Attend Greenpoint Y’s 7th Annual "Spirit of Community" Service Awards Dinner and Auction | October 9

For more than 138 years, the YMCA has been in Greenpoint to empower the youth, improve health, and strengthen the community. And it has not been alone in this effort, a fact that will be celebrated at the 7th Annual "Spirit of Community" Service Awards Dinner and Auction, taking place on October 9, 2024, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The event will be held at Giando on the Water in Brooklyn.

The YMCA provides life-changing programs to our community's vulnerable children and families. This award gives the Y the chance to recognize others who have made a positive and impactful contribution to the community. This year, the honorees are Charley Ryan (Co-owner of Brooklyn Bowl), Donna Siafakas (Co-owner of Peter Pan Donut and Pastry Shop), and IATSE Local 52 Motion Picture Studio Mechanics, represented by Business Representative Kevin Gilligan.

Broadway Stages is a proud sponsor of this celebration. We invite you to join us this year by donating to the auction or sponsoring or attending the event. You can do so by clicking here. Proceeds will benefit the children and families in the communities of Greenpoint and Williamsburg. If you are not able to attend but would like to make a donation, click here.

Broadway Stages knows the Greenpoint YMCA is more than just a state-of-the-art gym. Their family programs, education classes, and comprehensive childcare create a community committed to helping our neighbors achieve their goals. This is why we have had a longstanding relationship with them. In fact, our President and CEO Gina Argento has been an active board member for years. Please consider supporting this year's "Spirit of Community" Service Awards Dinner and Auction. We hope to see you there!

Climate Week NYC 2024

Every year, Climate Week NYC becomes an international hub of information and action, with the goal of creating a cleaner, healthier global ecosystem. This year, Climate Week NYC takes place from Sunday, September 22 to Sunday, September 29. The initiative is the creation of Climate Group, a nonprofit organization with a mission to accelerate climate action and achieve a world with net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with greater prosperity for all. The event takes place every year in partnership with the United Nations General Assembly and is run in coordination with the United Nations and the City of New York.

Climate Week NYC is the largest annual climate event of its kind. This year's theme is "It's Time." This theme highlights the urgent need for progress to triple renewable capacity and double energy efficiency. The opening ceremony will occur on September 22 from 1 to 6 p.m. It will be attended by hundreds of world-leading politicians, business executives, and civil society representatives. The live-streamed event is free and open to all.

Another key event will be The Hub Live. On September 23-24, it will convene three flagship sessions during which global leaders will delve deep into the action and innovation needed to speed up climate action, ignite progress, and accelerate action. To attend virtually, register here now.

In addition to these key events, Climate Week NYC will present more than 500 other events. The individual events will focus on ten areas: Energy, Environmental Justice, Finance, Food, Health, Heavy Industry, Nature, Policy, Sustainable Living, and Transport. For a complete listing of events, you can find a searchable calendar here.

The events will feature climate leaders, activists, organizations, and artists across the five boroughs of New York City and various hybrid and online activities. Speakers this year include  Andreas Schierenbeck (CEO, Hitachi Energy), Professor Celeste Saulo (Secretary General, World Meteorological Organization), Dr. Elizabeth Gray (CEO, National Audubon Society), The Right Honourable Dame Jacinda Ardern (Former Prime Minister of New Zealand), Sonia Guajajara (Minister of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil), and many more.

Our partner, NOoSPHERE Arts, will offer a prelude to the week's activities around Kingsland Wildflowers@Broadway Stages as part of their WE ARE NATURE annual rooftop series. As a proud supporter of this series, we invite you to join us on Saturday, September 21 (5 to 8 p.m.), to celebrate the day with arts, environmental activism, and community building.

Climate Week NYC is all about getting it done. With more than 100,000 square feet of green rooftop infrastructure, 50,000 square feet of solar electric facilities, and ongoing support of environmental educational programs, we are leading the way in getting it done. Broadway Stages applauds Climate Week NYC's mission and actions. Take advantage of this occasion to take action of your own!

NOoSPHERE Arts’ WE ARE NATURE Rooftop Series | Fall Update

The 2024 theme of NOoSPHERE Arts' WE ARE NATURE Rooftop series is "A Vibrant Tapestry." And as we enter fall, the most colorful season of the year, the annual series reaches its crescendo.

