Esther in the Spotlight and Gimpel the Fool feature beloved characters from Jewish literature and history.

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

February 28, 2024

MIAMI DADE and BROWARD COUNTIES, FL: A whirlwind of entertainment and cultural celebration awaits audiences in Miami Dade and Broward counties when YI Love Jewish presents two Purim Holiday Mini-Fest events in March. The festival promises to bring laughter, insight, and inspiration to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Esther in the Spotlight, by acclaimed playwright Rich Orloff, is an irreverent and hilarious retelling of the biblical story of Esther (the genesis of the Purim holiday). Described as “Mel Brooks meets The Bible,” this free concert version of Orloff’s comedic masterpiece offers more than just laughs; it delves into themes of identity, destiny, and the pursuit of meaning. With Orloff’s track record of theatrical excellence, including Critic’s Picks and international productions, audiences can expect an unforgettable evening of entertainment.

The ground-breaking one-person play and documentary film celebrating the character of Gimpel the Fool created by Nobel Laureate Isaac Bashevis Singer will star Howard Rypp of Israel’s acclaimed Nephesh Theatre Company.  Featuring music by Ron Wiseman, and Singer’s text translated by Saul Bellow, the film, combined with Rypp’s live performance weaves klezmer music into a surrealistic theatrical presentation. Audiences will be captivated by Gimpel’s unwavering faith and his journey through betrayal and ridicule, inspiring reflection, and belief in human goodness.  A video preview can be found here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3TkVAFHMMA

YI Love Jewish is a division of The Yiddishkayt Initiative, Inc., a not-for-profit public charity dedicated to fighting antisemitism through the arts by preserving and presenting Jewish culture and its far-reaching impact on the world. Through theater, music, lectures, film, TV, and other media, the organization strives to make the world a more accepting place. For more information visit www.yilovejewish.org.

For event registration and tickets visit  YILoveJewish.org/events.  Tickets for Gimpel the Fool range in price from $18-$36-$54.  Tickets for Esther in the Spotlight are free.

For more information, to speak with anyone involved in the festival, more photos and/or graphics, or to attend a performance, please contact Sheri Smith at sheris@yilovejewish.org.

~

Purim Mini-Fest Dates, Times and Locations:

Esther in the Spotlight
Tuesday March 19, 2024 – 7:30 PM
Miami Beach JCC
4221 Pine Tree Drive,
Miami Beach, FL 33140

Wednesday March 20, 2024 – 7:30 PM
Alper JCC
11155 SW 112^th Avenue
Miami, FL  33176

Thursday March 21, 2024 – 7:30 PM
Soref JCC
6501 West Sunrise Boulevard
Plantation, FL  33313

Gimpel the Fool
Friday, March 22, 2024 – 7:30 PM
The Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center
3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Boulevard,
Davie, FL 33314

Saturday, March 23, 2024 – 7:30 PM
Coral Springs High School
7201 West Sample Road,
Coral Springs, FL 33065

Sunday, March 24, 2024 – 7:30 PM
Alper JCC
6501 West Sunrise Boulevard
Plantation, FL  33313