THE GOD OF ISAAC
By James Sherman
The God of Isaac is presented by agreement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
It’s 1977 and Skokie, Illinois native Isaac Adams has been pretty laid back when it comes to his Judaism. Just ask his gentile wife. But when Neo-Nazis plan to march in his old neighborhood – home to over 40,000 Jews, including thousands of Holocaust survivors – Isaac faces a moral conundrum: how should he respond to this blatant anti-Semitism in his own backyard? What does he owe to his family, his people, his faith – and himself? Isaac wrestles with it all as he explores the quirky ways we connect with our heritage. His journey will leave you laughing – and thinking.
January 25th, 8 pm - Society Hill Synagogue
January 26th, 7 pm - Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El
February 1st, 8 pm - Kaiserman JCC
February 2nd, 2 pm - Kaiserman JCC
PROGRAM
SALON ARIEL 2024 - 2025 is Generously Sponsored by Susan and Len Lodish
Cast:
Isaac: Jesse Bernstein
Mrs. Adams: Marcia Saunders
Actor I: Jared Michael Delaney
Actor II: Damon Bonetti
Actress I: Eleni Delopoulos
Actress II: Alanna J. Smith
BIOGRAPHIES
James Sherman (Playwright) wanted to work in the theatre ever since he was nine years old and his parents took him to see The Sound of Music. He received a BA in Theater from Northeastern Illinois University and an MFA degree from Brandeis University. He began his professional career as a writer and actor with The Second City in Chicago. His first full-length play, Magic Time, premiered at Brandeis University and was subsequently produced Off-Broadway. His next play, The God of Isaac premiered in 1985 at the Tony Award winning Victory Gardens Theater in Chicago. James was a founding member of the Victory Gardens Playwrights Ensemble and from 1985-2010 premiered a dozen plays there under the direction of Artistic Director Dennis Zaćek. Many of James’ plays have been published and are regularly produced by theaters throughout the United States and have also been seen in Canada, Mexico, Australia, South America, England, Germany, Austria, Poland, Turkey, South Africa, Australia, China, and Korea. In the summer of 2006, James wrote and directed the movie of his play, BEAU JEST, starring Lainie Kazan, Seymour Cassel, and Robyn Cohen. James teaches classes in Playwriting and Improvisation at Columbia College of Chicago and DePaul University. He is a member of The Dramatists Guild of America.
Seth Reichgott (Director) is pleased to once again be working with Theatre Ariel. A Philadelphia-based actor, director, and writer, he has directed or appeared on stage at the Walnut Street Theatre, the Wilma, the Arden, Baltimore Shakes, Rep Stage, Interact, the Lantern, Tongue & Groove, and Cape May Stage, among many others. He has twice been a co-recipient of the Barrymore Award for Outstanding Ensemble in a Play and was nominated for a 2010 Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Actor. Seth is a graduate of Wesleyan University and the Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre.
Jesse Bernstein (ISAAC) is the Artistic Director of Theatre Ariel – but began his involvement with the theatre as a writer and performer of his solo show Ethics of the Fathers. Over 35 years, he has performed at the New York Shakespeare Festival, the Berkshire Theatre Festival, the Arden Theatre Company, Ventura Theatre Company and the Walnut Street Theatre Company among others. In 1999, he originated the role of Reuven in Aaron Posner and Chaim Potok’s stage adaptation of The Chosen. For Theatre Ariel, he has appeared in Ethics of the Fathers, The Scribe, The Wanderers and Morning Star (collaboration with PAC). His TV credits include appearances on Law & Order, Veronica Mars and Days of Our Lives. www.iamjessebernstein.com
Damon Bonetti (ACTOR II) is a Philly-based actor, director, musician - happy to be back at Ariel where he was in The Man in the Sukkot. Producing Artistic Director of Philadelphia Artists' Collective where he performed in The Dance of Death. Founding member of 100th Meridian where he performed in the world premiere of T.REXTASY. Recent acting: Driving Miss Daisy (Montgomery Theater) Children of the Sun (PAC) Tuesdays with Morrie (Totem Pole Playhouse), Driving Miss Daisy (East Lynne Theater), Twelfth Night (Lantern) A Few Good Men (BRT), The 39 Steps (Montgomery - also director) Damon teaches at Rutgers - Camden. and MFA FSU/Asolo www.damonbonetti.net
Jared Michael Delaney (ACTOR I) is an actor, stage/screenwriter based in Philly. As an actor, he’s appeared on stages around Philly and regionally, including Olney Theatre Center, Folger Theatre, New Jersey Rep, PA Shakespeare Festival and Off-Broadway at 59E59. Recent tv credits: Dope Fiend (Apple TV), Task (HBO), Dispatches From Elsewhere (AMC) and Mare of Easttown (HBO). Recent film credits: Alice & The Vampire Queen, Hayride to Hell, Love & Communication and A Man Full of Trouble. His plays have been produced nationally and internationally. He is a co-founder of 100th Meridian, dedicated to rock n’ roll theater. Learn more at jaredmichaeldelaney.com
Eleni Delopoulos (ACTRESS I) (Chaya and others) is thrilled to make her Theater Ariel debut in a show that's so close to home and her family. Philly Theaters: Quintessence, Act II, Theater Horizon, Theater Exile, Philadelphia Shakespeare Theater, DTC, 3 Barrymore Nominations for Monster in the Hall and Radiant Vermin, Inis Nua. Selected Credits: Off-Broadway; A Stoop on Orchard Street, Tours: Hair in Italy, Mame in USA. Regional: Rona Spelling Bee (Alabama Shakespeare Theater), Annie (Fulton), Urinetown (Carousel), Speed in Two Gentlemen of Verona alongside Jonathan Majors (Shakespeare & Co) and Into the Woods at Westport Playhouse and Center stage. Thank you Seth and Jesse for having me here!
Marcia Saunders (MRS. JOSEPH ADAMS) is pleased to be returning to Theatre Ariel where she was last seen in What’s Wrong With This Picture? A veteran of the Philadelphia stages, she has been a member of the Acting Company at The People's Light & Theatre since 1976. Also appearing on the stages of: The Arden, Lantern Theatre, Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia Theatre Company and The Wilma. Thank you Jesse. Always a pleasure!!!
Alanna J. Smith (ACTRESS II) is a bicoastal Jewish actor/writer. Most recently, she played Hodel in the LA Revival of Fiddler on the Roof starring Jason Alexander. Philly credits: The Wanderers (Lantern Theatre Company), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Young Frankenstein, Noises Off, A Funny Thing…Forum, A Comedy of Tenors, The Gifts of the Magi, The Importance of Being Earnest (Walnut Street Theatre) Beauty and the Beast (Media Theatre). TV/Film: “Love Afloat” (Amazon), “Chang Can Dunk” (Disney+), “FBI: Most Wanted” (CBS) “Power Book II: Ghost” (Starz). Next: See her writing as part of Theatre Ariel’s Good For the Jews. www.alannajsmith.me @alannajsmith
Thank You To Our Community Partners
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