some outside the theatre door stalking and got a few shots with the cast outside the theatre!

Bryce Pinkham signs my playbill outside the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre

This happened so fast I didn't event get to take off my glasses! Bryce plays the 'bad guy' in Ghost the Musical, but as you can tell he is super friendly and super sweet! He posed for this picture twice because the first one didn't come out right, he previewed it himself and said, we'll just have to take this again! There is something very Jude Law remniscent with Bryce, he certainly played a very a convincing bad boy!

Da'Vine Joy Randolph who plays Oda Mae Brown in Ghost the Musical on Broadway

Da'Vine Joy Randolph almost got away, but I was on my way to get cheesecake and saw her! I was so moved by her performance, I had to have a picture! On the far left is Mama Butterfly, Center is Da'Vine Joy Randolph and that's me, Ascending Butterfly on the right! This time I remembered to take off my glasses! Her performance was fantastic, and I can't wait to see what role she takes on next!

Left: Ascending Butterfly Right: Mama Butterfly outside Lunt-Fontanne Theatre

I couldn't get the zoom to shoot a bit farther back, so there we are in front of the Ghost sign of Molly and Sam! I couldn't get you guys free seats, but I did nab you a discount to Broadway's most fun Ghost of the Summer!

++++++++++++ DISCOUNT COUPON ++++++++++++++++

The supernatural power of love has arrived on Broadway as Ghost The Musical, adapted from the Academy Award winning film, opened on April 23, 2012 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (205 West 46th Street)

Special Discount Code for Independence Day June 29th – July 8th only – Tickets $79 for Prime Orchestra and Front Mezzanine Seats

Ghost the Musical’s Unchained Summer – June 18th – July 28th $89 for Prime Orchestra and Front Mezzanine Seats

Mention Code MOMS at TicketMaster.com or call 877-250-2929 or bring this offer to the Lunt-Fontanne Theater Box Office at 205 W 46th St., NYC

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Get social with Ghost the Musical on Broadway on Facebook and Twitter!


Butterflies, if you do see the show, please be sure to come back here and let us know!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. No monetary compensation has been received. I attended a performance of Ghost the Musical courtesy of The Moms - Feel free to visit our disclosure page for additional information regarding our disclosure policy.

Rated P For Parenthood @RatedPMusical {Theatre Review}

There is a new musical playing at Broadway's Westside Theatre in New York City. Rated P For Parenthood made it's New York Premiere at the Westside Theatre off Broadway on February 8th with the official opening held February 26th. I had the opportunity to preview it last week and really enjoyed the mix of music, comedy, and how it captured the good, the bad and the ugly of parenting from a variety of perspectives.

Rated P For Parenthood Entire Cast in Delivery Vignette

The show, which features book and lyrics by Sandy Rustin and music and lyrics by Dan Lipton and David Rossmer has a unique take on parenting from conception to college. With a four person cast carrying the 90 minute show, it's a fast paced ride that shares both the joys and pains of parenthood.  The cast features Courtney Balan (who has played in I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change), Chris Hoch (who has played in Broadway's La Cage Aux Folles 2010 Revival), David Josefsberg (who has played in Broadway's The Wedding Singer) and Joanna Young (who played in Broadway's The Drowsy Chaperone). Director Jeremy Dobrish and Choreographer Rachel Bress keep a brisk and enjoyable pace to the vignette performances that keeps the audience engaged all the way through.

Butterflies you all know I'm not yet a mom, but this play isn't restricted to parents only despite the Parenthood title! I found it sometimes funny, sometimes touching and constantly engaging and entertaining, in fact I went to see it with my mom, and if you get the chance I'd advise you to do the same. Be it your mom, spouse or your bestie, I'm sure you'll be poking each other in the ribs and laughing together in no time! There are so many relatable moments. Some stand out vignettes included a total hysterical performance of Dad's perspective on taking the kids up to summer camp (no spoilers, but it's super funny and I won't say why), a mom up late because of her crying baby (touching), Dads waiting for their childrens Parent/Teacher conference (funny!), and very funny bit about moms and their childrens soccer coach. Again no spoilers, but those were definitely stand out performances.

