On April 5, The Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America’s (ABAA) 61st New York International Antiquarian Book Fair (NYIABF) occured at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City. Collectors, buyers, and book enthusiasts come together annually to discuss rare artifacts and books.
The Knockturnal: What inspired you to write The Maid and The Mesmerizer?
On Wednesday, March 6, the Roundabout Theatre Company presented the first revival of John Patrick Shanley’s play, Doubt: A Parable. Directed by Scott Ellis, the production asks questions about what’s fact versus fiction and who should be believed.
On March 3, A.R.T./New York Theatres presented The Maid and the Mesmerizer, a new play inspired by the Brontë sisters. Written by Patricia Lynn and directed by Jenn Susi, the two-hander details a high-energy love affair between a hypnotist and his assistant.
On December 9, the Hip Hop Museum Tour closed out its six-city tour in Miami at Wynwood Studio in partnership with Mass Appeal. CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka sponsored the event. Hip Hop Historians Pete Nice and Paradise Gray curated the traveling exhibit.
In celebration of hip-hop’s fiftieth birthday, the Hip Hop Museum Tour told the stories of impactful hip-hop artists. The exhibit featured Hip Hop’s early years (1973-1990) and highlighted vital firsts in the genre’s history from block parties to stadium performances.
Guests explored the exhibit while DJ Vashtie curated the sound.
Miami native and hip-hop artist Trina co-hosted the museum tour’s finale. In a fireside chat, she chatted with Nice and Gray about the importance of preserving Hip Hop history. After the discussion, guests met the panelists.
The exhibit had a Jorit mural. Attendees watched the Italian street artist finish his work live. Viewers particularly enjoyed the “Mass Appeal Station.” The space looked like a New York City subway train station. Inside, it offered airbrush tattoos and manicures.
The Hip Hop Museum Tour started in New York City with Lola Brooke. After an excellent reception, the tour traveled to the A. Native ATLien. Baby Tate hosted the event and welcomed visitors to the exhibit at The Cellar at Southern Exchange. The discussion turned to the importance of preserving hip-hop and the genre’s progression over time. Kentheman hosted the exhibit in Houston, while Blxst anchored a fun night in Los Angeles. Before wrapping up in Miami, the show traveled to Charlotte, where Grammy-nominated rapper Rapsody discussed the importance of women in hip-hop. The Hip Hop Museum Tour served as a precursor to the official opening of the Hip Hop Museum in 2025.
In 2025, the Hip Hop Museum will open in the Bronx, NY. The museum will provide a space for fans and artists to interact. It will create educational opportunities and entertaining experiences for hip-hop culture’s past, present, and future. Fans can follow @Massappeal and the @UHHMuseum on social media for updates.
Hip Hop 50 serves as Mass Appeal’s love letter to hip-hop. Through the exhibition, the entertainment company celebrates hip-hop culture in an authentic and globally impactful way. Hip Hop 50 activates audiences through original music, timeless content, strategic partnerships, custom products, and so much more. Every component of Hip Hop 50 includes charitable initiatives that connect to the Hip Hop Museum. Fans can find #HipHop50 online, on-air, and on the block.
Mass Appeal tells stories from the perspectives of artists who shape and change culture. Since 1996, the entertainment company recorded emerging movements that have gone on to influence popular ideas. Today, Mass Appeal leads hip-hop discussions in content, music, and creative services. Fans can follow Mass Appeal on all social platforms @massappeal.
On January 6, 2024, the Ethel Barrymore Theatre presented the musical Harmony. Bruce Sussman wrote the lyrics and book while Barry Manilow composed the music.
Simon Rex, co-founder of pharmacist-formulated men’s skincare brand MOX Skincare, launches a brand to deliver next-level skin nutrition and performance for men. The brand is introducing Rex as its co-founder. The brand leads a mission to help men feel and look their best.