On Saturday, September 21, this series that combines arts, environmental activism, and community building will celebrate Climate Week NYC around Kingsland Wildflowers @Broadway Stages, from 5 to 8 p.m. Climate Week NYC aims to promote climate action by appealing to "business leaders, political change makers, local decision takers, and civil society representatives." Thus, it is only apropos that NOoSPHERE Arts would take advantage of the occasion to inform, engage, and entertain.

On Saturday, October 19, from 12 to 6 p.m., the series will recognize a unique New York City affair, Open House New York (OHNY). OHNY hosts educational programs to promote awareness and appreciation of New York's architecture, design, and cultural heritage. In addition to providing access to organizations that are not regularly open to the public, the festival gives behind-the-scenes looks at iconic buildings. And the Broadway Stages green rooftops at 520 Kingsland Avenue in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, indeed are iconic. On top of the festivities, be prepared to be awed by the breathtaking views of Manhattan.

For Broadway Stages, being a responsible neighbor not only means creating jobs for those in our community but it also means actively supporting social and environmental initiatives that benefit our community. So, we are very proud to partner with NOoSPHERE Arts and to support the WE ARE NATURE Rooftop Series. It brings joy, beauty, and wisdom to all who attend. Don't miss out on the opportunity to take part in the culmination of the 2024 events!

Spotlight | Evelia’s Tamales

Welcome to Broadway Stages' Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. Join Broadway Stages in recognizing Hispanic and Latino Americans' values, culture, and contributions in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, observed each year from September 15 to October 15. This week, we dine on Evelia's Tamales!

Evelia's Tamales has come a long way. After arriving from Tlaxcala, Mexico, in 2000, Evelia Coyotzi had been working at a McDonald's near the World Trade Center. Unfortunately, this site closed after the tragic events of September 11. Searching for the opportunity in the crisis, she put the recipes passed down to her through generations to work.

In 2001, she opened a sidewalk stand in Corona, Queens, selling tamales made with salsa verde and mole. She put love into her work for twenty years, and it showed. Her creations' reputation grew. Even Anthony Bourdain sampled her cuisine on his show Parts Unknown. Building on this success, Evelia took a lease on a storefront in 2020. Today, besides this brick-and-mortar site on Northern Boulevard, she has food carts on Roosevelt Avenue in Corona, Queens, and one on High Line Park in Manhattan. The cart in Manhattan goes by the name Antojitos Evelia and also features menu items like Mexican street corn in cups and on the cob, as well as fruit juices known as aguas frescas.

Using the best ingredients, Evelia's makes fresh tamales daily including vegan, vegetarian, chicken, beef, and sweet options. Traditionally, tamales are a breakfast food. In addition to the tamales, they serve Mexican breakfast dishes like huevos rancheros and chilaquiles, quesadillas, and various atoles and champurrados.

But Evelia's easily convinces you to indulge in tamales throughout the day. In addition to the traditional mole and salsa tamales, they offer Tamales Oaxaqueños (Oaxaca style) in slick banana leaves, Tamales Dulces (sweet tamales), and a variety of gourmet tamales. And if you are in the mood for something different, there are sandwiches such as tortas and cemitas.

Of course, they also have other popular dishes like pozoles, quesadillas, tacos, and enchiladas. You can wash it all down with agua frescas like horchata and tamarindo or choose from a wide variety of Mexican sodas. Check out their menu for a complete list of what they offer. For those looking to dine at home, you can order frozen tamales or have your food delivered via UberEats, Doordash, and Grubhub.

Evelia's has cultivated fans through their excellent food and fantastic customer service. As one customer said on Yelp, "The tamales here are fantastic, but their tacos, to me, are their unsung hero. Their birria, barbacoa, and al pastor tacos are my fave. They also make a traditional cinnamon iced coffee drink that is outstanding. Their tomatillo and hot sauces are also housemade and a perfect pairing to all of their menu. Service is also friendly, efficient, and consistent. Really love this casual spot and have been a fan since their cart only days way back when. Definitely visit them if you haven't been."

As much as Broadway Stages loves great food, we also love an inspiring story. And Evelia Coyotzi's story is just that and more. Not only is Evelia an amazing cook, but she is also charitable. You can find Evelia’s tamales at the Community Center Services Organization (CCSO) Food Bank of Corona that Broadway Stages supports, offering the facility free of charge and donating regularly. As a local, Evelia knows the community and she often donates her delicious food to those less fortunate.

