Theater Thursday - The Notebook

What: The Notebook

Where: Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre

             236 W. 45th St.

             New York, NY 

Who: Recommended for Ages 10 and Up

The Notebook is a musical based on the beloved 2004 movie starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, which was, in turn, based on the 1996 novel by best-selling author, Nicholas Sparks. In the show, three sets of couples play the central pair. With all the back and forth in the action and pairs of actors coming in and out of the story, it can be a bit confusing at times, especially if you are unfamiliar with the book and/or the movie. The story is definitely not quite developed as it could be here. 

The songs are not very memorable. The casting is odd. Color blind casting is one thing, It is not a problem that Black actors have been cast in parts that were originally played by White actors nor is it a problem that the central couple is interracial. In fact, these are steps toward more representative theater which is definitely a good thing.  However, having actors of different races play the same character at different ages does not make sense in a show that is rooted in the real world and is neither science fiction nor fantasy.  

This is not to disparage the quality of the performances. In general, the acting is fine. Dorian Harewood and Maryann Plunkett, who play the oldest version of the couple, however, are on a whole other level than the rest of the cast. They are clearly the standouts giving heartbreakingly beautiful performances that are transcendent especially Maryann. They are the main reason to see this mostly derivative show.

And that's our view. For more about The Notebook or to purchase tickets, visit https://notebookmusical.com. 

Tune in Saturday for Still More Theater Saturday.

All pictures used in this post are our own. If there is a problem with any image, please contact us here and we will look into the matter.

Where-To-Go Wednesday - The Many Parks of Manhattan

What: New York City Parks

Where: Various locations 

Who: All ages

When you think of Manhattan, you don't necessarily think of parks except for Central Park, which is arguably the most famous park in the world. However, there are numerous smaller parks where you can walk around, enjoy nature, take a breather, or engage in various other activities depending on location and availability. Here are just a few of them. 

Bryant Park is located at 40th St & 42nd St. at 5th. Ave. & 6th Ave. It abuts the Stephen A. Schwartz branch of the New York Public Library. This is likely the most well-known branch of the New York Library system with its two famous lion statues on the steps outside the building. 

Bryant Park offers numerous seating areas including at times the lawn. There are a variety of food options for purchase around the perimeter. In the wintertime, there is a popup ice skating rink as well as a popup Winter Village of stores. In the warmer weather, there are concerts including weekly Summer concerts by performers in current Broadway shows. There are also other events including free movies. 

For more about Bryant Park, go to bryantpark.org.

The High Line is an elevated park that runs from the West Village to Hudson Yards. It is located along the former route of a now-defunct railroad line. The High Line also offers numerous seating areas, opportunities to convene with nature, a walking trail, and more. The Chelsea Market and the Whitney Museum among other things are located around the perimeter of the park. 

For more about the High Line, see our previous post Where-To-Go Wednesday - High Line Tour or visit www.thehighline.org

Hudson River Park stretches from Chambers Street to 59th Street and includes more than a dozen public piers. In various locations, different sporting activities, play areas, restaurants, nature activities, and more are offered.  You can even visit the country's only steam-powered lighthouse tender, The Lilac, which is located at Pier 25 and is in the process of being restored. It will open for the season on May 9

For more about Hudson River Park, see our previous posts Where-To-Go Wednesday - Pier 25 Hudson River Park Minature Golf Course, Where-To-Go Wednesday - The Lilac, or go to hudsonriverpark.org

Washington Square Park is located at  the intersections of 5th Ave., Waverly Place, 4th St., & MacDougal St. It is probably the most well known park in Manhattan aside from Central Park. It is well known for its arch as well as the big fountain at its center. Aside from being a good place to sit down and relax many activities and events occur here. Numerous walking tours start, end or otherwise, go through the park as well.

 

For more about Washington Square Park, go to www.nycgovparks.org/parks/washington-square-park

And that's our view. We hope to bring you more about these and other New York City parks including smaller pocket parks and parks in other boroughs in future posts. 

Tune in tomorrow for Theater Thursday.

Photo credits:

Photo 1 by David Vives on Unsplash

Photo 2 by Alex Simpson on Unsplash

Photo 3 & 4 are our own

Image in this post are either our own or are used by permission. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, please contact us here, and we will look into the matter

Tips for Tuesday - Books: Darling Girls & What Would Wednesday Do?, & TV Series: Wednesday

We may have been given complimentary copies and/or access for review purposes to any books, products, and/or any other visual or audio media mentioned below. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Books: Darling Girls & What Would Wednesday Do?

Today we are recommending Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth. Jessica, Norah, and Alicia were considered lucky to have been removed from their tragic homes and placed in the loving foster care of Miss Fairchild. However, behind closed doors,  things were not nearly as idyllic as they appeared to the outside world. Even as adults, they find themselves drawn back into the past they thought they'd left behind when a body is discovered under their former foster home. 

This is a riveting unputdownable book. It has both an exciting plot and interesting characters. Plus, it is full of great family vibes and unpredictable plot twists. It is definitely worth reading!

Today we are recommending What Would Wednesday Do? by Iphegenia Jones. This is a wickedly entertaining book of advice given by the character of Wednesday Addams. The book makes numerous references to the characters of Wednesday and her Addams Family relations as portrayed in all their incarnations from the original television series through the current Netflix series including all three movies and the Broadway Show. It is a great book for Wednesday fans, fans of the Addams family in general, or anyone who enjoys macabre humor. 

Today we are recommending the TV series, Wednesday. After being expelled from her local school, Wednesday Addams is banished to the boarding school, Nevermore her parents' Alma Mater. There she is tasked with solving a murder mystery and restoring her father's good name. 

Jenna Ortega is the perfect personification of the morbidly taciturn heroine. Other familiar characters make limited appearances in the series but don't make as much of an impression, except for Thing. However, the series has an interesting plot full of surprising twists. It also introduces a gaggle of other fascinating unearthly creatures. Although it is still unsuitable for young children,  it skillfully balances horror and humor. 

Season 1 of Wednesday is available for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray now as well as for purchase or rental digitally.

And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday.

Book images used in this post are our own.  The Wednesday Blu-ray cover image was sent to us by a publicist and/or PR firm and is used with permission. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, please contact us here, and we will look into the matter.