Saturday, May 3, 2014

#48 HOT OVER 40! LAweb Fest 2014




Spotlight on Screen Siren

Joanna Bonaro


(excerpted from review by Haren Young) 
The foxiest ladies are coming in waves at this year’s LAweb Fest and Italian-American actress Joanna Bonaro is classy as she is beautiful. Catch her as Maria alongside Jonisha Rios, creator and leading lady of the web series “Saved By The Pole”. She’s a young catholic woman who inherits her estranged father’s strip club and stars doing things her way. Joanna revels in the role of working class Italian mum to Anabelle (Jonisha Rios) as she tries to prevent her daughter from taking over the strip club with some help from the local mafia. She’s played a range of tenacious, ballsy women from elegant courtesans to slightly batty cougars. TheJOANNA BONARO OFFICIAL SITE offer the tagline “Smart, Strong, Sultry” which she exudes with such accomplished flair. This is one woman who is also a looker in a bikini. Read up on her personal story here: http://www.leandrofitness.com/index.php?/Recent-News/ssjoanna.html 
and be amazed at how she maintains that amazingly sexy figure. She has brought to life some really amazing ladies on screen and stage with 2014 a big year ahead for her, having booked the new ABC Primetime show “The Black Box”, directed by Eric Stoltz. It’s a drama series that focuses on a famous neuroscientist who is grappling with mental illness which is hidden from plain sight. She previously appeared as concerned citizen Doris DiNuzio on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” who feared the worse for her church which is being enveloped by a Satanic Cult. From her indelibly charming smile to her genuine charisma, Joanna is well on her way to winning our admiration as she had done with others before.
Just saw that she will be doing a reading this Sunday in the play “WaterWorks” by Nancy Lee Rogers as the female lead. If you’re near Broadway and 8th Ave, drop by the Shetler Studios on 244 W. 54th St. @ 3:00 pm to see the enchanting Joanna in person. (this event has occurred)

Monday, February 3, 2014

#47 HOT OVER 40! "SAVED BY THE POLE" NEW WEBSERIES: MORALS + MOBSTERS = MAYHEM

NEW EPISODES
Spread the word, a great new series is out  


 
http://savedbythepole.com/trailer.html
NEW EPISODE  EVERY WEDNESDAY AFTER 10 PM EST

Starring, Written and Directed by Jonisha Rios
 Baez Productions

Annabel, (Jonisha Rios) a young, conservative, smart, Catholic woman, inherits a strip club from her             estranged father.

Against her mother's wishes 
(Joanna Bonaro), she decides to take over the club with hopes of learning about her dad from the clubs crazy staff.

I portray the selfish, bitchy, but pious mom, Maria, trying to save her daughter from Purgatory aka.  running the Strip club, by contacting her teenage love interest who is now the local Mob Boss (Vincent Pastore)  to put a kibosh on the whole deal. 

Will Jesus save Annabel from a life of sin?
OR
Will Annabel discover her sexy side?



NEGOTIATIONS WITH MOB BOSS

READY TO EXPLODE AT DAUGHTER

WITH EXEC PRODUCER MICHAEL BAEZ


Thursday, September 5, 2013

#46 DIAMOND LIL - BACK AT DON'T TELL MAMA

“DIAMOND LIL”
DIRECTED BY AND STARRING DARLENE VIOLETTE
Co -DIRECTED BY DENA TYLER
PLAY ADAPTED BY LINDAANN LASCHIAVO

www.imdb/joannabonaro
 IS BACK
JOANNA BONARO
REPRISING ROLE OF
           RITA CHRISTINIA
A SULTRY, CHARMING SCORPION
MADAM FROM RIO DE JANEIRO

(*yup living my life with grace, guts, gusto
-THANKS TO DARLENE VIOLETTE and now so should you!)


