Elf The Broadway Musical!

As a lifelong New Yorker, one of the hearts of this city is Broadway. It's the heartbeat, it's the pulse, it's where locals and tourists alike come together to enjoy the magic of the theater and live performance. Every single night during the run of any given show is different, the actors picking up on the energy of the crowd, a crowd that changes nightly, and they give slightly different performances each night because the energy changes each night. It's what makes theater special, every performance is much like a snowflake, each beautiful in it's own way and each one unique!

The Neon Lights just add to the magic of New York City  at Night!

Broadway is ready for the holidays, first with Annie The Musical (press to read our review if you missed it the first time), which I was blessed to able to attend a special performance with The Moms, and now with Elf The Musical which I also was able to attend along with The Moms! I love The Moms events, you get to catch up with fellow bloggers and meet each other's families! Elf The musical will run from November 9, 2012 to January 6, 2013.

Outside Shot of Al Hirschfeld Theatre, New York City

About Elf  The Musical:

ELF is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. Buddy is raised unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh reality that his father is on the naughty list and his step-brother doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Checklist of the Theater Rules, I may have a been 'Naughty' see below:

A picture of the stage before the play began, Shhh, it's our secret OK?

The Cast:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Jordan Gelber plays Buddy, he certainly had big shoes to fill, no pun intended of course, and did a great job!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Leslie Kritzer plays Jovie, a single girl in New York City who works at Macy's and eventually falls in love with Buddy. (Does the theme of how difficult dating is in New York City ever get old?)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Wayne Knight, yes that Wayne Knight from Seinfeld, plays the big man himself, Santa Claus! He brings just the right mix of humor and cynicism! (If you live in NYC I'm sure you have already seen the commercials by now!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Beth Leavel plays Emily, Buddy's Stepmother!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Adam Heller plays Mr. Greenway,  Buddy's real dad.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Michael Mandell plays Macy's Store Manager with great humor and likability.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Valerie Wright plays Deb, Mr. Greenway's Assistant and she's a definitely scene stealer! Strong performance!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Mitchell Sink plays Michael, Buddy's Little Step-Brother who makes his Broadway Debut in Elf, he also put in a very strong debut performance!

Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash Poster

Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash sponsored a pre-show mixer, I made it just in the nick of time to try a lovely cocktail using the Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash and then it was show time!

My Take:

I greatly enjoyed Elf The Musical, I wasn't sure how the movie would translate to the theater, and how it would hold up as a Musical, but I did greatly enjoy it! It keeps both the kids and adults entertained and was very well paced/directed. As a Duane Reade Blogger Brand Ambassador I did find the New York and Duane Reade references funny, I wasn't expecting that. I don't think we are all as cynical as the play portrays us to be, it played quite a bit into New York Stereotypes, but on the whole I do agree we could ALL use a little more magic in our lives, especially during the holidays.

Get Social With It:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Elf The Musical on YouTube
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - @ElfTheMusical on Twitter
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Elf The Musical on Facebook

My pictures:

 Unfortunately, I've reached some sort of picture limit so you can see the full photo album on Pinterest!

Are you taking in any Broadway Shows this holiday season Butterfly?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, I am under no obligation to share my recap of Elf The Musical, my tickets were complimentary as an event guest of The Moms. All opinions are 100% my own!

Annie The Musical on Broadway! Opens November 8th! #PLACEholiday

In October I had the chance to see Annie The Musical on Broadway which is still in previews until November 8th, 2012. A special Mamarazzi® with Annie on Broadway was held on Tuesday, October 16th in conjunction with The Children's Place, The Moms, and Annie in support of Pajama Program, a not-for-profit dedicated to helping children in shelters. They collected new pajamas and books for children the night of the event. The Pajama Program currently has 63 chapters in 40 States and operates three Reading Centers in New York, NY; Yonkers, NY; and Red Bank, NJ. There are tons of ways you can help including donating online, by hosting your own Pajama and Book Drive, and even Gift Cards, where you can donate a gift in someone's honor and they will get a card telling them you donated on their behalf!

“So many children are without warm bedtime clothing and education so we developed a creative program to provide some of both,” says Founder and Executive Director Genevieve Piturro. “We intend to make a difference – giving back is what it’s all about.”

Cool t-shirts for sale in the lobby of The Palace Theatre in New York City

In November many bloggers are participating in a 'donate your blog' program where all month long bloggers will feature charities close to their hearts and give them the social media push they normally wouldn't experience. Thankfully Ascending Butterfly has been doing this since we opened our doors, so we didn't need a special month of giving to get involved in making a difference! We had the chance to make a donation to the Pajama Program on the night of the performance, but what really stood out was watching children put stuff in the collection bin, it's so awesome to see children being raised to understand that giving back is important!

Playbill for Annie The Musical 2012 Broadway Revival, The Palace Theatre, New York City

About the Show

A classic musical based on the Harold Gray comic strip Little Orphan Annie.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Story: An orphan, Annie, and her dog Sandy are placed in the lap of luxury for a week as a part of a publicity campaign for Oliver Warbucks. However, Annie's stay turns out to be much more than anyone had bargained for as she works her way into everyone's hearts and learns a few things for herself.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Theatre: Palace Theatre

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Opening Night: Nov 8, 2012

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Original Cast: Lilla Crawford, Emily Rosenfeld, Katie Finneran, Tyrah Skye Odoms, Anthony Warlow, Junah Jang, Georgi James, Madi Rae DiPietro, Taylor Richardson, Brynn O'Malley, Clarke Thorell, J. Elaine Marcos

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Director: James Lapine

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Choreographer: Andy Blankenbuehler

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Producer: Arielle Tepper Madover, Roger and Sally Horchow, Roger Berlind, Roy Furman, Debbie Bisno, Stacey Mindich, Nederlander Presentations, Jane Bergere, Daryl Roth, Christina Papagjika, Eva Price

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Musical Director: Todd Ellison

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Scenic Design: David Korins

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Costume Design: Susan Hilferty

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Lighting Design: Donald Holder

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Sound Design: Brian Ronan

Annie The Musical Charitable Partners: 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Pedigree Foundation - Support PEDIGREE Foundation in its effort to raise $1M through the See the Show, Help a Dog Initiative!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Pajama Program - Delivering Warm Sleepwear and Nurturing Books to Children in Need!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - New York Foundling - Saving Children, Preserving Families and Building Communities. Since 1869.

My Take:

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and with New York City dealing with so much loss and devastation, this show is a bright spot in a very dark time in the City. I realize that because many people are bringing children to the show, it might difficult to get around just yet since the MTA is not totally back up and running yet, but the show is back on and running in previews until November 8th. I highly encourage you to get out and see this show as soon as you can! The sooner we get Broadway back up and running, the sooner a ton of folks can get back to work! And if you can help any of the show's charitable partners, please consider it, especially at this time where it is truly needed! By the way, all the performances were strong, but 'Molly' is a total scene stealer!

And remember Butterfly:

You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile! Annie The Musical a Broadway 2012 revival at The Palace Theatre in New York City!

The Moms did it again! What a wonderful night on Broadway!

Get Social With It:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @ANNIEonBroadway on Twitter
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 'Like' Annie The Musical on Facebook
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @PajamaProgram on Twitter
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @themoms on Twitter
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @childrensplace on Twitter
 
 

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FTC Disclosure: This Media Night on Broadway offered complimentary tickets to the performance, however this recap post is NOT sponsored or compensated! All opinions are 100% my own.

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

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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.

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.