Stage III Playbill Richard Hopkins, Producing Artistic Director

by Aaron Posner adapted from the novel by Chaim Potok

Gil Brady and Claire Warden. Photo by Matthew Holler.

Ben Rosenbach. Photo by Matthew Holler.

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. MY NAME IS ASHER LEV by Aaron Posner adapted from the novel by Chaim Potok

CAST (in alphabetical order) Aryeh Lev, Jacob Kahn, and others...... Nathan Kaufman* Rivkeh Lev and others...... Naama Potok* Asher Lev...... Ben Rosenbach*

Scenic Designer Costume Designer Lighting Designer Bruce Price Donna Riggs Tom Hansen

Stage Manager Rebekah Small*

Directed by Jason Cannon

Season Underwriters Georgia Court, Dennis & Graci McGillicuddy, Anne Nethercott

Show Co-Producers Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Herald Tribune Media Group, Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, Virginia Lipton & Frank Malickson

Setting: Asher Lev’s Memories

Originally commissioned and produced by the Arden Theatre Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dramaturgy by Michele Volansky. My Name Is Asher Lev is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Services, Inc., New York.

The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

* Denotes member Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. ARTIST PROFILES NATHAN KAUFMAN (20th Century Fox); Carol, Reindeer Games. (Aryeh Lev, Jacob Kahn, BEN ROSENBACH (Asher and others) is thrilled to Lev) is very excited to be be making his FST debut. making his FST debut Stage credits include Les playing Asher Lev. This is Liaisons Dangereuses, Julius Ben’s second Potok/Posner Caesar, Galileo, As You Like show, his first was while It, Cymbeline, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, playing Danny Saunders in King Lear (The Shakespeare Theatre of New the Barrington Stage Company production of Jersey); Coriolanus, Pericles, Harvey (The Texas The Chosen. Other credits include: Laughter on Shakespeare Festival); The Tempest, Romeo & the 23rd Floor at the Flat Rock Playhouse; South Juliet (The Human Race Theatre Company); The Pacificat the Engeman Theatre on Long Island; Cmplete Wrks of Wllm Shkspr Abridged (Shadow Rent at the Harbor Lights Theater Company on Lawn Stage); Beyond Therapy, Time Flies (Bohe- Staten Island. Very grateful for this extremely mian Archaeology). Television Credits include “worthwhile” experience. ABC’s What Would You Do? and The View as well as Discovery Family’s American Icons. Nathan JASON CANNON (Director) is an Associate received his BFA in Acting from the Purchase Artist at FST, where his responsibilities include College Conservatory of Theatre Arts and Film directing, acting, New Play Development, and lives in New York City. supervising the Acting Apprentice Program, www.nathankaufman.com and teaching in Adult Education. Most recently he directed Butler, and his performance last NAAMA POTOK (Rivkeh season as Ever Montgomery in Dancing Lessons Lev and others) was last garnered him “Best Actor of 2015” awards from seen as Christine in Two both Sarasota Magazine and the Herald-Tri- Mothers at a Roadside Cafe bune. He holds an MFA in Directing, an MA in (Schreiber Shorts Festival Drama, and a BA in Theatre and English. Proud of Short Plays). Earlier cred- member SDC, AEA, SAG-AFTRA. its include Rivkeh Lev, Anna jasoncannon.biz Schaeffer, and Rachel inMy Name is Asher Lev at Penguin Rep Theatre and in the Off-Broad- REBEKAH SMALL (Stage Manager) is excited way production, Eileen Rafferty inSlides (dir. to be back at Florida Studio Theatre! Her NY Geraldine Fitzgerald), Scheherazade in Arabian credits include: Trojan Women, Single Room Nights (dir. Mary Zimmerman), Greek Princess Occupancy (NYC Fringe), and Summertime. Her in Mirror of the Invisible World (Goodman The- Regional Credits include: Butler; Hairspray; atre), Katherine in Henry IV, and Manke in God Tom Jones; Taking Shakespeare; The World Goes of Vengeance (A Contemporary Theatre). Film ‘Round; Too Darn Hot; Spamalot; Let’s Twist credits: Christie, Waiting for Marilon Cotillard Again: The Wanderer’s, and Urban Cowboys. (Mediane-Art &Communication); The Chosen ARTIST PROFILES BRUCE PRICE (Scenic Designer) joined the FST O’clock Theatre), 42nd Street (Sarasota Players), staff in 2002 as the Production Stage Manager Hairspray (Voldasta State University), Man of and stage managed 14 productions. In 2004, LaMancha (Show Palace) and Joseph...Dream- Mr. Price was promoted to Production Manager coat (Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center). and has overseen the technical aspects of over AARON POSNER (Playwright) is a Helen Hayes 100 productions here at FST. In addition, Mr. and Barrymore Award-winning director and Price has designed sets, lighting, and costumes playwright. He is the founder and former Ar- for dozens of production over his 30 year career tistic Director of Philadelphia’s Arden Theatre, including FST’s production of Thurgood, as well is an Associate Artist at both the Folger Theatre as a number of the FST Cabaret productions. and Milwaukee Repertoy Theatre, and has Mr. Price has an MFA in Directing from the directed at major regional theatres from coast University of Houston where he studied with to coast including the Folger, Seattle Rep, Port- Edward Albee, Jose Quintero, and Stewart land Center Stage, The Alliance, Actor’s Theatre Ostro. Mr. Price has worked regionally at The of Louisville, Arizona Theatre Company, Mil- Alley Theatre and Stage Repertory Theatre both waukee Rep, California Shakespeare Theatre, on stage and backstage. He has found his home Shakespeare Santa Cruz, Roundhouse Theatre, here at FST. Studio Theatre, Signature