Broadway To Vegas

Copyright: June 22, 2025
By: Laura Deni
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2025 4th OF JULY - TOWARDS A MORE PERFECT UNION

If the world is still together this 4th of July then celebrants will be shooting safe and sane and the other kind of fireworks. If countries have been exploding the real deal then all bets are off as to who or where is celebrating.

What this year;s 4th of July turns into is a dress rehearsal for next year - the 250th anniversary of this imperfect union.

What makes the celebration special? Fireworks!

It's a profit maker! The global fireworks market. Valued at $2687.5 million in 2025, it is projected to experience steady growth, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.9% from 2025 to 2033.

In New York City, the highly anticipated Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks attract several million people each year, who come to see the country's largest Fourth of July fireworks show take place from barges on the Hudson River in New York City."

According to the historical description: More than 90 years ago, before Arthur Fiedler became Conductor of the Boston Pops, he was struck with an idea that was to transform the orchestra’s relationship to the City of Boston. He believed that if great literature was available for free in public libraries, and masterpieces of art could be viewed for a modest fee in museums, then great symphonic music should be accessible to the masses on a similar basis.

Fiedler, who was at the time a violist in the Boston Symphony, as well as a conductor of his own ensemble, set about raising funds to bring his idea to fruition. After two years, on July 4, 1929, the first free Esplanade Concert was performed at the specially constructed acoustic shell along the banks of the Charles River. The orchestra was composed of roughly half the musicians of the Boston Symphony. That first season of free concerts, which attracted more than 208,000 people, was such a resounding confirmation of Fiedler’s vision that the Boston Symphony management was swayed to sign Fiedler to a three-year conducting contract, which was only the beginning of five decades of leading the Pops, until his death in 1979.

In 1974, businessman David Mugar collaborated with longtime friend Fiedler to revitalize the July Fourth tradition, adding fireworks and cannons to the grand finale. The innovations were successful and led to what was likely the high point of Fiedler’s career: the July Fourth concert in 1976. The special bicentennial event attracted more than 400,000 people and made the "Guinness Book of World Records" for the largest audience in the history of orchestral concerts (a record since broken with the 1998 attendance of 500,000+ and many others exceeding that figure). David Mugar, who served as event founder and executive producer until 2016, personally funded the event until 2000 and created Boston 4 Celebrations Foundation, which served as the production arm of the live event and television broadcast. B4 was responsible for securing sponsorship deals, as well as a 10-year deal with CBS, bringing the event to millions as a primetime network special. The baton was passed in 2016, when Mugar retired and the Boston Pops took over leadership and management of the event and television broadcast.

In 2017, the Pops opened a new page in its history with the first self-produced Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. Bloomberg, the global business and financial information and news leader, serves as a major sponsor and media partner.

The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular returns to the Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade for its 51st year on Friday, July 4. Keith Lockhart, celebrating his 30th anniversary as conductor of the Boston Pops, leads the orchestra alongside a talented lineup of guest performers headlined by multiplatinum selling singer-songwriter LeAnn Rimes along with Leslie Odom, Jr., Bell Biv DeVoe, the U.S. Army Field Band Soldiers’ Chorus, and Boston Children’s Chorus. The free concert is part of the Commonwealth’s Massachusetts 250 (MA250) initiative honoring America’s revolutionary history and includes a collection of patriotic favorites, performed by the Pops, closing with Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. The musical performance will be followed by a fireworks display over the Charles River.

The performance will be broadcast to a national audience on The CW Network.

About those expensive fireworks.

This growth is driven by several factors. Increased consumer spending during festive seasons and celebrations, significantly boosts demand. Technological advancements leading to safer, more environmentally friendly, and visually stunning fireworks also contribute to market expansion. The market is segmented by application (Government, Company, Individual, Others) and types, offering diverse product offerings catering to varied needs and preferences. Significant regional variations exist, with Asia-Pacific, particularly China, expected to maintain a dominant market share due to established manufacturing bases and high domestic consumption. However, increasing regulatory scrutiny regarding environmental concerns and safety regulations in certain regions poses a restraint on unbridled growth. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of established international players and numerous regional manufacturers, particularly concentrated in China. Companies like Standard (India), Sony (India), and Diamond Sparkler (US) represent a diverse range of market participants.

