Mainstage Playbill

This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture and the State of Florida. Pictured Left to Right: Michael Zlabinger and Anat Cogan. Photo by Matthew Holler Handle with Care By Jason Odell Williams with Hebrew written by Charlotte Cohn

CAST (in alphabetical order) Ayelet...... Anat Cogan* Terrence...... Mat Leonard* Edna...... Marina Re* Josh...... Michael Zlabinger*

Directed by: Jason Cannon

Scenic Designers Costume Designer Lighting Designer Sound Designer Isabel & Moriah Curley-Clay Donna Riggs Thom Beaulieu Thomas Korp

Stage Manager: Kelli Karen*

Underwriters Gaele Barthold, Cookie Boudreaux & Dennis Hassell, Joan & Larry Castellani, Ed & Judy Christian, Court, Shirley Fein, Sydney Goldstein, Wendy & Bob Grady, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Robert & Bonny Israeloff, Dennis & Graci McGillicuddy, Patrick & Mary Mulva, Anne H.S. Nethercott, Muriel O’Neil Fund for the Performing Arts of Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Gail & Skip Sack, Dorothy Waldron Co-Producers Jane Baisley, Philip & Suzan Gaynes, Ruth Gorton, Ben & Judith Handelman Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, Valerie Joels, SRQ Media Group

Setting | A motel room in Goodview, Virginia. Late December, 2008.

Original New York production directed by Karen Carpenter, and produced by Charlotte Cohn & Douglas Denoff. HANDLE WITH CARE is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Serivce, Inc., New York.

The video or audio recording of this performance by any means is strictly prohibited.

