Westport Country Playhouse Presents Ari Axelrod in a Mic-in-Hand Celebration of Jewish Musical Theater on May 8
Axelrod returns to the Playhouse with his award-winning show in tribute to Broadway’s Jewish composers Berlin, Bernstein, Sondheim, and King.
Westport Country Playhouse will present a Mic in Hand musical concert, “Ari Axelrod - A Place for Us: A Celebration of Jewish Broadway,” on Wednesday, May 8, at 7 p.m. After last year’s sold-out performance at the Playhouse, the internationally acclaimed, award-winning show honoring Jewish culture returns with even more songs and musicians.
“A Place for Us” explores the songs, stories, and crucial contributions to American musical theater of Jewish composers, such as Irving Berlin, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, and Carole King.
“Our history is not only about how we survived, but also about how we thrived,” said Axelrod. "I've been doing this show for six years now, and every time, someone from the audience will come up to me afterward and say, ‘We need this show now more than ever.’ When the world feels dark, and it feels like there's no light to be found, Jews create light, whether it’s the glow of Shabbat candles or Broadway’s marquees. This show is a celebration of Jewish light.”
“A Place for Us” is part of the Mic in Hand series, a spin-off of the Playhouse’s popular Script in Hand series. Both series are curated by Mark Shanahan.
Shanahan added, “There’s a good reason Ari’s show is so celebrated. It’s joyous, funny, revealing and ultimately, an extremely moving evening of theatre presented by a master storyteller delivering some of the greatest songs ever written.”
A post-show talkback with Axelrod and ADL Connecticut regional director Stacey Sobel will explore inspiration for the show and its relevance amidst increased levels of hate and antisemitism nationwide.
More information on “Ari Axelrod - A Place for Us: A Celebration of Jewish Broadway” at:
https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/mic-in-hand-ari-axelrod-2024/
Tickets are $40. Running time is 90 minutes with no intermission.
Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport.