The Bristal Welcomes Residents to “Broadway Through the Ages"

The Bristal at York Avenue welcomed Upper East Side residents to an intergenerational afternoon of Broadway entertainment. Karen Mason, Ethan Joseph and Alyssa Fox were the featured entertainers.

“Participation in theater as either a spectator or a performer can unlock cognitive benefits and foster social connections,” said Shain Cohen, The General Manager of The Bristal at York Avenue. “Senior experiences in the arts often highlight a surge in creativity, a flourish in personal expression, and an improvement in mental agility.”

The Bristal at York Avenue opened its doors to the performance called “Broadway through the Ages” at a time when New York City has cut funding to the Department for the Aging by $20 million, the agency could be facing an additional $80 million budget cut in the coming fiscal year which could force the closing of dozens of senior centers across the city.

"At The Bristal at York Avenue, our residents choose us for our exceptional cultural offerings, from captivating Broadway showcases to enriching museums and galleries that bring life to the vibrant Upper East Side. We're pleased to have the opportunity to invite our neighbors to experience the essence of our community through special events like 'Broadway Through the Ages.” says Evan Rossi, Regional Director of Resident Experience

About the Performers:

The 73-year-old Mason made her Broadway debut in Play Me a Country Song in 1982. She originated the role of Tanya in Mamma Mia, appeared as Velma Von Tussle in Hairspray, She was the Queen of Hearts in Wonderland and was Glenn Close’s standby as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard where she went on to play almost 300 performances both in Los Angeles and on Broadway. Ms. Mason received the 2019 MAC Lifetime Achievement Award from The Manhattan Association of Cabarets recognizing excellence in NYC nightlife.

13 year-old Ethan Joseph made his Broadway debut in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical when he was just 11 years old. His acting career began when he was 7 years old and a student at the Sundance School in North Plainfield, NJ, when he played the part of the Candy Man in a production of Willy Wonka. He has appeared as young Michael in the North American Tour of MJ: The Musical and as Travis Younger in Raisin.

Alyssa Fox made her Broadway debut as Elphaba in Wicked, has been part of the Wicked family for more than 13 years and was part of the original cast of Disney’s Frozen, in which she played the role of Elsa.