Theater J 2021-2022 Season

Gather 2021-2022 SEASON

Dear friends,

We’ve missed you so much.

All of us at Theater J—the staff, the actors, the directors, the designers, the technicians, the ushers—have missed the jubilant cacophony of our full lobby, the entrancing hush that fills our theater as the lights dim, and the indescribable satisfaction of knowing that the stories on our stage have delighted, enthralled, and moved you.

Our world has changed since we turned off the lights in the Goldman theater in March of 2020. As months rolled by, we mourned the passing of friends and loved ones, we watched our country go through a powerful racial reckoning, and we learned more about ourselves and each other. But one thing hasn’t changed: the capacity of theater to bring us all together. Theater has an unequalled ability to forge empathy and understanding, to inspire introspection and contemplation, and to create joyful connections as we gather together in communal experience.

This coming season at Theater J promises to be a life-affirming, unforgettable season of art that reminds you who you are. This will be a season of bravura acting, from the return of the triumphant Becoming Dr. Ruth, starring Naomi Jacobson in the role that brought her a Helen Hayes nomination, to the stunningly nuanced performance of January LaVoy making her Theater J debut in Anna Deavere Smith’s Fires in the Mirror. It will be a season of heart-warming plays like the beloved Tuesdays with Morrie and thought-provoking new works like Rinne B. Groff’s Compulsion or the House Behind. And we can’t wait to bring you one of the great classics of Jewish theater: a new adaptation of the rarely performed Nathan the Wise, written in 18th century Germany and set in 12th century Jerusalem. We’ve missed you. We can’t wait to welcome you back.

I’ll see you in the lobby.

Adam Immerwahr Artistic Director

WHAT A YEAR IT’S BEEN!

HELD

WHAT ’S INSIDE

READINGS IN YIDDISH THEATER LAB CLASSES

PRODUCTIONS WATCHED FROM OUR ISRAELI THEATER COLLECTION STATES AND COUNTRIES TUNED IN FOR VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING

PEOPLE WHO WATCHED YIDDISH THEATER LAB

PEOPLE REGISTERED FOR CLASSES

KEEPING YOU SAFE

As we welcome patrons and staff back to our theater, be assured that Theater J is committed to the health and safety of our patrons, our artists, our technicians, and our staff. All activity at Theater J and within the Edlavitch DCJCC will continue to be in accordance with regulations from the DC government and CDC.

432 $85,558.11

DOLLARS RAISED IN OUR 30 YEARS: STRENGTH TO STRENGTH CAMPAIGN

PHONE CALLS MADE AS A PART OF OUR “LISTENING TOUR”

Our building has been operating safely all year, with both a preschool and a gym, giving us substantial opportunity to refine our health and safety measures. The Goldman Theater boasts a new and state-ofthe-art HVAC system, including a dedicated outdoor air system that brings 100% fresh air into our auditorium.

We will continue to incorporate the newest guidance, research, and regulations into our planning, and will update you as guidelines change. Please visit our website for regular updates about safety protocols as set by the CDC and the DC Government. We promise to provide you with a full picture of our systems and protocols closer to the beginning of the season.

Don’t miss the return of this triumphant and lifeaffirming story of a woman who found her own unique place in the world. Before she became America’s favorite sex therapist, Dr. Ruth Westheimer had to flee Germany in the Kindertransport, become a sniper in Jerusalem, and survive as a single mother in America. Naomi Jacobson, who earned a Helen Hayes Award nomination for the role in 2018, returns to Theater J for an unforgettable, heart-warming evening of theater.

September 30 – October 24, 2021

“Jacobson’s got the Westheimer verve”

— THE WASHINGTON POST

"A touching, lifeaffirming, deeply emotional drama with a generous dose of humor.”

— NY DAILY NEWS

AMERICA’S FAVORITE SEX THERAPIST RETURNS

Written by MARK ST. GERMAIN

Directed by HOLLY TWYFORD

Starring NAOMI JACOBSON

Based on the best-selling memoir, Tuesdays With Morrie is the powerful and moving story of Mitch Albom, a hard-driving sportswriter, and Morrie Schwartz, his former college professor. Directed by Jenna Place, this tender yet profound play recounts the two men reuniting as Morrie faces his own mortality as an ALS patient. What starts as a simple visit turns into a weekly pilgrimage and a beautiful lesson in humanity, compassion, and friendship.

Starring CODY NICKELL

November 10 – December 5, 2021

FROM THE BESTSELLING MEMOIR

By JEFFREY

HATCHER AND MITCH ALBOM

Based on the book by MITCH ALBOM

Directed by JENNA PLACE

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Sid Silver is a man obsessed. When he learns about a young girl named Anne Frank and her diary, Silver makes it his mission to ensure her tale is heard. But is the manuscript a work of art? A cultural treasure? Or simply a valuable product? As he fights for the diary’s publication and the rights to adapt it into a play, Silver’s idealism turns to fanaticism, and his good intentions may prove to be his undoing. A fascinating, semi-fictional story about one forgotten writer’s battle for one extraordinary girl’s diary.

January 26–February 20, 2022

“Absorbing… a fascinating, multilayered tale.”

—THE NEW YORK TIMES

WHO OWNS ANNE FRANK’S STORY?