Consider the drones.

The growing adoption of drone-based firework displays promises to revolutionize the industry, offering enhanced safety and creative possibilities. Furthermore, the increasing demand for eco-friendly fireworks, made with sustainable materials and producing less pollution, will drive innovation and market diversification. Regulations concerning noise pollution and air quality will continue to shape market dynamics, requiring manufacturers to adapt and develop compliant products. Strategic collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions among key players will be crucial for maintaining competitiveness and expanding market share. While challenges remain, the long-term outlook for the fireworks market remains positive, fueled by consistent consumer demand and technological progress.

The industry is witnessing increasing innovation in areas such as low-smoke, low-noise, and environmentally friendly fireworks. Digital firing systems and improved safety features are also key areas of focus.

The segment of individual consumers is projected to dominate the fireworks market. This is largely due to the widespread use of fireworks in personal celebrations like weddings, birthdays, and New Year’s Eve festivities. This sector is directly influenced by consumer spending patterns and cultural practices related to celebration. The rising disposable income "

That doesn't mean there are no downturns.

Rising tariffs on fireworks, particularly those imported from China, are increasing costs for retailers and potentially impacting profit margins, especially for businesses with contracts negotiated before the tariff increases.

Cognitive Market Research estimates that the North American creative fireworks market will reach $1057.59 million in 2025. The global creative fireworks market is projected to reach $3.8 billion by 2033. The US semiquincentennial in 2026 could be impacted by fireworks shortages due to the tariff situation, according to NBC News.

While the fireworks industry has strong growth potential, the impact of tariffs on pricing could significantly affect profitability for some businesses in 2025. Businesses that have secured contracts before the recent tariff increases may face challenges fulfilling those contracts at the original price, while businesses that import fireworks may need to adjust their pricing strategies. Overall, the industry is expected to continue growing, but the extent of that growth and the profitability of individual businesses will depend on their ability to navigate the changing market conditions.

Despite increased tariffs there is an abundance of revelry.

So what does a celebration/dress rehearsal involve?

Expect Hamilton to set box office records.

On July 4, 2025 the reading of the Constitution will take place nonstop - somewhere - everywhere. Same holds true for next year.

Parades, reenactments, musical presentations, canon salutes, colonial food and beverages, marching bands, and anything red, white or blue are in vogue.

As seems logical, the celebrations have already begun in areas of the country first experienced by the settlers. Independence Fireworks at Mount Vernon takes place June 27, 2025 in Fairfax County. Watch a dazzling fireworks show at George Washington's estate! On June 27-28 and July 4, relax on the east lawn and watch fireworks soar over the Potomac.

Colonial Williamsburg: Lighting of the Cressets (a metal container of oil, grease, wood, or coal burned as a torch and typically mounted on a pole) on the historic Duke of Gloucester Street is a fan-favorite tradition, as the 18th-century streets to life at night with strolling musicians, takes place July 3, 2025 - July 5, 2025.

Fabulous Fourth at Ferry Farm on July 04, 2025 in Stafford County. What could be more patriotic than spending July 4th on the grounds of George Washington's Boyhood Home? The 280-acre farm was originally rented by Augustine Washington, George's father. Excavations at the farm have uncovered the remains of slave quarters and a kitchen, as well as artifacts from the 18th century. The Washington house at Ferry Farm is an interactive replica of George Washington's boyhood home. Visitors can take a guided tour of the house to learn about the lives of George, Mary, and other Washington family members, as well as the enslaved community.

