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Tag Archives: Jewish Humor

OLD JEWS TELLING JOKES at the Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center January 9 – February 10, 2019

18 Tuesday Dec 2018

Posted by Carol Kassie in Clients, Playhouse Productions

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Tags

Comedy in Boca Raton, David Samuel, Emily Freeman, Jeremy Quinn, Jewish Humor, Michael H. Small, Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center, Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center Studio Theatre, musical comedy, Old Jews Telling Jokes, Philip Roger Roy, Phyllis Spear, Playhouse Productions, Robyn Eli Brenner

Old Jews Telling Jokes
at
The Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center
January 9 – February 10, 2019

…a priest, a rabbi and a frog walk into a bar….

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

December 19, 2018

BOCA RATON, FL:  Philip Roger Roy and Playhouse Productions, Inc. will present the Off-Broadway hit, Old Jews Telling Jokes at the Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center beginning January 9, 2019. The show will run through February 10.

When Eric Spiegelman and his partner Tim Williams asked film and television producer Sam Hoffman if he had any ideas for an internet website, he pitched the concept of
Old Jews Telling Jokes.  Millions of views, shares, and guffaws later, Hoffman – in collaboration with Peter Gethers and Daniel Okrent, brought his Old Jews to New York for an extremely successful run at the Westside Theatre.

Old Jews Telling Jokes, which has been called a “pickle-barrel full of giggles”, showcases five actors in a revue-type production that pays tribute to and reinvents classic jokes of the past and present.  It celebrates the rich tradition of Jewish humor “and all the rabbis, complaining wives, fed-up husbands, patience-challenged physicians, gossiping ladies and competitive men” populating it. The humor can be suggestive (sometimes even bawdy – the show has been suggested as being appropriate for audiences age 21 and up!) as the ‘Old Jews’ make fun of themselves as well as followers of every other religion.  “Think Catskills comedy – with jokes, songs, stories, skits, and routines,” says Old Jews producer Philip Roger Roy. “The humor is reminiscent of the great Jewish comedians from Buddy Hackett and Alan King to Tom Lehrer and more. This show makes it obvious that Jewish humor is Universal – it’s American humor!”

“I attribute [Old Jews Telling Jokes’] success to a number of factors,” Sam Hoffman has said.  “It’s funny. We launched …in [2009] the year when the recession was nearly at its worst and I think people really liked having something fun to download…. it celebrates older people with no irony, and I think that’s a fairly unusual commodity in popular entertainment.”

Jeremy Quinn will direct the production, which will feature Robyn Eli Brenner, Emily Freeman, Janna Morrison, David Samuel, Michael H. Small.  Freeman and Small both recently received rave reviews when they were featured in Stage Door Theatre’s production of Nice Work if You Can Get It.

Michael H. Small

Small, who will be reprising the role he played four years ago in the show’s regional premiere, is looking forward to the production: “I relish the opportunity to play this material in South Florida again,” Small says, “It’s a wonderful show for the area – the humor is timeless and South Florida audiences love to laugh. There are a lot of funny people down here. I got lost in Boca on Tuesday and couldn’t find my way back to the highway. I saw a man walking on the sidewalk, so I pulled over and put down my window. I hollered, ‘how do you get to 95?’ He looked at me and said, ‘Don’t eat meat!’”

Jeremy Quinn

“Old Jews Telling Jokes is one of the funniest scripts I’ve read in a very long time…simply because of the number of laughs – one right after another,” the show’s director Jeremy Quinn says. “When I first read it, I found myself laughing out loud…loudly. I’m sure they heard me in Cleveland. You certainly don’t have to be Jewish to appreciate and relate to the humor or the funny stories; but the style of the writing absolutely lends itself to the Catskills comedy shows of yesteryear. And with the addition of projections and musical numbers, this show is NOT just “stand-up”. It’s also quite touching from time to time – a perfect balance.

“I’m quite fortunate to be working with a cast who inherently gets the timing and delivery necessary for this script,” he continues. “That is a HUGE advantage and not something easily taught. Two out of five actors have done the show before, so we’re blessed to have their performance experience alongside us during the rehearsal process.

“Throughout my 38-year career in theatre (as both an actor and director), the one thing that is consistently the most rewarding, is the sound of laughter when a joke is perfectly delivered and lands with open arms around the entire audience. For me,” Quinn says, “applause is secondary to the sound of even one person laughing…it’s the gauge of a job well done. But put 200 or more people laughing together, experiencing the same relatable, LIVE experience for 90 minutes; and it’s an unforgettable symphony of pleasure for everyone involved. Who could ask for anything more? Ok, yes…maybe whirled peas.”

