Broadway Stages Proudly Supports CCSO-Food Bank of Corona

Evelyn Heilbron is an inspiring woman on a mission. When her son was 13, he suffered a stroke that severely impacted his vision, finding himself practically blind. 

"At that moment, I felt like I died," she said. "My son didn’t have a history of illness. He had never been sick, and from one moment to the next, in 24 hours, my child went blind, and I didn't understand it, and no one gave me any hope," she told Queenslatino.com. Since then, he has been on a journey of recovery and has regained 60 percent of his vision.

Throughout the painful struggle to help her son heal, Heilbron found strength by giving back. In 2020, she formed the nonprofit Community Center Services Organization (CCSO) to help feed those who are hungry. Dedicated to her son’s recovery, Heilbron said "this organization has been inspired by children who want a better world and a better life."

Broadway Stages’ brother sister team, Tony and Gina Argento, at the 2023 CCSO Food Bank of Corona Christmas Toy Giveaway!

In 2023, with the help of Broadway Stages, she opened the Corona Food Bank at 93-15 Corona Avenue in Elmhurst, New York. This 4,200-square-foot facility collects and distributes food, clothing, supplies, and offers other critical services. Broadway Stages has donated the facility for two years now at a value of over $210K per year.

At the ribbon cutting, Tony Argento, founder of Broadway Stages, said, "It's my honor to be able to do this. To donate this space to provide necessities to people who are in need. I hope other well-off people who are doing lots of business here in Elmhurst and Corona can step up and spend some money, donate some money, and make this happen for people in need."

This past August, two occasions exemplified CCSO's dedication to making a better world for the children of its community. On August 5, Paul Cia­fone, the 13-year-old son of Broadway Stages' President and CEO, Gina Argento, was recognized for his initiative to start and stock a free children's li­brary. He came up with the idea after a dis­cussion with Heilbron. The Paul Library, located in a section of the food bank, provides a safe space where children (and adults) can read and receive nourishment, as well as clothing, along with other services for adults and fami­lies in need. The library now has 3,000 books, in both English and Spanish.

"There are no bookstores in this Corona neighborhood, so we have created a nice, family-friendly space for new immigrants to come here and enjoy reading," Heibron told Queenslatino.com.

Later in the month, the CCSO held a Back to School event. The charity event was supported by Broadway Stages, State Senator Jessica Ramos' office, NYC Children, Emblem Health, American Red Cross, Colombia Nos Une, Urban Health, New York Life, NYC Health + Hospitals Elmhurst, Paul Library, American Cancer Society, 34th Ave Open Streets Jackson Heights, Elmhurst & Corona Family Enrichment Center, Abarrotera Central, MetroPlus Health, and Latino Bites. Almost 2,000 people attended and received clothes, shoes, hot food, school supplies, and toys. Broadway Stages donated 500 backpacks and a variety of school supplies for the occasion.

Our President and CEO, Gina Argento, told the Queens Gazette, "The CCSO represents the best of what our community can accomplish when we come together to help those in need. At Broadway Stages, we are always looking for ways to give back to our community and foster equitable growth. We are proud to support this initiative and are humbled by the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors." And the productions that call Broadway Stages home are also involved. Shows including “Blue Bloods,” “Long Bright River,” “City on Fire,” and others have donated clothing and other materials.

CCSO's mission is to work endlessly to ensure the people in its community live with health and dignity. You can help by donating here. Volunteers are also always needed. As Heilbron said, "Volunteering saves lives!" To volunteer, call CCSO at 332-228-8525 or email them at communitycsorg.c@gmail.com. For updates on the Community Center Services Organization, follow them on Instagram and Facebook. Donations are also accepted.

Their doors are open seven days a week. If you are in need or want to volunteer, take a look at the calendar of the standard weekly programs offered. 

Plans are already underway for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. If you are looking for some inspiration, take a look at some photos from last year’s Christmas celebration. Your gifts are welcome and needed. If you are unable to provide a financial contribution, you can volunteer or make an in-kind donation of gently used clothing and shoes. Thank you for your support. 

