Workshop presents ‘A Shayna Maidel’

SOUTH FALLSURG, NY — Barbara Lebow’s poignant drama, “A Shayna Maidel”—meaning literally “a pretty girl”—will be staged by the Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop at the Rivoli Theatre starting on Friday, July 6.

The year is 1946. Rose Weiss (Tobi Magnetico of Monticello) is an all-American girl, with her own apartment in New York City, stylish clothing and “Night of Surrender” bubble bath. Eighteen years prior, Rose (as a four-year-old child) and her father, Mordechai Weiss (Burt Greenburg of Phillipsport) came to Brooklyn from Chernov, Poland. Her eight-year-old sister had scarlet fever, so she and the mother had to stay behind. While the plan had always been to send for them, between money troubles, the Depression and the war, it never happened. The play opens with Mordechai telling Rose that her sister has been found—and is to live with her. When Rose tries to protest that they are virtual strangers, Mordechai admonishes her, saying that they are shvesters—sisters—“ain flaish.”

Lusia (Tanya Cohen of Jeffersonville) has her own problems in adjusting to the new situation: when she arrives, the memories of those she left behind are more real to her than her sister and father.

The piece is directed by Lori Schneider-Wendt of Hurleyville. Stephanie Risco of Middletown is the stage manager and Jim Schmidt of Hurleyville is technical director.

The Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1950, is the longest standing community theatre group in our area. Performances are held in the Nartoff-Wells Auditorium of the Rivoli Theatre, at 437 Route 42.

Performances of “A Shayna Maidel” will be held on Friday and Saturday, July 6, 7, 13 and 14, at 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday, July 8 and 15 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $12 for senior citizens and students 16 and under.

At the opening night (Friday, July 6) performance only, those who cannot afford regular ticket prices may set their own price and “pay what you can.”

For more information call 845/436-5336 or 434-7232.