FOLKSBIENE'S CARL REINER SALUTE AT TOWN HALL A RESOUNDING SUCCESS

On the evening of June 17, 2008 at The Town Hall, the National Yiddish Theatre - Folksbiene supporters came out in droves to celebrate legendary humorist Carl Reiner and to honor the noted philanthropist and international Jewish community leader Irwin Hochberg. Luminaries and rising stars of the Yiddish stage, as well as film and television celebrities such as Jerry Stiller, Theodore Bikel,Fyvush Finkel, Mandy Patinkin, Renee Taylor, David Price and Dr. Ruth Westheimer, were on hand to the delight of the packed house.

Carl Reiner literally "phoned in" his appearance. Unfortunately, Mr. Reiner was not able to attend the event due to the health of his loving wife Estelle. However, he did call in and had a live phone conversation with Jerry Stiller that was broadcast into the house. This was accompanied by a filmed interview conducted at Mr. Reiner's Hollywood home a few days before the event.

Other highlights included a hysterical presentation by CBS weatherman David Price, who could well have launched a career as a Borscht Belt Comedian; humorous and touching tributes by Mandy Patinkin and Dr. Ruth; a scene from "Fiddler on The Roof" performed in Yiddish by Fyvush Finkel and Theo Bikel, a stirring rendition of "Old Man River" performed in Yiddish by Cantor Robert Paul Abelson, hits from the Drama Desk Award-Nominated hit "On Second Avenue" performed by Joanne Borts, Lisa Rubin and Lisa Fishman; a crowd-pleasing Dziganand Schumacher routine performed by Daniella Rabbani and Miryem-Khaye Seigel; a Mickey Katz parody of "16 Tons" paying tribute to event sponsor The 2nd Avenue Deli and a classic "hospital sketch" performed by Renee Taylor that kept the audience in stitches.

The stage was filled with young faces represented by the casts of The Folksbiene's hit family musical "Kids and Yiddish" featuring a stirring rendition of "My Yiddishe Mama" by 9 year old cast member Sarah Mlotek and The Folksbiene Troupe consisting of performers in their 20's and 30's who travel the Northeast presenting Yiddish language musical revues.

The evening's music was provided by Artistic Director Zalmen Mlotek and at the piano he was joined by Frank London on the trumpet and their All-Star Band.

The evening concluded with a rousing company performance of "There's No Business Like Show Business" in Yiddish.

The audience left with big smiles on their faces, awaiting the next chance to celebrate the joys of Yiddish theatre with The Folksbiene.