Early Screening of Spielberg’s Film Adaptation Hosted by Que Chevere to Benefit Latino Children’s Theater Teatro SEA and its annual Holiday Toy Drive
New York, NY — “West Side Story” will receive a Lower East Side welcome on December 9, 2021, with an early screening at Essex Crossing, hosted by Puerto Rican restaurant Que Chevere, to benefit bilingual Latino children’s theater Teatro SEA and its annual Three Kings Day holiday celebration. Guests at the screening will celebrate New York’s Puerto Rican community with early access to Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of the Sondheim classic, delicious fare by the Market Line’s Que Chevere, and puppet encounters from Teatro SEA’s bilingual theater productions.
“Our mission is to celebrate New York’s rich Puerto Rican culture through our food, and as the official restaurant partner of Teatro SEA, we connect young audiences to Puerto Rican arts, heritage, and traditions,” said Michael Petrovitch, owner of Que Chevere. “We can’t wait to share the celebrated music of ‘West Side Story’ with a new generation, all in support of this innovative bilingual performing arts organization.”
“As ‘West Side Story’ returns to theaters, this is also a moment to celebrate and support New York’s thriving Latinx arts community, and we’re grateful for the support of the film and Que Chevere,” said Dr. Manuel Morán, founder, CEO and artistic director of Teatro SEA. “Each year, for more than two decades, we bring Latin America’s Three Kings Day traditions to New York audiences and donate thousands of toys to children in our community. This benefit event supports our important efforts to bring joy and felicidad to New York’s holiday season.”
Tickets go on sale November 12 and include an option to purchase a toy for Teatro SEA’s annual Three Kings Day holiday toy giveaway, which annually serves more than 3,000 children. Benefit ticket holders also receive a 25% discount for Teatro SEA’s new Three Kings Day production “Dream of Kings,” which premieres on December 10. The original production features shadow puppets of the Three Kings (Gaspar, Melchior and Balthasar) made by puppet master Shinde Chithambara Rao, who tell the story of how they mistakenly arrive in Puerto Rico instead of Bethlehem. The production is Teatro SEA’s first new indoor production since its pandemic closure.
What: Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story” Benefit for Teatro SEA, Hosted by Que Chevere
When: Thursday, December 9, 2021
- 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM – Red Carpet and Pre-Film Festivities at Que Chevere
- 7:30 PM – Doors Open
- 8:00 PM – Film Begins
Where: Market Line at Essex Crossing, 81 Norfolk St, New York, NY 10002
- $125 Film Tickets, Open Bar & Choice of Que Chevere’s Signature Puerto Rican Menu Items
- $75 Film Tickets & Open Bar
- $50 Film Tickets Only
All attendees receive popcorn, water, and access to cash bar, as well as a discount to Teatro SEA’s upcoming Three Kings Day production “Dream of Kings.”
Ticketholders also can donate a toy online with their purchase at checkout.
About Que Chevere
Translating to “how fantastic,” Que Chevere is a concept developed by Michael Petrovitch as an homage to his Puerto Rican heritage and family. Inspired by Michael’s father-in-law, Manuel Chevere, the restaurant represents his infectious spirit for cooking, and his ability to use food as a vehicle to bring people together. Que Chevere is in The Market Line and a portion of all proceeds are donated to fund Autism Awareness. More information at quechevereles.com
About Teatro SEA
Established in 1985, SEA (Society of the Educational Arts, Inc.), is the premiere Bilingual Arts-in-Education Organization and Latino Children’s Theatre in the United States. SEA has created and produced a combination of educational theatre productions and art workshops/programs specifically designed to examine, challenge and create possible solutions for current educational, social and community issues. Its internationally celebrated programs include school, outdoor, community and main stage performances, workshops and residencies, among others, reaching over 75,000 children and young adults every year. The organization, established by Dr. Manuel A. Morán, currently has offices in San Juan, New York, and Florida. Teatro SEA has its performance space at the Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural and Educational Center on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. More information at teatrosea.org
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