Playwright Rich Orloff's world premiere, Oy!, opening Feb. 14 in New York City (after beginning previews Feb. 10), is labeled "a comedy," as if some reader might link the Yiddish interjection to a devastating tragedy.
What, you were expecting Hamlet?
The Melting Pot Theatre, committed to producing multicultural theatre that reflects the diversity of New York City, officially opens Oy! Feb. 14, for a run through March 14 at Theatre 3 (311 W. 43rd St.).
In 12 vignettes, Orloff's play shows the effect and influence the Yiddish language has on contemporary life. A one-act version of the show was a hit at the Streisand Jewish Playwrights Festival.
A live Klezmer duo, with original music by Greg Plisak, enlivens the production, which is choreographed by Daniel Wright, designed by John Coyne and directed by Lori Steinberg (Yiddle With a Fiddle). Designers are Sue Gandy (costume) and Michael Lincoln (lighting).
The cast includes Lee Wilkof (OB's original Little Shop of Horrors), Matthew Arkin (The Sunshine Boys revival), Elaine Bromka (I'm Not Rappaport), Heather Goldenhersh (Freedomland) and Frank Vlastnik (Big). Melting Pot Theatre, now in its third year, had its biggest success with Woodie Guthrie's American Song in fall 1998.
Tickets are $25-$35. For more Oy! information (what, you think we were going to tell you everything?) call (212) 279-4200.
-- By Kenneth Jones
