Photos: MNM Theatre Company’s DISENCHANTED Opens May 12 at the Kravis Center

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And they lived happily ever after.
Well… not exactly.

Contact:
Carol Kassie
carol@carolkassie.com/561-445-9244

May 12, 2023

WEST PALM BEACH, FL: Below are production photos from MNM Theatre Company’s Disenchanted, which opens May 12th at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. The production will run through May 27th.  

Disenchanted is an irreverent, clever, funny, and definitely PG-rated reimagining of what happened to all those fairy tale princesses after ‘they lived happily ever after, the end’!

The production, directed by Jonathan Van Dyke stars seven of South Florida’s top musical theatre actresses:  Aaron Bower, Jinon Deeb, Kat Gold, Shelley Keelor, Ashley Rubin, Leah Sessa, and Vallery Valentine.  The show’s Musical Director is Bobby Peaco. 

Photo credit: Amy Pasquantonio.

If you would like to see Disenchanted, speak with anyone involved in the production, or would like more photos, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Carol

~
Marcie Gorman and MNM Theatre Company present
Disenchanted
May 12 – 27, 2023
BookMusicand Lyrics:Dennis T. Giacino
Developed with: Fiely Matias
Performances: Friday & Saturday at 7 pm
Saturday & Sunday at 1:30 pm
Ticket prices: $55 – $65
For tickets: mnmtheatre.org / kravis.org / 561-832-7469
All performances in
Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
701 Okeechobee Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Click on each image to enlarge:

Two VICTORY DOLLS Concerts will Honor World War II Veterans – May 28th & 29th

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Two Victory Dolls Concerts
Will Honor
World War II Veterans
May 28th & 29th

The Memorial Day weekend performances will begin with “In Their Own Words”, short presentations on and conversations with World War II veterans.

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Carol Kassie
carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244

May 11, 2023

POMPANO BEACH & DELRAY BEACH, FL:  The Victory Dolls will salute World War II veterans at two concerts this Memorial Day weekend. The performances will take place at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center on May 28th and at the Delray Beach Playhouse on May 29th.

At the May 28 performance, Harry Isabel, Army – Pacific theater, and Sam Goldstein, Army – European theater, both awarded Bronze Stars for bravery will be honored.  Both men passed away recently.  Bob Livingston, a 100-year-old Army Air Corps veteran who also served in the Korean war, and James Crider, who served in the Navy in World War II, in Korea, and in Vietnam will speak at the event.

At the May 29 performance, the late Dave Segool, Army Pacific who fought on Guadalcanal –will be honored.  Mort Kuff, Navy, and Nick Passanisi, Marine Corps, who were both being trained to invade Japan when the war ended (and learned to fly before they could drive), will share stories about what life was like on the home front as well as in the military.

The Victory Dolls is a company of enormously talented and award-winning local singer/actresses whose nostalgic style is reminiscent of the sophisticated vocals and precise harmonies of the Andrews Sisters. Their vintage look, tight choreography, and lively original musical arrangements combine to create a dazzling All-American show that appeals to audiences of all ages. 

The concert at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center will begin at 2 pm on May 28th.  Tickets for the event are $35 and can be purchased online at www.pompanobeacharts.org.

The Delray Beach Playhouse event will begin at 12:30 pm on May 29th.  Tickets for the concert are $49 including lunch and can be purchased online at www.delraybeachplayhouse.org or by calling561-272-1281. 

For more information about each concert and/or The Victory Dolls, please contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com/561-445-9244.

~

Pompano Beach Live Presents: The Victory Dolls
May 28 at 2 pm
Tickets: $35
For tickets: 
https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/events/pompano-beach-live-presents-the-victory-dolls
Pompano Beach Cultural Center
50 W. Atlantic Blvd.
Pompano Beach, FL  33060
~
The Victory Dolls:  Memorial Day Performance
May 29 at 12:30 pm

Tickets: $49 (including lunch)
For tickets: 
https://delraybeachplayhouse.com/performance/the-victory-dolls-memorial-day-anniversary/
Call:  561-272-1281
The Delray Beach Playhouse
950 NW 9th Street
Delray Beach, FL  33444



From left to right: Nick Passanisi, Dave Segool, & Mort Kuff (click on each photo to enlarge)

Off-Glades Theater Company to Present 13 THE MUSICAL June 23 & 24

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Off-Glades Theater Company
To present
13 The Musical
June 23 & 24

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Carol Kassie
carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244

May 10, 2023

BOCA RATON, FL:  Off-Glades Theater Company, a brand-new theatre company based in Boca Raton, Florida, will present 13 The Musical at Olympic Heights High School June 23rd and 24th only. 