Theatre, Theatre J, DONNA RIGGS (Costume Designer) Local American Player’s Theatre and many more. His costume and clothing designer, Donna Riggs is adaptations include Chaim Potok’s The Chosen excited to costume yet another great play for and My Name Is Asher Lev (both of which have FST, My Name Is Asher Lev. She has designed enjoyed successful runs at more than 50 other and styled wardrobes for movies, (Dinesh theatres across the country), Ken Kesey’s Some- D’souza’s America, Gena Rowlands in Six Dance times a Great Notion, Mark Twain’s A Murder, A Lessons in Six Weeks) national commercials Mystery, And A Marriage, an adaptation of three (Honda) and created costumes for corporate Kurt Vonnegut short stories, entitled Who Am I branding, mascots, cosplay, and recently This Time? (and Other Conundrums of Love) and the FST production, Butler. Donna is also an Stupid Fucking Bird, a variation on Chekhov’s award-winning illustrator and graphic design- Seagull. Aaron was raised in Eugene, Oregon, er. www.costumes-donnariggs.com. graduated from Northwestern University, is an Eisenhower Fellow, and lives near Washington, TOM HANSEN (Lighting Designer) FST Credits: D.C. Soul Mates, Yesterday, and Laughing Matters. Awards: Singing In the Rain , Oklahoma!, SPECIAL THANKS - Thank you, Rabbi Brenner Harvey, Philadelphia Story, The Sound of Music, Glickman, Marian Raupp (Ritual Chair) and Beauty & the Beast, The Great Sebastians, Judy Dean (Administrative Assistant) at Temple Mornings At Seven, Big River, and Crazy For You Emanu-El for contributing items to our ward- (Colorado Springs Fine Arts Council nominee). robe! www.sarasotatemple.org. 151 McIntosh Favorites: The Foreigner (American Stage), Road, Sarasota, FL 34232. (941) 371-2788. Grey Gardens (freeFall Theatre) Chicago (Eight SEASON UNDERWRITERS GEORGIA COURT I love great theater and FST its leadership, as reflected in its mission, and as delivers that. FST is among the best theater manifested in its work, whether it be on the main companies I have seen, but it is more than a theater stage, in the cabaret, and in its education and company. It is an organization that recognizes it is community outreach programs, are values that part of the greater community--and it reaches out we so strongly believe in. As a consequence, it is a to that community in positive, productive ways. privilege for us to be a part of, and supportive of Having FST so accessible adds to the joy of living in this great theater. the fabulous arts community that is Sarasota. ANNE NETHERCOTT When asked to define giving, DENNIS & GRACI MCGILLICUDDY FST is Anne said: “My mother used to say, ‘The best way important to us because we believe so strongly in to find you is to lose yourself, by focusing on the the transformative power of the arts. For close to 30 needs of others rather than on oneself.’” So, giving years now, we have been so fortunate to experience has always been an important family value, which first-hand how that transformative power works in childhood was reinforced by the community its magic in the hands of an organization that is experience of surviving The Depression. Anne is not only experienced and dedicated but so highly proud to be a supporter of FST. skilled in their craft. The values of the theater and COPRODUCERS GULF COAST COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Together THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF SARASOTA- with its donors, Gulf Coast creatively invests in MANATEE’S mission is to strengthen Jewish life and unique cultural assets like Florida Studio Theatre. identity in our community, provide for Jewish people Gulf Coast is the philanthropic home of more than in need, and promote support for Israel. Sponsoring 600 families who have established charitable funds FST’s production of My Name Is Asher Lev gives there and together they have invested over $208 Federation the opportunity to expose the greater million in grants in the areas of arts and culture, Sarasota-Manatee community to a glimpse of health and human services, civic and economic Jewish life and Jewish tradition. Our partnership development, education, and the environment. with FST allows us to support innovative Learn more about their bold and proactive educational initiatives such as The Roots of Hatred: philanthropy at GulfCoastCF.org. Anti-Semitism Yesterday and Today. The HERALD-TRIBUNE MEDIA GROUP enjoys a VIRGINIA LIPTON & FRANK MALICKSON history in this community that spans more than Florida Studio Theatre: A deceptively simple name 90 years. Partnering with organizations such as for a brilliant inspiration. First, naturally, I think Florida Studio Theatre allows us to contribute to our of dazzling theater: thought-provoking plays, region’s rich creative culture in Sarasota, Bradenton, superbly acted and produced. But then I think of and Venice, providing an unparalleled media other FST programs: Talk backs, Fireside Chats, new landscape through the newspaper, HeraldTribune. play readings, the Readers’ Circle, all of which test, com, HT Studio, and popular niche sites such as deepen and promote understanding of the theater. TicketSarasota.com. FST is not just theater, but also a studio, a crucible, for completing and enhancing the theatrical experience. FST FORUMS Glossary of Yiddish Vocabulary Bubbela: A term of endearment, like “darling” or “sweetheart.” Chochkes: Trinkets. Dreidels: A spinning top; There is a Hebrew letter embossed or printed on each of the dreidel’s four sides. These four letters form the acronym of the phrase: Nes gadol hayah sham, “A great miracle happened there”; a reference to the Chanukah miracle that transpired in the Land of Israel.

