Sarasota Jewish Theatre Announces Newish Jewish Play Reading Series

June 19, 2024 | Sarasota

Sarasota Jewish Theatre (SJT) is pleased to announce a summer play reading series, Newish Jewish Plays, which takes place on Mondays, July 15-29, at 7:00 p.m. The series includes “Dancing on Glass” by Gary Morgenstein, “Original Tenants” by Carole Braverman, and “We Are the Levinsons” by Wendy Kout. The play readings are presented at The Players Centre Studio 1130 at the Crossings at Siesta Key mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets are $12 per reading or $30 for the three-play series. To purchase single tickets, visit ThePlayers.org or call 941-365-2494; the three-play series can only be purchased by calling 941-365-2494. For information, visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.org.

These three plays, carefully selected from a submission of 19 new plays by Jewish playwrights or plays dealing with Jewish content, promise to captivate audiences with their depth, wit, and insight. Through thoughtful rehearsed readings, talented artists will breathe life into these exciting new works.

Audience members will be asked to complete evaluation forms which will help SJT decide if any of the plays are appropriate to fully stage in Sarasota Jewish Theatre’s 2025-2026 season. 

“Dancing on Glass” by Gary Morgenstein, directed by Blake Walton

July 15, 7:00 p.m.

Award-winning playwright Gary Morgenstein’s ripped-from-the-headlines new play “Dancing on Glass”draws two broken families into an explosive public case of antisemitism, political bullying, and the perils of parenting, triggered by the firing of a Jewish teacher of Israeli-Palestinian studies for not being “balanced enough.” Director Blake Walton is the managing director of SaraSolo Productions. An award-winning actor, director, published playwright, and teacher, Walton has been a professional actor for 40 years, starring Off-Broadway and in regional theatres and film. He has won multiple awards as a performer and director. 

“Original Tenants” by Carole Braverman, directed by Steve Black

July 22, 7:00 p.m.

When a daughter visits her ailing mother in the Bensonhurst neighborhood of Brooklyn, memories of lost loves and broken friendships are awakened. Think “Our Town” for Brooklyn Jews of a certain age. Director Steve Black is the artistic director at Sarasota Area Playwrights Society. An accomplished actor and director, Black has worked in theatres across the United States and abroad for over 40 years. 

“We Are the Levinsons” by Wendy Kout, directed by Carole Kleinberg

July 29, 7:00 p.m. 

What happens when an adult daughter moves in with her newly widowed father and tries to control the next steps in Daddy’s life? An alternate title for this play might be “Daughter Knows Best – Or Not?” This play rekindles memories of our families – the good, the bad, and the glorious – with fondness and humor. Director Carole Kleinberg is the artistic director of Sarasota Jewish Theatre. She is a respected member of the Sarasota theatre community; a skilled director, dramaturg and acting teacher; and she brings a lifetime of knowledge and enthusiasm to this project.  

Kleinberg stated, “Newish Jewish Playsreflects my commitment to bringing new plays to Sarasota, plays which are the lifeblood of the theatre reflecting the forward movement of the world, our changing values, and the important events and contemporary issues that shape our lives today.”

For more information, visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.org. To purchase single tickets ($12), visit ThePlayers.org or call 941-365-2494; the three-play series ($30) can only be purchased by calling 941-365-2494.