Spotlight | La Manga

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 present La Manga, a Brooklyn-based collective of women artists and a musical phenomenon!

This past July, nearly a thousand people enjoyed the festive atmosphere at the 8th annual Kingsland Wildflowers Festival. Those in attendance were captivated by the performance of La Manga amongst the one-of-a-kind setting of wildflower meadows atop the Broadway Stages' film and television studios. The performance transported the guests through the power of storytelling, dance, and song.

La Manga is a cultural identity laboratory composed of Daniela Serna, Andrea Chavarro, Katherine Ocampo, and Lina Fernanda Silva. The band met at a jam session in 2022 in Prospect Park. The gathering was a celebration of bullerengue, a traditional musical genre and dance from the Caribbean region of Colombia and the Darién Province in Panama. Traditionally, bullerengue is a matriarchal performance accompanied by local artisan drums developed in the Palenques or Maroon communities. The occasion inspired the women to study and learn how to play the Tambora, a two-headed Dominican drum, Maracas, and the Llamador, a percussion instrument used in Colombian folklore.

The quartet decided they would work to foster a creative community that accesses the Afro-Colombian heritage. La Manga uses traditional percussive music such as Tambor alegre, Tambor llamador, Tambora y maracas, and Black and Indigenous oral traditions as a lifeline to connect diverse cultures.

Colombian-born Daniela Serna is La Manga’s musical director. She considers herself an investigator and an ambassador of Colombian Caribbean rhythms. For over 16 years, she has traveled to festivals and small villages to learn from elders. She has studied with Colombian legends like folk singer Petrona Martínez and bullerengue bandleader Emilsen Pacheco. As an ambassador, she finds meaning in sharing what she has learned with children and diverse communities. She tries to build an understanding of the joy between the rhythms transmitted and the powerful story of Black and Indigenous resistance and resilience.

La Manga's first residency was at the iconic Brooklyn venue Barbés. From there, their journey has taken them to The Museum of the City of New York, Moma PS1, The Eldridge Museum, the Bronx Music Heritage Center, Lincoln Center, and, of course, Kingsland Wildflowers at Broadway Stages.

This dynamic artist collective is truly something to be experienced. The New York Times says they use "the assets of the city – its confluence of cultures, its wide buffet of performance scenarios – to say something about the durability of a musical lineage, and maybe even expand it." For upcoming tour dates, you can follow them on Bandsintown.com, Instagram, and Facebook.

As one of New York's premier full-service film, television, live streaming, and music video studio production companies, Broadway Stages knows the transformative power of storytelling. We truly appreciate the artistry of La Manga and were honored to showcase their uniquely entrancing experience on our rooftops. If you haven't already taken the journey that their performance provides, we encourage you to do so! And when you do, tell them Broadway Stages sent you!

Celebrate Brooklyn Museum’s 200th Anniversary

Many of us have taken part in a spirited conversation at a bar on a summer evening. But for the most part, not much comes of such discussions. But one such conversation in 1823 at Stevenson's Tavern led to the establishment of the Brooklyn Museum.

Join Broadway Stages in celebrating two centuries of the Brooklyn Museum doing it "the Brooklyn way" at its 200th Anniversary! From October 4, 2024, to January 26, 2025, the Museum will feature The Brooklyn Artists Exhibition. The Museum will spotlight Brooklyn artists with a major group exhibition reflecting the borough's creativity range. Uniting more than 200 artists, this major group show highlights the remarkable creativity and diversity of Brooklyn's populace.

Friday, October 4, also marks the unveiling of the Museum's transformative reinstallation of the American Art galleries. "Toward Joy: New Frameworks for American Art" offers an answer to the question, "How might American art be experienced at this moment?" The collection exhibit consists of over 400 incredible works of art from over 2,000 years. Best of all, it includes more than 120 never-before-exhibited works.

Beginning Saturday, November 16, through July 6 of next year, the Museum will present the exhibit Solid Gold. The mesmerizing precious metal will be center stage in this immersive exhibition. Showpieces from the museum's collection and international loans will explore its spirit of beauty, honor, joy, ritual, spirituality, success, and wealth.

