Pumpkin Theatre continues its 44th Season “What’s in a Name?” with a new play, Clever Rachel! Originally a children’s book by Debby Waldman, Pumpkin Theatre in partnership with the Center for Jewish Education, have adapted it for the stage. Set in Poland in the late 1800s, Rachel struggles to understand her role in society as a young woman.
Rachel is smart, maybe the smartest child in the entire village, and she loves to solve riddles. But Jacob, the smartest boy in the boys school, shows up to challenge Rachel. Will they fight each other and become enemies or find a way to work together to make their village a better place? Performances take place on March 24, 25, 31 and April 1 at 1 and 3pm at St. Timothy’s School, 8400 Greenspring Avenue. Tickets are $13 in advance, $15 at the door and available by calling the box office at 410 828 1814 or visiting our website at www.pumpkintheatre.com
Clever Rachel is directed by Jimi Kinstle with costumes by Heather Jackson and set by Ryan Haase featuring actors, B. Thomas Rinaldi, Stacey Needle, Rachel Tunis, Connor Moore, Vanessa Kinsey and Noah Tunis. The book was adapted by Moses Goldberg, the former Artistic Director for Stage One, In Kentucky. He now currently resides in Westminster. He has several plays and books published on children’s theatre. “We are very excited to collaborate with Pumpkin Theatre to bring this story to life for the first time on a stage anywhere,” said Rabbi Miriam Burg, who spearheaded the project through the Center for Jewish Education. “It is a Jewish story with values that speak to all of us. It is about teamwork and respect and celebrates the potential to learn from every person we meet.”
Clever Rachel has been adapted to the stage by Pumpkin Theatre in collaboration with the Louise D & Morton J Macks Center for Jewish Education (www.cjebaltimore.org) and the PJ Library as part of an outreach project for both organizations. Moses Goldberg (former Artistic Director of Stage One in Kentucky) has created this adaptation with special arrangement from Orca Book Publishers. Author Debby Waldman will be attending performances on March 25th. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to have this collaboration” says Jimi Kinstle, Producing Artistic Director for Pumpkin Theatre, “it’s a great way to reach out to new constituents while introducing Pumpkin patrons to some new stories”.
Don’t miss our final play of Season 44 - You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, June 16 -24! For information on Pumpkin Theatre’s special events, education programs or summer camps, please visit us at www.pumpkintheatre.com.
