jerseykids, Author at Jersey Kids

September 25, 2021November 15, 2021

Review: Shopstoppers NYC

Broadway is back! See our post about what that looks like. Even though Broadway is back, those affected by the theater are still trying to survive. We went for a drink at Beer Culture after the Lion King and the bartender told us that they’re at about 30% of volume. They’re hoping that with Broadway coming back, their business will improve as well.

Showstoppers NYC. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan

Other industries are hurting as well, including costume designers. The Showstoppers: Spectacular Costumes from Stage and Screen show was created to raise money for those costume makers who were unable to work during the 18 month shutdown. The Costume Industry Coalition formed in May 2020 and started a recovery fund for its members, which includes 55 independent businesses and hundreds of artisans in and around NYC. These are the people who create the costumes for live and recorded shows. The exhibition designer, Thinc Designs, donated their efforts. Designers lost $26.6 million in gross revenue from the pandemic in 2020 (up to $35 million by now in 2021). The show was put together in 3.5 months, where a show like this would normally take two years. Here is our review: Showstoppers NYC.

September 25, 2021September 29, 2021

What to Expect on Broadway During COVID

I have never received so many emails before a Broadway show as I did in the past few weeks. As the first shows reopened around September 17, I had gotten tickets to the Lion King and Chicago. I wanted to share our experience on what to expect on Broadway during COVID.

The Lion King on Broadway. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan

As of this writing, Broadway shows require proof of vaccination to enter, and mask-wearing at all times. This is per an agreement with the Actors’ Equity union and Broadway League and affects Broadway productions and major sit-down engagements, per Playbill. All Equity members and those interacting with them who are eligible for a vaccine, will have received it, other than potential exemptions at the producer’s discretion. Vaccinated actors will be tested weekly. More on how to show proof of vaccination and additional details at the bottom of this post.

September 4, 2021October 1, 2021

Help Those Harmed by Hurricane Ida in LA and NOLA

Hurricane Ida came fast and furious to Louisiana, leaving a million with no power in New Orleans and some smaller towns with extensive damage. Here’s a quick post to share how you can help financially.

The Greater New Orleans Foundation: According to Nola.com, “The Greater New Orleans Foundation is the community foundation for 13 parishes in southeast Louisiana. Its disaster response fund has responded to every major disaster in the region since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.”

https://roemer-designs-llc.myshopify.com/products/i-love-louisiana-hurricane-idea-relief-t-shirt

July 24, 2021July 24, 2021

Visiting Little Island with Kids

Little Island opened this past May and after two tries, we managed to check it out. The 2.4 acre park on the water is a magical spot with gorgeous plantings and a whimsical look. It’s a public park and performance space. What can you do and see when visiting Little Island with kids?

Little Island at Pier 55. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan

July 24, 2021July 24, 2021

Starbucks Reserve Roastery NYC

When visiting Seattle before the pandemic, we spent a wonderful afternoon at the original Starbucks Reserve Roastery Seattle in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. With many seating areas inside, we plunked down near the fancy coffee bar serving Chemex-prepared coffee that looked like a chemistry experiment. We had fantastic dessert coffees that were presented on adorable wooden trays and cost a pretty penny. Though we ended up not having to pay, because the server couldn’t find our bill, and said it was on them. Score! Why was there not a Starbucks Reserve Roastery NYC?

July 18, 2021July 19, 2021

Visiting the Statue of Liberty with Kids During the Pandemic

Approaching the Statue of Liberty from the ferry. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan

One might think nothing much changes at the Statue of Liberty. But one would be wrong. I didn’t do much research before booking our ferry tickets to visit the Statue of Liberty with kids during the pandemic, other than seeing the crown wasn’t open. Not a problem – there are a lot of stairs and some of my traveling companions were not eager to take them.

July 18, 2021July 18, 2021

Visiting Ellis Island with Kids after the Pandemic

We haven’t been to Ellis Island in about 10 years, so when we had out-of-town visitors for the first time since the COVID-19 lockdown, we were eager to get out and about. Even in July, it was easy to get next-day ferry tickets to visit Ellis Island with kids.

The New Jersey ferry station and train terminus, at Liberty State Park. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan

December 17, 2020December 17, 2020

Review: Big Snow at American Dream

The idea of driving 30 minutes to ski instead of 90+ minutes is appealing. The idea of skiing indoors is novel enough to want to try it. So when Big Snow at American Dream invited my family for a visit as their guests, we said yes. But it’s indoors! It’s in a mall! What about COVID-19? I have an entire section on how they’re handling COVID-19 below. Because it’s a huge topic.

What is Big Snow?

Big Snow at American Dream is an indoor ski area that’s finally opened in East Rutherford. Yes, the massive mall and former Xanadu eye sore that was sitting vacant forever! Big Snow at American Dream is one of several large experiences you can do indoors there, in addition to the Nickelodeon Universe theme park (currently open), DreamWorks Water Park (currently open), and the Sea Life Aquarium (opening spring 2021). Big Snow opened late 2019, closed in March 2020 because of the pandemic, and reopened in October.

The top of the hill at Big Snow American Dream. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan

December 5, 2020December 5, 2020

Visiting NYC in December 2020

On Black Friday we headed into NYC, where we hadn’t visited since March. We weren’t sure what to expect. It was a lot quieter than we anticipated, except for 5th Avenue, which was pretty busy (uncomfortably busy – but less so than a typical Black Friday). I wanted to share some photos and thoughts from that day!