Queens Theatre Honors Essential Workers with New Music Video

On Wednesday, March 16th, in commemoration of the two year anniversary of the first Covid-19 lockdown, Queens Theatre (QT) will present “A Journey Through the Making of Hidden Heroes” - a music video honoring New York City’s first responders and essential workers who have been on the frontlines battling Covid-19. The video premiere will take place online at 7 PM ET - the time at which New Yorkers used to clap for essential workers - and will be followed by a panel discussion via Zoom with the producers, musicians and featured participants who will discuss the making of this video. The video will also be available with Spanish subtitles.

Panel discussion participants include:

• Willy Mosquera/King Willy. (music composer and video director)
• Chris Lozada (lyrics and melody)
• Robert Parreňo (film maker)
• Richard Calvache (actor, film maker, lost his father Covid related, his father is in the video)
• Ely Peláez (actress who almost lost her ex-husband Bryan López)
• Brian Lopez (spent 9 weeks in the hospital, 7 of them in ICU. Covid survivor).
• José Aleman (lost his mother to Covid, both are in the video).
• Richie Fenner (lost his mother to Covid, both are in the video).

“Hidden Heroes” was written and produced by Queens Theatre Front House Manager and songwriter, Willy Mosquera (aka King Willy) and musician Chris Lozada and directed by Mosquera.

“During the early days of the pandemic, I was inspired by the heroism of doctors I had seen speaking during a press conference,” said Queens Theatre Front House Manager and songwriter Willy Mosquera. “Their words really inspired my work on this video, and I am thankful to all the people who participated and made this project so special. This video is just a small gesture to honor those who work on the frontlines of the pandemic.”

"The bravery and resilience shown by health care workers through the pandemic has been extraordinary. We will never forget their heroism, especially early in the pandemic when our borough was the epicenter of the epicenter. Willy Mosquera is an artist who is deeply committed to our community, and a friend to every person who comes through Queens Theatre's doors. I was not at all surprised that he created this heartfelt tribute with his friends and family members, and I'm glad for the opportunity to share it widely," said Taryn Sacramone, Executive Director, Queens Theatre.

For more information and to register for this FREE online only event, visit https://queenstheatre.org/event/hidden-heroes/.

The video will be available on Queens Theatre’s YouTube channel after March 16 at 7PM ET for those who cannot join the Zoom premiere.

COVID Vaccination Policy
In compliance with New York City’s vaccine mandate for indoor activities, Queens Theatre requires confirmation of vaccination against COVID-19 of all eligible (5 years of age and over) staff, performers, patrons and audience members, with a completed course of a vaccine considered effective by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and/or the World Health Organization. Learn more about Queens Theatre’s COVID Safety Protocols at www.queenstheatre.org/covid-protocol.