A JEW GROWS IN BROOKLYN EXTENDED BY POPULAR DEMAND
A Jew Grows in Brooklyn, the Mirvish-imported hit comedy musical that finished an almost sold-out run in Toronto last week, has been extended by popular demand, demonstrating the power of word-of-mouth in the theatre business. The one-man show starring Jake Ehrenreich returns to Toronto for another run in June.
The show is funny, moving, warm-hearted and broad enough to appeal to everyone. You don’t have to be Jewish, nor from Brooklyn, to relate to Ehrenreich’s story as the child of Holocaust survivors, raised in the New York area and spending summers in the Catskills. In the second half, Ehrenreich satirizes the Catskill comedy schtick so extensively that at moments it seems indistinguishable from the real thing.
Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge St. June 3 to 13. Tickets $25 to $60. 416-872-1212, www.mirvish.com
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Playwriting Competition: The submission deadline for the Canadian Jewish Playwriting Competition is June 30. The winning playwright receives $1,000 and a public play reading in the Between Stages reading series. Info and submission guidelines, www.mnjcc.org, [email protected], 416-924-6211, ext. 606.
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Musical Events
• The Toronto Jewish Folk Choir presents its 84th spring concert in commemoration of former conductor Emil Gartner 50 years after his death. Special guest is cellist Esther Gartner. $25, $20. Walter Hall, Edward Johnson Building, 80 Queen’s Park Cres. Sunday, May 30, 2010, 3 p.m. 416-782-7837, [email protected]
• Jordan Klapman presents The Life and Music of Jerome Kern, Grandfather of Broadway, an informative and entertaining program about the life and music of the renowned Jewish composer, with live piano, early recordings and a sing-along; lyrics and refreshments provided. Active Seniors, Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre, Thursday, June 3, 1:30 p.m. 416-924-6211. ext. 155.
• The Canada-Israel Cultural Foundation presents Israel Makes Music II, an evening of chamber music performed by the talented young stars of tomorrow: Michal Beck on cello, Yevgeny Yontov on piano, Udi Nave on clarinet. The program features pieces by Bach, Mozart, Ben-Haim and Brahms. $25 includes dessert reception. Glenn Gould Studio, 250 Front St. W. Thursday, June 3, 8 p.m. 888-222-6608, www.ticketweb.ca. Or call the CICF, 416-932-2260.
• Miles Nadal Jewish Community Choir and Women’s Chorus perform a concert. $10. Al Green Theatre, MNjcc, June 2 and 3, 8 p.m. 416-924-6211, ext. 0.
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At the Galleries
• Loop Gallery presents two exhibitions, Libby Hague’s Safety Net and Rochelle Rubinstein’s Shaft, now until June 13. Loop Gallery, 1273 Dundas St. W. Both artists participate in a Q&A session at Loop, Sunday, June 6, 3 p.m., followed by tea at 402 College St. www.loopgallery.ca
• Desert Rhythms, an exhibition of works by Myriam F. Levy, is at the Engine Gallery, Distillery District, 37 Mill St. June 3 to 22. Opening reception, Thursday, June 3, 6 to 10 p.m.