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A SIMPLE TWIST OF FAITH Coming to Toronto Fringe, 7/2-13

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This summer, the Kiever Shul, a synagogue in the heart of Kensington Market, will be home to one of the Toronto Fringe Festival's most compelling new shows. A Simple Twist of Faith is a heartfelt musical that tells the story of a Jewish American soldier during World War One whose experience in a German synagogue changes the course of his life. Audiences are treated to a mobile experience through the historic Kiever Shul in this innovative piece of Site-Specific theatre. The musical features some of Toronto's finest musicians and shares an unforgettable story not to be missed. Just in time for the beginning of the hundredth a!nniversary of The Great War, this is a must-see Fringe show that will uplift and inspire.

A Simple Twist of Faith is written by Toronto cousins Evan and Rafe Malach. The musical was conceived after Evan was told the true story on a retreat in Yellowstone Park last summer. Taking a contemporary musical approach to contrast the historical context of the piece, Evan and Rafe have composed songs based on the lives and experiences of the central characters of the story. The musical is the inaugural project of HOW- Harmony Over War, a new collective of artists that aims to make history relevant through creativity during the centennial of World War One. A pilot music video that parables WWI will be released along with the d!ebut of the show.

The production features Adam Jesin in the role of Alex Lurye, the American soldier who becomes a successful businessman, and Evan Malach (winner of the 2012 Hallelujah Global Jewish Singing Contest) plays Herr Rosenau, the German congregant who invites Lurye into his home despite rejection from the rest the community. A Simple Twist of Faith is directed by Naomi Tessler of Branch Out Theatre, a group that uses theatre to promote nonviolence. Fringe veteran Scott White (Top Gun! The Musical, It's A!lways You) rounds out the team as musical director.

The show is building buzz after a public reading at Musideum during Jewish Music Week. It promises an enjoyable Fringe e!xperience for people of all ages and marks a meaningful moment in history for anyone hoping to honour this special time.

HOW - Harmony Over War
in association with The Toronto Fringe Festival presents A Simple Twist of Faith
Written by Evan and Rafe Malach
Directed by Naomi Tessler
Musical Direction by Scott White
Featuring Adam Jesin and Evan Malach
Lighting design by Kelly Anderson
S!tage managed by Dorcas Chiu

Opens July 2nd 2014 runs to July 13th 2014
The Kiever Shall
2!5 Bellevue Avenue (Across from Denison Square)

Performances

July 2nd 7PM
July 3rd 7PM
July 4th 1PM
July 6th 12PM
July 7th 7PM
July 8th 7PM
July 9th 2PM and 7PM July 10th 1PM and 7PM July 11th 1PM

July 13 12PM

P!lease note that there is absolutely no latecomer seating.

Tickets: On sale June 12th
Purchase online: fringetoronto.com | By Phone: 416-966-1062 | In Person: During the Festival Box Office (581 Bloor St W).

Photo By Darren Gilbert Levant

Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Scenic Design - Top 3
1. Dane Laffrey - The Lost Boys
38.3% of votes
2. Soutra Gilmour - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
14.2% of votes
3. Scott Pask - Schmigadoon!
11.2% of votes

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