Founded by teacher/author/Broadway actor Jodie Langel, who serves as the company’s Executive Director, Off-Glades Theater Company was launched in 2022 to promote and produce musical theatre in South Florida for the cultural development of young people in the performing arts.

Jodie Langel

“What is striking about 13 is that it conveys emotions and insecurities that not only teenagers relate to – but that everyone does,” Langel says.  “At its core, it’s a show about the raw vulnerability that comes with being true to yourself – something that resonates with people of all ages.”

Evan Goldman has it all: He’s popular, has the “perfect” family and lives in the world’s greatest city – New York. But when his parents divorce, he’s forced to move with his Mom…to Indiana. Uprooted from his old life, he must maneuver his way through the minefield of high school to become part of the ‘in’ crowd.

Featuring a rock score by celebrated composer Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Last Five Years, Songs for a New World), 13 will be performed by an astonishing cast of young local talent. 13 The Musical is a grown-up story about dealing with change and learning that becoming who you want to be starts with discovering who you are.

Langel’s talented cast includes Kane Quiles as Evan, Leah Steiner as Patrice, Sebastian Baroulette as Brett, Victoria Johnson as Lucy, Jonathan Jacknow as Archie, Eddie Albeio as Malcolm, Anthony Cirisano as Eddie, Aliyah Harrow as Kendra, Sofia Gianetti as Molly, Tommy Cook as Richie, Miranda Ferreira as Charlotte, Mia Spector as Cassie, and Mateo Lepore as Simon.  Also in the cast are Gabriella Roache, Mina Howard, Kylie Staub, Emma Nevico, Ella Valente, and Alisa Voloshina.

Michael Ursua is the production’s Musical Director; the Assistant Director is Nicole Roach, and Brittany Blouin will serve as the production’s Stage Manager. 

Tickets for 13 The Musical are on sale now and can be purchased online at https://offglades.booktix.com/ or by calling 310-497-5964. Tickets are $50.

For more information about Off-Glades Theatre Company or 13 The Musical,contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244.For more information about Jodie Langel, visit https://www.jodielangel.com/.

~

13 The Musical
June 23 & June 24, 2023

Friday & Saturday Night, 7:30pm
Musicand Lyrics:Jason Robert Brown
Book: Dan Elish & Robert Horn
Ticket prices: $50
For tickets: offglades.booktix.com or
Call 310-497-5964
All performances at
Olympic Heights High School
20101 Lyons Road
Boca Raton, FL. 33434

Marcie Gorman and MNM Theatre Company to present The South Florida Premiere of DISENCHANTED

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Marcie Gorman and
MNM Theatre Company
to present
The South Florida Premiere of
Disenchanted
at The Kravis Center

May 12 – 27

“And they lived happily ever after.  Well… not exactly.” 

“An absolute joy!  Sass-fueled enjoyment!  Empowering and truthful! 
One not to be forgotten!  4 stars!”
London Theatre Reviews, England, UK

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Carol Kassie
carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244

May 3, 2023

BOCA RATON, FL:   Rehearsals are underway for MNM Theatre Company’s upcoming production of the South Florida premiere of Disenchanted, an irreverent, clever, funny, and definitely PG-rated reimagining of what happened to all those fairy tale princesses after ‘they lived happily ever after. The end’!  The award-winning musical will run from May 12 – 27 at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach.

