Welcome to 21st century Godspell, filled with audience participation, references to Charlie Sheen, Steve Jobs, Lindsay Lohan and Donald Trump, and wine served on stage during intermission. Set in the Circle in the Square Theatre, an intimate theatre in the round, this modern day production of Stephen Schwartz’s classic musical, veers from the original. While the story itself remains the same, many of the songs and much of the dialogue have been modernized. The actors take the stage with cell phones in hand, break into rap and beat box, pull audience members on stage to play charades and pictionary, refer to current events and pop culture, and even do the electric slide while singing “Day By Day”. At one point, a character says, “It’s your father. He wants you to add him on Facebook.”

There are no traditional sets. The story is told on a stage that is mostly bare, a trap door to a pool of water beneath, a ladder, and some other sparse props. Four guitarists are placed around the stage in the midst of the audience, a drum set is placed in the back row, and a piano is built into the stage. The focus here is on the energetic and talented cast; Hunter Parrish (Showtime’s “Weeds”, Spring Awakening), Anna Maria Perez de Tagle (“Hannah Montana”, “Camp Rock”) and Telly Leung (“Glee”, Wicked, Rent). In addition to being strong singers, the nontraditional cast engages in some innovative maneuvers, at one point creating a person out of pieces of newspaper and at another ripping paper to simulate the sound of tap shoes. The direction by first time Broadway director Daniel Goldstein is sharp, witty, and fresh.

This is indeed a refreshing twist on the show we all know and love. Treat yourself to a fun night out. You know you deserve it.

Godspell
Circle in the Square, 1633 Broadway @ 50th St.
Click here for tickets
Ticket Discount Code: GSMDR79
$79.50 / $89.50 (Sat Eves)
Certain black out dates apply
Valid through 12/23/11
For more blog posts on Broadway’s Godspell visit MamaDrama.

The other night, I attended a show… IN A GYM. This was not one of my kids’ shows, but rather an exquisite bare bones production of a new Michael John LaChiusa musical that whisks you away to another world. Queen of the Mist is the true story of Anne Edson Taylor who, in 1901, attempts to jump down Niagra Falls in a barrel. Tony Award nominee, Mary Testa, literally leaves you speechless as Anne Edson Taylor. In her mind blowing tour de force, she is perfection in this role. As Anne says, “I am a phenomenon.” And she is. Mary Testa is supported by a larger than life cast and a brilliant vehicle of dense music, lyrics and direction.

The audience becomes completely invested in Queen of the Mist from two sets of bleachers opposite each other, just feet away from the action. There is a small orchestra down one end behind a screen, and the set consists of little more than an old piano on wheels, a bath tub, and pieces of wood on wheels (which they use to “row down the river”). The strong ensemble cast of Broadway vets each convincingly transform into multiple roles throughout the show. The brilliant music by Michael John LaChiusa, of The Wild Party Fame, is rich and sophisticated. A real treat after so many empty rock musicals of late. And the direction, by Jack Cummings III, ties it all together seamlessly.

Thank you MamaDrama for inviting me and thank you
Transport Group for commissioning this brilliant piece. I might just have to see it again.

Treat yourself to date night in the gym. You will laugh and cry and are guaranteed to talk about something other than the kids the whole way home.

Queen of the Mist
The Gym at Judson Memorial Church
243 Thompson Street at Washington Square South
General admission tickets start at $58;
Premium reserved seating tickets start at $65
For tickets and information: www.transportgroup.org or phone 866-811-4111
DISCOUNT CODE: $10 off with code TGMAMA

For more blog posts on Broadway’s Godspell visit MamaDrama.

Sign Up Right Now: It’s first come, first serve. The first 100 people write in and mention iKidNY will receive a special voucher for 2 adults to be used either Saturday or Sunday. (Children are free)

Send your email to NewParentsExpo@manhattanmedia.com

Required Info: Name, address, and email address, and how you heard about the offer. Just say “iKidNY.”

Most importantly, ENJOY THE EXPO.