Taking the Oath of Citizenship. Photo: Monticello

Celebrate July 4th at Monticello, the home of the author of the Declaration of Independence! For over 60 years on July 4th, Monticello's West Lawn has transformed into an outdoor courtroom, where dozens of new citizens take the Oath of Citizenship to become Americans. Join Monticello as we mark the 249th anniversary of the country with award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns as the keynote speaker on July 3, 2025. Ken Burns Premieres: The American Revolution Join Monticello off the mountain for a special program with the award-winning filmmaker as he previews his new series, "The American Revolution", launching Fall 2025 on PBS.

On July 4th, Watch as people from across the world become U.S. citizens. The July 4th Naturalization Ceremony is held in partnership with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
This one-of-a-kind event is free and features a morning filled with family activities, patriotic music, festive food options, and community partners showcasing their work. For the comfort of all in attendance, this year's ceremony will take place under a large, fan-cooled tent.

For the best movie, movie or stage production make it a point to track down and watch 1776.

Independence Day at Patrick Henry's place. Would you like to experience Independence Day at the final home of Virginia's first governor? Come spend this July 4th at the "garden spot of the world."

Spectacular fireworks display, live music, delicious food, vendors, face painting for the kids, tours of Historic buildings & Quarter Place.

Anthems from America & Abroad - A Heifetz Holiday Celebration on July 5, 2025 in the City of Charlottesville. Highland will host the Heifetz International Music Institute for a free concert from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

On July 4th in the City of Williamsburg, VA, many events led up to our nations independence, and music told the story as it was happening. In Hennage Auditorium, hear a story told by members of the Governors Musick, using voice, flute, violin, viola da gamba, and harpsichord. Listen to vocal and instrumental chamber music of the 18th century and celebrate Independence Day with music that saw our transition from English colonies to American states.

Colonial Williamsburg: An Evening with the Presidents takes place July 5, 2025. The United States was as politically divided in its infancy as it is today. Nation Builders will explore how their presidential administrations navigate diversity.

If you think this year is going to be celebratory - you ain't seen nothin' yet, as the late Jackie Gleason used to proclaim.

Next year is a biggie!

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This is not your typical, totally boring textbook.

In the pages of How To Earn A Living As A Freelance Writer (the first to be lied to and the last to be paid) you'll find sex, celebrities, violence, threats, unethical editors, scummy managers and lawyers, treacherous press agents, sex discrimination; as well as a how-to for earning money by writing down words.

ART AND ABOUT

UNITED STATES PRESIDENTIAL CULINARY MUSEUM celebrates America250 with the launch of "The Washington's Famous Syllabub Drink".

Martin Cj Mongiello (Mongo). Hotelier & museum CEO CFO CMO. Former Camp David GM & a White House Chef.

Syllabub is a fun, free-wheeling drink of the beloved Colonial-era libations.

White House Master Chef Marti Mongiello celebrates America 250 with a Washington family Syllabub drink recipe plus a lot of interesting information.

America's 250th anniversary is officially being marked by a year-long series of national events, which began Memorial Day 2025 and rockets into July 4, 2026.

Syllabub, a frothy, sweet drink traditionally made with cream, sugar, and wine or brandy, has a storied past dating back to the 1500s during the reign of the Tudors starting with King Henry VII, son of Edmund Tudor, 1st Earl of Richmond, and Lady Margaret Beaufort. It remained a favorite for more than 300 years. Long before eggnog with a dash of cinnamon became the seasonal staple, Syllabub was enjoyed year-round—both in England and in the American colonies.

The drink's popularity grew immensely in the 1700s, despite sugar being heavily taxed and politically controversial for British colonists. In America, even amidst this taxation tension, Syllabub became a fashionable indulgence. By the time of the American Revolution, it had become a signature at social gatherings, particularly among Founding Fathers and First Lady Dolley Madison, who famously served it at White House receptions.

Syllabub glassware. Photo: Bonhams.

Syllabub wasn't just a drink—it was an experience. It had its own glassware, utensils, and preparation techniques designed to create the perfect whipped froth on top. Initially served in clay mugs, its visual appeal led to the development of clear glass vessels, which triggered a consumer revolution of insanity purchasing. Middle-class households began purchasing specialty Syllabub sets, and merchants advertised entire fancy collections in their shops.