Directed by Jonathan Van Dyke and musically directed by Bobby Peaco, Disenchanted stars seven of South Florida’s top musical comedy actresses:  Aaron Bower will play Sleeping Beauty, along with Jinon Deeb as Pocahontas and Princess Badroulbadour, Kat Gold as Mulan and Rapunzel, Shelley Keelor as Snow White, Ashley Rubin as Cinderella, Leah Sessa as The Little Mermaid and Belle, and Vallery Valentine as the Princess Who Kissed the Frog.

Tickets for Disenchanted are on sale now and can be purchased online at kravis.org, or by calling. 561-832-7469 or 800-572-8471. Tickets range in price from $55 to $65.  For information regarding group rates call 561-651-4438 or 561-651-4304.

To speak with someone involved in the production, or to arrange for tickets, please contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244. For more information about MNM Theatre Company or Disenchanted,visit mnmtheatre.org.

Please note:  Disenchanted contains some adult material.  It is not suitable for children under the age of 13.      

In the attached photo, taken at a May 2nd rehearsal:
Jinon Deeb, Vallery Valentine, Ashley Rubin, Shelley Keelor, Aaron Bower, Kat Gold, Leah Sessa. 

~

Disenchanted
May 12 – 27, 2023
Book, Music, and Lyrics: Dennis T. Giacino
Developed with: Fiely Matias
Performances: Friday & Saturday at 7 pm
Saturday & Sunday at 1:30 pm
Ticket prices: $55 – $65
For tickets: mnmtheatre.org / kravis.org / 561-832-7469
All performances in
Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
701 Okeechobee Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Entr’Acte Theatrix Presents THE PRODUCERS – A MEL BROOKS MUSICAL – May 19 – June 4

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Entr’Acte Theatrix
presents
The Producers
A Mel Brooks Musical
May 19 – June 4

At
The Willow Theatre at Sugar Sand Park

“[The Producers] is to put it simply, the real thing: a big Broadway book musical that is so ecstatically
drunk on its powers to entertain that it leaves you delirious …”
~ Ben Brantley, The New York Times

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Carol Kassie
Carol@CarolKassie.com / 561-445-9244


May 2, 2023:

BOCA RATON:    Mel Brooks’ musical comedy The Producers won a record-setting 12 Tonys in 2001, including Best Musical – the most in the awards’ history.  It also set the standard for outrageous, in-your-face, politically incorrect humor. Entr’Acte Theatrix will present what Variety’s Charles Isherwood called “a rip-roaring, gut-busting, rib-tickling, knee-slapping, aisle-rolling … good time” musical at the Willow Theatre at Sugar Sand Park. The show will open on May 19th and run through June 4th.

The plot is simple: Failed producer Max Bialystock and his reluctant accountant, Leo Bloom, cook up a scheme to convince a group of elderly women to invest two million dollars in a horrendously offensive Third Reich-themed musical, which they know will be a sure-fire flop. This, they conclude, will leave them with the money, which they plan to use to retire to Rio.  But against all odds the show is a hit, and Bialystock and Bloom have to deal with their success.

“During these difficult times when once again we are seeing the rise of antisemitism, we debated very carefully about doing this show,” Entr’Acte Theatrix Executive Producer Vicki Halmos explains.  “But in the end we decided that as Mel Brooks – who himself was a constant recipient of prejudice during his time in the US army – so rightly said, “More than anything the Holocaust by the Nazis is probably the great outrage of the 20th century. There is nothing to compare with it. And … so what can I do about it? If I get on the soapbox and wax eloquently, it’ll be blown away in the wind, but if I do “Springtime for Hitler” it’ll never be forgotten. I think you can bring down totalitarian governments faster by using ridicule than you can with invective.”

“We at Entr’Acte hope that by taking this absurd and politically incorrect look at a horrendous time in history (not to mention the way Brooks lampoons the ‘art of the deal’ in the business of theatre) we can entertain and educate at the same time,” Halmos says.

Entr’Acte Theatrix will donate a portion of their ticket sales to the Holocaust Museum in Miami.

