Page 8 - The Jewish Voice - December '19

Page 8, The Jewish Voice
Palm Beach Dramaworks Presents

The World Premiere of than stand up to the
Joseph McDonough’s accusers and run
the risk of major
Ordinary Americans financial losses.
Their complicity
Co-Produced by Palm Beach Dramaworks (PBD) And a n d c owa r d i c e
Gablestage Opens Dec. 6 at The Don And Ann Brown expanded the
Theatre blacklist begun by
When television was in its infancy, few actors were as HUAC in 1947.
beloved as Gertrude Berg and few shows were as popular The only way to
as The Goldbergs, the gentle comedy that she created, clear one’s name
starred in, wrote, and produced. The program began on was to go before
radio in 1929, and 20 years later became one of TV’s HUAC and tell the
earliest sitcoms. For her portrayal of Molly Goldberg, the committee what it
matriarch of a Jewish family living in the Bronx, Berg was wanted to hear: truth
the first recipient of an Emmy Award for Best Actress. Elizabeth Dimon as Gertrude Berg was unacceptable
The Goldbergs was a huge moneymaker for CBS. if facts got in the
And then, in June, 1950, a pamphlet was issued called as “Red fascists and their sympathizers.” All it took to way of its fiction.
Red Channels: The Report of Communist Influence get on the list was to be an activist with political views Livelihoods
in Radio and Television, published by a right-wing antithetical to the extremist ideology of those responsible and lives were Poster Art by Frank “Fraver” Verlizzo
newsletter funded by a businessman with ties to the for the pamphlet; proponents of civil rights and academic destroyed.
John Birch Society. It listed 151 artists and broadcasters freedom were among the favorite targets. Many of them, Ordinary Americans features Elizabeth Dimon as
not coincidentally, were Jewish. Among those ensnared Gertrude Berg, David Kwiat as Philip Loeb (PBD debut)
by this very real witch hunt was Philip Loeb, who played and, in multiple roles, Rob Donohoe, Margery Lowe, and
ask the rabbi Jake Goldberg, Molly’s husband. When CBS demanded Tom Wahl. Ilana Becker is the associate director (PBD
debut). Set design is by Michael Amico, costume design
that Berg fire Loeb, she refused. The show was taken off
the air. is by Brian O’Keefe, lighting design is by Christina
The aftermath of that decision, and the consequences Watanabe (PBD debut), and sound design is by David
Jealousy Is Not Always of McCarthyism and anti-Semitism on Berg, Loeb, Thomas.
and the Goldberg “family,” are at the center of Joseph
Palm Beach Dramaworks is a nonprofit, professional

A Bad Thing McDonough’s Ordinary Americans, a co-production theatre and is a member of the Theatre Communications
with GableStage that was commissioned by Palm Beach Group, the South Florida Theatre League, Florida
By Rabbi Leib Ezagui Dramaworks. The play received its world premiere at Professional Theatres Association, and the Cultural
Question: As the PBD on Dec. 6, and continues at the Don and Ann Brown Council of Palm Beach County.
winter vacation season Theatre through Dec. Following its run at PBD, Ordinary Evening performances are Wednesday, Thursday, and
approaches, I can’t help Americans moves south to GableStage, where it can be select Sundays at 7:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday at 8
but feel sorry for myself. seen from Jan. 18 to Feb. 16, 2020. PBD Producing Artistic p.m. Matinee performances are Wednesday, Saturday, and
Every day another friend Director William Hayes directs. Sunday at 2 p.m.; there is an additional 2 p.m. matinee on
of mine is planning a “On one level, Ordinary Americans pays tribute to Thursday, Dec. 26. Post-performance discussions follow
winter getaway. While an extraordinarily talented, innovative, and courageous Wednesday matinee and Sunday evening performances.
browsing Facebook I’ll artist and businesswoman,” said Hayes. “Gertrude Berg Individual tickets are $77, with specially priced preview
see everyone taking was responsible for a television show which fostered tickets at $57 and opening night tickets at $92 (sold
their kids to fabulous the idea that, regardless of who we are, where we come out). Student tickets are available for $15, and pay your
destinations. We, on the from, or how we worship, people are basically the same age tickets are available for those 18 to 40. Tickets for
other hand, are living day to day and can’t afford and fundamentally good. But then she and her wonderful, educators are half price with proper identification (other
any extravagant trips. What is Judaism’s approach to big-hearted ensemble are threatened by the Red Scare, and restrictions apply). Group rates for 20 or more and
jealousy? life is never quite the same. Ordinary Americans serves discounted season subscriptions are also available.
Answer: Jealousy is not always a bad thing. The as a warning and reminder of the damning effects of fear The Don and Ann Brown Theatre is located in the heart
Talmud says, “The jealousy of students multiplies and paranoia on good people and on society. I believe this of downtown West Palm Beach, at 201 Clematis Street.
knowledge.” is the timeliest production in PBD’s history.” For ticket information contact the box office at (561) 514-
The Bible tells the story of childless Rachel, who was Like the House Un-American Activities Committee 4042, or visit www.palmbeachdramaworks.org. You can
jealous of her sister Leah’s children. (HUAC), Red Channels branded people without any order online 24 hours a day.
Destructive, petty jealousy is borne out of fear that knowledge or proof of subversive activities. The pamphlet
the other person’s successes will lessen our own self- was quietly distributed to studio and advertising executives
worth. In contrast, Rachel attributed Leah’s fertility to her who were all too willing to sacrifice the accused rather
righteousness, and was therefore jealous of her sister’s
good deeds. This sort of jealousy is constructive, since
it motivates us to improve ourselves. Jealousy can be a LAW FOR THE LAYMAN
positive force in our lives if we learn to apply it correctly.
When was the last time you posted a picture on
Facebook from a fight you had with your spouse, or Learn how the law REALLY Works!
when your kids drove you crazy? I am pretty sure there is
someone out there who looked at your beautiful pictures How Laws, Judgments, & Contracts affect your Daily Life
and said, “Wow, they are so lucky!”
When we say the grass is not always greener on the
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It is said, “Everything is from heaven besides for
the fear of heaven.” We have to work as hard as we can, JUPITER COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL ADULT EDUCATION DIVISION
but ultimately we need to realize that the only thing we Almost FREE! - A Nominal Administrative Fee is charged by Jupiter High School
can control is ourselves. The sooner we accept this, the Course taught by:
happier we will be! ADAM S. GUMSON, ESQ. REGISTRATION:
A general rule to keep in mind: Any feeling that will From: January 6, 2020
drive us to action is a good feeling; feelings that pull us To: January 17, 2020
down and hold us back, no matter how noble they may CLASSES:
seem, are not good. From: January 21, 2020
Rabbi Leib serves as youth director for Chabad House
Lubavitch of Palm Beach and runs the Jewish School of To: February 25, 2020
the Arts kid’s program, 624.7004. The advice offered in For more information, call Jupiter High School (561) 744 - 7931
this column is for informational purposes only and is not Register in person at Jupiter High School from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. or on-line at pbclearn.com

intended as a substitute for professional advice. To ask the
rabbi a question, email rabbi@chabadpalmbeach.org. (561) 744 - 4600 • jupiterlawcenter.com