48 | JANUARY 12 • 2023 Details Harold & Maude: An Intimate Musical is rated PG for adult situations including drug use and suicide. The show runs three weekends, Jan. 13-29. Tickets are $25. Birmingham Village Players is located at 34600 Woodward Ave. in Birmingham. For tickets, go to www.birminghamvillage- players.com/harold-maude-the-musical. For one night only, on Feb. 18, in celebration of Birmingham Village Players’ 100th anniversary season, BVP will re-create The Maker of Dreams, the first production by BVP as it was originally staged 100 years ago. Visit www.birminghamvillageplayers for more information. talented, but they’re incredibly dedicated and lovely human beings. I first met Jonas when he was 11 years old. He played the role of young Patrick in the musical Mame at Birmingham Village Players, and I was in the chorus, ” says Kaplan, who prefers directing over acting. “Jonas is now a senior at Seaholm High School and has grown several feet since then. He’s 6’3” and Linda Rabin Hammell is a petite 5 feet. The contrast of their height difference on stage works well for the two unlikely characters who fall in love, ” Kaplan says. The intimate musical fea- tures five actors and a three- piece band consisting of key- board, percussion and guitar. In the movie, it’s implied that Maude is a Holocaust survivor. And while the film’s storyline is similar to the musical’s, the musical provides more backsto- ry about Maude. “In the musical, we learn that Maude’s husband and family died in the war and that she experienced the horrors of Kristallnacht — the Night of Broken Glass, ” Kaplan says. “Maude shares this experience in a poignant song called ‘Maude’s Waltz. ’ “She also demonstrates that, despite what she has gone through, Maude believes life should be lived to its fullest, ” says Kaplan, who attended Temple Beth El through confirmation and also taught high school and confirmation classes there for 10 years. “Maude’s story is particularly relevant at a time where we have seen a rise of antisemitism in the United States. “I am so excited and grateful that Village Players chose to produce this musical version of the film, which is beloved by many for its humor and uplifting messages, ” adds Kaplan. “I think audiences will appreciate the show’s positive message as well as the story’s eccentric humor. ” PAUL MANOIAN Jonas Annear and Linda Rabin Hammell star in Harold & Maude: An Intimate Musical at Birmingham Village Players Jan. 13-29. continued from page 47 ARTS&LIFE THEATER Stay in the know with all things Jewish... Get The Detroit Jewish News print edition delivered to your door every week for less than $2 per issue. thejewishnews.com/subscription Subscribe Today!