You can read all about the event at NewParentsExpo.com, but if you want to cut to chase here are the highlights:

* Happy Infants & Toddlers: The beloved Dr. Harvey Karp (author of “The Happiest Baby on the Block”) will be giving the keynote address each day, elaborating on his methods for raising happy babies (and getting them to sleep) and happy toddlers (and getting them to listen to you)!

* Incredible Speakers: Beyond Dr. Karp, Dr. Bob Sears, Liz Lange, Ali Wing (of giggle), Rosie Pope, Cool Mom Picks and other parenting and pregnancy luminaries will be speaking on everything from having a healthy child and a healthy home, to stylish but practical family shopping, to getting along as a new family.

* The Goods: Over 100 Exhibitors and the best brands and services and stores and experts for pregnancy, baby and toddler.

* The Attractions: Stroller Test Track (if you don’t have one) & Stroller Tune-up (if you do) * Special Lectures for New Dads (invaluable) * Child Play Area

* The Prizes: Big Prizes: $1,500 Nursery Gift from giggle! World Class Spa Getaway! * Full Package From Classic Kids Photography! Plus, strollers, high-chairs… the works……

* The Answers: Sleep! Feeding! Child Gear & Furnishings! Early Enrichment! Preschool! There’s a special area devoted just for your questions.

Sounds great, right? But don’t forget to REGISTER NOW for your free vouchers. Email NewParentsExpo@manhattanmedia.com, and mention iKidNY. And note: if you’re one of the families who happens not to be in time for the voucher, write in anyway and they’ll send you a special discount code for the event.

Enjoy and please say hello – I’ll be at the Expo too, of course!

Lara

Whitney Family Programs and Desert Island present a comic book fair featuring some of the most up and coming independent illustrators in New York City. In conjunction with the exhibition Lyonel Feininger: At the Edge of the World, featuring Lyonel Feininger’s pioneering comic strips in the Chicago Sunday Tribune, contemporary comic artists will be displaying and selling their work – prints, zines, buttons, and more! Kids and families can explore Feininger’s comics through drawing activities in the galleries, and each participant will receive limited edition prints by each artist to compile their own comic book.

This event will feature work by Partyka Collective (Shawn Cheng, Matt Weigle, John Mejias, and Sean McCarthy), Estrella Vega, Jen Tong, Tom Toye, Chris Patch, Jungyeon Roh, Sto, Chris Uphues and Noah Lyon.

No registration required; just drop in!

MiniMunchers and Britax are bringing you an AMAZING event on October 17th at 10:30am.

For a LIMITED number of moms & dads, we will be exploring the famed Chelsea Market with babies in tow. Delicious foods explored on the tour will include Amy’s Bread, Sarabeth’s Bakery, The Lobster Place, Buon Italia and MORE! The best part of is – Britax will GIVE each mom a FREEBRAND NEW Britax baby carrier to carry your Mini Muncher in (32 lbs and under, we suggest tops 8 mths!)

The tour will last 1.5 hours and is only $30!

Email Carla@MiniMunchers.comto reserve your spot.

Registration is EXTREMELY limited

Like to cook? Enter a recipe contest sponsored by our friends at New York Family, Minimunchers, and Sprout Foods and win some really great prizes! You can enter either a children’s or an adult recipe to qualify. See below for a list of amazing prizes.

Deadline for submission: April 25th at noon
Click HERE to enter

Prizes:

Grand Prize Winner:
- The Grand Prize winner will get the opportunity for heirloom photographer Sarah Sloboda to document the one adult and child preparing and enjoying the winning recipe. Sarah will also provide the winner with a 20-page book from the contest as a keepsake.
- A month supply of Sprout Organic Baby Food, and an autographed book from Tyler Florence (value $200)
- A Britax B-ReadyTM Stroller (value $500)
- TasteBuds Apron & Chef Hat ($80 value), and $50 credit to any Taste Buds cooking class
- Green Sprouts Sprout Ware Set ($109 value), including PP Baby Food Storage Cubes, Stainless Steel Food Jar, Insulated Food Jar Bag, Organic Bib 3 pack, Silicone Spoon 2 pack, Compressed Wipe 10pk+Refill)