During the Revolutionary War, the drink remained popular—even when fancy glassware was hard to come by. Colonists, considering themselves British Americans, were keen to keep pace with fashion trends from the U.K.—from food and drink to décor and dress. Owning Syllabub glassware was as much about identity as it was about indulgence.

Today, the United States Presidential Culinary Museum is proud to revive this historic beverage with an authentic, verified recipe from George and Martha Washington. Syllabub was famously served at the W Mount Vernon estate, Jefferson's Monticello, the Madison's Montpelier, according to historical records and is featured there today as well as at Williamsburg, The American Revolutionary War Living History Center, and Old Salem Village.

Event Highlights:

- Launch reception on July 4,2025, at 3:00 PM in the Museum's Presidential Dining Room

- Syllabub tasting stations, menu pairings, and live culinary demonstrations including non-alcoholic versions and how to create those

- Historical talk series, "Sips from the Past: Colonial Drinks & Diplomacy" streamed on the PRESENTS Network via YouTube, Linkedin LIVE, Instagram, TWITCH, and Facebook

Former White House Master Chef Marti Mongiello with his wife, Executive Chef Stormy Mongiello, Museum President, and Tournant Chef Barry Mongiello note: "Food—and drink—tell stories. Our syllabub bridges gastronomy and history, letting people taste, touch, and smell the touch of Colonial America. We're proud to be part of the nation's 250th celebrations."

About the United States Presidential Culinary Museum

Located in Grover, NC., the town celebrates being named after President Grover Cleveland and is in Cleveland County, NC. It's dedicated to preserving and sharing the culinary traditions of America's presidents, first ladies, and their families. Through exhibitions, TV appearances, keynote speeches, White House replica luncheons and dinners, recipes, and tastings, it explores how food and drink reflect cultural and historical moments. Marti and Stormy Mongiello serve as the leading chefs, and both are disabled veterans of 36 years combined military service.

Historic Recipe: Washington Family Syllabub.

From the Kitchen of President George and Martha Washington. Perfected by Executive Chef to the Washington's, Hercules Posey – who later ran away from being a slave.

Ingredients:
- 1 Quart of heavy cream
- 1 Cup of white wine
- 6 Tablespoons white sugar
- 1 whole nutmeg (grated) or ground nutmeg
- 2 Tablespoons of rose water (can be bought or made with hot water and rose petals)
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- Sprig of Rosemary
- Salt (a pinch)

Instructions from the manuscripts given by Franics Parke Custis to Martha Washington: Scald the cream together with the nutmeg, cut in quarters. Remove from the fire and when cool, pour in a glass jar. Let stand overnight. Mix the white wine, rose water, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Pour the cream over this and lay in the rosemary and lemon peel. Let stand for five or six hours until the curds form.

The modern method: Pour cream into a bowl and beat with a whisk or electric mixer until soft peaks appear. Add the sugar, lemon zest, salt, rose water, nutmeg and beat briefly. Pour in the wine (experiment with sweet or dry wines, etc.) and mix then put into glasses and place into the refrigerator overnight to separate into cool layers. Decorate with more lemon zest and the sprigs of Rosemary. All types of other decorations can be fantasized about and made as well as adding even more whipped cream on top with grated nutmeg.

Traditionally served in Syllabub glasses to show off the distinct layers, this recipe was a favorite of all of the revolutionary founding families and frequently offered at elegant affairs at the White House, private first family estates, on Presidential yachts and rail cars, and at the Camp David Resort and Conference Center. A "Whipt Syllabub" of the era would include many different flavor ideas of lemon and strawberry and other ideas and also could be made with egg whites and heavy cream mixed with sugar and wine beaten to a froth.

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SWEET CHARITY

COMEDY GIVES BACK is partnering with the David Lynch Foundation for a Night of Comedy on Sunday June 22nd at The Hollywood Improv.

