By Alex Christodoulides
Inside Broadway, a 25-year-old organization that brings the experience of musical theater to children's audiences, announced last week that it will be looking at a more mature audience for this summer's programs – some of which have already begun.Inside Broadway's 2008 initiative, “The Magic of Broadway,” will be a four-month project to bring the arts to senior citizens through a special grant through New York City's Departments for the Aging and of Cultural Affairs.Five senior centers in Queens are to get once-weekly visits from Inside Broadway for 20 weeks, lasting into June:¥Steinway Senior Services, 20-34 Steinway St. in Astoria, hosts the program Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. Call 718-728-8472 for information.¥Selfhelp Austin Street Senior Center, 106-06 Queens Boulevard in Forest Hills, will host two programs. Call 718-520-8197 for information.¥Inside Broadway comes to Young Israel of Queens Valley, 141-55 77th Ave. in Kew Gardens Hills, Mondays at 10:45 a.m. Call 718-263-6995 for information.¥Florence Smith Senior Center, 102-19 34th Avenue in Corona, takes the stage Thursdays at 11 a.m. Call 718899-0553 for information.¥The program is to start soon at JSPOA Rockaway Boulevard Senior Center, 123-10 143rd St. in South Ozone Park. Call 718-657-6752.The program brings artists to senior citizens centers for 20-week residencies offering workshops in theater games, acting and movement and vocal techniques ultimately giving groups the tools to develop their own mini-musicals.”The Magic of Broadway is a wonderful extension of Inside Broadway's mission to bring the experience of musical theater to the public – and now to a whole new audience,” said Michael Pressler, founder and executive director of Inside Broadway. “Early sessions have been very exciting, with participants easily joining in the creative process of working together on stage and bringing their own visions and talents.”Reach reporter Alex Christodoulides by e-mail at achristodoulides@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 155.
