What are you doing on Mother’s Day?  I have a brilliant idea for you.

Spend the morning and early afternoon with your family. Make the day about them and you and celebrate being together.  At 4pm tell them you are taking a few hours to yourself.  You will be doing something for YOU. As part of your celebration, it’s important for you to nourish your soul with a certain something that isn’t necessarily meant for kids under the age of 12, hence you need to go alone, or with your mother, your sisters, your aunts, your girlfriends  That certain something is LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER.

Created by humorist (and now someone I am so proud to call my friend), Ann Imig of Ann’s Rants, the show is a “live reading by local writers on the beauty, the beast, and the barely-rested of motherhood” and is coming to NYC for the second time. I happen to be a member of the producing team, quite proudly as a matter of fact.

Showcasing moving, socially relevant and humorous stories about a range of modern mothering experiences, the Listen To Your Mother Reading Series is a unique national event taking place this May in 24 cities across the United States. NYC is one of them.  Included in the cast of the New York City show are former Editor in Chief of Redbook Magazine Stacy Morrison (now Editor in Chief of BlogHer.com), comedian Jaime Fernandez, New York City creative writing teacher Susan Buttenwieser, social justice attorney and LGBT activist Nívea Castro and author Tracy Beckerman (whose book Lost in Suburbia: A Momoir comes out in early April).

Also featured in the NYC cast are preschool teacher and day camp director Sasha Schreiner, actors Laura Pruden and Elizabeth Robinson, Harlem native DeBorah Gray, novelist Rebecca Land Soodak (Henny on the Couch), and writers Mary Beth Coudal, Kim Forde, Nicole Goodwin, Marinka, Barb Patrick, Sofia Quintero (who recently won a Women’s Media Center Social Media Award), Sandy Rustin (who wrote the hit Off-Broadway show Rated P for Parenthood) and Virginia Watkins. Also included are my fellow crew members Amy Wilson, Varda Steinhardt and Shari Simpson.

Their stories will make you laugh, make you cry and make you reflect on the institution of motherhood.  Whether you are a mother or a daughter, you will experience a deep connection to our show.

The Listen To Your Mother Reading Series NYC Show will take place on Mother’s Day, Sunday, 5/12 at 5pm at Peter Norton Symphony Space (2537 Broadway at 95^th Street). Tickets are $25 (advance), $30 (at the door) and can be purchased in advance online at www.ListenToYourMotherShow.com/NYC.

I’m thrilled to be giving away a pair of tickets to the show.  To win the pair, tell me who you plan on bringing to the show.

You can get additional entries by doing one of or more of the following:

- Follow The Culture Mom on Facebook.

- Follow The Culture Mom on Twitter and tweet about the contest using hash tag #LTYM.

- Follow The Culture Mom on Pinterest.

This giveaway will end on Wednesday, May 8th at midnight. Winner will be posted here and on the Culture Mom Facebook page and via email and will have 24 hours to accept their prize.

Disclosure: I was not compensated to run this giveaway.  The tickets to the show were also complimentary but all opinions expressed are my own.

On Sunday, May 12 at 5pm at Peter Norton Symphony Space on New York’s Upper West Side, the Listen To Your Mother Reading Series will give “Mother’s Day a Microphone” as the city and an inspirational group of women and men come together to celebrate motherhood and parenting in a meaningful new way. Included in the cast of the New York City show are former Editor in Chief of Redbook Magazine Stacy Morrison (now Editor in Chief of BlogHer.com), comedian Jaime Fernandez, New York City creative writing teacher Susan Buttenwieser, social justice attorney and LGBT activist Nívea Castro and author Tracy Beckerman (whose book Lost in Suburbia: A Momoir comes out in early April).

Showcasing moving, socially relevant and humorous stories about a range of modern mothering experiences, the Listen To Your Mother Reading Series is a unique national event taking place this May in 24 cities across the United States. The series features local established writers and performers taking the stage with local first time writers and performers as they share poignant personal essays in front of live audiences, making for an unforgettable experience and a worthwhile way to celebrate Mother’s Day.

