MJCCA�S Jerry�s Habima Theatre Celebrates 24 Years of Extraordinary Theater with the Classic Musical, The Wizard of Oz
March 9 - 19, 2017
About Jerry’s Habima Theatre
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.
Honoring Susie Davidow
This year, the MJCCA will honor Susie Davidow for her outstanding 16 years as Director of the MJCCA’s Blonder Family Department for Special Needs. Davidow plans to retire this year.
“Working at the MJCCA, in particular with the Blonder Department and its jewel Jerry’s Habima Theatre for the past 16 years, exceeded all of my expectations, allowing me to meld my love of Judaism with my passion for enriching the lives of people with special needs,” explained Davidow. “Having experienced firsthand the respect and affirmation that the Habima cast receives each year, I am very optimistic for the future generations and how they will treat people with special needs.”
“I am so appreciative to the MJCCA leadership and to the Blonder family for embracing me, and I am grateful to the participants for always giving me their unconditional love,” said Davidow. “I can’t wait to see them shine in this year’s Habima production; my last as the director of the department.”
About the Show
Somewhere over the rainbow, a young Dorothy Gale from Kansas and her little dog Toto find themselves on a magical adventure through the merry old land of Oz. Along the way, she becomes friends with the Scarecrow, Tinman, and Lion. Together, the group defeats a wicked witch and a whimsical wizard, while finding the power of friendship, magic, and courage to achieve their dreams. This classic tale is sure to inspire, entertain, and remind us all that there's no place like home.
Jerry’s Habima Theatre Co-Chairs
Mona Shuman and Rachel Fox Weitz will co-chair Jerry’s Habima Theatre’s 24th anniversary production.
“Having been involved with this remarkable theater for several years, I am still overwhelmed by the magnitude of emotions that are felt by the actors, their families, and the audiences,” explained Shuman. “I am awed each time I see a Jerry’s Habima Theatre performance, and I leave every show with a huge smile on my face.”
“What I have always found to be so powerful is when I see these actors come alive on stage, without the fear of not being accepted,” added Shuman. “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.”
“This year is my first serving as a Jerry’s Habima Theatre Co-Chair, although I have been sitting in the Habima audience watching the shows since I was a little girl,” said Weitz. “Having been a part of this special theater as a patron and a supporter, I look forward to being a part of what happens behind the scenes as well.”
“The participants of this unique theater company achieve new levels of self-confidence from this remarkable experience,” continued Weitz. “I am certain that this delightful, family-friendly performance of Wizard of Oz will inspire and entertain each and every Habima Theatre-goer.”
Jerry’s Habima Theatre - Performances (March 2017)
Thurs. March 9 at 7:30 pm; Sat. March 11 at 7:30 pm; Sun. March 12 at 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm; Thurs. March 16 at 7:30 pm; Sat. March 18 at 7:30 pm; and Sun. March 19 at 1:00 pm.
Jerry’s Habima Theatre - Ticket Prices and Contact Info
General admission: $35; Children 12 and under: $15.
MJCCA Members: $25; Children 12 and under: $10.
To purchase tickets: Call 678.812.4002, or visit www.atlantajcc.org/boxoffice.
Habima Photo: (left-right) - Bess Winebarger (as Dorothy); Katie Rouille (as the Wicked Witch); Geoff “Googie” Uterhardt (as Scarecrow)
Photo Credit: Jennifer Sami
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