The Magic Dreidels

Adapted by Jenna Zark

Directed by Barbara Brooks

Based on the book by Eric A. Kimmel

This charming and magical play for the whole family explores the cultural traditions of Hanukkah and the all-encompassing themes of kindness and friendship. It’s a tale of a boy and how the magic dreidels he receives from a goblin help him learn the warm lessons of the Jewish “Festival of Lights.” The Magic Dreidels was originally commissioned by and received its world premiere at MJTC in 2000.

December 5-20, 2013                                         To Order Tickets: Call 651-647-4315
Thursday, December 5 at 7:00 pm
Saturday, December 7 at 7:00 pm
Sunday, December 8 at 1:00 pm

School performances will take place at 9:45 am and 11:45 am December 6-20.
Call 651-647-4315 for ticket availability.

All performances will be held at the Hillcrest Center Theater
1978 Ford Parkway, St. Paul, MN 55116

Doorways

Meet the Actors!
Learn how the book was brought from the page to the stage, and enjoy a conversation with the actors.  December 7th after the performance.

Meet the Artists

Bethany Ford (Fruma Sarah) is thrilled to be performing in her fourth show at MJTC!  Previous MJTC credits include Women’s Minyan, Photograph 51, and Compulsion or the House Behind.  She has worked extensively in Twin Cities theater, most recently for Wolfpack Productions (Aberration of Starlight: A Play about Emily Dickinson). 

Bob Malos (Yankel) is glad to be returning to MJTC after last year's Photograph 51. Recent credits include Park Square Theatre (To Kill a Mockingbird, Laughter on the 23rd Floor), Workhouse Theatre (Copenhagen), and Girl Friday Productions (Street Scene).  Bob was named "Best Actor" by City Pages, 2006, and he is the recipient of a regional Emmy Award, 2011, for his narration of Troubled Waters: A Mississippi River Story on TPT. Bob lives in St. Paul with his wonderful wife, Shelley.

Skyler Nowinski (Mr. Fixer/Goblin) from Houston Texas, graduated from the University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater B.F.A. actor training program.  He appeared previously at MJTC in Hanukkah Lights in the Big Sky and The Last Word. Other credits include Mixed Blood Theatre, Walking Shadow, The Strange Capers, Workhaus Collective, The Showboat, and Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival. He traveled with Step In Time Theater to present Why We Laugh at the Nine Gates Jewish Culture Festival in the Czech Republic. 

James Pratt (Jakob) is excited to be making his first appearance with the Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company. He is a ten year old fifth grader at Capitol Hill Gifted and Talented Magnet School in St. Paul. James has been in previous productions at Steppingstone Theatre. One of his favorite roles has been Ollie Herdman in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. James also enjoys listening to music, especially the Beatles, and playing bass guitar.

Barbara Brooks (Director) is founder and producing artistic director of the Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company.  At MJTC she has produced over 40 shows and nurtured 5 world premieres.  A native New Yorker, she received a B.A. in Music from Vassar College and an M.A. in Music Therapy from the University of Minnesota.  Favorite stage credits include Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof (Paul Bunyan Playhouse), and Miss Watson/Shanty Lady in Big River (Candlewood Playhouse, CT).  At MJTC she’s appeared in The Value of Names and Parade.

Carl Schoenborn (Scenic Design) returns to MJTC having previously designed the set for Handle With Care. He works as a designer/actor/technician all over the cities.  Carl is technical director, resident designer, and a founding member of Gremlin Theatre as well as staff electrician at Children's Theatre Company.  He designs for St Olaf College, Cretin-Derham Hall, and Osseo High School. Other credits include Bloomington Civic Theatre, Mixed Blood Theatre, Walker Art Center, MN Fringe, and Nimbus, among others. 

Lisa Conley (Costume Design) previously designed A Strange and Separate People, Compulsion or the House Behind, Photograph 51, My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding, Our Class, and The Gospel According to Jerry at MJTC. Other credits include Swandive Theatre (Crumble: Lay Me Down, Justin Timberlake, The Baltimore Waltz, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)), Theatre Unbound (Murderess), and Z Puppets Rosenschnoz (Monkey Mind Pirates). She holds her B.A. from Hamline University and M.F.A. in Design from University of Georgia.

Paul Epton (Lighting Design) discovered theater lighting at Carleton College and was an award-winning designer in Detroit. Since moving to Minneapolis, he’s designed regularly for MJTC (over 40 shows, including Photograph 51, Handle With Care, Goats, My Name is Asher Lev, Women's Minyan, The Triangle Factory Fire Project, Rose, Old Wicked Songs, The Chosen), Mixed Blood Theatre, Off-Leash Area, Torch Theater, and the Jon Hassler Theater.

Anita Kelling (Sound Design) is thrilled to be back at the MJTC for this year’s production of The Magic Dreidels after last year’s Handle with Care and Hanukkah Lights in the Big Sky.  Locally, she has designed multiple productions for Theatre in the Round, Theatre Unbound, Sabes JCC Theatre, and 20% Theatre Company.  Most recently, Anita designed for Chameleon Theatre Circle (Wonder of the World) and Freshwater Theatre (The Beacon From Belle Isle).

Kelli Tucker (Stage Manager) previously stage managed A Strange and Separate People, Rachel Calof, Handle with Care, Compulsion or the House Behind, Photograph 51, My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding, The Last Word and others at MJTC. Other stage management credits include Theatre in the Round (The Melville Boys) and Alexandria Area Arts Association (Totally RED!). Kelli is also a freelance director with credits including The Phipps Center (Scheherazade, The Adventures of Peter Rabbit and His Friends, Lyle the Crocodile).