On Monday January 6, Teatro SEA, New York’s only Latino children’s theater, celebrated Three Kings Day with a special event. Children were invited to the theater on Manhattan’s Lower East Side to meet the three kings and receive a special gift. The three kings were portrayed by Cristian Rivera Foundation founder John “Gungie” Rivera, who played Balthazar; Telemundo 47 journalist Allan Villafana, who played Gaspar; and Teatro SEA founder and Cristian Rivera Foundation Committee Member Dr. Manuel A. Moran, who played Melchor.
“I was honored to play one of the three kings,” said Rivera. “I was really emotional as we handed out the toys. It was especially moving when I saw sick or handicapped children, because that really hit close to home.” The event was a great success and in the end, approximately 3,000 toys were distributed . Added Rivera, “I want to give special praise to Dr. Manuel A. Moran for this amazing event. The work he does is truly outstanding.”
