Who she plays: I am playing Inna, who is an immigrant from Ukraine. She is coming to America to search for her mother, who abandoned her when she was young. She meets Renia, played by the wonderful Marin Ireland, who houses her in her illegal basement apartment in Queens, New York. Inna's arrival at the basement opens up memories for Renia, [and] we learn about the backstory of this basement.

Advice for NYC first-timers: I'm still learning about New York; I technically don't live here. My favorite spot around the corner of where we're standing right now [in the Theatre District] is called Turco. It's a Turkish/Mediterranean grill, and they make the most insane lentil soup I've ever had in my life.

Favorite NYC borough: I've still got to do some exploring! Through this show, I'd love to check out more Ukrainian restaurants. Veselka [in Manhattan's East Village], obviously, is the number-one coming to mind, but I would love to go to Queens and go to some Ukrainian restaurants.

Who she plays: Renia is a landlord of sorts. She's the newbie at one point in the story, and at another point in the story, she's in charge.

Advice for NYC first-timers: My favorite places are Veselka in the East Village and The Strand [bookstore]. Take a walk around Washington Square Park, and maybe go check out [the parks] Little Island and the High Line.

Favorite NYC borough: I grew up as a young actor in New York living in Washington Heights, Inwood, Hamilton Heights, that area, so I'm always partial to Manhattan.

Who she plays: My character [Agata] lives outside the apartment and is connected to one of our main stories. We get to see the outside world via my character's appearance.

Advice for NYC first-timers: If you've seen your fill of the awesome, jukebox-type musicals [and] you're in the mood for something else we do in New York theatre, which is introducing new, thought-provoking literature on stage, that's what we do [with Queens]. So we would love to have you step in and enjoy our show!

Favorite NYC borough: Ever since I moved to New York City, I haven't lived outside of Brooklyn, so I'd have to say Brooklyn's my favorite empirically!

Go to Brooklyn Bridge Park; it's stunning, and you get to see everything, and there's ice cream and pizza.

Who she plays: I play the character Pelagiya, and her role in the group changes over time. She is one of the long-standing women in the group; it can be a very transient place, but she, in some ways, made roots.

Advice for NYC first-timers: I live up near Fort Tryon Park, which is [a Frederick Law Olmsted-designed] park. It's not Central Park, but it is the most beautiful park ever, and there is a place inside this park called the Heather Gardens, which I recommend, and then there's also the Met Cloisters.

It's a park that gets overlooked, and in some ways, I want to keep it that way because it's mine — I don't want it to be overrun! But it's the gem of Manhattan.

Favorite NYC borough: Well, my name is Brooke. I think my mom wanted to call me Brooklyn, and my dad thought that was weird, but they used Brooke. And I lived there for a very long time... but I don't think I have a favorite borough.

Who she plays: Glenys is Honduran, and I don't want to spoil anything. She's kind of a surprise, so maybe I shouldn't say too much.

Advice for NYC first-timers: I'm not breaking news — The New York Times talked about how their pancakes are amazing — but Cocina Consuelo. It's Mexican; it's on [143rd and Hamilton] in Harlem, and it's a special place.

Favorite NYC borough: Uptown Manhattan. I'm from uptown!

Who she plays: I play Aamani. She is from Afghanistan. She is one of the characters we meet in the basement; you learn more about her life. She's a very intriguing, intelligent, multilayered woman.

Advice for NYC first-timers: Just walk and get lost, whether it's Manhattan, whether it's Queens, whether it's Brooklyn, Staten Island...

The streets are magic, and you find the most incredible things in the most tucked-away corners.

Favorite NYC borough: I lived in Queens for almost 10 years, I live in Brooklyn now, I love Manhattan, obviously. They're all amazing and unique and make New York what it is.

Who she plays: I play Isabela, and she is the most expressive and the one who wants to share and is willing to share. The way she deals with things is with anger, and the angrier she is at you, the more she actually loves you. She is the one character who has to go back to her home country, as opposed to, everyone is dealing with the aftermath of having to stay.

Advice for NYC first-timers: Everybody comes to Manhattan, but you've got to go to Brooklyn.

Favorite NYC borough: I live in Brooklyn, so anytime I leave and go over the bridge, my energy lowers a bit. So if you're feeling a little anxious in the city, come over to Brooklyn. It's a chiller, cooler vibe.

I love this cafe called Poppy's in Brooklyn Heights. They make the most amazing chicken sandwich.

Who she plays: Lera is a woman who [lives] in Ukraine and is hoping to get to America by being a mail-order bride, essentially.

Advice for NYC first-timers: Come to our play, obviously! If you're coming to the city for the first time, go take the Circle Line. Get on the boat; go see all of Manhattan by water. It's so cool.

Favorite NYC borough: I live in Queens; the play is called Queens. Go to Sonbob's Coffee Place on 28th Avenue and say hi to Sonny.

Interview excerpts have been condensed and edited for length and clarity. Maggie Zampino contributed reporting to this story.

Top image credit: Anna Chlumsky, Andrea Syglowski, Brooke Bloom, Julia Lester, Marin Ireland, Nadine Malouf, Nicole Villamil, and Sharlene Cruz. (Photos courtesy of production)