W42ST Daily 5/27/2020
As we start to release the pause button and head slowly towards the “new normal,” who are our essential workers?
Last night on 9th Avenue at 7pm, I listened to the crescendo of noise from Manhattan Plaza thanking the front line workers in this pandemic for their service, their care, their bravery, their sacrifices. After 10 weeks, this cacophony of humanity continues to move me.
I turned to see the staff at Westway Diner banging pots and offering their applause. I watched as delivery bikes whizzed by. Are they the next line of essential workers as we move towards building Hell’s Kitchen better? I think so. How can we support them?
When we started our Hell’s Kitchen in OPEN! list just a month ago there were 60 places open for food delivery and pick up. We’ve been updating this list daily, and as of today there are 140 restaurants open – and I think we are missing a few. Please support them in any way you can. They are essential to Hell’s Kitchen coming back. They’ll have no Broadway traffic or tourists for a long while. It’s up to us.
Krystal Joy Brown took on the role of Eliza Schuyler in Hamilton on Broadway last December. From the end of February through early March she was ill. All the symptoms pointed to coronavirus, but she missed just one show. Last weekend she was singing from the rooftops in Hell’s Kitchen for charity.
She’s contemplated whether she is essential at times during the pause, but believes the arts are important: “The best art is created when there is massive turmoil.” Read Krystal’s story at W42ST.com
AN ASK…
The last few months have been hard on all of us – financially, emotionally, physically. One thing we’ve come to truly value is the importance of community – “our” people. Thank you for all your messages of love, support, and laughter – you’ve been a lifeline.
Some of you have asked if you can help financially. And, while it’s hard to ask when so many are struggling, if you are in a position to support us, any contribution, no matter how small, will help ensure the future of W42ST.
WHAT WE’VE BEEN READING
The Copacabana has closed for good on 47th and 8th. Dance away…
New York Public Library could be about to adopt the grab and go ethos. Book up…
This photographer is selling limited edition prints in support of the NYC COVID-19 Relief Fund. Snap…
With all of its members currently unemployed, Actors’ Equity is not prepared to back down over theater re-openings. Show more…
Megabus is planning to run a limited schedule between New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, starting June 1. On the road…
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