Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company Announces 2013-14 Season

Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company announced a special summer production plus 4 plays lined up for its exciting 2013-2014 season, including an engrossing and provocative drama; a youthful holiday show that promotes compassion and friendship; a contemporary musical that navigates the waters of love and matrimony; and a spirited new play about a superhero and his determined creator.

Rachel Calof, adapted from the memoir by Ken LaZebnik, music and lyrics by Leslie Steinweiss, starring Kate Fuglei, will make its regional premiere debut as a summer production at MJTC. "I'm very excited to open our 2013-2014 season with Rachel Calof, a beautiful new work for the stage" says Barbara Brooks, MJTC's producing artistic director. This solo theatrical play is based on the memoir of a Jewish picture bride who emigrated from Russia to North Dakota in 1894 to marry a man she had never met, determined to make a new life as a homesteader. At age 55 and living in St. Paul, Rachel chronicled her story which was discovered by her children after her death. This memoir with music is complete with engaging humor, compassion, and a detailed account of the hardships she encountered.

Up next is Jon Marans' A Strange and Separate People, an intriguing and thought provoking drama. In this play, the marriage of an Upper West Side, Orthodox Jewish couple unravels when the husband becomes romantically involved with another man-a young, gay doctor recently awakened to religion. A Strange and Separate People focuses on the struggle for many to accept their homosexuality while adhering to their religious beliefs.

Returning to the MJTC stage is the holiday production of The Magic Dreidelsadapted by Jenna Zark, based on the book by Eric A. Kimmel. This charming and magical play for the whole family explores the cultural traditions of Hanukkah and the all-encompassing themes of kindness and friendship. The Magic Dreidels was originally commissioned by and received its world premiere at MJTC in 2000.

From there MJTC will launch the winter production, The Last Five Years by Jason Robert Brown. This emotionally powerful musical tells the story of two urban, aspiring artists who dive into a marriage fueled by youthful, passionate optimism. Funny, honest, and intimate, The Last Five Years examines a relationship where professional and personal passions collide and bring unexpected challenges.

MJTC will close its 19th season with The History of Invulnerability. Based on a true story, this intriguing work tells the story of the creation and rise of the Superman comic strip character and the superhero, along with their growth in the context of the historical and political events of the 1930's and 1940's.

MINNESOTA JEWISH THEATRE COMPANY SUMMER PRODUCTION

RACHEL CALOF

Adapted from the memoir by Ken LaZebnik, Music and Lyrics by Leslie Steinweiss

August 15- August 25, 2013

MINNESOTA JEWISH THEATRE COMPANY 2013-2014 SEASON

A STRANGE AND SEPARATE PEOPLE

A riveting drama by Jon Marans

October 12 - November 3, 2013

THE MAGIC DREIDELS

A holiday treat adapted by Jenna Zark

December 5 - December 20, 2013

THE LAST FIVE YEARS

Musical theater by Jason Robert Brown

February 8 - March 2, 2014

THE HISTORY OF INVULNERABILITY

A fresh new play by David Bar Katz

April 19 - May 11, 2014

Recipient of the Acclaim Award for Outstanding Play of the Year, 2011.

Tickets

Season passbooks are now available by calling 651-647-4315. Subscription prices: $51-$72. Individual tickets on sale beginning September 12, 2013.

Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company is a non-profit organization now in its 19thyear of presenting professional productions rooted in the Jewish experience and illuminating the common humanity among us all. The audience for MJTC is almost equally divided between Jews and non-Jews. For further information about MJTC, call 651-647-4315 or visit our website at www.mnjewishtheatre.org; or join our facebook family at http://www.facebook.com/MinnesotaJewishTheatreCompany or follow us on Twitterhttps://twitter.com/MNJewishTheatre.