Broadway, Holiday Lights, and First Responders

Audio By Carbonatix

The November 21 episode of Fun Friday bursts with energy as Kevin McCullough and Cristyne Nicholas dive headfirst into the holiday season. They kick things off with family excitement—Kevin’s daughter Charlotte is starring in Anastasia, marking her sixth musical in three years. Cue proud-parent vibes and a dash of Broadway fever!

The conversation then pivots to arts advocacy with Michael Presser, founder of Inside Broadway. His op-ed in the Daily News calls for cultural funding to become a permanent budget line in NYC. Presser passionately argues that arts education isn’t elitist—it’s essential for shaping well-rounded kids and sustaining New York’s global cultural status.

Next up, Jillian Crane from the First Responders Children’s Foundation shares plans for their 24th annual Thanksgiving breakfast and Macy’s Parade viewing for 1,200 families. Beyond the parade, the foundation provides scholarships, hardship grants, and mental health support for children of first responders—a mission born from the aftermath of 9/11.

The festive spirit continues with George Stanley, steward of the Fifth Avenue Snowflake for Humanity. This glittering icon, adorned with 16,500 crystal prisms, now benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Stanley recounts its history, from its origins in Times Square signage to raising millions for charity, and teases next year’s star-studded gala.

Finally, Cristyne dishes out NYC holiday highlights—from Harlem’s illuminated parade to Bronx Zoo lights and Brooklyn’s Lightscape—while Kevin reveals his own holiday project: a brand-new Christmas album, Such Tiny Shoulders. The episode wraps with gratitude, good cheer, and a promise of more fun to come.