MJCCA's Jerry's Habima Theatre Celebrates 22 Years of Extraordinary Theater With the Charming Musical, Disney's Aladdin, Jr.
From February 26 – March 8, 2015, Jerry’s Habima Theatre, Georgia’s only theatrical company directed and produced by professionals, featuring actors with special needs, will celebrate its 22st season with the charming Disney’s Aladdin, Jr. Jerry’s Habima Theatre received a prestigious National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Challenge America Grant in December 2014. Additionally, Jerry’s Habima Theatre was the 2007 recipient of the Spirit of Suzi Bass Award for its long-term and consistent contribution to professionalism in Atlanta theater. All Habima productions are held at the MJCCA’s beautiful Morris & Rae Frank Theatre, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. To purchase tickets, call 678.812.4002, or visit online at www.atlantajcc.org. This program is ideal for all ages.
Jerry’s Habima Theatre, a program of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA), is produced under the auspices of the MJCCA’s Blonder Family Department for Special Needs, and the MJCCA’s Arts & Culture Department. Each year, together with local professional actors from the community, Jerry’s Habima Theatre performers (ages 18+) present a Broadway musical. This year, the Jerry’s Habima Theatre cast will introduce the community to Aladdin, Jasmine, Iago, Jafar, the Genie, and more in Disney’s Aladdin, Jr., a musical adventure filled with magic, mayhem, and flying carpet rides.
Jerry’s Habima Theatre’s NEW Director Heidi Cline McKerley
Heidi Cline McKerley has taken the helm as the professional director of Jerry’s Habima Theatre’s 2015 production of Disney’s Aladdin, Jr. Prior to coming on board with Habima, McKerley has been involved in professional theatre in Atlanta for 26 years as a producer, director, actress, teacher, playwright, and costume designer. She is married to actor/director/choreographer Jeff McKerley, who is will choreographing the production.
"It is a privilege for Jeff and I to have the opportunity to work with the Jerry's Habima Theatre, the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, and the MJCCA’s Blonder Family Department for Special Needs,” said McKerley. “Jerry's Habima Theatre is a very important part of the arts in Atlanta and their artistic mission fits into our personal artistic mission, which is to tell great stories and change people's lives. We look forward to telling this highly entertaining, touching, and funny story about the possibilities that life gives us when we have the freedom to be who we want to be."
Jerry’s Habima Theatre Co-Chairs
The Blonder Family Department for Special Needs is chaired by Lowell Fine. Jerry’s Habima Theatre’s 22st anniversary production is co-chaired by Terri Bagen and Janet Cadranel. The first two performances of this year’s show coincide with Jewish Disability Awareness Month (JDAM), which annually occurs in February.
“Having experienced this remarkable theater over the past two decades, I am overwhelmed by the magnitude of emotions that are felt by the actors, their families, and the audiences,” said Bagen. “Jerry’s Habima Theatre has gone beyond my wildest dreams, and I am so amazed and awed each time I see a performance. I leave every show with a huge smile on my face, and can’t wait for this year’s production of Disney’s Aladdin, Jr."
“This year is my first year serving as a Jerry’s Habima Theatre Co-Chair. For years, I have been a part of this special theater as a patron and a supporter, but now I am seeing what happens behind the scenes as well,” added Cadranel. “What I have always found to be so powerful is how Jerry’s Habima Theatre continues to provide a safe place for self-expression. I see these actors come alive on stage, without the fear of not being accepted, because the audience allows them just to be themselves. And for these actors, who turn their disabilities into abilities night after night, the affirmation and the applause are priceless.”
“The participants of this special theater company achieve new levels of self-confidence, motivation, and socialization from the intensive, three-month process of rehearsals and performances,” said Fine. “This unique program provides a wonderful opportunity for developing new skills through a meaningful theater experience.”
Lois Blonder is the benefactor of the MJCCA’s Blonder Family Department for Special Needs, and its jewel, Jerry’s Habima Theatre (named in loving memory of her late husband, Jerry Blonder). Blonder explained, “It gives me such joy to witness all of the lives that have been deeply touched by this remarkable theater and to see how far it’s come in 22 years. From the dedicated actors that pour their hearts into each production, to the inspired audiences who can’t help but respond with standing ovations; all are overcome with the enormous impact of these performances.”
Jerry’s Habima Theatre - Performances
Thurs. February 26 at 7:30 pm; Sat. February 28 at 7:30 pm; Sun. March 1 at 3:00 pm; Wed. March 4 at 7:30 pm; Thurs. March 5 at 7:30 pm; Sat. March 7 at 7:30 pm; and Sun. March 8 at 3:00 pm.
Jerry’s Habima Theatre - Ticket Prices
General admission: $35; Children 12 and under: $15.
MJCCA Members: $25; Children 12 and under: $10.
For additional information or to purchase tickets, call the MJCCA’s Box Office at 678.812.4002, or visit online at www.atlantajcc.org/boxoffice.