While men already practice wellness through diet and exercise, most do not take care of their skin’s health. Research shows that an estimated 1 in 3 men have a skincare routine.
Rex introduces a brand that speaks to men, with simple steps and proven results. As one of Hollywood’s top actors, Rex appeals to women who often influence the wellness brands that men choose. MOX Skincare will make a positive impact across the gender spectrum.
Rex said, “Co-founding this skincare company is something I’m really excited about. After years of treating my body like a roller coaster, it’s time to treat it like a temple! MOX is more than a routine, it’s a way of showing pride in my appearance and boosting confidence.”
MOX Skincare launches ‘Simon’s Superset’ to honor the announcement of Rex’s involvement. The three-step kit simplifies skincare for men. The package consists of MOX Skincare’s Invigorating Peppermint Cleanser, Multi Nutrient Serum, and Mineral Hydrating Mist. The high-quality products hydrate, nourish, cleanse, and energize your skin.
MOX Skincare created Invigorating Peppermint Cleanser with salicylic acid and peppermint essential oil. The product leaves the skin feeling bright and smooth without stripping moisture. The item retails at $20.
Multi Nutrient Serum contains important nutrients like Vitamin C and squalene. The cream has a blend of five lipophilic vitamins (A, C, D, E, and K), which strengthen and nourish the skin. The minerals make the skin feel resilient and hydrated. The item costs $38.
Mineral Hydrating Mist has hyaluronic acid and electrolytes to oxygenate cells and moisturize the skin. Rex discussed his vision for the company.
“We’re not just in the business of products, we’re in the business of self-esteem and normalizing men’s skin care.
It’s about time! First impressions count, and I’m here to help guys look and feel their best,” said Rex.
Peter Murane, CEO and co-founder of MOX Skincare, admires Rex. He said, “Working alongside Simon has been nothing short of mind-blowing. His creativity is endless, and he knows how to speak to men using humor while effectively getting their attention. Our mission together is to redefine the men’s personal care space.”
Murane said, “Simon would be the perfect fit to bring men into the skincare category. Men’s skincare brands are by and large boring. We’re out to change that. Simon embodies the very essence of MOX Skincare’s vision and brand identity. With his charisma, humor, authenticity, and dedication to self-improvement, Simon Rex personifies the spirit and confidence that we aim to empower through our products and community.”
With Rex working as a co-founder, MOX Skincare can expand its product list. The brand seeks to inspire men to prioritize their skin and feel more confident. As Rex says, “Things are about to get skinteresting.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 27: Robert De Niro speaks onstage at The 2023 Gotham Awards at Cipriani Wall Street on November 27, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Gotham Film & Media Institute)
On November 27, The Gotham Film & Media Institute (The Gotham) announced the 33rd Annual Gotham Award winners. Cipriani Wall Street in New York City hosted the ceremony.
Celine Song’s poignant drama Past Lives won Best Feature. In the film, two friends reconnect in New York City after one emigrated from South Korea years before. Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman presented the award.
Justine Triet’s compelling Cannes Palme d’Or-winning film Anatomy of a Fall earned Best International Feature. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Stan Walker presented the award.
Anatomy of a Fall won a second Gotham Award for its brilliant screenplay, co-authored by Triet and Arthur Harari. The storyline explored the complexities of institutions and marriage as well as the consequences of parents’ mistakes on children. Stephanie March and Jeffrey Sharp presented the award.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 27: Lily Gladstone speaks onstage at The 2023 Gotham Awards at Cipriani Wall Street on November 27, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Gotham Film & Media Institute)
Lily Gladstone won Outstanding Lead Performance in feature films for her performance in Morissa Maltz’s The Unknown Country. On behalf of the cast, Gladstone accepted Tribute to Killers of a Flower Moon during the ceremony. Willem Dafoe and Danielle Deadwyler presented the award.
Check out our backstage interview with Lily Gladstone here.
