Select Featured Press Releases
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Katonah Classic Stage Begins Inaugural Season:Artistic Director/Emmy-Nominated Actor Trent Dawson and Broadway's Michael Park Team up for First Event - Cast and Crew Needed for Future Performances
Katonah, NY - Katonah Classic Stage is pleased to announce its inaugural season. Katonah Classic Stage (KCS) is a new theater company in Katonah, NY whose mission is to offer exceptional, diverse and professional productions of classical and contemporary plays. This new theater company, (hosted by the Harvey School, 260 Jay St. Katonah), will bring professional plays as well as classes on the theater arts to the lower Hudson Valley. The plans are to host productions throughout the year tht will have an appeal to all ages. Though Katonah is near New York City, this theater will fill the void in the area as New York caliber productions will now be available on this side of the bridge. You can visit the website at (https://www.katonahclassicstage.com).
The goal of this company is to provide seasonal productions as well as offer educational programs to children and adults alike in the theater arts with a emphasis on Shakespeare and other master dramatists. Staffing, casts and crews will draw from the exceptional talent found in the area as well as New York City. The theater company is founded by Actor/Director/Producer Trent Dawson, a three-time Daytime-emmy nominated actor. Best known for his role as Henry Coleman on As the World Turns, Trent is also an accomplished Shakespearean actor and has appeared in many tv roles. He has worked on Broadway , Off Broadway and at regional theaters across the country. He can be seen in the lastest season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Trent's plays have been performed at Manhattan Rep and The Barrow Group. his directed his original screenplay, The Six, which will be seen at film festivals this season.
Trent states, "These plays are still performed not because they're studied in English class, but because they're some of the greatest things ever written. When put into professional hands, the classics can lift the human spirit in a remarkable way. Imagine your favorite piece of music, wether it's Mozart or Abbey Road or whatever does it for you. That feeling you get when you hear that - that lifting, transformational effect. Imagine that happening with a play while sitting next to 200 other people who are experiencing the same thing. We hope to bring this to you."
Also on the team is Christa Scott Reed as Associate Artist and Sharon Kearney as Executive Director. Christa is a New York City actor and director with numerous theater credits who is also a faculty member at the School of Drama at the New School. Executive Director Sharron Kearney is an attorney with a passion for the arts.
Events scheduled for this inaugural year include The Eve of the Ides on March 14, 2020. This is our first event, a party celebrating classical theater at the Harvey School in Katonah The celebration will include appetizers from some of Northern Westchester’s finest chefs, beer and wine, a silent auction and live entertainment. Performers scheduled to attend include Trent Dawson (KCS’s Artistic Director), and Michael Park (original Broadway cast member from Dear Evan Hansen, Tuck Everlasting, & Smokey Joes Café as well as Stranger Things ).Tickets are $115. Also scheduled is a Derby Day Sing-along on May 2 at the Katonah Village Library. The inaugural production will be Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, directed by Christa Scott Reed. It will open on June 18th and run until June 25th at The Harvey School.
Katonah Classic Stage is currently auditioning for cast members for its productions. The company is also seeking crew members and designers. Volunteers are also needed for many aspects of this theater company. If you love the arts this is a great way to help out, use your skills or learn a new one. Sponsors are also being sought. ickets and other information can be found at http://katonahclassicstage.com. Visit and like on social media for updates:
https://www.facebook.com/KatonahClassicStage
https://www.instagram.com/katonahcs
Event: Film Forum in New York City Presents a Retrospective of Actress, Filmmaker, Visionary Lee Grant with Special Appearances by Lee Grant
A celebration of the life of the iconic actress Lee Grant will be held from November 17, 2019 to February 12, 2020 at the Film Forum in New York City. There will be screenings of the movies she appeared in as well as made.
This legendary woman was not just an actress but also a groundbreaker. According to the press release, at 26, Grant won Cannes’ Best Actress award and was Oscar-nominated (for Detective Story); within the year, she was blacklisted for over a decade. Coming back strong, she won an Emmy for Peyton Place, then appeared in a series of modern movie classics, winning an Oscar for her brilliant comic performance in Shampoo. But a whole new career beckoned as the director of acclaimed documentaries (including a Best Documentary Oscar for Down and Out in America), both warm portraits of friends and cutting-edge films on women’s gender issues.
She made her film debut in William Wyler's Detective Story, starring with Kirk Douglas. Lee Grant is also known as being the first woman to win a DGA Award. Her stellar career spans decades, and she is still active, having a small role in a new film called Killian and the Comeback Kids, to be released in 2020.
Lee states, “I discovered directing at fifty. It freed me from being an aging actress in Hollywood,” says Grant. “The burst of freedom to explore what I want and to expose the bad guys was like kicking in the door to the world. As an actor who was blacklisted from film and TV from1952 to 1964, my acting career restarted on Peyton Place, which aired 3 times a week. It was so popular, I went from the Blacklist one week to the most popular TV show the next. My first Hollywood movie after the Blacklist was In the Heat of the Night and I would go on to receive four Oscar nominations, receiving one for acting (Shampoo) and for my documentary Down and Out in America. I’m so grateful to Film Forum for inviting me as I turn 92 years-old this year."
Note: Film Forum’s Repertory Calendar is programmed by Bruce Goldstein.
For Tickets and Info: https://filmforum.org/
Specific Inquiries: raj@filmforum.org
TEEEM.ORG Presents a Local Concert on a Global Mission:
BERGENFEST features Local Bands and Wé McDonald of The Voice in Ridgewood on June 29th
Ridgewood, NJ - Hear the music. Save the world. The non-profit humanitarian organization TEEEM.org presents Bergenfest, a benefit concert run by students that is full of music and fun for the family. TEEEM works with Bergen County high school students to provide medical care, economic empowerment, food and education to communities in in the developing world. Headlining the concert will be Wé McDonald of Paterson, NJ, who drew national attention on NBC's The Voice along with local bands playing throughout the day. Bergenfest will be held at the Benjamin Franklin Middle School, 335 North Van Dien Avenue in Ridgewood NJ on Saturday June 29th, from 12-7pm. There will be food trucks, games, arts and crafts and face painting. It is a day of fun for the whole family. Tickets can be purchased online at http://teeem.org/. You can also text Bergen Tix to 41444 to pay via text. If you cannot attend the concert but would like to donate, you can visit the website or text Bergenfest to 41444 to donate. Tickets are $20 per person, $15 for children under 6 and seniors, and $50 for a family of up to six. tickets can also be purchased at the door day of the event. One hundred percent of all the monies raised at this concert goes to TEEEM sites across the world.
The bands scheduled to perform throughout the day are Collision Theory, Fat Boi's Brass Band, Wishbone, Jason Recht & Friends, Jake Thistle, No Soap Radio, and Samantha Haase. Wé is currently scheduled to perform at approximately 5pm. Check the website www.TEEEM.org for times and updates as new bands may be added as well. William McKee, NHRHS alumnus and student of Jazz Performance and Music Management at William Paterson University is volunteering his services as Musical Director for Bergenfest. The concert is rain or shine. Chairs and pets are not allowed. To date, because of the help of the students, TEEEM is proud to announce that over 1,000 tickets have already been sold.
About Wé McDonald - Singing since the age of 12, Wé attended the Harlem School for the Arts after school and on weekends, where she studied theater, piano and further cultivated her unique and righteously robust voice. She is a singer as well as songwriter and has been touring internationally and sharing her sultry vocal gift with the world. In 2017, Wé had the opportunity of appearing on the Emmy Award winning PBS Gershwin Awards honoring Legend Tony Bennett and also sang the National Anthem at Yankee Stadium.
Her latest single “If I Didn’t Love You”, was released early 2019 and in Late 2019 her self-titled EP is scheduled to be released featuring a diverse slate of songs written by Wé that showcases her soaring vocal presence. A newly published children’s and young adult book author, Wé released: Make It Happen! Wé McDonald: Singer, part of the Make It Happen! series of books that help middle school students build skills to reach their own goals; and a picture book, The Little Girl with The Big Voice, written by Wé for younger children. Wé’s captivating story as a singer, songwriter and as a teenager courageously embracing her uniqueness resonates with kids as well as adults looking to expand their own understanding of themselves and the world around them.
About TEEEM - TEEEM stands for The Empathic Entrepreneur Equality Mission. This benefit concert is being put together by local high school students who participate in the TEEEM School Program. During the event, there student made films will be shown. In Bergen County, the TEEEM School program is currently active in 7 high schools but hoping to add more. These schools and the countries they provide humanitarian help to are: Ridgewood High School, (Cambodia), Northern Highlands Regional High School (Senegal), Pascack Valley High School (Burkina Faso), Westwood High School (Ethiopia), Bergenfield High School (Peru), Waldwick High School (Kenya) and Hackensack High School (country to be determined). TEEEM empowers students and social entrepreneurs with funding and operational support to become innovative leaders of global nonprofits. TEEEM provides medical care, food, education and economic support, such as by providing micro loans for women wanting to start a business, providing doctors for medical days in rural villages or giving hot meals to students in Africa.
Jarret Schecter, TEEEM Founder states, "TEEEM's vision is to help create a more connected and equal world. We hope that we can move in that direction by giving today's students and tomorrow's global decision makers here in Bergen County, NJ, an opportunity to aid and empower those much less fortunate in other parts of the world."
Abby Hoffert, a student who participates in the TEEEM program at Northern Highlands Regional High School states, "Bergenfest is a really exciting event because it is the culmination of all of our hard work. Not only is it going to be a day filled with music, great food, and fun, but the money we raise is going to make a real difference in the lives of so many people around the world." Ridgewood Student Kaylin Marshall of Ridgewood High School adds, "I love that we can come together as one huge community and raise money for an extremely important cause by having fun and sharing the arts with each other. Overall, Bergenfest is an amazing way to add more beauty to the world through education."
