Tag Archives: B’nai Torah

2019-2020 THEATRE & CONCERT PRODUCTION SCHEDULES

29 Monday Jul 2019

Posted by in Black Box Booking & Hy Juter, Boca Bound, Boca Bound, Broadway in Broward, Clients, MNM Theatre Company, Pigs Do Fly Productions, Playhouse Productions, Shari Upbin, Sol Children Theatre, Spanish River Concerts, The Theatre Arts Series at B'nai Torah

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2019-2020 THEATRE/PRODUCTION SCHEDULES
for

MNM Theatre Company
White Ibis Productions
Sol Children Theatre
Pigs Do Fly Productions
Playhouse Productions
Black Box Booking
Shari Upbin/B’nai Torah
 Broadway in Broward
Spanish River Concerts
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MNM THEATRE COMPANY

Man of La Mancha
September 13 – 29
Book by Dale Wasserman
Music by Mitch Leigh
Lyrics by Joe Darion
For tickets: www.kravis.org / 561-832-7469
Tickets:  $65
Performances:
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, & Saturday at 7:30 pm
Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday at 1:30 pm
All performances at
The Rinker Playhouse at
The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
701 Okeechobee Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
mnmtheatre.org
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Miguel de Cervantes, aging and an utter failure in his varied careers as playwright, poet and tax collector, sits in a Seville dungeon with his manservant, awaiting trial by the Spanish Inquisition for an offense against the Church. The other prisoners set up a mock trial: if Cervantes is found guilty, he will hand over all his possessions. Cervantes agrees to do so and offers his defense in the form of a play. Producing a makeup kit, he transforms himself into an old man who calls himself Don Quixote de La Mancha and with his ‘squire’ Sancho Panza, sets out to find adventure to restore the age of chivalry, to battle evil, and to right all wrongs.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
November 22 – December 8
Book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
For tickets: www.kravis.org / 561-832-7469
Performances:
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, & Saturday at 7:30 pm (no Thanksgiving night performance)
Saturday & Sunday at 1:30 pm
Tickets:  $39 – $55
All performances in
Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center
701 Okeechobee Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
mnmtheatre.org
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A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is a nonstop laughfest in which Pseudolus, a crafty slave, struggles to win the hand of a beautiful, but slow-witted, courtesan named Philia for his young master, Hero, in exchange for freedom. The plot twists and turns with cases of mistaken identity, slamming doors and a showgirl or two.  This irreverent and witty musical  takes comedy back to its roots, combining situations from the time-tested, 2000 year old comedies of Roman playwright Plautus with the infectious energy of classic vaudeville.

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ENTR’ACTE THEATRIX

The Rocky Horror Show
By Richard O’Brien
September 13 – 22
Tickets:  $40
Box Office: 561-243-7922
Performances:
(Schedule varies)
The Field House at Old School Square
51 N. Swinton Ave.
Delray Beach 33444
http://entractetheatrix.com/
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Halloween is just around the corner, and who better to celebrate with than the denizens of Dr. Frank N. Furter’s home-sweet-castle in Richard O’Brien’s beloved cult classic.   The Rocky Horror Show is an outrageous assemblage of – and humorous tribute to – the most stereotypical science fiction and horror movies, Marvel comics, Frankie Avalon/Annette Funicello outings and rock ‘n’ roll of every vintage. The play (upon which the classic film The Rocky Horror Picture Show is based) has grown from an experimental production originally produced in a small London theatre in June 1973, to a cult phenomenon with fans world-wide.  The musical tells the story of a newly engaged couple who, when caught in a storm, find refuge in the home of a decidedly unusual scientist who is madly working towards unveiling his latest and greatest creation.

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WHITE IBIS PRODUCTIONS

Boca Bound: A New Musical
September 19 – 22
Book by Bonnie Logan
Music and Lyrics by Richard Peshkin
Tickets: $50 – $55
Performances:
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday at 7:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday at 2 pm
To purchase tickets: www.thewick.org or www.bocaboundmusical.com
Or call 561-995-2333
All performances will take place at
The Wick Theatre
7901 North Federal Highway,
Boca Raton, FL  33487
www.bocaboundmusical.com
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A trip to Boca Raton, reconnections with family and friends, and new experiences and acquaintances, all lead to a journey of discovery – about the choices one makes and those one can still make in order to find fulfillment and happiness.