Also featured in the NYC cast are preschool teacher and day camp director Sasha Schreiner, actors Laura Pruden and Elizabeth Robinson, Harlem native DeBorah Gray, novelist Rebecca Land Soodak (Henny on the Couch), and writers Mary Beth Coudal, Kim Forde, Nicole Goodwin, Marinka, Barb Patrick, Sofia Quintero (who recently won a Women’s Media Center Social Media Award), Sandy Rustin (who wrote the hit Off-Broadway show Rated P for Parenthood) and Virginia Watkins.

The NYC show is being directed by Broadway and TV actress, The Huffington Post contributor, and author Amy Wilson and is being produced by Varda Steinhardt and Holly Rosen Fink with Shari Simpson as Assistant Director (Amy, Varda and Shari will also be readers at the show).

The NYC production will be donating 10% of proceeds to the non-profit national hunger relief organization Family-to-Family and their Hurricane Sandy relief efforts (each Listen To Your Mother show/city donates 10% of all ticket proceeds to local non-profit causes that support women and families in need).

Born of the blogosphere and mothers who publish online, the Listen To Your Mother Reading Series is changing the way America celebrates Mother’s Day, one story at a time. Started in Madison, Wisconsin in 2010 by humorist and blogger Ann Imig, it has evolved into an exciting national storytelling series and every show’s process, from auditions to rehearsals to the final performances, are shared online via socialmedia. Last year the series took place in 10 U.S. cities and has expanded to 24 this year.

The Listen To Your Mother Reading Series NYC Show will take place on Mother’s Day, Sunday, 5/12 at 5pm at Peter Norton Symphony Space (2537 Broadway at 95th Street). Tickets are $25 (advance), $30 (at the door) and can be purchased in advance online at www.ListenToYourMotherShow.com/NYC.  For more information on the Listen To Your Mother Reading Series please visit www.ListenToYourMotherShow.com.

Disclosure: I am on the producing crew of this show so I am biassed!  Get your tickets now!

Yesterday was the first rehearsal of the show I’m producing this spring, Listen to Your Mother NYC 2013.

I’ve written about how life-changing and rewarding the LTYM experience has been for me.  I’ve written about it again and again and again and again and again.  This is my second production of the show.

Sitting in a room full of nearly 20 successful, influential and creative people is such a thrill for me, particularly after working in Publishing/TV for the last 18 years which are very different lines of work.

The funny thing is that since I have the title of Producer they all look to me for guidance and are full of such respect.  I quietly giggle and wonder if they’re talking to the right person, but deep down I know they are.

Because I am so passionate about the show’s mission and I’m so honored to be involved, I do work as hard as I can to make it the best show I can. But it still sends shivers up my spine when I’m sitting behind an American Idol-like table auditioning nearly 100 talented individuals who come to bear their soul, in hopes of joining of what is perceived as a unique event. This year the talent that entered auditions was astounding.  We had promoted the audition notice in new places this year and the results were over-whelming.  Narrowing down the selection was murder. And rejecting such a strong group of talent was even more painful. During auditions, we constantly felt like we were physically at the show, the auditions were THAT good.

And so there we sat with our group yesterday on a Sunday afternoon in the heart of NYC.  When I walked in, I at first felt as new and ripe as everyone else, even though the experience is much more familiar to me than to them.  Everyone looked kind of nervous so we went around and made introductions and knocked down a few walls before getting started.  I was anxious and curious how it would all come together, just as everyone was.  As the words started to flow from the cast member’s mouths, the whole thing was like a symphony for me.  One piece flowed into another and created something melodic, and as I listened, I was once again reminded of how lucky I am to be a part of this.

And it all started with this blog.  Because of this blog, I met the amazing Ann Imig who created this brilliant endeavor that is hitting 24 cities this year. Because of meeting her (at a blogging conference, of course), I became the Associate Producer of this show.  Because I am pouring my heart and soul into the production, I was promoted to Producer this year, a title I take very seriously.  I signed up for a Theater Producing class recently to become more educated about the profession, not knowing where this path is leading. And that’s okay.

And as I sat there, as the only person in the room not choosing to read in the show, I remembered how much theater has always meant to me as a child. One of the fist shows I saw was Pippin and its most popular song came to mind and inspired me once again:

Everything has its season
Everything has its time
Show me a reason and I’ll soon show you a rhyme
Cats fit on the windowsill
Children fit in the snow
Why do I feel I don’t fit in anywhere I go?