TEEEM's activities and successes are chronicled in a full color book which the students contributed to. Entitled Humanitarians of New Jersey it will be sold at the event. At a cost of $20 the full proceeds from the book can provide up to 200 meals for malnourished children. The TEEEM students at Bergenfield High School created a film about TEEEM. You can view it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBsn-2m3PO8
TEEEM.org would like to acknowledge its sponsors for Bergenfest. They are Shop Rite/Inserra Supermarkets, Greater Alliance Federal Credit Union, RE/MAX Properties, Wells Fargo. For more information on the organization or concert visit http://teeem.org/, on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TEEEMinc/ , on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/teeeminc/. You can also email TEEEM volulunteer Dan Recht at danrecht@yahoo.com or call him at 973-768-5814 with questions.
Lights, Camera, Action! The Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival Starts April 10, 2019:
Actor Eric Roberts to Grace the Red Carpet for the Premiere of His New Movie Hollywould
Ridgewood NJ - Mark your calendars for the 9th Annual Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival. This growing festival is the place to be for action and excitement in Ridgewood this spring. The festival starts with a screening of Oscar-winning film ROMA and other world films at the Ridgewood Public Library, continues with its main nights at the Bow Tie Cinema in Ridgewood on April 24th and 25th, both nights which start off with an exciting Red Carpet in front of the theater. After Thursday's Premiere showing of the film Hollywould, the festival is featuring a Hollywood-style After Party with its cast and crew and including many of the Filmmakers at Felina’s Restaurant in Ridgewood.
The festival continues with a Human Rights Festival at the Unitarian Church in Ridgewood. Along with the premiere of a new independent film Hollywould starring Eric Roberts, this film festival boasts 88 films in total. There are documentaries, animation, shorts, music videos, experimental video, web/new media and digital shorts. The prices are reasonable compared to other film festivals and offers a lot of entertainment at a small price. For those not familiar with film festivals, the two main nights are pay one price to attend as many films as you want for the night.
2019 LINEUP
April 10 World Film Night at the Ridgewood Public Library showing the multiple Oscar-winning movie ROMA. FREE ENTRY.
April 18 Foreign Film Night at the Ridgewood Public Library (A series of foreign shorts submitted to the festival). FREE ENTRY.
April 22 Launch Party: Raymond’s Restaurants 101 E. Ridgewood Ave. 7:30PM $40 per person for questions call 201-493-9911
April 24 Opening Night at Bow Tie Cinema, Red Carpet at 6pm Cost is $12 for the evening (Seniors $5)
April 25 Closing Night at Bow Tie Cinema, Red Carpet at 6pm (Hollywould Film Premiere Night) Cost is $12 for the movies only or $30 which includes the movie & entry to the After-Party at Felina Restaurant. Note: The Awards & After-Party at Felina starts immediately after the film festival concludes. (approx. 10:30pm) Your chance to mingle with “Eric Roberts” the cast / crew and the other filmmakers. Tickets for After-Party alone at the door are $20 each.
May 10 Human Rights Festival in conjunction with the Unitarian Church 7pm- $10 per screening block
May 11 Human Festival in conjunction withe Unitarian Church 7pm $10 per screening block
Premiere of New Film
This year, Hollywood really does come to Ridgewood… The film Hollywould will premiere at the festival on Thursday evening April 25th This Joshua Coates film is a crime - mystery - thriller about an award winning writer named Mark Travis who seeks inspiration by returning to his hometown. What he finds is not what he expected. Her name is Holly. What Holly would do, is like nothing Mark has ever experienced before. Starring: Eric Roberts, Torrei Hart, Pete Postiglione, Caitlyn Fletcher & many others including Ridgewood resident RJ Konner. As a Special Bonus there will be a “Meet & Greet” with Academy Award and a three-time Golden Globe nominee “ERIC ROBERTS” at the After Party.
Festival Highlights
Skin - This Oscar-winning film stars Lonnie Travis from This is Us
Out Fox the Holidays - This comedic short stars Andy Richter and is made by Bergen County's Emmy-winning director Glenn Clements of the Late Late Show with James Corden
Awakening Arlene -This short by returning filmmaker and former Ridgewood resident Brad Forenza stars Vince Pastore (The Sopranos).
Silk City Artists and Musicians - By award winning Paterson filmmaker Vince Parrillo
A Case of Blue Trailer - The premiere of this film shot in Ridgewood made by many Ridgewood residents starring Stephen Schnetzer and Annapurna Srirum. It was written and directed by Ridgewood resident Dana Glazer. The Executive Producer is Scott Rosenfelt, the EP of Home Alone,
TEEEM – Videos will show how local high school children are giving back and helping families in Africa and Peru. Viewers of this films will gain an understanding of how this organization helps children learn about families in third world countries and also how it activates them to help them.
The Lucky Ones - A film and a movement about hope which includes a new streaming platform, by Ridgewood Resident Joseph Alvaro
Films by Students: From Bergenfield, Ridgewood, Allendale, Waldwick, Mahwah, Middletown, Hudson County, NY and elsewhere. Several of these films deal with social issues faced by students.
The Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival awards prizes in several categories and also gives a $500 scholarship to the director of the Best Film by a student. The festival attracts top-quality films from our area, the country and internationally. Guild President Tony Damiano states, "We had a record number of submissions this year, over 150. We like to feature local filmmakers and have young students as well as grad-students showing this year. And we always get a premiere.. we are very honored that Eric Roberts is joining us this year."
To purchase tickets: https://rgiff9.brownpapertickets.com/
Wednesday April 24th all films, pay one price
Thursday April 25th all films, pay one price
To purchase tickets for the Thursday April 25th Hollywould Premiere including the Awards Party at Felina’s visit: https://hollywould.bpt.me
Special appearances are still being coordinated. In the past the Festival has hosted such celebrities as Danny Aeillo, Tony-award winning actor Christian Borle, Three-time Emmy Winner Martha Byrne, Chris Mann (Oscar-nominated for Loving), RHONJ Dolores Catania, Executive Producer of Home Alone Scott Rosenfelt, Soap Icons Terri Conn, Austin Peck, Tonja Walker, Cady McClain, Orange is the New Black's Alysia Reiner, David Alan Basche (Equity and Egg films), Sarah Megan Thomas (Equity, Liberte: A Time to Spy), Vincent Curatola (The Sopranos), Jack Mulcahy (The Brothers McMullen) and more. Check our media for updates.
Always check the website for updates and a full schedule, www.RidgewoodGuildFilmFest.com. Use the hashtag #RGIFF to find information. Platinum Signature Sponsors as of this date are Boiling Springs Bank, TEEEM and Sotheby’s Prominent Properties. Gold Signature Sponsor is P.E. Guerin. Silver Signature Sponsor is BehindtheScenezz.com.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RidgewoodFilmFe
Instagram: @RidgewoodGuildNJ
Website: www. RidgewoodGuildFilmFest.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TRGIFF/
General Inquiries: Contact Tony Damiano 201-493-9911
The Other F Word Premieres Season Two at La Femme Film Festival in LA
LOS ANGELES, October 2017 - The hit comedy The Other F Word (#TOFW) about life over 40 streaming on Amazon have its Season Two Los Angeles Premiere at the LA Femme International Film Festival on Saturday, October 21st at 1PM, at the Regal Cinemas at LA Live. The series, created, written and produced by Caytha Jentis, stars Judy Gold, Steve Guttenberg, Stephanie Little, Alysia Reiner, Reiko Aylesworth, Gilbert Gottfried, Nancy Giles, Ben Bailey and Michael Boatman. The Other F Word will be featured as a seminar at the festival. The entire season of web series will be shown followed by a panel discussion featuring Jentis, series director Barbara Kanowitz, actress Stephanie Little and series producer Chris Janney. Former Disney Channel executive and LA Femme Board Member Denise Carlson will moderate.
Last year, Season One of The Other F Word was awarded an Amazon Video Direct Stars bonus four month in a row as one of its top titles.
"I call it the Power of Mom," says Jentis, her comedic series anchored by a stay-at-home empty nester whose husband, finding himself thrown into his own mid-life crisis, suddenly leaves to join the Peace Corp.
"It's so much more than one woman's journey of self discovery," notes Jentis. "The supporting characters are women who all find themselves a bit disoriented, discovering they live in an unfamiliar world after their kids are grown, after spouses die, and after not having worked for a couple of decades."
"The F originally may have stood for forty or even fifty, but it's come to be more about the female friendships that is the core of the show," she adds.
While truly unique in its own right, The Other F Word is part of a growing movement of film targeted to this market. Other similarly targeted projects include the Netflix series Grace and Frankie, the TV Land series Younger, and the recent film Bad Moms, which surprised Hollywood analysts by topping $140 million worldwide.
"Hollywood may have been surprised, but I wasn't," says Jentis. "And just like The Other F Word, the success of Bad Moms was fueled not so much by marketing as it was by word of mouth. The audiences saw something they could relate to, and they spread the word."
Caytha Jentis is an award winning independent filmmaker. Her features include Bad Parents starring Janeane Garofalo, Cheri Oteri and Christopher Titus (Cinedigm), And Then Came Love starring Vanessa Williams, Eartha Kitt and Anna Camp (Warner Bros) and The One starring Jon Prescott (TLA Releasing).. Her current project The Other F Word is a web series that streams on Amazon. A former literary agent, she has also has an extensive background in sales including a stint at the Bergen Record in internet ad sales. Jentis was recently selected as one of Good Housekeeping magazine’s 50 over 50. She earned an M.F.A. from UCLA in screenwriting and a B.S. in TV/film from Syracuse University. She is a member of the Producers Guild, Writer’s Guild and NYWIFT.
Now in its 13th year, the LA Femme International Film Festival is a premiere festival that focuses on women filmmakers who create commercial films for a worldwide audience. The festival offers a unique opportunity for women filmmakers who seek a more creative approach to filmmaking as well as domestic and international film distribution. Among the festivals sponsors are CBS and Sony Diversity, WGA Women’s Committee, SAG Diversity and Columbia College.
The Other F Word will screen on Saturday, October 21, at 1 PM at the Regal Cinema Complex at LA Live in downtown Los Angeles, 1000 West Olympic Blvd. Tickets are available at the box office or by visiting the festival’s website www.lafemme.org/festival.
