In Your Face New York

People leave work early so they can get home to watch The Beat with Ari Melber. He explains politics, the law-and hip-hop-like nobody else on TV. At our March episode Ari explored the world of cable news and how he manages to keep it all straight when events are cascading around us minute by minute. And that includes the names of all the Russian oligarchs. Ari was joined by author of "Zucked" Roger McNamee - discussing his superb (NY Times) book about the dangers of Facebook. Peter Riegert read Chapter VII of our serialized novella "Author to Come," written by author Shalom Auslander (Foreskin's Lament, Hope: a Tragedy). Curator of Painting and Sculpture at MoMA Ann Temkin explained the museum's current shopping spree. And there was a special appearance by Mo Rocca and CBS Sunday Morning correspondent Martha Teichner. Jazz Legend Jay Leonhart leads the 1-Train Band.

Two New York cultural icons will share the stage at the next episode of In Your Face-New York. Adam Gopnik has written on nearly every topic Abraham Lincoln and the history of dessert to B.B. King and The Little Prince. BETTY plays to sold out crowds the world over bringing their message of inclusivity, love and fun along with blasting guitars and beautifully melded voices. Special guest Tony nominee Melissa Errico will be joining them along with Dr. Josh Bazell and our feature "Sorry You Asked," playwright Lisa Lewis continues the serialized novella Author to Come. Jay Leonhart leads the 1-Train Band and more...

Fashion icon, cabaret artist and fabulous story teller, the irrepressible Isaac Mizrahi hosted a gaggle of NY’s most talented in the last episode of In Your Face — New York. On stage with him, ukulele in hand, were New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chast and her uke playing pal, the New Yorker writer Patricia Marx. “Wait, Wait -- Don’t Tell Me” panelist and CBS Sunday Morning correspondent Mo Rocca teamed up with Isaac for a duet. Author of “How to Be Black,” Baratunde Thurston spoke about what it is to live in a “temporarily black neighborhood.” And world-renowned fragrance creator (a “nose” to those in the know) Ann Gottlieb explored the smells of New York. Patricia Volk's memoir "Stuffed" was an NY Times Best-Seller. She contributed chapter 3 of our serialized novella, "Author to Come." Jazz legend Jay Leonhart led the amazing 1-Train Band.

Our new episode of In Your Face—New York with the wonderful Roz Chast is here for you to watch. Roz takes us on a wonderful journey through the hills, valleys, the subway tunnels and health food stores of New York. It’s terrific fun. (Because Roz’ part in the show includes a video presentation of her work, her presentation is available only on the “Watch the Episode,” option of our site.) Roz is joined by Broadway’s James Naughton—the quintessential actor /singer whose performances have entertained theater-goers for years. Then there’s the engaging and wise Randy Cohen who offers up the question of “when is it okay to lie?” The former “Ethicist” of the New York Times, his answer is nuanced, positive and probably (for all of us occasional liars) what you’d hoped to hear. The electric Gian-Carla Tisera sings, sketches by the “Sex and the City” and “Odd Mom Out” Emmy winning writing team Elisa Zuritsky and Julie Rottenberg. And since this show was presented two weeks before Election Day, we offered up a few moments by an as yet un-victorious Donald along with wife Melania and a wistful look at the future by a then confident Hillary Clinton.

In Your Face—New York got its start as a prototype production at the Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theater in New York. Lily Tomlin joined Soledad O’Brien and Misha Dichter for the launch of this star-studded show. Musical Director Jay Leonhart put together a tight, brilliant brand and introduced the catchy In Your Face-New York theme. Dr. Josh Bazell left the audience agitated and distressed with his description of how New Yorkers co-exist with rats and Arturo O’Farrill brought terrific salsa sounds to a cheering audience. Watch or listen to highlights of this groundbreaking show.

In Your Face New York returns for its second episode. Hilarious writer for The New Yorker Patricia Marx keeps the audience laughing as she explains why she needs emotional support livestock to accompany her wherever she goes. Odd Mom Out Executive Producer explains how seeing Hamilton improves audience members’ sex lives. Sports Illustrated’s Jon Wertheim singles out athletes embarrassed when their texts reveal more than they’d hoped. And New York's only all woman mariachi band, Flor de Toloache, sings an ode to Trump’s Wall.

Whether you live in Honolulu, Bushwick or Beijing, New York is INYOURFACE. And that’s what In Your Face – NewYork’s live performance and podcast is all about: the music and characters that make New York City the capital of the world. Through sketches, songs and monologues, the show reveals New York's highs and lows as revealed by the city's wealth of talented actors, writers, singers and musicians.