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LAUGHTER THROUGH TEARS

THEO BIKEL in SHOLOM ALEICHEM: LAUGHTER THROUGH TEARS

Written By Theodore Bikel
Music Direction by Tamara Brooks
Tamara Brooks, Piano
Merima Ključo, Accordion
Directed by Derek Goldman
Presented by Special Arrangement
with National Jewish Theater
Arnold Mittelman, Producing Artistic Director
Originally developed in 2008 by Theater J, Washington, DC
Ari Roth, Artistic Director and Patricia Jenson, Managing Director

IN ENGLISH WITH SOME YIDDISH THIS SHOW WILL BE PERFORMED
MOSTLY IN ENGLISH WITH YIDDISH AND RUSSIAN SUPERTITLES

A PLAY WITH MUSIC CELEBRATING THE GREAT YIDDISH WRITER

Critically Acclaimed NEW YORK Premiere
This great theatrical legendreturns to New York to unveil this movingly
delivered, beautifully sung show about the pioneering 19th - century
author Sholom Aleichem. This is a tour de force one-man homage to
a writer who was hailed as the Jewish Mark Twain. Told with warmth,
humor and a rich catalogue of Yiddish music this major event will be
enjoyed by all generations.

Sholom Aleichem’s stories introduced the world to Tevye the Milkman
and inspired the landmark Broadway musical, “Fiddler on the Roof.”
Theo Bikel played Tevye more than 2,000 performances onstage…
Now as playwright and star, Bikel brings back to life one of literature’s
most beloved authors and a bevy of the unforgettable characters he created.

He tells their stories… he sings their songs… he magically melds times
long gone with matters that tug at our heartstrings even today. Singing in
English and Yiddish, Bikel captivates his audience with an enchanting
trove of music from Eastern Europe played live onstage by world-renowned
musical director Tamara Brooks and acclaimed accordionist Merima Kljuco.

Sholom Aleichem’s last will and testament implored that we remember him
only with laughter… and laugh you will as Theo Bikel’s heartfelt creation
touchingly fulfills that wish.