Manhattan Repertory Theatre presents
“TITANIC-PANIC: Move Over Baby!”
A Romantic Comedy by Susan “Dr. Sue” Horowitz
Co-Starring: Susan Horowitz and Gorman John RuggieroAudience Comments:
“Your show was very impressive! You are terrific! I see it as a television series” (Pat McGuinn, Agent/Producer)
“Absolutely engrossing! It felt like a real relationship – so natural I forgot they were acting.” (Andreas Quioga, Filmmaker)
“Wonderful! This has such promise! I can see them really falling in love and the audience going nuts! You were adorable!” (Bobbie Horowitz, Producer/Writer NYC/London)
“It was so touching…I cried.” (Carolina Parker, Student BMCC/CUNY)
“My main influences are Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, and Goldie Hawn. I interviewed Ball and Burnett for my book Queens of Comedy. Lucy told me the secret of the success of I Love Lucy is the audience loved the comedy and the Lucy-Ricky romance; Carol played comedy spoofs of romantic movies; and I’ve often been told I remind people of Goldie Hawn.” – Susan Horowitz (Award-Winning Writer/Performer)
Manhattan Repertory Theatre
Presents:
“TITANIC-PANIC: Move Over Baby!”17-19 West 45th Street Suite 301 NYC 10036
(left of Turkish restaurant, Push Code #109, then lower button with bell icon)
Reserve: http://manhattanrep.com/short-play-project-dec-2016/Price: $20 – for a full evening of entertainment in the center of Manhattan!
Active Joints, Amazing Skin! That’s the promise of Liquid BioCell – an all-natural, multi-patented, award-winning nutritional supplement called Liquid BioCell. How does Liquid BioCell work? Our bodies are made up of 70% water – it’s in our joints, skin, bones, eyes, gums – every tissue of our bodies. As we age, we lose water (that’s why dehydration is a health risk – especially for the elderly). Our skin wrinkles and sags, and we dry up like prunes! Wait, there’s more! Our joints lose collagen (the cushion between the bones) so our bones begin to rub directly against each other with no cushion, creating painful arthritis (inflammation of the joints) – and the next thing you know, you’re headed for surgery (knee replacement? hip replacement?) – risky, painful procedures that don’t always work! What about our bones? They’re getting stiff, brittle, porous and prone to fracture. One bad fall, and there you are, lying in a nursing home bed, getting weaker as your muscles atrophy, and losing your eyesight due to macular degeneration. Meanwhile, your gums are shrinking, and your teeth are falling out! (That’s no good – unless you’re a Jack O’Lantern!) You may have noticed that Tony and I look cheerful. He’s a youngster of 31, but I’m on the far side of fifty – so I’m very interested in staying healthy and leading a full, active life! That’s why I was curious about Liquid BioCell – skeptical, but curious. Here’s what I learned. Liquid BioCell is a multi-patented, award-winning collagen matrix that has passed 37 clinical trials and is recommended by orthopedic surgeons, plastic surgeons, and nutritionists. In 2015, it won several awards for best bone and joint health supplement, and was featured on several USA national news programs. According to its Ivy League educated, scientific leadership team, Liquid BioCell works through a patented formula of “hyaluronic acid” and collagen, which begin to decline in our bodies after the age of 25. This formula penetrates and hydrates the molecules of our bodies far beyond what simple water or any topical skin cream can accomplish. And unlike plastic surgery (which cuts and pulls aging skin – with no health benefit) Liquid BioCell promises to generate healthier, younger skin from the inside out in about 3-4 months – with no risk. I don’t claim to understand all the science, but the clinical studies, personal stories, and before-and-after photos are impressive! Some people have severe health issues and experience dramatic recovery (like the man who could not lift his arm and is now water skiing, or the former ballerina, who can dance again, or the 92 year old woman who has had several falls – without breaking bones). Even if you’re fortunate enough to enjoy good health, I do believe that preventing problems is more effective and far easier than trying to cure them. I’m a practical person, and here’s how I see it. If Liquid BioCell doesn’t work, then I’ll stop taking it – no harm done. If it does work, then I’m on a road to great health, an active life style, and looking great! And who doesn’t want that? Video: Dr. Sue Invites You! Active Joints, Amazing Skin! Video by Saat-Sue Multi-Media
Huayuan Art, a New York based art foundation inspired by ancient Asian art and culture. sponsors an exhibit based on ancient Chinese Buddhist cave paintings. Here I am with Rae Wang, curator of Huyuang exhibition “The Other Lines of Time” – on display at 119 Ludlow Street, New York City. As Rae explained, the paintings in this exhibition are created with dry fresco technique, which recall the appearance of original murals in the Dunhuang Caves – part of the ancient trade route known as “The Silk Road”. The artist, scholar, and mural conservator is Shen Yongping. Traveling the ancient Silk Road is a journey through space and time of over a thousand years and miles – but you can experience this ancient, but surprisingly sophisticated Buddhist art by visiting the gallery or Huayuan Art www.huayuanus.com. Video by Saat-Sue Multi-Media Many thanks to our host Huayuan Art US: Michael Zhu, Director, and Olivia Song, Marketing.