1st Place Winner:
- Brunch for Four (2 kids 2 adults) at Klee Brasserie ($75 value) in Manhattan.
- 3 cases of Sprout(12 pouches each), 2 Sprout hats and 2 Sprout T-shirts
- TasteBuds Apron & Chef Hat, $20 credit to any Taste Buds cooking class
- Green Sprouts Sprout Ware Set ($56 value), including PP Baby Food Storage Cubes, Insulated Food Jar Bag

Three Runners-up:
- T-shirt from SwitchittZ, a new line of fun interactive kids tees, which come with interchangeable patches that allow your child to have fun & create their own scenes.
- 1 case of Sprout(12 pouches each), Sprout hat and Sprout T-shirt
- $20 credit to any TasteBuds cooking class
- Green Sprouts Sprout Ware Set ($30 value), includes Divided Plate & Bowl 2pk, Toddler Fork & Spoon Set, Infant Spoon Set, Snack Cup 4pk, and Cup with Travel Lid 3pk

Image credit: CHILDREN COOKING PATTY WITH MOM – Dreamstime.com

Kid-Friendly Restaurants on the Upper West Side
MiniMunchers.com
Carla Sullivan – Founder & Mommy Muncher

The Upper West Side is another neighborhood that you will be hard-pressed not to see a stroller or ten on any block at ANY time of day.

Of course with Central Park to the East and the Hudson River to the West – why wouldn’t families want to live in this diverse yet super kid-friendly locale? Other great kiddie favs on the storied UWS include the American Museum of Natural History and the Children’s Museum of Manhattan – both great ways to spend a rainy Spring day with the kids.

While you are exploring the `hood – here are some of MiniMunchers.com favorite places to bring the kiddies for a great meal.

1. Landmarc – Landmarc has one of the most extensive children’s menus that I have ever seen, Landmarc really knows what kids want – from standards like macaroni and cheese and chicken fingers with fries to green eggs and ham, PB and Nutella or a petit filet mignon. Chef Marc Murphy also treats adults to a wonderful meal, the cesare salad and onion soup are great standouts for appetizers – and the Mussels with fries (served with ketchup and a mayo sauce!) and fish and pasta entrees are savory! Of course the views of Central Park could almost trump any meal you get. BONUS, if your kids/your tip ☺ are really good – your server might bring cotton candy to the table for dessert!

2. Fatty Crab – A relative new-comer to the UWS restaurant scene, this Malaysian inspired restaurant serves up a children’s menu that actually reflects what adults are eating – from dumplings with soy to fish fry in a box. With a following of trendy Upper West Siders, Fatty Crab is also a fun place for adults to eat, whether you choose the cool indoor dining room (with exposed brick) or the outdoor seating. Fatty Crab is a great choice for your adventurous eaters.

3. Atlantic Grill – When soaking in a little culture at Lincoln Center (yes they have children’s operas) a great alternative to the expensive tourist traps in Lincoln Center is Atlantic Grill. This location of what is a staple for hip Upper East Siders, just opened it’s doors in October. What I love about the children’s menu here is the Shrimp Tempura (oh I think my kids like it too) and I pretend to enjoy the yummy and varied selection of salads (they actually are good – including the seafood cobb, chopped salad and sesame crusted shrimp salad) while picking at their left-overs.

4. Brother Jimmy’s BBQ – Yes, Brother Jimmy’s is a bar, but who knew that Kids eat FREE, YES FREE with an adults entrée – AND the food is good. The menu is also a fun diversion – instead of spelling out the entrée selections – there are pictures for Munchers to guess – like a “chicken” and a “hand” for Chicken Fingers.

5. Café Blossom – Finally, a great organic and yes VEGAN restaurant close to the Museum of Natural History. You and your mini will be full and happy after eating at this Upper West Side spot. Situated right next to Kidville (which BTW offers great kiddie haircuts) your tot can be “fooled” into eating 100% vegan “grilled cheese” or “soy sticks” – don’t forget the vegan chocolate for dessert…YUM!

6. The City Grill – Yes, they have a typical kids menu (grilled cheese with fries, mac N’ cheese, chicken fingers with fries, etc.) but it all comes with a drink and dessert (ice cream scoop) for $7.95. A great deal for great portions. The waiters are used to kids – crayons and a coloring mat are presented upon seating – and you can easily roll a stroller in (when it is not crowded) I WOULD avoid the weekend brunch as it does get crowded with a hip UWS brunching crew (I guess the bloody mary’s are great!) BEWARE the bathrooms are VERY small and not conducive to changing little ones.

