Brown Girl Gumbo

New Musical ‘Interstellar Cinderella’ Soars in Off-Broadway Production

November 21, 2017

Think you know the story of Cinderella? Think again.

New York City Children’s Theater’s latest production, “Interstellar Cinderella,” based on a book of the same title by Deborah Underwood, puts a fresh, new twist on the classic Disney tale.

Set in 3017, “Interstellar Cinderella” takes theatergoers on a far-out ride into the future where Cinderella is a beautiful, self-assured science and tech-savvy space engineer in the making. Like the original, Cinderella still wants to escape the wrath of her evil stepsisters and hateful stepmother, but this time around, it’s not a Prince Charming she’s after—it’s independence and an opportunity to make her dreams come true.

Photo by Carol Rosegg

Good with her hands, Cinderella, portrayed by Meadow Tien Nguy, has a knack for fixing things and coming up with out-of-this-world inventions—namely, a warp-speed rocket engine. After learning of a space parade hosted by the prince, she knows that it’s an opportunity she can’t miss—and thanks to a two-headed fairy godmother she doesn’t.

While at the ball, her ability to fix the prince’s rocket ship catches his eye and the quintessential fairy tale unfolds.

Directed by Marty Johnson, “Interstellar Cinderella,” emphasizes girl power throughout the STEM-centric production, which is refreshing and inspiring for young audiences, especially young girls. Plus, with music by Laurie Berkner, the famed children’s composer and former preschool teacher—the 50-minute musical is spellbinding and keeps everyone grooving along in their seats. “This is the best thing I’ve worked on today,” says Berkner of her participation in the production. “

My kids with the cast of “Interstellar Cinderella,” at the Beckett Theatre at Theatre Row in New York City, Nov. 18, 2017.

Also, all of the characters bring something unique to the performance and showcases the actors’ remarkable talents.

If you’re looking for a funny, modern show that’s entertaining from start to finish, don’t miss out! Get your tickets for “Interstellar Cinderella” at the Beckett Theatre today.

What’s your all-time favorite fairy tale?

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The Trusted Remedy When Mom’s TLC Doesn’t Work

November 17, 2017

First it’s a sneeze, then a cough and finally once you get out the thermometer, you realize your little one is coming down with a cold—or even worse, the flu.

As a mom, especially the first time around, seeing your baby sick is the worst. You feel helpless because you’re unable to magically make them feel better. Our kisses and hugs are comforting, but unfortunately they aren’t the antidote to making them well. Thankfully, there are plenty of over-the-counter medicine to help us moms out.

Little Remedies® is a brand that I’ve sworn by since my daughter experienced her first bout with congestion. Founded by a father and a pharmacist, I trust that their products will provide gentle, yet effective relief for my children.

Their all-natural Stuffy Nose Kit was a godsend when she could barely breathe out her cute, button nose. The saline drops were easy to administer and the aspirator was simple and didn’t seem to cause her any discomfort. Plus, I didn’t have to worry about any harmful side effects due to its non-medicated formula.

Little Remedies Stuffy Nose Kit available here, $5.50

Since then, I’ve used Little Remedies® throughout the years on both of my kids. From stuffy noses to gassy tummies to mild fevers, the all-natural brand has been my go-to for those not-so-good days.

My son at the doctor’s office earlier this year after suffering from an ear infection.

In addition to their line of medicines, the company has recently released A Little More Wisdom, a parenting resource for caring for your baby’s health and wellness from day one. The book is a easy-to-read, comprehensive guide that outlines and simplifies commons questions that all moms have like “How can I soothe my baby?” “What are some tips for that first airplane ride?” and of course, “How can I get my baby to sleep through the night?”

As a mom of two, I still get nervous and a bit out of sorts when one of my kids gets sick. Luckily, I know there are brands like Little Remedies® that will help ease my fears and get them back up and running in no time.

What’s some of your little remedies for when your child gets sick?

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‘SpongeBob Squarepants’ Musical Makes a Broadway Splash

November 17, 2017

Oh! Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?

If you don’t know the next line to that catchy ditty, then maybe it’s YOU who’s been living in a pineapple under the sea! For those in the know, it’s of course “SpongeBob Squarepants.”

In case you didn’t get the memo, the world’s most famous sponge is making a big splash on Broadway right in time for the holidays. “SpongeBob Squarepants: The Broadway Musical” is currently in previews at the Palace Theatre, and my kids and I had the pleasure of seeing it last week.

