Bringing Broadway magic to Queens seniors

Through a New York City Council initiative, Inside Broadway is bringing the arts to senior centers with their “The Magic of Broadway” program.
The program is currently in 18 city senior centers, including five in Queens. It was first started at Steinway Senior Services, which is sponsored by Catholic Charities Neighborhood Services and receives funding from the Department for the Aging, in February.
“The Magic of Broadway,” which is in its first year, brings the arts to the community through acting, singing, and dancing. Instructors also speak about the history of Broadway and how shows are put together.
“They really are having a wonderful time. They’re having fun,” said Steinway Senior Services Director Kathy Moran.
Inside Broadway Founder and Executive Director Michael Presser said that it’s important to have a variety of activities for seniors that challenge them both physically and intellectually. He also said that it is important to bring the arts to the community.
Presser said that bringing Broadway to seniors is a natural fit since they grew up with it.
“The seniors are just eating this stuff up,” he said.
Astoria resident Cathy Lizo has been attending the Steinway Senior Center for more than 10 years. As a trained dancer, she said that dancing has been her favorite part of “The Magic of Broadway.” She also said the program helps boost morale.
“We have a ball here,” Lizo said.
During a recent visit to the Steinway Senior Center, Councilmember Peter F. Vallone Jr. described “The Magic of Broadway” as a great program, saying that it enables seniors to not only have fun but also get exercise. He said that for him, the most rewarding aspect of maintaining such programs is seeing the smiles on the seniors’ faces.
“The seniors have a place to come and exercise and have fun and just be together with their friends,” he said. “That’s so important.”
“The Magic of Broadway” will be at the Steinway Senior Center through June. Presser said he would like to double the amount of senior centers with the program for next season.
For more information on Inside Broadway, visit www.insidebroadway.org.