Starting this month, the Brooklyn Museum is piloting a project to bring the Museum to you! Museum on Wheels brings an interactive experience to the streets of Brooklyn. The mobile museum offers a variety of activities using items from the Museum's collection of teaching objects. This marks the beginning of intergenerational cultural programming coming to communities across the borough. The project will grow and improve with your feedback. So check it out and let the Museum know what you think!

But what is a birthday without a party? Don't miss the festivities on October 5 and 6. The weekend will be filled with activities to suit everyone in the family, from music and dance to art making and more. This program is free, but registration is required and includes Museum general admission. Click here to register and for more information!

Also, visitors -- and design fans -- will notice the Museum’s new visual identity and branding that features two dots, overlapping letters, and kaleidoscopic colors. Learn more about this initiative here.

This is just a sampling of what's to come. Follow the Museum's Instagram and Facebook pages to see what's next! And, if you enjoy what the Museum brings to the borough and want to see it continue to go strong for another 200 years, consider giving them your financial support. Click here to get started.

Broadway Stages loves how the Brooklyn Museum brings access to art and education to our community. It lives our shared value of inclusion by representing all of us and inspiring the artist in all of us, beginners and veterans. Join us in expressing our gratitude for this institution and finding even more inspiration. Celebrate 200 years of excellence!

Actor Spotlight | Carrie Preston

At Broadway Stages, we are thrilled at the success of CBS's "Elsbeth" starring Carrie Preston. The show premiered in February and has been so well-received that the 10-episode first season is now available to watch in eight countries. The second season will expand to 20 episodes and premiere on Thursday, October 17. In this post we take a look at Preston's career, which includes a presence on our stages for nearly 15 years.

Quick Facts:
Birthday: June 21, 1967 in Macon, Georgia
Major Awards: Primetime Emmy Award
Broadway Stages Productions: "The Good Wife," "The Good Fight," "Elsbeth"

Preston began acting at a young age in theater productions in her hometown of Macon, Georgia. Shortly after graduating from Juilliard, she traveled to Montgomery, Alabama, to perform alongside her brother who was working at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. It was there that she met fellow actor Michael Emerson, who would later become her husband.

By the mid-'90s, the two were living in New York City and landing roles in shows on and off Broadway. In 1995, Preston secured her first Broadway gig as a standby for the part of Madeleine, a role originated by Cynthia Nixon, in the play "Indiscretions." Later that year she made her official Broadway debut as Miranda in a revival of "The Tempest" starring Patrick Stewart. Several years later she appeared on an episode of "Sex and the City" as an interior designer coincidentally named Madeline who was hired by Nixon's character – Miranda.

Preston's first mainstream film role came in 1997 when she played a bridesmaid in "My Best Friend's Wedding." Over the next decade she made guest appearances on various hit shows including "Spin City," "Arrested Development," "Desperate Housewives," and "Lost," playing the mother of her husband's character Benjamin Linus in a flashback.

In 2008 she landed her first role as a regular in a major series, playing waitress Arlene Fowler in HBO's hit vampire drama "True Blood." The cast was recognized with the Outstanding Television Ensemble award at the 2009 Satellite Awards.

In 2010 she began playing the quirky attorney Elsbeth Tascioni on CBS's "The Good Wife," appearing in two episodes of the first season. She returned for the third season in a recurring role and won an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series in 2013.

Around that time she also made several appearances on her husband's CBS show "Person of Interest," playing Grace Hendricks, the fiancée of Emerson's Harold Finch.

In 2017, she began playing a lead role on the TNT dramedy "Claws," which would go on to run for four seasons. That same year, "The Good Wife" spin-off series "The Good Fight" debuted, and Preston continued to play Tascioni on a recurring basis.

All seven seasons of "The Good Wife" and six seasons of "The Good Fight" were filmed at Broadway Stages facilities. In 2024, when Tascioni got her own spin-off, series creators Robert and Michelle King decided to stick with Broadway Stages. Outside of "The Good Wife" universe, another CBS original created by the Kings in 2019 was filmed at our facilities – the paranormal drama "Evil," featuring none other than Emerson in a leading role.