Rivers belong where they can ramble
Eagles belong where they can fly
I’ve got to be where my spirit can run free
Got to find my corner of the sky

Every man has his daydreams
Every man has his goal
People like the way dreams have
Of sticking to the soul
Thunderclouds have their lightning
Nightingales have their song
And don’t you see I want my life to be 
Something more than long….

I had a dream to work in theater, only I never realized it until after turning 40.  And now I’m doing it.  I’m doing something that makes me feel powerful, like I can do anything, even fly.  I love bringing these amazing voices to the stage and I can’t wait until they are heard on Mother’s Day.

Here’s the info you need to come see my show and show your support for this high quality, women-centric production:

Listen To Your Mother is part of a 24-city series of live readings in honor of Mother’s Day. This New York City production features prominent local writers and performers telling their own tales of motherhood in all of its complexity, diversity, and humor.

Part of proceeds to benefit family-to-family.org.

Directed by Shari Simpson and Amy Wilson
Produced by Holly Rosen Fink and Varda Steinhardt

Cast: Barbara Patrick, DeBorah “Momma D” Gray, Jaime Fernandez, Kim Forde, Kizz Robinson, Laura Pruden, Marinka, Mary Beth Coudal, Nicole Goodwin, Nivea Castro, Rebecca Land Soodak,Sandy Rustin, Sasha Schreiner, Shari Simpson, Sofia Quintero, Stacy Morrison, Susan Buttenweiser,Tracy Beckerman, Virginia Watkins, Amy Wilson, Varda Steinhardt

To buy tickets, visit http://www.symphonyspace.org/event/7751-listen-to-your-mother

As you know from reading this blog, I am associated with a show called Listen to Your Mother and I’m excited to announce that auditions are coming soon!

LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER is a national series of live readings by local writers in celebration of Mother’s Day. This year Listen to Your Mother will be presented in 24 cities nationwide.  If you want to get a sense of what last year’s show looked like, you can watch our videos here:LTYM-NYC Videos.

We are seeking New York City-area writers and/or performers to read their original essays on any aspect of motherhood in the second annual show, to be held at Symphony Space on the Upper West Side of Manhattan on Mother’s Day – Sunday, May 12, 2013 – at 5 pm.

People of all ages, types, backgrounds, and experience-levels are invited to audition. No previous stage experience is necessary. Non-moms WELCOME (men too!). We encourage diverse perspectives on the subject of mothers or mothering.

We are looking for humorous, poignant, painful, joyful or soulful original pieces on mothers and mothering which take three to five minutes to read aloud (please check this before the audition). Previously published work accepted as long as the author retains full rights or has express permission to read the work for this event.

Auditions will be held on the following dates by appointment only:

Saturday, February 23^th  12pm – 5pm

Monday, February 25^th  6pm – 9pm

Tuesday, February 26^th  10am – 2pm

To schedule an audition, email listentoyourmothernyc@gmail.com. Please include your name and your availability during the time slots listed above. Auditions are being held in Manhattan – exact location and other details will be sent with your confirmed appointment time.

The firm commitment for cast members includes two rehearsals, a pre-performance run-through at Symphony Space, and the 5 p.m. performance on Mother’s Day, May 12th, 2013.

If you are anxious about auditioning and/or performing, read this encouraging post by LTYM-Spokane Producer/Director Stacey: A word on stage fright and storytelling.

Good luck!

It’s hard to believe that just about a year ago, Listen to Your Mother entered my life. It was so life changing and magnetic that I wrote about it again and again and again and again and again.

In one post, I wrote:

I enjoyed every waking minute of it and nourished the experience.  Words can not even express how grateful I was to be a part of it.  I kept thinking that the chance of ever working on a NYC stage production again in my lifetime was slim, so I’d better make the most of it.  And I did.

I also wrote:

So, would I do it again?  If given the chance, yes.  But if that doesn’t happen, I have this.  All this.  And so much more.

And guess what? I am doing it again.  LTYM is returning to NYC! And 23 other cities, if you can believe that piece of wonderful news.  Watch the video to find out more about the chosen cities.

I get to work with the same incredibly inspiring crew, Director Amy Wilson and Producer Varda Steinhardt. And this year we will be joined by friend and superhero Shari  Cabelin Simpson.

