Entertainment

Throwback: Do you remember the Rain Forest Cafe in the Palisades Mall?

Published

2 years ago

March 21, 2024

In 1998 the Palisades Mall Opened in West Nyack, NY. The restaurant was one of the 12 original restaurants when the mall opened. Walking into the RAINFOREST CAFE, one was enveloped by lush vegetation, simulated thunder and lighting, rain showers, majestic rock formations, Tracy the Talking Tree, whimsical butterflies, animatronic crocodiles, playful animated primates and elephants, along with the sounds and smells of a tropical rain forest, all set amongst a backdrop of enormous salt water aquariums, cascading waterfalls and larger-than-life Banyan trees. It would close in 2002.

Entertainment

Penguin Rep Theatre Presents Flying Toward the Sun, Aug. 14–Sept. 6

Published

10 hours ago

August 13, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Penguin Rep Theatre will present the world premiere of Flying Toward the Sun, a new musical by Bill Nabel and Neil Berg, August 14 through September 6 in Stony Point.

The musical follows a newly hired immigration official whose first day on the job brings him face-to-face with the hopes, heartbreak and humanity of people seeking asylum in the United States.

With an original score and a story centered on the personal consequences of immigration and the American dream, Flying Toward the Sun explores the difficult choices faced by people whose lives are shaped by displacement, uncertainty and the search for a better future.

The production marks the world premiere of the musical and continues Penguin Rep Theatre’s tradition of presenting new works for the stage.

Entertainment

‘Take Me America’ World Premiere Opens at Penguin Rep Theatre

Published

3 weeks ago

July 20, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Penguin Rep Theatre will present the world premiere of Take Me America, a powerful new musical exploring the hopes, dreams, and challenges of the American immigration experience, running August 14 through September 6.

Written by Neil Berg (music and additional lyrics) and Bill Nabel (book and lyrics), the production is set in 2015 and follows Gary Campbell, an immigration official on his very first day on the job.

As Gary meets with individuals seeking a new life in the United States, he is confronted with deeply personal stories of sacrifice, heartbreak, resilience, and hope. Throughout the musical, he must make life-changing decisions that will determine the futures of those standing before him.

Blending an emotional story with an original score, Take Me America offers audiences a timely and thought-provoking look at the human side of immigration while celebrating the courage and determination of those pursuing the American dream.

The production marks another world premiere for Penguin Rep Theatre, which has earned a national reputation for developing new works that have gone on to stages across the country.

Take Me America will be performed August 14 through September 6 at Penguin Rep Theatre in Stony Point. Tickets and additional information are available through the theater’s box office and website.