Passover is a time for sharing our stories as a community, and the Stage One #2 Amateur English Theater Festival, presented by Beit Avi Chai in collaboration with Merkaz Hamagshimim Hadassah’s Center Stage Theater, now in its second year, is on its way to becoming a wonderful tradition for Hol HaMoed. Taking place from April 20 – 22, 2011, the three days of theatre and music from the many English-language theaters and performers active in Jerusalem are a terrific introduction to this cultural scene – and lots of fun.
The three day program will include:
Jewtopia – April 20 at 18:00, 20:30
Directed by Rafi Poch – The funny side of dating & identity, as two friends, one Jewish and one Gentile, dream of dating someone …different.
Center Stage Theatre
The Pianist – April 20 at 18:00 and April 22 at 12:30
Directed by Robert Binder, Musical director and accompanist, Paul Salter
Based on Wladyslaw Szpilman’s autobiography and diary entries, the story of the Polish Jewish musician who survived the destruction of the Warsaw Ghetto during WWII. Encore! Educational Theatre Company
Maya Pennington – April 20 at 20:00
Jazz vocalist currently putting together her debut album, will sing standards and show tunes connected to Yiddishkeit and Jewish figures in the musical world.
Mikveh – April 20 at 21:00 and April 21 at 18:00
Written and directed by Hadar Galron Explores the intimate world of the mikveh, from the perspective of Shira, the new mikveh attendant. This is the first English-language production of this award-winning play, and the only production directed by the playwright.
Jeremy Saltan – April 20 at 22:00 and April 21 at 22:00
Comedian and political commentator Jeremy Saltan will present his unique stand-up show – covering the distance from Chicago to Bet Shemesh, with stories of his army service, daily life in Israel, religion and politics.
Hahafuch – Comedy Sketch/Improv Show – April 20 at 23:00 and April 21 at 22:30
Assael Romanelli, Josh Kaplan, Debbie Kaye, Molly Livingstone and Rafi Poch
The Maccabee Queen – April 21 at 18:00 and April 22 at 12:00
The epic story of Shlomzion Hamalka, Queen Alexandra. Written and directed by Lauri Donahue.
“From Within” the Ben Draiman Music Project – April 21 at 20:00
Singer/songwriter Ben Draiman performs his original rock ballads. Ben Draiman – vocals and piano, Shai Baruch – guitar, David Flagler – guitar, Abbie Silber – vocals, Shiranne Radzinski – vocals, guitar, Drew Tick – violin.
Fable of the Goat– April 21 at 21:00 and April 22 at 10:00
The Agnon House presents a play based on a story by S. Y. Agnon. Adapted for the stage and directed by Eli Kaplan-Wildmann. Production and Concept: Nicole Goldstein Strassman.
Sabbath Variations: The Splendor of Space – April 21 at 21:00 and April 22 at 10:00.
A special guest performance from New York. Created by 24/6: A Jewish Theater Company, an artistic home for Shomrei Shabbat Theater Artists, New York, NY. Rachel Channon, Simon Feil, Eliezer Meyer, Roniel Tessler.
The Jerusalem Barbershop Ensemble – April 22 at 11:30.
Joseph Romanelli, founder and manager; Martin Rogovein, director; Roger Friedland, assistant director; Howard Clapsaddle; Ian Cohen and Daniel Barkai.
Stage One #2 Amateur English Theater Festival
Beit Avi Chai, 44 King George Street, Jerusalem
Artistic Director: Rafi Poch
Producer: Tamar Akov
Prices:
Theater: 50 NIS, students: 20 NIS
Stand-Up: 30 NIS, students: 20 NIS
Music: admission free, subject to available space
Special Festival price-packages:
Two tickets for two different shows for 80 NIS (instead of 100 NIS)
One play + one stand-up comedy show for 60 NIS (instead of 80 NIS)