This year we’ll be performing the show on Mothers Day on May 12th, 2013, so you can go ahead and save the date! I’m thrilled to be listed as a crew member behind this show and I’m thrilled to be joining some of my favorite women in towns across the country, all giving Mother’s Day a Microphone in their communities this spring. Check out the list here. This experience led to new skills, new friends, new opportunities and a lifetime full of fabulous memories.

Let’s do it again!

Nearly two weeks ago, I had the chance to watch the magic unfold once again at BlogHer during the LTYM Open Mic Salon.  Led by the amazing Ann Imig, the night was dedicated to bringing in voices from the nearly 5K attendees.  I was asked to work behind the table outside the salon and organize everyone who wanted to speak signed in.  It was thrilling to see so many women fill out the forms, and make their way into the salon to read one of their most poignant posts revolving around Life, Humor or Rants. There was a space on the form for “Prison Nickname” which generated a lot of laughter and chatter around the sign-in table.

My fellow LTYM:NYC 2012 Director Amy Wilson kicked off the evening, reading her hilarious post about Buckyballs from her site When Did I Get Like This. I managed to sneak in to see her reading.  Every time one of my fellow friends and colleagues get up on stage, an enormous sense of pride builds up in my being and this was no exception.  Other people I know sat in the audience, praying that would get called up but only a lucky selection of about 20 got randomly picked.  Several of my friends were fortunate enough to get called upon, and I’m sure it was both satisfying and electrifying to go up and read for a room full of dynamic women.  Ann listed the night’s readers on the LTYM site, check out the list. Other friends of mine who got selected (all random, I had no pull) were Randi Chapnik Myers, Jessica Bern and Julia Roberts.  As I was working outside, I only heard a few, but I did walk in at the end to hear Julia, who read her piece “On this Day of Suicide Prevention” which had me in tears.  I immediately went up to her at the end to let her know its impact on me.  That kind of feeling that you have to hug the person who read is what LTYM is all about. They are that close to your heart.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the show in NYC in the spring was donating a portion of the show’s proceeds to a non-profit, in our case Room to Grow.  The national show raised 6K for charities around the country. Leave it to Ann to choose a charity for this special night to donate to: Violence Unsilenced.  With its mission to educate about domestic abuse, sexual abuse, and violence in general, one of the salon readers spoke up about being  a survivor.  I happened to be in the room to hear her confession and it made everything about the night seem even more important.

I’m so happy to say that I am officially a part of the 2013 NYC LTYM crew, joining my colleagues Amy Wilson, Varda Steinhardt and Betsy Cadel once again.  The memory just keeps going…..

Credit: Jennifer Lee Photography

It’s been two days since Listen to Your Mother hit the NYC stage.  After weeks and weeks of working on the show’s logistics, from finding a non-profit to support… to helping to cast the show to finding rehearsal space… to securing sponsorships… to scouting a location for the cast party, I put my heart and soul into bringing this show to life. I enjoyed every waking minute of it and nourished the experience.  Words can not even express how grateful I was to be a part of it.  I kept thinking that the chance of ever working on a NYC stage production again in my lifetime was slim, so I’d better make the most of it.  And I did.

When the big day arrived, I jumped out of bed and ran to the train, with a flower arrangement, bouquet of flowers and sponsorship materials in hand.  My train got indefinitely delayed well before our arrival in the city, and I called upon my husband to come sweep me up and drive me into the city, knowing very well that he’d have to turn right back around to get my mom and come back.  He didn’t put up a fight and I called him my hero all the way to the theater.  Nothing would prevent me from making my “stage debut”.

And it was glorious.  The cast shone like a star.  We had only rehearsed twice together as a group prior to that moment and had never rehearsed on that exact stage, but every cast member nailed it.  Each performance had an impact on everyone watching, just as we expected.  I stood on the sideline and watched the audience reactions – they laughed, they cried, they sat in awe of their loved ones and of ones they didn’t know.  It all just WORKED so magically and I beamed throughout, thinking about the power of storytelling.   This summer each woman’s story will all be broadcast on You Tube and they will be seen and heard by women around the world.