A Soap Fan's Dream - New Series Tainted Dreams Streaming on Amazon Tells the Story Behind the Scenes of a Soap Opera in New York City: Cast Includes Iconic Daytime Talent from All Networks and Reality Stars
NEW YORK CITY, January 2017 – Tainted Dreams, the Emmy-nominated web series about the "behind the scenes" drama of the fictitious soap Painted Dreams found a new home on Amazon as of December 26, 2016. Tainted Dreams (#TaintedDreams) will be available free, even for non-subscribers (without ads for prime members and with ads for non-prime subscribers). Tainted Dreams is produced by NYC Brand Productions which includes the critically acclaimed film Equity’s Executive Producer, Candy Straight. Visit www.tainteddreams.com for more info. View the Sneak Peak Trailer here: https://www.facebook.com/tainteddreamstheseries/
Tainted Dreams follows the often funny, often painful, twists and turns in the lives of fictional soap actors on and off-screen. Creator and Executive Producer, Sonia Blangiardo calls it "a soap within a soap...it's like Grey's Anatomy set in a soap production studio instead of a hospital." Blangiardo has served as a producer/director on five iconic soaps, including All My Children, One Life to Live, As the World Turns, General Hospital, and currently Days of Our Lives so she has lived more than 25 years of soapy dramedy both onscreen and off and knows her subject when it comes to Tainted Dreams.
Tainted Dreams is filled with huge daytime talent, including Alicia Minshew (Angelica), Michael Lowry (Jordan), Austin Peck (Max), Terri Ivens (Kassandra), Walt Willey (Gregory), Kelley Menighan Hensley (Veronica), Grant Aleksander (Adam), Bobbie Eakes (Courtney), Natalia Livingston (Liza), Marnie Schulenburg (Peyton), Nathan Purdee (Ethan), Colleen Zenk (Sofia), James DePaiva (Eddy) and the late Larkin Malloy (Henry). It also taps into the Reality TV world with stars Jessie Godderz (Dylan) of Impact Wrestling and Big Brother fame and Dina Manzo (Alessandra) of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, as well as a very talented Off-Broadway supporting cast, including Anthony Wilkinson (Anthony) of the My Big Gay Italian franchise. Renowned Soap Opera Digest columnist Carolyn Hinsey portrays herself and well known mainstream news anchor Ron Corning of ABC, Daybreak makes a cameo appearance (Jake). Lindsay Harrison is the writer.
Over the next few weeks, new and exclusive special teasers and behind-the-scenes footage will be available each week on the Tainted Dreams website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. Visit: www.tainteddreams.com
(@TaintedDreamsTheSeries) and follow us on Twitter (@TaintedDreamsTS) & Instagram (@Tainted_Dreams_The_Series).
Silverstein Eye of Chester Extends Pet Supplies Drive for Eleventh Hour Rescue
January 2016, Chester, NJ - Silverstein Eye of Chester is extending their collection for theEleventh Hour Rescue Animal Shelter until February 2nd. Eleventh Hour Rescue is an organization in that literally saves dogs and cats from death row. They are a volunteer-based, non-profit, 501c3 organization. They shelter dogs and cats and also offer them for foster and adoption.
Dr. Niki Silverstein states, “This is a wonderful, local organization and they need our help. I want to thank everyone in advance for considering to donate.”
This year Eleventh Hour Rescue is particularly in need of dog food. Stacey Cudnik, EHR Director states, “Even one can of food makes a difference.” They are requesting the following brands of dog food: Merrick, Costco Brand, Blue Buffalo, Honest Kitchen, Organix and Nutrish Grain Free. Dog treats of any kind and brand are welcome. They would also like toys, like busy bones, kongs and squeaky toys.
Ms Cudnik adds, “EHR volunteers appreciate donations because it allows us to make a difference everyday in neglected, abandoned and abused animals lives. Our volunteers will go to the end of the earth to save the dogs and cats that have no chance at life. We help the animals forgotten in basements and left out in the cold to fend for themselves. We give them a new name and a new life, but we need your help.”
A collection box will be placed in the office of Silverstein Eye at 408 Main Street in Chester, NJ. The entrance to the office is in the back of the building. The office is generally open from 9-5 daily but you can call for hours as drop-offs during office hours are preferred. However, if the office is closed please leave the donations in the bin left outside the back entrance. The collection boxes will be available until January 9, so consider donating any excess gifts you may have received during the holidays.
Monetary donations are also welcome. Gift cards to pet supply stores or checks/cash can be given to any employee at Dr. Silverstein’s office in person (we do not suggest leaving any gift cards/checks outside), or you can make a donation on the Eleventh Hour website at www.ehrdogs.org. The mailing address for EHR is P.O Box 218, Rockaway, NJ 07866. For questions on EHR call 973-684-0865.
Silverstein Eye is a full-service ophthalmology practice. Niki Silverstein, M.D., is a board-certified ophthalmologist with over 25 years of experience diagnosing, treating and performing surgery for medical conditions and diseases of the eye. This drive is part of Dr. Niki’s “Vision to Lead” program. For more information visit www.SilversteinEye.com, on Facebook at Silverstein Eye. For information on ophthalmology services or this pet goods collection call 908-879-7297.
Attorney Ronald LeVine to Give Free Seminar on Bankruptcy, Foreclosures & Loan Modifications
January 2015 - Are you in debt or struggling with finances? Did you know that NJ has one of the highest foreclosure rates in the nation? Attorney Ronald I. Le Vine, 210 River Street, Hackensack, New Jersey is holding a free, no-obligation seminar entitled “Bankruptcy: What you Need to Know” on Wednesday, January 28th, 2015 at 7:30 pm at the Hasbrouck Heights Holiday Inn, 283 Route 17 South.
At this informative seminar, Mr. Le Vine will speak about bankruptcy and loan modifications. He will also speak about what happens when a person is in debt. He will cover the topic of bankruptcy. Bankruptcy offers debt relief by eliminating credit card, medical bills and most other debts. He will also speak about issues with mortgages and foreclosures. Some foreclosures can be defeated by removing second mortgages and reducing first mortgages. At this seminar you will learn your rights on bankruptcy as well as loan modifications.
Ronald I. Le Vine has been helping consumers for over 25 years and has been providing these free, no-obligation seminars to North Jersey consumers for two decades. Mr. Le Vine is currently the Chair, Consumer Protection Law Committee of the NJ State Bar Association. He is also an instructor on consumer rights for the New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education, part of the NJ State Bar Association. Please call the office at 201-489-7900 for a reservation and free brochure. Walk-ins will be taken as well at the seminar. Visit www.FormerJudge.com for more info.
"VIP Soap Opera Party" and Advanced Screening of Martha Byrne's New Series, Weight
To Be Held in NYC October 2014: Tickets Now Available
September 2014 - NYC - Are you a soap opera fan? Tickets are now available for a VIP Soap Party and Advanced Screening of Weight to be held on October 8, 2014 at 7:00 pm at the Copia Restaurant, 307 East 53rd Street in New York City. Weight is a new comedy series created and executive produced by Writers Guild Award Nominee Daryn Strauss and starring two-time Emmy Winner Martha Byrne.
As of press date, the list of celebrities attending the VIP Soap Party includes Martha Byrne (As The World Turns, NBC's Crisis, Gotham the Series). Colleen Zenk (As The World Turns, Tainted Dreams, Woman on the Ledge Movie), Anne Sayre (Another World, As the World Turns, Gotham the Series), Michael Park (As The World Turns, House of Cards, Gotham the Series, Broadway), Terri Conn (As The World Turns, One Life to Live, Breaker High), cast members from web soap Tainted Dreams, and Danielle Paige (Guiding Light writer, author of New York Times Bestseller Dorothy Must Die.) Also slated to appear are Grant Aleksander (All My Children), Austin Peck (Days of Our Lives), Elizabeth Hubbard (ATWT) , Michael O'Leary (Guiding Light, The Bay) and Comedienne Maysoon Zayid.
Basic tickets to the party are $50 each, which includes an exclusive advanced screening of Weight's not yet released pilot and the opportunity to mingle, talk, and take pictures with your favorite soap stars. Guests will also get a special sneak preview of Martha's latest movie, Preying for Mercy, directed by Bill Duke, plus a short Q & A with star and creator. A limited number VIP tickets are $75 each, which includes access to VIP area. Tickets can be purchased on the website at http://www.weighttheseries.com/how-to-contribute.html at the bottom of the page. All proceeds raised go towards Weight production.
Weight is a new comedy series from the mind of Writers Guild Award Nominee Daryn Strauss, which stars Martha Byrne as Claire, a middle class mom, who returns home from a reality weight loss competition 100 pounds lighter only to find she's gained some extra baggage due to the complicated reactions of her dysfunctional family and friends. This smart comedy, in the vein of the movie Little Miss Sunshine, combines America's obsession with weight loss and reality television for a look at how weight can bring together and also divide people.
Weight also stars Allison Smith (The West Wing, Broadway's' Annie, Kate and Allie) as Claire's sister, Bradley White (Mad About You, Bad Parents, Masters of Sex) as Claire's husband, Dee Freeman (Pretty The Series, The Hughleys), Maitely Weismann (Masters of Sex, Nickelodeon's Sam & Cat) and Trent Dawson (As The World Turns, Homeland). Claire's daughters are played by Peyton Ella (NBC's The Sound of Music Live!) and Kate West (daughter of General Hospital's Maura West). It is directed by veteran primetime network television director Frederick King Keller (Crisis, 24, CSI Miami, Blue Bloods).
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Katonah Classic Stage Begins Inaugural Season:Artistic Director/Emmy-Nominated Actor Trent Dawson and Broadway's Michael Park Team up for First Event - Cast and Crew Needed for Future Performances
Katonah, NY - Katonah Classic Stage is pleased to announce its inaugural season. Katonah Classic Stage (KCS) is a new theater company in Katonah, NY whose mission is to offer exceptional, diverse and professional productions of classical and contemporary plays. This new theater company, (hosted by the Harvey School, 260 Jay St. Katonah), will bring professional plays as well as classes on the theater arts to the lower Hudson Valley. The plans are to host productions throughout the year tht will have an appeal to all ages. Though Katonah is near New York City, this theater will fill the void in the area as New York caliber productions will now be available on this side of the bridge. You can visit the website at (https://www.katonahclassicstage.com).
