NYC Life: Keynote News, Pop‑Ups, Performances & Community Spotlights
Photo: Nicole Freezer Rubens
Spring in New York is bursting with energy, and this week’s lineup captures it all — from Dr. Theresa Asby’s inspiring keynote at our May 15 Renewal Summit to Gabrielle Carlson’s vibrant spring pop‑up at the Guerlain Spa. We’re celebrating the launch of Merrill Stone’s new salon series, spotlighting the final performances of Papparazzi, and cheering on the dazzling choreography of GOTTA DANCE! Plus, our Long Island and NYC neighborhood spotlights bring heart, creativity, and a touch of nostalgia to the season. And we wish you all a Happy Easter and a Happy Passover.
Join Us on May 15th in NYC
When Anne Akers and I heard Dr. Theresa Asby deliver a talk a few months ago, we immediately invited her to be our keynote speaker. We’re thrilled she said yes and she will bring her intuitive clarity to this year’s Renewal Summit keynote, sharing transformative insights on purpose, growth, and impact as a business leader and a non-profit leader with She Angels Foundation. Another reason to head not to miss this year’s summit! GET THE DETAILS.
April 8 & 9. Ready to Add a Pop of Spring to Your Wardrobe?
We can’t wait to welcome in spring at Gabrielle Carlson’s next pop up at the magnificent Guerlain Spa at the Waldorf. You’ll find beautiful clothes, in awesome colors and sumptuous fabrics, right off the rack and to order.
Big News!!!
Join Merrill Stone — the singing therapist — as she launches a lively new salon series blending songs, stories, and smart, soulful conversations. Each gathering spotlights fascinating people from both inside and outside the world of show business, celebrating the art of living, aging, and thriving with humor and heart. First up is acclaimed vocalist and 2026 MAC award winner, Marieann Meringolo known for her distinctive blend of jazz, cabaret, and contemporary music. Joining her is her brilliant musical director and pianist, Doyle Newmyer.
Wed. June 17 | Triad Theater, NYC | Tickets $35 + 2 Drink Min. GET TICKETS NOW.
Last Chance to See Papparazzi
Several of our Insider Members had a chance to see this truly engaging show and loved it. The last show is April 11, so get your tickets now. When Christie Barnes arrives in New York from Kansas her dream is to write thoughtful, meaningful, relevant stories on the people and events who shape our world. Unfortunately, the only job she can get is writing for the New York Beacon, the trashiest tabloid in town. What starts out as a short-term assignment transforms into something quite different as Christie is seduced by the bright lights and star power of celebrities, abandoning her principles and goals and embracing the world of the paparazzi, with profound, unforeseen consequences.
AMT Theater, 354 West 45th Street (close to Ninth Avenue) GET TICKETS.
A Celebration of the Best of Broadway & Hollywood Dance
“A Celebration of Choreography From Classic Stage & Screen Musicals.” -NY Times
“Spectacular! Don’t Miss It.” ~ Randie Levine-Miller, 3T’s Broadway Babe
Riki Kane Larimer presents GOTTA DANCE! — the first dance production to capture the original choreography of classic musicals including West Side Story, Singin’ in the Rain, A Chorus Line, Pippin, and others — all on one stage. This extraordinary musical, conceived by Nikki Feirt Atkins of American Dance Machine and originally produced at The York Theatre Company, pays tribute to the brilliant work of Jerome Robbins, Gene Kelly, Billy Wilson, and others. Experience the movement, music and magic that has defined generations of Broadway and Hollywood dance and continues to inspire audiences today by preserving the work of some of our greatest choreographers.
GOTTA DANCE! embodies true Broadway history.
SAVE UP TO 35% ON SELECT TIX:
- ONLINE: Click Hereor visit Telecharge.com & Enter Code:GDNPART
- CALL: 212-947-8844 & Use Code: GDNPART
3. IN PERSON: Visit The Stage 42 Box Office – 422 West 42nd Street, NYC
Stage 42. 422 West 42nd Street, NYC
GottaDanceShow.com
Spotlight on Long Island Women
Step inside Plasterkraze, and our Long Island reporter Andrea Peponaskis says you’ll understand instantly why Long Island is crazy about it. What began as one woman’s leap of faith has become a beloved creative haven where color, laughter, and imagination fill every corner. For more than 30 years, Beth Toscano has turned a simple idea — giving families a place to create together — into a joyful, enduring community tradition. READ MORE.
A Neighborhood Candy Store
Our roving photographer, Nicole Freezer Rubens, writes:
There’s a new candy store in town, with a name you cannot forget. The Candy Store opened last fall. It is small but it is mighty sweet. This official name stuck after being constantly used to refer to the project. The Candy Store tells it like it is. Opened by the family and team that owns The Mansion Diner next door, in operation and proudly serving the Yorkville community since 1945, its aim is to conveniently bring joy to its longstanding neighbors. The 200 square foot space in a building built in 1897 was a challenge to renovate and delayed the shop’s opening, but the devoted owners achieved their goal. The store is beautiful and reminiscent of a candy shop that has been there for decades. The vibe is warm and welcoming, offering candy from your youth as well as new hard-to-find international specialty items.
The prices are truly reasonable aiming to service all in the area. They already have their regular customers, stopping in for daily staples and creating a sense of community as they have done since the diner opened so many decades ago. The Candy Store also sells gelato and trending frozen yogurt. Stop in to 501 East 86th Street, and get something gooey that sticks to your teeth while being reminded of what it tasted like to be a kid.
The tomato behind The Three Tomatoes.
Cheryl Benton, aka the “head tomato” is founder and publisher of The Three Tomatoes, a digital lifestyle magazine for “women who aren’t kids”. Having lived and worked for many years in New York City, the land of size zero twenty-somethings, she was truly starting to feel like an invisible woman. She created The Three Tomatoes just for the fun of it as the antidote for invisibility and sent it to 60 friends. Today she has thousands of friends and is chief cheerleader for smart, savvy women who want to live their lives fully at every age and every stage. She is the author of the novel, "Can You See Us Now?" and co-author of a humorous books of quips, "Martini Wisdom." Because she's lived a long time, her full bio won't fit here. If you want the "blah, blah, blah", read more. www.thethreetomatoes.com/about-the-head-tomato