There are so many other reasons I’m proud of this show.  I’m proud of the money from ticket sales that we donated to Room to Grow, our chosen non-profit; I’m proud that we filled the house at the JCC (we actually sold out within weeks and had people emailing us until the day of the show for tickets); I am proud of the fearless emcee Rene Syler who was the perfect fit for our show and knew exactly what to say between each piece; I am proud of the difficult stories that many cast members told, particularly the brave Cynthia Bastidas and Kate Mayer, who brought audience members to tears; I am proud of the profound impact that Eve Lederman’s story is having on so many women with her follow-up features in the NYT Motherlode story and mention in a story on Jezebel;  I am of proud the cast for creating a room full of laughter and telling stories that we can all relate to; I am proud to have worked with Alysia Reiner, Abby Sher, Deborah Goldstein, Estelle Sobel Erasmus, Howard Margulies, Jonny Schremmer, Kathy Curto, Patty Chang Anker and Una La Marche - all skilled writers and amazing women who I shall follow for life; I am proud to have seen my good friend, Ilana Wiles, make her stage debut and do it so skillfully (and without peeing in her pants); I am proud to have been blessed with the friendship of Kirsten Piccini, who is as beautiful inside as she is out; I am proud to have worked along side three fantastic friends and mentors, Amy Wilson, Betsy Cadel and Varda Steinhardt. And I can’t thank Ann Imig and Deb Rox for showing me that anything is possible.

So, would I do it again?  If given the chance, yes.  But if that doesn’t happen, I have this.  All this.  And so much more.

I’ve learned so much working on Listen to Your Mother NYC.  I’m working with the most amazing women you can imagine on a production we all care about, and been involved in all aspects of the production.  From auditions to casting the show, from finding rehearsal space to the planning the actual rehearsals, to finding the venue for the show and scouting the Upper West Side for the cast party and so much more.  I’ve been milking the experience as much as possible and have been absorbing the knowledge of the phenomenal director, producer and cast, and most importantly the show’s founder and National Director, Ann Imig.  I can’t believe I’m associated with an actual NYC production.  Pinch me.  I was written up in a local paper the other week.   It’s my 15 minutes of fame.

Another bonus is working with the most incredible line-up of sponsors you can imagine.  They are all unique and fit perfectly with the mission of LTYM.  And they are….drumroll, please:

Fresh Direct is the popular online grocer providing high quality fresh foods and popular grocery and household items at incredible prices delivered to the New York area.  Follow them on Twitter at @freshdirect or on Facebook.

Tolani Wine Restaurant is where we’re having our cast party.  Located at 410 Amsterdam Avenue (between 79th and 80th Streets), “Tolani” means “too good,” and that is exactly what this UWS gem is – an unpretentious spot of which you simply can’t get enough. Drawing from the very best flavors, techniques and ingredients from each corner of the world, Tolani Wine Restaurant’s menu brings a culinary adventure to your backyard, marrying authenticity with ingenuity.  You can call to make a reservation at 212-873-6252 or book using Open Table.  You can also follow them on Twitter at @tolaninyc or on Facebook.

Mind Over Matter Health & Fitness is a Manhattan based in-home personal training service providing fitness professionals to you in your home. We offer a variety of disciplines including Personal Training, Yoga, Pilates, and Boxing, all under one umbrella.  Follow them on Twitter at @mindomatternyc and on Facebook.

The Perfect Mom Reform School, run by Lucila McElroy, is a consulting service that offers training and support for women who are ready, committed and serious about creating changes in their lives. It’s for women who are tired of the status-quo paradigms of motherhood, and want to create and design a life of balance that they truly love.  You can follow her on Twitter.

Stephanie Newman, Author of Mad Men on the Couch.  The book is packed with humor and insight about what makes these people tick. Why is Betty such a cold mother, and why does Peggy treat women in the workplace so badly when she herself started on the bottom rung? Questions that may resonate with more than a few of us who interact with people like them in real life. Published by St. Martin’s Press Mad Men on the Couch is a book that will change the way you view the show forever.  Follow Stephanie at @madmenoncouch and on Facebook.

With locations on both the Upper West Side and Scarsdale, Eye Q Optometrists is a great choice for those of us searching for the perfect Optometrist, or the perfect pair of glasses — geek chic or otherwise.  They are located in NYC and Westchester and you can like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @eyeqdr for updates and exclusive discounts and deals.