RELIVE THE BAWDY, BRAWLING, BOISTEROUS TIMES OF TURN OF THE CENTURY BOWERY


DARLENE VIOLETTE AND JOANNA BONARO
 DON'T TELL MAMA
343 W 46th St  New York, NY 10036
(212) 757-0788 (after 4:00 pm)
Sundays
SEPT 15 & 22 @ 7:00 
OCT  27 @ 7:30 -Hallowe'en Party
                             come in 1890's costume 
NOV  3   @ 7:00
NOV  10 @ 8:30 
NOV  17 & 24 @ 7:00


STELLAR CAST INCLUDES:
SYDNEY MYER
JIM GALLAGHER
ANTHONY DICARLO
JUAN SEBASTIAN
KIMMY FOSKETT
GARY NAPOLI

more info on Mae West written by LindaAnn Laschiavo at     http://maewest.blogspot.com/2013/09/mae-west-francesca-rotoli.html

DIAMOND LIL CAST PICTURES
BY WAYNE TAKANAKA


*MY MESSAGE IS TO LIVE THE DREAM,  I AM TRYING MY DAMNDEST-
 ARE YOU?
GO FOR IT!  FLOURISH -- IT MAKES LIFE WORTHWHILE!
YOU MAY EVEN SURPRISE YOURSELF. 
HOPE THIS ANNOUNCEMENT INSPIRES YOU TO GO DO WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN WANTING TO DO, DREAM, REACH FOR, DARE.
PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT YOUR GUT IS TELLING YOU. 
YOUR BODY WILL NEVER LIE TO YOU.
LISTEN CLOSELY, AND PAY ATTENTION ---
I WISH YOU THE VERY BEST. TRULY. xojo

Saturday, August 10, 2013

#45 MAE WEST - SIZZLE, SEX, n' SIN

"DIAMOND LIL" --
MAE WEST RETURNS TO THE GREAT WHITE WAY
 
Sizzle, sex and morality in the Bowery during the turn of the century
A serio-comic look at what made Mae a star and sensation and a tale of the seedy side of New York behind the glamour. 
DONT TELL MAMA -  AUGUST 18TH @ 7:00 PM
 
DIRECTED AND STARRING DARLENE VIOLETTE
 
along with a scintillating cast and
 
JOANNA BONARO...
as
Rita Cristina -- a fiery, feisty Madam/Slave Runner from Rio de Janeiro

Mae West and Diamond Lil Bring Sin Back to the Big Apple in August and November

Aug 7 2013, 7:40am CDT | by PR.com

Courting Mae West, LLC invites you to attend an extravaganza in New York, NY; five events featuring Mae West’s “Diamond Lil” -- in a new adaptation by LindaAnn Loschiavo that's faithful to the novel published in 1932.

New York, NY, August 07, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Mae West was the controversial Broadway playwright City Hall couldn't tame and the screen queen The Hays Office couldn't refrain from censoring, a bi-coastal bombshell who dominated the box office and the front page for decades. The legendary entertainer will be back in our midst with her gaudy retinue in 2013 during August and during November.

 Introduced on The Great White Way in 1928, “Diamond Lil” written by and starring Mae West remained popular until its final performances in 1951. The  "melodrama of the underworld" set in Chinatown and on the Bowery during the 1890s has been adapted into an 85-minute version by playwright LindaAnn Loschiavo, whose work "Courting Mae West" was last seen in Melbourne, Australia. Actress Darlene Violette stars as the irresistible diamond-draped Queen of the Bowery and is supported by a fine cast featuring Sidney Myer, Anthony DiCarlo, Joanna Bonaro, Gary Napoli, Juan Sebastian Cortes, Kimmy Foskett, Jim Gallagher with live music by Brian McInnis.

- Who, What, When, Where and How Much -
On 5 Dates: August 12th, August 17th, August 18th, November 22nd and November 23rd
- What: Five events timed to celebrate the 120th birthday of Mae West, born in Brooklyn, NY on August 17, 1893
- On Monday, 12 August 2013 at the Hudson Square Library
- One afternoon only from 4:00pm — 5:45pm [Seating from 3:45pm]
- Where: Hudson Branch Library, 66 Leroy St., NYC 10014; not accessible to wheelchairs
- Who + What: "Diamond Lil" by Mae West as a Reader's Theatre Experience with words and period songs and live music — a unique and unforgettable presentation
- Cast: Costumed in 1890s Bowery style, actress Darlene Violette and actor Sidney Myer present the 1932 novel "Diamond Lil" written by Mae West in Mae's words — enhanced with period songs and live music by Brian McInnis. At intervals, historian and playwright LindaAnn Loschiavo leads an "Armchair Tour" through the boisterous Bowery and Chinatown of the 1890s with rare vintage images you have never seen before.
  - RSVP: Email MaeWestDiamondLil @gmail.com


