[NEohioPAL] Brian Zoldessy's upcoming production

[Borland, Joy]

NEWS 

The Mandel Jewish Community Center of Cleveland 

26001 South Woodland Rd, Beachwood OH 44122 

For Immediate Releas Tucker 

eContact: AnitaDecember 19, 2008 (216) 228-7285 

Anita at Where4ARThou.com 

Mandel JCC Selects Director for World Premiere of Commissioned Play 

Cleveland Heights to Open February 2009 

Journey of a Play, Playwright and Director 

The Mandel JCC Arts & Culture Program announces that Brian Zoldessy, Director of Theatre Arts for Cuyahoga Community College Eastern Campus and a stand-out in the Cleveland theater community, will direct the upcoming production of Cleveland Heights, co-produced with Tri-C® Eastern Campus Theatre Arts. Zoldessy, who recently endured a kidney transplant, marks his return to directing with this script commissioned by the J Arts & Culture Program and based loosely on the lives of mid-twentieth-century Jews in Cleveland. 

Zoldessy's passionate commitment to sharing new and compelling theater with Cleveland audiences convinced him to accept the role of director. The same love of and dedication to theater is mirrored in his personal life: his donor came from the ranks of the local theater community. "It's been a remarkable journey," says Zoldessy, "I'm thrilled to return to directing with a project this exciting - one that has shared its own journey with the Cleveland community, just as I have." 

JOURNEY OF A PLAY 

The road to Cleveland Heights began in early 2008 when The Mandel JCC Arts & Culture Program commissioned playwright Keith Reddin to script a play. Reddin, who has premiered works at theaters across America, visited Cleveland in February to interview several Jewish Clevelanders representing commercial, educational, religious and historical segments of the city. He combined their perspectives and personal histories with his own research done locally and conceived and wrote Cleveland Heights. In June and again in October, Reddin returned to the city, participating in numerous private and public readings before Cleveland audiences. After months of development, Reddin's script has grown into a story of the city mirrored in the struggles of one fictional Jewish family. 

The involvement of the Cleveland community has been an integral part of Reddin's creative process. "I'm delighted to provide Clevelanders with not only great new theater but also the enriching experience of being part of the playwright's journey and the evolution of a play," says Reddin, who has shared his thoughts and experiences on his blog at http://mjccnewplay.blogspot.com (also accessible via www.clevejcc.org). 

THE PLAYWRIGHT 

Trained at Northwestern University and Yale School of Drama, Keith Reddin has premiered works at Wisdom Bridge, South Coast Rep, La Jolla Playhouse, American Repertory Theatre, Manhattan Theatre Club, Atlantic Theatre Company, The Goodman Theatre, The Alley Theatre, Playwrights Horizon, City Theatre of Pittsburgh, The Gate Theatre, and, as part of this year's FusionFest, the Cleveland Play House. In 2004, Reddin was named signature playwright for Chicago's Eclipse Theatre and saw three of his plays produced during their 2004 season. He has also penned successful film and television screenplays and acted on both the big screen and Broadway stage. 

THE PERFORMANCE 

Cleveland Heights runs February 26 through March 15, 2009, at the Cuyahoga Community College Eastern Campus Performing Arts Center. 

Tickets: 

Preview Night February 26: $12 

Opening Night February 28: $14 

All Other Dates: $24 

ADVANCED SALE Ticket Discounts: 

JCC Members: $21 

Seniors: $22 

Students: $12 

Group of 10+: $18 (Call 216-593-6258 to order.) 

To purchase tickets: (Transaction fees will be added to phone and online orders) 

		* Call (866) 546-1358 

		 

* Purchase online at www.clevejcc.org 

* Visit The Mandel JCC during regular business hours 

2008-09 ARTS & CULTURE SEASON 

In addition to Cleveland Heights, events remaining include Open a New Window: The Songs of Jerry Herman (January 11); An Evening of Classical Music & Art (May 3); Helen Welch & Trio: A Tribute to Jewish Lyricists and Composers (May 9); and Pangs of the Messiah (June 11-28). For event details, please call The Mandel JCC at (216) 831-0700 or visit www.clevejcc.org. 

Generous support from Roe Green and The Green Arts Fund of the Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland has helped make the 2008-09 Mandel JCC Arts & Culture season possible. Media support is provided by The Cleveland Jewish News. Accommodations are provided by Marriott Cleveland East. 

The Mandel Jewish Community Center of Cleveland builds and strengthens Cleveland's entire Jewish Community by providing exceptional programs and services that enhance Jewish continuity and Jewish identity in four key program areas: Health, Wellness and Recreation; Early Childhood Education; Camping; and Cultural Arts, which are central to the mission of JCC's nationwide. Membership to The Mandel JCC is open to all. The Mandel JCC is a non-profit social service agency that receives funding from the Jewish Community Federation and the United Way. 

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