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David Simon, Lisa Belkin, On Hand For 'Show Me A Hero' Premiere In Yonkers

YONKERS, N.Y. -- It was a trip down memory lane for many of those in attendance at the premiere of "Show Me A Hero," at the Alamo Drafthouse in Yonkers Wednesday night.

David Simon is known for his award-winning shows, "The Wire," and "Treme."

David Simon is known for his award-winning shows, "The Wire," and "Treme."

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Lisa Belkin, Dobbs Ferry resident and author of "Show Me A Hero."

Lisa Belkin, Dobbs Ferry resident and author of "Show Me A Hero."

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, with sons Mike, left, and Chris Spano.

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, with sons Mike, left, and Chris Spano.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Angelo Martinelli and Nay Wasicsko-McLaughlin at the "Show Me A Hero" premiere.

Angelo Martinelli and Nay Wasicsko-McLaughlin at the "Show Me A Hero" premiere.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Actress Laura Gomez plays Dama in "Show Me A Hero."

Actress Laura Gomez plays Dama in "Show Me A Hero."

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Ilfenesh Hadera plays Alma Feebles in HBO's "Show Me A Hero."

Ilfenesh Hadera plays Alma Feebles in HBO's "Show Me A Hero."

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Natalie Paul, left, plays Doreen Henderson, while Dominique Fishback plays Billie Rowan.

Natalie Paul, left, plays Doreen Henderson, while Dominique Fishback plays Billie Rowan.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Nicholas DeSantis, former Yonkers City Manager.

Nicholas DeSantis, former Yonkers City Manager.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Carla Quevedo, left, plays Hastings resident Nay Wasicsko-McLaughlin.

Carla Quevedo, left, plays Hastings resident Nay Wasicsko-McLaughlin.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Actor Warren Bob, a Bronx resident, used to coach football in Yonkers.

Actor Warren Bob, a Bronx resident, used to coach football in Yonkers.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
William F. Zorzi, writer and executive producer of HBO's "Show Me A Hero."

William F. Zorzi, writer and executive producer of HBO's "Show Me A Hero."

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Berto Colon

Berto Colon

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Kyanna Simpson

Kyanna Simpson

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman

The event -- complete with red carpet -- featured Writers and Executive Producers David Simon and William F. Zorzi, Dobbs Ferry resident Lisa Belkin, author of the book that inspired the HBO show, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and assorted cast members including Ilfenesh Hadera, Natalie Paul, Carla Quevedo, Warren Bob and Laura Gomez. 

Also in the crowd: many of the real life residents that lived through the cantankerous housing desegregation battle of the mid 1980s detailed in the six-part miniseries. Among them, former Yonkers Mayor Angelo Martinelli (played by actor Jim Belushi) and Nicholas DeSantis, then City Manager.

Another notable attendee: Hastings resident Nay Wasicsko-McLaughlin, who works for the city of Yonkers in the human resources department and is the widow of Mayor Nicholas Wasicsko, played onscreen by Oscar Isaac. (Quevedo plays her character.)

Wasicsko-McLaughlin said the show is an accurate depiction of the events that transpired and hopes audiences will get that "Nicholas was a great man who gave his all" during that period.

Hadera, who plays Alma Febles in the series, said representing a character from a true story instilled a certain responsibilty. "We all worked hard to do them [the residents] justice," she said.

Added Simon: "Having access to the survivors of this time period gave the story more texture," as did filming in Yonkers.

"They got it right," said Belkin. "I'm blown away how they managed to make a story about public housing so interesting."

"Show Me A Hero" begins Sunday, Aug. 16 at 8 p.m. on HBO. 

Go here for previous story on Belkin; here for earlier Daily Voice story on Yonkers scenes and here for story on Simon.

 

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