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SOL CHILDREN THEATRE

Little Shop of Horrors
October 4 – 20
Book by Howard Ashman
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman
For tickets: www.solchildren.org / 561-447-8829
Tickets:  $20 /$15 for juniors (11 & under)
Performances:
Friday at 7 & Saturday at 7 pm
Saturday & Sunday at 2 pm
All performances will take place at
Sol Theatre
3333 N Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33431
www.solchildren.org
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Meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names “Audrey II” – after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it… BLOOD. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II’s out of this world origins and intent towards global domination!  

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PIGS DO FLY PRODUCTIONS

The Lost Virginity Tour
Preview Performance: Thursday, October 31
Runs from November 1 – November 24, 2019
By Cricket Daniel
Tickets: $39
Tickets:  866-811-4111 / www.pigsdoflyproductions.com
Performances:
Friday, & Saturday: 8 pm
Sunday: 5 pm
All performances will take place at
Empire Stage
1140 N Flagler Drive,
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
www.pigsdoflyproductions.com
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The Lost Virginity Tour is a funny, profound, and provocative play about four women in their golden years – not talking about their grandkids or their knitting circles, but talking about sex and love, and recalling their ‘first time’ with often hilarious but sometimes harrowing detail.   This humorous and adventurous road trip conjures up the choices we make that shape our lives forever, and the friendships that hold us up when we can’t walk on our own.

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PLAYHOUSE PRODUCTIONS

The Secret Comedy of Women – Girls Only
January 15 – February 23, 2020
By Barbara Gehring & Linda Klein
Tickets:  $45 – $65For Tickets:  844-672-2849 / http://playhouseinfo.com/miznerpark
Group Sales: 1-888-264-1788
Performances:
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 pm
Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at 3 pm
All performances will take place at
Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center
201 Plaza Real (2nd Floor)
Boca Raton, FL 33432
http://playhouseinfo.com/miznerpark

Girls Only is an original comedy that celebrates the honor, truth, humor, and silliness of being female.  Born out of the earnest and sweetly ridiculous writings the two authors discovered in their girlhood diaries, the show is a unique examination of all things girly.  A delightful mix of sketch comedy, improvisation, audience participation, and hilarious songs and videos.
Warning:  This show contains feminine subject matter, including teenage diaries, breast feeding, tampons, shadow puppets, pantyhose, menstrual cycles, slumber parties, menopause, and maxi pads.

My Son the Waiter – A Jewish Tragedy
December 19, 2019 – January 12, 2020
Written & Performed by Brad Zimmerman
Tickets:  $45 – $65
Tickets:  1-855-448-7469 / www.mysonthewaiter.com
Performances:
Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 7:30
Saturday & Sunday:  2 pm
Michael-Ann Russell JCC
Alan and Diane Lieberman Theatre
18900 NE 25th Avenue
Miami, FL  33180
www.mysonthewaiter.com
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My Son the Waiter:  A Jewish Tragedy is the story of Brad Zimmerman’s struggle to fulfill his dream and ‘make it’ as a comedic actor in New York, He spent 29 years “temporarily” waiting tables in New York, all the while chasing a career in acting and comedy.  Brad tells of his pursuit, along with stories about his childhood, family, and misbegotten love life with warmth, wit, self-deprecating humor, and wicked charm, and combines his years of training as an actor with his innate comedic talent.

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BLACK BOX BOOKING & HY JUTER

To Life 2 – More Stories and Music of the Golden Age of Broadway
January 10 – February 2, 2020
By Scott Siegel
Tickets:  $40 / $35 for groups of 6 or more
Tickets:   561-347-3948 / www.willowtheatre.org
Showtimes:
Friday, & Saturday at 8:00 pm,
Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 2:00 pm
All performances take place at
The Willow Theatre at Sugar Sand Park
300 S. Military Trail
Boca Raton, FL 33486
www.willowtheatre.org

A brand new and exciting follow-up to the 2019 sold out concert event, once again highlighting the contributions of Jewish composers and stars to Broadway.  Directed by Shari Upbin.