The beloved, quirky character who’s been a mainstay on Nickelodeon for nearly two decades, comes to life on the Great White Way with the zeal and enthusiasm that only SpongeBob can bring. Ethan Slater, who stars as SpongeBob, excels as the upbeat, yet trouble-prone sponge.

The plot revolves around an imminent catastrophe that SpongeBob and his Bikini Bottom friends including Patrick, Patrick, Squidward, Mr. Krabs, Pearl Krabs and of course Sandy, the smart and science-savvy squirrel must find a way to avoid.

Jam-packed with cool costumes, the show, set in the underwater world of Bikini Bottom is as colorful as the cartoon that made the yellow sponge popular in the late 1990s and early aughts. The production is also topnotch with eye-catching set designs accompanied by a band outfitted in Hawaiian shirts—giving a tropical vibe that the animated series exudes.

The show’s opening number set the tone for a dynamic afternoon of unforgettable original songs (earworm worthy) written by legendary artists like John Legend and Yolanda Adams. The talented ensemble didn’t miss a beat and brought the house down with every note.

Speaking of the cast, seeing the human versions of the popular animated cartoon crew was delightful. The performers masterfully embodied the quirks, twangs and mannerisms of their animated versions.

While the show is aimed at kids, adults will find striking similarities to social issues facing the country today that are cleverly woven into the musical. Without giving too much away, there’s a theme of prejudice against certain creatures that sound unfortunately familiar in today’s political climate. But like the citizens of Bikini Bottom, hopefully the world will see that there’s power in optimism!

If you’re looking for a fun, high-energy introductory Broadway show for kids, look no further than the sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea!

Get your tickets today!

**Disclosure: I was given comp tickets to the show from Nickelodeon for review purposes only. All opinions are my own.

Are you looking forward to seeing “SpongeBob Squarepants: The Broadway Musical?” What’s your favorite musical?

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Make Holiday Desserts Pop with Popcornopolis

November 13, 2017

This holiday season, ditch typical desserts like fruitcakes and pies and swap them with treats that are sure to pop. Popcornopolis’ gourmet popcorn options are the perfect hassle-free sweets that will satisfy guests while leaving you with more time to mingle.

Popcornopolis Zebra is available at a variety of west coast retailers including: Safeway, Bristol Farm’s, Von’s and is also nationwide at Publix and Walmart.

The brand’s new Zebra line is comprised of crunchy, chocolatey kernels of goodness that are also guilt-free. With no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, surprisingly this gluten-free snack doesn’t compromise taste. Developed by the company’s Cordon Bleu-trained chef, each of the five new flavors (Chocolate Stripe, Chocolate Peanut Butter, White Chocolate Macadamia, Chocolate Candy Cane and White Chocolate Pumpkin Spice) are coated in delectable caramel and drizzled in chocolate, creating a combo that confectionery popcorn lovers crave.

From peanut butter to pumpkin spice, the new lineup has something for everyone on your holiday dinner guest list. As a dark chocolate and peppermint fan, the Chocolate Candy Cane is my favorite of the bunch. Its irresistible richness is complemented by the refreshing minty flavor, making a party in my mouth with every bite.

Chocolate Candy Cane

If you’re looking for a wholesome, tasty and convenient dessert to serve at your holiday shindig, look no further than Popcornopolis. Pop open a bag and pour into decorative bowls for a festive cornucopia of delicious popcorn. If your guests don’t devour every kernel (we highly doubt that will be the case), don’t fret, the convenient re-sealable bag makes storing simple and easy.

Go ahead, give yourself the gift of time by serving a sweet snack this holiday season that doesn’t require any prep!

Which flavor from the new line are you the most excited to try? **GIVEAWAY**One lucky reader will get the chance to try them all! I’m giving away the entire new Zebra line. Simply leave a comment or tweet me with your popcorn preference and a winner will be randomly selected and notified via email by November 27th. This contest is only open to U.S. residents.

Category: Gumbo Mix | 5 Comments

Sunny Days: Sesame Street Celebrates 48th Season at Metrograph

November 11, 2017

There are times when I’m amazed by the opportunities that my blog has afforded me.

One of those moments occurred this past Thursday when the kids and I attended Sesame Street’s 48^th season celebration at the Metrograph in New York City. Over the years I’ve covered many events and worked with countless networks and brands, but there’s something so special about the iconic children’s program that brings out the kid in all of us.

