The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will be premiering two new works at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC): Amy Hall Garner’s first work for the Company, CENTURY, and former dancer Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish’s duet, Me, Myself and You, on Mother’s Day Weekend with performances Friday, May 10 at 8pm, Saturday, May 11th at 8pm and Sunday, May 12 at 3pm.
Tickets Start at $20.00 NJPAC Prudential Hall One Center Street Newark, New Jersey 07102 www.njpac.org
The company will present these exciting premieres in a powerful new production in celebration of this year’s Max Roach Centennial, which will include such repertory favorites as Ailey’s must-see American masterpiece, Revelations.
CENTURY is a deeply personal piece inspired by Hall Garner’s grandfather on the eve of his 100th birthday. Taking a cue from his spirited essence and set to the music of Ray Charles, Count Basie, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and more, CENTURY is a celebration of life, resilience, and joy.
Me, Myself and You is a dreamlike dance about reminiscence. Set to Damien Sneed and Brandie Sutton’s rendition of “In A Sentimental Mood,” it conjures the memories of love and passion of a woman who is asking herself if she should let go or forge ahead.
New productions include the seven-minute tour-de-force, Solo, by Hans van Manen, the internationally celebrated choreographer long associated with the Dutch National Ballet, and Alonzo King’s Following the Subtle Current Upstream (2000), a non-stop piece that investigates deeply rooted affinities between Western and Eastern classical forms, elemental materials, the natural world, and the human spirit.
Described by choreographer Alonzo Kingas “a piece about how to return to joy,” Following the Subtle Current Upstream mirrors life’s boisterous waves and reminds us that everything in nature seeks to return to its source.
Also on the program are returning favorites: Survivors (1986) by Alvin Ailey and Mary Barnett, and Ailey’s signature masterpiece Revelations (1960). The former is Ailey’s impassioned tribute to the profound courage and terrible anguish of Nelson and Winnie Mandela. Max Roach’s richly varied drumming and Abbey Lincoln’s vocals set the emotional tone for this powerful work that lifts up those who resist oppression in any form.
Ending the performance is the finale, Revelations, which has been seen by more people around the world than any other modern dance work, moving audiences with its powerful storytelling and soul-stirring music and evoking timeless themes of determination, hope, and transcendence.
Springing from Ailey’s childhood memories of growing up in the south and attending services at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Texas, Revelations pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of the African American community and explores the emotional spectrum of the human condition. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased by visiting NJPAC.org, calling 888-466-5722, or by visiting the NJPAC Box Office.
Monterey Bay Aquarium is perhaps the most celebrated aquarium in the U.S. and for good reason. Not only are there rare animals and other sea life on display, but all you have to do is walk outside and look out on Monterey Bay to see an area that is teeming with life because it’s a protected sanctuary.
Inside, you’ll see rare comb jellyfish that light up in rainbow colors from within, squid, and a giant Pacific octopus. There’s a wonderful kelp forest exhibit, as well as sea otters that you could watch playing for hours without a moment of getting bored.
Take a look at my photos below from my visit to the Aquarium, and you’ll see why you need to go there the next time you’re in this part of California.
Models of whales hang from the ceiling at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
Comb jellies must be the most fascinating animal on the planet. I had always wanted to see one of these animals that generates its own inner light, and I finally got my chance at Monterey Bay Aquarium. The rainbow lights moved up and down within the animals and changed colors. Truly miraculous.
Comb jellies that light up. Photo by Melanie Votaw.Watching jellyfish swim is a meditative experience. Photo by Melanie Votaw.The aquarium has several different species of jellyfish on display. Photo by Melanie Votaw.A shark swims in a kelp forest at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Photo by Melanie Votaw.After watching the happy little crab for a while, I saw the food chain in action, as this gull swooped in and turned the crab into a meal. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
It’s hard to imagine that there was no museum about the history of Broadway until late 2022, but that’s the truth. Thankfully, we now have the Museum of Broadway to commemorate the wonder of New York’s theater and located in the Times Square theater district where it belongs.
The museum has more than 1,000 costumes, artifacts, set pieces, and photos that pay tribute to 500+ productions. If you’re in New York City and love theater, this museum is a must-see.