What’s so special about New York New Works Theatre Festival?First: there’s the fun, party-like atmosphere in the theatre lobby/bar. You can single/mingle, find friends, or even meet real industry heavy weights, like Tony-Award winning Broadway producers, directors, writers, designers, etc. (Here’s a tip – if the show starts at 7pm, show up at 6:30 and check out the crowd. Order a drink, which you can bring into the theatre – you’ll support the venue – which keeps your ticket price low.)
Second: there’s diversity. Each night offers a buffet of entertainment possibilities – five/six twenty minute excerpts from different shows. Festival selections include hilarious comedy, political cabaret (with parody songs), heart-wrenching drama, musical theatre (including a Broadway revival), sexy dance theatre, a puppet show for kids, etc. If you don’t like one show – stick around for the next. (Here’s a tip – there’s a short intermission between each show, so stand and stretch or chat with your neighbor – you may learn something or make a connection – and your legs will thank you. Wait? Do legs talk – well, maybe – in experimental theatre.)
Third: there’s the location and time – Times Square Arts Center -300 West 43rd Street/8th Ave. (2nd Floor) NYC – one block from Port Authority; 7pm – How easy is that? (If you absolutely have to leave early – you can do it during a short intermission.)
Fourth: there’s the price – only $20/ticket for a full evening of theatre. If you’re an audience member you can have fun and support your friends, make new ones, and make your opinion count – (you can vote for your two favorite shows to make it to the finals and win prizes).
Fifth: if you’re a theatre artist, you get to showcase your show to industry pros and get feedback – for a reasonable cost. Why? Because New York New Works Theatre Festival picks up most of your production cost and invites a panel of experts to give feedback and select (along with audience votes) the shows that make it to the finals.
“We wanted to make a difference.” says Gene Fisch, Jr., founder and Festival Director. (The “We” includes Abby Judd, Festival Manager, and Melissa Gordon, Marketing, of Bear In Mind Creative.) “I noticed that many theatre festivals put a real financial strain on emerging artists – with little to show for it. I thought – we can do better. New York New Works Theatre Festival aims to include emerging artists in the Broadway community and offer guidance and real opportunities. – and several of our shows are on their way!”
Video by Saat-Sue Multi-Media
So – why is New York New Works Theatre Festival special? Because it offers audiences and artists entertainment and opportunities – for fun, creativity, and professional success!
The New York New Works Theatre Festival runs August/September –Semi-Finals September19-22, 26 with the finals gala on October 5 2016. Tickets are available online at www.nynwtheatrefestival.com . Find The New York New Works Theatre Festival on Facebook @nynwtheatrefestival, Twitter: @nynwtheatrefest | #nynwtheatrefest and online at www.nynwtheatrefestival.com
“Alive and Kicking!” could be a theme of the APAP (Association of Performing Arts Presenters) conference and its closing speaker: Rita Moreno, 84 year-old multi-award winning performer (including the Oscar for her role “Anita” in the film “West Side Story”).
APAP’s event features presenters from Broadway and far beyond (think global!) – industry mentors, and mentees – like the finalists of the Wallace Foundation’s “Five Minutes to Shine” who won a conference package with travel.