The goal of this company is to provide seasonal productions as well as offer educational programs to children and adults alike in the theater arts with a emphasis on Shakespeare and other master dramatists. Staffing, casts and crews will draw from the exceptional talent found in the area as well as New York City. The theater company is founded by Actor/Director/Producer Trent Dawson, a three-time Daytime-emmy nominated actor. Best known for his role as Henry Coleman on As the World Turns, Trent is also an accomplished Shakespearean actor and has appeared in many tv roles. He has worked on Broadway , Off Broadway and at regional theaters across the country. He can be seen in the lastest season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Trent's plays have been performed at Manhattan Rep and The Barrow Group. his directed his original screenplay, The Six, which will be seen at film festivals this season.
Trent states, "These plays are still performed not because they're studied in English class, but because they're some of the greatest things ever written. When put into professional hands, the classics can lift the human spirit in a remarkable way. Imagine your favorite piece of music, wether it's Mozart or Abbey Road or whatever does it for you. That feeling you get when you hear that - that lifting, transformational effect. Imagine that happening with a play while sitting next to 200 other people who are experiencing the same thing. We hope to bring this to you."
Also on the team is Christa Scott Reed as Associate Artist and Sharon Kearney as Executive Director. Christa is a New York City actor and director with numerous theater credits who is also a faculty member at the School of Drama at the New School. Executive Director Sharron Kearney is an attorney with a passion for the arts.
Events scheduled for this inaugural year include The Eve of the Ides on March 14, 2020. This is our first event, a party celebrating classical theater at the Harvey School in Katonah The celebration will include appetizers from some of Northern Westchester’s finest chefs, beer and wine, a silent auction and live entertainment. Performers scheduled to attend include Trent Dawson (KCS’s Artistic Director), and Michael Park (original Broadway cast member from Dear Evan Hansen, Tuck Everlasting, & Smokey Joes Café as well as Stranger Things ).Tickets are $115. Also scheduled is a Derby Day Sing-along on May 2 at the Katonah Village Library. The inaugural production will be Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, directed by Christa Scott Reed. It will open on June 18th and run until June 25th at The Harvey School.
Katonah Classic Stage is currently auditioning for cast members for its productions. The company is also seeking crew members and designers. Volunteers are also needed for many aspects of this theater company. If you love the arts this is a great way to help out, use your skills or learn a new one. Sponsors are also being sought. ickets and other information can be found at http://katonahclassicstage.com. Visit and like on social media for updates:
https://www.facebook.com/KatonahClassicStage
https://www.instagram.com/katonahcs
Event: Film Forum in New York City Presents a Retrospective of Actress, Filmmaker, Visionary Lee Grant with Special Appearances by Lee Grant
A celebration of the life of the iconic actress Lee Grant will be held from November 17, 2019 to February 12, 2020 at the Film Forum in New York City. There will be screenings of the movies she appeared in as well as made.
This legendary woman was not just an actress but also a groundbreaker. According to the press release, at 26, Grant won Cannes’ Best Actress award and was Oscar-nominated (for Detective Story); within the year, she was blacklisted for over a decade. Coming back strong, she won an Emmy for Peyton Place, then appeared in a series of modern movie classics, winning an Oscar for her brilliant comic performance in Shampoo. But a whole new career beckoned as the director of acclaimed documentaries (including a Best Documentary Oscar for Down and Out in America), both warm portraits of friends and cutting-edge films on women’s gender issues.
She made her film debut in William Wyler's Detective Story, starring with Kirk Douglas. Lee Grant is also known as being the first woman to win a DGA Award. Her stellar career spans decades, and she is still active, having a small role in a new film called Killian and the Comeback Kids, to be released in 2020.
Lee states, “I discovered directing at fifty. It freed me from being an aging actress in Hollywood,” says Grant. “The burst of freedom to explore what I want and to expose the bad guys was like kicking in the door to the world. As an actor who was blacklisted from film and TV from1952 to 1964, my acting career restarted on Peyton Place, which aired 3 times a week. It was so popular, I went from the Blacklist one week to the most popular TV show the next. My first Hollywood movie after the Blacklist was In the Heat of the Night and I would go on to receive four Oscar nominations, receiving one for acting (Shampoo) and for my documentary Down and Out in America. I’m so grateful to Film Forum for inviting me as I turn 92 years-old this year."
Note: Film Forum’s Repertory Calendar is programmed by Bruce Goldstein.
For Tickets and Info: https://filmforum.org/
Specific Inquiries: raj@filmforum.org
TEEEM.ORG Presents a Local Concert on a Global Mission:
BERGENFEST features Local Bands and Wé McDonald of The Voice in Ridgewood on June 29th
Ridgewood, NJ - Hear the music. Save the world. The non-profit humanitarian organization TEEEM.org presents Bergenfest, a benefit concert run by students that is full of music and fun for the family. TEEEM works with Bergen County high school students to provide medical care, economic empowerment, food and education to communities in in the developing world. Headlining the concert will be Wé McDonald of Paterson, NJ, who drew national attention on NBC's The Voice along with local bands playing throughout the day. Bergenfest will be held at the Benjamin Franklin Middle School, 335 North Van Dien Avenue in Ridgewood NJ on Saturday June 29th, from 12-7pm. There will be food trucks, games, arts and crafts and face painting. It is a day of fun for the whole family. Tickets can be purchased online at http://teeem.org/. You can also text Bergen Tix to 41444 to pay via text. If you cannot attend the concert but would like to donate, you can visit the website or text Bergenfest to 41444 to donate. Tickets are $20 per person, $15 for children under 6 and seniors, and $50 for a family of up to six. tickets can also be purchased at the door day of the event. One hundred percent of all the monies raised at this concert goes to TEEEM sites across the world.
The bands scheduled to perform throughout the day are Collision Theory, Fat Boi's Brass Band, Wishbone, Jason Recht & Friends, Jake Thistle, No Soap Radio, and Samantha Haase. Wé is currently scheduled to perform at approximately 5pm. Check the website www.TEEEM.org for times and updates as new bands may be added as well. William McKee, NHRHS alumnus and student of Jazz Performance and Music Management at William Paterson University is volunteering his services as Musical Director for Bergenfest. The concert is rain or shine. Chairs and pets are not allowed. To date, because of the help of the students, TEEEM is proud to announce that over 1,000 tickets have already been sold.
About Wé McDonald - Singing since the age of 12, Wé attended the Harlem School for the Arts after school and on weekends, where she studied theater, piano and further cultivated her unique and righteously robust voice. She is a singer as well as songwriter and has been touring internationally and sharing her sultry vocal gift with the world. In 2017, Wé had the opportunity of appearing on the Emmy Award winning PBS Gershwin Awards honoring Legend Tony Bennett and also sang the National Anthem at Yankee Stadium.
Her latest single “If I Didn’t Love You”, was released early 2019 and in Late 2019 her self-titled EP is scheduled to be released featuring a diverse slate of songs written by Wé that showcases her soaring vocal presence. A newly published children’s and young adult book author, Wé released: Make It Happen! Wé McDonald: Singer, part of the Make It Happen! series of books that help middle school students build skills to reach their own goals; and a picture book, The Little Girl with The Big Voice, written by Wé for younger children. Wé’s captivating story as a singer, songwriter and as a teenager courageously embracing her uniqueness resonates with kids as well as adults looking to expand their own understanding of themselves and the world around them.
About TEEEM - TEEEM stands for The Empathic Entrepreneur Equality Mission. This benefit concert is being put together by local high school students who participate in the TEEEM School Program. During the event, there student made films will be shown. In Bergen County, the TEEEM School program is currently active in 7 high schools but hoping to add more. These schools and the countries they provide humanitarian help to are: Ridgewood High School, (Cambodia), Northern Highlands Regional High School (Senegal), Pascack Valley High School (Burkina Faso), Westwood High School (Ethiopia), Bergenfield High School (Peru), Waldwick High School (Kenya) and Hackensack High School (country to be determined). TEEEM empowers students and social entrepreneurs with funding and operational support to become innovative leaders of global nonprofits. TEEEM provides medical care, food, education and economic support, such as by providing micro loans for women wanting to start a business, providing doctors for medical days in rural villages or giving hot meals to students in Africa.
Jarret Schecter, TEEEM Founder states, "TEEEM's vision is to help create a more connected and equal world. We hope that we can move in that direction by giving today's students and tomorrow's global decision makers here in Bergen County, NJ, an opportunity to aid and empower those much less fortunate in other parts of the world."
Abby Hoffert, a student who participates in the TEEEM program at Northern Highlands Regional High School states, "Bergenfest is a really exciting event because it is the culmination of all of our hard work. Not only is it going to be a day filled with music, great food, and fun, but the money we raise is going to make a real difference in the lives of so many people around the world." Ridgewood Student Kaylin Marshall of Ridgewood High School adds, "I love that we can come together as one huge community and raise money for an extremely important cause by having fun and sharing the arts with each other. Overall, Bergenfest is an amazing way to add more beauty to the world through education."
TEEEM's activities and successes are chronicled in a full color book which the students contributed to. Entitled Humanitarians of New Jersey it will be sold at the event. At a cost of $20 the full proceeds from the book can provide up to 200 meals for malnourished children. The TEEEM students at Bergenfield High School created a film about TEEEM. You can view it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBsn-2m3PO8
TEEEM.org would like to acknowledge its sponsors for Bergenfest. They are Shop Rite/Inserra Supermarkets, Greater Alliance Federal Credit Union, RE/MAX Properties, Wells Fargo. For more information on the organization or concert visit http://teeem.org/, on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TEEEMinc/ , on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/teeeminc/. You can also email TEEEM volulunteer Dan Recht at danrecht@yahoo.com or call him at 973-768-5814 with questions.
Lights, Camera, Action! The Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival Starts April 10, 2019:
Actor Eric Roberts to Grace the Red Carpet for the Premiere of His New Movie Hollywould
Ridgewood NJ - Mark your calendars for the 9th Annual Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival. This growing festival is the place to be for action and excitement in Ridgewood this spring. The festival starts with a screening of Oscar-winning film ROMA and other world films at the Ridgewood Public Library, continues with its main nights at the Bow Tie Cinema in Ridgewood on April 24th and 25th, both nights which start off with an exciting Red Carpet in front of the theater. After Thursday's Premiere showing of the film Hollywould, the festival is featuring a Hollywood-style After Party with its cast and crew and including many of the Filmmakers at Felina’s Restaurant in Ridgewood.