The Producers Director Jamie Mattocks has cast Carlo-Rufino Sabusap as Max Bialystock, Chris Embroz as Leo Bloom, Zoe Darragh Garnett as Ulla Inga Hansen Bensen, Greg Halmos as Franz Liebkind, Jonathan Costanzo as Roger Debris, and Michael ‘Mercury’ Moser as Garmen Ghia.  Other cast members include Nik Rosa, Nicolas Aquino, David McKibben, Matthew Schenk, Charles Ponthokkan, Chris Calhoun, Norita Bandel, Heidi Salonia, Martyna Reczka, Roxanne Lamendola Grant, JB Peters, and Elizabeth Robinson.

Along with her directing duties, Jamie Mattocks will serve as The Producers’ Choreographer.  Roger Blankenship is the show’s Musical Director. Nicole Stav-Roach is Assistant Director, and Brittany Blouin will serve as the Production Stage Manager.

The Producers will run from May 19th – June 4th at the Willow Theatre at Sugar Sand Park. The theatre is located at 300 S. Military Trail in Boca Raton (33486).
 
Tickets for The Producers are $35. Group rates are available. Tickets may be purchased by calling the box office at 561-347-3948 or online at willowtheatre.org.

For more information aboutThe Producers and/or Entr’Acte Theatrix, please contact Carol Kassie (carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244).
~

The Producers

May 19 – June 4
Book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan
Music and Lyrics by Mel Brooks
Directed by Jamie Mattocks
Music Direction by Roger Blankenship
Choreography by Nikki Dikun
Tickets:  $35 ($25 if 10 or more tickets are purchased in one transaction)
                $25 for Willow Theatre Season SubscribersTickets:  561-347-3948
Online: willowtheatre.org
Performance times:
Friday & Saturday at 8 pm
Saturday & Sunday at 2 pm
All performances take place at
The Willow Theatre at Sugar Sand Park
300 South Military Trail
Boca Raton, FL 33486


Steve Solomon’s MY MOTHER’S ITALIAN, MY FATHER’S JEWISH & I’M IN THERAPY at the Broward Center in April

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Steve Solomon’s
My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m in Therapy!
at the Broward Center
April 20 & 21 Only!

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Carol Kassie
Carol@CarolKassie.com / 561-445-9244

April 4, 2023

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL:  My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m in Therapy! Steve Solomon’s award-winning one-person comedic tour-de-force will be back at the Broward Center for a limited 2-show engagement on April 20th and 21st.

Solomon’s humor is universal, and universally loved.  Enhanced by his talent for impersonation and his mastery of different dialects – he does approximately 20 different characters and voices in his shows – his stories about his mixed heritage Italian/Jewish family resonate with everyone, no matter what their ethnicity, and have delighted and entertained audiences for thousands of performances. The show, which is constantly evolving, has been updated, and is, as audiences will attest “funnier than ever!” Uncle Willie, Stuttering Cousin Bob, Demented Cousin Kenny, Steve’s new therapist Cousin Sal (and Sal’s parole officer), and a myriad of other astounding characters will populate the Amaturo stage during his performances.  The show is now one of the longest running one-man comedies in history!

The multi-faceted Solomon (from physics teacher, to school administrator, to entrepreneur, to comic, to award-winning playwright, to performer – who still performs) has now added author to his list of accomplishments.  His new book, Comedian? Don’t Do It!  They’ll Just Laugh at YOU!” Mom, has recently been published and is now available on Steve’s own website (www.stevesolomon.net).  There is also a Kindle version available on Amazon.com.

“The book is packed with hilarious anecdotes and relatable humor,” Solomon said recently.  “It’s a true “Rocky” story of my unbelievable adventures – going from Brooklyn to Broadway in ONLY 60 years!”

Tickets for My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m in Therapy! range in price from $29 – $49 and are available at browardcenter.org or by calling 954-462-0222.

For more information about Steve Solomon, please visit www.stevesolomon.net or www.carolkassie.com.  To arrange to for interviews or to see the production please contact me at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244.