Rosie Hippo brings toys and books and music to children that will help inspire them, teach them about the world — issues like diversity, giving, greening — and help instill good values and a foundation from which to grow.  Their products are made of the finest materials – natural, safe, non-toxic and eco-friendly – to promote the health of our children and our planet: handcrafted wooden toys, toys made from organic fabrics, toys from individuals, companies, villages and cooperatives around the world, and books and games that stimulate creativity and independent thought.  Follow them on Facebook.  Follow them on Twitter.  Get to know this company.

Jennifer Lee is a New York City photographer who specializes in portraiture of newborns, babies, children, families, maternity, and celebrations. Jennifer creates a permanent print of the essence of each child in exactly the way parents wish they could keep their children frozen in time.  Each session evokes a fond remembrance of a favorite stage or age.  You’ll also want to follow her on Twitter, check out her Pinterest portfolio, and like her on her Facebook page.

Freckleface the Musical , based on the beloved New York Times Best Selling book by celebrated actress Julianne Moore, is a play that delivers a very important message to children: to learn to love the skin they’re in. This is a musical for all ages.  There are solid performances, dancing, memorable songs and most importantly, an important message to be learned.  Check out the show on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.  We are rehearsing at the theater where this play is held, the Manhattan Movement and Arts Center at 248 West 60th Street.

If you’re looking for a prenatal yoga studio, look no further than Prenatal Yoga Center.  Prenatal Yoga Center is the first yoga center in New York City to focus on moms and moms-to-be. Over the past 9 years, over 8000 women have come through their door to take classes and workshops on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.  Follow the Prenatal Yoga Center on Twitter.  Like them on Facebook.

The Motherhood is a place where women can gather and be themselves.  Women communicate and are able to have serious conversation through forums and live chats that take place almost daily about topics they are truly passionate about like technology, advocacy, fashion, food, keeping our kids safe and more.  Follow them on Twitter.  Like them on Facebook. Most of all, join their conversation.

Maplewood Swim & Tennis Club is a luxurious club in Hartsdale, NY that has been around for 50 years.  You can contact them at (914) 684-9184.

The Upper Breast Side is New York City’s first breastfeeding resource center and the largest hospital-grade breast pump rental station.  In addition to selling gear, they refer customers to lactation consultants and doctors; hosts a weekly “latch-on clinic” for women struggling to get their babies to, well, latch on; and matches up customers with properly fitting bras. At a counter referred to as the “milk bar,” bleary-eyed new mothers and their partners learn how to work a pump. ollow them on Twitter, LIKE them on Facebook.

Joshua Brandfonbrener is a residential, commercial and institutional architect and can be reached at 917-836-1180.

The Museum Of Motherhood serves as a valuable resource for everyone including those who wish to honor mother-work and those who wish to study the cultural family, from lay-people, to school children to serious scholars. As an organization devoted to educating the world about the contributions of mothers both historically and in contemporary culture, they intend to fill a longstanding void by focusing on the many roles of mothers throughout history with our physical and virtual library, exhibit facility, traveling productions, and resource center. Follow them on Facebook and on Twitter.

Listen to Your Mother NYC is coming to the JCC of Manhattan on May 6th.  For more information, go here.

And I couldn’t help but wonder, how did I get there?  How did I end up precisely in the right spot, as Associate Producer, under a fabulous Producer and Director, working on a show that I care so passionately about?  This thought ran through my mind as I listened to the 15 amazing women read their stories together for the first time.  The words, the emotions, the passion, the desire to be in that room here and now by all of them was so clearly felt.  It was almost as though everyone’s hearts and souls were on display and I was the voyeur.

The voyeur because I am the only crew member not reading in our show. As a woman who has been going through an identity crisis for many years now and as a mom who does not always embrace motherhood and doesn’t really want to write about it, my words are mine and mine alone.  I am not ready to share them with the world until I figure some of this out on my own.

For now, I am honored and awe-struck for being part of group of inspiring women.  For being part of this ground-breaking, important production that is giving so many women a voice around the country.  When the cast tells me what an honor it is to work with me, I feel a rush.  By giving them a microphone, I am giving myself a microphone.

Tickets are on sale soon. If you’re in the NYC area I hope you can come.