In 2029 in America, women aren’t allowed to go to college. Grace is said before lunch in public schools. Anyone ‘different’ is removed from this post-January 6 insurrection society. Welcome to the frightening world of The Last Yiddish Speaker by playwright Deborah Zoe Laufer, presented by the Jewish Repertory Theatre. This is moving and powerful … Continue reading The Last Yiddish Speaker is Riveting at JRT
Jewish Repertory Theatre
Just For Us Makes Everyone Laugh
Just For Us by comedian-playwright Alex Edelman has a robust following on streaming platforms for the past several years, and now Jewish Repertory Theatre is bringing the live experience to us until June 7. It’s a monologue, skillfully delivered by Jordan Levin and he is amazing – onstage for 90 minutes – bringing Edelman’s stand … Continue reading Just For Us Makes Everyone Laugh
Sheltered is Powerful and Moving at JRT
"Sometimes love doesn't look like love." That one statement from the second act of Sheltered by Alix Sobler, the current production of the Jewish Repertory Theatre, pretty much sums up this powerfully moving story. And it's true: sometimes love is sacrifice, letting go, opening your mind and your heart, or turning away. Yes, love is … Continue reading Sheltered is Powerful and Moving at JRT
Conscience is Compelling at JRT
The productions at Jewish Repertory Theatre are consistently thoughtful and moving. Even the comedies aren't all frothy and fluffy and have impact, and that's what I appreciate most about this fine company. Conscience, on stage now to November 23, is a fine example of what JRT does best. Conscience isn't merely straight-up storytelling. Playwright Joe … Continue reading Conscience is Compelling at JRT
The Hatmaker’s Wife, a Great Topper at JRT
The Hatmaker's Wife by Lauren Yee is part folktale, part allegory about who to love and how to love, and a reminder of the high price of loss. It's a beautiful story with more depth and nuance than the show publicity (sorry, Jewish Repertory Theatre) portrayed when it mentioned talking walls and hats. That "you … Continue reading The Hatmaker’s Wife, a Great Topper at JRT
The Wanderers at JRT
Tradition can be dangerous. It can drive roots too deep, too strong to not allow for growth. That applies to love, too. The person you love so deeply for so many years could also be the one that’s holding you back from your dreams. Heritage and history are the central theme of The Wanderers on … Continue reading The Wanderers at JRT
Harrowing Story Beautifully Told at JRT
Sometimes the most evocative way to tell a story is to keep it simple. One actor, a table, one (versatile) costume, and a mesmerizing, powerful script is all you need. Layer in some breathtaking audio cues and compelling lighting and you have Remember This: The Lesson of Jan Karski, beautifully presented now by the Jewish … Continue reading Harrowing Story Beautifully Told at JRT
Hats Off to JRT and Crossing Delancey
Yes, that title is a bit of a spoiler alert. In this sweet and gentle love story, the gift of a hat underscores a bit of banter between two characters and is also a subtle message to try embrace the unexpected. Watch for it...and revel in the characters' vulnerability and anticipation. That's the heart of … Continue reading Hats Off to JRT and Crossing Delancey
Kinder Transport at JRT
In Leonard Cohen’s song "Anthem," he wrote “There’s a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.” That iconic line jumped into my head when I saw David Dwyer’s set for Kinder Transport, presented by the Jewish Repertory Theatre until February 25. The setting is a sparse attic in a London home and there … Continue reading Kinder Transport at JRT
It’s Tradition vs Modern at Jewish Repertory Theatre
We all know that person. He’s chronically late and eternally apologetic. He’s completely annoying and utterly charming. He swears he’s your best friend but given the opportunity, he’d shatter your trust. That pretty much sums up Hershel Klein (“My friends call me Hersh,” he says), the diamond dealer who can’t shut up in Modern Orthodox, … Continue reading It’s Tradition vs Modern at Jewish Repertory Theatre
