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.
3 2 21/22 SEASON theaterj.org | 202.777.3210
What a Year! ..................... 3 2021-2022 Shows ......... 4–8 Add-On ................................. 9 Subscriber Benefits and Package Info 10 Classes for Theater Lovers .................................. 11 Accessibility and Inclusion .............................. 11 Anti-Discrimination 11
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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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4 21/22 SEASON theaterj.org | 202.777.3210 5 POST SHOW DISCUSSIONS ■ Cast Talkback ■ Creative Conversation ■ Sunday Symposium ■ Open Captioning
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN sept 30 PREVIEW 8:00 PM oct 1 PREVIEW 8:00 PM 2 PREVIEW 8:00 PM 3 PREVIEW 2:00 PM 4 OPENING NIGHT 7:30 PM 5 6 12:00 PM 7:30 PM 7 8:00 PM 8 9 8:00 PM 10 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 11 12 13 7:30 PM 14 8:00 PM 15 8:00 PM 16 2:00 PM 8:00 PM 17 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 18 19 20 12:00 PM 7:30 PM 21 8:00 PM 22 23 2:00 PM 8:00 PM 24 2:00 PM NOVEMBER-DECEMBER MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN nov 10 PREVIEW 7:30 PM 11 PREVIEW 8:00 PM 12 13 PREVIEW 8:00 PM 14 PREVIEW 2:00 PM 15 OPENING NIGHT 7:30 PM 16 17 12:00 PM 7:30 PM 18 8:00 PM 19 20 8:00 PM 21 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 22 23 24 12:00 PM 25 26 8:00 PM 27 2:00 PM 8:00 PM 28 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 29 30 dec 1 12:00 PM 7:30 PM 2 8:00 PM 3 4 2:00 PM 8:00 PM 5 2:00 PM 7:30 PM
POST SHOW DISCUSSIONS ■ Cast Talkback ■ Creative Conversation
Sunday Symposium
Open Captioning
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
6 21/22 SEASON theaterj.org | 202.777.3210
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JANUARY-FEBRUARY MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN jan 26 PREVIEW 7:30 PM 27 PREVIEW 8:00 PM 28 29 PREVIEW 8:00 PM 30 PREVIEW 2:00 PM 31 OPENING NIGHT 7:30 PM feb 1 2 12:00 PM 7:30 PM 3 8:00 PM 4 5 8:00 PM 6 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7 8 9 12:00 PM 7:30 PM 10 8:00 PM 11 12 2:00 PM 8:00 PM 13 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 14 15 16 7:30 PM 17 8:00 PM 18 8:00 PM 19 2:00 PM 8:00 PM 20 2:00 PM MARCH-APRIL MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN mar 16 PREVIEW 7:30 PM 17 PREVIEW 8:00 PM 18 PREVIEW 8:00 PM 19 PREVIEW 8:00 PM 20 PREVIEW 2:00 PM 21 OPENING NIGHT 7:30 PM 22 23 12:00 PM 7:30 PM 24 8:00 PM 25 26 8:00 PM 27 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 28 29 30 7:30 PM 31 8:00 PM april 1 8:00 PM 2 2:00 PM 8:00 PM 3 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 4 5 6 12:00 PM 7:30 PM 7 8:00 PM 8 9 2:00 PM 8:00 PM 10 2:00 PM 7:30 PM
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
8 21/22 SEASON theaterj.org | 202.777.3210 9
THE K I N S E Y SICKS in
KS-OyVeyInAManger.indd
JUNE-JULY MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN jun 9 PREVIEW 8:00 PM 10 PREVIEW 8:00 PM 11 PREVIEW 8:00 PM 12 PREVIEW 2:00 PM 13 OPENING NIGHT 7:30 PM 14 15 12:00 PM 7:30 PM 16 8:00 PM 17 18 8:00 PM 19 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 20 21 22 7:30 PM 23 8:00 PM 24 8:00 PM 25 2:00 PM 8:00 PM 26 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 27 28 29 12:00 PM 7:30 PM 30 8:00 PM jul 1 2 2:00 PM 8:00 PM 3 2:00 PM 7:30 PM DECEMBER MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN dec 17 8:00 PM 18 2:00 PM 8:00 PM 19 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 20 21 22 7:30 PM 23 9:00 PM 24 5:00 PM 8:00 PM 25 8:00 PM 26
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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.
10 11 SUBSCRIPTION PACKAGE INFORMATION Get the Lowest Prices AND the Best Seats 3 PLAYS 4 PLAYS 5 PLAYS PEAK
SATURDAY EVENING AT 8:00 PM
SUNDAY MATINEE AT 2:00 PM $195 $228 $275 NON-PEAK
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WEDNESDAY EVENING AT 7:30 PM
THURSDAY EVENING AT 8:00 PM
SATURDAY MATINEE AT 2:00 PM
SUNDAY EVENING AT 7:30 PM $156 $200 $240 WEEKDAY MATINEE
WEDNESDAYS AT 12:00 PM
SUNDAY PREVIEW AT 2:00 PM $102 $132 $160 FLEX PASS — Maximum flexibility! Redeem your tickets for any performances of any of the six shows. 8 Ticket Flex Pass $440 10 Ticket Flex Pass $500 BENEFITS FOR FLEX PASS BUYERS:
Maximum flexibility in picking your shows
Invitation to season kick-off event* *subject to availability
Up to 29% off the regular price
Unlimited exchanges
No handling fees
SUBSCRIBERS GET TERRIFIC BENEFITS, FOR AN UPGRADED PATRON EXPERIENCE! Benefits for Subscribers Include: • 18% off additional regular price tickets • Free refills (on plays!)* • Show insurance* • Stream all 2021 plays *subject to availability • UP to 27% off the regular price • No handling fees • Invitation to season kick-off event • One free guest ticket per season* 3
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.
1529 SIXTEENTH STREET, NW WASHINGTON, DC 20036 theaterj.org | 202.777.3210 SUBSCRIBE TODAY TO THEATER J’S 2021-2022 SEASON! THEATER J Artistic Director Adam Immerwahr EDLAVITCH DCJCC Saul Pilchen, President Dava Schub, Chief Executive Officer Craig Mintz, Chief Financial Officer Bini W. Silver, Chief Operating Officer The EDCJCC embraces inclusion in all its programs and activities.