The festival continues with a Human Rights Festival at the Unitarian Church in Ridgewood. Along with the premiere of a new independent film Hollywould starring Eric Roberts, this film festival boasts 88 films in total. There are documentaries, animation, shorts, music videos, experimental video, web/new media and digital shorts. The prices are reasonable compared to other film festivals and offers a lot of entertainment at a small price. For those not familiar with film festivals, the two main nights are pay one price to attend as many films as you want for the night.
2019 LINEUP
April 10 World Film Night at the Ridgewood Public Library showing the multiple Oscar-winning movie ROMA. FREE ENTRY.
April 18 Foreign Film Night at the Ridgewood Public Library (A series of foreign shorts submitted to the festival). FREE ENTRY.
April 22 Launch Party: Raymond’s Restaurants 101 E. Ridgewood Ave. 7:30PM $40 per person for questions call 201-493-9911
April 24 Opening Night at Bow Tie Cinema, Red Carpet at 6pm Cost is $12 for the evening (Seniors $5)
April 25 Closing Night at Bow Tie Cinema, Red Carpet at 6pm (Hollywould Film Premiere Night) Cost is $12 for the movies only or $30 which includes the movie & entry to the After-Party at Felina Restaurant. Note: The Awards & After-Party at Felina starts immediately after the film festival concludes. (approx. 10:30pm) Your chance to mingle with “Eric Roberts” the cast / crew and the other filmmakers. Tickets for After-Party alone at the door are $20 each.
May 10 Human Rights Festival in conjunction with the Unitarian Church 7pm- $10 per screening block
May 11 Human Festival in conjunction withe Unitarian Church 7pm $10 per screening block
Premiere of New Film
This year, Hollywood really does come to Ridgewood… The film Hollywould will premiere at the festival on Thursday evening April 25th This Joshua Coates film is a crime - mystery - thriller about an award winning writer named Mark Travis who seeks inspiration by returning to his hometown. What he finds is not what he expected. Her name is Holly. What Holly would do, is like nothing Mark has ever experienced before. Starring: Eric Roberts, Torrei Hart, Pete Postiglione, Caitlyn Fletcher & many others including Ridgewood resident RJ Konner. As a Special Bonus there will be a “Meet & Greet” with Academy Award and a three-time Golden Globe nominee “ERIC ROBERTS” at the After Party.
Festival Highlights
Skin - This Oscar-winning film stars Lonnie Travis from This is Us
Out Fox the Holidays - This comedic short stars Andy Richter and is made by Bergen County's Emmy-winning director Glenn Clements of the Late Late Show with James Corden
Awakening Arlene -This short by returning filmmaker and former Ridgewood resident Brad Forenza stars Vince Pastore (The Sopranos).
Silk City Artists and Musicians - By award winning Paterson filmmaker Vince Parrillo
A Case of Blue Trailer - The premiere of this film shot in Ridgewood made by many Ridgewood residents starring Stephen Schnetzer and Annapurna Srirum. It was written and directed by Ridgewood resident Dana Glazer. The Executive Producer is Scott Rosenfelt, the EP of Home Alone,
TEEEM – Videos will show how local high school children are giving back and helping families in Africa and Peru. Viewers of this films will gain an understanding of how this organization helps children learn about families in third world countries and also how it activates them to help them.
The Lucky Ones - A film and a movement about hope which includes a new streaming platform, by Ridgewood Resident Joseph Alvaro
Films by Students: From Bergenfield, Ridgewood, Allendale, Waldwick, Mahwah, Middletown, Hudson County, NY and elsewhere. Several of these films deal with social issues faced by students.
The Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival awards prizes in several categories and also gives a $500 scholarship to the director of the Best Film by a student. The festival attracts top-quality films from our area, the country and internationally. Guild President Tony Damiano states, "We had a record number of submissions this year, over 150. We like to feature local filmmakers and have young students as well as grad-students showing this year. And we always get a premiere.. we are very honored that Eric Roberts is joining us this year."
To purchase tickets: https://rgiff9.brownpapertickets.com/
Wednesday April 24th all films, pay one price
Thursday April 25th all films, pay one price
To purchase tickets for the Thursday April 25th Hollywould Premiere including the Awards Party at Felina’s visit: https://hollywould.bpt.me
Special appearances are still being coordinated. In the past the Festival has hosted such celebrities as Danny Aeillo, Tony-award winning actor Christian Borle, Three-time Emmy Winner Martha Byrne, Chris Mann (Oscar-nominated for Loving), RHONJ Dolores Catania, Executive Producer of Home Alone Scott Rosenfelt, Soap Icons Terri Conn, Austin Peck, Tonja Walker, Cady McClain, Orange is the New Black's Alysia Reiner, David Alan Basche (Equity and Egg films), Sarah Megan Thomas (Equity, Liberte: A Time to Spy), Vincent Curatola (The Sopranos), Jack Mulcahy (The Brothers McMullen) and more. Check our media for updates.
Always check the website for updates and a full schedule, www.RidgewoodGuildFilmFest.com. Use the hashtag #RGIFF to find information. Platinum Signature Sponsors as of this date are Boiling Springs Bank, TEEEM and Sotheby’s Prominent Properties. Gold Signature Sponsor is P.E. Guerin. Silver Signature Sponsor is BehindtheScenezz.com.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RidgewoodFilmFe
Instagram: @RidgewoodGuildNJ
Website: www. RidgewoodGuildFilmFest.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TRGIFF/
General Inquiries: Contact Tony Damiano 201-493-9911
The Other F Word Premieres Season Two at La Femme Film Festival in LA
LOS ANGELES, October 2017 - The hit comedy The Other F Word (#TOFW) about life over 40 streaming on Amazon have its Season Two Los Angeles Premiere at the LA Femme International Film Festival on Saturday, October 21st at 1PM, at the Regal Cinemas at LA Live. The series, created, written and produced by Caytha Jentis, stars Judy Gold, Steve Guttenberg, Stephanie Little, Alysia Reiner, Reiko Aylesworth, Gilbert Gottfried, Nancy Giles, Ben Bailey and Michael Boatman. The Other F Word will be featured as a seminar at the festival. The entire season of web series will be shown followed by a panel discussion featuring Jentis, series director Barbara Kanowitz, actress Stephanie Little and series producer Chris Janney. Former Disney Channel executive and LA Femme Board Member Denise Carlson will moderate.
Last year, Season One of The Other F Word was awarded an Amazon Video Direct Stars bonus four month in a row as one of its top titles.
"I call it the Power of Mom," says Jentis, her comedic series anchored by a stay-at-home empty nester whose husband, finding himself thrown into his own mid-life crisis, suddenly leaves to join the Peace Corp.
"It's so much more than one woman's journey of self discovery," notes Jentis. "The supporting characters are women who all find themselves a bit disoriented, discovering they live in an unfamiliar world after their kids are grown, after spouses die, and after not having worked for a couple of decades."
"The F originally may have stood for forty or even fifty, but it's come to be more about the female friendships that is the core of the show," she adds.
While truly unique in its own right, The Other F Word is part of a growing movement of film targeted to this market. Other similarly targeted projects include the Netflix series Grace and Frankie, the TV Land series Younger, and the recent film Bad Moms, which surprised Hollywood analysts by topping $140 million worldwide.
"Hollywood may have been surprised, but I wasn't," says Jentis. "And just like The Other F Word, the success of Bad Moms was fueled not so much by marketing as it was by word of mouth. The audiences saw something they could relate to, and they spread the word."
Caytha Jentis is an award winning independent filmmaker. Her features include Bad Parents starring Janeane Garofalo, Cheri Oteri and Christopher Titus (Cinedigm), And Then Came Love starring Vanessa Williams, Eartha Kitt and Anna Camp (Warner Bros) and The One starring Jon Prescott (TLA Releasing).. Her current project The Other F Word is a web series that streams on Amazon. A former literary agent, she has also has an extensive background in sales including a stint at the Bergen Record in internet ad sales. Jentis was recently selected as one of Good Housekeeping magazine’s 50 over 50. She earned an M.F.A. from UCLA in screenwriting and a B.S. in TV/film from Syracuse University. She is a member of the Producers Guild, Writer’s Guild and NYWIFT.
Now in its 13th year, the LA Femme International Film Festival is a premiere festival that focuses on women filmmakers who create commercial films for a worldwide audience. The festival offers a unique opportunity for women filmmakers who seek a more creative approach to filmmaking as well as domestic and international film distribution. Among the festivals sponsors are CBS and Sony Diversity, WGA Women’s Committee, SAG Diversity and Columbia College.
The Other F Word will screen on Saturday, October 21, at 1 PM at the Regal Cinema Complex at LA Live in downtown Los Angeles, 1000 West Olympic Blvd. Tickets are available at the box office or by visiting the festival’s website www.lafemme.org/festival.
A Soap Fan's Dream - New Series Tainted Dreams Streaming on Amazon Tells the Story Behind the Scenes of a Soap Opera in New York City: Cast Includes Iconic Daytime Talent from All Networks and Reality Stars
NEW YORK CITY, January 2017 – Tainted Dreams, the Emmy-nominated web series about the "behind the scenes" drama of the fictitious soap Painted Dreams found a new home on Amazon as of December 26, 2016. Tainted Dreams (#TaintedDreams) will be available free, even for non-subscribers (without ads for prime members and with ads for non-prime subscribers). Tainted Dreams is produced by NYC Brand Productions which includes the critically acclaimed film Equity’s Executive Producer, Candy Straight. Visit www.tainteddreams.com for more info. View the Sneak Peak Trailer here: https://www.facebook.com/tainteddreamstheseries/
Tainted Dreams follows the often funny, often painful, twists and turns in the lives of fictional soap actors on and off-screen. Creator and Executive Producer, Sonia Blangiardo calls it "a soap within a soap...it's like Grey's Anatomy set in a soap production studio instead of a hospital." Blangiardo has served as a producer/director on five iconic soaps, including All My Children, One Life to Live, As the World Turns, General Hospital, and currently Days of Our Lives so she has lived more than 25 years of soapy dramedy both onscreen and off and knows her subject when it comes to Tainted Dreams.