Held at Metrograph, the retro-chic movie theater/restaurant located on the city’s Lower East Side, attendees were in for a memorable “sunny day.” With healthy snacks and fruit juices lining the concession stand, kids could grab treats for the screening of the Sesame Street special, “The Magical Wand Chase.”

Before the kids headed upstairs to check out the playroom and passed hor’s deourves, they snapped photos with the famous street’s most beloved characters including Big Bird, Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Rosita and Cookie Monster. Seeing these classic puppets up close and personal is an experience my kids and I won’t soon forget.

Once we arrived on the second level of the venue, the kids enjoyed the toy area where they played with plushies, read books and let their imaginations run wild. After that, we headed back downstairs for the sneak peek screening in the theater.

Airing on HBO today (Nov. 11), “The Magical Wand Chase,” is an hour-long special that celebrates diversity within large cities. In an entertaining, engaging and educational way, it shows children that they can explore and meet new friends from different cultures and communities right in their town’s backyards.

If the character meet-and-greet and movie weren’t enough, as we exited the building, we were met with delightful cookies and churros from Cookie Monster’s “Cookie Food Truck.” The unexpected sweet treat was the cherry on top of an unforgettable evening.

Happy 48^th birthday, Sesame Street! Here’s to an eternity of helping kids grow smarter, stronger and kinder.

Be sure to watch “The Magical Wand Chase” tonight on HBO at 7pm EST. Also tune in to the season premiere next Saturday (11/18) at 9am EST.

Who’s your favorite Sesame Street character?

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Nickelodeon’s ‘Top Wing’ Takes Flight Nov. 6

November 2, 2017

When it comes to the debut of a new animated series, my 4-year-old son is all in.

He anxiously counts down the days until the show airs and reminds me of its premiere every chance he gets.

The latest object of his obsession is Nickelodeon’s highly-anticipated new show, “Top Wing,” slated to land on TV screens Monday, Nov. 6, 12:30 P.M. (ET/PT). He’s been looking forward to seeing the CG-animated series aimed at preschoolers for weeks. So, you can only imagine his excitement when I told him that he could get a sneak peek of the show before it broadcasts next week.

Immediately upon clicking on the link to the first episode, “Time to Earn Our Wings,” he was entranced. The action-packed series follows a team of four best friend cadets (Penny, Swift, Rod and Brody) whose mission is to help their island community and go on exciting adventures, all while staying the course to earn their wings as full-feathered rescue birds.

“Top Wing” is an engaging and educational series that will help preschoolers build self-confidence and develop enriching team-building skills, ideal for little ones new to classrooms and other social environments. Through relatable storylines, the series is set to captivate young audiences—it certainly did for my son. He’s watched the first episode multiple times and still can’t wait to watch the premiere on Monday!

If your preschooler is into planes and interested in learning about perseverance and hard work, this is a show he/she won’t want to miss. If the first episode is any indication of what kids can expect this season, it’s off to a flying start!

What are your kids’ favorite animated series?

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‘A Sky for the Bears’ is a Must-See for Families this Fall

November 2, 2017

Like most working moms, the weekends are reserved for my two children. This past Saturday, we had the wonderful opportunity to see “A Sky for the Bears,” at New Victory Theater in Times Square.

The 60-minute shadow puppet show was fascinating from start to finish. The audience was treated to not one cute story, but two! Through smooth movements akin to ballet and impeccably-crafted puppets, both stories come to life before our eyes.

Photo by Serena Groppelli

The first tale tells the story of an easy-going bear longing to become a papa bear. However, there is just one problem: he doesn’t know what he needs to do to become a daddy to a precious cub. After encountering several funny and ill-informed fellow animals giving him poor advice on how to make his dreams come true, he finally meets a creature who yearns to have a cub too, a female bear.

The second story picks up where the first one left off. Now, the cub is born and on a mission of his own—finding a way to be with his dearly departed grandfather. After offering himself to seeming predators throughout his quest, he realizes that he doesn’t want to join his grandfather in the afterlife. Instead, he can imagine him dancing and playing in the sky without meeting him in the clouds.

Serena Groppelli

Through imaginative dance and well-designed props, this family-friendly performance tackles heavy topics such as procreation and death in a smart and charming way that kids can understand. The engaging show presents a perfect opportunity to broach tough life moments with your little ones.

“A Sky for the Bears,” is appropriate for children ages 4-7 and showing at New Victory Theater through November 5, 2017.

What show are you looking forward to seeing this fall/winter season?

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