Some of the exhibits are interactive, allowing you to put yourself in set pieces and take selfies. But I will let the photos and my captions speak for themselves.
I was thrilled to see that the museum devotes real estate to “Show Boat,” a groundbreaking musical from the 1920s. Photo by Melanie Votaw.Costumes from “Hair,” another groundbreaking and beloved musical (one of my personal favorites). Photo by Melanie Votaw.“Let the Sunshine In” from “Hair. Photo by Melanie Votaw.A neon sign paying homage to “The Wiz” with “Ease on Down the Road.” Photo by Melanie Votaw.This photo from the Broadway play, “‘Night, Mother,” starring Kathy Bates and Anne Pitoniak was especially meaningful to me because Anne was a dear friend of mine. Photo by Melanie Votaw.As a tap dancer, I also loved seeing this photo of Savion Glover from “Bring in Da Noise, Bring in Da Funk.” Photo by Melanie Votaw.This is Bialystock’s office from “The Producers.” Photo by Melanie Votaw.And the door from “The Producers.” Photo by Melanie Votaw.Costumes from “Hamilton.” Photo by Melanie Votaw.A costume worn by the character of Satine in “Moulin Rouge.” Photo by Melanie Votaw.A model of the set of “Wicked,” one of the most successful musicals in Broadway history. Photo by Melanie Votaw.A set from “West Side Story.” Photo by Melanie Votaw.Puppets and masks from “The Lion King.” Photo by Melanie Votaw.Artifacts and the costume worn by the character of Mark in “Rent.” Photo by Melanie Votaw.Another display honoring “Rent.” Photo by Melanie Votaw.Costumes from the original Ziegfeld Follies! Photo by Melanie Votaw.Artifacts from the original Ziegfeld Follies. Photo by Melanie Votaw.A model of the set for “In the Heights.” Photo by Melanie Votaw.Costumes from “A Chorus Line. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
Even my Lyft driver didn’t know about the Hollywood Cars Museum in Las Vegas, which is just a short drive from the strip. This little-known museum has a host of vehicles from TV and movies, as well as a room filled with cars and costumes once owned by Liberace.
A batmobile at the Hollywood Cars Museum in Las Vegas. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
You’ll find cars from “The Hangover,” “RoboCop,” “The Dukes of Hazzard,” and the Flintstones movie, among many others. They even have a DeLorean from Back to the Future. If you’re a movie fan or enjoy specialty and vintage cars, this is a must see.
An actual lifeboat used in the Tom Hanks film “Captain Phillips.” Photo by Melanie Votaw.A car made for the Flintstones movie. Photo by Melanie Votaw.A DeLorean from “Back to the Future.” Photo by Melanie Votaw.A rhinestone car owned by Liberace. Photo by Melanie Votaw.One of Liberace’s costumes also on display at the Hollywood Cars Museum in Las Vegas. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
If you truly need a break from the insanity of the Las Vegas strip, take a short drive to Springs Reserve, which is a peaceful oasis in the middle of all the chaos of the city. The 180-acre preserve contains gardens that attract all sorts of birds, including hummingbirds (usually Anna’s hummingbirds), and it includes an enclosed butterfly exhibit, as well as a Boomtown 1905 exhibit that’s a recreation of a Las Vegas street from that era.
It’s a wonderful place to get some fresh air and be in nature without venturing too far from the famous Vegas commercialism. I highly recommend it to help you decompress after a night at the casino. Take a look at images from my visit.
A female Anna’s hummingbird at Springs Reserve in Las Vegas. Photo by Melanie Votaw.A cactus at Springs Reserve in Las Vegas. Photo by Melanie Votaw.Flowers at Spring Reserve in Las Vegas. Photo by Melanie VotawA butterfly at Spring Reserve in Las Vegas. Photo by Melanie Votaw
Be sure to look up occasionally at the Museum of the American Revolution. There are exhibits over your head, such as this one of a Patriot working to rip down the statue of King George III in New York.
Philadelphia’s Museum of the American Revolution opened in the spring 2017, focusing on the movement and the war that resulted in the United States. Considering that some people didn’t recognize the Declaration of Independence July 4th when National Public Radio tweeted it 140 characters at a time, this museum is needed! I hope those who are unfamiliar with our country’s history will visit it.