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CULTURALTHEATRE ARTS SERIES AT B’NAI TORAH
PRODUCED AND DIRECTED BY SHARI UPBIN  

The Interview
February 26, 2020
7:30 pm
By Fay Sholiton
Tickets: $36 / $25 congregational members (group rates)
Tickets:  561-392-8566
Performances take place at
B’nai Torah Congregation
6261 SW 18th Street
Boca Raton, FL 33433
www.bnai-torah.org

Faye Sholiton’s deeply moving memory play about the legacy of human suffering, courage and humanity, mothers and daughters, and forgiving and being forgiven.  The Interview is at once a powerful documentation of a horrific historical event and one artist’s deeply felt response to it.  Written with clarity and feeling, it resonates on all levels.

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BROADWAY IN BROWARD

 Group and Subscriber Discounts are available for these productions

West Side Story
November 14 – December 1, 2019
Book by Arthur Laurents
Music by Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Tickets:  954-777-2055 / https://lpacfl.com/
Performances:  Thursday, Friday, & Saturday at 7:30 pm Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday at 2 pm
Tickets:  $35 – $55
(Single tickets on sale August 5th/Subscriptions are on sale now)
All performances at
The Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC)
3800 NW 11th Place
Lauderhill, FL 33311
https://lpacfl.com/
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From the first notes to the final breath, West Side Story is one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time. Arthur Laurents’ book remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever. The score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim are widely regarded as among the best ever written. The world’s greatest love story takes to the streets in this landmark Broadway musical that is one of the theatre’s finest accomplishments.

Once
December 5 – 22, 2019
Book by Enda Walsh
Music and Lyrics by Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová
Based on the motion picture written and directed by John Carney
Tickets:  954-777-2055 / https://lpacfl.com/
Performances:  Thursday, Friday, & Saturday at 7:30 pm
Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday at 2 pm
Tickets:  $35 – $55
(Single tickets on sale August 5th/Subscriptions are on sale now)
All performances at
The Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC)
3800 NW 11th Place
Lauderhill, FL 33311
https://lpacfl.com/
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This emotionally captivating musical is the only show to have music that won an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, an Olivier Award and a Tony Award: On the streets of Dublin, an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant are drawn together by their shared love of music. Over the course of one fateful week, an unexpected friendship and collaboration quickly evolves into a powerful but complicated love story, underscored by emotionally charged music.

Kinky Boots
January 23 – February 9, 2020
Book by Harvey Fierstein
Music and Lyrics by Cyndi Lauper
Based on the Miramax film of the same name, written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth
Tickets:  954-777-2055 / https://lpacfl.com/
Performances:  Thursday, Friday, & Saturday at 7:30 pm
Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday at 2 pm
Tickets:  $35 – $55
(Single tickets on sale August 5th/Subscriptions are on sale now)
All performances at
The Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC)
3800 NW 11th Place
Lauderhill, FL 33311
https://lpacfl.com/
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Based on a true story, this heartwarming story tells of Charlie, a factory owner struggling to save his business, and Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos.  The two have nothing in common, but with a little compassion and a lot of understanding, this unlikely duo learns to embrace their differences and discovers that when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
February 20 – March 8, 2020
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice
Book by Linda Wooverton
Tickets:  954-777-2055 / https://lpacfl.com/
Performances:  Thursday, Friday, & Saturday at 7:30 pm
Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday at 2 pm
Tickets:  $35 – $55
(Single tickets on sale August 5th/Subscriptions are on sale now)
All performances at
The Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC)
3800 NW 11th Place
Lauderhill, FL 33311
https://lpacfl.com/
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The classic ‘tale as old as time’ of Belle, a young woman in a small town, and a Beast who is really a prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress.  If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self.  But time is running out, and if the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

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SPANISH RIVER CONCERTS

Concerts take place at Spanish River Church (2400 Yamato Road, Boca Raton, 33431) and Kings Point Theatre (7000 West Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, 33446).  For tickets, and venue information: https://spanishriverconcerts.com/ or 800-716-6975.

Classical Rocks
January 6 – January 20, 2020
It’s no secret that many contemporary songwriters borrow ideas from Classical music when plying their trade. This fascinating concert explores the connections between Popular songs and the Classical counterparts. With a full orchestra, virtuoso soloists, and fabulous contemporary vocalists, this program evokes a deeper appreciation for the interplay of musical genres.

