BY THE VILLAGE SUN | There were not one but two Three Kings Day performances in the East Village this year. This one occurred at St. Mark’s Church in the Bowery, plus had a few differences from the other event, which was put on at the Loisaida Center.
“We had a multicultural parade around the entire block of St. Mark’s Church,” said Frank Gonzalez, one of the event’s organizers, “then a youth performance and free toys for all the kids.”
This event was dubbed the Epiphany Three Kings Parade at St. Mark’s Church.
A number of local politicos also showed up, including Assemblymember Harvey Epstein, Councilmember Christopher Marte and Council candidate Allie Ryan.
Gina Fuego co-produced the event with Gonzalez and did the wardrobe. Three Kings Day at St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery was produced by Jeannine Otis, St. Mark’s Church’s director of music, and Reverend Anne Marie Witchger.
“This one is the original one,” Gonzalez claimed in a text message. “But the other group decided to do their own thing at the Loisaida Center. Long story, but I support both. And ours is about youth and the commUnity,” he said, writing “community” in his own distinctive style.
I didn’t see any grammatical errors, folks, and I’m fussy. Second, I don’t think we need to have a fight over who’s on First. Somebody can come out with the full story, but can’t we enjoy the shows that are put on without attacking each other? Looks as if everyone had a wonderful time. Bravo!
I’d love to add that Angie Hernandez, the creator of this wonderful 3 Kings production, is the originator. She allowed me to share my gift to such a wonderful legacy, which we were able to bring to life once again at the Loisaida Center. Thank You, Mama Angie & David “Daso” Soto for “Gifts of the Magi”. And I agree with A real person in the lower east side. As a creator of original works, we must give credit where credit is due. 🙏🏾
Between the grammatical errors and lies the public wants to know. Who really wrote this article? Lmfaooo
Y’all have to fact check when people make up stories. Original? Nope!
How is this the original if it’s the first one? Without Angie it’s not the original. Seems someone is fibbing here again. Angie has been doing 3 Kings for over 3 decades at CHARAS, Henry Street & St. Marks. Google it. You can also view on Youtube “Gifts of the Magi”. It’s great to be inspired by someone else. But to lie and claim this is the original speaks to the lack of integrity here. This one is definitely not the original.
C’mon. THIS Three Kings Day was NOT the community’s original. The original began at CHARAS under the artistic direction of Angie Hernandez years prior to it relocating. After CHARAS was evicted in 2001 the legacy celebration continued at St Mark’s Church, the CHARAS/Hernandez team. Until ‘something’ happened, rocking the boat last year or year before over the camel or whatever, and a few newbies jumping in to ‘help’ as collaboration. Well, it sadly blew apart. REALLY messed up. The community was hoodwinked, evidently, and electeds went to the ‘wrong’ show, that competed w/ the original, having to be held at The Loisaida Center, due to ‘WHATEVER’. I wasnt involved in the planning to know all the details, but I was somewhat involved when it was held at CHARAS, helping Chino, etc, secure some of the gifts from the 9th Precinct’s annual donation. It was my daughter’s first play. She was a baby angel at 3 or 4 years old.
This year I went with the original at the Loisaida Center. True to its historic community legacy form, classic and awesome.