Written by

RINNE B. GROFF

Directed by JOHANNA GRUENHUT

Starring KIMBERLY GILBERT, MARCUS KYD, AND PAUL MORELLA

In 12th century Jerusalem, Jews, Christians, and Muslims live side by side in peace—or so they hope. As tensions rise, the ruling sultan asks: “Which religion is the one most beloved by G-d?” Lives, and the future of Jerusalem itself, are on the line as the brilliant Jewish merchant Nathan seeks to answer the question. This funny and timely 18thcentury Shakespearean play is chock full of mistaken identities, foiled romances, and relationships across cultural and religious divides. Michael Bloom’s smart new adaptation celebrates the common humanity that unites us all.

Starring MITCHELL HEBERT, EMILY WHITWORTH, DREW KOPAS, JEFF KEOGH AND SARAH COREY

March 16 – April 10, 2022

POST SHOW DISCUSSIONS

■ Cast Talkback

■ Creative Conversation

■ Sunday Symposium

■ Open Captioning

“A moving story that speaks, as you might guess, to conflicts that roil the world today.”

—THE NEW YORK TIMES

AN 18TH CENTURY SHAKESPEAREAN FABLE

By

GOTTHOLD

EPHRAIM LESSING

Adapted by MICHAEL BLOOM

Directed by ADAM IMMERWAHR

Produced in association with FOLGER THEATRE

POST SHOW DISCUSSIONS

■ Cast Talkback

■ Creative Conversation

■ Sunday Symposium

■ Open Captioning

FIRESIN THEMIRROR: andCrownHeights,Brooklyn

OtherIdentities

Conceived,written,andoriginallyperformedby ANNADEAVERESMITH

Co-directedbyADAMIMMERWAHR andJANUARYLAVOY

August 1991: simmering tensions in the racially polarized neighborhood of Crown Heights erupt into riots after a Black child was killed by a car in the Chabad-Lubavitcher Rebbe's motorcade and a white Jewish scholar was slain in retaliation. Anna Deavere Smith’s groundbreaking documentary play uses verbatim testimony from individuals throughout the diverse community, creating a nuanced portrait of a shared but divided geography. This theatrical event— performed over 30 years after these life-changing riots—promises a tour-de-force solo performance and a story which touches upon every American regardless of race, color, or beliefs.

June 9–July 3, 2022

“The most compelling and sophisticated view of racial and class conflict that one could hope to encounter.”

—THE

NEW YORK TIMES

PLUS A SPECIAL HOLIDAY ENGAGEMENT

A POWERFUL DOCUMENTARY PLAY

Conceived, Written, and Originally Performed by ANNA DEAVERE SMITH

Co-directed by ADAM IMMERWAHR

AND JANUARY L aVOY

Starring

JANUARY L aVOY

DECEMBER 17 - 25, 2021

The Kinsey Sicks are back! Full of their signature panache and perfect harmonies, these chicks with schticks are trying to sell off their manger—yes, that manger—before it’s foreclosed. Crises arise, secrets are reveals, Jewish-Gentile tensions surface, and mayhem ensues. Don’t miss America’s favorite Dragapella© Beautyshop Quartet in their triumphant return to Theater J.

December 17–25, 2021

POST SHOW DISCUSSIONS

■ Cast Talkback

■ Creative Conversation

■ Sunday Symposium

■ Open Captioning

“A raunchily audacious declaration that nothing about the holidays is sacred… If you haven’t made the acquaintance of The Kinsey Sicks, it’s high time you did.”

— THE WASHINGTON POST

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DON'T FORGET ABOUT OUR CLASSES FOR THEATER LOVERS

Subscribers receive a significant discount on classes! Past favorites include Beyond the Script, How to Watch a Musical, and The Art of Adaptation. Join us next season for a new and exciting variety of classes, all taught by Theater J staff and theater professionals from the DC area. Register at theaterj.org/classes.

ACCESSIBILITY

Theater J, as part of the Edlavitch, embraces inclusion in all of its programs and activities. Theater J strives to make our productions accessible to all by providing the following to meet the accessibility needs of our patrons and to enhance their experience at the theater. For more information, please contact Chad Kinsman, Director of Patron Experience, at 202.777.3268.

Accessible Seating

The Edlavitch DCJCC has ramp access from the Q Street entrance and all of our restrooms are ADA accessible. In the Goldman Theater, removable seats provide patrons with the opportunity to be seated with their companions while sitting in their wheelchair. Please inform the Ticket Office of your needs at the time of ticket purchase and indicate if companion seats are required as well. Call 202.777.3210 or email TheaterJ@TheaterJ.org.

Assistive Listening

Assistive Listening devices are free-of-charge and offered on a first-come, firstserved basis at all performances. They are available at the Ticket Office on the ground floor and at Concessions on the second floor.

Open Captioning

Open Captioning (OC) is offered during one performance of each Theater J production. If you would like to reserve seats which are set aside for optimal OC viewing please contact the Ticket Office at theaterj@theaterj.org or 202.777.3210.

Large Print Programs

Large print programs are available at our Ticket Office, located on the first floor.

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION

Theater J and the Edlavitch DCJCC commit to being an inclusive, safe, and welcoming space for all. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations from either patrons or staff. Please visit our website at edcjcc.org to learn more about our policies and procedures.

Credits Cover: Jamie Smithson in The Wanderers by Anna Ziegler. Photo by Teresa Castracane.

1. Susan Rome in Edward Albee’s Occupant. Photo by C. Stanley Photography

2. Alexander Strain and Kimberly Gilbert in Sheltered by Alix Sobler. Photo by Teresa Castracane.

3. Alexander Strain and Kathryn Tkel in The Wanderers by Anna Ziegler. Photo by Teresa Castracane.