Photo: Nicole Freezer Rubens

The sound of music is everywhere in NYC. Catch Pamala Morgan’s “GirlTalk” (June 11 & 12), Sharon Ruben’s “The Best is Yet to Come” (June 14), and “Steve Schalchlin and Friends” (June 19). We’re giving away tickets to the fearless new play “She Takes Flight.” Meanwhile, our roving photographer is exploring Van Gogh’s Flowers, Long Island wineries are pouring their best, and Jane Austen fans won’t want to miss The Morgan Library.

Win Tickets to She Takes Flight for June 7 performances

SHE TAKES FLIGHT is a new theatrical production that delves into the personal experiences of five women, aged from their late 40s to late 60s, navigating the complexities of mid-life in New York City in 2025. The play explores themes of womanhood, aging, empowerment, and identity through a series of poignant monologues and ensemble scenes. The play is ultimately a celebration of survival, connection, truth-telling, and sisterhood. It’s about taking flight—not despite our burdens, but because of them. GET THE DETAILS.

For Two Nights Only: Pamela Morgan “GirlTalk”

Our friend and long time 3T contributor Pamela Morgan, who truly does it all, has a special discount for Tomatoes to see her upcoming cabaret show at the Laura Beechman Theatre, June 11 & 12.  Pamela is an acclaimed cookbook author and lifestyle expert and in her new show she sings, dances, and even cooks. It’s going to be dazzling, delicious and little bit dangerous.  Created with a multi-award winning team: Director Mark Nadler, Musical Director Yasuhiko Fukuoka & Choreographer Brent McBeth

Get tickets here and use code PM3T at checkout for a 10% discount.

June 14. Sharon Ruben’s “The Best is Yet to Come”

“Sharon’s personality and sense of humor are obvious and when combined with her vocal talent, she is a HOOT!” – Don Wolff

Broadway veteran Sharon Ruben invites you to enjoy an entertaining evening of musical conversations; “The Best Is Yet To Come”. Not a club act but more of a pint-sized musical play in which Sharon will lead you, by way of song, through her philosophy of life, love and never taking no for and answer. You’ll feel your spirits soar as you sit back and relax to the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Cy Coleman, Kurt Weill, Irving Berlin to name but a few. Combine that with Sharon’s unique comedic abilities and her prowess at story telling and who knows, by evenings end, you may find yourself transported to new heights and far away places. Don’t say why, say why not and join Sharon at the iconic Triad Theater! GET TICKETS HERE.

June 19. One Night Only! “Steve Schalchlin and Friends”

“You marvel at the romantic sweep of [Steve’s] songs, emotion catching your throat.” ~ The New York Times

Renowned singer-songwriter and Broadway composer Steve Schalchlin, who just recently performed at our Renewal Summit, has a special one-night-only engagement, “Steve Schalchlin and Friends,” at the iconic Don’t Tell Mama . The evening will feature performances by Schalchlin’s own The Bonus Round Band and The Rebel Nerds, with newly confirmed special guest appearances by the electrifying Corina Katt Ayala and the critically acclaimed return of vocalist Sidney Myer, and Blake Zolfo. The Bonus Round Band and The Rebel Nerds, featuring the prodigious talents of Jake Adams on bass and Charlie Viehl as musical director and violinist, will present an intimate and uplifting experience, celebrating music’s power to heal and connect.

June 19 at 7 PM. Don’t Tell Mama (NYC). GET TICKETS HERE.

Roving in Van Gogh’s Flowers

Our roving photographer, Nicole Freezer Rubens writes:

Join Van Gogh as he plants his flowers in the Bronx, at The New York Botanical Garden. Immerse yourself in his iconic artwork in three dimensions as you tour New York’s prized plantings inspired by the artist’s classic work.  I visited with one of my daughters on an overcast day and the arrangements were still fantastical and uplifting. The intensity of all of the sunflowers is pure sunshine.

There is a night time show Van Gogh’s Flowers after dark on select days where the scenery twinkles with live music, cocktails and a first time ever drone show. This uplifting whimsical display is on view through October 26th. As a bonus the rest of the New York Botanical Garden awaits you so you can smell all the seasonal blooms and sit in the summer shade under a shrub in full bloom. It’s always a good time to stop and smell the irises!

~Nicole Freezer Rubens is the author of “The Long Pause and the Short Breath”

Sips, Sounds, and Sunsets

Andrea Peponakis says there’s something magical about a Long Island summer evening—when the sun starts to dip, the breeze carries a warm saltiness, and a live acoustic set fills the air. Whether you’re craving a glass of chilled rosé, a bold local red, or simply a front-row seat to the setting sun, Long Island has no shortage of places to wine down and soak it all in. READ MORE.

Jane Austen at the Morgan

The Morgan Library & Museum is hosting “A Lively Mind: Jane Austen at 250” from June 6 to September 14, 2025. This exhibition celebrates Austen’s life, literary achievements, and her rise to international fame. Visitors will see iconic artifacts from Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, England, alongside manuscripts, books, and artworks from the Morgan and other collections. The exhibition explores Austen’s personal style, her creative process, and how her novels gained global recognition.

Highlights include:

• Austen’s only surviving complete fiction manuscript, Lady Susan.
• Her gold and turquoise ring.
• A playful letter to her niece, written entirely in reverse.
• First editions of her six major novels, showing how her identity as an author was initially concealed.
• Rare American editions of Emma, revealing how U.S. readers first encountered her work.

The exhibition also examines how Austen defied gender norms to become a published writer and how her family carefully shaped her legacy after her death. GET THE DETAILS.