Attendees include over 3,600 APAP members and professionals who come for networking, support, development, and great entertainment, and is accessible via live-streaming.
Ms. Moreno will be awarded Kennedy Center Honors, capping off a career that amazingly includes Tony, Emmy, Grammy, and Oscar awards. She is one of a handful of performers to win all four – and the only Latina.
Ms. Moreno spoke about her life journey from childhood poverty in Puerto Rico and the Bronx to Hollywood/Broadway legend. Her current high-kicking courage, quick wit, compassion, and poignant honesty inspires her audience and readers of her recent book “Rita Moreno: A Memoir” to go for their dreams.
Rita Moreno & Dr. Sue
Dreams and determination helped Rita survive bullies and bigots in the ghetto and gilded Hollywood mansions. Her mom took her for dance lessons, and when she was performing in Macy’s toy department, she was discovered by a talent scout for MGM, who set up an appointment with Louis B. Mayer. She showed up looking like a Latin Elizabeth Taylor (with a waist-cincher and “feminine enhancements”). Mayer promptly signed her to a seven-year contract. As a contract player, Rita was invited to Hollywood parties – loaded with lecherous producers. She was also assigned a series of dark-skinned stereotypical roles: the Polynesian/American Indian/Mexican mistress of a white man – which she played with the same one-size-fits-all vaguely Latin accent (no one noticed).
Moreno also had some amazing opportunities, including “Singing in the Rain” (with Gene Kelly) “Desiree” (with Marlon Brando). The second encounter ignited a scorching eight-year affair that left Rita burned – but never killed her innate optimism – or her ability to do the work she loves and fall in love with “a great guy” – a nice Jewish doctor and her husband of forty-six years It’s all in her book “Rita Moreno: A Memoir” – which sold out at the conference raising $1000 for The Food Bank, but is still available in stores and online.
To learn more about APAP/NYC, visit their website: www.apapnyc.org
Sophie Tucker, superstar singer, showbiz innovator and marketing genius – (imagine the founder of Facebook as a fat, fabulous diva) – called herself “The Last of the Red Hot Mamas!” Tucker was an international sensation with a sixty year career – she headlined in vaudeville and Broadway, sold out nightclubs; recorded songs tailor-made for her lusty persona, and guest starred on television (including the top-rated Ed Sullivan Show). She hung out with movie stars/singers (like Judy Garland, Mae West, and Frank Sinatra – all of whom she mentored), mobsters (like Al Capone, who booked her in his club, as did Lew Walters, father of Barbara Walters) and seven US Presidents. Due to her limited exposure in Hollywood films (she appeared in only two, which flopped), Tucker is almost forgotten today, but the documentary film “The Outrageous Sophie Tucker” (opening July 24 at Cinema Village, New York City) aims to change all that.
Susan & Lloyd Ecker & Dr. Sue
The docu-bio (produced by Susan and Lloyd Ecker and directed by William Gazecki) traces Tucker’s rise from goulash – (a family restaurant in Hartford, CT where a teenage, but already zaftig (plump, curvy) Sophie served kosher food) – to glory! She eloped with a handsome ne’er-do-well named “Tuck” and quickly became pregnant. But she was determined to escape her mother’s fate as a kitchen slave. In a move that was outrageous (especially for an early 20th century Orthodox, Jewish girl), she handed the baby to her sister, changed her name to “Tucker,” and took off for New York City. Considered too “fat and ugly” for show business, she was forced to belt out songs in black face as a vaudeville “coon-shouter.” She hated it, and when her make-up failed to arrive in Chicago, she went onstage as herself, brought the house down, and never looked back.
I asked Eckers to share the secrets of Sophie’s success. “It didn’t hurt that she had a voice that could peel the paint off walls.” But mainly it was that combination of warmth (she personally answered all her mail and wrote cards to her fans telling them when she was going to appear in their town) and business. Sophie said, “Friends and fans = box office.” She was one of the first performers to take a percentage of the gate (during her first number, she counted the seats and made sure she wasn’t cheated). If you wanted her autograph, you bought her book – and she didn’t give change, even for a $50 dollar bill. (She would announce, “It all goes to charity.” In fact, she raised huge sums for her favorite charities, including synagogues.