Follow her restaurants on Instagram and Facebook to feast your eyes (and stomach) and celebrate her story and the team that helps her make it grow every day. Moreover, we know that offering a quality product with exemplary personalized service is always the key to success. Evelia's Tamales has earned success using that recipe. We are proud to live in a City that fosters innovation and enterprise. We invite you to try the food at Evelia's today. And when you get there, tell them Broadway Stages sent you!

2024 Brooklyn Book Festival

The Brooklyn Book Festival, New York City's largest free literary festival, brings together book lovers of all kinds.  Authors and readers, readers from nearby and around the world, new readers and those who have been at it for years will all find something to love. They will find fiction and nonfiction, poetry, prose, and graphic storytelling.

Poster by Bria Benjamin

Camille Rankine, the co-chair of the Brooklyn Book Festival Literary Council, told the Brooklyn Eagle, "We're so excited to present another round of incredible literary programs at the Brooklyn Book Festival this year, featuring both iconic and emerging authors from around the world. This year's festival is sure to be nine days of dynamic, engaging, and thought-provoking words, ideas, and conversations."

While Brooklyn is the hub of the Festival, Bookends will be held throughout the City. These literary-themed events include book readings, parties, stand-up shows, and performances in various public venues. Keep an eye on the Festival's Instagram and Facebook pages for updates about these and other Festival events and information.

Other Festival events of interest are:

●        Virtual Festival Day (September 22, 12 to 5 p.m.)

Attend from where you are, wherever you are! Or check out past Festival programs at the Video Archive.

●        Children's Day (September 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Brooklyn Commons at MetroTech)

Featuring a Picture Book Stage, Young Reader's Stage, Performance Stage, Workshop Room, and a dedicated Makers & Creators area

●        Festival Day and Literary Marketplace (September 29, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Brooklyn Borough Hall and surrounding venues)

The Festival Day features more than two hundred local, international, debut, and iconic authors who are presented in panel discussions and book signings.

The Literary Marketplace offers 200-plus publishers of all genres and for all tastes.

Each year, the Festival honors an author whose work best exemplifies or speaks to the spirit of Brooklyn with the Best of Brooklyn (BoBi) Award. These celebrated authors write to educate and inspire their readers, incorporating themes that capture what makes Brooklyn unique. Past recipients include picture book author Mo Willems, science fiction writer N.K. Jemisin, and the Pulitzer Prize-winning Colson Whitehead.

The 2024 BoBI recipient is cartoonist and illustrator Roz Chast. Her work focuses on the various aspects of everyday life. She is a staff cartoonist for the New Yorker and has published several books. Moreover, she has been recognized with several awards, including the Kirkus Prize, the Heinz Award, and the National Cartoon Society's Reuben Award.

Broadway Stages takes pride in our neighborhoods and in being a responsible neighbor. We work hard to benefit our community. And as the writer Peter Forbes said, "Stories create community." So, use this great opportunity to meet your neighbors and build your community through stories. Set aside a few dollars because while the Festival is free, we are sure you will want to take something home with you!

Inside Broadway Stages | What's Filming

It is nearly fall, which means many of your favorite shows will be returning very soon! Lots of productions filmed at our facilities over the summer, and we can't wait to see the result of all of that hard work. Read on to find out more about what's happening at our facilities.

"The Instigators" a Hit for Apple TV+

Crime caper "The Instigators" was the most-streamed film the week it debuted, with viewers watching nearly 370 million minutes of the film during the week of August 9.

Matt Damon and Casey Affleck star as two thieves who go on the run with one of their therapists after a botched robbery. Oscar nominee Hong Chau ("The Whale") plays the reluctant yet supportive therapist who goes along for the ride. Though the film is set in Boston, scenes were shot at our facilities in Glendale, Queens.

The film reunited director Doug Liman ("Swingers") with Damon more than two decades after they collaborated in the 2002 blockbuster "The Bourne Identity." Paul Walter Hauser ("Black Bird"), Michael Stuhlbarg ("Call Me By Your Name"), Ving Rhames ("Mission: Impossible" franchise), Alfred Molina ("Spider-Man" franchise), Toby Jones ("Harry Potter" franchise), rapper Jack Harlow, and Ron Perlman ("Hellboy" franchise) co-star in the buddy comedy.

Affleck recently sat down with Seth Meyers to talk about the film and his desire to work on more comedies. There are also reports that the two actors are in talks with Apple TV+ to do a sequel. We'll let you know as soon as we find out more!