~

Steve Solomon’s My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m in Therapy!
April 20 & 21 at 7:30 pm

Ticket prices:  $29-$49
For Tickets: browardcenter.org or
Call 954-462-0222
All performances at
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts
201 SW 5th Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL  33312

Praise for Steve Solomon:

“Steve Solomon is Alan King, Billy Crystal, a Smidgen of Don Rickles and George Carlin all thrown in.”  ~ Variety

 “Perfect comic timing.” ~ New York Post

“A raft of characters comes alive on stage!” ~ Backstage

“A funny look at family relationships.  An entire family wrapped into a one-man show.”  
~ WCBStv

A South Florida Premiere! The Musical Comedy DISENCHANTED to Run at the Kravis Center – May 12 – 27

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Marcie Gorman and
MNM Theatre Company
to present
The South Florida Premiere of
Disenchanted
at The Kravis Center
May 12 – 27


“A warped bunch of stories masterfully crafted and full of inappropriate etiquette…Fun music and even funnier characters will have you laughing all the way to the palace.”  
Tom Williams ~ Chicago Critic

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Carol Kassie
carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244

March 28, 2023

Marcie Gorman

WEST PALM BEACH, FL: Poisoned apples! Glass slippers! Who needs ’em?! Not Snow White and her posse of disenchanted princesses in this ‘musical comedy for grownups’ that’s anything but Grimm. Marcie Gorman and MNM Theatre Company will present the South Florida premiere of Disenchanted, a fun-loving, subversive, and definitely ‘not-for-the kiddies’ musical revue proving that happily-ever-after can be a ‘royal pain in the ass!’  The show will run in the Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts from May 12 – 27.

“This one is just so much fun,” Gorman said recently.  “These princesses have so much to say about almost everything!  It’s very funny, very clever, and a little bit raunchy for sure, but as we all know, there can be a lot of truth in comedy, and in satire.”

Disenchanted debuted Off-Broadway in 2014 and played to sold out houses and rave reviews. The show garnered a number of award nominations including ‘Outstanding Off-Broadway Musical’ (Outer Critics Circle Awards), ‘Best New Off-Broadway Musical’ (Off Broadway Alliance Awards), and two Lucille Lortel Award nominations. It has played in multiple languages in13 countries on 5 continents, including an extended 16 week run at the Straz Theatre in Tampa.

Jonathan Van Dyke

“It is such a pleasure to be reunited with this wonderful show and introduce it to south Florida audiences,” says Disenchanted director Jonathan Van Dyke. Van Dyke originally cast the show when it ran in Tampa, and eventually became that production’s company manager.  “Although it’s a raucous, feel-good, uproarious musical,” he continues, Disenchanted also delivers plenty of honesty and poignancy, culminating in a true celebration of all women. In fact, in my opinion women and men will embrace and connect with this empowering material.”

MNM’s mission has always been to hire South Florida talent, and Van Dyke has assembled a stellar cast of local princesses:  Aaron Bower will play Sleeping Beauty, along with Jinon Deeb as Pocahontas and Princess Badroulbadour, Kat Gold as Mulan and Rapunzel, Shelley Keelor as Snow White, Ashley Rubin as Cinderella, Leah Sessa as The Little Mermaid and Belle, and Vallery Valentine as the Princess Who Kissed the Frog.

MNM is also one of the very few companies in South Florida that continues to use live musicians:  MAC and Bistro Award-winner Bobby Peaco will serve as Disenchanted’s Musical Director and pianist and will lead the production’s musical team of Julie Jacobs on Drums and Robert Ziawinski on Bass.

Disenchanted’s Production Stage Manager is Francesca Barioli; the Assistant Stage Manager is Randall Swinton. Lighting Design is Karalyn Fitzgerald, and Sound Design is by Justin Thompson. Penny Williams is the production’s Costume Designer, Wigs are by Justin Lore (Tease & Floof Theatrical Wig Boutique), Props are by Abby Rasmussen and Scenic/Set Design is by Jordon Armstrong.

Tickets for Disenchanted are on sale now and can be purchased online at kravis.org, or by calling. 561-832-7469 or 800-572-8471. Tickets range in price from $55 to $65.  For information regarding group rates call 561-651-4438 or 561-651-4351.

For more information about MNM Theatre Company or Disenchanted,visit mnmtheatre.org or contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244.        

Please note:  Disenchanted contains some adult material.  It is not suitable for children under the age of 13.      

