Temple Beth-El of Great Neck and the Gold Coast Arts Center will present “The Golem of Havana,” which will feature excerpts from the critically acclaimed off-Broadway musical on Thursday, Nov. 13 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
This evening of live musical theater will explore the story of a Jewish family living in Cuba on the edge of revolution.
“The Golem of Havana” weaves together the music, culture and traditions of two vibrant worlds.
Featuring lyrics by Temple Beth El’s Len Schiff, this production offers a reflection of identity, resilience and the meaning of home.
“All historical fiction is, on some level, about the present moment,” said Schiff. “When Michel and Salomon approached me about writing “The Golem of Havana,” which takes place on the eve of the Cuban Revolution, it was also a way for them to write about growing up under Hugo Chavez.”
Schiff said the story maintains relevance today.
“Today, ‘The Golem’ is still about Cuba (and Venezuela), but its story of immigration, identity, authoritarianism and resistance hits closer to home,” he said. “Plus, a thrilling score blends the sounds of three musical traditions into something all its own.”
Temple Beth-El and the Gold Coast Arts Center joined forces throughout the past year to present events, concerts, art tours and programs about Israeli food, films and books.
The partnership was made possible through the support of the Stumer family in memory of Susan Stumer, a longtime Temple Beth-El member and choir singer who was passionate about music and art. The Susan Stumer Cultural Arts Fund was established to ensure that her love for the arts would continue at Temple Beth-El for many years.
The in-person cost for Temple Beth-El and Gold Coast members is $26; $36 for others. The online-only price is $13 for members and $18 for others.
Register at tinyurl.com/TBENov13.
For more than two decades, the Gold Coast Arts Center has presented programs in Great Neck. Temple Beth-El, the peninsula’s first synagogue, has served the community for nearly a century at 5 Old Mill Road.
Learn more at tbegreatneck.org, 516-487-0900 or info@tbegreatneck.org.