"Godfather of Harlem" Adds to Cast for Season Four

The fourth season of the MGM+ series "Godfather of Harlem" will include several new faces as the show continues to tell the story of infamous crime boss Bumpy Johnson (Forrest Whitaker), who spent 11 years behind bars at Alcatraz then returned to New York in the early 1960s to find the neighborhood he once ruled controlled by the Italian mob.

Erik Palladino ("Suits") will portray the notorious hitman Giuseppe "Pino" Greco in a recurring role in the new season. Greco was a callous killer and high-ranking member of the Sicilian Mafia. In the upcoming season he will reportedly be vying for power in competition with Stella Gigante (Lucy Fry), daughter of Chin Gigante (Vincent D'Onofrio).

As we previously reported, Rome Flynn will also be joining the cast in the upcoming season. He will play the infamous drug lord Frank Lucas, memorably depicted by Denzel Washington in the 2007 film "American Gangster." MGM+ recently dropped a photo of Flynn as Lucas.

The network has not revealed a release date for the new season, but we will report back once we get the details!

Additional Stars Join "The Gilded Age" for Season Three

In July we reported that Phylicia Rashad, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Jordan Donica, and Victoria Clark had joined the cast of HBO's "The Gilded Age" in recurring roles. We recently learned that even more notable actors and actresses will be appearing in the new season, joining a massive ensemble cast that includes myriad Tony Award winners.

Bill Camp ("The Queen's Gambit") will portray the legendary financier J.P. Morgan, who will serve as an antagonist of the show's fictional railroad tycoon George Russell (Morgan Spector). Merritt Wever ("Nurse Jackie") will play the estranged sister of Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon).

Jessica Frances Dukes ("Ozark"), LisaGay Hamilton ("The Practice"), Andrea Martin ("Evil"), Hattie Morahan ("Enola Holmes"), Leslie Uggams ("Roots"), and Broadway star Paul Alexander Nolan will also appear in the new season.

Over the summer, the lavish production sought out aspiring costume designers for paid on-the-job training. We have previously written about all of the hard work that goes into the show's immaculately crafted costumes and the production's use of local artisans to authentically capture the time period. In fact, the second season employed more than 1,500 people, supported more than 250 local businesses, and pumped more than $100 million into the local economy. All of that hard work has been recognized this year with a Primetime Emmy Awards nomination for Outstanding Period Costumes for a Series.

"Elsbeth" Announces First Guest Star of Season Two

CBS has announced that Nathan Lane will be the first guest star on the second season of its hit series "Elsbeth." Lane is no stranger to Broadway Stages, as he also appears in a recurring role on "The Gilded Age," and he played a recurring character in "The Good Wife," the series that launched spin-offs "The Good Fight" and "Elsbeth." It seems highly unlikely that Lane will be returning as the lawyer and accountant Clarke Hayden who appeared in multiple episodes of "The Good Wife." More likely, he will play either a murderer or murder victim in the October 17 premiere, much like Linda Lavin (who also appeared on both series) did.

"Elsbeth," starring Carrie Preston as the quirky attorney Elsbeth Tascioni who is now helping the NYPD solve crimes, has been popular with both critics and viewers. The whodunit show is now available to watch in multiple countries including the UK, Australia, and France. Its popularity led to the second season consisting of 20 episodes, twice as many as the first. We are thrilled at its success and can't wait for the new season!

Be sure to check out all of the productions above, and follow our blog and sign up for our newsletter to stay informed of updates on all of our productions.

Broadway Stages Celebrates Hispanic Heritage

Join Broadway Stages in recognizing Hispanic and Latino Americans' values, culture, and contributions in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed each year from September 15 to October 15. 

Hispanic Americans have roots in 20 countries and territories. New York City has almost two and a half million residents of Hispanic heritage living throughout its five boroughs. In fact, the Latinx population makes up the largest share of foreign-born in NYC. So, with this year's theme for Hispanic Heritage Month being "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together," you know we have a lot to offer.

For instance, in the United States Armed Forces, the Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded to recognize American soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, guardians, and members of the Coast Guard who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor. Four Hispanic-American recipients, Joseph H. De Castro, Demensio Rivera, Héctor Santiago-Colón, and Carlos Lozada, have called New York City home.

We are also proud that the first Latina president of the American Public Health Association (a Presidential Citizens Medal recipient) hailed from New York City. But we are equally proud of the nearly three-quarters Latinx foreign-born workforce who are essential workers.

