DESCRIPTION OF PLAYS
(with music samples)

CHANUKAH SHOWS

1.   The Dreidel Surprise– a present-day Jewish family comes face to face with its old world history when the spinning of a magic dreidel releases a Jewish magician. Cast includes mother, father, son and daughter, the magician and an expandable cast of ancestors.  Musical in two acts.  Libretto and Music by Linda Kaufman.  Additional materials by Brian Billings, Michael Hardy, Rachelle Neuman and Diana Samuels.

2.   Get Gelt or Get Out – an old-fashioned, popcorn-throwing melodrama about eight Jewish orphans who will be homeless if the villain (N.T. Achis) has his way. A delightful interactive play that takes place in New York in the 1920’s. Cast includes eight orphans, two men and two women. Can be expanded to a larger group if desired. Not a musical but CD with background music is available.  Script by the Beth-El wrights.

3.   Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins - a one act musical adaptation of Eric Kimmel’s tale of how the legendary Hershel rescues Hanukkah from the clutches of the holiday-hating goblins.  Cast includes Herschel and six goblins.  Expandable goblin cast.  Click on picture for larger view.  Listen to music samples: Goblin Glory or Hanukkah Lights from the rehearsal tape.  Script by Carla Silen.  Music by Linda Kaufman.

4.   Latke Revue – a grab-bag of Hanukkah  songs and skits to mix, match and enjoy. Easy to produce and a great audience pleaser.  Expandable cast.  Script by Carla Silen.  Music by Linda Kaufman.

5.   The Latke Rock – a short musical that is a Jewish rendering of the well-known story of stone soup. Stars Hershel, his family and as many villagers as you choose to cast.  Click on picture for larger view.  Libretto by Carla Silen.  Music by Linda Kaufman.

6.   The Chanukah Guest – a three-person short play about the almost blind Bubbe Brayna’s special latke dinner for the Rabbi. When Old Bear shows up instead, the fun begins. Several original songs included.  Libretto by Carla Silen.  Music by Linda Kaufman.

FULL LENGTH MUSICALS in TWO ACTS

1.   1001 Chickens – a Jewish peasant girl rescues prince in distress and proves that she is smarter than the renowned Sages of Chelm.   Based on the book by Seymour Rossel, this play was the recipient of an ATAC award for Best Original Score and Script. Excellent for school age or adult actors.  Click on picture for larger view.  Listen to sample music: Sages Three  or Have You Heard from the rehearsal tape.  Libretto by Carla Silen.  Music by Linda Kaufman.

2.   Estherella – Amusing but challenging story of a Jewish girl trying to pass as a Persian queen, only to find that she must risk her life to save that which she is trying to hide. Based on Biblical scroll of Esther. Click on picture for larger view.  Winner of ATAC award for Best Original Score.  Libretto by Wendy Waller.  Music by Linda Kaufman.  Listen to sample music: Feelings Stirring or Miss Them Tonight.

3.   Out of Ur – Inspiring, yet light-hearted, this blending of Scripture and folklore depicts the events leading to Abram’s decision to leave Ur, the city of his birth, in acceptance of the Covenant. Can be done as a play or as a musical. Nominated for Best Original Score and Script. Can be produced with adults or children.  Click on picture for larger view.   Listen to two music samples: Beautiful Day or It's Time to Go from the rehearsal tape.  Libretto by Carla Silen.  Music by Linda Kaufman.

4.   The Pirate Princess - A musical farce depicting the confusion that results when a promise is not kept. Packed with royalty, wizards, pirates and laughs. Recipient of 2000 ATAC award for Excellence for Original Script. Can be produced with older children and/or adults.  Click on pictures for larger view.  Listen to sample music: Learning to Love You or The Quest from the rehearsal tape.  Libretto by Carla Silen.  Music by Linda Kaufman.

5.   Yousef’s Partner – Based on a Jewish folktale, this farce tells the story of a poor, hen-pecked loser who enters into a get-rich-quick scheme with the King of the Demons, then decides to get a little richer. Nominated for ATAC awards for Best Original Script and Best Original Score.  Libretto by Carla Silen.  Music by Linda Kaufman.

6.    It’s All About Hats – a fast-paced musical that showcases five Jewish women who are members of a Red Hat Lady Society and meet once a month in a tea-room and hat shop owned by two Jewish brothers. Smash hit the summer of 2004. An adult show with a cast of six women and two men.  Libretto by Rachelle Neuman.  Music by Linda Kaufman.

7.  Nothing Ever Happens in a Small Town - Teens in a small Texas town fall prey to two California "talent scouts."  Written for Teen Acting Troupe at the San Pedro Playhouse.  Great fun with memorable music.  Script and music by Linda Kaufman and Vivienne Elborne.

SHORT DRAMAS for SYNAGOGUES, YOUTH GROUPS

1.    For All the Right Reasons - (1 act) Set on the morning of April 15, 1775, this play explores the events leading up to the Battle of Lexington while asking the question: Does the end justify the means? Originally written to be performed in conjunction with the High Holidays.  Script by Carla Silen.

2.   From the Beginning – (1 act) A thoughtful and amusing look at Creation and the relationship between God and humans. Inspired by the story, “Partners,” by Rabbi Marc Gellman. Originally written to be performed in conjunction with the High Holidays.  Script by Carla Silen.

3.    The Death of Ivan Ilych – (1 act) An adaptation of Tolstoy’s classic novella about a dying man who discovers too late that he has missed out on life. Originally written to be performed in conjunction with the High Holidays.  Script by Carla Silen.

4.    The Letter of the Law – (1 act) An exploration of the gray area between truth and lies, sin and virtue, in a gently satirical adaptation of a story by Mark Twain. Originally written to be performed in conjunction with the High Holidays.  Script by Carla Silen.

5.   Of Good Courage – (1 act) A combination of several Hasidic folk tales, the play presents the familiar story of the miser redeemed while examining the concepts of Teshuvah and forgiveness. Originally written to be performed in conjunction with the High Holidays.  Script by Carla Silen.

6.   A Time to Choose – (1 act) Set in Buchenwald on the eve of the liberation, this play explores the process of beginning anew. Written for performance during the High Holidays.  Script by Carla Silen.

SHORT MUSICAL PRESENTATIONS

1.    Psalms Alive! – a short musical presentation based on the Psalms and the story of David. Designed for upper elementary school students.  Listen to a sample song: There is a Little Piece of God in Me.

2.   Seder Songs – Musical program designed for presentation by Elementary grades. Contains humorous and sacred songs plus narration.

3.   The Mystery of the Missing Matzoh – Everything’s ready for the Seder, but what has happened to the matzoh? A short play for elementary school students, plus two adults.