"Elsbeth" premiered this year to stellar reviews from critics and viewers alike. Several months before the show premiered, Preston found herself with another critically acclaimed hit, Alexander Payne's coming-of-age film "The Holdovers," which was nominated for five Oscars. She played Lydia Crane, the assistant to the school's headmaster who hosted a not-so-jolly Christmas party.

We are elated that Preston and Emerson have found so much success in the Big Apple and continue to support New York's film and television industry as part of the Broadway Stages family. We are also so proud of our 15+ years of collaboration with the Kings, a professional relationship that has produced, and continues to generate, acclaimed television programs filmed right here in New York City.

Spotlight | Tacombi

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, tacos are on the menu as we talk about Tacombi!

Sipping Mezcal in Tulum might be many people's dream. But in 2006, it was where Dario Wolos' dreams took form. Today, as CEO and Founder of Tacombi, he oversees 22 locations of the popular restaurant, as well as Vista Hermosa, a line of authentic Mexican food products, and The Tacombi Foundation, a nonprofit that seeks to advance Mexican communities through food accessibility, education, and employment training.

But Wolos knew that even the tallest trees start with a seed. So, he went online and bought a 1963 Volkswagen bus, locally known as a "combi," for $3000. He disassembled the bus' inner workings to make more room for its new culinary purpose and parked it in the beach town of Playa del Carmen. Initially, the endeavor was called "Señor Tacombi," combining taco and combi.

In 2010, the taqueria brought Mexican food and culture to New York City. Keeping with a theme, it opened in a repurposed garage and featured the original combi parked inside. Since then, the brand has expanded throughout New York City and onward to Connecticut, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, Chicago, and Miami. And there are plans for a location in Jersey City in the near future.

You can see why so many places are clamoring for a Tacombi to come there. As one Yelp reviewer said, "Tacombi is such a great and solid place to go get Tacos, Margaritas, and the best guacamole. The service is always impeccable, super nice, and quick. The guac is delicious, and the chips are freshly cooked, which always makes a difference. The tacos were great, and the price/quality is on point. Great ambiance and cool decor in this NY staple." If you are hungry, go online and order now!

Intent on bringing authentic traditional Mexican cuisine abroad, the enterprise started Vista Hermosa, a line of tortilla products made on-site at Tacombi. The line is available at Tacombi and in stores. 

But this is only part of what Wolos had in mind when he started out. He also had a vision of creating a company that could invest back into the community. As COVID-19 made the hardship of food insecurity clear to us, Tacombi reached out. As an undertaking of the Tacombi Foundation, the Tacombi Community Kitchen began helping those in its community. It prepares and distributes wholesome Mexican meals weekly to people who need them. Around 8,500 meals are made each week across Tacombi's locations for this program. In the past four years, the Foundation has distributed 1 million meals. The Foundation has grown to include efforts to advance Mexican communities through food accessibility, education, and employment. If you would like to support the Tacombi Foundation, donate here.

As a company committed to providing mutual value to our community, Broadway Stages feels a kinship with Tacombi. As we continually seek excellence, Tacombi serves incredible, genuine Mexican cuisine. We are both dedicated to giving back to make our communities a better place to live and work.

Finally, if you know Tacombi, you know that every Tuesday is buy one, get one free tacos. But if you want to know more about them and see all they have to offer, follow them on Instagram and Facebook. Or visit them today! And when you do, make sure to tell them Broadway Stages sent you!

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"Hacks," "The Bear," "Shōgun," and "Baby Reindeer" Win Big at Emmys

We are so proud that Netflix's "Ripley," which used our stages for reshoots, won awards for its cinematography, sound editing, special visual effects, and directing for Steven Zaillian at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards. Congratulations to all involved in earning these awards!