The Bashevis Singers
January 27 – February 10, 2020
Let this amazing group from Australia (of all places!) show you how and why Yiddish is alive and well. Their mission is to advance Jewish culture for a new generation; but beyond that, they just make great music. You certainly don’t need to be Jewish to love their unique blend of traditional and original Yiddish tunes (translations via subtitles) and plenty of American popular music, performed Bashevis-style!

Forever Soul
February 17 – March 2, 2020
A terrific instrumental ensemble backs authentic Soul singers with powerful voices. Like Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Donny Hathaway, Al Green, and Beyoncé, Soul singers often cite their time as youths, singing in gospel choirs as their proving ground. This concert puts the music of those icons, as well as many others, front and center in a heartfelt tribute to that distinctive style.

Synco Romantico
March 9 – March 23, 2020
You loved them in 2017. Now Synco Romantico returns with new selections from the greatest films and the best cinematic composers of this era. Blur the boundaries of time, listening to enduring classics originated by all the greats from Garland to Gaga, Streisand to Celine, and Sinatra to Sting, all powered by Synco Romantico’s Latin-inspired, high-energy vibe!
www.spanishriverconcerts.org/
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GFour Productions & Shari Upbin present Carol Fox Prescott’s IN THE VOICE OF OUR MOTHERS – February 15th at Boca Raton’s B’nai Torah

22 Thursday Jan 2015

Posted by in Clients, The Theatre Arts Series at B'nai Torah

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VOOM EPK-1The Theatre Arts Series at B’nai Torah
GFour Productions &
Shari Upbin
present
In the Voice of Our Mothers
February 15th, 2015
A celebration of history that connects us to our lineage with the music of voice, dance, tambourines, and shofars…

January 22, 2015:
BOCA RATON, FL: Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, Leah, and Miriam are brought to vivid and vibrant life in In The Voice Of Our Mothers, Carol Fox Prescott’s powerful play featuring our biblical matriarchs. The B’nai Torah Theatre Arts Series, GFour Productions, and producer/director Shari Upbin will bring In The Voice Of Our Mothers to the B’nai Torah stage for one performance only on February 15th, 2015.

Told from the point of view of the women, In The Voice of Our Mothers reveals the intimate and compelling narratives of five of the most beloved and iconic women of the bible. They invite audiences into their worlds, and offer first-person accounts of their stories – stories that are familiar to all, yet are also the stories of their lives. Prescott stays true to the ancient texts – yet the play powerfully convinces audiences of the relevance of these women’s lives – their actions, their choices, and the consequences thereof – even today.

Playwright Carol Fox Prescott, who will also direct the production, will conduct a ‘talk back’ with the audience after the February 15th performance.

CFP-1

Carol Fox Prescott

“When I wrote the original stories that In The Voice of Our Mothers is based on, I was looking for a way back into Jewish life and practice that would nourish and sustain me, different from the religion of my childhood,” Prescott has said. “As an actress, it was natural for me to attempt to step into the shoes of the women and look out through their eyes. The process worked on a very personal level, providing an opening for prayer, celebration, community and growth.”

“When it was suggested to me that the stories become a play, I wholeheartedly dove into the project without thinking much about what they might mean to me now, twenty years later,” she continued. “While working on and developing the play in rehearsal and performance in a variety of venues – synagogues churches, universities, prisons, theaters – I assumed that questions would be asked and answered in the process. And it has, as they say in the Bible, come to pass. The play continues to unfold as our audiences help us to reveal deeper and richer textures through our relationships within these ancient texts.”

“The subject and presentation of this amazing piece of theatre will bring joy and tears to anyone who experiences In The Voice Of Our Mothers,” says producer Shari Upbin. “It is a tribute to women of all religions around the world. To be connected to an event that will be ongoing and witnessed by audiences all over, is an homage to the mothers of the Bible.”

“In The Voice of Our Mothers is everything great theatre should be,” says Seth Greenleaf of GFour Productions. Exciting, educational, challenging, and rewarding.”

Danielle Upbin

Rabbi Danielle Upbin

The music from Rabbi Danielle Upbin’s CD Reveal the Light has been incorporated into the Boca Raton production. “When I heard the CD,” says Carol Fox Prescott, ‘I said ‘this is my dream, these are the songs.’” Rabbi Upbin is Shari Upbin’s daughter.