One of the exhibits in the Museum of the American Revolution chronicles the difficulty of agreeing on a seal for the new United States. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
My visit started with a 15-minute orientation film called “Revolution,” which brought my patriotic spirit right up to the surface. You’re immediately reminded that the United States began as a result of resistance and defiance of oppressive leadership.
There are other short films throughout the facility, including one about the Indians’ role in the fighting. Called “People of the Standing Stone/The Oneida Nation, the War of Independence and the Making of America,” the film (narrated by Kevin Costner and directed by Ric Burns) tells us about the little-known contributions of Indians, some of whom fought with the Patriots and some of whom chose to fight on the side of the British.
The museum is full of quotes from figures of revolutionary times. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
My favorite film was “Washington’s War Tent,” which ends with the raising of a screen so that we see his actual tent. It’s amazingly well-preserved and quite moving to see it. In the film, we learn about its journey from the days of the war to today.
I was happy to see that the museum discussed the irony of the words “all men are created equal,” considering our early treatment of Africans and Indians. Many slaves at the time hoped those words would mean freedom for them, but it was a long time before that freedom would become a reality.
Exhibits include a life-size replica privateer ship, a life-size reproduction of the Boston Liberty Tree, where the revolution was first debated, original and reproduction artifacts, and models depicting scenes from various events. The main galleries cover the rumblings of the American revolution from 1760-1775, the darkest period of the war during 1776-1778, the final years of the war from 1778-1783, and the establishment of the new nation.
Among the artifacts is a continental dollar. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
The museum is a bit smaller than I expected. Of course, any museum must capsulize such a complex and years-long series of events, so much had to be left out. There was a noticeable absence, for example, of Alexander Hamilton, which was surprising considering the recent interest in his legacy.
The museum also pays tribute to the women who participated in the Revolution. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
Nevertheless, the museum is well done and an important educational tool for students and adults who need a refresher course. It also provides information about some of the players who are usually left out of our textbooks.
A depiction of a brawl in Harvard Yard. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
New restaurants appear in Northern New Jersey all the time. However, some are just run of the mill eateries serving the same tired dishes that have been served for ages, while a few others are serving food of exceptional quality, rivaling Michelin-starred establishments around the world in inventiveness and ingredient quality.
The 87 Sussex Restaurant in Jersey City is an absolute stunner – modern and upbeat.
On entry, the fully stocked bar is to your right and covered by a softly glowing gold painted ceiling. The handsome street level dining area is to your left, featuring cozy leather dining chairs in blue, backed with caramel. The wall is also a gorgeous blue and caramel-colored marble that leads upstairs to a second level dining area, overlooking the ground level with a sweeping architectural balcony.
Images on the wall at 87 Sussex. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
Tables are draped in white cloth with a small bouquet of blossoms, echoing the three photographs of women with flower headdresses that hang on the back wall. Service is presented in blue-tipped white plates and gold-colored flatware. Exquisite details tie all design features into one pleasing package. Even in the bathrooms, the well-designed décor continues.
Executive Chef Bryan Walter. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
Overseeing this elegant establishment is Chef Brian Walter. He has an affable disposition and is a passionate advocate for good food. He was classically trained in the French style, having served a two-year internship in France before moving on to New York’s French Culinary Institute.
He became a stagiaire (apprentice) under master chefs Mario Batali, Luc Pasquier, and Daniel Or. He also refined his craft at legendary Sirio Maccioni’s Le Cirque. Chef Brian’s work has been recognized by the James Beard Foundation, of which he is an honorary member.
Frog legs at 87 Sussex. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
The eclectic appetizer menu, with its humorous titles, belies the complex ingredients and artistry that go into each dish. For instance, Hoppin Poppers are crispy frog leg drumsticks with a Korean BBQ glaze handsomely presented on-point sitting on spicy daikon pickle spears. They were succulent and tasty and presented in a non-threatening way so that the usual “ick” factor of the ingredient is overshadowed by its excellence.
This in a nutshell is Chef Brian’s mission – to introduce exotic ingredients and dress them in an appealing way. We watched the delight in the eyes of the diners even before taking their first bite, so it seems he is achieving his goal.
