Jewish Interplay Theatre presents Comparing Books
The Revival of Jewish Theatre
By Susan Schaul
Not all start-up companies are developing new computer software. Take Faye Sholiton, for example — a Cleveland Heights playwright, artist-in-residence, teacher and producer. She has recently started the Jewish Interplay Theatre, an independent company that produces staged readings of Jewish-themed works.
“Staged readings are a unique way to experience a play where the imagination gets involved and sets the stage with just words,” said Sholiton. “If a staged reading is done well, you can really get the flavor of the play.”
In an effort to revive Jewish theatre in Northeast Ohio, Sholiton plans to produce four staged readings a year showcasing plays through a Jewish lens. On September 14, the Jewish Interplay Theatre brought their first staged reading to Dobama Theatre, Imagining Madoff, a dramatic glimpse of the man behind the enormous fraud.
Comparing Books, a comedy by Marc Goldsmith, is the Jewish Interplay Theatre’s next scheduled production. On Sun 12/4 at 7PM, Ensemble Theatre will host this staged reading performance at their space at Coventry School. Comparing Books tells the story of the Feingolds, a seriously dysfunctional Upper East Side family who devolve even further when their son returns from college with a guest who collects gambling debts.
“This play is a light, fluffy, laugh-out-loud piece by a young playwright,” described Sholiton. Directed by Fred Sternfeld, the Comparing Books cast includes Mike Cipiti, Paul Floriano*, Jason Markouc, Kelly Smith, Greg Violand*, Jean Zarzour*, and Brian Zoldessy*. (*Appearing courtesy of the Actors Equity Association.)
Comparing Books runs Sun 12/4 at 7PM @ Ensemble Theatre. Admission is free, although donations are greatly appreciated. Seating is limited and reservations are recommended. Reserve seats at interplayjewishtheatre@gmail.com. For more information, visit http://FredSternfeld.com/comparingbooks.htm.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Susan Schaul, who says the act of writing is like assembling a jigsaw puzzle. The challenge lies in getting the pieces to fit together and make sense.