Five talented actresses will don the mantles of the Matriarchs: Peggy Linker will play Sarah, Mary Stucchi will play Rachel, Penny Mandel will play Rebecca, Malia Nicolini will play Miriam, and Irene Kessler will play Leah in the production.

In the Voice Of Our Mothers is the second in the Theatre Arts Series at B’nai Torah. The series’ first production, James Sherman’s From Door to Door, directed by Shari Upbin, played to a full house on January 18th.

In the Voice Of Our Mothers will run for one performance, only – on February 15th, 2015, at 1 pm at Congregation B’nai Torah in Boca Raton. Tickets are $36 ($25 for congregational members), and may be purchased by calling 561-392-8566 or on line at www.bnai-torah.org. Group rates are available.

For more information about In the Voice Of Our Mothers, GFour Productions, or Shari Upbin, please contact Carol Kassie at ckassie@gmail.com / 561-445-9244. For more information about Rabbi Danielle Upbin and Reveal the Light, visit www.danielleupbin.com .

The Premiere Theatre Arts Series at B’nai Torah
Sunday, February 15, 2015
1:00 pm
GFour Productions & Shari Upbin present
In The Voice Of Our Mothers
Tickets: Elyssa Stark at 561-392-8566 or
Order online at www.bnai-torah.org
Members $25; Non Members $36
B’nai Torah Congregation
6261 SW 18th Street
Boca Raton, FL 33433
www.bnai-torah.org

Carol Fox Prescott:
Veteran actress, director and teacher, Carol Fox Prescott is one of four master teachers featured in An Actor’s Guide to Qualified Acting Coaches/New York and is referred to as “One of the most influential instructors in this country” in Acting Teachers of America: A Vital Tradition. She coaches nationally and internationally and at her own studio in Woodstock, NY.  She is the author of Some of These Days: A Jewish Woman’s Journey through Chutzpah, Passion and Pastry with Sophie Tucker and Breathing, Awareness and Joy, an approach to acting for the twenty-first century.

Shari Upbin:
Shari Upbin (Producer/Director) has been a theatre professional since the age of 13 when she became a member of Actors Equity. (Her father was a writer for Jack Benny). She has been a professional tap dancer and choreographer and is a member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers; she was the president of the League of Professional Theatre Women/New York for seven years, and is currently President of the South Florida chapter of the National Society Of Arts And Letters.
Shari has produced and directed over 50 productions in New York and around the country. Her directing Credits include Vincent, The Passions Of The Artist Van Gogh, Danny And Sylvia at the Forum Theatre in New Jersey. Other credits include Life With Father, Fiddler On The Roof, Cabaret, Jacques Brel, The Roar Of The Greasepaint; she was awarded Best Director for her production of Side By Side By Sondheim..
Florida credits include Broadway Live! and Hollywood Live!, Confessions Of A Jewish Shiksa Dancing On Hitler’s Grave at the Kravis Center, Dames In Divaland, and Womens Minyan by Naomi Regan.
Shari served as assistant director to the world renowned British Director Michael Langham for the first Black/Hispanic Julius Caesar and Coriolanus at the New York Shakespeare Festival with Joe Papp starring Morgan Freeman.
Shari Upbin and Sandi Durell have been long time producing partners in Hollywood Live! and Broadway Live! as well as the Manhattan Association of Cabaret Award nominated Timeless Divas! series with hosts Ben Verreen, Tony Randall, Karen Mason, Tovah Feldshuh , Phyllis Newman, and Leslie Uggams.  www.sharellproductions.com

GFour Productions:
GFour Productions & Management now comprises one of the fastest growing production and management companies in the theatrical community. From small regional theatres to Broadway and beyond, this dynamic company has been successful in every aspect of the entertainment landscape. Recent successes include winning the 2013 Tony Award® for their 50th anniversary production of Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf; Co-financing the 5 time Tony Award®, 5 time Drama Desk Award®, and 7 time Olivier Award® Winner for Best Musical, Matilda The Musical; Producing the critically acclaimed revivals of The Glass Menagerie starring Cherry Jones and Zachary Quinto, and the history making production of Lady Day At Emerson’s Bar And Grill starring 6 time Tony Award® winner, Audra McDonald; and their most recent launch of the Pulitzer Prize winning play, Disgraced, which The New York Times calls, “Terrific, turbulent, and roaring to life with currents of dramatic electricity!” For more information, please visit GFourProductions.com.