* Denotes member Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the . ARTIST PROFILES ANAT COGAN (Ayelet) Shakespeare, Gloucester Stage, and is an American-Israeli Shear Madness companies. Film/TV: Woody actress and singer currently Allen’s Irrational Man; The Women; Urban Relics; living in New York. She New Amsterdam; Nurse Jackie; etc. marinare.info is a graduate of one of MICHAEL ZLABINGER the top acting schools in (Josh) FST: The Columnist. Israel, Nissan Nativ Acting Off-Broadway: Desperate Studio, as well as The Lee Writers (Union Square Strasberg Theater and Film Institute in NYC. She Theatre), The Subtle Body is a Co-Founder of Panda Theater Company in (59E59), Like Money in Manhattan, where she is also an actor, writer, and The Bank (Theatre Row). producer. Favorite roles include: Elmire (Tartuffe), International: European Donia Rosita (Donia Rosita the Spinster), the premiere of The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? (Vienna’s innkeeper (The Ghosts Inn), Liesl (The Sound English Theatre, dir. Pam MacKinnon). Regional: of Music), and Juliet (Romeo and Juliet). title role in Frankenstein (Quintessence); Iago in MAT LEONARD (Terrence) Othello (NCSF); Torvald in A Doll’s House (NC Stage); Regional: Vanya and Sonia Sleuth (Fulton); Little Shop of Horrors (Dante Hall); and Masha and Spike Handle With Care (Gulfshore Playhouse); also (Spike, Shakespeare and performed at Long Wharf, Shakespeare Theatre Company); Julius Caesar Company, Baltimore Centerstage, Pioneer, (Octavius, Shakespeare Geva, among others. Television includes: Evil, and Company); Of Mice Elementary, Madam Secretary, Person of Interest, and Men (Lennie, Olney Buffy the Vampire Slayer. michaelzlabinger.com. Theatre/National Players). Off-Broadway:JASON CANNON (Director) is an Associate Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Artist at FST, where his responsibilities include Man (Stefan) and Austerity of Hope (Vinny). directing, teaching, New Play Development, and Television: Orange is the New Black (CO Miller). the Acting Apprentice Program. Shows directed Off-Off Broadway:The Girl Who Handcuffed at FST include: Pinocchio, The Cottage, Marvelous Houdini (Jim Collins, Theatre 80 St Marks); May Wonderettes, Hand to God, A Gentleman’s Guide Violets Spring (Laertes, Bridge Theatre). Web to Love and Murder, Snow White, Peter Pan, A Series: Revenue Stream w/ Sherie Rene Scott. Beary Big Adventure & Other Winning Plays, MARINA RE (Edna) FST: Other People’s Money, The Boy Who Liked Pulling God of Isaac, Over the Hair, Constellations, How to Use a Knife, Once, River, Last Romance, Our The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Robin Son’s Wedding, Boleros Hood, Doublewide, Burt & Me, The Dragon vs. the for the Disenchanted, The Hiccups, Gidion’s Knot, Stalking the Bogeyman, Miamians. Awards: Desert Million Dollar Quartet, The Velveteen Rabbit, StarAward, Lead (Master Relativity, My Name is Asher Lev, and Butler Class), Supporting (La (which earned Best Director nominations Gringa), CT. Critics Circle Award, Lead (Ripcord), from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and Creative IRNE Award, Supporting (Holes). AEA/SAG for Loafing). His performance as “Ever Montgomery” 40 years, working Off-Broadway, USA tours, in Dancing Lessons garnered “Best Actor of 2015” major regional theatres, member of Merrimack, ARTIST PROFILES awards from both Sarasota Magazine and the commercials (Honda), as well as FST theatre Sarasota Herald-Tribune. He is a seven-time productions (Butler, My Name is Asher Lev, and Kevin Kline Award nominee (and one-time Relativity). She is pleased to be part of the winner for Outstanding Leading Actor). He production of Handle with Care and working appears regularly with FST Improv. Proud with the talented FST professionals. member SDC, AEA, SAG-AFTRA. jasoncannon.biz THOM BEAULIEU (Lighting Designer) is an ISABEL & MORIAH CURLEY-CLAY (Scenic award-winning lighting and sound designer. Designers) are award-winning scenic designers His work has been experienced throughout whose theatrical work can be seen on regional the eastern US including The Cottage, The stages across the U.S. Recent credits include: Marvelous Wonderettes, Wednesday’s Child, The Magic Negro and other Blackity Blackness The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night- as told by an African American Man who also Time, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, happens to be Black (); Two Unchained Melodies, Always...Patsy Cline, Honor Trains Running (Triad Stage); Dot (Kenny Killing, Once, Blue Suede Shoes, Mack the Knife: Leon True Colors, Billie Holliday Theatre NYC); The Bobby Darin Songbook, Native Gardens, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Alabama and Burt & Me (Florida Studio Theatre); The Shakespeare); Lumberjacks in Love (Penobscott Waltz, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence, Theatre); Native Gardens (Aurora Theatre); Book Carrie: the Musical, and The Lord of the Flies (The Of Will, I Love To Eat (Theatrical Outfit);The Cake, Winnipesaukee Playhouse); A Chorus Line, Floyd Pipeline, How to Use A Knife (Horizon Theatre); Collins, Sweet Charity, and Singin’ in the Rain Detroit ’67, Skeleton Crew, Paradise Blue, Proof (Aurora Theatre). He holds a BFA in Drama from (Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre). Past