Rated P for Parenthood Entire Cast in Summer Camp Vignette

While I'm not sure I'll ever be ready for Destination Parenthood, this play certainly chronicles the journey well! I definitely recommend it!

“Rated P for Parenthood” is currently running at the Westside Theatre (for an open ended run so I'm thinking it's the PERFECT Mother's Day or Father's Day gift for your mom or dad), the theatre is located at 407 W. 43rd St., New York. Call (212) 239-6200 or visit www.ratedpthemusical.com. You can also get social with Rated P for Parenthood on Facebook as well as Twitter.

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FTC Disclosure: I was provided with tickets to this play as a member of the Digital press, no additional compensation has been received. All opinions are 100% my own. I was under no obligation to post.

Do you Motherhood Out Loud?

We live out loud. We laugh out loud. We even love out loud. Then why not motherhood out loud too? That's the question I was left with after taking in the stageplay Motherhood Out Loud at the Primary Stages Theater in New York City.

You can follow primary stages on twitter @primarystages and Motherhood Out Loud on Twitter at @MotherhoodOL) (You can also connect with them on Facebook too!

About Motherhood Out Loud:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - When entrusting the subject of motherhood to such a dazzling collection of celebrated American writers, what results is a joyous, moving, hilarious, and altogether thrilling play. Utterly unpredictable, Motherhood Out Loud shatters traditional notions about parenthood, unveils its inherent comedy and celebrates the deeply personal truths that span and unite generations. Motherhood Out Loud reveals with illuminating insight the humor, raw emotions and rocky roads we experience in life.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Primary Stages presents the New York premiere of the new play, conceived by Susan R. Rose and Joan Stein, and written by Leslie Ayvazian, Brooke Berman, David Cale, Jessica Goldberg, Beth Henley, Lameece Issaq, Claire LaZebnik, Lisa Loomer, Michele Lowe, Marco Pennette, Theresa Rebeck, Luanne Rice, Annie Weisman and Cheryl L. West, under the direction of Lisa Peterson. Motherhood Out Loud received its triumphant world premiere at Hartford Stage and recently completed its West Coast premiere at the Geffen Playhouse (as In Mother Words).

Giving Back:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - $1 will be added to all Motherhood Out Loud tickets as a donation to our charity partner, Choice in Childbirth. Choices in Childbirth is a leader in maternity care consumer education, advocacy and outreach. We believe that every woman deserves a safe, respectful and deeply fulfilling birth experience and we strive to improve maternity care and ensure that the birth of each child is treated with the reverence that it deserves. (You know I love finding ways to make my spending count. How cool is it that you can take in a great play, and be doing something so good at the same time?)

While I can't actually take you to the play, I can share some behind the scenes photos of a special talk back, moderated by Rene Syler (@ReneSyler) Where the writers, director and one of the performers shared their insights on bringing those poignant and memorable moments that comprise being a mother to the stage.

Creators: Claire LaZebnik and Lisa Loomer

Our super energetic moderator Rene Syler

Actress Mary Bacon and her son - he wanted his mama! Talk about Motherhood Out Loud, how cute is he?

Behind the Scenes with the folks behind the production!

My Take

The play offers various perspectives on Motherhood, its funny moments, its heartfelt moments, raw and honest ones, blended families, adoption, family dynamics and more. You can be laughing one moment, and needing a tissue the next (certainly a great tribute to the performances as well as the writing). I went to see the play with my mom, and we both enjoyed it. There were so many relatable moments, and although I myself am not yet a mom, I could certainly relate to many of the moments shared in the play. I wish the timing would have been different, and that this was running during Mother's Day, but it's running through October 29th, so you need to act fast. Don't miss this play!

Bring your mom for FREE! (Or a parent, guardian, or other family member) Motherhood Out Loud is the perfect way to honor that special person in your life. See it together. Enter code MOTHER when purchasing your full price ticket and get a 2nd ticket for FREE!
   
THROUGH 10/29 ONLY! BUY TICKETS NOW!

Call Ticket Central at 212.279.4200,  or visit the 59E59 Theaters Box Office or  CLICK HERE

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FTC Info: Ascending Butterfly received tickets to see Motherhood Out Loud and a gift bag. Regardless, all opinions expressed are still 100% my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials In Advertising. Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.