Eretz Yisroel: Greater Israel. Gevalt!: “For heaven’s sake!” or “My God!” Goy: (singluar) Gentile, or non-Jew; outsider. Goyim: (plural) Gentiles. Goyishe Narishkeit: directly translates to “Gentile foolishness”; or pleasures that only non-Jews would enjoy. Guttenu: “Good Heavens”; an exclamation of disbelief. Kabbalah: Directly translates to “to receive”; a school of thought founded in Judaism which teaches a way of looking at how the universe works and how to receive fulfillment from life. All branches of our lives stem from one root, and the principles of the universe affect all people the same way, regardless of faith, religion, ethnicity, etc. Kibud ov: “Honor your father.” Moshiach: “Anointed one”; The Messiah. Nu...: “Well...?” or “So?” Passover Seder: A Jewish ritual feast that marks the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Passover. Pesach: Passover. Rashi: Famous 11th century commentator on the Bible and Talmud. Reb: A title of respect for a man who is not a Rabbi. FST FORUMS Rebbe: “Rabbi”; meaning “master” or “teacher.” Ribbono Shel Oylom: “Master of the World”; used to refer to God. Shabbos: Judaism’s day of rest and seventh day of the week, the Sabbath. Shofar: Horn sounded on the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah. Shul: School, or Synagogue Siddur: A Jewish prayer book of daily prayers. Sitra Achra: Directly translates to “The other side”; refers to the side of every soul that contains “evil” forces, concealing us from God. Talis: A prayer shawl. Talmud: A collection of interpretations and commentary on the Torah. Torah: Definition varies with context; can refer to the Hebrew bible or the five books of Moses. Yeshiva: Jewish school of high Talmudic learning. Zemiros: Jewish hymns.

Character Names and Meanings Asher: Hebrew, meaning “happy” or “blessed.” Aryeh: Also spelled Arieh; Hebrew meaning “lion.” Rivkeh: Is the Hebrew form of “Rebecca”; also spelled Rivka, or Rivqah in Hebrew, or Rifka in Yiddish. Rivqah most closely translates to “captivating” in Hebrew. Lev: Hebrew, meaning “heart.”