designs Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama, at FST include, Bright Star; Ethel Waters: His Eye and a MS in Physics. is On The Sparrow; The Marvelous Wonderettes; THOMAS KORP (Sound Designer) As FST’s Sound Wednesday’s Child; The Curious Incident of the Supervisor, Thom does more than wrangle rogue Dog in the Night-Time; A Gentleman’s Guide microphones. Sound design credits include: to Love and Murder; Other People’s Money; Outlaws and Angels, Bright Star, Pinocchio, Honor Killing; Always...Patsy Cline; Native That’s Amoré!, Who Loves You, The Swingaroos: Gardens; Doublewide; Rich Girl; Clever Little Hollywood Serenade, The Cottage, Ethel Waters: Lies; The God of Isaac; The Fabulous Lipitones; His Eye is on the Sparrow, Come Together: When Alabama Story; Outside Mullingar; Butler; Taking the 60s Met the 70s, The Marvelous Wonderettes, Shakespeare; Chapatti; Inspired Lunacy; Dancing Wednesday’s Child, The Curious Incident of the Dog Lessons; ; and One Man, Two Guvnors. in the Night-Time, The Wonder Years: The Music of Isabel and Moriah’s designs were featured in the Baby Boomers, Straight White Men, Guitar American Theater Magazine’s Inaugural Roll Girls, Unchained Melodies, A Gentleman’s Guide Call, 7 Theatrical People To Watch, and are both to Love and Murder, and Once. Mixing Credits: members of USA 829. axisstudiosdesign.com Next to Normal, Smokey Joe’s Café, The World Goes DONNA RIGGS (Costume Designer) is an Round, Tango: Buenos Aires, and We Will Rock award-winning artist, costume designer, and You. wardrobe stylist from Bradenton, FL. Her work KELLI KAREN (Stage Manager) has been an includes all facets of costuming; for corporate integral member of Florida Studio Theatre. Kelli (Coca Cola, Feld Entertainment, Inc.), motion began at FST as a dance teacher in the Education pictures (Dinesh D’Souza’s America), national Department in 1993. In addition to ARTIST PROFILES her classes at FST, Kelli has created and taught in Black & White (the cell theatre), Someone Else outreach programs at Care Pointes in Swaziland, (NC Stage), The Science of Guilt (DR2), Going South Africa, The Pines of Sarasota, Girls Inc., The Offline (Fells Point Corner Theatre), The Jungle Boys and Girls Club, and has taught playwriting Gym (American Globe Theatre). Readings: at numerous local elementary schools as well Primary Stages, The Blank, The Lark, EST, as well as in our sister city of Dunfermline, Scotland. as developmental readings starring Norbert She was part of the production team for A Night Leo Butz, Matthew Lillard, and Tovah Feldshuh. With Crossroads Theatre Company: Honoring Jason was a winner of the 2012 Hudson (State Theatre New Jersey). Valley Writers’ Center contest and the winner Stage management credits: Off-Broadway: The of the 2011 Fixitsolife Theatre playwriting New Victory Theater (Fly). Selected Regional contest. He lives in New York City with wife Credits: Pasadena Playhouse (Fly), Crossroads and daughter. More at jasonodellwilliams.com Theatre Company (Fly), Oprah Winfrey Theater Smithsonian (Fly), FST Credits: Straight White Men; Heisenberg; Clever Little Lies; Inspired Lunacy; Fly; Taking Shakespeare; Pump Boys and Dinettes; Daddy Long Legs; Monty Python’s Spamalot; The Underpants; The World Goes ‘Round; The Columnist; Smokey Joe’s Café; Perfect Wedding; Jericho; Next Fall; Next to Normal; Cowgirls; Ghost-Writer; Shear Madness; I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; The 39 Steps; Beehive: The 60s Musical; Ruined; The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee; Edward Albee’s Occupant; Motown Cabaret. JASON ODELL WILLIAMS (Playwright) is an Emmy-nominated writer and producer as well as an award-winning playwright and novelist. Hailed as a “postmodern Clifford Odets” by the L.A. Times and “this country’s newest Eugene O’Neill” by the Santa Monica Daily Press, his play Church & State was nominated for Best New Play by the Off-Broadway Alliance and L.A. Ovation Awards. Church & State was selected to be an NNPN Rolling World Premiere with productions in Los Angeles and Rochester before running for over 100 performances Off-Broadway at New World Stages. Jason’s first play Handle with Care was a New York Times Critics’ Pick, ran for over 100 performances Off-Broadway starring Carol Lawrence, has been produced over twenty times since 2011 in the U.S. and Canada, and won three Theatre Bay Area Awards including Outstanding Production. Other plays: Baltimore EXECUTIVE STAFF RICHARD HOPKINS is the Producing Artistic REBECCA HOPKINS serves as Managing Director of Florida Studio Theatre. Mr. Hopkins Director for Florida Studio Theatre, and as has fostered the development of FST’s Mainstage such, is the Chief Operations Officer. Mrs. and Cabaret productions. His many directing Hopkins is responsible for oversight of FST’s Mainstage credits include: Curious Incident of Administration, including the Business the Dog in the Night-Time, Honor Killing, Inspired Office, Development, Marketing, Box Office, Lunacy, The Best of Enemies, Next to Normal, Front of House, Restaurant, Budgeting, and Race, Ruined, The 25th Annual Putnam County maintaining the overall quality of FST’s internal Spelling Bee, Boleros for the Disenchanted, management. Mrs. Hopkins serves on the Board Permanent Collection, and Metamorphoses, of Directors for the League of Resident Theatres among numerous other plays. Mr. Hopkins led and for the Theatre