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. - eatre.o g 4i. . .-- 6600 West Maple Road t1.-.- -. :, , West Bloomfield. , MI 4, .,. .-- .r.- 4 L oca ted on the corner of e* Maple &.. Drake Roads 41r •.no_ PARS RESTAURANT PERSIAN CUISINE Buy one lunch or dinner • Lunches from $6.95 get the second lunch or with Soup or Salad Served Mon-Fri dinner for 1 /2 off • Full Bar Of equal or lesser value. Not good with any other offer and specials. 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Expires 11/15/09 1536500 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.