Rabbi Jill & Dr. Sue
Sophie may have been a rebel, but she became a prominent member of The Actors’ Temple (339 West 47th Street, NYC), which features Tucker’s plaque, stairwell photograph, and stained glass window. I interviewed Rabbi Jill Haus, spiritual leader, cantor/singer, and show business supporter. The Actors’ Temple hosts shows, a Hanukah open mike and performance fests (like Midtown International Theatre Festival). I asked Rabbi Jill to share a story about Sophie. She told me the temple was originally Orthodox, with men downstairs and women in the gallery. A woman who was a big contributor to the temple, sat herself downstairs, and Sophie immediately followed. “The Rabbi was smart, and the synagogue immediately changed from Orthodox to Conservative (with mixed seating).”
Sophie was always ahead of her time – especially when it came to sexy self-assertion – for all genders, sizes, and backgrounds. The soundtrack of “The Outrageous Sophie Tucker” includes her top hits: “I Ain’t Takin’ Orders From No One,” “No One Loves a Fat Girl (But a Fat Girl Knows How to Love),” “The Sophie Tucker School for Red Hot Mamas”, “My Yiddishe Momme” (the heart-tugging, unofficial Jewish anthem), and her signature song “Some of These Days.”
So what are you waiting for? Pep up your life with Sophie serum – movie, soundtrack CD, the Eckers’ fictionalized memoir “I Am Sophie Tucker” (friskier and more fun than the official, sanitized 1945 biography). Susan and Lloyd Eckers’ first date was at a Bette Midler concert (Ms. Midler told her version of bawdy “Soph” jokes and belted out songs a la Tucker.) The Eckers married, built and sold a business, and are living their dream of bringing their favorite broad back to Broadway! Stay tuned at www.sophietucker.com . For press reservations, interview requests, or more information, contact Richard Skipper Celebrates at [email protected] or 845-365-0720.
In the spirit of Sophie Tucker, here’s a a video of my original, funny song: “A Jewish Girl Named Tex”:
“A Jewish Girl Named Tex” by Sue Horowitz
Creative Living by Dr. Sue: Perk up with Positive Songs!
Long before I ever heard of this film, I used to start my day with Sophie’s songs. Her funny, heartfelt, strong assertion of womanhood, sung in clear, jazzy, melodic voice with perfect articulation, always perked me up!
Support the Arts!: Without the arts, many children have no chance for a better, more fulfilling life! Without the arts, there is no real beauty, joy, or civilization!
Manhattan Repertory Theatre presents
“TITANIC-PANIC: Move Over Baby!”
A Romantic Comedy by Susan “Dr. Sue” Horowitz
Co-Starring: Susan Horowitz and Gorman John Ruggiero
Audience Comments:
“Your show was very impressive! You are terrific! I see it as a television series” (Pat McGuinn, Agent/Producer)
“Absolutely engrossing! It felt like a real relationship – so natural I forgot they were acting.” (Andreas Quioga, Filmmaker)
“Wonderful! This has such promise! I can see them really falling in love and the audience going nuts! You were adorable!” (Bobbie Horowitz, Producer/Writer NYC/London)
“It was so touching…I cried.” (Carolina Parker, Student BMCC/CUNY)
“My main influences are Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, and Goldie Hawn. I interviewed Ball and Burnett for my book Queens of Comedy. Lucy told me the secret of the success of I Love Lucy is the audience loved the comedy and the Lucy-Ricky romance; Carol played comedy spoofs of romantic movies; and I’ve often been told I remind people of Goldie Hawn.” – Susan Horowitz (Award-Winning Writer/Performer)
Manhattan Repertory Theatre
Presents:
“TITANIC-PANIC: Move Over Baby!”
17-19 West 45th Street Suite 301 NYC 10036
(left of Turkish restaurant, Push Code #109, then lower button with bell icon)
Reserve: http://manhattanrep.com/short-play-project-dec-2016/
Price: $20 – for a full evening of entertainment in the center of Manhattan!
Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.