Supporting the Meditate LA Trauma Relief Program--Bringing the evidenced-based Transcendental Meditation(TM) program to teach TM to under-resourced members of the LA community who have experienced trauma including; fire affected families, first responders, women survivors of intimate partner violence, comedians in crisis and in recovery.

The @davidlynchfoundation is partnering with the U.S. @transcendentalmeditation organization to offer free courses in the evidenced-based trauma healing Transcendental Meditation technique to California First Responders and their families as well LA Community Members Displaced by the Fires If you or someone you know is a first responder or has been displaced, apply today at Meditate-LA.org

Comedy Gives Back Fire Fund is a resource to the comedy community impacted by the fires in the Los Angeles area. Comedy Gives Back provides short-term disaster relief, including $1,500 in financial assistance and a $500 grocery card, to comedians impacted. Comedy Gives Back Fire Fund is intended to cover short-term costs, should you incur costs from evacuating (hotel, food, supplies). Comedy Gives Back is also able to provide additional support for stand-up comedians with considerable impact, including medical issues or longer-term relocation needs.

Individuals are eligible for CGB Fire Fund support if they work in the comedy community with proof of employment.

SPREADING THE WORD

MORE AND MORE fashion brands are joining forces with technology companies for the arrival of the Digital Product Passport (DPP), according to Fashion United. This digital passport should give consumers and producers insight into where a product comes from, how it is made and what the circular options are (how it can be reused or repaired). Victoria’s Secret & Co. was one of the first to launch a Digital Product Passports.

ABINGDON THEATRE COMPANY has announced that Cris Eli Blak will write the first-ever play commission surrounding the life of Bobby Short.

Abingdon Theatre Company will be developing the piece as part of their upcoming 33rd season.

The new play will center on the life of Bobby Short, a singer, pianist, recording artist, author, actor, producer, and philanthropist who is notably known as the King of Cabaret. Having performed at Café Carlyle for over three decades, Short is often credited with being the best interpreter of the Great American Songbook, with words and music written by national composers from the pre-rock era, such as George and Ira Gershwin, Richard Rogers, and more. Short recorded and performed songs by Duke Ellington, Bessie Smith, and more, and received three Grammy Award nominations. Although he had a repertoire of more than 500 songs, Short was best known for his interpretations of the urbane, witty compositions of Cole Porter. Porter’s music played a pivotal role in shaping American musical theatre and popular music, and is cemented as one of the most influential composers in Broadway and Hollywood history. This project will be the first biographic play about the iconic performer, featuring music that audiences know and love.

OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY

PRICE INCREASE Noted for its exquisite strawberries and cream, Wilmbledon has caved under inflation. Their famed strawberries have jumped in price from 2.50 per pound to 2.70.

There hasn't been a price increase since 2010.

The club sell around 140,000 strawberry baskets per year, meaning the new price will bring in an extra £28,000.

"At £2.70 the event’s iconic snack is easily the best value food on site. Wimbledon is also one of the very few sporting events which allows fans to bring in their own food and drink - including alcohol - so visitors on a budget can always bring in their own strawberries," stated the venue.

However, snooty, sniff, sniff: "They would not be as fresh as those served up at Wimbledon, who only serve strawberries picked that morning and shipped in from the family-run Hugh Lowe Farm in Kent."

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PREMIERE STAGES the professional theatre company in residence at Kean University, has selected its four finalists for the 2025 Premiere Play Festival. Now in its 20th year, the Festival is an annual competition for unproduced scripts that offers developmental opportunities to playwrights with strong affiliations to New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Delaware. This year’s finalists were selected from 805 submissions.

This year’s finalists are: Lia Del Mar by Dacyl Acevedo, a member of Dramatic Question Theatre, who is currently working with Latinx Playwrights' Circle; angel’s share by Dominic Finocchiaro, a three-time MacDowell Fellow, and Marble House and Ucross Fellow; Mala Aria by Gloria Majule, who has been awarded a MacDowell Fellowship and commissions by Audible and Atlantic Theater Company; and My Brother Jake by Dave Osmundsen, a recipient of the Blank Theatre and Ucross Foundation’s inaugural Future of Playwriting Prize.

