Noah: The Musical

Jewish Ensemble Theatre puts a
fresh and funny 'arc' on biblical story.

Ronelle Grier
Special to the Jewish News

T

wo by Two, now on stage at
Jewish Ensemble Theatre,
puts a fresh. and funny spin
on one of the oldest stories in the
world with a winning combination of
story and song, performed by a tal-
ented ensemble cast artfully directed
by Harold Jurkiewicz.
The musical comedy, based on
Clifford Odets' play The Flowering
Peach, debuted on Broadway in 1970
with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics
by Martin Charnin and book by Peter
Stone.
The play combines humor, drama
and music to
explore a variety
of themes: mar-
riage, the conflict
between faith and
free will, ecology
and the complex
relationships between fathers and
sons and brothers.
JET veteran Greg Trzaskoma is a
witty and sympathetic Noah, who
struggles to keep his family together
while building the ark that is to be
their salvation during the great flood.
The song "Why Me?" comically depicts
his confusion at having been chosen
for such an important mission.
Trudy Mason, a welcome newcomer
to the JET stage, excels as Esther,
Noah's devoted wife and the compas-
sionate matriarch of the family.
The rest of the cast consists of the
couple's three sons and three daugh-
ters-in-law, who play well individually
and as a group.
John DeMerell is Shem, who is so
obsessed with making money that
he finds a way to profit even during
the flood. Jeff Thomakos plays Ham,
the lazy son with the wandering eye,
and Rusty Mewha is convincing as
Japheth, the idealistic rebel.
The women add color and comic
relief, especially Audra Lord as Leah,
the perpetually disliked and dislikable
wife of Shem, and Annie Radcliffe as
Goldie, the lovable stripper who joins
the family on the ark. Allison Hunt is

also good as Rachel,Eam's pretty but
neglected wife.
The musical numbers range from
the funny "Put Him Away" sung by
Noah's three sons and Leah, who are
convinced their patriarch has lost his
mind after he describes the visit from
God where he received his instruc-
tions for building the ark, to the poi-
gnant "I Do Not Know a Day I Didn't
Love You:' sung by Japheth and Rachel.
Costume designer Mary
Copenhagen's colorful animal pup-
pets, carried on sticks by black-garbed
actors who navigate smoothly across
the set, add a whimsical touch. The
actors wear characteristic biblical
clothing, complete with leather-
strapped sandals, but each outfit is
distinctive enough
to let their individ-
ual personalities
shine through.
A three-piece
orchestra, under
the guidance of
musical director Marty Mandelbaum,
accompanies each song and provides
background music that enhances the
production without distracting the
audience.
JET needs support during these
tough economic times, and there's no
better way to show it than by attend-
ing a performance of this enjoyable
and well-executed musical comedy. ❑

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JET presents Two by Two
through Jan.11 in the Aaron
DeRoy Theatre inside the Jewish
Community Center in West
Bloomfield. Call for show times.
(248) 788-2900 or
www.jettheatre.org .
NOTE: JET will receive 10
percent of all purchases made
at any Barnes & Noble book-
store on Saturday, Jan.17. A
voucher must be presented. For
more information or to obtain a
voucher, contact JET at (248)
788-2900.

expires 1.31.09

XX az:

expires 1.31.09

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Warren • 2201 E. 8 Mile Rd. • Ph: 586-754-0055

December 18

2008

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