Communications Group. the development of FST’s Cabaret productions She is the former President of the National New Outlaws and Angels, Guitar Girls, Mack the Knife, Older than Dirt, Piano Men, and The Play Network. Mrs. Hopkins has been actively Prima Donnettes. Mr. Hopkins also serves as involved in development of FST’s Cabaret the Chief Executive Officer of Florida Studio productions since her arrival in 1998. In addition Theatre. This includes overseeing the creation to being Lead Developer for That’s Amoré!, this and implementation of all FST programming, season she is also part of the development including Mainstage, Cabaret, Stage III, New teams for Outlaws & Angels and Light My Fire. Play Development, Education, and Touring. Previously she was the Lead Developer on The Since his arrival at FST in 1980, Mr. Hopkins Wonder Years: The Music of the Baby Boomers; has guided the theatre from a small touring Unchained Melodies; Blue Suede Shoes; Gypsies, company to a nationally-recognized regional Tramps, and Thieves; Yesterday; American Pie; theatre, which impacts over 225,000 adults and Poems, Prayers, and Promises. She has been and children annually. He created the New Play the head writer on all fiveLaughing Matters Development Program, the Cabaret Series, FST’s shows. Some of her favorite shows she helped award-winning WRITE A PLAY Program, and he develop include: Mack the Knife: The Bobby has directed the design and renovation of all Darin Songbook; The Prima Donnettes; That’s FST’s theatres. Mr. Hopkins is the recipient of Life; The Wanderers; My One and Only Gershwin; numerous awards including the Arts Leadership Hot and Cole; The British Invasion; The Flip Side; Award from the Sarasota Arts Council, the Richard and Outlaws and Angels. In addition, she is G. Fallon Award for Artistic Excellence from the the founder and producer of FST Improv and Florida Professional Theatres Association, and the Sarasota Improv Festival. In 2012, the Arts the 2012 Cultural Champion Award from the Arts & Cultural Alliance awarded Mrs. Hopkins the and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County. In 2016, Cultural Champion Award in recognition of her Mr. Hopkins was awarded the Luminaire Award, many years of accomplishment and growth with honoring excellence in creativity, philanthropy, Florida Studio Theatre. In 2016, Mrs. Hopkins advocacy, and all elements that are keys to future growth of the arts in Sarasota. In 2017, was awarded the Luminaire Award, honoring Mr. Hopkins was awarded the Florida Theatre excellence in creativity, philanthropy, advocacy, Conference Lifetime Achievement Award for and all elements that are keys to future growth contributing to the rich cultural fabric of the of the arts in Sarasota. Sarasota community and the state of Florida, and his dedication to developing future artists, educators, and advocates. UNDERWRITERS GAELE BARTHOLD FST is family and an integral GEORGIA COURT I love great theatre and FST part of my life. Its community contributions are delivers that. FST is among the best theatre myriad and a model of theatrical excellence. companies I have seen, but it is more than a Quality and diverse stage productions at theatre company. It is an organization that affordable prices are but one component of FST’s recognizes it is part of the greater community– offerings. Other contributions include extensive and it reaches out to that community in contact with local schools to foster student positive, productive ways. As the owner of creativity and theatre appreciation, structured Bookstore1 Sarasota, I have been proud to and wide-ranging educational programs for partner with FST in the creation and celebration adults and children, community forums and of contemporary literary works. Having FST other community outreach programs, and a so accessible adds to the joy of living in the strong commitment to New Play Development fabulous arts community that is Sarasota. and excellence in the arts. FST is a gem that SHIRLEY FEIN My support of FST was warrants our widespread financial and artistic immediate. I felt a comfortable intimacy support. I am proud to serve on FST’s board and a grandeur regarding their intellectually and to support it financially and otherwise. stimulating and entertaining performances. I COOKIE BOUDREAUX & DENNIS HASSELL salute FST for having exceptional management, In today’s hustle and bustle world, FST a friendly and caring staff, and performers refreshingly reminds us of what it means to extraordinaire! It is my sincere pleasure be human. These basic truths can sometimes to be a sponsor of the 2019-20 Winter be easy to overlook in a world consumed by Mainstage Season, full of new and exciting busyness. After leaving an FST performance, productions for us all to enjoy. See you there! each audience member is filled with a renewed SYDNEY GOLDSTEIN FST is important to me sense of life–as awakened human beings. because I have always enjoyed the theatre and JOAN & LARRY CASTELLANI We have been it provides a good, thought-provoking play. Its attending Florida Studio Theatre for many productions are unique to our community. My years, and we have found so much to enjoy. We favorite show was Master Class in 1998 with love the diversity of the art FST offers, and are Kate Alexander. I generally like the dramas, consistently impressed at the talent showcased which make us think