Charles Melton earned Outstanding Supporting Performance for his surprising turn in Todd Haynes’ multi-layered and meta melodrama May December. Jamie Bell and Shailene Woodley presented the award.
A.V. Rockwell scored the Breakthrough Director Award for the Sundance-winning A Thousand and One. Her emotional feature debut tells the story of a mother who kidnaps her son from foster care. The mother attempts to raise him by herself in New York City. Cadillac presented the award.
Kaouther Ben Hania won Best Documentary for Four Daughters. The film discusses Tunisian mother Olfa and her daughters. After two of them disappear, the production team uses professional actresses to portray them, which results in a fascinating mix of nonfiction and fiction techniques about storytelling, trauma, and humanity. Carla Cugino and Rebecca Hall presented the award.
Check out our backstage interview with Kaouther Ben Hania here.
A Small Light earned the award for Breakthrough Series (Over 40 Minutes). The series is based on the true story of Miep Gies, who sheltered Anne Frank’s family from the Nazis. Bob Odenkirk and Steven Yeun presented the award.
Lee Sung Jin’s Beef scored the award for Breakthrough Series (Under 40 Minutes). The nail-biting show examines modern-day obsessions. Nicole Beharie and Morgan Spector presented the award.
Check out our backstage interview with Nicole Beharie here.
Beef won a second Gotham Award with Ali Wong earning Outstanding Performance in a New Series. Wong portrayed a small business owner in continuous madness with her new enemy, portrayed by Steven Yeun. Greta Lee and Teyana Taylor presented the award.
Check out our backstage interview with Ali Wong here.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 27: Rebecca Hall and Carla Gugino speaks onstage at The 2023 Gotham Awards at Cipriani Wall Street on November 27, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Gotham Film & Media Institute)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 27: Alex Convery speaks onstage at The 2023 Gotham Awards at Cipriani Wall Street on November 27, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Gotham Film & Media Institute)
For 2023, The Gotham awarded the Icon & Creator Tributes to the movies Ferrari, Killers of the Flower Moon, Air, Barbie, Maestro, and Rubin. The Gotham created the Icon & Creator Tributes to recognize cultural icons and the filmmakers who brought the idols to life.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 27: Cast of ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ speak onstage with Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro at The 2023 Gotham Awards at Cipriani Wall Street on November 27, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Gotham Film & Media Institute)
Ferrari received the Innovation Icon & Creator Tribute. Killers of The Flower Moon received the Historical Icon & Creator Tribute. Check out our interview with Ferrari Director Michael Mann here.
Air received the Visionary Icon & Creator Tribute. Barbie received the Global Icon & Creator Tribute. Maestro received the Cultural Icon & Creator Tribute. Rustin received the Social Justice Icon & Creator Tribute.
Also, The Gotham announced that ViacomCBS’ MTV Entertainment Group will continue to finance the Gotham EDU Schumacher Cranshaw Scholarship, which is part of The Gotham EDU Career Development Program. The program honors MTV Creative Director Sophia Cranshaw and filmmaker Joel Scumacher’s legacy. The scholarship supports undergraduate students who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and LGBTQ+. The Gotham EDU Career Development program offers mentorship and classes.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 27: Jeffrey Sharp speaks onstage at The 2023 Gotham Awards at Cipriani Wall Street on November 27, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Gotham Film & Media Institute)
The Gotham supports and celebrates independent film and media creators. The organization provides access to industry leaders, career-building resources, and pathways to bigger recognition. Under Executive Director and award-winning producer Jeffrey Sharp’s leadership, The Gotham promotes a sustainable and bright independent filmmaking community through its programs, which include the Gotham Awards, Gotham Labs, Filmmaker Magazine, Gotham Week, Owning It, Gotham EDU, and Expanding Communities.
