TEATRON Theatre Presents JACOB AND JACK, Now thru March 10

TEATRON Toronto Jewish Theatre presents the Canadian Premiere of Jacob and Jack, a comedy by James Sherman, at the Toronto Centre for the Arts - Studio Theatre, 5040 Yonge St., Toronto, today, February 27 - March 10, 2013.

In this play, Jack Shore is appearing for one night only in a tribute to his grandfather, Jacob Shemerinsky, great star of the Yiddish Theatre. Backstage in his dressing room, Jack confronts his challenges as an actor and as a husband to his co-starring wife. Simultaneously, 75 years in the past, Jacob has problems of his own. A dizzying display of life in the theatre in this time-traveling farce.

"I've wanted to write something about the Yiddish Theatre for a long time." says James Sherman, playwright of Jacob and Jack. "The golden age of the Yiddish Theatre lasted only forty-odd years, but it had a tremendous impact on Jewish American culture and an immeasurable influence on American Theatre. But what could I do? I've seen tributes, recreations, biographies and pseudo-biographies and I'm certain that we don't need any more of those.

"In the spring of 2008, I accompanied my parents to the Chicago Symphony Hall to see San Francisco Symphony music director Michael Tilson Thomas pay tribute to his grandparents, Boris and Bessie Thomashevsky, great stars of the Yiddish Theatre. It was then that I had my inspiration for 'Jacob and Jack.' I didn't just want to tell the story of the Yiddish Theatre actors. I wanted to tell the story of their descendants as well. And why not tell both stories simultaneously?"

TEATRON Theatre has assembled a talented cast for JACOB AND JACK featuring returning actors
Richard Hoffman (KOSHER LUTHERANS, A HAMBURGER IN A PITA), Nicole Marie McCafferty (A TINY PIECE OF LAND), Gloria Valentine* (A GLIMPSE OF THE LIGHT) as well as Jerrold Karch*, Alissa DeGrazia and Daniel Staseff.

Directed by Ari Weisberg, Artistic Director and founder of TEATRON Theatre, JACOB AND JACK is the concluding play in TEATRON's tenth season of fine Jewish-themed plays. Season subscriptions for the 2013-2014 season will be available in March with savings of 20 percent off regular ticket prices.

TEATRON Toronto Jewish Theatre produces plays from Canada and the world's communities, unveiling the treasures of Jewish tradition, enriching and inspiring the Jewish experience of all theatregoers, leading to better understanding and harmony, while maintaining Jewish values.

Ari Weisberg, founder and Artistic Director of TEATRON Theatre, has a rich and varied career in theatre and television. His directing and design credits include THE MELVILLE BOYS, MURDER AMONG FRIENDS, THE AFFECTIONS OF MAY as well as over twenty plays directed for TEATRON Theatre. A graduate of Queen's University, Ari spent 18 years directing and producing for television in Kingston, Ontario.
* Appearing by special arrangement with Canadian Equity Actors' Association.

Performances:
Preview: TODAY, February 27, 2013 at 1 p.m.
Opening night: Thursday February 27, 2013 at 8 p.m.
Evening performances: Tuesdays to Thursdays and Sundays at 8 p.m. Saturdays at 8:30pm.
Matinees: Sundays at 2 p.m. (no performances on Fridays)

Ticket prices: Preview - $19; Mid-week, Sundays and matinees - $31 (Adult); $26 (Student/Senior); $37 (Premium seating).; Saturday nights - $36; $30; $48. Taxes and all charges included.

For tickets: In person at the Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge St.; by phone 416-781-5527. Group discount and special promotions available. Online www.teatrontheatre.com.