The Awards included some surprise winners in the major categories. To no one's surprise, the FX original dramedy "The Bear" won most of the major acting categories for a comedy series. Jeremy Allen White took home the prize for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series twice this calendar year due to the 75th ceremony occurring in January. His co-star Ebon Moss-Bachrach accomplished the same feat in the category Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Liza Colón-Zayas, who plays sous chef Tina, won her first Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. The show also won Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series, and Jon Bernthal and Jamie Lee Curtis won awards for their guest appearances in the second season.

"The Bear" came into the night with 23 nominations, the most ever for a comedy series, and ended up setting a new record for a comedy series with 11 wins. However, the critical darling did not win the night's top prize. That went to HBO Max's original comedy "Hacks," earning its first Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series. Series star Jean Smart won her third Emmy in the category Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her work as the aging stand-up comedian Deborah Vance. Smart also has three additional Emmys for her work on "Frasier" and "Samantha Who?" Writers Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky took home statuettes in the category Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for the third season finale titled "Bulletproof."

Hulu comedy "Only Murders in the Building" was shut out on Sunday night despite earning 21 nods for its third season. The popular series did win several awards a week earlier at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards.

In the drama field, FX's "Shōgun" entered the night with 25 nominations for its first season and won 18 awards, setting a record for a single season of a series. The historical drama nearly swept the technical awards and also won Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series, and individual awards for lead actor Hiroyuki Sanada, lead actress Anna Sawai, and guest star Nestor Carbonell. "Shōgun" did not win in the supporting acting categories, as Elizabeth Debicki won her first Emmy for her performance as Princess Di on Netflix's "The Crown" and Billy Crudup won his second for his work on the Apple TV+ series "The Morning Show."

In the limited series and TV movie categories, Netflix's "Baby Reindeer" dominated the field. The drama thriller won Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for series creator and star Richard Gadd, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for Jessica Gunning, and Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for Gadd. It also won Outstanding Casting for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.

Congrats to all the winners! You can see a full list of Sunday night's winners here.

PaleyFest to Feature "Blue Bloods" Cast and More

Broadway Stages loves to join our friends at the Paley Center for Media each fall as they present PaleyFest. This annual multi-day festival will take place from October 16 to 22 at the Paley Museum in midtown Manhattan. This year, we are especially proud that our beloved show, “Blue Bloods,” is featured!

This year’s events include:

●        “Outlander” (October 16 at  6:30 p.m.)

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the hit STARZ series with an exclusive sneak peek of what’s in store for the upcoming new season and a conversation with Caitríona Balfe, Sam Heughan, and more.

●        “Blue Bloods” (October 17 at 6:30 p.m.)

After fourteen seasons, “Blue Bloods,” which has called Broadway Stages home, will say farewell. Audiences will get an advance screening of one of its final episodes. Afterward, Tom Selleck, Donnie Wahlberg, Bridget Moynahan, Will Estes, Vanessa Ray, Len Cariou, Marisa Ramirez, and Kevin Wade (Showrunner and Executive Producer) will discuss their time as part of this classic of our time.

●        “Somebody Somewhere” (October 18 at 6:30 p.m.)

The HBO show’s cast and creative team will join the audience for a screening of the first two episodes, followed by a discussion.

●        “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon—The Book of Carol” (October 19 at  12:00 p.m.)

Join stars and Executive Producers Norman Reedus and Melissa McBride, along with others, for an advance screening of the latest episode and tales from the set of the AMC/AMC+ show.

●        “What We Do in the Shadows” (October 19 at 7:00 p.m.)

Get a head start on the sixth and final season of FX’s “What We Do in the Shadows,” accompanied by a conversation with the cast and creative team members.

●        “The Diplomat” (October 20 at  6:30 p.m.)

Creator and Executive Producer Debora Cahn and star Keri Russell will headline a conversation after a special season two sneak peek of Netflix’s hit show “The Diplomat.”

●        “A Conversation with Chip & Joanna Gaines” (October 21 at 6:30 p.m.)

A conversation with the beloved team behind the hit series “Fixer Upper” and a preview of what is next for Magnolia Network on Max.

●        “CBS Mornings” (October 22 at 7:00 p.m.)

Join Gayle King and the award-winning “CBS Mornings” team for a timely and topical conversation.