Disenchanted
May 12 – 27, 2023
Book, Music, and Lyrics:Dennis T. Giacino
Developed with: Fiely Matias
Performances: Friday & Saturday at 7 pm
Saturday & Sunday at 1:30 pm
Ticket prices: $55 – $65
For tickets: mnmtheatre.org / kravis.org / 561-832-7469
All performances in
Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
701 Okeechobee Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Broadcaster Arlene Herson To Be Honored at a Silent Auction at Boca Raton’s Gallery 22

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Broadcaster Arlene Herson
To Be Honored
at a Silent Auction at
Boca Raton’s Gallery 22

Proceeds to benefit YI Love Jewish’ mission to fight antisemitism through the arts.

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Alessandra Lasanta
Alessandra@yilovejewish.org / 888-945-6835
Contact:  Carol Kassie
carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244

March 8, 2023

BOCA RATON, FL:  Broadcaster/journalist/philanthropist Arlene Herson will be honored at a Silent Auction on March 22nd.  The event, which will take place at Boca Raton’s Gallery 22, will be co-sponsored by the gallery and YI Love Jewish.  The proceeds from the auction will benefit YI Love Jewish’ mission to fight antisemitism through the arts.

The Silent Auction will be hosted by Yaacov and Sue Heller and will feature works by a number of world-renowned artists including Laurence Gartel (Father of Digital Art), Martin Levin (Kristallnacht Series), Frank Stumer, Sir Kelly Fawaz, and Yaacov Heller.

Award-winning performer and YI CEO Avi Hoffman will act as master of ceremonies and pianist Phil Hinton will provide live music during the evening.

Tickets for the Silent Auction are $100 and available online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/557150571357. The ticket price includes entry into the event, the silent auction, live music, and wine and cheese. 

Arlene Herson’s illustrious career includes numerous interviews with famous and distinguished personalities on both radio and television.  She produced The Magic Flute with Victor Borge conducting, and the musical 1776 with members of Congress playing the Founding Fathers. She was appointed by President George W. Bush to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, by Governor Jeb Bush to the Florida Film & Entertainment Advisory Council, and by President George H.W. Bush to the Take Pride in America Advisory Board.  She is one of the few non-lawyers appointed to the Florida Bar Grievance Committee.

YI Love Jewish is a division of the Yiddishkayt Initiative, a not-for-profit organization that celebrates and promotes Jewish history, life, and culture and their positive and far-reaching impact on the world.

For more information about YI Love Jewish and the Silent Auction, visit the organization’s website at www.YILoveJewish.org, email info@yilovejewish.org or contact Alessandra Lasanta –alessandra@yilovejewish.org / 888-945-6835, or Carol Kassie – carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244.

~

Fighting Antisemitism Through the Arts
A Silent Auction at Gallery 22 Honoring Arlene Herson
Wednesday, March 23, 2023, at 7:30 pm
Tickets: $100 (There are a limited number of tickets available)
For tickets:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/557150571357
The event will take place at
Gallery 22
320 Esplanade #53, Boca Raton, FL 33432

YI Love Jewish to Present Free Readings of Josef Mundi’s IT’S GOING AROUND

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YI Love Jewish
To Present Free Readings of

Josef Mundi’s Controversial Israeli Play
It’s Going Around


A new translation by Avi Hoffman will premiere in Boca Raton and Miami Beach in March

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Alessandra Lasanta
Alessandra@yilovejewish.org / 888-945-6835
Contact:  Carol Kassie
carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244

March 1, 2023
BOCA RATON/MIAMI BEACH, FL:  As part of the YI Love Play Reading Series, YI Love Jewish will present Avi Hoffman’s English translation of the controversial Hebrew thriller It’s Going Around by Josef Mundi, for audiences in Boca Raton and Miami Beach on March 26 and March 28, 2023. 

An award-winning Israeli psychodrama about idealism, identity, and insanity, It’s Going Around speculates as to what happens when Dr. Theodore Herzl, the Father of Zionism and the concept of a Jewish State in Palestine, meets Franz Kafka, noted author, playwright and assimilated Jew, in an insane asylum in modern-day Israel. This play is the only one in the history of the State of Israel to be shut down by the authorities in the 1960s; it was eventually reinstated by the Israeli Supreme Court, and ultimately became one of the most important and successful plays in the history of Israeli Theatre.

