AUTHOR! AUTHOR! an evening with Sholom Aleichem – the hit musical’s 50th anniversary production at Santa Monica Playhouse

“GO! You won’t be sorry!” Backstage.

“Enchanting!” Daily Variety

100 reviews! 100 raves! It’s the 50th anniversary production of the joyous, hilarious, touching, and ever-popular classic musical comedy, the longest-running Jewish musical in LA theatre history (4 ½ years in its initial run)! The glorious numbers, poignant moments and delightful humor will have you laughing, crying, tapping your toes and celebrating life like never before. “The best and funniest theatre production in LA!” hails Century City News of the show that put musicals into the LA intimate theatre arena, back to celebrate Sholom Aleichem’s 110th yahrzeit.

“You’ll discover, through the whimsical wit of Sholom Aleichem and the skill of Chris DeCarlo, why the play enjoyed such a long run. It’s a great evening!” Valley Life

A brilliant team of artists present an unrivaled musical comedy classic inviting audiences of all ages to celebrate the humor and pathos of Sholom Aleichem’s world.

“A sparkling introduction to a new generation of theater enthusiasts to the patina-covered world of their brethren on both sides of the ocean, to a world that is no more and will never return.” B’nai B’rith Messenger)

Chris DeCarlo reprises his award-winning portrayal of the world’s most beloved Yiddish author. Joining DeCarlo is original cast member Evelyn Rudie, with Actors’ Repertory Theatre (ART) members Celeste Akiki, Shravana Karthekiyan, J. T.Melaragno and Michala Peltz.

“Chris DeCarlo portrays the Yiddish story teller with such warmth and humor that one actually thinks he is Sholom Aleichem.” HA’AM

The production is helmed by long-time ART director Arthur R. Tompkins, with authentically detailed costumes by award-winning designer Ashley Hayes and lilting tunes by the acclaimed team of Evelyn Rudie and renowned composer Ben Weisman (57 gold albums).

“I thank you for bringing him so beautifully back To Life,” Aleichem’s second cousin, Lillian Aderman Moller

Sholom Aleichem’s tales are so timeless and universal that they have transcended over 100 years of social and cultural change, and become more appealing to audiences and readers with each coming year.

“AUTHOR! AUTHOR! is an unmitigated delight. It is joyous entertainment…It warms the audience and sends them out feeling better than when they went in.” The Picadilly

Author! Author! had its world premiere at Santa Monica Playhouse in 1976 and played for 4 ½ years in its initial run. Actors’ Repertory Theatre has reprised the show every year since then. 2026 marks the show’s 50th anniversary production.

Author! Author! is also available for private temple and weekday school performances. For details, call 1-310-394-9779,