7. community food & juice – Yes, it is ALL the way up there but it is a very spacious restaurant (owned by a mom) with high chairs and alas, changing tables in the bathroom. Also – on the weekends from 9-10 kids get free oatmeal with caramelized apples and cinnamon butter with each adult entrée

8 & 9 – The West 79th Street Boat Basin Café and Pier i Café – I am grouping these together as they are seasonal restaurants, but DEFINITELY they are MUSTS when the weather turns warm. The Boast Basin at 79th Street has a little more to offer the minis – but they both have amazing views and the kids are free to LITERALLY run around while you enjoy some rays and maybe even a beer or glass of wine with dinner. They are two of the few places you can let the table manners slide a bit and let the kids be kids while eating lunch/dinner.

HAPPY MUNCHING!

Visit www.MiniMunchers.com for the complete children’s menus of over 240 great restaurants in NYC! MiniMunchers also offers great weekly discounts on children’s products and classes in our “Goodie Bag” as well as advice from experts on making your eating experiences with kids enjoyable – from celebrities to restaurateurs to Moms-in- the-know!

A ten-year resident of Manhattan, Carla Sullivan is the founder and “Mommy Muncher” of the internet’s only source of kid-friendly restaurants in NYC, www.MiniMunchers.com.

With all of the weddings, showers, and other events we go to, they all start to look the same. This is why I love the idea of a belly dance baby shower! Suzanne Caesar will come to your home/party place of your choosing or will hold the event in her studio, and teach you and your family and friends the basics of belly dancing. Such a fun and hokey, yet special, way to celebrate the upcoming birth of a baby and it will be sure to be a great bonding experience for all. Check out a little video of a belly dance baby shower here. “It is instinctual for women to dance together. We all carry the memory of dance in our bodies as part of ceremony, ritual and celebration.” Suzanne Caesar, Founder Maternal Dance

BELLY DANCE BABY SHOWERS
Before it was called Belly Dance it was called the ‘womb’ dance. Women danced with and around the pregnant woman to celebrate her pregnancy and new life. Coin belts, hip scarves and music are supplied, along with Suzanne Caesar’s RHYTHM FOR LIFE – The Prenatal Belly Dance Workout DVD for the special mom-to-be.

Dancing her way through two pregnancies, Suzanne integrated her dance background, personal experience and studies in guided imagery and homeopathy to create a holistic and contemporary way to stay fit before, during and after pregnancy and launched her company, Maternal Dance. A Healthy Moms certified perinatal fitness educator and prenatal yoga teacher, Suzanne brought her live Maternal Dance program to DVD with the recently released Rhythm For Life–The Prenatal Belly Dance Workout DVD which has been endorsed by the March of Dimes. Considered an innovator in dance and maternal fitness, major news outlets such as Discovery Health Channel, NY1 News, Foxnews.com, Self Magazine and Pilates Style Magazine regularly feature Suzanne and the Rhythm For Life DVD.

Rates range from $150+ and vary according to location.
Call or email for package details, discounts and gift certificates.
(917) 907-2025 • suzanne@rhythmforlife.info

Pleased to introduce our monthly guest column by Carla Sullivan Founder & Mommy Muncher at MiniMunchers.com!

Kid-Friendly Restaurants on the Upper East Side

The Upper East Side is a HOTBED for kid-friendly restaurants AND things to do with tots! From the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Art Farm in the City and the newest Mini hot spot, Scribble Press, there are countless indoor diversions to get us moms through this brutal winter!
Once you decide where you want to go – where you are going to eat, that is kid-friendly, should also be planned in advance.
Here are some of MiniMunchers.com top picks for the neighborhood.

1. Brother Jimmy’s BBQ – 1485 2nd Avenue (between 77th & 78th Streets) Yes, Brother Jimmy’s is a bar, but who knew that Kids eat FREE, YES FREE with an adults entrée – AND the food is good. The menu is also a fun diversion – instead of spelling out the entrée selections – there are pictures for Munchers to guess – like a “chicken” and a “hand” for Chicken Fingers.