Old Jews Telling Jokes will open on January 9, 2019 at The Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center in Boca Raton. The theatre is located at 201 Plaza Real (2nd Floor), in Boca Raton (33432)

Tickets for Old Jews Telling Jokes range from $45–$65, and may be purchased online at  http://playhouseinfo.com/miznerpark or by calling 844-672-2849.  Group rates are also available and can be arranged by calling 888-264-1788.

For more information about Old Jews Telling Jokes and/or Playhouse Productions, please visit http://playhouseinfo.com, or contact Carol Kassie (carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244).

~
Old Jews Telling Jokes
January 9 – February 10, 2019
Created by Peter Gethers and Daniel Okrent
Based on the website:  www.oldjewstellingjokes.com
Tickets:  $45 – $65
For Tickets:  844-672-2849 / http://playhouseinfo.com/miznerpark
Group Sales: 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

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AVI HOFFMAN’S TOO JEWISH? at the PGA Arts Center – December 28, 2017 – January 21, 2018

27 Monday Nov 2017

Posted by Carol Kassie in Clients

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Tags

Avi Hoffman, Avi Hoffman's Too Jewish?, Jewish Humor, Joseph Papp Theatre, Palm Beach Gardens Theatre, PGA Arts Center, University of Miami Miller Center for Contemporary Jewish Studies, Yiddish Humor, Yiddishayt Initiative

 

PGA Arts Center
in Association with
Yiddishkayt Initiative, Inc.
University of Miami Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies
presents
A Joseph Papp Yiddish Theatre ProductionDecember 28, 2017 – January 21, 2018

Avi Hoffman’s “Too Jewish?” Returns
for 20th Anniversary Production
Acclaimed Solo Show at PGA Arts Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Penny M. Landau – Maya PR
MayaPRNY@gmail.com / 917-592-3149
Contact:  Carol Kassie
Carol@CarolKassie.com / 561-445-9244

December 26, 2017

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL –In celebration of its 20th Anniversary, Avi Hoffman’s Too Jewish? will return to South Florida. Produced by PGA Arts Center in Association with Yiddishkayt Initiative, Inc & University of Miami Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies, Too Jewish? will begin performances at PGA in Palm Beach Gardens, on Thursday, December 28 & run through Sunday, January 21, 2018.

Too Jewish? premiered Off-Broadway at New York’s Houseman Theatre in 1994 and has been presented all over the world, as well as on the national PBS network.  Hoffman, a child of Holocaust survivors, was taught at an early age to appreciate the beauty and depth of Jewish literature, music and tradition.  In Avi Hoffman’s Too Jewish? he combines a delightful mix of music, comedy, impersonations and personal reminiscences, taking his audiences on a journey through his own Jewish roots, illustrating the traditions and history of his beloved Yiddish culture.

“Too Jewish? has had incredible success nationally and in South Florida, so we have decided to bring the production that changed my life back to PGA Arts Center,” Hoffman said. “This will be the perfect family outing for the holidays as the mixture of musical styles in the show appeals to all age groups. It will be the ORIGINAL production, with some new perspectives on how my life has dramatically changed since then.”

Avi Hoffman’s Too Jewish? has won multiple awards, including Performer of the Year ’95 by NY Press Magazine and the prestigious Los Angeles Ovation Award as Best Actor in a Musical in 2001. His most recent portrayal of Willie Loman in the Yiddish production of Death of a Salesman garnered him a NY Drama Desk Award nomination for Best Actor in a Revival and was featured last summer at The Ashkenaz Festival in Toronto, the largest Yiddishkayt Festival in North America. He has also been nominated for both a NY Drama Desk and an Outer Critics Circle Award.  His 2012 Carbonell Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical was in recognition of his work as Wilbur Turnblad in Hairspray at Actors Playhouse in Miami. He performs worldwide and has proudly worked in nearly every professional South Florida theatre, accumulating multiple awards and nominations. His upcoming Yiddish film Shehita (Slaughter) will be featured in this season’s Miami Jewish Film Festival. Hoffman recently directed and acted in the world premiere of Unlikely Heroes and performed in the Daryl Roth Florida tour of Stars of David. His two popular sequels to Too Jewish? – Too Jewish, Too! and Still Jewish After All These Years – have been seen throughout North America.

Avi Hoffman’s Too Jewish? will run from December 28, 2017 – January 21, 2018 at PGA Arts Center. The theatre is located at 4076 PGA Boulevard, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410. (There is ample parking within close proximity to the theatre). Performances are Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays at 8 pm, Saturdays at 2 & 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm.