 - There will be two stagings of "Diamond Lil" on August 17th and August 18th in NYC.
- Cast: Starring Darlene Violette as Diamond Lil, Queen of the Bowery and also featuring Sidney Myer, Anthony DiCarlo, Joanna Bonaro, Gary Napoli, Juan Sebastian Cortes, Kimmy Foskett, Jim Gallagher and live music by Brian McInnis
- The public is invited (suitable for age 18 and over)
- On Saturday, 17 August 2013 at 7:30pm on West 38th St.
- Where: John Strasberg Studios, 555 8th Avenue, Suite 2310, New York, NY 10018; accessible to wheelchairs
- August 17th Admission: $10 — must be pre-paid. Raffle tickets are free.
- RSVP: Advance sale tickets: you must email MaeWestDiamondLil (at) gmail (dot) com
- Closest MTA subway stations: 42nd St./ Times Sq. via A, C, E, 1, 2, 3
- On Sunday, 18 August 2013 at 7:00pm on West 46th St.
-Where: Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC 10036; T. (212) 757-0788
- RSVP: August 18th Admission: $15.00 cover charge plus a two drink minimum; raffle tickets are free.
- Reservations: www.donttellmamanyc.com
- Closest MTA subway stations: 42nd St./ Times Sq. via A, C, E, 1, 2, 3
- Join them as they turn the iconic NYC nightspot Don't Tell Mama into Gus Jordan's "Suicide Hall"




 - Updates: facebook.com/MaeWestDiamondLil
- On Friday, 22 November 2013 from 7:00 - 8:30 PM
- On Saturday, 23 November 2013 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM
- Where: Jefferson Market Library in the very room where Mae went before a judge
- Address: 425 Sixth Avenue, New York, NY
- RSVP: Admission is free but you must RSVP via email MaeWestDiamondLil (at) gmail (dot) com

FYI: "Courting Mae West" received a six-page spread in the July-August 2013 issue of THE DRAMATIST. The article will be part of a presentation on November 22nd and November 23rd, 2013 at Jefferson Market Library on Sixth Avenue -- in the same room where Mae West faced off with Judge Donnellan in 1927.

Contact Information:
Courting Mae West, LLC
Mae Westside
212-614-9683
Contact via Email
maewest.blogspot.com
Sponsorship Inquiries only: 212-477-0893

Read the full story here: http://www.pr.com/press-release/508355

Press Release Distributed by PR.com
Source: PR.com

Read more at http://www.movieballa.com/2013/08/103728/mae-west-and-diamond-lil-bring-sin-back-big-apple-august-and-november#z5CGO64ImtK3HXig.99
 
 
 

Thursday, July 25, 2013

#44 HOT OVER 40! 2ND AVE SUBWAY CENTRE - 84TH & 2ND AVE - PHASE 1 7/25/13




80 YEARS IN THE MAKING ...
YES PHASE I OF THE 2ND AVE SUBWAY VOICE IS COMPLETED AT THE NOW OPEN COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE ON 84TH & 2ND AVE.




 It was grand fun listening to the interactive video and narration that I recorded in January. You can hear all about the plans from inception in 1890 through today!


 I was given a wonderful memento -  a 350 million year old piece of NYC, from deep in the bowels of Manhattan, I am holding history in my hands.  Schist Rock - from the Paleozoic era - very cool. 

There is a wonderful interactive video series of pics, movies and narration - all about how this marvel of engineering has finally come to pass.  A great experience for kids and adults alike.  Hope to see you there! 






The subway will help alleviate crowding on the current Lexington Ave lines and shave off 10 minutes or more in commuting time for thousands of New Yorkers.  And in the city where a "NY minute" means money, well that is priceless!