2. Atlantic Grill – 1341 Third Avenue (bet. 76th & 77th Streets) This staple for hip Upper East Siders is always buzzing at no matter the day, no matter the hour (so no worries about fussy noisy children). You will rarely be alone with a stroller at the table – and my kids love the coloring mats/menus. What I love about the children’s menu here is the Shrimp Tempura (oh I think my kids like it too) and I pretend to enjoy the yummy and varied selection of salads (they actually are good – including the seafood cobb, chopped salad and sesame crusted shrimp salad) while picking at their left-overs.

3. Brasserie Julien – 1422 Third Avenue (bet. 80th & 81st Streets) Brasserie Julien has a downtown vibe but an UES location. There is nothing not to love about this cool French Bistro – from the Steak Frites and Moules Frites and cheese fondue – kids might just want what is on YOUR plate. The children’s menu is typical (although if you want something else they usually can accommodate) but minis do get to choose from a menu of desserts (included with their meals). Oh did I mention kids eat FREE Mon – Fri 4:30-6:30pm?? BONJOUR PARIS!!!

4. Candle Cafe – 1307 Third Avenue (bet. 74th & 75th Streets) Leave your stroller at home (or bring a collapsible) when visiting this UES, organic, vegetarian mecca. This jewel-box restaurant has one of the most extensive organic menus (kids and adults) in the City. The children’s menu has everything from pizza margarita (with tapioca cheese) to seitan skewers. Ask your server if you have any questions – they keep a book at the counter with every menu item ingredients described in detail.

5. Big Daddy’s – 1596 2nd Avenue (bet. 82nd and 83rd Streets) Big Daddy’s is a great place to take the kids! The music is pumping, tvs with cartoons are constantly on, and the bright décor (murals with every cartoon character imaginable) are all fun distractions for Minis. Although the children’s menu is limited, it does feature the old reliables and breakfast is served all day/night. Kids are also entertained by the coloring mats, crayons and balloons – and parents will enjoy the full bar, good comfort food, and a bit of peace and quiet from the kiddies.

HAPPY MUNCHING!

Visit www.MiniMunchers.com for the complete children’s menus of over 230 great restaurants in NYC! MiniMunchers also offers great weekly discounts on children’s products and classes in our “Goodie Bag” as well as advice from experts on making your eating experiences with kids enjoyable – from celebrities to restaurateurs to Moms-in- the-know!

A ten-year resident of Manhattan, Carla Sullivan is the founder and “Mommy Muncher” of the internet’s only source of kid-friendly restaurants in NYC, www.MiniMunchers.com.

It seems that the whole City is buzzing about schools right now! Whether you prefer public or private, the choices in NYC are endless. We are so lucky so have some of the best schools in the country, and perhaps the world, in this little city of ours, but how do we make sense of it all? How do you decide what is best for your kids and your family? Are you looking for a top tier or second tier school? Which schools fall into what category and how in the world do you get in? What are the best school districts? Is your building in the right zone? What are the best gifted and talented programs and how do you apply? How do you start navigating the school maze and when do you need to get started? Get ready and arm yourself. Read, watch, listen, and talk!

READ
Manhattan Directory of Private Nursery Schools
How to Choose the Best Preschool for Your Child: The Ultimate Guide to Finding, Getting Into, and Preparing for Nursery School
Manhattan Family Guide to Private Schools and Selective Public Schools
New York City’s Best Public Elementary Schools: A Parent’s Guide
New York City’s Best Public Middle Schools: A Parents’ Guide
New York City’s Best Public High Schools: A Parents’ Guide
Best New York City Private and Selective Public High Schools
A Parent’s Guide to Special Education in New York City

WATCH
Nursury University
Kindergarten Shuffle
Getting In… Kindergarten Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6
The Lottery
Waiting for Superman
Race to Nowhere

LISTEN
Insideschools.org
Greatschools.org
Schooldigger.com
The Blackboard Awards

TALK
Urban Baby
Meetup.com

If you have any other great school resources please post a comment and share! We are all in this together!