The power of humor is self-evident in the continuing success of Temple Israel of New Rochelle’s Follies, the annual tongue-in-cheek theatrical production that spares no one in its spoof of Temple leaders and clergy. The tenth edition of the “Follies” is set for Saturday, February 12, 2011. An 8:15 p.m. curtain will be preceded by a 7:15 p.m. wine and cheese hour and will be followed by an after-theater dessert reception.
This year’s Follies production, titled, “Marji? – A Jew-Dunnit,” focuses on the disappearance of Temple President, Marjory Karlin. Concerned Board members engage a famous Reform Jewish detective who investigates a host of suspects within the Temple community, each of whom has a unique and humorous motive for keeping Marji away.
The show is the brainchild of a team of seasoned Follies producers and writers, many of whom have been responsible for previous hugely successful versions, including Bruce Turkle, Marcia Nackenson, Beth Feldman, Nanette Sacks, and Matthew Turkle, a junior at SUNY New Paltz. Ms. Sacks also serves as the Follies director and Michael Richman is back for his tenth year as musical director, pianist, and one of the driving forces behind the show. Approximately 25 congregants and clergy comprise the cast and crew.
This Year’s production is dedicated to the memory of Cindy Bloom, a founding member, producer and writer of the Follies and a source of some of its funniest moments. As a tribute to Cindy, the cast will perform some of the songs she had written. Tickets for the “Follies” are $36, which includes the wine and cheese hour and post-theater dessert reception and may be obtained at the Temple office. For additional information, contact TINR at 914-235-1800. Temple Israel of New Rochelle is located at 1000 Pinebrook Blvd.