Tainted Dreams is filled with huge daytime talent, including Alicia Minshew (Angelica), Michael Lowry (Jordan), Austin Peck (Max), Terri Ivens (Kassandra), Walt Willey (Gregory), Kelley Menighan Hensley (Veronica), Grant Aleksander (Adam), Bobbie Eakes (Courtney), Natalia Livingston (Liza), Marnie Schulenburg (Peyton), Nathan Purdee (Ethan), Colleen Zenk (Sofia), James DePaiva (Eddy) and the late Larkin Malloy (Henry). It also taps into the Reality TV world with stars Jessie Godderz (Dylan) of Impact Wrestling and Big Brother fame and Dina Manzo (Alessandra) of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, as well as a very talented Off-Broadway supporting cast, including Anthony Wilkinson (Anthony) of the My Big Gay Italian franchise. Renowned Soap Opera Digest columnist Carolyn Hinsey portrays herself and well known mainstream news anchor Ron Corning of ABC, Daybreak makes a cameo appearance (Jake). Lindsay Harrison is the writer.
Over the next few weeks, new and exclusive special teasers and behind-the-scenes footage will be available each week on the Tainted Dreams website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. Visit: www.tainteddreams.com
(@TaintedDreamsTheSeries) and follow us on Twitter (@TaintedDreamsTS) & Instagram (@Tainted_Dreams_The_Series).
Silverstein Eye of Chester Extends Pet Supplies Drive for Eleventh Hour Rescue
January 2016, Chester, NJ - Silverstein Eye of Chester is extending their collection for theEleventh Hour Rescue Animal Shelter until February 2nd. Eleventh Hour Rescue is an organization in that literally saves dogs and cats from death row. They are a volunteer-based, non-profit, 501c3 organization. They shelter dogs and cats and also offer them for foster and adoption.
Dr. Niki Silverstein states, “This is a wonderful, local organization and they need our help. I want to thank everyone in advance for considering to donate.”
This year Eleventh Hour Rescue is particularly in need of dog food. Stacey Cudnik, EHR Director states, “Even one can of food makes a difference.” They are requesting the following brands of dog food: Merrick, Costco Brand, Blue Buffalo, Honest Kitchen, Organix and Nutrish Grain Free. Dog treats of any kind and brand are welcome. They would also like toys, like busy bones, kongs and squeaky toys.
Ms Cudnik adds, “EHR volunteers appreciate donations because it allows us to make a difference everyday in neglected, abandoned and abused animals lives. Our volunteers will go to the end of the earth to save the dogs and cats that have no chance at life. We help the animals forgotten in basements and left out in the cold to fend for themselves. We give them a new name and a new life, but we need your help.”
A collection box will be placed in the office of Silverstein Eye at 408 Main Street in Chester, NJ. The entrance to the office is in the back of the building. The office is generally open from 9-5 daily but you can call for hours as drop-offs during office hours are preferred. However, if the office is closed please leave the donations in the bin left outside the back entrance. The collection boxes will be available until January 9, so consider donating any excess gifts you may have received during the holidays.
Monetary donations are also welcome. Gift cards to pet supply stores or checks/cash can be given to any employee at Dr. Silverstein’s office in person (we do not suggest leaving any gift cards/checks outside), or you can make a donation on the Eleventh Hour website at www.ehrdogs.org. The mailing address for EHR is P.O Box 218, Rockaway, NJ 07866. For questions on EHR call 973-684-0865.
Silverstein Eye is a full-service ophthalmology practice. Niki Silverstein, M.D., is a board-certified ophthalmologist with over 25 years of experience diagnosing, treating and performing surgery for medical conditions and diseases of the eye. This drive is part of Dr. Niki’s “Vision to Lead” program. For more information visit www.SilversteinEye.com, on Facebook at Silverstein Eye. For information on ophthalmology services or this pet goods collection call 908-879-7297.
Attorney Ronald LeVine to Give Free Seminar on Bankruptcy, Foreclosures & Loan Modifications
January 2015 - Are you in debt or struggling with finances? Did you know that NJ has one of the highest foreclosure rates in the nation? Attorney Ronald I. Le Vine, 210 River Street, Hackensack, New Jersey is holding a free, no-obligation seminar entitled “Bankruptcy: What you Need to Know” on Wednesday, January 28th, 2015 at 7:30 pm at the Hasbrouck Heights Holiday Inn, 283 Route 17 South.
At this informative seminar, Mr. Le Vine will speak about bankruptcy and loan modifications. He will also speak about what happens when a person is in debt. He will cover the topic of bankruptcy. Bankruptcy offers debt relief by eliminating credit card, medical bills and most other debts. He will also speak about issues with mortgages and foreclosures. Some foreclosures can be defeated by removing second mortgages and reducing first mortgages. At this seminar you will learn your rights on bankruptcy as well as loan modifications.
Ronald I. Le Vine has been helping consumers for over 25 years and has been providing these free, no-obligation seminars to North Jersey consumers for two decades. Mr. Le Vine is currently the Chair, Consumer Protection Law Committee of the NJ State Bar Association. He is also an instructor on consumer rights for the New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education, part of the NJ State Bar Association. Please call the office at 201-489-7900 for a reservation and free brochure. Walk-ins will be taken as well at the seminar. Visit www.FormerJudge.com for more info.
"VIP Soap Opera Party" and Advanced Screening of Martha Byrne's New Series, Weight
To Be Held in NYC October 2014: Tickets Now Available
September 2014 - NYC - Are you a soap opera fan? Tickets are now available for a VIP Soap Party and Advanced Screening of Weight to be held on October 8, 2014 at 7:00 pm at the Copia Restaurant, 307 East 53rd Street in New York City. Weight is a new comedy series created and executive produced by Writers Guild Award Nominee Daryn Strauss and starring two-time Emmy Winner Martha Byrne.
As of press date, the list of celebrities attending the VIP Soap Party includes Martha Byrne (As The World Turns, NBC's Crisis, Gotham the Series). Colleen Zenk (As The World Turns, Tainted Dreams, Woman on the Ledge Movie), Anne Sayre (Another World, As the World Turns, Gotham the Series), Michael Park (As The World Turns, House of Cards, Gotham the Series, Broadway), Terri Conn (As The World Turns, One Life to Live, Breaker High), cast members from web soap Tainted Dreams, and Danielle Paige (Guiding Light writer, author of New York Times Bestseller Dorothy Must Die.) Also slated to appear are Grant Aleksander (All My Children), Austin Peck (Days of Our Lives), Elizabeth Hubbard (ATWT) , Michael O'Leary (Guiding Light, The Bay) and Comedienne Maysoon Zayid.
Basic tickets to the party are $50 each, which includes an exclusive advanced screening of Weight's not yet released pilot and the opportunity to mingle, talk, and take pictures with your favorite soap stars. Guests will also get a special sneak preview of Martha's latest movie, Preying for Mercy, directed by Bill Duke, plus a short Q & A with star and creator. A limited number VIP tickets are $75 each, which includes access to VIP area. Tickets can be purchased on the website at http://www.weighttheseries.com/how-to-contribute.html at the bottom of the page. All proceeds raised go towards Weight production.
Weight is a new comedy series from the mind of Writers Guild Award Nominee Daryn Strauss, which stars Martha Byrne as Claire, a middle class mom, who returns home from a reality weight loss competition 100 pounds lighter only to find she's gained some extra baggage due to the complicated reactions of her dysfunctional family and friends. This smart comedy, in the vein of the movie Little Miss Sunshine, combines America's obsession with weight loss and reality television for a look at how weight can bring together and also divide people.
Weight also stars Allison Smith (The West Wing, Broadway's' Annie, Kate and Allie) as Claire's sister, Bradley White (Mad About You, Bad Parents, Masters of Sex) as Claire's husband, Dee Freeman (Pretty The Series, The Hughleys), Maitely Weismann (Masters of Sex, Nickelodeon's Sam & Cat) and Trent Dawson (As The World Turns, Homeland). Claire's daughters are played by Peyton Ella (NBC's The Sound of Music Live!) and Kate West (daughter of General Hospital's Maura West). It is directed by veteran primetime network television director Frederick King Keller (Crisis, 24, CSI Miami, Blue Bloods).
Real Housewife Of New Jersey Teresa Giudice to Conduct Book Signing
at Gina Avino's Artistic Design Studio
June 2013 - Ramsey, NJ - Real Housewife of New Jersey Teresa Giudice will conduct a book signing and sampling of her new sparkling wine at Gina Avino's Artistic Design Studio, 103 East Main Street in Ramsey on June 17th from 7-9pm. Copies of her latest cookbook, Fabulicious! On The Grill will be available for purchase and can be signed by Teresa. Light refreshments will be served and there will be an opportunity to sample Teresa's new sparkling wine, Fabellini.
Fabulicious! One the Grill is Teresa's fourth cookbook. Teresa is featured on the Real Housewives of NJ, which started its new season on June 1st. Gina Avino is an interior designer with over 25 years experience. Her store features handpainted furniture, floral designs, window dressings and fine decorative accessories. The event is open to the public. For more information contact Gina Avino at 201-825-2232 or www.ginaavinodesign.com.
at Gina Avino's Artistic Design Studio
June 2013 - Ramsey, NJ - Real Housewife of New Jersey Teresa Giudice will conduct a book signing and sampling of her new sparkling wine at Gina Avino's Artistic Design Studio, 103 East Main Street in Ramsey on June 17th from 7-9pm. Copies of her latest cookbook, Fabulicious! On The Grill will be available for purchase and can be signed by Teresa. Light refreshments will be served and there will be an opportunity to sample Teresa's new sparkling wine, Fabellini.
Fabulicious! One the Grill is Teresa's fourth cookbook. Teresa is featured on the Real Housewives of NJ, which started its new season on June 1st. Gina Avino is an interior designer with over 25 years experience. Her store features handpainted furniture, floral designs, window dressings and fine decorative accessories. The event is open to the public. For more information contact Gina Avino at 201-825-2232 or www.ginaavinodesign.com.
