Tony Award-nominee John Tartaglia starred in the acclaimed musical Avenue Q, appeared on Broadway in Shrek: the Musical and created and starred in The Playhouse Disney series Johnny and the Sprites.  Now he presents John Tartaglia’s Imaginocean.

A one-of-a-kind, interactive show, John Tartaglia’s Imaginocean is a magical, musical undersea adventure for kids of all ages.  Tank, Bubbles, and Dorsel are three best friends who just happen to be fish, and they’re about to set out on a remarkable journey of discovery.

Jam-packed with original music ranging from swing to R&B to Big Band, John Tartaglia’s Imaginocean is a blast—from the first big splash to the last wave goodbye.

NYMetropolista is giving away two (2) tickets to one lucky winner to this spectacular, fun-filled show! Tickets are valid May 23 to June 30 performances.

To Enter:

1) Leave a comment expressing your interest in the giveaway

2) Tweet about the giveaway and remember to @NYMetropolista

3) Join our FaceBook Fan Page

Winner will be chosen end of day Tuesday, May 4 2010.

For more information visit http://www.imaginoceanthemusical.com

Performances at New World Stages, Stage 5, 340 West 50th St., NYC

There’s been a lot of buzz about Broke-ology, the new production at Lincoln Center Theater, and after seeing the show, I’ve joined the buzz bandwagon.

Broke-ology is the dramatic story of the King family who have gone through many hardships in life, struggle to stay afloat, yet survive it all with the love they give and feel for each other. When the father (Wendall Pierce) begins to show the signs of his illness, the two brothers (Alano Miller and Fancoise Battiste) find disagreement in what the path of their lives should take, as each struggle with the desire to pursue personal dreams and the weight of guilt and sense of responsibility to their family.  The mother (played beautifully by Crystal A. Dikinson) adds to the softness and tenderness felt as one watches on, as we fall in love with this family and laugh and cry, as we would for own during moments of hardship.

A beautiful performance, brought to life by an incredibly talented cast, Broke-ology is the child of playwrite Nathan Louis Jackson, a Kansas City, Kansa native and 2009 Julliard School graduate.  Directed by Thomas Kail (In The Heights), this is one of the most amazing, most emotional theatrical experiences I have had in a long time and am excited to offer one NY Metropolista reader the opportunity to experience it as well.

NY Metropolista is giving one (1) lucky reader two (2) tickets to any one of the performances to Broke-ology (subject to availability).  Broke-ology opens Monday, October 5 and runs through Sunday, November 22 at the Lincoln Center Theater.

To Enter:

1) Suscribe to the NY Metropolista newsletter by joining our mailing list (see right side bar).

2) Tweet about the giveaway. Remember to @nymetropolista so that we may see it.

3) Leave a comment

Only one entry per person will be counted.  Winner will be chosen on Monday, October 12, 2009 through Random.org.

You can check out my review and watch an interview video with the cast, playwrite, and director on NYCityMama.com HERE.

Good luck!

Photo credit: Carol Cain

Walking down the streets of New York City exposes you to tons of great shops. Many of them new arrivals taking advantage of prime real estate,  changing neighborhoods, or opportunities offered to them by the city and its natives. But every once in awhile, you will come across a place that is more than just a store. It’s a part of New York City history, born and bred.  A place that has been here through thick and thin, that has hung on, offering us the best that they have to offer as they grow, representing New York City in every way.

Kiehl’s Since 1851 is such a place.  This New York City icon started as a family owned pharmacy, exactly where you find it now, at 109 Third Avenue in the East Village. And though some things have changed, such as Kiehl’s becoming an International success, many things have stayed the same, such as the continuity with which it serves quality products that not only cherish the skin they are the developed for, but also our planet.

I love Kiehl’s products because of how great they smell and feel on my hair and skin. But I also really, really love how they focus on creating products that respect the environment and encourage others to do the same. It has continuously developed programs and products that spread the message of love not only to Mother Earth but to our communities as well.

And though it is true that I have a personal relationship* with Kiehl’s, the quality and reputation of their products, their contributions to our city’s history and communities, their efforts to educate others about the environment, and their own involvement in these efforts, make Kiehl’s Since 1851 a true New York City success story.

Another reason to feel good about wanting to splurge on self care, be you a boy or a girl.

Read more about the fun that was had as I joined Kiehl’s in kicking off Fashion Week NYC during Kiehl’s Fashion Night Out  2009. 

The Giveaway:

I’d like to share some Kiehl’s love. Tell NY Metropolista the ways in which you give back to our planet and/or our community.  We will select two (2)  winners on Friday, September 25, 2009.  

Each winner will receive an 8.0fl oz jar of Imperial Body Balm each valued at $42.00 and a 6.0 fl oz bottle of Kiehl’s new Açai Damage-Protecting Toning Mist each valued at $26.00.

Tweet about the giveaway and qualify for a second entry (make sure to @nymetropolista).  No more than two entries will be counted.

*Disclosure: My wonderful husband, Travis Cain, is Sr. Art Director for Kiehl’s Since 1851, and as such, we enjoy the wonderful perks and gifts any member of the Kiehl’s family does.  That being said, my review here is honest and true.  I have received no compensation, gifts, products, or other endorsement for this review. As a matter of fact, they don’t even know I am writing this, so I hope they likey.