The Bristal Welcomes Residents to "Broadway Through The Ages"

The Bristal at York Avenue located at 1622 York Avenue, at 86th Street welcomed Upper East Side residents to an intergenerational afternoon of Broadway entertainment. The featured performers included Michael Winther, Cody Sawyer Braverman, and Nikisha Williams.

Loudjina Auguste, The General Manager of The Bristal at York Avenue says, “We opened our doors to our neighbors at a time when New York City has cut funding to the Department for the Aging by $20 million. We felt it important to share this quality and engaging afternoon of music with our fellow Upper East Siders.”

Advocates for New York City’s senior population have voiced concern that 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.

According to Evan Rossi, The Bristal’s Regional Director of Resident Experience, “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.’”

Thank You for having me:

Among the Upper East Side residents who attended was 70-year-old Deena Schmitz, a retired Nursing Case Manager who lives at Plymouth Tower at 93rd Street and First Avenue. “I am still glowing from the performance it was just wonderful. The Bristal was so kind and neighborly to invite the community to take part in this fabulous program. It provided an opportunity for neighbor to meet neighbor and for people to socialize with new friends.”

A joy to perform at The Bristal at York Avenue:

“My mother was in an assisted living in Vancouver”, says Michael Winther. “She lived with dementia and the music that she loved so much was an avenue that allowed us to still connect. When she heard a familiar song or melody she would perk up. It was a very sweet moment.”

12- year-old Cody Sawyer Braverman says, “I love what I do so much the chance to connect with people of this age is so rewarding. A large part of the joy I have in performing is to make those in the audience feel happy and I know that my visit to The Bristal at York Avenue will brighten the day of the residents.”

“A desire to perform on Broadway is what brought me to New York,” says Nikisha Williams. “But as the arts and entertainment community continues to emerge from COVID, the opportunity to share my music with an audience that might not be able to attend a Broadway show gives me great pleasure. Performing for this audience allows me to bring the magic of stage, theatre and music to those who otherwise could not partake.”

About the Performers:

62 -year-old Michael Winther has had a distinguished career on stage and screen. He has appeared in numerous Broadway productions including; FLYING OVER SUNSET, FUN HOME, 33 VARIATIONS, MAMMA MIA!, THE CRUCIBLE, 1776, DAMN YANKEES and ARTIST DESCENDING A STAIRCASE. On the screen, Winther has appeared in films such as The AVENGERS, JUMPER, The BREAK-UP and INDEPENDENCE DAY, as well as in TV shows including HUNTERS, LIGHT FALLS, BLACKLIST and BOARDWALK EMPIRE.

12- year-old Cody Sawyer Braverman, grew up in Short Hills, New Jersey, when he was just five. He was most recently on the national tour of the MRS. DOUBTFIRE: THE MUSICAL as Christopher. Prior to the tour, Cody made his Broadway debut in 2022 in the Tony-award winning play LEOPOLDSTADT as Young Leo.

Nikisha Williams starred as Eliza Hamilton in the national touring company of HAMILTON for just under 2 years. Before taking on the role as Eliza. Before she was in HAMILTON, Nikisha was in the Broadway national tour of THE COLOR PURPLE as the understudy for Celie. She has also performed in DON GIOVANNI and PAGLIACCI