GAL APPROVED! Is Hustlers’ J.Lo’s Oscar? Harlem Stage: Order Out Of Chaos.

By Maureen Martin and Delaina Dixon | September 12, 2019 | Beauty, Gal Approved

WATCH. Everyone’s talking about Jennifer Lopez‘s stunning performance in Hustlers. TV DivaGal went to a screening this week, and here’s what I say: J.Lo deserves an Oscar for her pole dance scene alone. Hustlers is based on the real-life crew of women who fleeced rich men — mostly Wall St. bankers — by knocking them out with ketamine and MDMA and running up their credit cards at a NYC strip club just a few years back. Jennifer plays Ramona, the charismatic ring leader who helps newcomer stripper Destiny (Constance Wu) navigate through the stripper world toward the big bucks. At times the movie feels like Sex and the City, as this notorious crew, which include actress KeKe Palmer, saunters through the streets of New York City in designer dresses and Louboutins, looking for their next prey. You almost forget they are breaking several laws as they steal credit card numbers, passcodes and social security numbers. Have no doubt, this movie is a study in women’s empowerment. These ladies make it very clear that they are running a business they never see it as illegal until it’s too late. While the movies gets a little bogged down in the end. It’s definitely worth a tossing a few dollars at the theater to see these ladies, including cameos by Cardi B and Lizzo, in all their glory.

SEE. Harlem Stage is launching its yearlong Afrofuturism initiative, The Cosmic Synthesis of Sun Ra and Afrofuturism Series, on Sept. 20 with Order Out of Chaos. It’s a night of Afrofuturistic short films and performances, plus a post-film discussion with a panel of filmmakers and music/performance artists. Films shown include Prototype, where a programmer conducts a painful empathy test on lifelike androids in an attempt to win her mother’s approval; and ROXË15 which focuses on Roxë Jones, a virtual reality programmer in a stark, near-future New York City. Film screenings are curated by filmmakers Craig T. Williams and Celia C. Peters leading post-screening conversations. The evening culminates in an epic performance featuring rock goddess and futurist Nona Hendryx and Afrofuturism musician and actor/Afrofuturist/content creator Darian Dauchan of The Brobot Johnson Experience. Get your tickets ($15) for Order Out of Chaos on Sept. 20 at Harlem Stage Gatehouse- 150 Convent Avenue (at West 135th Street).

VISIT. Coco J’Adore was my choice location to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Food was Magnifique! Headed by celebrity chef Pascal Lorange and Chef Mario Carta (Pardon My French). “Officially opened on August 7th. This the perfect place to enjoying dining on traditional French favorites, cheese, and charcuterie to escargots and filet mignon. We started with the delicious hummus plate and watermelon salad, followed by grilled salmon and steak frites. The fries were perfection. We ended the meal with The Crème brûlée. It literally tasted like the best thing we’d ever eaten. So when anyone asks me how we celebrated our wedding anniversary I tell them “deliciously.”

WEAR. Check out Warner’s No Side Effects Bra. There’s a little extra fabric that keeps your girls inside and not spilling so your cup doeth not runneth over! Comfy, sleek and loving the coverage. $40

WALK. Oofos Recovery footwear. Is an extremely comfortable walking shoe that makes me feel like I am walking on air. Oofos reduces stress on feet. Offering tremendous arch support which speeds recovery after a grueling workout or a run. Price $120

CLEAN. We all know the importance of dental hygiene with Oxyfresh you can now extend the same care to your furry friends. I tried it on our pet friend Leo who was not the best patient! Now I understand what dentists go through. Oxyfresh is made in the USA, their broad portfolio of innovative products are alcohol-free, dye-free, gentle and effective and have been dentist and veterinarian recommended for 35 years and counting. Learn more at: https://oxyfresh.com/. $8-$15

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