Ridgewood Meets Hollywood: NJ-Based Movie/Comedy about Soccer Moms:
Red Carpet Features Local Stars
Ridgewood, NJ, January 2013 - I'm That Parent! Ridgewood Filmmaker Caytha Jentis's film, Bad Parents, is a satirical comedy inspired by her own experiences in North Jersey about the over-zealous parents on an under 8 girls club soccer team. It takes a poke at the world of over-obsessed parents in soccer, though the theme is so universal that any parent of a child athlete may realize "I'm That Parent!" Bad Parents has been premiering throughout the country and is coming home to the Ridgewood Clearview Warner Quad, 190 East Ridgewood Avenue in Ridgewood, NJ for (4) 7:30 pm showings on January 23rd, 24th, 30th and 31st. An edited version children will enjoy will be shown on January 24th at 5pm. A Special Red Carpet Event will be held on Opening Night only, January 23rd, at 6:30pm in the lobby. Scheduled to appear are: Reiko Aylesworth from Bad Parents (also Hawaii 5-0, 24), Emmy Winning Actress/Producer Martha Byrne, Jaqueline Madden (of VH1) and other special guests.
Tickets are $12 each for the 7pm showings. Prices are $8.00 for children and $10 for adults for the children's screening. The public is invited to the free Red Carpet Event on opening night, but a ticket will be needed to see the movie. Sponsoring the Red Carpet for Opening Night is Moxie Salon, 57 East Ridgewood Avenue in Ridgewood. Tickets can be purchased with cash at the theater box office from now until the the showings. You can also visit www.BrownPaperBag.com for tickets. Fore more information visit www.Badparentsmovie.com, visit Bad Parents on Facebook or contact info@foxmeadowfilms. After each evening screening in Ridgewood ticket holders are invited to Park West Tavern, 30 Oak Street in Ridgewood for a meet and greet with discounts on beverages.
In addition to a well-known cast, the film was shot entirely in North Jersey and features actors and soccer players from area. Lauren Sudol, age 7 of Ridgewood, stars as the daughter. The movie also features many local soccer players from Bergen and Passaic Counties. Residents of North Jersey will recognize many of the locations in the film.
The movie features a well-known cast. Janeane Garofalo (Truth About Cats & Dogs, SNL) stars as the the suburban every-mom who signs her seven-year-old daughter up for club soccer. Christopher Titus (Titus, Comedy Central) plays Coach Nick, who helms this young ‘dream team’ and is worshiped by all. Cheri Oteri (SNL), plays the perky, former cheerleader, know-it-all mom. Her fr-enemy “mean mom” Allison is played by Rebecca Budig (All My Children). Michael Boatman (Spin City, Arliss) plays Gary the Assistant Coach, a perpetual outsider longing for his moment of acceptance from everyone including his ever-disapproving wife, Tracy, played by Kristen Johnston (Bride Wars, 3rd Rock From the Sun) Reiko Ayleworth (24, Hawaii 5-0) plays Laurie the social climbing divorcee. Bill Sage (American Psycho, Boardwalk Empire) plays Dan, the college scholarship obsessed husband. Ben Bailey (Cash Cab) plays soccer parent Graham. Real Housewives of NJ Jacqueline Laurita also makes a cameo appearance in the movie.
Writer/Director/Producer Caytha Jentis, with insider authenticity and specificity, shares the absurd yet very real world of the dark side of yourth sports with humor and heart. “Bad Parents,” based on Jentis’ award-winning play “It’s All About the Kids” is the fourth produced feature film written by Caytha Jentis and her second outing as director. Her directorial debut, “The One” (2011), a romantic comedy starring Jon Prescott, enjoyed sold-out screenings at Cinefest, Frameline, Ridgewood, and Qfest and was released theatrically and on DVD/VOD through TLA Releasing. Jentis’ first produced screenplay “And Then Came Love” (2007) starred Vanessa Williams, Eartha Kitt, Michael Boatman, Stephen Spinella and Ben Vereen. Jentis also executive produced and produced the film, which - after following the festival circuit - opened theatrically and was licensed to Warner Premier Video for
DVD/VOD. It continues to enjoy great success airing extensively worldwide on premium cable networks. “Exposed”(2009), a psychological thriller written by Jentis was produced by Media at Large and recently won "Best Suspense Feature Film" at the New York Independent Film & Video Festival in both New York and Los Angeles. The short film, "The Dream House", written and produced by Jentis is currently out to festivals. Jentis is President of Fox Meadow Films.
Jentis is a Ridgewood resident as is much of her crew and team, which includes Ridgewood Resident and Producer Dorothy Fucito, Line Producer Aimee Denaro, Anthony Savini , Director of Photography and Verne Mattson, Editor.
The movie will also be shown in Clifton on January 28th, Kinnelon on January 31st and Levittown, NY on February 21st. A dedicated movie screening is also available as a fundraiser to soccer organizations and teams. Please contact Caytha Jentis at caytha@foxmeadowfilms.com or visit the website for more info. The movie is scheduled to be available on DVD later in 2013.
Red Carpet Features Local Stars
Ridgewood, NJ, January 2013 - I'm That Parent! Ridgewood Filmmaker Caytha Jentis's film, Bad Parents, is a satirical comedy inspired by her own experiences in North Jersey about the over-zealous parents on an under 8 girls club soccer team. It takes a poke at the world of over-obsessed parents in soccer, though the theme is so universal that any parent of a child athlete may realize "I'm That Parent!" Bad Parents has been premiering throughout the country and is coming home to the Ridgewood Clearview Warner Quad, 190 East Ridgewood Avenue in Ridgewood, NJ for (4) 7:30 pm showings on January 23rd, 24th, 30th and 31st. An edited version children will enjoy will be shown on January 24th at 5pm. A Special Red Carpet Event will be held on Opening Night only, January 23rd, at 6:30pm in the lobby. Scheduled to appear are: Reiko Aylesworth from Bad Parents (also Hawaii 5-0, 24), Emmy Winning Actress/Producer Martha Byrne, Jaqueline Madden (of VH1) and other special guests.
Tickets are $12 each for the 7pm showings. Prices are $8.00 for children and $10 for adults for the children's screening. The public is invited to the free Red Carpet Event on opening night, but a ticket will be needed to see the movie. Sponsoring the Red Carpet for Opening Night is Moxie Salon, 57 East Ridgewood Avenue in Ridgewood. Tickets can be purchased with cash at the theater box office from now until the the showings. You can also visit www.BrownPaperBag.com for tickets. Fore more information visit www.Badparentsmovie.com, visit Bad Parents on Facebook or contact info@foxmeadowfilms. After each evening screening in Ridgewood ticket holders are invited to Park West Tavern, 30 Oak Street in Ridgewood for a meet and greet with discounts on beverages.
In addition to a well-known cast, the film was shot entirely in North Jersey and features actors and soccer players from area. Lauren Sudol, age 7 of Ridgewood, stars as the daughter. The movie also features many local soccer players from Bergen and Passaic Counties. Residents of North Jersey will recognize many of the locations in the film.
The movie features a well-known cast. Janeane Garofalo (Truth About Cats & Dogs, SNL) stars as the the suburban every-mom who signs her seven-year-old daughter up for club soccer. Christopher Titus (Titus, Comedy Central) plays Coach Nick, who helms this young ‘dream team’ and is worshiped by all. Cheri Oteri (SNL), plays the perky, former cheerleader, know-it-all mom. Her fr-enemy “mean mom” Allison is played by Rebecca Budig (All My Children). Michael Boatman (Spin City, Arliss) plays Gary the Assistant Coach, a perpetual outsider longing for his moment of acceptance from everyone including his ever-disapproving wife, Tracy, played by Kristen Johnston (Bride Wars, 3rd Rock From the Sun) Reiko Ayleworth (24, Hawaii 5-0) plays Laurie the social climbing divorcee. Bill Sage (American Psycho, Boardwalk Empire) plays Dan, the college scholarship obsessed husband. Ben Bailey (Cash Cab) plays soccer parent Graham. Real Housewives of NJ Jacqueline Laurita also makes a cameo appearance in the movie.
Writer/Director/Producer Caytha Jentis, with insider authenticity and specificity, shares the absurd yet very real world of the dark side of yourth sports with humor and heart. “Bad Parents,” based on Jentis’ award-winning play “It’s All About the Kids” is the fourth produced feature film written by Caytha Jentis and her second outing as director. Her directorial debut, “The One” (2011), a romantic comedy starring Jon Prescott, enjoyed sold-out screenings at Cinefest, Frameline, Ridgewood, and Qfest and was released theatrically and on DVD/VOD through TLA Releasing. Jentis’ first produced screenplay “And Then Came Love” (2007) starred Vanessa Williams, Eartha Kitt, Michael Boatman, Stephen Spinella and Ben Vereen. Jentis also executive produced and produced the film, which - after following the festival circuit - opened theatrically and was licensed to Warner Premier Video for
DVD/VOD. It continues to enjoy great success airing extensively worldwide on premium cable networks. “Exposed”(2009), a psychological thriller written by Jentis was produced by Media at Large and recently won "Best Suspense Feature Film" at the New York Independent Film & Video Festival in both New York and Los Angeles. The short film, "The Dream House", written and produced by Jentis is currently out to festivals. Jentis is President of Fox Meadow Films.
Jentis is a Ridgewood resident as is much of her crew and team, which includes Ridgewood Resident and Producer Dorothy Fucito, Line Producer Aimee Denaro, Anthony Savini , Director of Photography and Verne Mattson, Editor.
The movie will also be shown in Clifton on January 28th, Kinnelon on January 31st and Levittown, NY on February 21st. A dedicated movie screening is also available as a fundraiser to soccer organizations and teams. Please contact Caytha Jentis at caytha@foxmeadowfilms.com or visit the website for more info. The movie is scheduled to be available on DVD later in 2013.
GOT TALENT? Search Begins - ShowBiz Bootcamp Seeks Talented Actors and Singers
for Full Scholarship to Acclaimed Program
January 2013 - Paramus, NJ - Are you an aspiring actor, actress, singer or songwriter or know someone that is? Bergen County native and Emmy Award Winning Actress Martha Byrne, known for her long-standing role on As The World Turns, is seeking young talent for her talent training and management business in Paramus, NJ. The program, ShowBiz Bootcamp, is a 6- week program taught by herself and award-winning industry professionals, that provides young talent with the foundation and expertise they need to seek out a career in entertainment.
