Roxy's Mother's Day Tradition: Alvin Ailey at NJPAC

We're just back from a relaxing weekend at our beach house in Bay Head, NJ, and spring is definitely in the air here in the Roxiticus Valley. The daffodils are out and the first of the cherry blossoms have popped. Poor London was home from school for the past two days, sick with asthma triggered by the last cold virus of the season, but it gave me an excuse to work from home instead of commuting in to NYC, and we made the most of our time at home by making plans for summer camp and upcoming events. After celebrating Easter Saturday here with Rex's family and our annual backyard Easter egg hunt on Sunday with Grandmom and Grammy, our next big event will be Mother's Day. Last year, our family started an awesome new tradition with Alvin Ailey at NJPAC on Mother'sDay, and we're making a triumphant return this year.

The Mother's Day program includes: Hope Boykin's Go in Grace, performed to a score composed and performed live by special guest Sweet Honey in the Rock; George Faison's Suite Otis, set to music by Otis Redding; and Alvin Ailey's Revelations, set to traditional spirituals and gospel. This year, Mother's Day is also Judith Jamison's birthday, so you never know what surprises may be in store. My loyal readers may remember that my younger daughter, Maddie, prefers a little dialogue in her performances... while that's not likely to be part of the traditional Ailey routine, we'll see if her tastes have changed/"matured" over the past year.

Last year, Rex and the girls took me out for a spectacular Mother's Day brunch at the Limestone Cafe in Peapack, NJ. This year, we may try something a little different and make a day of it at NJPAC. For all the time our family has spent at NJPAC, we haven't tried the Theater Square Grill, and they're having a special Mother's Day Brunch, with 3 seating times: noon, 12:30pm, and 1pm. For $36 all inclusive, here are the details:

• Bloody Mary, Bellini or Mimosa (one drink per person)... I wonder if naughty Roxy can order a bellini for London, a mimosa for Maddie and keep them all for myself!
• Soft Drinks and Coffee Service
• and a grand Sunday buffet, including
• Muffins and pastries,
• Four salad choices,
• A pasta entree,
• A fish entree,
• Breakfast sausages and bacon,
• French toast,
• An omelette station,
• A carving station with ham and turkey,
• and lots of homemade desserts.

I'm off my diet (again) already.

I also have the new NJPAC season brochure, and will be posting about my faves -- including The Color Purple in December -- shortly.