Minnesota Jewish Theatre to Bring Back THE MAGIC DREIDELS, 12/5-20

Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company's hit holiday production, The Magic Dreidels, is back this holiday season. Originally commissioned by MJTC in 2000, and subsequently produced in other cities in the United States, The Magic Dreidels was adapted by Twin Cities playwright Jenna Zark from the endearing book of the same name by noted children's book author Eric A. Kimmel.

The Magic Dreidels is the story of Jakob, a young boy who is sent to the well by his father to get water for preparation of the holiday meal. There he loses his new dreidel, a small spinning top, down the well. A goblin living in the well replaces his dreidel with magical ones, beginning a series of adventures for Jakob with a lonely neighbor, Fruma Sarah. This engaging holiday tale is an opportunity to learn about the cultural traditions of Hanukkah, and the universal themes of sharing, caring, compassion, and friendship.

The Magic Dreidels features three actors known well to MJTC audiences: Bob Malos (Photograph 51) will appear as Yankel, Bethany Ford (Photograph 51, Compulsion or the House Behind, and Women's Minyan) will be seen as Fruma Sarah, and Skyler Nowinski (The Last Word, Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins) takes on the role of the goblin. James Pratt will make his first appearance with MJTC in the role of Jakob.

MJTC will present Doorways program in conjunction with The Magic Dreidels. Doorways is MJTC's initiative of ongoing programs such as symposia, community forums, post-show discussions, written communications, and work with schoolchildren, all designed to open the door to greater understanding and enjoyment of the plays we present and to deeper insight into the subjects and issues they address.

Doorways programs in conjunction with The Magic Dreidels are as follows:

- Thursday, December 5: Pre-show reading of the book and discussion with director, Barbara Brooks, and potato latke tasting (space is limited)

- Saturday, December 7: Post-performance meet and greet

The Magic Dreidels opens December 5, 2013 and plays through December 20, 2013; opening night performance on Thursday, December 5 at 7 pm, and continuing on week-day mornings through December 20th. There are two week-end performances: Saturday, December 7 at 7 pm and Sunday December 8 at 1 pm. Ticket price is $17. Group discounts are available for school groups. For ticket reservations call 651-647-4315 Monday through Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.

Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company is a non-profit organization now in its 19th year 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 Twitter https://twitter.com/MNJewishTheatre.