The Jewish Ensemble Theatre presents...
Arty & Entertainment
The Blank Page
y Kitty Dubin
With the deadline for her second novel
looming, a creative writing professor is
mired in self-doubt while work, family and a
gifted new student threaten to drag her under.
As she struggles to finish the novel, conflicts
erupt with her husband, her best friend and
her oh-so-talented student. Michigan
playwright and professor Kitty Dubin explores
the shoices we make in creating our own
stories with her trademark wit, compassion,
and razor sharp dialogue.
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46
October 22 • 2009
JN
Ronelle Grier
Special to the Jewish News
some weighty issues such as tak-
ing risks, maintaining meaningful
friendships and balancing family
ust as facing a blank page
and career, there are enough light-
may be a writer's greatest
hearted moments to keep it from
fear, filling a blank stage on becoming maudlin or heavy handed.
the opening night of a new season
The best dialogue occurs during
can be just as formidable. The world the scenes between Kaplan and
premier of The Blank Page, the new
her longtime friend Fields, whose
play by Jewish Ensemble Theatre
descriptions of her post-divorce dat-
writer-in-residence Kitty Dubin,
ing adventures are both funny and
more than met the challenge.
touching.
The plot centers around
Handelman does a good
novelist and creative writ-
job playing Alex Malone,
ing professor Amy Kaplan
the writing student whose
(Sarab Kamoo) as she
unstoppable enthusiasm
struggles to complete her new book
for her craft inspires both admira-
amidst the demands placed upon
tion and irritation in Kaplan as she
her by her marriage to rabbi-hus-
is reminded of her own youthful
band Danny (John Lepard) and their zeal. As is often the case, Kaplan
unseen first-grader, Sam; her col-
benefits as much, if not more, from
league and recently divorced friend
their relationship as Malone does.
Joy Fields (Naz Edwards); and her
Lepard portrays Danny as a hus-
talented student Alex Malone (Leslie band who tries to remain under-
Ann Handelman).
standing — despite his growing
The play opens with Kaplan deliv- frustration with his wife's increasing
ering a lecture to her class of aspir-
preoccupations and irritability. The
ing writers about the importance
only questionable element is the
of making a no-excuses commit-
character's frequent use of profanity,
ment to their work. As the professor
which seems out of place for a rabbi
moves from lectern to laptop, we
of any denomination.
see that she is more adept at giv-
The most notable of Mary
ing advice than following it. As the
Copenhagen's costume designs are
deadline for submitting her second
worn by Edwards, who transforms
novel moves closer and her stress
the character of Joy from a frumpy
level increases, Kaplan is forced to
divorcee with baggy sweater and
confront the inner demons that are
frizzy hair to an attractive woman
causing havoc in her personal and
with a newly coiffed hairdo and a
professional relationships.
stylish outfit.
The action takes place on a single
In a sermon comparing writing to
set, efficiently designed by Monika
life, Danny tells his congregants, "Do
Essen, with the scenes alternat-
the best work you can and then just
ing between Kaplan's office, in the
let it go."
background, and her living room, in
In the opening show of JET'S new
the foreground. A portable lectern
season, the acting ensemble has
is used as a teaching prop when
done exactly that, and their best
Kaplan addresses her class and
work has proven to be very good
again as a pulpit when her husband
indeed.
delivers a sermon to his congre-
gants.
Under the skilled guidance of
Director Gillian Eaton, the varied
The Blank Page runs at JET in
interaction of the four characters
West Bloomfield through
provides variety and keeps the play
Nov. 8. (248) 788-2900 or
moving at a good pace.
www.JetTheatre.org .
Although the story deals with
j
RE VIEW
Live Entertainment & Belly Dancer on Saturday Nig
Open Mon-Fri for lunch and dinner,
Saturday and Sunday dinner only.
Private Banquet and Conference Rooms
Up to 85 People
JET's production of new Kitty Dubin
play fills the stage with talent.