Following a critically-acclaimed run in Chicago last year, BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical is scheduled top open on Broadway in April 2025 at a year-to-be announced theater owned by the Shubert Organization (there are 17 in total!). Tickets for the production are not on sale yet.

No word yet on who will take on the role of the iconic animated cartoon character created by Max Fleischer back in 1930 for his “Talkartoons” series, but we personally have a few suggestions in mind: Fran Drescher, perhaps? Megan Hilty? Karen Olivo? 

Directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, with music by David Foster, lyrics by Susan Birkenhead and a book by Bob Martin, BOOP! “follows Betty as she takes a break from her celebrity life in black and white and steps into the colorful world of New York City for an adventurous day off,” according to New York Theatre Guide. It’s giving 2023 Barbie movie and we’re into it.

Following a very crowded Broadway season this past April, the 2025 theater schedule seems not to be slowing down much. 

It’s only June and we’ve already heard about Idina Menzel’s much anticipated Broadway return in new musical Redwood; George Clooney’s debut as newsman Edward R. Murrow in Good Night, and Good Luck; updates regarding the Stranger Things play; and the probable debut of a Smash Broadway musical produced by Steven Spielberg.

Welcome to the stacked lineup, Betty!

* This article was originally published here

New York is rife with festivals, especially the foodie sort. But a new food-and-music fest is coming to Brooklyn courtesy of a viral source: Jack Goldburg, a.k.a. Jack’s Dining Room, the NYC-based social media creator known for showcasing global restaurants and bites to his 2 million-plus followers. 

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And Jack has personally curated quite a lineup for the inaugural Yes Chef Food Fest, which will bring “New York’s most viral food sensations” to Williamsburg’s BK Backyard Bar (86 North 11th Street) on Saturday, August 10 and Sunday, August 11. Alas, despite the event’s name, neither Jeremy Allen White nor his biceps will be in attendance, but there will be participating restaurants like Mama’s Too, Gotham Burger, Soothr, Arthur & Sons, Taqueria Ramirez, Mimi Cheng’s, Milano Market and more. 

In collaboration with NYBucketlist and Rose Gold Presents, the fest will see the restaurants serve not only their most sought-after dishes—the kind of stuff fans would otherwise have to wait hours in line to try, organizers say— but also&nbsp never-before-seen items, along with a lineup of interactive experiences, demonstrations, tastings, live musical performances and other fun surprises. 

“After traveling the world in search of the best culinary experiences, I can confidently say what many of you already know: NYC has some of the best food in the entire world,” said Goldburg. “In launching Yes Chef food fest, we are bringing together our favorite restaurants in NYC to showcase the incredibly talented chefs and unique dishes that make those restaurants so special. These folks are more than chefs—they’re pillars of our community, dishing out unforgettable experiences and capturing the vibrant spirit that makes this city so special. Join us for two days of amazing food, music, and culture!”

Tickets are on sale now starting at $20 and can be purchased at the Yes Chef site. Additional vendors, musical performances, and brand partners are still to come but here’s a full list of the participating restaurants involved so far: 

• Mama’s Too!
• Gotham Burger 
• Arthur & Sons
• Taqueria Ramirez 
• Milano Market
• Pecking House
• Bark BBQ
• Charles Pan Fried Chicken
• Soothr
• Pig and Khao
• Mesiba
• Mimi Chengs
• Federoff’s Roast Pork
• Red Hook Lobster
• Taste of Heaven
• Bodega SF

* This article was originally published here

For half a century, a very fashionable (and oddly British) feline named Kitty White has been charming generations via animated series, school supplies, video games, music albums, comic books and more. And to celebrate 50 years of the adorable global phenomenon, Nordstrom will unveil a fittingly cute Hello Kitty-themed pop-up shop in its New York City Flagship.

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Starting today, June 27, and available through summer at Nordstrom NYC (225 West 57th Street), as well as three additional Nordstrom locations (Century City in Los Angeles, Domain Northside in Austin and Downtown Seattle) and Nordstrom.com, the pop-up will highlight exclusive collaborations featuring Hello Kitty and her closest pals, with women’s and men’s apparel, accessories, home and entertainment goods, beauty items, plush toys and even pantry staples.

“A powerful symbol of friendship, kindness, and inclusivity for the past five decades, Hello Kitty has touched countless hearts worldwide. In our commitment to honor her legacy, we’re thrilled to offer fans a delightful array of unique and memorable products and experiences throughout the year,” shared Jill Koch, SVP of Brand Management and Marketing at Sanrio. “This supercute Nordstrom pop-up shop serves as the perfect celebration of Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary, igniting creativity and inspiring personal style.”

Pop-up shoppers can peruse and purchase exclusive products inspired by the kawaii icon from brands including Baggu, Café Forgot, Champion, Chet Lo, Chopova Lowena, Lula Flora, Marshall Columbia, Three Potato Four, Vandy The Pink, and YanYan Knits, with prices ranging from $6 to $1,610.

Additional brands featured in the new Hello Kitty shop at Nordstrom include:

• A-Sha

• Asian Food Grocer

• Blue Sky Clayworks

• Dumbgood

• Eiwa

• Enesco

• Erin Condren

• Gund

• Hamee

• Igloo

• Impressions Vanity

• Jacmel Jewelry

• JoyJolt

• Pipsticks

• Retrospeky

• Studio Oh!

• Sonix

• The Crème Shop

• Uncanny Brands

• Usaopoly

• Zojirushi

* This article was originally published here