MJCCA's Jerry's Habima Theatre Celebrates 20 Years of Extraordinary Theater With 'Grease: The School Version'
From March 7 – 17, 2013, Jerry's Habima Theatre, Georgia's only theatrical company directed and produced by professionals, featuring actors with developmental disabilities, will celebrate its 20th anniversary season with the 50's-style musical Grease: The School Version. Jerry's Habima Theatre, recently featured in American Theatre Magazine, was the 2007 recipient of the Spirit of Suzi Bass Award for its long-term and consistent contribution to professionalism in Atlanta theater. All productions are held at the MJCCA's beautiful Morris & Rae Frank Theater, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. Visit us online at atlantajcc.829stage.com.
Saba Silverman, Founding Chair explains, “Unless you have been a part of this remarkable theater over the past 20 years, it is hard to understand the magnitude of emotions that are felt by the actors, their families, and the audiences. 20 years ago, I had to beg my friends to come and donate some money to support the show, and now Habima is a nationally-acclaimed, annual event that is a “go-to” for Atlanta audiences. It has gone beyond my wildest dreams, and I am so amazed and awed each time I see a performance. I leave every show with a huge smile on my face."
Mark Benator, Habima actor said, “I've been involved with Habima since it started. It has meant so much to me, and to the other actors with disabilities, since there's not another theater like this in town.” Benator continues, “We started with just a handful of people, and now we have almost 40 actors, and sold-out performances, with audiences who are not only our family and friends.”
Jerry's Habima Theatre, a program of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA), is produced under the auspices of the MJCCA's Blonder Family Department for Developmental Disabilities, and the MJCCA's Department of Arts & Culture. Each year, together with local professional actors from the community, Jerry's Habima Theatre performers (ages 18+) present a Broadway musical. The Blonder Family Department is co-chaired by Ina Enoch and Lowell Fine. This year, Jerry's Habima Theatre's 20th Anniversary is co-chaired by Laura Dinerman, Saba Silverman, and Faye Siegel.
Lois Blonder, benefactor of Jerry's Habima Theatre in loving memory of her husband, Jerry Blonder, said, “Grease definitely is ‘the one that I want' to showcase the 20th season of Jerry's Habima Theatre.” It gives me such joy to see how far this theater has come in 20 years, and to witness all of the lives that have been deeply touched by it. From the dedicated actors that pour their hearts into each production, to the inspired audiences who ' help but respond with standing ovations; all are overcome with the enormous impact of these performances.”
Professionally directed by Dina Shadwell, the productions also feature local theater artists, as well as interns from the MJCCA's theater company, Company J. The participants of this special theater company achieve new levels of self-confidence, motivation, and socialization from the intensive three-month process of rehearsals and performances. This unique program provides a wonderful opportunity for developing new skills through a meaningful theater experience.
Ms. Silverman said, “Habima makes people want to look at their own lives and remember what is truly important - community and supporting one another regardless of differences. And the great music from Grease is just the way to celebrate!”
Ms. Blonder adds, “What makes me so proud of Jerry's Habima Theatre is that it provides a safe place for self-expression, allowing people to be themselves and come alive on stage, without the fear of not being accepted.”
Grease: The School Version - Performances
Thurs. March 7 at 7:30 pm; Sat. March 9 at 8:30 pm; Sun. March 10 at 3:00 pm; Thurs. March 14 at 7:30 pm; Sat. March 16 at 8:30 pm; and Sun. March 17 at 3:00 pm.
Grease: The School Version - Ticket Prices
General admission: $35; Children 12 and under: $15. MJCCA Members: $25; Children 12 and under: $10.
For additional information or to purchase tickets, call the MJCCA's Box Office at 678-812-4002, or visit on-line at atlantajcc.829stage.com/boxoffice.
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