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First Look at York Theatre Company's Concert Production of Bar Mitzvah Boy

Annette Jolles directs the production, part of York Theatre’s Musicals in Mufti series.

Jason Zednick
Off-Broadway
Julie Benko, Peyton Lusk, Lori Wilner, and Ned Eisenberg in a scene from Bar MItzvah Boy, directed by Annette Jolles, at York Theatre Company.
Julie Benko, Peyton Lusk, Lori Wilner, and Ned Eisenberg in a scene from Bar Mitzvah Boy, directed by Annette Jolles, at York Theatre Company.
(© Ben Strothmann)

The York Theatre Company's Musicals in Mufti production of Bar Mitzvah Boy began performances on February 11 for its limited run through February 18. Annette Jolles directs the production, which features music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Don Black, and a book by Jock Rosenthal in an adaptation by David Thompson.

A scene from Bar Mitzvah Boy featuring Ned Eisenberg, Julie Benko, Ben Fankhauser, Peyton Lusk, and Lori Wilner.
A scene from Bar Mitzvah Boy featuring Ned Eisenberg, Julie Benko, Ben Fankhauser, Peyton Lusk, and Lori Wilner.

(© Ben Strothmann)

Bar Mitzvah Boy is described as "a bittersweet musical comedy about a young Jewish Londoner who runs away from the Bar Mitzvah into which his parents have poured their efforts and their money. Looking at the adult world, Eliot Green doubts if he can cope with being a part of it. Rosenthal’s hysterical story of a family’s anxious build up to their only son’s Bar Mitzvah will resonate with many Jewish families, but this classic tale speaks loudly for any important family occasion — whatever the religion."

Peyton Lusk and Julie Benko share a sweet moment together.
Peyton Lusk and Julie Benko share a sweet moment together.
(© Ben Strothmann)

Featured in the cast are Julie Benko (Fiddler on the Roof) as Lesley Green, Neal Benari (Aida) as Rabbi Sherman, Ned Eisenberg (Law and Order: SVU) as Victor Green, Ben Fankhauser (Saturday Night) as Harold, Tim Jerome (The Phantom of the Opera) as Grandad, Peyton Lusk (Falsettos) as Eliot Green, Casey Watkins (A Christmas Story) as Denise, and Lori Wilner (A Catered
Affair) as Rita Green.

The creative team includes Graham Kindred (lighting design) and Kevin Maloof (production manager). The production stage manager
is Shanna Allison and the assistant stage manager is Chris Steckel.

Bar Mitzvah Boy plays through February 18.
Bar Mitzvah Boy plays through February 18.
(© Ben Strothmann)

The York Theatre Company’s Musicals in Mufti series features musicals performed in a simply-staged, book-in-hand concert format and is in its 24th year.

For tickets and more information, click here.