I posted this picture today on Facebook because every Thursday is throwback Thursday. #tbt. I wanted non-Facebook people to see how this works. Below are the reactions.

Rent the Runway, the online company that rents designer clothes to women everywhere, is now going into the home furnishings business. Rent the Runway was started by Jennifer Hyman and Jennifer Fleiss, who launched the company in November 2009.

Retailers are suddenly realizing that many young people don’t want to own anymore. They want to rent. They like the idea of frequently changing their environments. The concept is going to change the whole industry.

West Elm is one of the first to step up to this new idea. In fact, they just announced a partnership with Rent the Runway. The retailer will be targeting Rent the Runway’s 10 million members.

Rent the Runway members will have the option this summer of renting 26 different West Elm “bundles” of stuff like throws, shams and quilts. Folks will be able choose how long they want to keep the bundle or buy it at a discounted rate. Other home furnishings retailers will shortly be announcing their participation.

CNN ran a story on renting vs. owning. Click here.

Instead of performing a reading for potential producers, Ron Abel (Music) and Lissa Levin (Script) decided turn their show, “Twist of Fate,” into a musical concert. Join us for a fun evening.

FEINSTEIN’S/54 BELOW, Broadway’s Supper Club, presents Ron Abel and Lissa Levin’s “Twist of Fate,” a musical comedy in concert, on Wednesday, March 20th, at 9:30 pm.

With Abel’s electrifying flamenco/pop score and Levin’s Kleban Award-winning book, “Twist of Fate” is as compelling as the unique first amendment case on which it is based. What happens when a gypsy fortuneteller fights to legalize fortunetelling in 1970’s Los Angeles?  “Expect standing room only” – Variety

“Twist of Fate’s” unlikely firebrand, in order to win the respect of her defiant teen-age daughter, fights the law instead of running from it. But first, she must win the respect of her uptight court-appointed Jewish attorney. A mother/daughter story, a love story, a freedom of speech case, a fight of the disenfranchised, a five piece kick-ass band – all are in our future with “Twist of Fate” at Feinstein’s/54 Below.

The concert is directed by Bill Castellino (Desperate Measures, Cagney). Musical direction by Ron Abel. The stunning cast features Farah Alvin (It Shoulda Been You), Max Crumm (Evolution of Mann, Disaster!), Nikka Graff Lanzarone (Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown, Sweet Charity), Jeanine Bruen (Pamela’s First Musical), Jordan Bondurant (Mamma Mia, A Clockwork Orange), Natalie Douglas (BroadwayWorld Cabaret Award/Best Vocalist, MAC Award/Major Female Artist), Gerard Salvador (Mamma Mia, Hazel, Fame).

“Twist of Fate,” a musical comedy in concert, plays Feinstein’s/54 Below (254 West 54th Street) on March 20th at 9:30 p.m. There is a $25-$35 cover charge and $25 food and beverage minimum. Tickets and information are available at www.54Below.com. Tickets on the day of performance after 4:00 are only available by calling (646) 476-3551.

MORE ABOUT RON ABEL and LISSA LEVIN

Ron Abel is a multi-award winning composer, producer, arranger, orchestrator, conductor and musical director, whose vast client list includes Mandy Gonzalez, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Lucie Arnaz, Michele Lee, Bryce Pinkham, Shirley Jones, pop diva Taylor Dayne to opera diva and Kennedy Center Honoree, Jessye Norman. “TWIST OF FATE,” garnered him two L.A. Critic Circle Awards for score and orchestrations in addition to an Ovation Award nomination for Best Musical. Abel is currently composing the scores for several new Broadway musicals: ROCKWELL, LIFE ON A PALETTE, a musical tour of the 20th century through the paintings of America’s most beloved artist, (book & lyrics by Eleanor Albano & Anthony Barnao), as well as “BRICKTOP, QUEEN OF THE NIGHT,” RE-INTRODUCING LAURETTE BISHOP and “UNDRESSED” with his long-time writing partner, the celebrated lyricist, Chuck Steffan. Abel, Steffan and Levin’s new musical, “HAZEL, A MUSICAL MAID IN AMERICA,” premiered at Chicago’s Drury Lane Theatre, and is scheduled to appear at Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival in New York. As if he isn’t enough of a talent threat, Ron also had a recurring role on the Fran Drescher television series, “Happily Divorced,” playing who else, but himself.