Television’s brightest stars shine bright as they provide insight from the most popular shows. Audiences will also get to hear the behind-the-scenes scoop and untold stories! This and more are brought to you by the Paley Center for Media. Get your tickets today at this link. And follow the Paley Center on Instagram and Facebook for updates and information about future events!

Attend the 2024 NCA Tidal Toast Gala | October 17

Year-round, the Newtown Creek Alliance (NCA) works hard to restore, reveal, and revitalize Newtown Creek. One key to its success is that it works with community members, local businesses, and long-time champions of the Creek.

Each year, NCA celebrates this collaboration at its Tidal Toast gala. This year marks the 7th Annual Tidal Toast. On Thursday, October 17, from 7 to 10 p.m. at The Greenpoint Loft, NCA will recognize the contributions of Randy Austin, Shino Tanikawa, and Tri-Lox for their work as environmental stewards. We encourage you to attend the Tidal Toast. Tickets for the evening of inspiration and impact can be found here. If you are unable to attend the Tidal Toast, please consider making a donation.

Each of the 2024 Restore, Reveal, and Revitalize Honorees has played a vital role in restoring community health, water quality, habitat, access, and vibrant commerce along Newtown Creek. Randy Austin led the Oil Spill Response unit for all of New York City during his 45 years of service with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. In retirement, he continues to work to protect people and wildlife from pollution damage.

As the executive director of the NYC Soil and Water Conservation District, Shino Tanikawa advocates for environmental protection, public education, and social justice. Her efforts have empowered others to serve as advocates and stewards in their own right.

Greenpoint-based Tri-Lox has been a model for others in integrating environmental conservation and sustainability into a locally-based industrial business. Its design, fabrication, and manufacturing practices use material from deconstructed New York City water towers and salvaged NYC trees.

Broadway Stages values its partnership with NCA and everything it does for the Creek, its wildlife, and our community. In 2016, we collaborated with NCA and others to create Kingsland Wildflowers Green Roof and Community Engagement Center, a 25,000+ square foot garden that is home to native grasses and wildflowers, and that also diverts rainwater runoff and serves as a bird- and bee-friendly meadow. The Newtown Creek Alliance manages educational programming at Kingsland Wildflowers. For more information about the educational programs and how to visit Kingsland Wildflowers at Broadway Stages click here.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: 2024 Emmy Nominees and Winners

For Hispanic Heritage Month, we are highlighting a diverse group of actors and actresses who were nominated for Emmy Awards this year. These talented performers represent numerous ethnicities and cultures, showing the wide spectrum of Hispanic heritage.

Liza Colón-Zayas, Winner, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, "The Bear"

Colón-Zayas won her first Emmy last night for her performance as sous chef Tina Marrero on "The Bear," becoming the first Latina to win in the category Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. She grew up in a Puerto Rican family in the Bronx and began her career acting in off-Broadway productions.

She first gained notice for writing, producing, and starring in the one-woman show "Sistah Supreme," a semi-autobiographical play about growing up as a Latina woman in New York City in the 1970s and 1980s. In 2020, she won an Obie Award for Distinguished Performance by an Actress and a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Play for her performance in "Halfway Bitches Go Straight to Heaven."

Colón-Zayas has appeared in small roles on numerous New York-based television shows, including "Sex and the City," "Law & Order," "Rescue Me," "Nurse Jackie," and Broadway Stages productions "Blue Bloods" and "Bull."

Néstor Carbonell, Winner, Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series, "Shōgun"

Born in New York City to Cuban parents of Spanish descent, Carbonell is known to television viewers for his roles as Luis Rivera in NBC's "Suddenly Susan" and Richard Alpert in ABC's "Lost." He also portrayed Sheriff Alex Romero in the A&E series "Bates Motel" and currently plays weatherman Yanko Flores in the Apple TV+ series "The Morning Show." Filmgoers likely know him best as the mayor of Gotham in "The Dark Knight" and "The Dark Knight Rises."

