The Power of Women’s Voices Video: A Night That Lit Up the Triad Theater
Cast and producers l to r: Charlie Viehl, Merrill Stone, Randie Levine-Miller, Jane Goldman, Cheryl Benton, Kristie Keleshian, Valerie Smaldone, Carol Ostrow, Karen Nason, Steve Schalchlin
On October 28, 2025, something extraordinary happened. The Three Tomatoes Publishing—my passion project and platform for celebrating women over 40—took center stage at the iconic Triad Theater in New York City. Our sold-out showcase, The Power of Women’s Voices, was more than an event. It was a soul-stirring celebration of storytelling, music, art, and unapologetic brilliance.
I’m still glowing from the energy in that room. To see a packed house rise in standing ovation, to hear laughter, tears, and gasps of recognition—it reminded me why we do this. Women over 40 have lived, loved, lost, reimagined, and risen. Their stories aren’t just worthy—they’re vital.
This evening was curated with love and intention. Every reading, every note, every brushstroke was chosen to uplift and inspire. We honored fierce truths and tender reflections. We amplified voices that are too often overlooked. And we did it with joy, elegance, and fire.
Highlights from the Showcase
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- Valerie Smaldone
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- Carol Ostrow
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- Kristie Keleshian
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- Kristie, Valerie, Carol
- Valerie Smaldone, Kristie Keleshian, and Carol Ostrow delivered powerful readings that brought our stories to life with grace and grit.
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- Randie Levine Miller
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- Karen Nason
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- Cheryl Benton and Steve Schalchlin
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- Merrill Stone
- Randie Levine Miller, Merrill Stone, Karen Nason, and Steve Schalchlin moved us with musical tributes that celebrated the heart of womanhood.
- Visual art and original works added depth and texture to the evening, reminding us that creativity knows no age limit.
I had the honor of producing this event alongside Jane Goldman, Valerie Smaldone, and Carol Ostrow—three powerhouse women who share my belief in the transformative power of storytelling. Together, we created a space where lived experience was not just welcomed—it was revered.
Watch the Full Showcase
If you couldn’t be there in person, I’m thrilled to share the entire video with you. Watch it, feel it, and let it remind you of the brilliance that lives in every woman’s voice.
This wasn’t just a showcase. It was a movement. And it’s only just beginning.
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
Thank you so much posting this on YouTube. I couldn’t be there because I was booked at Chez Josephine. This is a really nice gift to be able to see all of the talented women of substance who graced the stage that night 🙏🏻❤️