The Show | THe Producers | National Jewish Theater

Arnold Mittelman, founder and Producing Artistic Director of NJT, says that the organization came into being after he came to the surprising realization that there was no such entity, either in name or purpose.

Mittelman says that the NJT evolved out of conversations he had with longtime associates Eli Wallach, Jack Klugman, and Theodore Bikel, among others. He received a generous seed donation allowing him to explore interest in the subject with others in the American theater community, and in early 2007 he participated in the International Conference of Jewish Theaters in Vienna.

"Jewish Americans have had an extraordinary impact on the musical theater and dramatic theater in this country. Demographically, theater audiences across America and philanthropy directed to our regional not-for-profit theaters have been profoundly impacted by Jewish Americans. And the creative contributions of Jewish artists—playwrights, composers, lyricists, actors, musicians, choreographers, directors, and designers—are beyond measurement." Mittelman continues, "These contributions need to be acknowledged, preserved, and presented—and not just to Jewish audiences."

After finding that interest was widespread, Mittelman incorporated a not-for-profit company in order to receive philanthropic support. In association with American Theater Festival, NJT successfully launched its Inaugural Season with a production that could not have been more fitting—The Soul of Gershwin: The Musical Journey of an American Klezmer. Plans and negotiations are underway to present this theatrical concert in major venues across the country, and tickets have already gone on sale for a two-week return engagement at the Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale in November 2008. Several other exciting productions are in the offing with titles and show-date announcements anticipated soon.

OUR MISSION: Celebrating creative genius and preserving jewish culture in the performing arts. The impressive launch of The Soul of Gershwin validated our promise. Your support becomes our lifeblood... with it, jewish theater stands to flourish.

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