LISSA LEVIN is a playwright and librettist/lyricist, garnering the prestigious Kleban Award for her libretto for “TWIST OF FATE.” Levin teamed with Abel and lyricist, Chuck Steffan on the musical, “HAZEL, A Musical Maid In America,” based on the iconic character of both the tv series and the Saturday Evening Post. Premiering at the Drury Lane Theatre in Chicago, the show is scheduled to be presented next year at the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival in New York, featuring the sensational Klea Blackhurst. Levin and Abel also joined forces on the interactive, dysfunctional bar mitzvah musical, “JEWSICAL,” Levin’s other stage works include the musicals “HOTBLOODED” and the holiday classic, “STRUTCRACKER” and the plays, “SEX AND EDUCATION,” “TRUTH BE TOLD” and “WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?” Also a twenty-five year veteran of television as a writer-producer, Levin’s credits include the Emmy Award-winning “MAD ABOUT YOU,” “CHEERS,” “WKRP IN CINCINNATI,” “FAMILY TIES,” “BROTHERS,” “MR. BELVEDERE,” and the “ALL IN THE FAMILY” spin-off, “GLORIA.”

March 4, 2019

MORE ABOUT FEINSTEIN’S/54 BELOW

Feinstein’s/54 Below, Broadway’s Supper Club & Private Event Destination, is a performance venue in the grand tradition of New York City nightlife. A few blocks from the heart of Times Square and just below the legendary Studio 54, Feinstein’s/54 Below is a classically designed state-of-the art nightclub in the theatre district that hosts audiences with warmth and style. Feinstein’s/54 Below presents iconic and rising stars from the worlds of Broadway and popular music and has set a new standard for culinary excellence worthy of the world-class entertainment on the stage.

In their description of the venue, The New York Times writes, “Feinstein’s/54 Below has the intimacy of a large living room with unimpeded views and impeccable sound; there is not a bad seat in the house. Its sultry after-hours ambience is enhanced by brocade-patterned wall panels planted with orange- shaded lanterns. And the atmosphere is warmer and sexier than in Manhattan’s other major supper clubs.”

Located at 254 West 54th Street, Feinstein’s/54 Below features up to three shows nightly with cover charges ranging from $15-$105. 54Below.com/Feinsteins

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NEVER ENTER AN UBER, LYFT OR ANY CAR SERVICE WITHOUT ASKING THE DRIVER WHO HE OR SHE IS PICKING UP.

Don’t get too close to the car window. Keep a distance between you and the driver so you can’t get snatched. I usually open the back door to ask the question, “Who are you picking up?” Until he or she says my name, I do not get in.

For those of you who think I’m neurotic, let me tell you a story that my female friend in Miami shared with me.

A friend of hers woke up in Mount Sinai Hospital, Miami, a few weeks ago. His wallet, iPhone, and jewelry were gone. The last thing he remembers was waiting for an Uber. When the car pulled up, he jumped in. He doesn’t remember if he checked the license plate and type of model of the car like he always does. He just remembers the car was black. The driver offered him a cigarette. He may have thought it was pot, but I didn’t ask. I wanted to seem cool.

The next thing he knew he was in a hospital bed. He called my friend to pick him up. The hospital tested his blood and showed he had some sort of sleep drug in his system. The nurse told my friend this was the fourth incident like this for the day.

If that doesn’t scare the heck out of you, nothing will. I’m a heavy user of Lyft, and will continue my daily use of the car service. However, you can be sure that I will be taking extraordinary safety measures from now on.

I spend so much of my time trying to figure out why some people like, and voted for, our current president. It mystifies me. They all give me different reasons why they think Donald Trump is a great President. I have trouble refuting their claims because I am not well versed on the accomplishments they credit Trump for.

https://youtu.be/9DiCstfbP3M

I need your help. I would like you to watch the Jordan video and give me your opinion on his remarks. Educate me on email. I want to be able to debate every point. Please help me to help others who are confused or misguided.

Thank you

Loisw@hwhpr.com