In government, the first Puerto Rican woman elected to Congress comes from Brooklyn, as does Justice Sonia Sotomayor. She was also born in New York City to Puerto Rican parents. In 2009, she broke boundaries by becoming the first Latina and third woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court. Her pioneer spirit is embodied in her words, "Never let anyone say that you can't do it. And the minute they say that you should do as I have done myself and say: "You are telling me I can't do it? Well, I'll show you I can."

Broadway Stages knows this is just a small sampling of the many great New York Hispanic-American pioneers. Moreover, we take to heart that we all benefit from Hispanic New Yorkers' rich heritage, history, traditions, and cultural diversity. In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, we look forward to sharing information about some of our local Hispanic-owned businesses where you can indulge your mind, body, and spirit in the many rich aspects these pioneers have brought us.

Spotlight | Beatstro

Welcome to Broadway Stages' Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. With summer in full swing, Broadway Stages is featuring and celebrating exceptional people, businesses, and organizations that make New York City a great place to spend the warm weather and sunny sky season. This week, we visit Beatstro in the Bronx!

For many Americans, hip-hop has been the soundtrack of their lives. But only New York City, specifically the Bronx, can claim its birthright. From afterschool parties with DJ Kool Herc in the 70s going forward, hip-hop was ever-present. This raised a question in Alfredo Anguiera's head.

"Look at other cities or [look] at other countries that have something that originated there," Angueira told the online magazine Remezcla. "New Orleans [is] one of the homes of jazz and blues. You go to the French Quarter, that's everything. Everything revolves around music. You go to Memphis; everything revolves around music. You come here to the Bronx, which was the birthplace of hip-hop, and what is there?"

"It is the soundtrack to most people's lives," Angueira continued. "There isn't anything more Bronx than hip-hop…But there is no place to celebrate it."

With this in mind, Alfredo Anguiera and Junior Martinez set out to create something special for the Bronx. And thus, Beatstro was born.

The entrance features bright green walls and shelves lined with original vinyl LP's like a record shop from the 70s and 80s. Then, as you go behind the velvet curtain, you are surrounded by black-and-white photos of MCs performing, B-boys battling, and children playing in the streets, all shot by legendary Bronx photographer Joe Conzo and vivid graffiti murals courtesy of Andre Trenier.

This unique eatery celebrates Puerto Rican and African-American styles and flavors. The menu can change, but there are perennial favorites. For instance, on the dinner menu, the Chicken and Waffles offers red velvet waffles, crispy chicken thighs, strawberry butter, and horseradish maple syrup. Meanwhile, the Locrio, with its shrimp fried rice topped with two sunny-side eggs, grilled Andouille sausage, and tangy Beatstro sauce, is a star on the brunch menu. And you can’t go wrong washing it all down with anything from the drink menu, but the Bomb Sangria gets rave reviews.

But this spot is more than a place of visual spectacle and culinary delight. It is a celebration of hip-hop, the Bronx's offering to the world of the arts. There is no better way to pay homage to this than to partake in brunch on Saturday and Sunday. As one diner said on Yelp, "Came there recently for brunch on a Sunday, and on the walk in the music was hitting! They had a live DJ spinning the whole time, which added to the experience."

As Beatstro proudly proclaims to host some of the most interesting and innovative events to come out of New York City, it would be wise to follow them on Instagram and Facebook to stay in the loop.

Beatstro is open Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to midnight. On Friday, they open at 4 p.m. and close at 2 a.m. Saturday, the hours are 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. And on Sunday, the hours are 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Broadway Stages has a long shared history with hip-hop. Beyonce, Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, LL Cool-J, Eminem, Queen Latifah, Will Smith, TLC, Busta Rhymes, and others have filmed their videos with us. So we feel a special kinship with businesses like Beatstro. Besides, who doesn't love a place with cool ambiance, great food, and killer beats? So, make a reservation today! And when you get there, tell them Broadway Stages set you!

Upcoming Film Industry Training Programs | Reel Works

Reel Works is a nonprofit program that helps young people share their stories through filmmaking, creating a springboard to success in media and beyond. They give life to the motto, “Change the Storytellers, change the world!” At Reel Works, 100% of alums graduate from high school, and 83% enroll in college. In addition, all Reel Works after-school students are paired 1:1 with professional filmmaker mentors to tell their stories and have their voices heard.