Congregation B’nai Torah is the largest conservative synagogue in South Palm Beach County and has a long and history of being the premier destination for a meaningful Jewish community made rich through prayer, education and social programming.

​​​ Praise for In the Voice Of Our Mothers:

“A moving and beautiful gift of a performance has been born. Carol has written pieces that are true to the Biblical text, but tell the story from the women’s point of view, and this in and of itself makes the event worthwhile. But In The Voice of Our Mothers is more than worthwhile; it is good theater, taking us on a journey with these archetypal women brought to full-bodied life. I loved it.” – Rabbi Jonathan Kligler, Woodstock Jewish Congregation, NY

“This is a moving and poetic midrash on the lives of the matriarchs. I was lucky enough to see it performed about a year ago, and moments of the performance come vividly to mind as I write these words. It is a beautiful experience, true to both the biblical text and the lives of women today and long ago.” –Randi Jaffe, Executive director, Brooklyn Heights Synagogue

“In The Voice of Our Mothers, stands on its own for the excellence of its writing, directing, and acting — which are all done by professionals — and yet the discussion that follows among audience members and cast excites everyone fully as much. It has the effect of turning the fellowship hall into a sacred space, which in turn sanctifies the physicality and sensuality of the women’s way of relating to the divine.” – The Rev’d Susan Auchincloss St Gregory’s Episcopal Church,Woodstock, NY

In the Voice of Our Mothers will also be presented at the David Posnack Jewish Community Center, 5850 South Pine Island Road, Davie,
on Thursday, March 12.
Tickets: $20
Contact Debbie Hochman:  954-434-0499

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James Sherman’s FROM DOOR TO DOOR is the Premiere Production of the Theatre Arts Series at B’nai Torah & Producer/Director Shari Upbin

22 Monday Dec 2014

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The Theatre Arts Series at B’nai Torah
& Shari Upbin
present
archives_doortodoorFrom Door to Door
January 18th

 

When a woman reflects on her past as a daughter, a wife, and a mother,
who does she see?

December 22, 2014
BOCA RATON, FL: The B’nai Torah Theatre Arts Series and producer/director Shari Upbin will bring James Sherman’s gentle comedy From Door to Door to the B’nai Torah stage for one performance only on January 18th 2015.   A heartfelt tribute to American women of three generations, From Door to Door explores the influence culture and religion have in shaping life options.

Even as Mary Goodman, a woman of the ‘greatest generation’ is mourning the loss of her husband, her daughter Deborah is encouraging her to end her period of mourning and move on with a new independence. In a series of scenes between Mary, Deborah, and Mary’s mother, Bessie, Mary reflects back on her life as a daughter, wife and mother. Three actresses play the three women over the course of sixty-five years, and as we see Mary’s life progress from childhood to matrimony to motherhood, we begin to understand how each successive generation of women lives up to the expectations of the past and makes brave new choices about the future.

From Door to Door resonates deeply for producer/director Shari Upbin:“In May of 2010 my mother, who was almost 100 years old, passed away,” she explains. “There are so many things I still want to share with her on a daily basis, and one of them is that I’m directing this play where she is quoted in almost every scene! I was at one time, the young one in the cycle of three generations of mothers, and now with my mother and grandmother gone, there are my daughters and their daughters and I have come to wonderful terms with the idea that I am now the grandmother!”

Playwright James Sherman, who has penned a number of hit plays including Beau Jest, God of Isaac, Half and Half, and Jacob and Jack, has also acknowledged the play is deeply personal: “There’s no secret this play is inspired by my mother,” he has said. “I think all plays are autobiographical, the more I think about it. Edward Albee wrote Three Tall Women and those women were New England upper-class, like his family was. The women in my play are Jewish in Chicago because that’s where I was from.”

“But it also must be said that although the three characters are Jewish, this is indeed a most universal story,” Shari Upbin explains. “The sorrows, the laughter, the judgments and resolve are characteristic of women all over the world. We have a story to tell and our children must remember our stories.”

Actresses Renee Rogoff, Phyllis Spear, and Peggy Linker will take on the roles of Bessie, Mary, and Deborah.