The 33rd Annual Gotham Award recipients are:
For Best Feature, presented by Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman
Past Lives
Directed by Celine Song
Produced by David Hinojosa, Pamela Koffler, Christine Vachon
Released by A24
The Best Feature jury included: Nina Yang Bongiovi, Danielle Deadwyler, Beau Flynn, Edward Shults Trey & Olivia Wilde
For Best Documentary Feature, presented by Carla Cugino and Rebecca Hall
Four Daughters
Directed by Kaouther Ben Hania
Produced by Nadim Cheikhrouha
Released by Kino Lorber
The Best Documentary jury included: Yoni Golijov, Teddy Leifer, Andrew Rossi, Nanfu Wang & Jamila Wignot
For Best International Feature, presented Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Stan Walker
Anatomy of a Fall
Directed by Justine Triet
Produced by Marie-Ange Luciani and David Thion
Released by NEON
The Best International Feature jury included: Gracija Filipovic, Asher Goldstein, André Holland, Danilea Taplin Lundberg & Giancarlo Nasi
For Outstanding Lead Performance, presented by Willem Dafoe and Danielle Deadwyler
Lily Gladstone in The Unknown Country
Released by Music Box Films
The Outstanding Lead Performance jury included: Thomas Benski, Liz Cardenas, Ethan Hawke, David Lowery & Alfre Woodard
For Outstanding Supporting Performance, presented by Jamie Bell and Shailene Woodley
Charles Melton in May December
Released by Netflix
The Outstanding Supporting Performance jury included: Juan Pablo Gonzalez, Alma Har’el, Stephan James, Anya Taylor-Joy & Julie Yorn
For Breakthrough Director Award Presented by Cadillac, presented by Radikha Jones and Andrew Scott
A.V. Rockwell for A Thousand and One
Released by Focus Features
The Breakthrough Director Award Presented by Cadillac jury included: Anna Boden, Chinonye Chukwu, Ricky D’Ambrose, Richard Gladstein & Anne Rosellini
For Best Screenplay, presented by Stephanie March and Jeffrey Sharp
Justine Triet and Arthur Harari for Anatomy of a Fall
Released by NEON
The Best Screenplay jury included: Lee Daniels, Lena Dunham, Sian Heder, Scott Lambert & Diego Luna
For Breakthrough Series (Over 40 Minutes), presented by Bob Odenkirk and Steven Yeun
A Small Light
Created by Tony Phelan and Joan Rater
Executive Produced by Susanna Fogel, William Harper, Avi Nir, Tony Phelan, Joan Rater, Lisa Roos, Alon Shtruzman, and Peter Traugott
National Geographic
The Breakthrough Series (Over 40 Minutes) jury included: DeMane Davis, Frankie Faison, Sanaa Hamri, Haley Lu Richardson & Paul Thureen
For Breakthrough Series (Under 40 Minutes), presented by Nicole Beharie and Morgan Spector
Beef
Created by Lee Sung Jin
Executive Produced by Ravi Nandan, Alli Reich, Jake Schreier, Ali Wong, and Steven Yeun
Netflix
The Breakthrough Series (Under 40 Minutes) jury included: Adam Arkin, Sterlin Harjo, Jordana Mollick, Taylour Paige & Susanna Styron
For Outstanding Performance in a New Series, presented by Greta Lee and Teyana Taylor
Ali Wong in Beef
Netflix
The Outstanding Performance in a New Series jury included: Danielle Brooks, Kim Coleman, Aaron Cooley & Soo Hugh
Sponsors
The Premier Sponsor of the 2023 Gotham Awards is Vanity Fair, Official Vehicle is Cadillac, and Official Water is FIJI Water.
For more information: https://thegotham.org/
Actress, Philanthropist, and Author Leesa Rowland and Larry Wohl held the Old Hollywood Glamour – A Halloween Soiree” at The Venue in the Hard Rock Hotel Times Square New York. Hank Stampfl’s Revel Rouge created the menu, cocktails, and event décor. Rowland added her personal touches.