Avi Hoffman translated, adapted, and will direct the reading, and will take on the role of Franz Kafka.  It’s Going Around will also star South Florida favorites Dave Corey as Theodore Herzl and Ilana Isaacson as The Secretary.  The events are free however donations are always welcome.   To RSVP:  Click on https://yilovejewish.org/yiloveplayreadings/

YI Love Play Readings is sponsored by the Greater Miami Jewish Federation Jewish Incubator Grant 2023, and the Afran Foundation and is co-sponsored by Dr. Bruce and Lesley Zafran of Parkland, the Sue and Leonard Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies/George Feldenkreis Program in Judaic Studies at the University of Miami, The Betsy South Beach, Miami Beach JCC, the Alper JCC and the Adolph & Rose Levis JCC, Mo’s Deli, and the Yiddish Theatre Alliance. 

With a six-year history of seasonal play readings as a way to educate and entertain, YI Love Jewish now has developed a year-long series that includes scholarly lectures with an aim to highlight different aspects of Jewish life, culture, language, and history. Each of the 2022/2023  YI Love Play Readings will be performed and filmed in front of a live audience in Boca Raton and Miami after which they will be made available to schools, Jewish centers, cultural partners and online audiences across the world.  The It’s Going Around reading is part of the organization’s celebration of Israel’s 75th Anniversary.

For more information about YI Love Jewish visit the organization’s website at www.YILoveJewish.org, email info@yilovejewish.org or contact Alessandra Lasanta –alessandra@yilovejewish.org / 888-945-6835, or Carol Kassie – carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244.
~
It’s Going Around
By Josef Mundi
Translation by Avi Hoffman
March 26 & 28, 2023
Tickets:  Free (donations are welcome)
To reserve:  https://yilovejewish.org/yiloveplayreadings/
March 26 at 3 pm
Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center
21050 95th Avenue South
Boca Raton, FL  33428
March 28 at 7:30 pm
Miami Beach JCC,
4221 Pine Tree Dr.
Miami Beach, FL 33140


Avi Hoffman was recently awarded Congressional recognition, was invited to the Vatican to meet Pope Francis and was inducted into the Bronx Jewish Hall of Fame for his lifetime work advancing Jewish culture, Yiddishkayt and Holocaust awareness through the charity he founded the Yiddishkayt Initiative, Inc. (YILoveJewish.org). As an actor, he was nominated for a NY Drama Desk Award for his Yiddish language portrayal of Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman. He is best known for his Too Jewish Trilogy: Award winning one man shows Too Jewish, Too Jewish, Too! (PBS, Performer of the Year ’95 – NY Press Magazine; L.A. OVATION award – Best Actor In a Musical 2001; NY Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle award nominations) and his latest show Still Jewish After All These Years. On TV, he was featured as Sid Raskin in the Starz TV series Magic City, as well as on Netflix’ Bloodline,A&E’s The Glades and on the NBC series Law and Order. He starred in the International Award winning short Yiddish Films: Shehita (Best Thriller – HollyShorts Festival) , BOXED and the motion picture – The Imported Bridegroom. He was seen in the PBS documentary They Came For Good: A History of the Jews in the US. Avi has performed all over the world, has numerous acting and directing credits and has received multiple awards and nominations. Visit him at www.YILoveJewish.org

Tickets for GREASE at the Delray Beach Playhouse are on Sale Now

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Auditions to be held May 1st & 2nd

Grease … is everything that you look for in a lighthearted night at the theatre: music that you want to sing and dance along to, strong performances, and a lot of sparkle.”
Abbie Grundy, BroadwayWorld.com – May. 18, 2022 

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Carol Kassie
carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244

March 1, 2023

DELRAY BEACH, FL:  Tickets are now available for the Delray Beach Playhouse’ production of Grease, the rollicking rock ‘n roll musical that is both an homage to the idealism and the music of the 50s, and a satirical look at teenagers’ universal and age-old desire to be provocative and rebellious.  The show will run at the popular Delray Beach venue from August 11th through August 27th.

