TheatreWorks Extends The Chosen Engagement

By Adam Hetrick
October 22, 2009

TheatreWorks in California has extended the run of the Aaron Posner stage adaptation of Chaim Potok's The Chosen through Nov. 8.

The two-person drama, under the direction of Aaron Davidman, began performances Oct. 7 and officially opened Oct. 10. Performances were originally scheduled to conclude Nov. 1, but ticket demand has prompted an added week.

Traveling Jewish Theatre co-founder Corey Fischer (Death of a Salesman) appears as Hasidic rabbi Reb Saunders opposite West End actor Rolf Saxon (Chicago, The Graduate) as modern Orthodox Jewish scholar, David Malter. The cast of The Chosen also features Jonathan Bock, Thomas Gorrebeeck and Michael Navarra.

TheatreWorks press notes read: "Warmth, wisdom, and generosity illuminate the unlikely friendship of two teenagers from very different Jewish communities, 'five blocks and a world apart.' Though Reuven is the son of a writer and scholar following modern methods of studying Judaism, and Danny is the genius son of a Hasidic rabbi, the two forge an unbreakable friendship, growing to manhood in the post-war turbulence of 1940’s Brooklyn. Discovering in one another a portal to new ideas and unexplored worlds, each must chart his course through a sea of conflicting expectations. As each struggles to take control of his own destiny, the two boys learn important lessons about each other, their fathers, and ultimately, themselves."

Designing the production are Giulio Perrone (scenic design), B Modern (costume design), Steve Mannshardt and Wil Bakal (lighting design), Cliff Caruthers (sound design) and Chad Bonaker (projection design).

For tickets phone (650) 903-6000 or visit TheatreWorks.

TheatreWorks' Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts is located at 500 Castro Street (at Mercy) in Mountain View, CA.