Jewish Repertory Theatre to Present MY NAME IS ASHER LEV, 10/22-11/15

My Name is Asher Lev, Chaim Potok's moving novel which Aaron Posner has adapted for the stage, tells the story of a gifted young painter torn between his art, the bond he feels with his parents and the Hasidic Jewish tradition in which he was raised. Through this story we see a child expressing independent thinking that just doesn't fit his parent's world view. How many of us have experienced this conflict with loving parents, and understand a conflict that frequently cannot be resolved without anguish for both the parents and child? Our hope is that as Asher Lev narrates his own story that both Jewish and non-Jewish audiences will recognize and be moved by the dilemma facing this family.

My Name is Asher Lev stars Josie DiVincenzo, Adam Yellen and Tom Zindle and is directed by Saul Elkin. Designers include: Brian Cavanaugh, Lighting; Kari Drozd, Costume; Nathan Elsener, Set/Prop and Tom Makar, Sound. Amelia Scinta and Christina Serio, stage manage.

Opening night will also feature Adena Potok, wife of the late Chaim Potok, who wrote the book from which the play was adapted by Aaron Posner. Ms. Potok will be in the audience and will be part of the theatre talk back after the performance. Because the story of My Name is Asher Lev is highly biographical, Adena has much insight to offer, specifically about an artist who was rejected by his community because of his art.

The Jewish Repertory Theatre of Western New York is a program of the JCC of Greater Buffalo. All productions take place at The Maxine and Robert Seller Theatre, JCC Benderson Family Building at 2640 North Forest Road, Amherst, NY. For more information on JRT, productions, dates and tickets, visit www.jewishrepertorytheatre.com. Tickets are available at 688-4114, ext. 391, through Showclix at 1-888-718-4253 (Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm EST) or at either JCC reception desk.

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