and touch our emotions. on their many stages. We appreciate that FST has many facets, all of them worthwhile. Richard, Rebecca, and the rest of the FST staff It is my pleasure to support these efforts! show a true dedication to their craft. And most WENDY & BOB GRADY We were so impressed importantly, we are grateful that a theatre when we first visited FST, that we immediately of this caliber exists in our city. We are proud wanted to become involved. Whenever you to be supporters of this Sarasota treasure. come across a theatre program as unique ED & JUDY CHRISTIAN Sarasota is continually as FST’s, where the key to getting art into voted as an area that has an exceptionally high the hearts of so many has been found – in a quality of life and the arts. A very big part of comfortable and easily accessible way – you this is Florida Studio Theatre. FST sets the mark know you’ve spotted a winner. We are proud and excels in invariably producing a high-level to be Underwriters – associated with the finest quality theatre experience. No doubt about it, staff and talent anywhere – and hope that others FST is a strong part of the fabric that makes will join us in supporting FST’s important work. Sarasota the stand-out community that it is. GULF COAST COMMUNITY FOUNDATION For Please join with us and other donors to ensure 25 years, together with our donors, Gulf Coast that FST will grow and continually challenge Community Foundation has transformed our us with great theatre and entertainment on all region through bold and proactive philanthropy. levels. Gulf Coast is a public charity that UNDERWRITERS was created in 1995 through the sale of the bringing theatre experiences into the schools Venice Hospital. Since then, we have become provides an exposure to the arts that open new the philanthropic home of nearly 1,000 families, doors to young people. FST is a cultural pillar of individuals, organizations, and businesses the Sarasota arts community. We are proud to that have established charitable funds here, be a part of its continuing success as supporters and we have invested over $320 million in and by serving on the Board of Directors. grants in the areas of health and human ANNE H.S. NETHERCOTT (1926-2019) services, civic and economic development, When asked to define giving, Anne said: “My education, arts and culture, and the mother used to say the best way to find you environment. Learn more at GulfCoastCF.org. is to lose yourself, by focusing on the needs of ROBERT & BONNY ISRAELOFF Our favorite others rather than on oneself.” So giving has FST story happened while attending a always been an important family value, which performance for the first time many years in childhood was reinforced by the community ago and saying, “This is theatre! Do they experience of surviving The Depression. Anne have a season subscription?!” FST is thought- was proud to be a supporter of FST. provoking, Broadway-worthy theatre. We MURIEL O’NEIL FUND FOR THE believe FST is important because it enriches PERFORMING ARTS OF COMMUNITY our community; it helps make Sarasota what it FOUNDATION OF SARASOTA COUNTY is. This is why we have proudly contributed to With a gift from The Muriel O’Neil Fund past expansions – especially the new Gompertz For The Performing Arts of the Community Theatre complex – to aid FST’s mission in Foundation of Sarasota County, an endowed being even more accessible to the public. fund was established to help underwrite DENNIS & GRACI MCGILLICUDDY FST is FST’s winter Mainstage Series for many years important to us because we believe so strongly to come. Muriel’s sister, Dr. Gertrude Hight, in the transformative power of the arts. For close established this gift with the Community to 30 years now, we have been so fortunate to Foundation of Sarasota County to ensure experience first-hand how that transformative Muriel’s legacy would live on and support an power works its magic in the hands of an area of the community she deeply cherished. organization that is not only experienced and GAIL & SKIP SACK Extraordinary, creative, dedicated, but so highly skilled in their craft. and thought provoking productions, each with The values of the theater and its leadership, an incredible cast of talented professionals, as reflected in its mission, and as manifested make Florida Studio Theatre an absolute jewel in its work, whether it be on the Mainstage, in in Sarasota. Additionally, the Cabaret shows are the Cabaret, in its Education and community expertly crafted, and provide entertainment outreach programs – these are values that we that is worth many times their bargain pricing. so strongly believe in. As a consequence, it is a Sarasota is fortunate to have the FST at the privilege for us to be a part of, and supportive of epicenter of the area’s performing venues. this great theater. DOROTHY WALDRON I support FST for its PATRICK & MARY MULVA We discovered diversity of programming: Mainstage, Cabaret, FST after moving to Sarasota in July 2018, Improv, WRITE A PLAY children’s program, and were so impressed with the diversity and summer camp, adult education classes, and quality of the performances. The breadth of the VIP program for special needs children. It is entertainment offerings delight, challenge, and truly a wonderful community asset. provide thought provoking subjects for a broad range of audiences. In addition, their work in