Tickets for Avi Hoffman’s Too Jewish? are $45-65. Tickets may be purchased at the PGA Arts Center box office at 855-HIT-SHOW (855-448-7469) or on line at www.pgaartscenter.com.

Avi Hoffman’s Too Jewish?
December 27, 2017 – January 22, 2018

Created and performed by Avi Hoffman
Tickets:  $45-65
Phone:  855 448-7469
On line: www.pgaartscenter.com
Showtimes:
Thursday at 7:30 pm
Fridays at 8 pm
Saturdays at 2 & 8 pm
Sundays at 2 pm

PGA Arts Center
4076 PGA Boulevard
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
www.pgaartscenter.com
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AVI HOFFMAN’S TOO JEWISH? at Stage Door Theatre – July 19 – August 3 Only!

05 Wednesday Jul 2017

Posted by Carol Kassie in Clients

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Tags

Avi Hoffman, comedy, Jewish Humor, Jewish Tradition, Margate Theatre, musical comedy, Stage Door Theatre, Too Jewish?, Yiddish Culture, Yiddish Humor

Avi Hoffman Returns to the
Stage Door Theatre after 20 years
in the original
Avi Hoffman’s Too Jewish?
July 19 – August 3 Only!

“Delightful tour of Jewish humor, language, and music. Avi has an instant rapport with his audience.  Touching, moving, and delightful.”  NY Newsday

July 5, 2017
MARGATE, FL:  20 years ago, multi-talented actor, director, comedian, singer, and Jewish cultural activist Avi Hoffman brought his award winning New York show Avi Hoffman’s Too Jewish?  to the Stage Door Theatre. His life was never the same. Now, he’s back! Avi Hoffman’s Too Jewish? will open on July 19th, and run through August 3rd.

Avi Hoffman’s Too Jewish? premiered Off-Broadway at New York’s Houseman Theatre in 1994 and has been presented thousands of times all over the world, as well as on the national PBS network.  Hoffman, a child of Holocaust survivors, was taught at an early age to appreciate the beauty and depth of Jewish literature, music, and tradition.  In Avi Hoffman’s Too Jewish? he combines a delightful mix of music, comedy, impersonations, and personal reminiscences to take his audiences on a journey through his own Jewish roots, and to illustrate the traditions and history of his beloved Yiddish culture.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be returning to Stage Door for the 20th anniversary of the production that changed my life,” Hoffman says. “With the incredible success of Too Jewish? at the Stage Door, we moved our family to Florida, and the rest, as they say, is history!  This will be the ORIGINAL production, with some new perspectives on how my life has dramatically changed since then.”


Avi Hoffman’s
Too Jewish? has won multiple awards, including Performer of the Year ’95 by NY Press Magazine, and the prestigious Los Angeles Ovation Award as Best Actor in a Musical in 2001. His recent portrayal of Willie Loman in the Yiddish production of Death of a Salesman garnered him a NY Drama Desk Award nomination for Best Actor in a Play, and was featured last summer at The Ashkenaz Festival in Toronto, the largest Yiddishkayt Festival in North America. He has also been nominated for both the NY Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards.  His 2012 Carbonell Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical was in recognition of his work as Wilbur Turnblad in Hairspray at Actors Playhouse in Miami. He performs worldwide and has proudly worked in nearly every professional South Florida theatre, garnering multiple awards and nominations. Hoffman was also featured in the hit Starz series ‘Magic City’ and Netflix’s ‘Bloodline’, as well as USA’s ‘The Glades’ and NBC’s ‘Law and Order’. His upcoming Yiddish film Shehita (Slaughter) will be featured in next season’s Miami Jewish Film Festival. Hoffman recently directed and performed in the world premiere of Unlikely Heroes, and performed in the Daryl Roth Florida tour of Stars of David. His two popular sequels to Too Jewish? – Too Jewish Two!, and Still Jewish After All These Years, have been seen throughout North America.


Avi Hoffman’s Too Jewish? will run from July 19 – August 3 at Stage Door Theatre. The theatre is located at 8036 Sample Road, in Margate.  Performances are Wednesdays at 8 p.m. and Thursdays at 2 p.m.

Tickets for Too Jewish? are $36. Tickets may be purchased at the Broward Stage Door Theatre box office at 954-344-7765 or on line at www.stagedoorfl.org.