The event paid tribute to movie stars with a silver screen style and good graces. Attendees wore classic red carpet looks, danced to live music, and enjoyed cocktails at the cheerful party. Fashion designer Marc Bouwer designed Rowland’s costume.
Rowland wore a black gown with lace. The garment matched her heels and choker. She wore her blonde hair in a bun. She posed for a picture in front of the event banner. Guests wore elaborate outfits too.
Attendees included Pedro Oberto, Ramona Singer, Carmen D’Alessio, 
and Tina Radziwill. Pamela Morgan, Pamela Morgan, Liliana Cavendish, Paul Margolin, Sergio Zapata, and Lucia Hwong Gordon also appeared. Cindy Guyer, Nicole Noonan and Steve Knobel, Sharon Bush, Hank Stampfl, Lady Betty Grafstein, and Jose Castelo Branco celebrated. Bill Sclight and Cheri Kaufman, Deborah Hung, Nadja Sayej, Olga Ferrara, Syl Tang, Brigitte Segura, Lucia Pampalone, Charlii Sebunya, and Elizabeth Taylor wore fabulous outfits. Rowland’s career goes beyond show-stopping events.
Recently, Rowland started taking comedy classes with Richard Kline (“Larry,” Three’s Company). She studied sketch comedy and improv at New York City’s famous Upright Citizen’s Brigade. Alumni include Amy Poehler, Ian McKay, Horatio Sands, Matt Besser, and Matt Walsh. Rowland hopes to add comedic roles to her television and film credits.
Beyond her plentiful credits as a film and television actress, Rowland works as a philanthropist and animal rights activist. As a vegan, she supports the nonprofit organization Last Chance for Animals. In 2013, she founded the New York nonprofit group Animal Ashram. She published a new book as well.
Fans can find Rowland’s book, The Charisma Factor: Unlock the Secrets of Magnetic Charm and Personal Influence in Your Life, in bookstores and online.
The famous PJ Bernstein restaurant serves classic and inventive Jewish-style food. The restaurant’s staff cooks all recipes with fresh ingredients. In the Upper East Side, PJ’s has a unique history.
In 1965, the restaurant opened its doors. In 1985, Mr. Berstein looked to move in a different direction. He asked his most devoted customer, Mr. Slobodski, to buy the deli. Mr. Slobodski accepted the offer. He continued the traditions of delicious and savory food in a warm environment. He passed that dedication to his son and grandson, Steve and Eugene Slobodski. They added an outdoor dining area and a vital delivery service.
For over twenty years, Chef Tommy Jedrzejezyk led PJ Bernstein’s kitchen. He learned to cook in Poland and Germany. His specialties include chicken liver pate, homemade gefilte fish, and stuffed cabbage. He expertly prepares classic cuts of mouth-watering corned beef, turkey, and pastrami.
Fifty years ago, Landy Hunt started working as a dishwasher at the restaurant. He started with the Bersteins and stayed on to work with the Slobodski family. Currently, he works as a floor manager. He has served meals to many celebrities.
The late Lucille Ball ordered kosher hot dogs. Sharon Stone liked chicken soup and a turkey sandwich. Liza Minelli ate a corn muffin and drank coffee. New York Yankee baseball player Giancarlo Stanton liked pastrami sandwiches and homemade soups. Other household names included Sean Connery, Daniel Craig, and former New York City Mayor Ed Koch. PJ’s gained attention from the public as well.
The restaurant reminded Russian-born cab driver Alex Slobodski of home. The authentic flavors, aromas, and friendly atmosphere comforted him. In the evenings, he chatted with the initial owner, Mr. Berstein. PJ’s menu lists innovative sandwich options.
Jedrzejezyk makes their best-selling soups’ chicken stocks in a vat each morning. It consists of 25 pounds of chicken bones, celery, and carrots, which make an estimated fifty gallons of broth. The “Triple Delight” chicken soup consists of soft, clear chicken consommé with matzah balls, noodles, and delicate kreplach. The ravioli-like kreplach has melty brisket and onions inside. The restaurant has cold and hot Russian borscht. PJ’s makes delicious sandwiches.