Recognizes our Legacy Underwriters & Legacy Co-Producers for their commitment to the Art of FST, establishing an endowed fund to support cherished programs for many years to come. CO-PRODUCERS JANE BAISLEY I have been coming to Sarasota is to strengthen Jewish life and identity in our since 1959 when my husband’s parents retired community, provide for Jewish people in need, here. In 1996 Bill and I moved to Siesta Key and and to promote support for Israel. With 35,000 became active in Sarasota’s community life. I people living in Jewish households in our two- have remained active in the community and am county area, we are the “go-to” organization especially interested in FST – reading plays for for all things Jewish. Learn more at jfedsrq.org. the literary department as part of the theatre’s VALERIE JOELS I am deeply involved with “Readers Circle,” attending Children’s Theatre theatre and the arts here in Sarasota. My productions, and becoming a faithful supporter. admiration for the artistic excellence of PHILIP & SUZAN GAYNES Throughout our the performances at FST together with the married life together we’ve made it a point to unwavering determination of all concerned attend as much theater as we possibly can. That to make theatre as accessible and affordable wasn’t always easy due to affordability. Back as possible to so many is unbounded. In in the days when I was a medical resident in addition, their VIP program creates artistic New Haven, Connecticut, my salary was $100 engagement opportunities for students with per month. But that didn’t stop us from going disabilities. I am honored to support all of the to the theater. The Schubert Theater in New wonderful facets of Florida Studio Theatre. Haven was the venue where “out-of-town” SRQ MEDIA GROUP transforms what it means openings took place. For $2 a ticket, you could to live and love local through its portfolio sit in the last row of the balcony and see pre- of hyper-local print and online publications Broadway shows. Fast-forward to retiring in including its flagship city regional SRQ Magazine, Sarasota and feasting on all of the live theater its documentary, and video production division offerings. What particularly impressed us Moving Stories and non-profit development about FST was the first-rate talent, the very division Story Project. The SRQ Media team professional level of the productions, and the leverages its strong audience footprint to commitment to keep ticket prices affordable. It catalyze visionary community programs such is our great privilege at this time in our lives to as SB2: Regional Symposia Series, Women in support FST and help sustain its commitment Business, SMARTgirl, SkillSHARE and ProjecThink to make live theater affordable for everyone. by engaging individuals to positively impact RUTH GORTON FST is truly a great regional their hometown of Sarasota and the Bradenton theatre that professionally produces the work Area situated on the vibrant West Coast of of the playwright, including children through Florida. its WRITE A PLAY program. It is a joy to see school children try their hands at playwriting and then to see their plays produced on the FST stage. It is equally exciting to see plays produced by contemporary artists and it is a thrill for me to sponsor these productions. @FloridaStudioTheatre BEN & JUDITH HANDELMAN We support #HandleWithCare FST because we like many of the shows they produce. We appreciate that they are We encourage you to take photos with the different from the usual run of the mill set before and after the show productions you might see in other theatres. and share to social media! JEWISH FEDERATION OF SARASOTA- We just ask that you please recognize MANATEE For 60 years, The Jewish Federation of the scenic designers: Sarasota-Manatee has been the center of Jewish @axisstudiosdesign life for Sarasota and Manatee counties. Our mission FST FORUMS

