This is Paula Vogel’s new play about an old play, The God of Vengeance, that was condemned as “indecent” on Broadway in 1923 due to lesbian and sacrilegious themes, though it had been successful on a European tour. It’s historic, yet timeless, addressing perpetual truths about our struggle for the arts, diversity and acceptance seen through the lens of the rich tradition of Yiddish Theatre.
Director Mary Job has included in the program not only a short history of Yiddish Theatre, but also historic information about the condemned play. It’s helpful to come early and do your “reading assignment” in preparation - or read it later to enhance your experience.
The ensemble of actors: Janet Colson, Joe Clark, Sally Hecksel, Connor Kelly, Jim Coyer, Judith Evans and Mark Zussman play multiple roles and never leave the stage. Hubby Mark lists this show as one of the most challenging he has ever done. Looking at his list of 23 scenes and all the costume/character changes, I had serious doubts that I could follow the plot — but thanks to a wonderful set of projections by Joe Dickson, identities, and what language is being spoken, and where each scene is set, flashed before our eyes as needed, with some historic photos to help set the scene.
The set was a beautiful but broken proscenium arch, with simple benches and blocks creating many settings, all moved by the actors. (Set design Jeff Miller and Mary Job) and the costumes (Lark Burger) not only evoked the period but also were designed to facilitate a remarkable choreography of onstage costume changes. (Loved the headdresses in the night club scene.)
This show is not quite a “musical” per se — but is accented by songs and is supported throughout by a delightful klezmer band. Music Director David Klein, musicians: Jeff Boerger on mandolin (I think?) Andy Callas on accordion and Tamara Hicks Syron’s wonderful violin, which soared and cried with the actors.
I was pleasantly surprised to see a pretty full house on a Thursday night, so go to www.peppermintcreek.org to reserve your seats for this remarkable show which continues through June 16.