Page 16 - Jewish News_January-2021

16A January 2021 FEDERATION NEWS

The new and exciting Sarasota Jewish Theater

By Carole Kleinberg
e are delighted to announce I believe, as Jon did, that there is mances and programs which reflect In the future we will provide richly
the establishment of the an audience here for a strong, profes- the Jewish culture, values, history and staged live productions, and welcome
WSarasota Jewish Theater sional Jewish theater. Both the Asolo experience. Through our productions community actors, theater technicians
(SJT). This is something that I have Theatre Company and Florida Studio and programs, audiences of diverse be- and volunteers. For now, because we
been thinking about for a long time. In Theatre have enjoyed success with liefs and backgrounds will experience are in the age of Covid, we have sched-
a community with 32,000 Jewish res- Jewish-themed plays. Our intention is both the uniqueness and universality uled a season of three play readings
idents, a community that is nourished to produce plays that stand with the on Zoom, all promising strong, pol-
by a wide variety of cultural offerings best our community has to offer. ished performances shaped by talent-
and supports a thriving Black theater, There is a long history of Jews sup- ed Sarasota directors. One of the few
why shouldn’t there be a high-quality porting the arts, and there are a number benefits of Covid restrictions is that
Jewish theater? of successful Jewish the- we can include actors from anywhere
Actually, there was aters around the country, in the country (Geraldine Librandi is
one here for quite a while. so why not here? Meyer Zooming in from NYC), and invite au-
The theater closed along noted that “you don’t diences from anywhere in the world.
with the Flanzer JCC in have to be Jewish to like of Jewish heritage and cultural experi- Sarasota Jewish Theater’s
2007. A headline in the Jewish theater.” These ences. We will draw support from our Premiere Season:
Arts Section of the Sara- theaters get diverse au- membership in the Alliance for Jewish Sunday, January 31, 3:00 p.m.
sota Herald-Tribune on diences because they’re Theaters. Women I Have Loved
April 1, 2007, reads “The doing good shows that SJT plays and programs will cen- Featuring Carolyn Michel, Directed by
Sarasota Jewish Theater aren’t being done any- ter on the Jewish experience and con- Howard Millman
Quietly Fades Away.” where else. temporary Jewish issues. We will draw Highlights of Carolyn’s rich career in-
Jay Handelman’s article I subscribe to Nate from our literature, history, hopes, clude scenes and stories ranging from
that followed said, “The Carole Kleinberg Jacob’s philosophy for passions and accomplishments as we Sid Caesar and Broadway to major per-
wonderfully expressive Yiddish word the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. entertain, inform and inspire Saraso- formances in regional theaters.
‘Oy’ can be used in a lot of ways. It They don’t perform FOR Black audi- ta-Manatee audiences. We will elevate * * *
perfectly fits the feelings of supporters ences, they produce plays which ex- our work by partnering with other Jew- Sunday, February 28, 3:00 p.m.
of the Sarasota Jewish Theater,” which plore and celebrate Black literature, ish organizations such as the Sarasota Cherry Docs by David Gow
Artistic Director Jon Meyer had kept music, history and the Black experi- Jewish Chorale. Our artistic work will Featuring Jim Floyd and Dylan Jones,
going, off and on, for almost 10 years. ence. Their diverse audience base vali- stimulate the heart and the mind, and Directed by Diane Cepeda, Narrated
Along with a season of plays, Meyer dates the wisdom of that approach. celebrate diversity, collaboration and by Robert Turoff
had scheduled children’s shows, class- SJT is presented in partnership inclusiveness. An intense drama unfolds when a skin-
es and musical events. Jon and the with The Jewish Federation of Our commitment is to: head, accused of murder in a vicious
volunteers worked to provide the best Sarasota-Manatee. We are dedicated ‹ Maintain standards of artistic pro- hate crime, is assigned a Jewish public
work possible with limited resources. to the presentation of plays, perfor- fessionalism and integrity defender.
‹ Empower, educate and inspire * * *
Jewish and non-Jewish audiences Sunday, March 21, 3:00 p.m.
‹ Expand the reach of theatre that From Door to Door by James Sherman
explores Jewish identity in a Featuring Geraldine Librandi, Kather-
multi-cultural world ine Michelle Tanner and Sandra Mu-
‹ Be a stimulus for community con- sicante, Directed by Carole Kleinberg,
versations revolving around Jew- Narrated by Rabbi Geoff Huntting
ish issues This funny and moving play spans 70
‹ Partner with other theaters and or- years, as a grandmother, mother and
ganizations to deepen, enrich and granddaughter grow and change, re-
enhance the Jewish presence in our veal secrets and surprises, but always
community operate from a foundation of love and
We are blessed to have some of appreciation of family.
the most prominent and effective the- * * *
ater and community leaders as part of A live Zoom talk-back will take
our team, including Carolyn Michel, place after each play featuring the ac-
Howard Millman, Robert Turoff, Alice tors and director. A special talk-back
Cotman, Nancy Roucher, Ronnie Mill- following Cherry Docs will be led by
er, Rabbi Geoff Huntting, Eva Slane, Jeff Solomon, Community Security
Joan Golub, Carole Goff, Sandra Mu- Director for the Jewish Federation.
sicante, Rachel Dulin, Lynne Bernfield Tickets are $18 per play, or $36 for
and Janet Tolbert. It is clear that we are the series, and can be ordered online at
strong, serious and dedicated to the arts jfedsrq.org/events or by calling Leslie
Curated and to the Jewish community. As Ar- Podolsky at 941.315.2095.
tistic Director, I have the responsibility
For more information, contact me
Connections of providing direction and momentum. at carole@carolekleinberg.com.

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