Join us for a panel discussion! The Roots of Hatred: Anti-Semitism Yesterday and Today March 31 from 5:00pm -6:00pm

Also join the online discussion at www.fst-blog.com FST COMPANY BOARD OF TRUSTEES COMMUNITY RESOURCE GROUP President...... Dennis McGillicuddy Dale Berkowitz Betty Nimtz Vice-President...... Richard Hopkins Howard Doss Gene Noble Secretary/Treasurer...... Tom Hayes Alfred Goldstein Jim Roque Trustee...... Kate Alexander Janet Hevey Sheila Rose Trustee...... Carol Poteat Buchanan Bob Israeloff Ina Schnell Trustee...... Georgia Court Trustee...... Patricia Courtois Bonny Israeloff Alan Schottenstein Trustee...... Harold Joels Valerie Joels Lois Schottenstein Trustee...... Barbara Lupoff Daniel Mandelker Ann Wurlitzer Trustee...... Jennifer Michell­ ­ Dick Nimtz Fred Wurlitzer EXECUTIVE STAFF AUDIENCE ENRICHMENT GROUP Producing Artistic Director……...... Richard Hopkins Hon. Larry L. Eger Mr. Trevor Harvey Associate Director...... Kate Alexander Commissioner Carolyn Mason Dr. Lisa Merritt Managing Director...... Rebecca Hopkins Dr. Eddy Regnier Mayor Willie Charles Shaw ARTISTIC STAFF Rabbi Howard Simon Mr. Howard Tevlowitz Casting/Hiring Coordinator...... James Ashford Mr. Tom Tryon Mr. Paul White, LC Resident Pianist...... Jim Prosser SW Chief Judge Charles Associate Artist...... Jason Cannon E. Williams Associate Artist...... Catherine Randazzo Assistant to the Artistic Director...... Doris Iemolo OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE Director of Improvisation...... Will Luera House Counsel...... John Patterson Facility Custodian...... Carlos De Oliveira PRODUCTION STAFF Production Manager…...... ….Bruce Price ...... Confidence Cleaning Company Production Office Manager...... Joseph Goepfrich Caretaker...... Doctor Nik Gompertz Stage Manager...... Roy Johns Keating Stage Manager...... Rebekah Small Technical Director...... Tom Hansen INTERN COMPANY Scene Shop Supervisor...... Dan Yerman Acting Apprentice...... Julia Amundson Costume Shop Manager…...... Susan Angermann Acting Apprentice...... Alison Campbell Props/Paint Supervisor...... Kristine Kreutzer Acting Apprentice...... Trevor Catalano ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Acting Apprentice...... Allison Day IT Manager...... Lee Schlosser Acting Apprentice...... Andrew Deeb Associate Managing Director...... Jim Sorensen Acting Apprentice...... Jason Hewett Business Manager...... Carmen Gonzalez Acting Apprentice...... Kourtney Paige Bookeeper...... Kim Smith Acting Apprentice...... T.J. Patrick Asst. to the Managing Dir...... Phyllis Silverman Acting Apprentice...... Cat Patterson Operations Manager...... Mark Quackenbush Acting Apprentice...... Peter Ruiz Company Manager...... Luke Johnson Acting Apprentice...... Timothy VanBeverhoudt Marketing Director...... Audra Lange Public Relations Associate...... Nicole Clayton Artistic Intern...... Dana Ernest Marketing Assistant...... Mackenzie Nilsen Carpentry Intern...... Johnnie Schleyer Director of Audience Services...... Kaylene Torregrossa Costume Intern...... Abdiel Portalat ín Development Associate...... Steve Turrisi Development Intern...... Dana Besmanoff Development Associate...... Corriane Oster Education Intern...... Jennifer Fuller Ticket Operations Manager...... Kathleen Smith Literary Intern...... Noah Scheibmeir Box Office Manager...... Jill Zakrzewski Literary Intern...... David Osmundsen Asst. Box Office Manager...... Gigi Delpero Literary Intern...... Blake Louthan Asst. Box Office Manager...... Kelsey Wehde Asst. Box Office Manager...... David Wallace Literary Intern...... Katie Boone Restaurant Manager...... Tom Curry Props & Paint Intern...... Stephanie Gonzalez Restaurant Manager...... Karen Kraster Prod./Sound Intern...... Allison-Marie Molnaa Restaurant Manager...... Josh Stage Management Intern...... Julienne Bailey Rodoski Stage Management Intern...... Samantha Castle Restaurant Manager...... Kalin Delfino Stage Management Intern...... Kellie McMenemon Receptionist...... Joan O’Dowd Stage Management Intern...... Matt Neier EDUCATION & TOURS Stage Management Intern...... Mariah Young Director of Children’s Theatre...... Caroline Kaiser Interim Director of Education...... Christine Hopkins Education Administrator...... Pamela Smith Teaching Artist/YPF Coordinator...... Adam Ratner WRITE A PLAY Coordinator...... Patrick A. Jackson 366.9000 1241 North Palm Avenue • Downtown Sarasota, FL 34236 www.floridastudiotheatre.org • [email protected]