MJCCA's Jerry's Habima Theatre Kicks off its 16th Season
(ATLANTA, GA) – From March 25 – 29, 2009, Jerry's Habima Theatre, Georgia's only theatrical company directed and produced by professionals featuring actors with developmental disabilities, will present the musical comedy, Once Upon a Mattress, an adaptation of the fairy tale The Princess and the Pea. Carried on a wave of wonderful songs, this rollicking spin on the classic fairy tale promises to amuse and delight audiences of all ages. Each year, together with local professional actors from the community, Habima Theatre performers (ages 18+) present a full-scale adaptation of a musical theatrical production. Jerry's Habima Theatre is a program of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA), and all productions are held at the MJCCA's Morris & Rae Frank Theatre, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody.
Lois Blonder, benefactor of Jerry's Habima Theatre in loving memory of her husband, Jerry Blonder, explains, “We are thrilled to be presenting the 16th season of Jerry's Habima Theatre, a program that has improved the quality of life for so many. Each year we are thrilled to see these special shows sell out night after night, to audiences who recognize that the enormous charm of the productions continues to prove the universal appeal of this wonderful theatre.”
After 16 years that Jerry's Habima Theatre company has performed on stage, the productions have expanded in sophistication and in the number of people involved. The audience has grown from the family and friends of the actors to include the broader community. Professionally directed, the productions also feature local theater artists. The participants achieve new levels of self-confidence, motivation, and socialization from the intensive three-month process of rehearsals and performances. This unique program provides a wonderful opportunity for developing new skills through a meaningful theater experience.
Through the success of these productions, Jerry's Habima Theatre has begun to increase the visibility of people with developmental disabilities in the Atlanta community in a manner that emphasizes their strengths, abilities and contributions.
Jerry's Habima Theatre is under the auspices of the MJCCA's Blonder Family Department for Developmental Disabilities. Carol Rubin, co-chair of this department says, “We are so pleased to have ‘Once Upon a Mattress' as our 2009 musical production. This adaptation of the classic story of “The Princess and the Pea” will transport the actors and audience to a place of fantasy and whimsy, where dreams and happy endings do come true. In many ways, Jerry's Habima Theatre represents happy endings. Now in our 16th year, our theatre, dedicated to challenging stereotypes about people with disabilities, has helped to raise the awareness of the skill range of actors with developmental disabilities. And, the pure joy of the cast is reflected in the heart-warming smiles, applause, and pride of the audience. To us, that is the true happy ending.”
“Once Upon a Mattress” performances: Wed. March 25 at 7:30 pm; Thurs. March 26 at 7:30 pm (Laura Dinerman Benefit Performance); Sat. March 28 at 8:30 pm; Sun. March 29 at 1:30 pm (matinee); and Sun. March 29 at 5:30 pm.
Ticket prices / Location: General admission: $32; $15 for children 12 and under. MJCCA Members: $22; $10 for children 12 and under. Senior discounts available. The Morris and Rae Frank Theatre is located at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA), 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody.
To purchase tickets, call the MJCCA's Box Office at 678-812-4002.
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