One of Reel Works’ workforce development programs is MediaMKRS. Launched in 2019, this program is a partnership between the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, the City University of New York, media companies, and The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. Together, they formed MediaMKRS to train, credential, and prepare talented New Yorkers for careers in media and entertainment.

MediaMKRS’ Career Development program partners with employers and unions to provide job training for specific media careers. One great upcoming training opportunity is the VFX Coordinator Training program. This 16-session remote training program is being offered in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Access Canada as part of their commitment to building a more inclusive workforce. While based in Vancouver, this training will take place primarily remotely with in-person facilities tours.

Participants will be prepared to work in high-end scripted programming. Trainees will connect with industry professionals who provide real-world knowledge and collaborate with peers. Together, they will apply what they have learned in scenario-based practicums and gain tools to enhance their communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills. At the end of the training, all participants will receive a stipend. If you or someone you know is interested, register for the Zoom info session taking place on Tuesday, September 3, at 8 p.m. You can register by clicking here. (Update, 9/18/2024: The info session has passed. Please email recruitment@mediamkrs.org for more information, with the subject: VFX Coordinator Training for further details. Application deadline is September 23, 2024.)

Another exciting opportunity is the Amazon MGM Studios Production Accounting Training program. This intensive 15-session training program prepares rising Production Accounting Clerks and Payroll Clerks with the essential skills needed to transition successfully to work as second Assistant Accountants or Assistant Payroll Accountants in the entertainment industry. There is no fee; each trainee is paid to participate. Click here for more information and instructions on how to apply. Also, there is a Zoom information session on Tuesday, September 10 at 5 p.m. You can register to attend by clicking here. (Update, 9/18/2024: The info session has passed. Please email recruitment@mediamkrs.org, with the subject Production Accounting Training for further details. Application deadline is September 30, 2024.)

Reel Works urges those from marginalized communities, including people of color, women, and LGBTQIA+ people, to apply for these and other opportunities.

Broadway Stages knows that storytelling in a modern medium is a group effort. What people see on their screens is just the tip of the iceberg. We are grateful that Reel Works is ensuring the quality and integrity of our industry and the young people they serve. Be sure to follow them on Instagram and Facebook to stay informed about future events and training opportunities!

NCA Educational Programs Promote a Healthy Local Ecosystem

Since 2002, the Newtown Creek Alliance (NCA) has been working to restore, reveal, and revitalize Newtown Creek. They have catalyzed effective community action on community health, water quality, habitat, access, and vibrant commerce along Newtown Creek.

One way the NCA strives to achieve these goals is by providing engaging, local-ecologically centered educational experiences for all ages. Through their multi-modal, hands-on activities and workshops, they bring the Creek into the classroom and the classroom out to the Creek.

If you or someone you know may be interested in learning more about the history and ecology of Newtown Creek and its surrounding watershed, the NCA offers four programs in two educational spaces, Kingsland Wildflowers at Broadway Stages and Queens Landing.

●       Kingsland Wildflowers Exploration

Participants can explore a wide variety of aspects that affect our urban ecology through activities such as plant walks, plant structures, pollination, insect identification, soil explorations, seed collecting, and flora and fauna identification. This 90-minute program on the Kingsland Wildflowers Green Roofs is typically designed for 30 K-5 students but can be adapted to older groups as well.

●       Urban Waterways and Green Infrastructure Tour

The tour will start at the unique green infrastructure Kingsland Wildflowers Green Roof and proceed along the Newtown Creek Nature Walk next door, all the while learning about Newtown Creek and the importance of preserving and cultivating its ecosystem. This 90-120-minute program is best for up to 30 students in 4th grade and up as it includes a good amount of walking.

●       Marine Ecology Investigation

This 90-minute interactive program explores the variables involved in a healthy marine ecosystem. It takes place at the Queens Landing Boathouse and Environmental Center and the shoreline of the Newtown Creek and East River in Hunters Point South Park. As it is a more in-depth experience, it is better suited for smaller groups.

●       Climate Change Adaptations Tour

The 120-minute tour begins and ends at the brand new Queens Landing Boathouse and Environmental Center. From there, the group will set off on a walk through Hunters Point South Park, discussing how history, climate change, and the water cycle have influenced the park's design. Since there is a good amount of walking, the tour is best for ages 4th grade and up.

Broadway Stages loves living and working on the banks of Newtown Creek. Moreover, we are honored to partner with the Newtown Creek Alliance and all its hard-working staff and volunteers. They share our firm commitment to environmental initiatives and being a responsible neighbor. We encourage you to follow them on Instagram and Facebook and to keep an eye on their events calendar for future opportunities to learn and participate!