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

#43 HOT OVER 40! I WON!! "THE VOICE" OF NYC 2nd AVE SUBWAY

I WON!!! 

      201301_SASIdol.jpg

THE VOICE OF NYC 2ND AVE SUBWAY CONTEST

THANKYOU FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT

2nd AVE SUBWAY JO CAMPAIGN
"WHY VOTE FOR ME"
created, written, designed, performed by Joanna Bonaro
camera and editing by Marc Rivera

A journey into the life of a native New Yorker, around the Upper East Side,
it ain't that boring y'all.

"The Voice of Tradition" 115 St   http://youtu.be/zzWNp763FfA

"The Voice of Learning" 92 St   http://youtu.be/Uq3YsQ75QQM 

"The Voice of Hope & Recovery"  100 St  http://youtu.be/wJRQEtfU9ZQ

"The Voice of the Everyday Shopper" 86 St http://youtu.be/nJGtk5OwClU

"The Voice of Art Lovers" 82 St   http://youtu.be/5R4_E-br98g

"The Voice of the UES Neighborhood"  77 St   http://youtu.be/8TTIPtOEKoM  

" The Voice of a Subway Rider"  68 St   http://youtu.be/8TTIPtOEKoM











Wednesday, February 6, 2013

#42 NYC "IDOL" for 2nd AVE SUBWAY - VOTE


 
2ND AVE SUBWAY JO


VOTE FOR ME
FEMALE CANDIDATE #3
TO BE
THE VOICE OF THE 2ND AVE SUBWAY "IDOL" 

I am the Voice of Tradition 
 
      THIS ONE'S FOR YOU DAD 
 
 
VOTING LINK IS    surveymonkey.com/s/SASIdol
 
YOU CAN VOTE AS OFTEN AS YOU WISH JUST LIKE ON TV
 
 
 
 THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR TIME, CONSIDERATIONS AND SUPPORT!
 
 
 
 
 

Friday, February 1, 2013

#41 NYC SECOND AVE SUBWAY "IDOL" CONTEST FINALIST - VOTE


201301_SASIdol.jpg     
Who will talk supreme?

SECOND AVE SUBWAY “IDOL” CONTEST
 

I am a FINALIST to be THE VOICE of the 2nd AVE SUBWAY in NYC. 
I would appreciate your support.   Voting from Jan 30- Feb 17

The LINK:
                             FEMALE CONTESTANT  # 3


You can vote as many times as you want – (like TV) and it doesn't    cost a thing. 
 
 If you want to get to know me "Subway Jo"  check out this video  --- Why vote for me?  I am "The Voice of Tradition"

 I am hoping for a landslide! Thank you for your kindness.

Sunday, January 27, 2013

#40 VOTE FOR THE "VOICE" OF 2ND AVE SUBWAY - LATEST NEWS

CALL ME "2ND AVE. SUBWAY JO" -
LIVING IT UP IN NYC
w/ Guts, Grace, n Gusto
 
to VOTE see link

surveymonkey.com/s/SASIdol

I am  FEMALE CONTESTANT #3
 
 
 
I am excited to announce that I am a
 SEMI-FINALIST to be THE VOICE OF THE 2ND AVE SUBWAY  in NYC
 (some pics too) 
Above is a short video explaining it.
I go into the studio shortly to record and have created a series of true stories entitled
Joanna Bonaro  "2nd Ave Subway Jo"--
so you can get to know stuff (some silly) about me and reasons to vote for me.
 
, but here is the announcement -- stay tuned for more on FB and Twitter and Youtube-- any questions just give a shout.*
 
For ongoing news and updates
Facebook me at   www.facebook.com/joannabonaro
 
more info
 






 

Monday, January 21, 2013

#39 HOT OVER 40! WISDOM, WIT & WONDER 1/20/13

7%      Photo: 7% 
Written by a 90 year old

This is something we should all read at least once a week!!!!! Make sure you read to the end!!!!!! 

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio .

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 42 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short – enjoy it..

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will. 

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. Save for retirement starting with your first pay check.

9. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

10. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

11. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

 

12. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

13. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it...