JEWISH TRADITIONS AND CUSTOMS BY MADISON MCALLISTER

Perhaps the most quoted line in theatre, Tevye’s proclamation “Tradition!” from Fiddler on the Roof is not taken lightly for members of the Jewish community. Judaism is the world’s oldest monotheistic religion dating back roughly over 3,500 years. Here are some of the traditions or customs you might hear referred to in the play Handle With Care.

Funerals: A Jewish funeral usually takes place within 24 hours after death in accordance with Jewish laws, tradition, and customs. In the modern world, there is some acceptance to delay the burial for mourners’ travel and for arrangements to be made. The funeral is a solemn and reflective service, and there is no public viewing of the body. The body is typically buried in a plain wooden casket. According to Jewish law, the body is washed but not embalmed.

Rosh Hashanah: A celebration of the birthday of the universe, the day God created Adam and Eve, and the Jewish New Year. Rosh Hashanah observances include candle lighting in the evenings, festive meals with sweet delicacies during the night and day, prayer services that include the sounding of the ram’s horn (shofar) on both mornings, and abstaining from creative work.

Yom Kippur: Also referred to as the Day of Atonement, this is the holiest day of the year for Jews. They traditionally observe this holy day with a 25-hour period of fasting and intensive prayer, often spending most of the day in synagogue services. Yom Kippur completes the annual period known in Judaism as the High Holy Days. Bar/Bat Mitzvah: Bar Mitzvah is a Jewish coming of age ritual and family celebration commemorating the religious adulthood of a boy on his 13th birthday. Bat Mitzvah is a Jewish coming of age ritual for girls. According to Jewish law, when a Jewish boy turns 13 years old or a girl turns 12, the children become accountable for their actions, and are now deemed personally responsible for observing all the commandments.

Hanukkah: Meaning “dedication,” Hanukkah is a Jewish festival commemorating the rededication of the Second Holy Temple in Jerusalem. This is celebrated by the lighting of candles on each day of the eight-day festival. It is also known as the Festival of Lights, Feast of Dedication, or Feast of the Maccabees. FST FORUMS TEST YOUR VOCABULARY Here are some common Hebrew vocabulary words you might hear in the play.

Savta or Safta – means grandmother, Saba – grandfather Jewish mothers and grandmothers are often portrayed as dominating figures, somewhat larger- than-life. Jewish fathers and grandfathers, on the other hand, occupy much less space in the imagination of the public. Jewish grandmothers and grandfathers are considered to be sources of wisdom.

Shabbat – Sabbath, means rest. God commanded the Jewish People to observe the Sabbath and keep it holy as the fourth of the Ten Commandments.

Shul or Schul – synagogue (pronounced “shool”) is a Yiddish term, and tends to be used more amongst Orthodox sects to refer to their house of worship.

Seder – order. The Passover Seder is a Jewish ritual feast that marks the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Passover.

Shalom - peace, harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, welfare, and tranquility. It can also be used as a greeting to mean both hello and goodbye.

Masoret – tradition. It is found in Ezekiel 20:37 and originally means “bond” or “fetter.” Masoret is used to include all forms of tradition, both those which relate to the Torah and those which concern custom, law, historical events, folkways, and other subjects.

Haftarah – a portion from the Prophets read after the reading from the Torah on Sabbaths, festivals, and fast days. FST COMPANY BOARD OF TRUSTEES EDUCATION & TOURS President...... Dennis McGillicuddy Director of Children’s Theatre...... Caroline Kaiser Vice-President...... Richard Hopkins Director of Education...... Christine Hopkins Secretary/Treasurer...... Patricia Courtois Education Administrator...... Pamela Smith Trustee...... Gaele Barthold Teaching Artist/YPF Coordinator...... Adam Ratner Trustee...... Georgia Court Education Group Sales Assoc...... Hannah Bagnall Trustee...... Jeff Hotchkiss Teaching Artist...... Denee Lortz Trustee...... Robert Israeloff COMMUNITY RESOURCE GROUP Trustee...... Barbara Lupoff Jan Coleman Marie Kropp Trustee...... Patrick Mulva Larry Coleman Susan Landau Trustee...... Honorable Charles E. Williams Shirley Fein Frank Malickson Maddy Freshwater Matty Matheson EXECUTIVE STAFF Carol Gilbert Graci McGillicuddy Producing Artistic Director...... Richard Hopkins Sy Goldblatt Jill Ross Jim Goldman Ina Schnell Managing Director...... Rebecca Hopkins Sandy Goldman Alan Schottenstein ARTISTIC STAFF Robert Grady Lois Schottenstein Wendy Grady Lois Stulberg Associate Director At-Large...... Kate Alexander Bonny Israeloff Charlie Ann Syprett Casting/Hiring Coordinator...... Alexa Doggett Valerie Joels Martin Taffel Casting Associate/Artistic Assistant...... James Ashford Patricia Kordis Resident Pianist...... Jim Prosser Associate Artist...... Jason Cannon AUDIENCE ENRICHMENT GROUP Associate Artist...... Ellie Mooney Hon. Larry L. Eger Ina Schnell Associate Artist...... Rachel Moulton Trevor Harvey Commissioner Willie Associate Artist...... Catherine Randazzo The Jewish Federation ofSarasota-Manatee Charles Shaw Director of Improvisation...... Will Luera Gilbert King Howard Tevlowitz Assistant to the Artistic Director...... Doris Iemolo Michéle D. Redwine Honorable Charles E.Williams Literary Associate...... Meg Gilbert Dr. Eddy Regnier Rose Chapman OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE PRODUCTION STAFF House Counsel...... Michael E. Siegel Production Manager...... Bruce Price ...... Shutts & Bowen LLP Production Manager...... Lizzi Nehls Facility Custodian...... Confidence Cleaning Company Assistant Production Manager...... Louis Vetter Caretaker...... Doctor Nik Mainstage Stage Manager...... Roy Johns

