BECOMING DR. RUTH, Starring Miriam Schwartz, to Open 8/20 at MJTC

Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company (MJTC) is pleased to announce the opening of the solo show, Becoming Dr. Ruth, starring Miriam Schwartz and directed by Craig Johnson. This regional premiere runs from August 20 - 30 at the Highland Park Center Theater, 1978 Ford Parkway, St. Paul, MN 55116. Tickets range in price from $20 - $32. Student and group discounts are available. To order, call (651) 647-4315 or visit mnjewishtheatre.org.

Dr. Ruth Westheimer is well-known for her career as a pioneering sex therapist, but few people know her incredible life story. From fleeing the Nazis in the Kindertransport and becoming an Israeli sniper, to her struggle to succeed as a single mother in America, Mark St. Germain deftly illuminates this remarkable woman's untold story. Becoming Dr. Ruth is filled with the humor, honesty, and life-affirming spirit of Karola Ruth Siegel, the girl who became Dr. Ruth.

Miriam Schwartz (Dr. Ruth) is a Seattle native and graduate of the University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater B.F.A. Actor Training Program. She was previously seen at MJTC as Jessica in Jericho, and Ayelet in Handle With Care. Other theater credits include Walking Shadow Theatre Company (Gabriel), 7th House Theater (Cinephillia), Workhaus Collective (Homegrown, The Hollow), Guthrie Theater (Born Yesterday), and Theatre Forever (The Brutes), as well as roles including Sonya in Uncle Vanya, Jenny in In Game or Real, and multiple roles in Clandestino.

Craig Johnson (Director) has directed and acted at many area theaters including MJTC, directing Mizlansky/Zilinsky or Shmucks and appearing in Jest a Second. He recently directed The Matchmaker for Girl Friday Productions and Boeing Boeing for Torch Theater. Craig received Ivey Awards for directing (Street Scene, Girl Friday Productions, 2011) and acting (Gross Indecency, Walking Shadow, 2013) and was named Theatre Artist of the Year 2013 by City Pages.

Kirby Moore (Scenic Design) began his Twin Cities career on a design internship at Children's Theatre Company. Former MJTC design work includes The Chanukah Guest, King of the Kosher Grocers, Rose, Sight Unseen, and The Magic Dreidels. Design work for other theaters includes Park Square Theatre, History Theatre, and Theatre in the Round. Feature film credits include Purple Rain, Runaway Train, Invaders from Mars, That was then, This is now, and many television commercials. Kirby is the resident designer and technical director for Metropolitan State University, and prop master for the History Theatre.

Liz Josheff Busa (Costume Design) has previously designed for MJTC in ?Jericho and Stars of David. As well as being a freelance designer, she is a Red Eye Theater company member where she has collaborated on over 40 productions. Her theater work includes costume, set, and projection design. In addition, she has designed for film and television, and has worked in arts education as a teaching artist.

Paul Epton (Lighting Design) discovered theater lighting at Carleton College and was an award-winning designer in Detroit. Since moving to Minneapolis, he's designed regularly for MJTC (over 50 shows, including Photograph 51, Handle With Care, Goats, My Name is Asher Lev, Women's Minyan, The Triangle Factory Fire Project, Rose, Old Wicked Songs, and The Chosen), Mixed Blood Theatre, Off-Leash Area, Torch Theater, and the Jon Hassler Theater.

Anita Kelling (Sound Design) graduated from the University of Minnesota in the fall of 2010 with a BA in Theatre Arts. She is delighted to return to the Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company, where she previously designed The Chanukah Guest, Handle with Care, Hanukkah Lights in the Big Sky, and The Magic Dreidels. Around town, she has designed productions for Park Square Theatre, Walking Shadow Theatre Company, 20% Theatre Company, COLLIDE Theatrical Dance, Theatre Unbound, Freshwater Theatre, Theatre in the Round, Chameleon Theatre Circle, and The Sabes JCC Theatre.

Jonathan Gross (Projections Advisor) consulted on the projection design for MJTC's recent productions of My Mother's Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding, Photograph 51, and The History of Invulnerability. He has previously been a technical assistant to lighting and set designers for several productions at MJTC including The Chanukah Guest, Moonlight and Magnolias, My Name is Asher Lev, and Our Class. Jon is a visual artist and photographer.

Kelli Tucker (Stage Manager) has been the regular stage manager for MJTC since 2011. She stage-managed the Ivey Award-winning production, Rose. Other credits at MJTC include Jericho, Stars of David, New Jerusalem, Handle with Care, My Mother's Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding, Our Class, Photograph 51, and others.

Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company (MJTC) is a non-profit organization currently celebrating its 21st season. Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company ignites the hearts and minds of people of all cultural backgrounds by producing theater of the highest artistic standards. Rooted in Jewish content, our work explores differences, illuminates commonalities, and fosters greater understanding among all people. For further information about MJTC and its 21st season, visit www.mnjewishtheatre.org, email info@mnjewishtheatre.org, or call (651) 647-4315.