Archive

“Actor Michael Raver has delivered some of the best performances seen on stage in the first five seasons of the Sarasota Jewish Theatre, but they were just preludes to the commitment and diversity of characters he displays in [this] powerful one-person play.” -Jay Handelman, ArtsBeat

“Director Diane Cepeda works well within the play’s sometimes awkward structure to give it a pulse, which quickens and subsides, depending on how the latest events play out. [Michael] Raver and [Jim] Floyd work beautifully together, one becoming more grounded as the other loses his place in the world. And somehow they make you care for people and situations that would normally terrify and disgust you. They allow us to see how easy it is to become twisted by events and others, a subject always worth exploration.” -Jay Handelman, ArtsBeat

“Director Carole Kleinberg deftly balances the complexities of the family dynamics and the crisp rhythms of Simon’s dialogue. Under her direction, the cast finds the wit and weight of Simon’s story.” -Marty Fugate, Observer

“The title of Joshua Harmon’s dark comedy ‘Bad Jews’ may be a turnoff to some, but the play that is now running at the Sarasota Jewish Theatre is one of the most stimulating and uncomfortably amusing I’ve seen in some time.” -Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune

“Bravo, bravo, bravo! We were so pleased to see the transition of your beautiful poetry on the written page to a creative, moving theatre production. All the elements, so carefully crafted, came together into one extraordinary piece of theatre.” –Charting the Lost Continent audience member

Note from audience member to Doug Shapiro regarding his performance in Fully Committed:
“Like the thoughtless slob who looks down on the man who collects his trash, or the entitled diner who disrespects her server, I believe that, too often, we theater goers take for granted the toil and talent expended by those who entertain us. So I just wanted to say thanks for sharing your remarkable gift with us. Fully Committed was an absolute delight.”

“Bravo on Sarasota Jewish Theatre’s production of Hedy: The Life and Inventions of Hedy Lamarr … OUTSTANDING!” –Debra Jacobs, The Patterson Foundation

“Ever since I attended the Bashert fundraiser, I have experienced one Bashert experience after another! … to support what I already believe to be true – that everything in the universe is connected, animate and inanimate, no matter how it appears on the surface. Congratulations on your very successful opening of this coming season.” –Linda Albert

“Tuesdays with Morrie was just fabulous. Everyone I know who saw it is raving. What you have done is amazing!!” – theatre patron

“You told me that Tuesdays with Morrie was good and you were right. I thought that I was at the Asolo. It was so professional, and the actors were outstanding.” – theatre patron 

“I loved the production of Rose tonight! Carolyn Michel is wonderful … there was a standing ovation tonight as I think it must be very night. Several Gentile friends were there, and they loved it! That makes me happy. I want inclusiveness from the audience. I think this is very important today with all the antisemitism that is escalating.” – theatre patron 

Sarasota Jewish Theatre’s inaugural season by Trudi Krames, Jewish News:

The reviews are in and the Sarasota Jewish Theatre’s (SJT) inaugural season, presented by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, was a smashing success! Although it began in a pandemic, SJT was able to bring live performances to the homes of their patrons by presenting three play readings via Zoom, with strong, polished performances shaped by talented Sarasota directors.

This inaugural season centered on the Jewish experience and contemporary Jewish issues … All three performances – Women I Have Loved, Cherry Docs, and From Door to Door – were accompanied by talk-backs featuring the actors, directors, and special guests. The community feedback was tremendous … SJT creator Carole Kleinberg received many glowing comments.