On "Shōgun," Carbonell played Vasco Rodrigues, a Spanish sailor in league with the Portuguese who befriends the captive English pilot John Blackthorne. This performance earned him his first Emmy nomination and win.

Carbonell grew up in a Spanish-speaking household, though the actor has rarely spoken the language in his countless film and television appearances. He did rely on his language skills when filming flashbacks of his character on "Lost" and has conducted multiple interviews in Spanish.

Selena Gomez, Nominee, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, "Only Murders in the Building"

Gomez began her career as a child actor on "Barney & Friends" in 2002. Since then, she has released several albums, starred on numerous television shows, and appeared in myriad films. Gomez was born in Texas to a father of Mexican descent and a mother of Italian ancestry. Her parents named her after the legendary Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla, and in 2021 she released her first Spanish-language album "Revelación," which earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Latin Pop Album.

She told the Los Angeles Times that she has retained a connection to her Mexican heritage by "sharing weekends, holidays, and quinceañeras" with her father. She has also publicly spoken about her aunt immigrating to the United States "in the back of a truck" and her grandparents following soon after, and she executive produced the Netflix docuseries "Living Undocumented" about eight immigrant families living illegally in the United States.

Gomez can currently be seen starring in the fourth season of Hulu's popular comedy series "Only Murder in the Building," and later this year she will appear in the Spanish-language musical "Emilia Pérez," which won the Jury Prize at Cannes this year.

Sofía Vergara, Nominee, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, "Griselda"

Vergara became a household name while portraying Gloria Delgado-Pritchett, the Colombian second wife of Ed O'Neill's Jay Pritchett on ABC's "Modern Family." She earned Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series four times from 2010 to 2013.

The Colombian actress earned her most recent Primetime Emmy nod for a much darker role, portraying the real-life Griselda Blanco, a notorious Colombian drug lord who dominated Miami's cocaine market in the 1980s. The miniseries "Griselda" premiered on Netflix in January to positive reviews, with critics signaling out her performance.

Nava Mau, Nominee, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, "Baby Reindeer"

Mau plays Teri, the transgender love interest of Richard Gadd's Donny Dunn, on Netflix's hit limited series "Baby Reindeer." The Mexican actress's Emmy nomination was the first for a transgender actress in the category Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.

Mau first gained notice in the industry when she wrote, directed, and starred in the 2019 short film "Waking Hour." She went on to co-star in the short-lived 2021 HBO Max series "Generation," portraying the aunt and primary caregiver of one of the main teenage characters. Heavily involved in LGBTQ+ causes, she worked behind the scenes on the 2020 Netflix documentary "Disclosure," which focused on LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood.

She can next be seen as a guest star on the fifth and final season of Netflix's popular series "You," in the role of Detective Marquez.

Hank Azaria, Nominee, Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance, "The Simpsons"

Azaria has portrayed countless characters on "The Simpsons" over the past 35 years and is one of the most nominated performers of all time in this category. His four wins tie him with several other voice actors for the record.

Azaria is a descendent of Sephardic Jews, also known as "Jews of Spain." He grew up speaking the Spanish dialect Ladino, often called Judeo-Spanish. His mother was fluent in Spanish and English and worked as a publicist at Columbia Pictures, promoting films in Spanish-speaking countries.

On top of his work as bartender Moe Szyslak and Chief Clancy Wiggum on "The Simpsons," Azaria has played memorable roles in popular films including "The Birdcage" and "Mystery Men." He has also voiced the villain Gargamel in the "Smurfs" film franchise.

Follow our blog to learn more about notable Hispanic and Latino individuals, organizations, and businesses as we observe Hispanic Heritage Month.

Spotlight | Urubamba

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. We are off to Jackson Heights in Queens this week to dine at Urubamba!

Last year, National Geographic Magazine listed the ten best gastronomic destinations in the world. In the article, they said that Peru has become "one of the great culinary meccas of the world." New Yorkers are lucky, though. They only need to make the journey to Jackson Heights in Queens. There, they can explore traditional and nouveau Peruvian food at Urubamba, the Oldest Peruvian Restaurant in the City. The Estorga family established the restaurant in 1976, and now, three generations work hard to make each dining experience exceptional.

