WWW.QNS.COM RIDGEWOOD TIMES JULY 27, 2017 19
BUZZ
Explore the journey of the fi rst train line in Queens
at the New York Transit Museum for free
BY ANGELA MATUA
AMATUA@QNS.COM / @ANGELAMATUA
A new exhibit at the New York
Transit Museum will explore
Queens’ fi rst subway line and
how it transformed the borough socially
and economically.
“7 Train: Minutes to Midtown” will
open on Aug. 3, and museumgoers
will be able to view photographs and
objects from the line’s beginnings in
1915 and beyond.
The 7 line is diff erent from other
early lines in that it was built to attract
more residents to the underpopulated
borough. Other subways, like the IRT
Ninth Avenue line, were constructed
in densely populated areas in lower
Manhattan. The fi rst 7 train ran on
June 22, 1915.
Queens’ population exploded as a
result of the new line, which provided
a short commute to Manhattan.
Between 1910 and 1930, the borough’s
population jumped 300 percent from
284,000 to 1,079,000.
The exhibit features images of the
line from as far back as 1916 and as
recent as 2016 by photographer John
Sanderson. The museum will also display
a New York and Long Island City
ferry ticket from the late 1800s, station
wayfi nding signs dating from between
1928 and 1949.
In addition, the exhibit will include
a Queensboro Bridge Railway token
from 1945 and archival transit maps
will highlight the expansion of the
subway and elevated lines in Queens.
“We are incredibly proud to share
this story of Queens and how it was
transformed from bucolic farmland
to the world’s cafeteria in the span of
a century,” said museum director Concetta
Bencivenga. “At its inception, the
New York City subway was a means to
decongest lower Manhattan and draw
the population of the city northward.
The story of Queens, and by extension
the 7 train, was and continues to be,
one of vision; whether a hundred
years ago with the Steinway Tunnel,
or right now with Hudson Yards, the
7 train established communities, a
neighborhood, and an entire borough,
by providing people with access to
transportation.”
In recent years the line has caused
headaches for many Queens residents,
especially with the explosive growth
of Long Island City. Residents aren’t
the only people frustrated with the
service and overcrowding. In 1999,
then Atlanta Braves pitcher John
Rocker ranted about the subway and
how much he disliked the city and
Mets fans.
Mets fans on the other hand have adopted
the subway’s name and created
The 7 Line Army, a fan club and clothing
company. Additionally, a 2000
documentary called “The #7 Train:
An Immigrant Journey” highlights
the diversity of 7 train riders.
“7 Train: Minutes to Midtown” will run
until Oct. 29 at New York Transit Museum
Gallery Annex & Store at Grand Central
Terminal. The gallery will be open
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8
p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Photos courtesy of New York Transit
Museum
'Joseph' is a big success!
BY CLIFF KASDEN
“Joseph…” at Maggie’s is Sincere
Success
Energy and enthusiasm from
every creative component receive
genuine neighborhood and audience
support. Yes, opening night at Maggie’s
Little Theatre is in the books as
a resounding success. The troupe’s
version of “Joseph and the Amazing
Technicolor Dreamcoat” off ers several
standout solos as well as an overall
ensemble that bursts with smiles and
sincerity.
The well-known biblical theme
revolves around Joseph, his brothers
and that fabulous coat of many
colors. Dynamic “Narrator” Dena
Civello takes the reins from opening
curtain. Her powerful voice provides
a clear, commanding presence without
missing a beat. The title role, played
by Gary Ducoing is interpreted with
reassurance and emotion. Oft en he
seems genuinely moved by the lyrics.
Well done!
Lindsay Levy is both director and
choreographer. It is obvious that Levy
has brought out the best in everyone.
The performers are energized as they
sing, dance and act. The campy humor
is very well done. The steps are well
executed. Each character shows feelings
that match the mood of each scene.
Musical Director Sarah Glassman and
the orchestra are competent and classy
as they provide the right pace for the
performance. The sets and costumes
(Jennifer Fessler, Greg Wilson, Dolores
Voyer) are bright and colorful
with an eye towards clever contrasts.
There are many great songs including
“Any Dream Will Do”, “Jacob &
Sons”, “Benjamin Calypso” and more.
Producers Joe Annese, Jim Gillespie
and Dolores Voyer have off ered a fi ne
blend of youngsters and experienced
talent. Although all are brimming with
enthusiasm, several are standouts at
each level. Look for ever smiling “Tour
Guide” Mariella Raso who keeps her
group in great form whether upstage
or down. Yes, all twelve brothers are
well played. Check Jonathan Mora,
Max Rebhun and Chris Napolitano for
especially notable deliveries .
Local favorites return including
Mark York, Ellen Armet, Joe Paciullo,
Jason Kell as Elvis the Pharaoh and
Beatrice Miranda Holman. Kudos to Joseph’s
other brothers including Amina
Cunningham, Heather Sheridan, Matt
Adragna, Brianna Sheridan, Angel
Vail and Amanda Gillespie. Applause
to the entire cast too numerous to
mention by name.
For information on this and future
productions, surf to www.MaggiesLittleTheater.
org, call (917) 579-5389 or
“like” them on Facebook. As always,
save me a seat on the aisle.