All finalists received professional readings, as part of Premiere’s 20th annual Play Festival Finalists Reading Series at the Bauer Boucher Theatre Center and will be considered for expanded development in Premiere’s mainstage season. One of the four plays will be selected for an Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) 29-Hour Reading in November 2025, and the most promising play will be awarded a full AEA production as part of Premiere's 2026 season. All finalists receive cash awards ranging from $1,000 to $3,000. Readings are offered by invitation only.

This year’s submissions were evaluated through a process coordinated by Premiere Stages’ Managing Director Nick Gandiello, Literary Associate Emily Dzioba and Literary Assistant Jessica DeLuca, in partnership with esteemed panelists Ashley Nicole Baptiste, Eddie Gouveia Blackman, William Eddy, José Fernando González-Vidal, Claudia Nolan, Scott Organ, Benjamin V. Marshall, Lysna Marzani, and Carole Shaffer-Koros.

In the twenty seasons since its founding, the Premiere Play Festival has received over 8,800 submissions and developed more than 100 plays. Multiple plays produced at Premiere have been honored by the American Theatre Critics Association, selected for agency representation, and/or been published by Theatrical Rights Worldwide, Concord, Dramatists Play Service, Dramatic Publishing Company, Playscripts, and Broadway Play Publishing. A number of Play Festival winners and finalists have subsequently been produced in New York, internationally and at regional theatres across the country.



ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL by William Shakespeare.

Directed by Peter Francis James.

Helena is in love with the aristocrat Bertram, while he’s more interested in running off to war than in romance. But strong-willed Helena can’t be deterred, and as she moves mountains and conjures miracles to gain his affection, the play winds into flights of hilarity and passion. Clever and charming, this romantic comedy is the perfect night of theatre under the stars.

The cast for includes, in alphabetical order, Barzin Akhavan as Parolles, Gabriel Brown as Bertram, Alma Cuervo as Widow of Florence, Arthur Hanket as Lafew, Matthew J. Harris as Lavatch, Ismenia Mendes as Helena, Tom Nelis as King of France, and Mary Lou Rosato as Countess of Roussillon.

The cast also includes students in The Old Globe and University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Theatre Program: Danny Adams as Interpreter, Courtier, Soldier, u/s Bertram; Kevin Alicea-Minor as Lord Dum, u/s Parolles; Lance D. Bush as Courtier, Soldier, u/s King of France; Trevor Butler as Courtier, Soldier, u/s Rinaldo/Astringer; Madi Goff as Lord Dee; Chris Hathaway as Florencia, Courtier, Soldier, u/s Mariana; Stephanie Hinck as Courtier, Soldier u/s Helena; Conner Keef as Duke of Florence, Courtier, Soldier u/s Lafew/Interpreter; Susane Lee as Courtier, Soldier, u/s Diana/Florencia; Erick Lindsey as Rinaldo, Courtier, Soldier, u/s Lavatch; Angelynne Pawaan as Diana; Akoni Steinmann as Astringer, Courtier, Soldier, u/s Lord Dum; Lisa VillaMil as Mariana, u/s Countess Roussillon; and Shayln Welch as Courtier, Soldier, u/s Lord Dee/Widow of Florence.

The creatives are: in addition to Peter Francis James, the creative team includes Lawrence E. Moten III (Scenic Design); Judith Dolan (Costume Design); Sherrice Mojgani (Lighting Design); Melanie Chen Cole (Sound Design); Nathan Crocker (Voice and Dialect), Javier Velasco (Additional Staging and Choreography), Alaine Alldaffer, CSA, Lisa Donadio (Casting); and Jess Slocum (Production Stage Manager).

All’s Well That Ends Well plays in the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre in San Diego, CA through July 6, 2025.

CALL ME IZZY a one person play by Jamie Wax.

Directed by Sarna Lapine.

Statting Six-time Emmy winner Jean Smart.

The story is described as a darkly comedic story about one woman in rural Louisiana who has a secret that is both her greatest gift and her only way out.