If you only have a passing knowledge of Peruvian food, you probably think of rotisserie chicken and fried yucca. Or you may have been fortunate to taste Peruvian ceviche. Urubamba can hook you up with heaping servings that will make you forget any other you have tasted. And the meat lovers will be happy to know that the restaurant offers a traditional full range of steakhouse standards.

One Yelp reviewer said, "I have been here many times and love their food. Their shrimp ceviche is unreal, but you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. I'm always looking for authentic food as I'm Peruvian and I'm happy to say this is it. It's very much a family, homey feel. The service is great, you don't feel rushed. If you're looking for well-portioned, authentic food, you need to try this place!

You can also indulge in papas a la huancaina (potatoes in a spicy, cheesy cream sauce) and various stews that make up the everyday Peruvian diet. But they can also treat you to a homestyle lomo saltado. This stir-fry dish typically combines marinated strips of sirloin (or other beef steak) with onions, tomatoes, french fries, and other ingredients and is generally served with rice.

Lomo saltado originated as part of the chifa tradition, the Chinese cuisine of Peru. Its popularity reflects the inclusive and inventive nature of Peruvian cooking. Reflecting this theme, Urubamba offers fusion dishes like tender grilled baby octopus. This dish is charred, seasoned, and served on traditional anticuchos (barbecued skewers one might find throughout Peru).

You might also sample the yuca rellena croquette, the restaurant's unique take on the traditional papa rellena. Where a papa rellena is stuffed with ground beef and has a shell of mashed potato, this version is filled with minced shellfish and has an outer layer of mashed yuca. A complete list of what they offer can be found here.

The restaurant's weekend brunch (Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.) is also popular. They offer traditional choices like tamales (beef or chicken) but also offer a weekend breakfast plate. It includes blood sausage, fried yuca, salchicha huachana (pork sausage), and scrambled eggs. Check out their brunch menu here.

Urubamba is open Monday through Friday from Noon to 10 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on the weekend. You can dine in or order online for takeout or delivery via DoorDash. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook for deals and new menu offerings.

Broadway Stages loves that Urubamba was opened by immigrants and is family-run. It is our story, too! But we have more in common than that. Just as we strive to ensure customer satisfaction with a quality product and superior service, Urubamba does the same for each diner. Treat yourself to some sangria and ceviche today. And when you do, tell them Broadway Stages sent you.

Save the Date: October 10 | 2024 TCAH Harvest Heroes Gala

Broadway Stages knows that being a responsible neighbor means ensuring everyone in the neighborhood can lead healthier, more productive, and self-sufficient lives. That is why we actively support economic, social, and environmental initiatives that benefit our community. One of our valued partners is The Campaign Against Hunger (TCAH). Our Founder Tony Argento, even serves on the Board of Directors.

TCAH has worked hard to increase access to safe, nutritious food and related resources for more than 20 years. They have grown from a small operation in a church basement pantry to meeting some of the day’s toughest challenges – like youth empowerment, nutrition education, and community engagement – head-on. Since the demand for food justice knows no boundaries, they have served neighbors in 150 zip codes with food and other vital programs and services.

At their annual Harvest Heroes Gala, TCAH honors outstanding community heroes committed to fighting hunger and poverty in New York City. Their 2024 gala will be held on Thursday, October 10, at the Rockaway Hotel, where they will celebrate the incredible local heroes making a difference in the fight against food insecurity, with the theme of “Envisioning Tomorrow’s Food.” Be sure to save the date on your calendars and follow TCAH on Instagram and Facebook for more details in the near future!

Broadway Stages is grateful to TCAH, its Founder and Executive Director Dr. Melody Samuels, and the many volunteers who work hard to ensure universal access to nutritious, affordable, and culturally appropriate food. We actively support their efforts because, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.” Every community in New York City is touched by food insecurity, economic inequality, and health disparities. Please consider volunteering and donating to The Campaign Against Hunger, and plan on attending the 2024 Harvest Heroes Gala on Thursday, October 10!