For more information about Too Jewish? contact: Carol Kassie (carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244). For more information about Avi Hoffman visit:  www.avihoffmanactor.com

Mr. Hoffman can be contacted through:
Margie Sernik | JWI PR |margie@jwipr.com | 786-200-2516
Jessica Wade Pfeffer | JWI PR | jessica@jwipr.com | 305-804-8424

Yiddishkayt Initiative, Inc., in association with Stage Door Theatre
Presents:
Avi Hoffman’s Too Jewish?
July 19 – August 3
Created and performed by Avi Hoffman
Tickets:  $36
Phone:  954-344-7765
On line: www.stagedoorfl.org
Showtimes:
Wednesday at 8 p.m.
Thursday at 2 p.m.
The Stage Door Theatre
8036 W Sample Rd
Margate, Fl 33065
www.stagedoorfl.org
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OLD JEWS TELLING JOKES Premieres in Florida – November 1st!

23 Thursday Oct 2014

Posted by Carol Kassie in Clients

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Adam Chisnall, Ashley Brooks, Ben Prayz, Broward Stage Door Theatre, Broward Theatre, comedy, Daniel Okrent, Gail Byer, Jewish Humor, Mazel Musicals, Michael Small, Old Jews Telling Jokes, Peter Gethers, Peter J. Loewy, Sam Hoffman

openingpage-2-1Old Jews Telling Jokes
Premieres in Florida
at the Broward Stage Door Theatre
OJTJ - Logo…a priest, a rabbi and a frog walk into a bar…

October 23, 2014,
Coral Springs, Florida

When Eric Spiegelman and his partner Tim Williams asked film and television producer Sam Hoffman if he had any ideas for an internet website, he pitched the concept of Old Jews Telling Jokes. Millions of views, shares, and guffaws later, Hoffman – in collaboration with Peter Gethers and Daniel Okrent, brought his Old Jews to Off-Broadway for an extremely successful run at the Westside Theatre.

Mazel Musicals, Inc. award winning producer Lawrence Toppall in association with Derrell Bunn and the Broward Stage Door Theatre will launch the Florida tour of Old Jews Telling Jokes at the Broward Stage Door Theater beginning Saturday, November 1st.

The show, which has been called a “pickle-barrel full of giggles”, showcases five actors in a revue-type production that pays tribute to and reinvents classic jokes of the past and present. It celebrates the rich tradition of Jewish humor “and all the rabbis, complaining wives, fed-up husbands, patience-challenged physicians, gossiping ladies and competitive men” populating it. The humor can be suggestive (sometimes even raunchy) as the ‘Old Jews’ make fun of themselves as well as followers of every other religion.

“I attribute [Old Jews Telling Jokes’] success to a number of factors,” says Hoffman. “It’s funny. We launched …in [2009] the year when the recession was nearly at its worst and I think people really liked having something fun to download…. it celebrates older people with no irony, and I think that’s a fairly unusual commodity in popular entertainment.”

Toppall and Bunn have chosen Peter J. Loewy to direct the production, which will feature Ashley Brooks, Gail Byer, Adam Chisnall, Ben Prayz, and Michael Small.

Loewy is no stranger to the South Florida Theatre scene, having directed several Broward Stage Door Theatre productions including his own musical The Kid from Brooklyn. “The material, the premise, the humor, and this cast are a terrific combination,” he says. “This show is going to appeal to every audience, I guarantee it. Age, ethnicity, attitude – none of it matters – because laughter transcends it all.”

Old Jews Telling Jokes will open on November 1, 2014 at The Broward Stage Door Theatre in Coral Springs. The theatre is located at 8036 Sample Road, in Coral Springs.

Tickets for Old Jews Telling Jokes are $44. Tickets may be purchased at the Broward Stage Door Theatre box office at 954-344-7765 or on line at http://www.stagedoorfl.org.

For more information about Old Jews Telling Jokes and/or The Broward Stage Door Theatre, please visit www.stagedoorfl.org , or contact Derelle Bunn Executive Producer/Artistic Director, at DerelleBunn@yahoo.com / 954-344-7765 or Carol Kassie (ckassie@gmail.com / 561-445-9244).

Photographs and graphics available on request.

Old Jews Telling Jokes
Created by Peter Gethers & Daniel Okrent
Based on the website www.oldjewstellingjokes.com created by Sam Hoffman
Opens: November 1 – on sale through January 4
Tickets: $44
Phone: 954-344-7765
   Showtimes:
Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2:00 pm,
Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm
Sunday at 7:00 pm (starting the week of… 2nd week)
The Broward Stage Door Theatre
8036 W Sample Rd
Coral Springs, Fl 33065
www.stagedoortheatre.com
Facebook Page
Old Jews Telling Jokes Website

 

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