THEATER-FILM-MUSIC TALK

Tomorrow, Ash Wednesday, the Congress for Jewish Culture will host a special celebration of writer Sholem Asch, with an online event titled ASCH WEDNESDAY. Sholem Asch is best known for his play God of Vengeance, which he wrote in 1906 and was published in English-language translation in 1918. Set in a brothel, the play includes Jewish prostitutes and a lesbian scene. In 1922, it was staged in New York City at the Provincetown Playhouse, and moved to Broadway’s Apollo Theatre on February 19, 1923, with a cast that included the acclaimed Jewish immigrant actor Rudolph Schildkraut. Its run was cut short on March 6^th, when the entire cast, producer Harry Weinberger, and one of the owners of the theater were indicted for violating the state’s Penal Code and later convicted on charges of obscenity. ASCH WEDNESDAY will stream live, (Wednesday) at 2:30 pm at facebook.com/Kultur.kongres hosted by Yiddish actor/director/translator Caraid O’Brien, CJC Director and 2020 Adrienne Cooper Dreaming in Yiddish awardee Shane Baker, and Asch’s great grandson, David Mazower. It will feature theater, music, films, song, sketches, God of Vengeance updates, Asch family stories and photographs, big names, bigger names, and a Sholem Asch quiz. 

Tawkin’ With the Roses, the new weekly talk show hosted by veteran actress Bonnie Rose and cabaret star Stephen S. Miller (aka “Mama Rose”), is delighted to welcome Zachary Booth (best known for his role opposite Glenn Close on the hit show “Damages”) as the guest for the next episode of the show on Wednesday, Feb. 17th. The episode will be available online that day starting at 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 am PT at https://www.stephensmiller.com/tawkin-with-the-roses, on Youtube, and is shared across social media including Facebook and Instagram.

Celebrate Cole Porter and Stephen Sondheim with Rob Kapilow as he dives into the Great American Songbook. Begins Tues. Feb. 16 featuring Sally Wilfert and Michael Winther – a Cole Porter Evening; Tues. April 6 finds Nikki Renee Daniels and Michael Winther celebrating Stephen Sondheim. There’s a new 5 class online course beginning Feb. 23 thru Mar. 30 with Rob Kapilow about some of our greatest songwriters including George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen, Richard Rodgers and Leonard Bernstein. www.kaufmanmusiccenter.org

Tony Winners Lillias White, Phylicia Rashad, George Faison and Emmy/Golden Globe Winner, S. Epatha Merkerson and others to celebrate Broadway’s Timothy Graphenreed (The Wiz) in a virtual Memorial on Sunday, February 28^th at 5:30pm, EST. The virtual celebration will be hosted by Lee Summers (Dreamgirls), directed by Jeffrey Thompson.

Mr. Graphenreed, a Broadway composer/lyricist/librettist/musical director/vocal arranger/dance arranger/orchestrator/accompanist, was best known for composing The Tornado, and Emerald City Ballet in the Broadway hit The Wiz. He also worked as arranger/musical director with numerous noted Director/Choreographers such as Maurice Hines, George Faison and Leslie Dockery. He accompanied and arranged for countless artists, including Lillias White, Jennifer Holliday, Phylicia Rashad, Gregory Hines and Maya Angelou. Zoom Link – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82235646707 YouTube Link – https://youtu.be/yYRrLeg0SMo

Dublin based theatre company, Boulevard Productions announce a week-long special of streamed performances of the award-winning stage musical, Daddy Long Legs in association with Stream.Theatre. Available to stream online from March 8^th – 14^th – tickets for the Irish production of Daddy Long Legs are on sale now  www.Stream.Theatre.

The magic of theatre in your living room with a series of streamed performances to choose from. Filmed in Smock Alley, Dublin as part of the Irish premier production of Daddy Long Legs, directed by Killian Collins and Mark O’Looney, with musical direction by David Wray, enjoy the best of Irish theatre and talent. Starring Irish actors, Eoin Cannon (‘Angela’s Ashes The Musical’) and Róisín Sullivan (‘A Man of No Importance’ at London’s Arts Theatre – West End)

President & CEO, Cheryl L. Duncan, has been acknowledged for her work over the years by Crain’s New York Business. She’s made their Notable Black Leaders and Executives 2021 list!

 Lover and supporter of theater and Board member of the Acting Company, Anne L. Bernstein, passed away February 3. Ms. Bernstein has a 199 seat theater named for her located at 210 West 50^th Street in New York City.