14 Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

15. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

16. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

17. It's never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else.

18. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

19. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

20. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

21. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

22. The most important sex organ is the brain.

23. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

24. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

25. Always choose life.

26. Forgive but don’t forget. 

27. What other people think of you is none of your business. 

28. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

30. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does..

31. Believe in miracles.

32. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

33. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

34. Your children get only one childhood.

35. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

36. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

37. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

38. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have not what you need.

39. The best is yet to come...

40. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

41. Yield.

42. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Its estimated 93% won't forward this. If you are one of the 7% who will, forward this with the title '7%'.

I'm in the 7%. Friends are the family that we choose






Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio .
 

Are you one of the 7%?  
You'd be happier and healthier if you were, Oh and hot too!
 I printed this and posted it on my closet door.  A great reminder every morning. 
 THE 42 LESSONS LIFE TAUGHT ME 
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short – enjoy it...

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. Save for retirement starting with your first pay check.

9. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

10. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

11. It's OK to let your children see you cry.


12. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

13. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it...

14 Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
 
15. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

16. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

17. It's never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else.

18. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

19. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

20. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

21. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

22. The most important sex organ is the brain.








23. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

24. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

25. Always choose life.
 26. Forgive but don’t forget.

27. What other people think of you is none of your business.

28. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

 29.However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

 
30. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does..

31. Believe in miracles.

32. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

33. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

34. Your children get only one childhood.

35. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
 

 36. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

37. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

38. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have not what you need.

39. The best is yet to come...
40. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

41. Yield. Winning isn't always worth it.

42. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."



Oh and as an addition, my 92 year old mom advised,
"Read Shakespeare!"








It's estimated 93% won't share this. If you are one of the 7% who will, share this with the title '7%'.

I'm in the 7%.  Are you?

More info at 








Tuesday, January 1, 2013

#38 HOT OVER 40! LIVE IT! DO IT! GO FOR IT! 1/1/13

 2013
LIVE IT! DO IT! GO FOR IT!
This post is very inspiring. 
Please read this link from "Tiny Buddha".
"Happiness comes to those who live their calling."
I promise you will love it.
 
A toast to all of you - may good fortune, friends and fun find you this year 

Up On The Roof ....  right smack dab in the middle of town.... I found a Paradise that's trouble proof..... -- thx James Taylor!

xo jo



and






Wednesday, November 28, 2012

#37 HOT OVER 40! CASHMERE CURTAINS AND WHITE ROSES 11/28/12



CASHMERE CURTAINS
AND
WHITE ROSES 

What does that mean to you? 

For me in means pure delight and indulgence.

I just read a novel where the character stated that if she could live surrounded by Cashmere Curtains and White Roses she would be happy. My first reaction was "How lovely and unique! Cashmere curtains! I would have never thought of that. Yes I would like that too!"  Especially since it is starting to get cold outside.  How cozy  would it be surrounded by Ivory cashmere curtains that warmed the room but also my soul!  Immediately that thought was crowded out by the practical thoughts - "how expensive to buy, and impractical , how would one clean them? " Then I stopped myself by saying, "Why not? Why not enjoy my surroundings at home, and beautify it with a few luxuries that would bring me joy?"  Imagine looking out the window and brushing up against them.  It would bring a smile to my lips everytime. 

Next, the white roses.  Simple, sophisticated, serene in a clear crystal vase.  So old fashioned yet so modern.  I could imagine them greeting me in the morning in a shy, stately way... then at night, seductively soothing all the worries of the day away.

"Yes!", I said to myself.  This woman has the right idea. She didn't ask for mansions, nor millions from fame and fortune.  Just a few simple pleasures to bring her joy.  

Give it a thinkover.  What few items would make you happy?  Then splurge a little... You only live once. 

PS Ok I know it could be pricey -- but even if I can't actually buy some right away , one can find alternatives that bring as much pleasure while saving up for the curtains... I bought a pair of cashmere knee socks.  Now, when its cold outside I have something  yummy to slip into before venturing out.  Keeps me warm and feeling richly pampered all day long! 
Oh and one single white rose..... simply divine!



More info at:   www.imdb.me/joannabonaro

and