Author: jerseykids

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Is Operation Mincemeat Approrpriate for Kids? Is Oh, Mary Appropriate for Kids?

We had a double in New York, seeing Operation Mincemeat one night, and Oh, Mary! the next, solely for the purpose of answering your questions: Is Operation Mincemeat appropriate for kids? Is Oh, Mary appropriate for kids? Read on.

Operation Mincemeat, a British show, is about a farfetched plot to divert Nazi troops from Sicily to Sardinia, so the Allies could invade and take it back. It’s a comedy and musical, and it’s shockingly a true story. I won’t get into many details, so as not to spoil it.

Operation Mincemeat – copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan
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The Jewish Museum’s The Book of Esther in the Age of Rembrandt

I highly recommend the Jewish Museum’s The Book of Esther in the Age of Rembrandt. It’s at the museum through August 10, 2025. I learned a lot. Turns out the book of Esther was popular during that era, in the 1600s. She is not only a heroine in the Jewish tradition, but also for Christians.

One of only 3 Rembrandt paintings of Esther – the other 2 are in Russia and were shockingly (not) not sent for the exhibit. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan

In the 1600s, immigrant Jews living in the Netherlands had religious freedom and could celebrate Purim more openly than they could in previous homelands (Portugal, Spain, Central/Eastern Europe). The exhibit explained that this holiday became symbolic of freedom and of the Jewish presence in Amsterdam.

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Take the kids to Buena Vista Social Club?

I can’t remember a time I felt so much audience energy. The Buena Vista Social Club has struck a chord. Why? People love the music and also there’s representation on that stage that’s not always there. Cubans and other Latinos are coming to hear their music and see their story up on stage. And they’re loving it. And should you take the kids to Buena Vista Social Club? Read on.

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Meow Wolf With Kids

Meow Wolf Santa Fe parking lot. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan

My youngest loved Meow Wolf the first time she went and said we had to go when in Santa Fe. I describe Meow Wolf as an escape room meets art installation meets climbing structure. It was heavily funded by George R. R. Martin, of Game of Thrones fame.

One thing that surprised me was just how big it was. You can see the white building in the background, but it goes far back – a former 20,000 SF bowling alley. It seemed endless inside – a good thing, but easy to get lost.

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Review: Weekend in Santa Fe With Kids

There’s plenty to do in Santa Fe with kids, or just go as adults. Here are some of the highlights.

The Georgia O’Keefe Museum. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan

The Georgia O’Keefe Museum is a manageable size with kids. They say to expect to stay for 1 hour – which is about the amount of time we spent. They have devices you can borrow to listen to commentary on certain pieces you choose or you can pull up their website and listen on your phone. They will give you earbuds to use – but probably better to just bring your own. Kids may like the movie which shows her development through time.
There’s an exhibit that shows what she wore, painted in and painted with.

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Sunset Boulevard With Kids

I went into Sunset Boulevard cold. My husband saw it in the West End 30 years ago with Patty LuPone. I didn’t know the story, and I only knew a little of the music. While he was eager to tell me about the differences between the shows at intermission (and after), he didn’t need to tell me much. The staging, which I knew ahead of time was different, was totally obvious.

Should you see Sunset Boulevard with kids? I’ll share more at the end.

Read on only if you don’t mind spoilers.

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Review: The Civilian Hotel and Bars

It’s time for a staycation! I’ve been to the Civilian Hotel numerous times for drinks in two of its fabulous bars, but we wanted to stay here as well. This stylized Broadway theater district hotel plays on that strength (see bars, later). But you just feel like a hip, trendy person when you go there. When you walk into the hotel, there are 2 desks down the hall – one is for dining/bar reservations (I think) and one is for hotel check-in. It was the smallest reception desk I’ve seen in my life, but it worked perfectly well and you can leave your luggage with them there if you need as well.

Cozy room at the Civilian Hotel. By Deborah Abrams Kaplan
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