Third Play of Season Acclaimed by Critics and Audiences Alike

West Coast Jewish Theatre presented the World Premiere of "Zero Hour", written by and starring Jim Brochu as Zero Mostel, and directed by Paul Kreppel.   It opened at the Egyptian Arena Theatre in Hollywood on July 7 and closed on August 27, 2006.  The play earned 2 Ovation Awards and was a Critics Choice in the Los Angeles Times.

Jim Brochu created a larger-than-life Zero Mostel in this hilarious, poignant and dramatic look at one of the greatest performing artists the world has known.  Zero originated roles in many famous productions including Tevye in "Fiddler on the Roof", Pseudolus in "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum", and Max Bialystock in the classic film  "The Producers".

The second production of our 2005-06 season was the World Premiere of “American Klezmer.”  Book is by Joanne Koch & Sarah Blacher Cohen, Music by Ilya Levinson, and Lyrics by Owen Kalt.  It was directed by WCJT Artistic Director Herb Isaacs and performed at the Egyptian Arena Theatre in Hollywood.   This charming, romantic musical comedy received outstanding reviews and response from audiences.  It's final performance of the 8-week run was March 19, 2006.

“American Klezmer” follows two sisters and a small band of musicians as they come to America from Russia in 1910.  Men who don't believe in marriage, women who demand to sing in public, and conflicts over music and tradition inspire humorous and touching moments, with original songs in klezmer style accompanied by an on-stage ensemble.

Our first production of the 2005-06 Season was “Lessons”, a new play by Wendy Graf, starring Hal Linden and Mare Winningham and directed by  Academy-Award winning Adam Davidson.  It was co-presented with The Group at Strasberg in association with Gail Katz Productions at the Lee Strasberg Creative Center’s Marilyn Monroe Theater in West Hollywood. 

In “Lessons,” Ben, an energetic man in his 60’s, comes to Ruth to get Hebrew lessons for the bar mitzvah he never had.  Ruth is an ordained rabbi who has turned her back on her faith. Through their deepening friendship each searches for healing and forgiveness as they wrestle with their own deep rooted secrets. "Lessons" is a touching, funny and poignant drama about faith, love, and never losing hope in a sometimes violent and alienating world.

"Lessons" opened July 29, 2005 and was acclaimed by the audiences who were able to see it.   Sadly, we closed the show after only  a few weeks due to a tragedy in Ms. Winningham's family.  We are hopeful that "Lessons" may be remounted some time in 2006.