"Call Me Izzy" officially opened on June 12 at Studio 54, New York City.

END OF SUMMER TIME by Sir Roger Hall, New Zealand’s most successful playwright.

Starring Andrew Grainger.

When retired cow cocky Dickie Hart and his wife Glenda move to Auckland, his life will never be the same. An affectionate skewering of an old grump who realizes he still has a lot to learn about the world. And not all of it’s bad – despite his vegan daughter-in-law and grandchildren who are glued to their screens.

Roger Hall’s sharp wit and signature comedic style shine through as retired cow cocky Dickie Hart and his wife Glenda make the move to the big smoke for an apartment in Takapuna. Dickie is convinced it’s the beginning of the end—but Auckland has other plans for him!

Audience favorite Andrew Grainger brings his big-hearted comedic talent as Dickie Hart in this entertaining solo show that is as much an ode to Auckland as it is a coming-of-age story of senior life reinvention.

Performances through July 5, 2025 at the ASB Waterfront Theatre in Auckland, NZ.

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This is not your typical, totally boring textbook.

In the pages of How To Earn A Living As A Freelance Writer (the first to be lied to and the last to be paid) you'll find sex, celebrities, violence, threats, unethical editors, scummy managers and lawyers, treacherous press agents, sex discrimination; as well as a how-to for earning money by writing down words.

FINAL OVATION

EDWARD RUBIN New York region's theatrical critics and art scene curator died on Sunday, June 15, 2025 died after a protracted battle with bladder cancer at Calvary Hospital. He was 84.

Rubin was a long-standing member of the New York Drama Desk, the Outer Critics Circle. and a longtime member of the American Theatre Critics/Journalists Association (ATCA).

Additionally, he was a senior editor for Manhattan Arts International and a regular contributor to the New Art Examiner and The Hispanic Outlook. He was also a member of the prestigious American Section of the International Association of Art Critics (AICA). Through the years, Rubin’s writings have also been published in many North American magazines such as Art & Antiques, ArtUS, dART International, Canadian Art, ArtNexus, Flash Art, and Sculpture, as well as other foreign magazines.

Born Edward Rubinstein in Tampa, Florida in 1941, he was the product of parents from the disparate Cherokee Indian nation of his mother and the local Jewish community of his father. A smart writer, he obtained his bachelor’s degree and began his writing career in earnest once he moved to New York.

He mostly wrote his reviews in the first person, stating for the record that he was writing to codify his own opinions and not necessarily for the benefit of his readers. A throwback to theater critics of the past, he might leave a performance at intermission if he deemed it not worthy of his time for review.

Rubin never married nor had children, so his healthcare was overseen In the last year by his caretaker and friend Vittoria deBruin, an award-winning filmmaker.

MIKE MILLIGAN a more than 50-year member of the Writer's Guild of America, died December 30, 2024.

Mike and his partner of 25 years, Jay Moriarty, wrote and produced many shows including "The Jefferson's", "All in the Family", "Good Times", "What's Happening Now", "Maude", "Dear John", "The Royal Family", "Here and Now", as well as the "one half-wit wonder", "Melba", which was said to have been cancelled by the network during the commercial break

Mike also created and produced "Los Beltran" for Telemundo. He authored a series of 4 humor books, "Grandpa Rules," "Grandma Rules," "Dad Rules", & "Mom Rules." While writing for TV is what he did, it was not who he was. Milligan and his friend, John Harper, became experts and taught the practice of Trauma Informed Care working to end homelessness.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Jill, his son John Milligan, sister Jeri Gesto, stepdaughters Dionn Avant and Mischon Beneda, his nieces, nephews, and five granddaughters...all of whom he claimed as his favorites.

Next Column: June 29, 2025
Copyright: June 22, 2025 All Rights Reserved. Reviews, Interviews, Commentary, Photographs or Graphics from any Broadway To Vegas (TM) columns may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, utilized as leads, or used in any manner without permission, compensation and/or credit.
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Laura Deni