Spotlight on Peacock's Hit Crime Series "Poker Face"

When Peacock launched "Poker Face" a year and a half ago, the show was an instant hit, debuting at No. 3 in the Nielsen Streaming Originals Chart. The case-of-the-week murder mystery series created by Rian Johnson ("Knives Out") and starring Natasha Lyonne ("Russian Doll") was Peacock's highest-ranked original series ever at that time.

The first season was not only popular with viewers, but it was also a hit with critics, nabbing four Emmy nominations (one win), a Golden Globe nod for Lyonne, and two nominations (one win) at the Writers Guild of America (WGA) Awards.

The series, which debuted in January 2023, centers around human lie detector Charlie Cale (Lyonne) as she drives across the country solving crimes while hiding from casino bosses and other ne'er-do-wells. Each episode explores a new mystery, and guest stars abounded each week throughout the first season, including Ellen Barkin, Adrien Brody, Hong Chau, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Luis Guzman, Simon Helberg, Lil Rel Howery … as well as Stephanie Hsu, Jameela Jamil, Cherry Jones, Tim Meadows, Tim Blake Nelson … and don't forget Nick Nolte, Ron Perlman, John Ratzenberger, Tim Russ, Chloe Sevigny, and Benjamin Bratt in a recurring role. Oh, and Judith Light, who won an Emmy for her guest appearance.

Naturally Peacock picked the show up for a second season, and we at Broadway Stages are so glad, because Charlie will soon find herself in New York, which gave us the opportunity to provide our facilities to the production.

Season two will bring all new mysteries for Charlie to solve, as well as new guest stars including Giancarlo Esposito, Gaby Hoffmann, Katie Holmes, and Kumail Nanjiani. New showrunner Tony Tost ("Damnation") will take over from Nora and Lilla Zuckerman. The sisters, who won a WGA Award for the episode "Escape From Shit Mountain" will remain executive producers alongside series creator Johnson.

When we last saw Charlie, she was on the run again after casino head Cliff LeGrand (Bratt) and rival casino owner Beatrix Hasp (voiced by Rhea Perlman) attempted to frame her for murder in Atlantic City. Following Cliff's arrest by the FBI, Charlie was given a dire choice: work with Beatrix and her crime syndicate or keep running.

We don't know just yet when season two will drop on Peacock, but we'll let you know as soon as we find out!

NCA 2024 Urban Heat Island Research Fellows Present Findings

Broadway Stages is a proud partner of the Newtown Creek Alliance (NCA) and their work to restore community health, water quality, habitat, access, and vibrant commerce along Newtown Creek. It provides STEM-based, interactive environmental programs on various topics grounded in the history and ecology of Newtown Creek and its surrounding watershed.

From left to right: Saffronia Traore-Rogers, Audrey Binder, Anna Chen, Victoria Siebor, Jyorei Juanillo

One of those efforts is a research cohort studying the impacts of urban heat islands within the North Brooklyn Industrial Business Zone (IBZ). This is the third year the IBZ has hosted the fellows in a program made possible by a three-year New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Community Impact Grant. Their research will support NCA revitalization efforts and find new ways to assist industry and worker health in the IBZ.

The program is open to individuals 18-25 years old, who ideally have experience with increased urban heat, an interest in or relationship to Newtown Creek and the surrounding community, and have not completed a bachelor’s degree. This year, the participants focused their research project on urban heat islands around the creek and North Brooklyn. The research fellows and their projects are as follows:

●        Saffronia Traore-Rogers - Cooling Down: Assessing Green Spaces as a Refuge from Urban Heat

●        Jyorei Juanillo - Urban Heat Island on Trucking Routes

●        Victoria Siebor - Wind and Urban Geometry: Contributing Factors to UHI

●        Audrey Binder & Anna Chen - Tree Advocacy Project

Congratulations to this year’s fellows for playing a vital role in restoring, revealing, and revitalizing Newtown Creek. You can meet this year’s cohort here and view their presentations on YouTube here. You can also view the presentations from 2022 on Long Island City and Sunnyside and 2023 on the Maspeth IBZ.

Broadway Stages loves living and working on the banks of Newtown Creek. NCA shares our firm commitment to environmental initiatives and being a responsible neighbor. We are honored to partner with the organization and all its hard-working staff and volunteers.