PJ’s Famous New York Sandwiches contain a half-pound of meat on a variety of Eli’s Famous Breads. The famous pastrami sandwich contains a half-pound of meat with coleslaw and a pickle as side dishes.
Cardiologist Special has tongue meat, chicken liver pate, and hot pastrami. The Reuben Sandwich features homemade corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing.
The Lucky Latke consists of tasty pastrami or brisket between two crispy potato latkes. The Meatloaf Sandwich showcases homemade meatloaf on the customer’s choice of bread. The Brisket Sandwich presents homemade brisket, also on the customer’s choice of bread.
The Italian “Turkey” Sandwich contains fresh salami, provolone, and pastrami on soft rye bread. It comes with coleslaw and a pickle as sides. The deli serves traditional Jewish-style meals too.
The Jewish Whopper consists of a fried potato knish stuffed with pastrami and sauerkraut. The sharable cheese blintzes delight customers as well. They consist of thin Russian-style crepes wrapped around a fresh house blend of ricotta-like cheese. Jedrzejezyk sautees and serves them with sour cream and a cherry compote. Customers can order and share housemade perogies.
Jedrzejezyk can freshly chop brisket, potatoes and onions. Then, he can fill the handmade dumplings with the delicious ingredients. He can fry or boil them, as per the customer’s request. PJ’s has terrific dinner specials too.
The cozy, rustic Beef Goulash stew contains pieces of brisket. Jedrzejezyk serves the dish over egg noodles. Broiled Scottish Salmon comes with fresh vegetables or a baked potato.
The Beef Burger displays eight ounces of fresh-cut sirloin on a fluffy bun. The crunchy latkas come with sour cream or apple sauce. The Jumbo Frank has a timeless Hebrew National grilled or boiled frank on a soft bun. It comes with mustard and sour kraut on the side. Customers can choose between baked beans or French fries as an added side dish. PJ’s has a variety of knishes as well.
The Bomb consists of a fried knish with sauerkraut and pastrami inside. The chef makes the Baked Potato Knish from fresh Williamsburg potatoes. PJ’s mixes their kasha knish with buckwheat groats. It comes with spicy brown mustard. The restaurant even has a spinach knish.
The Nova Scotia consists of low-salt, mildly-smoked salmon. It comes with tomatoes, onions, olives, capers, lemon, lettuce, and cream cheese on a New York bagel. The Lake Sturgeon and White Fish contain fresh fish and appear on fluffy bagels too. The restaurant has a great Catering and Party Menu.
The dishes feed gatherings of ten to twenty people. Classic salad options include Potato, Macaroni, or Cucumber Salad. Customers can order PJ’s Vegetable Platter, which contains cherry tomatoes, celery sticks, carrots, peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, and housemade onion dip. The Whitefish Platter has a variety of bagels, cream cheese, olives, Bermuda onions, tomatoes, and fresh lemon. PJ’s Famous Sandwich Platter comes with either twenty jumbo sandwiches and seven pounds of a choice of side salad or twelve jumbo sandwiches and five pounds of a choice of side salad. Jedrzejezyk prepares cold-cut platters with three and a half to five pounds of select meats, Eli’s Bread, house dressing, and pickles. PJ’s has a friendly atmosphere.
The restaurant has a window that showcases its meats, deli products, and pastries. The facility has a clean, accessible countertop. Framed photographs of celebrity customers line the walls. Among them are David Copperfield, Marisa Tomei, and Cuba Gooding, Jr.’s pictures. The restaurant has a new outdoor dining patio with lovely hanging plants. Recently, PJ’s launched an exciting app.
Customers can order takeout and delivery orders on the app. They can download it on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