From Door to Door is the first in the Theatre Arts Series at B’nai Torah. Carol Fox Prescott’s In the Voice of our Mothers will be presented on February 15, 2015. That production, co-produced by Shari Upbin and GFour Productions, will be directed by the playwright,

From Door to Door will run for one performance, only – on January 18th, 2015, at 1 pm – at Congregation B’nai Torah in Boca Raton. Tickets are $36 ($25 for congregational members), and may be purchased by calling 561-392-8566 or on line at www.bnai-torah.org. Group rates are available.

For more information about From Door to Door, or Shari Upbin, please contact Carol Kassie at ckassie@gmail.com / 561-445-9244.

The Premiere Theatre Arts Series at B’nai Torah
& Shari Upbin present
From Door to Door
By: James Sherman
Directed by Shari Upbin
Sunday, January 18th at 1 pm
Tickets: $36 ($25 for congregational members)
Phone: 561-392-8566 / http://www.bnai-torah.org/theaterseries2015
B’nai Torah Congregation
6261 SW 18th Street
Boca Raton, FL 33433
www.bnai-torah.org

Shari Upbin:
Shari2Shari Upbin (Producer/Director) has been a theatre professional since the age of 13 when she became a member of Actors Equity. (Her father was a writer for Jack Benny). She has been a professional tap dancer and choreographer and is a member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers; she was the president of the League of Professional Theatre Women/New York for seven years, and is currently President of the South Florida chapter of the National Society Of Arts And Letters.
Shari has produced and directed over 50 productions in New York and around the country. Her directing Credits include Vincent, The Passions Of The Artist Van Gogh, Danny And Sylvia at the Forum Theatre in New Jersey. Other credits include Life With Father, Fiddler On The Roof, Cabaret, Jacques Brel, The Roar Of The Greasepaint; she was awarded Best Director for her production of Side By Side By Sondheim..
Florida credits include Broadway Live! and Hollywood Live!, Confessions Of A Jewish Shiksa Dancing On Hitler’s Grave at the Kravis Center, Dames In Divaland, and Womens Minyan by Naomi Regan.
Shari served as assistant director to the world renowned British Director Michael Langham for the first Black/Hispanic Julius Caesar and Coriolanus at the New York Shakespeare Festival with Joe Papp starring Morgan Freeman.
Shari Upbin and Sandi Durell have been long time producing partners in Hollywood Live! and Broadway Live! as well as the Manhattan Association of Cabaret Award nominated Timeless Divas! series with hosts Ben Verreen, Tony Randall, Karen Mason, Tovah Feldshuh , Phyllis Newman, and Leslie Uggams.

James Sherman:
ShermanJames Sherman (Playwright) is the aut​hor of the plays Magic Time, The God of Isaac, Mr. 80%, The Escape Artist, Beau Jest, This Old Man Came Rolling Home, Jest A Second!, Romance in D, From Door to Door, The Old Man’s Friend,  Affluenza!, Half and Half, Relatively Close, and Jacob and Jack.  Many of these plays are regularly produced by theatres throughout the United States and have also been seen in Canada, Mexico, South America, England, Germany, Austria, Turkey, South Africa, Australia, China, and Korea.
James currently teaches Playwriting and Improvisation at Columbia College of Chicago and The Theatre School at DePaul University.  He has been a teacher of playwriting and acting on the faculties of The Second City Training Center, Chicago Dramatists Workshop, and Victory Gardens Theater. He was a visiting professor for the Spring ’01 semester in Seoul, South Korea, at the Korean National University of the Arts.  He has led workshops in improvisation at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California.
James Sherman has been the recipient of fellowships from The MacDowell Colony, the Ragdale Foundation, The Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, and Yaddo.  He is a member of The Dramatists Guild of America.

Congregation B’nai Torah is the largest conservative synagogue in South Palm Beach County and has a long and history of being the premier destination for a meaningful Jewish community made rich through prayer, education and social programming.

​​​ Critical Praise for From Door to Door:

“Hilarious and deeply moving” – New York Daily News

“A bittersweet comedy about the blessings and compromises that three generations of women encounter in their pursuit of love, faith and marriage.” – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“Because Sherman has all the details right, they hit home hard, and they touch us with their gentle, tried and true sentiment.” – Chicago Tribune

“Sherman’s women are Jews, but their trial and trails are universal.” – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

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