TEAMING UP AGAIN, THIS TIME WITH ‘SHREK’ — The White Theatre and The Theatre in the Park will be teaming up once again this summer to co-produce “Shrek.” The first co-production between the two theaters was the 2013 production of “Hairspray.” {mprestriction ids="1,3"}I’ve been told it helped reduce costs, increased production value and combined talent so well that they decided to do it again.
“The collaboration with the Theatre in the Park allowed us to access more potential actors than normally audition at the White Theatre, which allows us to expand our talent pool and our audiences,” said Krista Blackwood, director of Cultural Arts at The J.
“We also had access to TTIP’s tech crews, particularly carpenters and painters, which enabled us to create a more intricate set than we can usually create,” she added.
“Theater is a tough business at best. Sharing costs with another theater helps everyone,” said Tim Bair, producing artistic director of Theatre in the Park. “By co-producing ‘Shrek’ we’re going to be able to increase the production value of what you see on stage, which is a win-win for everyone, patrons included.”
SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES — Jewish Federations of North America has opened an online condolence card. You may show your solidarity and support for the people of France by adding your message. Visit http://fedweb.fedwebpreview.org/stand-together-with-french-jewry. Your words will be conveyed to the Jewish community of France.
‘BRAVE MISS WORLD’ TO BE PRESENTED — Israeli beauty queen Linore Abargil was abducted and raped in Milan, Italy, two months before being crowned Miss World in 1998. Ten years later, she’s ready to talk about it — and to encourage others to speak out in a documentary film that explores some important themes around the issue of sexual violence.
The Kansas City chapter of UNA Women and MOCSA are sponsoring a special showing of the film “Brave Miss World” at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, at the Kauffman Foundation, 4801 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, Mo. This event is free and open to the public.
The film will be followed by a panel discussion, with representatives from MOCSA and SAFEHOME discussing aspects of the film, sexual violence in our community, and steps we can all take to work toward a community free from violence.
CNN said of the film, “Nominated for a 2014 Emmy for Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking, the film goes beyond the screen to empower victims of sexual violence to speak up through its website, in community screenings and on social media.” Esquire magazine called it “the essential documentary of 2013.”
For more information, contact www.una-kc.org or .
BOOK SUPPORTS HAR NOF MASSACRE VICTIMS — Following the inconceivable massacre in a Jerusalem synagogue less than two months ago comes a book, “Living On,” that attempts to address the lingering questions and emotions so many were left feeling. On Tuesday, Nov. 18, two Arab terrorists armed with guns, knives and axes infiltrated a prominent synagogue in the Har Nof neighborhood and left four worshippers brutally murdered. Two of those worshippers had ties to the local Jewish community — HBHA graduate Rabbi Kalman (Cary) Levine and Rabbi Mosheh Twersky, uncle of HBHA faculty member Rabbi Meshulum Twersky.
“Living On — Messages , Memories, and Miracles From the Har Nof Massacre” was written to find meaningful answers to the obvious questions of: How? Why? What now? Personal accounts from eyewitnesses and bereaved family members bring comfort and insight to readers. Stories of the life-saving miracles that occurred that day demonstrate the total outpouring of love and sacrifice that was felt. Inspirational words and lessons from leading spiritual leaders of our generation attempt to illuminate the darkness so many people experienced after the attack.
Following the unprecedented generosity the bereaved families experienced from Jews and gentiles all over the world, the proceeds from this book will be donated to the victims’ families.
The book is available for purchase from Feldheim Publishers at http://www.feldheim.com/living-on.html and on Amazon.
ABC SHOW ‘FOREVER’ FEATURES HOLOCAUST-THEMED EPISODE — The Feb. 3 episode of Forever, which airs on ABC Tuesday nights at 9 p.m. central time, is called “Hitler on the Half Shell.” ABC’s press release about the episode said the focal point of this episode is treasured art stolen by the Nazis in World War II becomes the episode of a murder investigation by Henry, played by Ioan Gruffudd, and Jo, played by Alana De La Garza. Judd Hirsch also stars in the show as Abe. This episode was written by Sarah Nicole Jones and directed by David Warren.{/mprestriction}