Costume Shop Manager...... Adrienne Webber PROFESSIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM Sound Supervisor...... Thom Korp Acting Apprentice...... Samantha Dempsey Lighting Supervisor...... Michael Cummings Acting Apprentice...... Brooke Emmerich Props/Paint Supervisor...... Kristine Kreutzer Acting Apprentice...... Anna Lee Hawkins Acting Apprentice...... Tim Hiemstra Lead Carpenter...... Marco Acosta Acting Apprentice...... Marc Johnson ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Acting Apprentice...... Pedro Leos General Manager...... Jill Zakrzewski Acting Apprentice...... De’Ja McKnabb Director of IT...... Clarke Weigle Acting Apprentice...... Reilly O’Connell Business Manager...... Carmen Gonzalez Acting Apprentice...... Megan Piggott Acting Apprentice...... Will Stapleton Associate Business Manager...... Orville Cordero Acting Apprentice...... Kyle Van Frank Business Office Associate...... David Wallace Acting/Improv Fellow...... Anna Weatherwax Asst. to the Managing Dir...... Phyllis Silverman Artistic/Directing Fellow...... Drew Norris Facilities Manager...... Joseph Goepfrich Company Management Intern...... Chelsea Whittemore Facilities Technician...... Mark Quackenbush Costume Intern...... Chelsea Bannan Company Manager...... Luke Johnson Costume Intern...... David Wesley Price Director of Marketing...... Becca Jennings Development Intern...... Camryn MacIver Public Relations Associate...... Lydia Baxter Education Fellow...... Austin Howeth Marketing Associate...... Sarah Haley Lighting Fellow...... Justen Zhang Literary Intern...... Benedict Burgess Marketing Assistant...... Justin Jones Literary Intern...... Alex Drinnen Director of Indiv. Giving...... Melody Mora-Shihadeh Literary Intern...... Madison McAllister Development Associate...... Melanie Marcotte Literary Intern...... Hannah Zwerner Development Associate...... Rachel Moulton Marketing Intern...... Alyssa Parrish Development Associate...... Matthew Quick Playwriting Fellow...... Sarah Durham Events Coord./Gen. Mgmt. Asst...... JT Priar Production Intern...... Jacob Scott Patron Services Manager...... Kelsey Wehde Wilson Production Management Intern...... Chase Knapstein Interim Box Office Manager...... Gigi Delpero Scenic Production Intern...... Shannen McClure Asst. Box Office Manager...... Noah Scheibmeir Scenic Production Intern...... Joshua Williams Restaurant Manager...... Tom Curry Sound Fellow...... David Sabbagh Restaurant Manager...... Karen Kraster Stage Management Intern...... Elizabeth Adams Stage Management Intern...... Amanda Balter Asst. Restaurant Manager...... Sara Miller Stage Management Intern...... Henry Hanson Asst. Restaurant Manager...... Kristy Plum Stage Management Intern...... Shira Lebovich Receptionist/ Volunteer Coord...... Joan O’Dowd Stage Management Intern...... Emily Mick Stage Management Intern...... Helena Rankin 941.366.9000 | floridastudiotheatre.org