Escargot Wontons at 87 Sussex. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
Another example of this effect is Escargot Wontons. The escargot are not served in the traditional snail shell but in a crispy wonton mantle with a black garlic marmalade and sprinkled with an herb crumble. The escargot flavor and texture is still there but without the task of having to remove the tasty critters from their homes.
Oyster & Pearls at 87 Sussex. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
The Oyster & Pearls is a beautiful presentation of three oysters sitting on a bed of salt, draped with tapioca mignonette pearls, and topped with Royal Ostrea Caviar. It was a feast for the eyes and a gift to the palate. The joy of a beautiful presentation enhances the experience of eating a distinctive dish, and Chef Brian is an artist as well as a consummate chef.
Black Tie Scallops at 87 Sussex. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
Black Tie Scallops is another offering only made possible by a master French trained chef. Its complex layering of Diver Scallops with sliced black truffles tied together with poached spinach and encased in puff pastry and served with warm Veal jus was as delicious as it was amazing to behold.
Foie Gras Torchon at 87 Sussex. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
For me, there were no words to describe the Foie Gras Torchon. We always order foie gras when it’s offered on a menu, and it’s always delicious. But Chef Brian’s version served with Sauternes gelée and fresh cherries in a spiced port molasses sauce is in a class all by itself. I soaked up every bit of the sauce with the micro-greens decorating the Torchon. If you are a Foie Gras lover as we are, do not miss this one.
Before we get to the entrées, we want to say a word about the wait staff, which we found to be efficient, friendly, and knowledgeable about the dishes. They delivered each dish to tables with an explanation of ingredients and preparation. The staff was professionally trained in the European fashion of service, which is the mark of a restaurant that cares about their clientele and the food that they serve.
They were attentive without being intrusive and handsomely uniformed in blue-checkered shirts with caramel-colored elbow patches and matching caramel-colored vests accented by colorful ties. The dark blue aprons wrapped around their waists were in the traditional French bistro style.
Lobster and Sea Bass Cannelloni at 87 Sussex. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
The entrées cover a variety of dishes from innovative to traditional French and American offerings. Barbara’s favorite was Lobster & Mediterranean Sea Bass Cannelloni. The dish was presented with rolled green dandelion pasta pancakes filled with branzino & fennel mousseline, topped with butter-poached lobster and a large seared diver scallop, accented with tiny baby Brussels sprouts. Beautiful to behold, it was light yet flavorful with a bit of a kick.
Braised Short Ribs at 87 Sussex. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
The Braised Short Ribs were set on a bed of white sweet potato mousseline with Chinese long beans draped around the base. The dish was composed in the traditional French manner and a bit on the heavy side for me, although a wonderful meal for a cold winter night.
Coq au Vin at 87 Sussex. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
The Coq Au Vin was an exceptional French classic. Taking a forkful, I closed my eyes and for a moment saw myself sitting at La Cupole in Paris 55 years ago, having Coq au Vin and a couple glasses of Beaujolais.
Passion Fruit Trifle at 87 Sussex. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
Desserts are large and meant to be shared. The Passion Fruit Trifle was a perfect ending to our meal. I am not normally a fan of passion fruit, but again, this version was truly delicious. With a lemon poppy cake base, passion fruit curd, and topped with a thick layer of freshly made whipped cream, accented by raspberries and blackberries, it was light, flavorful, and decadent without being overly sweet.
For an even lighter selection, there was house-made sorbet with fresh berries, and for the chocoholic, there was a Chocolate Turtle Cake consisting of dark chocolate mousse, devil’s cake, salted caramel, and toasted walnuts that our attentive waiter, Alex, said is to die for.
The restaurant had a soft opening on Valentine’s Day, and Chef Brian is still experimenting with his offerings. But the restaurant was full on for our visit just by word of mouth. There are a few details yet to be ironed out, such as the excessive noise level and the less than perfect espresso from a machine that needs recalibrating. But Chef Brian assured us that they are working to remedy these minor issues, hopefully before the formal opening.
The official opening is scheduled for May 24th, but if you want to get the experience of this extraordinary restaurant before the rush, visit early in the week now, even before the spring menu goes into effect.
A portion of this meal was complimentary, but as always, we are dedicated to providing an honest assessment of our experience. See our Disclosures for more information.