Auditions for the Spring Semester are now being scheduled. Prospective students can call for a private audition or audition in February 2013. Full Circle Talent is seeking young male and female performers between the ages of 10 and 25 who are interested in a career in show business as well as gaining education in the fields of singing, songwriting, acting and other aspects of the entertainment business. Auditions are typically held on Saturdays starting at 3pm. All prospects are asked to bring a photo (need not be professional). All will be asked to perform for approximately 3 minutes. Actors are expected to perform a one minute monologue. Singers will be asked to perform and songwriters can perform or bring a recording of their work. A piano will be available if necessary. When available, auditions can be arranged for other dates and video submissions are accepted. Please pre-register at www.showbizbootcamp.com or call 201-483-8262. Full Circle Talent Group is located at 26 Park Place in Paramus, NJ, 201-483-8262.
ShowBiz Bootcamp is a unique program which consists of clinics and workshops on acting, singing, songwriting, music/video production, resume development and other courses geared to getting started in the entertainment business. With the completion of Showbiz Bootcamp, qualified students will be invited to meet with agents, music producers and casting directors. In addition, The Vine Records and Full Circle Talent Group will be recruiting artists/actors for potential record, publishing and talent contracts. Master classes and other training are also available in addition to the bootcamp.
ShowBiz Bootcamp is a program of Martha Byrne and Mario Costabile’s Full Circle Talent Group, LLC. In addition to being a TV, movie and Broadway actress, Ms. Byrne is also a director and singer and producer of the webseries, www.gothamtheseries. She also has an up and coming TV project in the works. Her partner Mario Costabile is an experienced producer/director and owner of The Vine Records and Publishing Company (Universal Music) and Visual Energy Entertainment, an audio/video production company.
The staff also includes Michael Park, who recently won for the second year in a row the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor for his role on As The World Turns and who currently stars on Broadway in "How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying"; John McCracken, A&R at EMI, music producer; Lisa Brown, Emmy-nominee, TV/music/video director, Alison Rinzel, talent manager and independent casting agent, Peter Bliss, platinum-selling songwriter/producer/performer and staff member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame; Buddy Nielsen, Lead Singer of Senses Fail (Vagrant Records); Freddy Shehadi, songwriter, music writer for NBC, writer/producer for Def Jam recording artist, Burnham; Jennifer Marks, award-winning singer/songwriter, and Deborah Zuke Smith, vocal coach/Brett Manning Certified.
NJ Author A.J. Colucci Debuts "The Colony", Book Signing at Barnes and Noble
November 2012 - Mahwah, NJ - A series of gruesome attacks have been sweeping New York City—three men are found dead, their bodies nearly dissolved from the inside out. The culprit is a supercolony of ants; an army of one trillion soldiers with razor sharp claws and stinging venom. So begins A.J. Colucci’s debut novel, The Colony (St. Martin’s Press), available November 13th nationwide in bookstores and online booksellers. It is also available prior to that date for pre-order on online bookstores everywhere.
A resident of Mahwah, Colucci will be signing books at Barnes & Noble, 765 Route 17 South in Paramus, NJ on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 from 7-8 p.m. Books purchased at the store will be signed and all visitors will have a chance to meet the author. There will be short discussion, contests and giveaways.
“I don't remember a time when I wasn't writing,” comments Colucci, who recalls writing fiction since childhood. “Growing up in the suburbs of New York, I had an overactive imagination and far more spare time than kids have today. I spent a lot of weekends at the library and penciled my first book at the age of seven.”
Nature was another passion for the author, who can remember hiking through the woods, searching for frogs and salamanders. According to Colucci, it was her combined interest in fiction writing and nature that attracted her to science thrillers, a genre popularized by the late Michael Crichton. "The Colony explores the chilling side of some of earth's most fearsome creatures; killer ants. It combines real science and technology with a riveting story and compelling characters.”
Advanced copies of The Colony have received excellent reviews. Publisher's Weekly gave the book a starred review, noting, “Colucci's exciting thriller debut.... balances scares and science nicely. Michael Crichton fans will hope that this is but the first of many such outings from the author's pen." New York Times best-selling author James Rollins states, "Few debuts cut to the quick as effectively as A. J. Colucci's The Colony. Razor-sharp writing, scientific intrigue and political brinkmanship create a story as plausible as it is frightening."
A. J. Colucci resides in Bergen County with her husband and two children. A former newspaper reporter, magazine editor and corporate writer, she is now busy at work on her second novel. A portion of the proceeds of her sales will go to support local environmental organizations. For more information visit her website at www.ajcolucci.com, on Facebook at A.J. Colucci and @ajcolucci on Twitter. The author is also available to speak to local organizations. For information contact Suzanne Curry, publicist at 201-264-7349.
For archived selected press releases prior to 2012 please contact Write Ideas.
for Full Scholarship to Acclaimed Program
January 2013 - Paramus, NJ - Are you an aspiring actor, actress, singer or songwriter or know someone that is? Bergen County native and Emmy Award Winning Actress Martha Byrne, known for her long-standing role on As The World Turns, is seeking young talent for her talent training and management business in Paramus, NJ. The program, ShowBiz Bootcamp, is a 6- week program taught by herself and award-winning industry professionals, that provides young talent with the foundation and expertise they need to seek out a career in entertainment.
Auditions for the Spring Semester are now being scheduled. Prospective students can call for a private audition or audition in February 2013. Full Circle Talent is seeking young male and female performers between the ages of 10 and 25 who are interested in a career in show business as well as gaining education in the fields of singing, songwriting, acting and other aspects of the entertainment business. Auditions are typically held on Saturdays starting at 3pm. All prospects are asked to bring a photo (need not be professional). All will be asked to perform for approximately 3 minutes. Actors are expected to perform a one minute monologue. Singers will be asked to perform and songwriters can perform or bring a recording of their work. A piano will be available if necessary. When available, auditions can be arranged for other dates and video submissions are accepted. Please pre-register at www.showbizbootcamp.com or call 201-483-8262. Full Circle Talent Group is located at 26 Park Place in Paramus, NJ, 201-483-8262.
ShowBiz Bootcamp is a unique program which consists of clinics and workshops on acting, singing, songwriting, music/video production, resume development and other courses geared to getting started in the entertainment business. With the completion of Showbiz Bootcamp, qualified students will be invited to meet with agents, music producers and casting directors. In addition, The Vine Records and Full Circle Talent Group will be recruiting artists/actors for potential record, publishing and talent contracts. Master classes and other training are also available in addition to the bootcamp.
ShowBiz Bootcamp is a program of Martha Byrne and Mario Costabile’s Full Circle Talent Group, LLC. In addition to being a TV, movie and Broadway actress, Ms. Byrne is also a director and singer and producer of the webseries, www.gothamtheseries. She also has an up and coming TV project in the works. Her partner Mario Costabile is an experienced producer/director and owner of The Vine Records and Publishing Company (Universal Music) and Visual Energy Entertainment, an audio/video production company.
The staff also includes Michael Park, who recently won for the second year in a row the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor for his role on As The World Turns and who currently stars on Broadway in "How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying"; John McCracken, A&R at EMI, music producer; Lisa Brown, Emmy-nominee, TV/music/video director, Alison Rinzel, talent manager and independent casting agent, Peter Bliss, platinum-selling songwriter/producer/performer and staff member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame; Buddy Nielsen, Lead Singer of Senses Fail (Vagrant Records); Freddy Shehadi, songwriter, music writer for NBC, writer/producer for Def Jam recording artist, Burnham; Jennifer Marks, award-winning singer/songwriter, and Deborah Zuke Smith, vocal coach/Brett Manning Certified.
NJ Author A.J. Colucci Debuts "The Colony", Book Signing at Barnes and Noble
November 2012 - Mahwah, NJ - A series of gruesome attacks have been sweeping New York City—three men are found dead, their bodies nearly dissolved from the inside out. The culprit is a supercolony of ants; an army of one trillion soldiers with razor sharp claws and stinging venom. So begins A.J. Colucci’s debut novel, The Colony (St. Martin’s Press), available November 13th nationwide in bookstores and online booksellers. It is also available prior to that date for pre-order on online bookstores everywhere.
A resident of Mahwah, Colucci will be signing books at Barnes & Noble, 765 Route 17 South in Paramus, NJ on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 from 7-8 p.m. Books purchased at the store will be signed and all visitors will have a chance to meet the author. There will be short discussion, contests and giveaways.
“I don't remember a time when I wasn't writing,” comments Colucci, who recalls writing fiction since childhood. “Growing up in the suburbs of New York, I had an overactive imagination and far more spare time than kids have today. I spent a lot of weekends at the library and penciled my first book at the age of seven.”
Nature was another passion for the author, who can remember hiking through the woods, searching for frogs and salamanders. According to Colucci, it was her combined interest in fiction writing and nature that attracted her to science thrillers, a genre popularized by the late Michael Crichton. "The Colony explores the chilling side of some of earth's most fearsome creatures; killer ants. It combines real science and technology with a riveting story and compelling characters.”
Advanced copies of The Colony have received excellent reviews. Publisher's Weekly gave the book a starred review, noting, “Colucci's exciting thriller debut.... balances scares and science nicely. Michael Crichton fans will hope that this is but the first of many such outings from the author's pen." New York Times best-selling author James Rollins states, "Few debuts cut to the quick as effectively as A. J. Colucci's The Colony. Razor-sharp writing, scientific intrigue and political brinkmanship create a story as plausible as it is frightening."
A. J. Colucci resides in Bergen County with her husband and two children. A former newspaper reporter, magazine editor and corporate writer, she is now busy at work on her second novel. A portion of the proceeds of her sales will go to support local environmental organizations. For more information visit her website at www.ajcolucci.com, on Facebook at A.J. Colucci and @ajcolucci on Twitter. The author is also available to speak to local organizations. For information contact Suzanne Curry, publicist at 201-264-7349.
For archived selected press releases prior to 2012 please contact Write Ideas.