At Rydell High School the ‘Burger Palace Boys’ are acting tough and stealing hub caps, and their gum-snapping, chain-smoking ‘Pink Ladies’ are looking hot in bobby sox and pedal pushers. But at the heart of Grease is the romance between top Burger Boy hot-rodder Danny Zuko and sweet ‘new girl in town’ Sandy Dumbrowski.   Can Danny maintain his ‘cool dude’ status and still make Sandy his girl?!

Grease has become one of the world’s most popular musicals and has a cult-like following – especially among teens. The show’s book, music, and lyrics are by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, and the show features such iconic classics as “Summer Nights”, “Hopelessly Devoted to You”, “Beauty School Dropout”, “Greased Lightning”, and “Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee”. 

Auditions for the production will take place at the Playhouse on May 1st and 2nd at 7:30 pm.  All roles are open, and actors of all ethnicities, genders, and ages are encouraged to attend.  The Audition Notice can be viewed below.

The production will be directed by Suzanne Dunn.

Tickets for Grease are $42 and are available online at https://delraybeachplayhouse.com or by calling 561-272-1281.

For more information about The Delray Beach Playhouse, please visit https://delraybeachplayhouse.com or contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244

This press release can be viewed online at TBA

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Grease
August 11 – 27, 2023
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey
Tickets: $42
Click HERE for tickets  or
Call 561-272-1281
Performances:
Friday, & Saturday at 7:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday at 2:00 pm
All performances at
The Delray Beach Playhouse
950 NW 9th Street,
Delray Beach, FL  33444

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AUDITION NOTICE:

Auditions for GREASE – May 1st and 2nd at 7:30pm at the Delray Beach Playhouse located at 950 NW 9th Street, Delray Beach, 33444. All roles are open and actors of all ethnicities, genders, and ages are encouraged to attend. 

Performers are asked to prepare 16-32 bars of a song that best showcases their range. Accompaniment will be provided – bring sheet music. You may also provide your own accompaniment via cell phone or other electronic device. 

All auditionees should be prepared to dance/move and may be asked to read from the script. 

Performance dates are August 11th through 27th. Show days are Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm and Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. Rehearsals will begin June 12th with a staggered schedule. 

GREASE is a part of Delray Beach Playhouse’s community theater schedule and roles are non-paid. 

Please email Director Suzanne Dunn at potpie13@me.com with any questions. 

Characters:

Sandy Dumbrowski
PART SIZE: Lead
VOCAL PART: Soprano

Danny Zuko
PART SIZE: Lead
VOCAL PART: Tenor

Sonny Latierri
PART SIZE: Supporting
VOCAL PART: Baritone

Betty Rizzo
PART SIZE: Supporting
VOCAL PART: Alto

Kenickie
PART SIZE: Supporting
VOCAL PART: Tenor

Roger
PART SIZE: Supporting
VOCAL PART: Tenor

Frenchy
PART SIZE: Supporting
VOCAL PART: Alto

Marty
PART SIZE: Supporting
VOCAL PART: Alto

Jan
PART SIZE: Supporting
VOCAL PART: Alto

Doody
PART SIZE: Supporting
VOCAL PART: Tenor

Vince Fontaine
PART SIZE: Featured
VOCAL PART: Spoken

Miss Lynch
PART SIZE: Featured
VOCAL PART: Spoken

Radio Voice
PART SIZE: Featured
VOCAL PART: Soprano

Cha-Cha (Charlene Digregorio)
PART SIZE: Featured
VOCAL PART: Alto

Patty Simcox
PART SIZE: Featured
VOCAL PART: Alto

Eugene Florczyk
PART SIZE: Featured
VOCAL PART: Tenor

Johnny Casino (Clarence)
PART SIZE: Featured
VOCAL PART: Tenor

Teen Angel
PART SIZE: Featured
VOCAL PART: Tenor

The Pink Ladies
PART SIZE: Ensemble
VOCAL PART: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto

The Burger Palace Boys
PART SIZE: Ensemble
VOCAL PART: Tenor, Baritone, Bass

Students at Rydell High School
PART SIZE: Ensemble
VOCAL PART: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass