Photograph 51 Holds the Secret of Life at JRT

One of my favorite James Taylor songs begins with these lyrics: “The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time…” Sometimes we’re robbed of time. Sometimes we’re robbed of opportunity. Part of the human condition. For real-life British scientist Rosalind Franklin, the focus of Photograph 51, presented by Jewish Repertory Theatre, her early death … Continue reading Photograph 51 Holds the Secret of Life at JRT

Looking Life Square in the Eye: What I Thought I Knew

Josie DiVencenzo in "What I Thought I Knew." Photo by Ali Lewis Jewish Repertory Theatre’s production of “What I Thought I Knew” packs a lifetime of emotions,  decisions, and dilemmas into 90 minutes.  Based on writer Alice Eve Cohen’s memoir, the story is deeply reflective at times and slyly funny, too. Josie DiVincenzo is the … Continue reading Looking Life Square in the Eye: What I Thought I Knew

Theatre Review: ‘Oh My God’ at Jewish Repertory Theatre

This evening I attended the Western New York premiere of “Oh My God” by Anat Gov at the Jewish Repertory Theatre. Ms. Gov was one of Israel’s premiere dramatists with scores of plays and television programs to her credit. Like all Israeli students, Ms. Gov studied the Bible throughout her school years. As an adult, … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Oh My God’ at Jewish Repertory Theatre

Theatre Review: ‘Looking Through Glass’ at Jewish Repertory Theatre

It’s just your typical boy-meets-girl-meets-boy-who-dies and inhabits her body sort of play…with a twist. . . .a fine night of theatre. . . Playwright Ken Kaissar’s local premiere of ’Looking Through Glass,’ a modern adaption of ‘The Dybbuk’ is an ethereal send up to the intensity of love and the power of a promise, produced … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Looking Through Glass’ at Jewish Repertory Theatre

Theatre Review: ‘The Strudel Lady’ at Jewish Repertory Theatre

Jewish Repertory Theatre began its 16th season with a sweet take on empowerment and transformation in the world premiere production of “The Strudel Lady.” Playwright Shirl Solomon penned this charming musical with a healthy dose of Jewish content and a universal message: sometimes it takes a strong new friend to help you believe in yourself. … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘The Strudel Lady’ at Jewish Repertory Theatre

Theatre Review: ‘Rose’ at Jewish Repertory Theatre of Western New York

Rose doesn’t say she’s a heroine. She doesn’t consider herself a victim. She is, however, a survivor. She’s full of irony and contradiction (“I’m eating ice cream to take a pill for cholesterol,” she says as a cold creamy spoonful helps her swallow her meds), and a strong, modern woman who holds onto bits of … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Rose’ at Jewish Repertory Theatre of Western New York

First Look: ‘Rose’ at Jewish Repertory Theatre

Throughout America last week, 21st Century women marched through the streets, sporting pink pussycat hats and carrying signs reminding us that equity is still every person’s goal in a sometimes unjust world. In 20th century Poland, women moved stealthily through the streets, seeking to survive on their way to freedom. They didn’t carry signs, and … Continue reading First Look: ‘Rose’ at Jewish Repertory Theatre